Sea Kayaking in Chile: Fjords of Pumalin & Chiloe

PanAmerican Travel Services arranges multi-day sea kayaking trips around the fjords and islands of Southern Chile. These journeys can be designed to fit a wide variety of schedules. Most itineraries can be completed without any prior kayak experience. Expert guides, support teams, and equipment compliment your expedition.  We currently have blocked space on a sea kayaking journey FEBRUARY 7-15, 2009.  If interested, please conact Ana Chavez at achavez@panam-tours.com or call 800-364-4359. 

This 9D/8N itinerary is one of our most popular expeditions. It is an unforgettable adventure in the magnificent fjords of Comau, Quintupeu and Cahuelmó, on the eastern side of the Gulf of Ancud, where wild mountains cliffs rise from the water to touch the sky.

On this expedition, you will see stupendous glacial valleys, primeval temperate rainforests, and numerous kinds of marine wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, penguins and other sea birds. You will also enjoy excellent food; watch the sunset on the peaks as you relax in hot pools; and camp under the brittle stars of the Southern Cross. This is a majestic region with calm, protected waters. You’ll also visit the Island of Chiloe, where Spain once maintained its last stronghold of colonial power in South America. This island’s colorful fishing villages are famous for excellent seafood and handicrafts. Along the way, you will be accompanied by a modern support vessel.
 
Day 1: After meeting in Puerto Montt, we drive down the Southern Highway, and cross the Reloncaví estuary to Hornopirén. There we board the 50-foot support vessel and head for Los Ciervos Island. After stopping for lunch in a secluded cove, we sail on to Llancahué Island, where we climb into our sea kayaks for instruction and practice. Afterwards, we camp for the night on this island.

Day 2: Today we begin the wild part of our sea kayak adventure. We “put in” near the entrance to Quintupeu Fjord, where the German battleship Dresden hid out during World War I. The sheer slopes, cut by countless waterfalls tumbling off the heights, are covered with lush vegetation that hangs over our heads. As we glide along under this lush canopy, we may see dolphins jumping near our kayaks. At nightfall, we camp at the end of the fjord.

Day 3: We navigate down to Cahuelmó Fjord, stopping at the entrance to see if there are any sea lions at play. We don't stop for long though, because we want to reach the far end of Cahuelmó in time to get up the river, or hike through the wild tidal flats. Finally, we take a relaxing dip in Cahuelmó Hot Springs before turning in for the night.

Day 4: Our goal for today's journey is Porcelana Hot Springs. On the way, we stop at the settlement of Huinay and hike up a glacial valley surrounded by snow capped mountains. From this village we cut straight across Comau Fjord to Porcelana Bay, where we pitch camp in a lush green pasture.

Day 5: We paddle down to the end of Comau Fjord to Leptepu, passing stunning snow-capped peaks on our way to a secluded corner. This is an area of plunging waterfalls and virgin forests. We also see a lagoon, teeming with wildlife, which we can reach by kayak at high tide. In the afternoon we return to Porcelana and head for the beautiful pools of warm water.

Day 6: Early this morning we board the support vessel for the trip down Comau Fjord and around the Huequi Peninsula. After a hearty lunch, we set sail across the open waters of the Gulf of Ancud, heading for the beautiful Claques Islands. We arrive in the late afternoon and set up camp on the island of Mechuque. We still have plenty of time to wander around and visit the local people, famous for their hospitality.

Day 7: We kayak the waterways among the islands of Mechuque, Voigue, Añihue and Taucolon, visiting villages and churches as we go. We pay special attention to the traditional culture of this area, celebrated in the songs and dances of Chilean folklore. In particular, we watch for palafito stilt houses with brightly colored fishing boats tied up in their "basements". We stop for the night in a family-owned guest house in the enchanting village of Mechuque. Our hosts prepare as banquet of famous "curanto", the legendary dish in the maritime cuisine of southern Chile.

Day 8: In the morning we set sail for Altue’s sea kayaking lodge near the port of Dalcahue. After lunch at the lodge, we paddle across Dalcahue Channel to Quinchao Island to visit the lovely San Xavier church and cemetery. On our way back, we stop by the picturesque port of Dalcahue. After a relaxing bath in a wood-fired hot tub and a memorable dinner, we spend the night at the kayak center.

Day 9: Today we drive to Castro to visit the handicraft market, known for it woolen goods and baskets. We also visit the famous church of San Francisco. In early afternoon, we depart for the return trip to Puerto Montt, where some will board a plane for home while others make go on to visit other destinations in Chile or Argentina.

Price per person based on double occupancy: $1,866.

INCLUDES:
50-foot motorized support vessel and crew / All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip Puerto Montt - Puerto Montt / All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9 / Services of expert guides and support personnel / Fully equipped fiberglass sea kayaks with spray skirts, paddles and accessories / Full camping gear, except for personal sleeping bag and pad / One night at Mechuque guest house and one night in Altue’s Sea Kayaking Lodge based on double occupancy with wooden-fired hot tub facilities.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
The trip is not especially rigorous and requires no prior experience with kayaks. You must know how to swim and be in reasonably good physical condition. A positive attitude towards open-air activities is very important. This is a trip for the person who enjoys participative tourism in a natural setting, and who understands that during our trip we may encounter variable weather and tidal conditions that will require modifications in the itinerary.

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