This is an unforgettable adventure in the magnificent fjords of Comau, Quintupeu and Cahuelmo, on the eastern side of the Gulf of Ancud, where wild mountain cliffs soar out of the dark waters to touch the sky. Smack your lips over fresh salmon steaks, or steamed shellfish gathered from the cliffs at low tide, all prepared by our cook in the miniature galley of our picturesque support vessel. Watch the sunset on the peaks as you relax in hot pools. Spread your sleeping bag under the diamond stars of the Southern Cross. Words alone simply cannot express the unique beauty and variety of this majestic land, whose calm, protected waters do not require you to have any previous experience with sea kayaks. Then it's on to the fascinating cultural experience of Chiloe, where Spain once maintained its last stronghold of colonial power in South America. Today there are still vestiges of the original Araucanian way of life, in harmonious combination with the influences of German immigrants in the late 1800s and of modern-day Chile. On every lovely island we visit, you'll see at least one moss-covered old wooden church gracing the seaside, as well as palafitos (stilt houses) that are 20 feet and more in the air when the tide is out, but nearly awash when it's in. Taste guindao and romp-n, try a hearty dish of "beans with reins", savour a rich curanto and other typical cuisine to delight your palate. Wander through the local market of Castro, where you'll see artisans at work on handicrafts that you can buy for surprisingly low prices - even lower, if you're willing to bargain a little. What more can we say? This is the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy a fantastic adventure at the other end of the Earth, which you'll remember forever.
Highlights
Smack your lips over fresh salmon steaks, or steamed shellfish gathered from the cliffs at low tide, all prepared by our cook
Watch the sunset on the peaks as you relax in hot pools
Spread your sleeping bag under the diamond stars of the Southern Cross
Then it's on to the fascinating cultural experience of Chiloe
This is the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy a fantastic adventure at the other end of the Earth ...view more details
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
This is an unforgettable adventure in the magnificent fjords of Comau, Quintupeu and Cahuelmo, on the eastern side of the Gulf of Ancud, where wild mountain cliffs soar out of the dark waters to touch the sky. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy a fantastic adventure at the other end of the Earth, which you'll remember forever.
The wildlife you may be able to observe are mainly: dolphins, penguins, sea lions and many sea birds such as: pelicans, ferns, herons, blackneck swans and others. The typical dish of Chiloe is the "Curanto" which consists of a wide shallow hole dug in the earth where hot stones are placed; after onion, garlic, salt and oregano; then raw mussels, clams and barnacles are placed and covered with plenty of white wine; finally the last layer is composed of smoked pork, sausages, cooked chicken and potatoes. Each different layer is separated with big fern-like leaves (nalca leave) and above it all dry sand is shoveled on to keep the heat. The food is served outside. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
Adventurous, hearty souls who want to experience the wonders of Southern Chile and Chiloe Island. Perfect for people who want to participate in tourism in a natural setting. ...view more details
After meeting in Puerto Montt, we drive down the AUSTRAL highway, cross the Reloncavi estuary to Hornopiren. and board our 50-foot support vessel to sail around Los Ciervos Island and have lunch in a nice cove. Navigation to Llancahue Island and sea kayak instruction in the afternoon. We camp in this island (L, D)
Day 2: Llancahue Island-Quintupeu Fjord
Now 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 try to catch a glimpse of dolphins jumping near our kayaks. As night falls, we camp at the end of the fjord (B, L, D)
Day 3: Quintupeu Fjord-Cahuelmo Fjord
We navigate down to Cahuelmo Fjord, stopping at the entrance to watch a colony of sea lions at play. We don't stop for long though, because we want to paddle the far end of Cahuelmo in time to get up the river, or hike through the wild tidal flats. Finally, we take a relaxing dip in Cahuelmo Hot Springs before turning in for the night (B, L, D)
Day 4: Cahuelmo Fjord-Porcelana Hot springs
Our goal for today's journey is Porcelana Hot Springs. On the way, we stop at the settlement of Huinay to say hello to Don Checho, well known for his hand-built fishing boats and enjoy a hike through a beautiful glacial valley. From there we cut straight across Comau Fjord to Porcelana, where we pitch camp in a lush green pasture and head for the tidal pools of hot water surrounded by magnificent scenery (B, L, D)
Day 5: Porcelana Hot springs-Comau Fjord
We paddle down to the end of Comau Fjord to Leptepu, passing by stunning snow-capped peaks on our way to a secluded corner where we can see waterfalls and virgin forests. We'll also see a lagoon, teeming with wildlife, which can be accessed by our kayaks at high tide. In the afternoon we return to Porcelana and, of course, we don't fail to go for another long soak in our beautiful hot spring (B, L, D)
Day 6: Comau Fjord- Chauques Island
Early this morning we board our support vessel for the trip up Comau fjord and around the Huequi Peninsula, to Hornopiren. After a hearty lunch we drive back to Puerto Montt on time to catch the evening departure bus or flight (B, L).
