Day #1
Early Morning Flight from Santiago to Balmaceda
Private transfer to hotel in Puerto Rio Tranquilo – (Duration: 3.5 hours)
Located on the western shore of Lake General Carrera, the largest lake in Chile and the second largest in South America, Puerto Rio Tranquilo to the south of Balmaceda Airport, is known for its overwhelming beauty, including a famous icon of the Carretera Austral, the “Capillas de Mármol” (Marble Chapels).
Founded in 1955, Puerto Rio Tranquilo was originally settled by sheep ranchers and today is a key destination for those traveling on the Carretera Austral (“Southern Highway”) for its incredible untouched natural landscapes.
Boat ride to the Marble Caves along General Carrera Lake – (Duration: 2.5 hours) – weather permitting
The “Capillas de Mármol” (Marble Chapels) are one of the most important tourist attractions in Patagonia. Composed of three limestone formations, they stand out for the beauty of their marble columns and the intense blue of the water that protects them.
The Cathedral, the Chapel and the Caves, sculpted on the shores of General Carrera Lake in the Aysen Region, make up one of the most beautiful panoramas of southern Chile and one of the favorite destinations for photography lovers. They are part of the Carretera Austral route and have been protected by Chilean law since 1994 when they were named a Nature Sanctuary.
Carved during thousands of years by the wind and water, the Marble Chapels impress visitors with the calcium carbonate formations set in numerous caverns alongside the shore.
On this private boat tour, you will first visit the caverns in the Puerto Sanchez area, Panichini Island, and see a historic shipwreck. Then you will visit the Puerto Río Tranquilo area, where you will discover the Marble Cathedral and the Marble Chapel, as well as more marble caves.
Night in Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
Note:
(1) The navigation on General Carrera Lake to the Marble Chapels is on a small, high-speed motor boat. The water can be rough. In the event that weather conditions are unfavorable and the port closes, the boat ride will be rescheduled for the following day.
(2) We recommend you wear warm clothing as it can be cold and windy on the boat ride.
(3) Between Balmaceda Airport and Puerto Rio Tranquilo there are no restrooms available. More than half the route is unpaved. We recommend using the facilities at the airport prior to departing.
Day #2
Private Transfer from Puerto Rio Tranquilo to Puerto Chacabuco on Chile’s Carretera Austral – (Duration: 5-6 hours)
We drive north on the Carretera Austral route passing through the heart of Chilean Patagonia. You will stop at many lookout points to observe the Andes Mountains, native forests and emerald-color lakes and rivers. We will stop in the capital of the Aysen Region, Coyhaique, for lunch.
Coyhaique is located 1,017 feet (310 meters) above sea level, at the confluence of the Simpson and Coyhaique Rivers. The largest city in the Aysen region, Coyhaique is framed by Lenga forests and striking hills, bluffs, and mountains made by tectonic forces and glacial erosion that over many years caused the dramatic landscapes seen in the area today, where the steppes give way to mountains in a matter of just miles. The city’s name comes from the Aonikenk word for “a place where there are lagoons”. The Aonikenk people long traveled through Coyhaique’s flatlands or “pampas”, while the Chono and Kawésqar people traveled by water on canoes through the fjords.
Coyhaique was incorporated in 1929 in an effort to spur settlement in the region and support the Aysen Industrial Society. But the first modern visits to what is now the city of Coyhaique came much earlier, in 1872, when Captain Enrique Simpson traveled up in the Aysen River on an 80-day expedition in the area.
Today, Coyhaique is the city in the region with the largest variety of services and shops and plays an important role in the area’s connectivity, given its location close to Balmaceda Airport.
After lunch, we will continue another hour and a half to Puerto Chacabuco. On the way, we will stop at several waterfalls, including the “Cascada Velo La Novia” (Bride’s Veil Waterfall) and “Cascada La Virgen” (The Virgen Waterfall).
Night in Puerto Chacabuco.
Note:
Between Puerto Rio Tranquilo and Coyhaique there are no restrooms available. More than half the route is unpaved. We recommend using the restrooms before checking out of your hotel.
Day #3
Catamaran Cruise to San Rafael Glacier – (Duration: 12+ hours) – weather permitting
Embark from Puerto Chacabuco to San Rafael Lagoon and be part of the adventure to one of the last natural wonders of the world.
You will sail through the fjords of Chilean Patagonia and discover native forests melting into the sea in a breathtaking spectacle until reaching Laguna San Rafael, where the glacier that bears the same name, reaches the water. Here you will witness a sea of ice flows detaching from the glacier – an amazing and awe-inspiring sight!
Live this experience from the comfort of a modern catamaran with amazing service onboard. The sailing’s itinerary is as follows:
7:00 a.m. – Check-in
8:00 a.m. – Departure
8:15 a.m. – Breakfast on board
9:45 a.m. – Informative Lectures
10:30 a.m. – Cocktail
11:30 a.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Arrival at San Rafael Lagoon (zodiak boats to get closer to the glacier – subject to weather conditions)
3:30 p.m. – Toast with millenary ice and beginning of open bar
4:30 p.m. – Onboard entertainment
8:30 p.m. – Arrival at Puerto Chacabuco (approximate time)
Night in Puerto Chacabuco
Day #4
Private Transfer from Puerto Chacabuco to Balmaceda Airport for flight to Santiago – (Duration: 2 hours)
Please note:
(1) The order of sites visited may vary.
(2) If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you take preventive medication for this ailment prior to departing on this tour, as the road in part can be quite bumpy.
(3) Although this is a private tour with your own vehicle and guide, there will be other visitors joining you on the glacier sailing.
(4) During the Chilean summer vacation months of January and February, the region can get particularly crowded. We suggest booking early for dates during this period.
(5) This tour operates from October to April, since the glacier cruise is suspended from May to September due to inclement weather in the region.
(6) In the event the sailing to the Marble Caves is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, a reimbursement of USD 150 per group will be issued.
(7) In the event the sailing to Laguna San Rafael is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, a reimbursement of USD 180 per person will be issued.