SANTIAGO - CHILOE - TORRES DEL PAINE - KAWESKAR CRUISE
(
15 days, 14 nights
)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Day 1: Santiago
Arrival in Santiago, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Santiago
City tour of Santiago including a visit to the Government
Palace, the Main Square, the Cathedral and a visit to the
museum of precolumbian art. An excursion to the Cerro San
Cristobal viewpoint for a beautiful panoramic view of the
city. Santiago de Chile was founded in 1541 and is in a beautiful
setting with only 62 miles separating the Pacific coast from
ski resorts in the high Andes. You will find 17th Century
architecture and lively markets set against a backdrop of
snow-capped mountains.
Day 3: Santiago - Puerto
Montt - Chiloe Island
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to
Puerto Montt. Transfer from Puerto Montt airport to cross
the channel to Chiloe Island, the second largest island off
the coast of South America. Transfer to your hotel in Ancud,
the Galeon Azul with fine views over the bay. Free evening.
Day 4: Chiloe Island
After breakfast, city tour including a visit to the Blue Museum
which houses all historical information about Chiloe. A visit
to the old Spanish fort of San Antonio. Built in 1770 on a
terrace in the high part of Ancud, this was the last location
in Chile and the second last in South America to fly the flag
of Spain, surrendering it on 19 January 1826. After lunch,
a visit to the Lacuy peninsula, Brava coast and fort of Ahui.
Return to your hotel.
Day 5: Chiloe Island
Trip to Dalcahue where local artisans sell their unique products
in the Sunday market. A visit to Castro, Chiloe's oldest and
largest town. Castro is famous for its colourful houses built
on stilts over the tide, in addition to its excellent seafood
and traditional handicrafts. Boat ride over to the Isle of
Quinchao to visit the beautiful town of Curaco de Velez. Return
to Castro for lunch. Afternoon visit to the museum, the Gamboa
viewpoint and the platform houses before returning to your
hotel in Ancud.
Day 6: Chiloe Island - Puerto
Montt - Punta Arenas
After breakfast a visit to the penguin colony at Punihuil.
After lunch, return to Puerto Montt and transfer to the airport
for the flight to Punta Arenas.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel, the four star Finnis Terrea
Hotel.
Day 7: Punta Arenas - Puerto
Natales
After breakfast, transfer to Puerto Natales. Arrival and dinner
at the hotel.
Day 8: Puerto Natales -
Torres del Paine
After breakfast, excursion to Torres del Paine National Park
and the Milodon cave. The visit includes tours to Lake Sarmiento,
Nordennskjold, Pehoe, and Lago Grey. A beautiful walk around
the peninsula with accommodation at a hosteria within the
park concludes the day. Dinner at the hosteria.
Day 9: Torres del Paine
- Puerto Natales
Free morning for further walks around this beautiful National
Park. After lunch, return to Puerto Natales and accommodation
with dinner at the hotel.
Day 10 (Saturday): Puerto
Natales
Transfer to the boat terminal for the 20.00 Embarkation. Welcome
drink and dinner on board. The ship sets sail from Puerto
Natales, navigating through the Patagonian Channels, Kirke
Narrowness, Channel Morla Vicuña and Seno Union.
Day 11 (Sunday): Antrim
Fjord
During the morning, we will continue navigating through the
Sarmiento Channel, Pitt Channel and Concepción Channel.
Arrival to the Antrim Fjord at around 19.00. Dinner on board
with a dancing party.
Day 12 (Monday): Puerto
Eden
A morning visit to Pio XI Glacier, navigating in front of
the glacier, one of the largest in South America, with a surface
of 1263 km2. The glacier is inside the Bernardo O'Higgins
National Park, the largest national park in Chile. Around
midday, the ship weighs anchor from Seno Eyre and Grappler
Channel. Arrival to Puerto Eden and disembarkation in small
boats. A two hour excursion, visiting this village located
on Wellington Island. Its first inhabitants were the kaweskar
or alacalufes aborigines. With only footbridges in the village,
a walk up to the spectacular viewpoint. Return to the ship
for the navigation through the Paso del Indio and Paso del
Abismo straits.
Day 13 (Tuesday): Calvo
Glacier
A visit to the Calvo Fjord today where we will be able to
appreciate four stunning glaciers of different shapes and
colours. Excursions in "Hercules" boats (icebraker
motorboats) to get closer to the Calvo Glacier (weather dependent).
During the afternoon, the cruise continues through the Peel
Fjord with a visit to the Asia and Amalia Fjords. Sighting
land in Villarrica Creek, trips on smaller boats will again
be made if the weather conditions allow.
Day 14 (Wednesday): Montanas
Fjord
After breakfast, morning visit to the Montanas Fjord were
we will be able to see five little glaciers that hook of from
the hills into the sea. A walking excursion towards the Bernal
Glacier allows for a better appreciation of this extraordinary
phenomenon. Late afternoon and the ship sets sail from the
Montanas Fjord, across the Kirke Narrowness. During the night,
the ship weighs anchor at Seno Ultima Esperanza. Farewell
Dinner and Ball.
Day 15 (Thursday): Puerto
Natales - Punta Arenas
Final day with a navigation through Seno Ultima Esperanza,
arriving at the terminal in Puerto Natales. Disembarkation
for the transfer by bus to Punta Arenas and your return flight
home. |
Antarctica tours