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local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
- All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip Puerto Montt-Puerto Montt.
- Radio communications
- All meals as specified on the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Expert guides (English speaking) and support personal
- Fully equipped double and single kayaks: spray skirts, paddles and accessories
- Support boat.
- One night at hospedaje Llancahué. All necessary camping equipment: tent for two people, stoves, cups, bowls, forks, spoons, cooking utensils, kitchen tarp, etc.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (comfortable to 0 Celsius)
- Full-length pad.
- day bag
- ,light weights rainwear and windbreak for paddling
- bathing suit, or short wet suit for paddling
- shoes and socks
- sandals, sun hat, shirt, pants, short, synthetic underwear ( capilene ) top and bottom.
- sun block, sun glasses
- small flash light and batteries
- All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip Puerto Montt-Puerto Montt.
- Radio communications
- All meals as specified on the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Expert guides (English speaking) and support personal
- Fully equipped double and single kayaks: spray skirts, paddles and accessories
- Support boat.
- One night at hospedaje Llancahué. All necessary camping equipment: tent for two people, stoves, cups, bowls, forks, spoons, cooking utensils, kitchen tarp, etc.
Not Included
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (comfortable to 0 Celsius)
- Full-length pad.
- day bag
- ,light weights rainwear and windbreak for paddling
- bathing suit, or short wet suit for paddling
- shoes and socks
- sandals, sun hat, shirt, pants, short, synthetic underwear ( capilene ) top and bottom.
- sun block, sun glasses
- small flash light and batteries
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
We use private vehicles to shuttle us to our support boat. Our support boat:
This is a traditional boat built in Chiloe island out of cypres wood. The navigation in Chiloe is part of every inhabitant culture and boat construction is very famous here._-Lenght: 12 mts _-Width: 31/2 mts _-Motor: MWB 78 hp, 9nots cruise speed _-Kitchen: It is a wood & gas stove. Gas stove to prepare food and wood stove to heat the ship;_-Bath: Basic bath without shower;_-Dinning Room: table and chair for 8persons;_-Zodiac boat to approach the shores motor 5hp;_-Wood boat motor 15hp;
Transportation Types
Motor Boat
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
1n Rustic Inn in Llancahue, 4n Camping near the shore at official campsites with basic baths and showers except by 2nd night at Quintupeu where we camp in total wilderness. If we ever need to sleep inside the boat because of extremely rigurous storm outside there is space for 7 persons
Lodging Types
4 Nights camping 1 Nights Lodge
Toilet Facilities
Private Bath Shared Bath
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Chile's diverse and marvellous environment is a gift to us and we feel in need to repay nature for all what we have received. As part of our commitment to support the environment, Cascada joined The International Eco-Tourism Society (VT-USA) in 1996 and has gained background, understanding and experience to model Cascada's own operations and o serve as an example to the others.
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
Standard Cascada equipment includes single and double touring kayaks, 2-person tents, kitchen/dining tent, tables & stools, cooking equipment & utensils, first aid kit, etc. We will also provide paddle, skirt, dry-bags and other specific gear for sea kayaking.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Expert guides (English speaking) and support personal
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
We offer our guests the most rewarding experience by means of travelling to a remote destination such as Chile or Argentina with the highest degree of safety. comfort and exposure to nature and culture. As part of Cascada's safety mission fulfillment we became the first outfitter in South America to provide the guides with the Wilderness First Responder degree, training wich is widely accredited in the US and Canada.
