Ultimate Patagonia

Day 3:

Morning will come early, but the excitement of the journey to come will help with our wake-up call. After a continental breakfast we will transfer to the Santiago airport for our flight to Balmaceda airport. A 3-hour flight later, we will arrive in Patagonia! We will then drive an hour through beaut

Day 4:

There are so many places to explore in this region it is hard to say exactly where to begin our paddling, but the many small islets of Isla Traiguén and its bird colonies are a likely starting point.

Day 5:

Paddling in the area around Isla Goñi we’ll get a sense of a Patagonian landscape that is more often found even further south: low scrub vegetation with only a few trees near the shoreline, evidence of the harsh climate of the region.

Day 6:

From Isla Goñi we head south again through Estero Elefantes to the entrance of San Rafael Lagoon. Here we will gather ancient ice for a toast to the imposing icebergs of the lagoon. That afternoon we will take an excursion by zodiac to the beaches and streams near the glacier.

Day 7:

Today we will explore the San Rafael Lagoon. We will have lunch near the glacier, surrounded by icebergs. We will carefully navigate our way by kayak through the icebergs to visit the region’s various beaches and islets. That evening we will anchor at Port Lepardo at the entrance of the lagoon.

Day 8:

Today we motor to the estancia (ranch) owned by our Captain Robin Westcott. Estancia Quitralco is a private ranch which covers many square kilometers and offers us the chance to spend the afternoon exploring the river by kayak, fly fishing and/or trekking on the property.

Day 9:

Departing from Quitralco we will set sail for nearby hot springs. Discovered by our Captain’s family decades ago, this secluded and private location offers some luxurious soaking while taking in a fabulous view down the fiord.

Day 10:

We will get an extra early start this morning in order to reach the sheltered waters of Gato Cove in plenty of time to enjoy kayaking in Cinco Hermanas (Five Sisters) National Park. The scenery here will not disappoint.

Day 11:

Sadly, this will be our last day on our floating home. We will get an early start to ensure we arrive back to Puerto Aisen in time to transfer back to the Balmaceda Airport in time to catch a flight back to Santiago that evening.

Day 12:

This is your last day in Santiago. After breakfast at the hotel you will say goodbye to your guides. You are welcome to explore the city on your own, perhaps heading to a local market for some souvenir shopping before flights that evening. Most international flights leave late in the day.