Chile tours

The Magic of Aysen

The San Rafael Lagoon on the Catamaranes del Sur

4 days / 3 nights

Friday to Monday
(Additional departures are available during high season. Please refer to the departures dates below.)

Board a catamaran in Puerto Chacabuco and join an adventurous journey to one of the southernmost wonders in the world. Cruising along islands, channels and fjords, you will reach the Laguna San Rafael National Park, a world biosphere reserve boasting the renowned San Rafael Glacier. The Catamarán Iceberg Expedition will take you to magnificent sites in the region of Aysén. You will view beautiful scenery, whilst comfortably seated inside or, if you prefer, out on deck in closer contact with nature. In keeping with the magnificent surroundings, gourmet cuisine is available on board and the large saloon offers spectacular views. There is a full bar and fine Chilean wines can be enjoyed.

Itinerary

Day 1: Balmaceda – Puerto Chacabuco
Reception at Balmaceda airport and start the journey to the Hotel Loberías del Sur in Puerto Chacabuco. We follow the Southern Carretera, which links the Provinces of Llanquihue and Palena with the Region of Aysén. During the transfer we will witness the impressive scenery of Chilean Patagonia. On arrival at the hotel, we enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 2: Puerto Chacabuco – Laguna San Rafael – Puerto Chacabuco
At 8am we depart on an unforgettable journey on board the Iceberg Expedition Catamaran. We travel through canals and fjords, past islets and mountains, whilst taking in the stunning views. We arrive at the marvellous San Rafael Lagoon, where the amazing formations of ancient ice can be seen. As we approach the Lagoon, in the area known as Elephant Point, we meet large numbers of wild birds and icebergs floating down the Río Tempano, in the melt waters of the glacier. Here we enter the San Rafael Lagoon National Park, which is a World Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of 1,742,000 hectares. At around 2pm we enter the lagoons and discover the wonder of the large ice falls, which crash from the glacier into the water. On board zodiac boats we get closer to the glacier and the numerous icebergs. Back on board we enjoy a whisky with ancient ice. On the way back to Puerto Chacabuco we enjoy dinner on board. Arrive at 9pm approximately.

Day 3: Visit to Aikén del Sur Nature Park
In the morning, we depart by bus, to the ‘Aikén del Sur’ private nature park. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Riesco, 14km² of beautiful blue waters, surrounded by waterfalls, native forests and a surprising variety of trees and plants. Here you will find a visitor's centre with information on the local flora and fauna and guided walks. At lunch time we will enjoy a typical Patagonian lamb barbeque^*. We return to the hotel in the afternoon. You will have time to relax and remember the day's exciting activities, before enjoying a delicious dinner of wonderful seafood and excellent Chilean wines.

Day 4: Puerto Chacabuco - Balmaceda Airport
After breakfast we transfer to Balmaceda airport for our onward flight.

Prices and departures

Please contact us for prices and departure dates.

Prices include:

• Transfers between Balmaceda airport and Chacabuco port
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at the Hotel Loberías del Sur
• Entrance to the Aiken Nature Park with lunch
• Welcome dinner
• Full day sailing to the San Rafael Lagoon (lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and open bar during the excursion)
• Tour to the icebergs by zodiac and whiskey with ancient ice

Prices do not include:

Air fares Puerto Montt/Balmaceda/Puerto Montt, tips, optional tours, personal expenses.

Notes

5 day / 4 night option available, including an extra excursion of choice: horseback riding, fishing or kayaking.

• The programme can also start on Thursdays and end on Sundays.
• ^*The Patagonian barbeque takes place with a minimum of 15 participants.

The hotel

The traditional Loberías del Sur Hotel in Puerto Chacabuco has 60 comfortable rooms, with fine cuisine including local specialities. Located in the heart of Puerto Chacabuco bay and facing the majestic Andes Mountain Range, facilities include a bar, restaurant, national and international dialling, fax and laundry.