Within the lush vegetation along the banks of Dorita Bay in Patagonia, emerges this unique lodge, Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa, where a perfect equilibrium of sophisticated and premeditated simplicity exists. Every day you will start a revitalising experience: trekking through the verdant rainforest, excursions to the Queulat National Park, fly fishing, bike riding on the Carretera Austral, or sailing in kayaks through the fjords of southern Chile. At the Spa different waters converge: sea water, thermal water and water straight from the waterfall. You can enjoy the benefits of all three in one place, in addition to thalassotherapy, relaxing massages and beauty sessions. A trip on the modern Patagonia Express catamaran completes the programme, cruising through the fjords until reaching San Rafael Lagoon and its amazing glacier.

Secrets of Puyuhuapi

5 days / 4 nights

Itinerary

Day 1 (Mon): Balmaceda - Termas de Puyuhuapi
Reception at Balmaceda airport. We begin our tour through the Aysen region, crossing (45 min) the Patagonian pampas to reach the city of Coyhaique. Along the way we are likely to spot pairs of caiquenes (wild goose) and flocks of bandurrias (storks) through the grasses. The vast remains of burnt over forests are vestiges of the region’s recent colonization period. After a short visit of the city, we continue following the Carretera Austral towards Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa (5 hours). A large part of the road is unpaved and offers views of beautiful natural forest with mountain peaks and steep falls. In the evening we arrive at the River Union dock where a short journey by boat (10 minutes) takes us to the hotel.

Days 2 & 3 (Tue & Wed): Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel and Spa
The hotel offers thermal outdoor pools at the edge of the sea, footpaths for walks through the cold forest, visits to the Queulat National Park with its Hanging Glacier, easy bicycle trips along the Austral Highway, or you can explore the Dorita Bay by kayak. If you wish, you may rent a motor boat to explore the southern fjords. The Spa’s facilities are complete. Enjoy its large hydro-massage pool, Jacuzzis, spring-water fountain, and steam sauna, then reap the benefits of thalassotherapy sessions, relaxation massages, facial and other treatments. The variety of activities is guaranteed to make your stay a unique experience.

Day 4 (Thu): Termas de Puyuhuapi - San Rafael Lagoon - Puerto Chacabuco
Our day begins early. At 7:00 am we board the Patagonia Express catamaran and begin our journey through the austral fjords on our way to the San Rafael Lagoon. The 7-hour route is a sheer delight to the senses: the transparency of the waters, the majesty of the Andes Mountains wrapped in lush forests, the play of light interwoven through the clouds, and sometimes... encounters with playful dolphins. Sailing through a number of channels, we finally reach the Tempanos River, which leads us to the San Rafael Lagoon, home to the millenarian glacier. After a visit of approximately 2 hours, we begin our return trip, arriving in Puerto Chacabuco at around 10:30 pm, when we will be transferred to our hotel in this port.

Day 5 (Fri): Puerto Chacabuco - Balmaceda
After breakfast, our bus takes us back along the route that follows the Simpson River, from Chacabuco to Coyhaique and then on to the airport in Balmaceda (approx. 2 hours).

Prices

Please enquire for prices.

Prices include:

Patagonia Express Catamarán open bar during sailing.
Full board with drinks during meals (beer, wine, soft drinks)
Hotel accommodation in Termas de Puyuhuapi and and Chacabuco or Coyhaique after visiting the San Rafael Lagoon.
Transfers to and from Balmaceda Airport.
Use of outdoor thermal pools and indoor pools.
Kayaks, canoes, forest walks, bicycles, visits to Puyuhuapi village and Queulat National Park.

Prices do not include:

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

Notes

Please ensure you travel on a flight which coincides with the transfers provided.

4 days/3 nights and 6 days/5 nights options are also available, spending 1 day or 3 days at the Spa respectively. Please ask for details.

Sailings to the San Rafael Glacier start on 14 October.

Accommodation

Superior room. Enlarge image

Standard room with bay view. Enlarge image