Maximum Guide/Client Ratio
1 to 6
Maximum Age
None
Yachts - Ships - Live Aboard Boats
Boat Speed
9 knots
Boat Length
12 meters
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Cascada Expediciones
Why should I choose this provider?
Cascada Expediciones services are designed to create a worthwhile experience and deep exposure to nature and culture. Our mission can be stated as:
Create and provide quality Tourist Services, innovative and with the highest value in terms of the life experience related to it.
Promote the benefits of Nature and Wilderness in its many forms, facilitate the discovery of the primitive spirit and create a deep understanding and respect to it.
Provide the best life conditions for all the ones working at Cascada Expediciones, assuring it to become a tool for personal and professional development.
Participate actively in the larger community serving it through contributions of employment and to respect and care for the environment.
Develop and promote Tourist Services which are environmentally sustainable, to provide ecotourism.
As part of our environmental mission fulfillment we became members of The International Ecotourism Society(USA) and gained information, understanding and experience from it that have helped us to model our own operations to follow the principles of ecotourism and to serve as an example to others.
As part of our quality mission fulfillment we were the first outfitter in South America to provide its guides with the Wilderness First Responder degree, training which is widely valid and accredited within the US and Canada. Since 1996 we have been bringing experts from the Wilderness Medical Associates to train our staff as well as other local outfitters.
We live and work in Chile, so we have the experience and in-depth knowledge of the region and its people, hence the ability to design and operate great trips for you; we are passionate adventure travelers ourselves: we have traveled extensively in remote places of Chile, Argentina and the world and we'd like to show you how the adventure of a lifetime can be.
Our travel in Chile and Argentina is designed for travelers who are seeking a holiday with plenty of outdoor activity and soft or hard adventure, who enjoy discovering nature and local culture while respecting the ecology and the environment.
The trips include various levels of physical activity, from easy to strenuous.
We include, in varying degrees, activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, backcountry walking, kayaking, diving, climbing, horsebackriding, whitewater rafting and seakayaking. This brings the traveling group together, and closer to nature. There are usually plenty of wildflowers and birds to be seen on our tours, with opportunities for botanists and bird watchers to pursue their interests. Most of our tours are outside the big cities and off paved roads visiting remote places, discovering the wildlife and local cultures, with emphasis on personal experience and respect for the ecology.
Most of our trips are suitable for all ages, from teens to seniors, and solo travelers or women traveling alone will find the groups friendly and welcoming with easy integration. Moreover our ECOCAMP 'lodge' in Torres del Paine, Patagonia offers a true wilderness experience in a comfortable setup.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
Insurance:
Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind; unexpected medical emergencies or illness before or during your trip and several other contingencies could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable trip payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulance during your trip to a remote location might be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan.
That is why it is compulsory that you purchase personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring during your trip. We also suggest you to purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must ensure the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip.
There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans through the web. Cascada Expediciones has selected some of them for your convenience. Click here to check different alternatives.
Medical & Health:
It is mandatory that clients with medical problems make themselves known to us well before departure. The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone, at any time, during the trip if he feels the trip member is physically incapable and/or if a trip member's continued participation will be detrimental to the individual involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
Because of the fact that Hospital facilities for serious problems are often unavailable and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive, it is that we assume no liability regarding provision of medical care at any time during the trip. This statement is included on the Release & Assumption of Risk form provided by our company. All passengers over 65 are requested to fill out a Medical Certificate that would entitle him/her to safely accomplish the trip he/she is applying for.
Physical and/or Technical Certificates:
These certificates are issued in addition to the general medical certificate and are asked to secure a safe accomplishment of the activities included on certain specific mountaineering and kayaking trips.
Physical Certificate:
The following programs will require the passenger to be physically qualified to be accepted on the trip. This is not a technical demand but a provision towards the physical condition of the participant and the enforcement to be accomplished during the excursion:
High Altitude Mountain Trips: Aconcagua, Ojos del Salado, Parinacota
Technical Certificate:
The following programs will require the passenger to be physically and technically qualified to be accepted on the trip. This is a provision towards the level of skills owned by the participant and the degree of technical difficulty and risk involved on the trip: Rafting River Futaleufu; Intermediate and Experts River Kayaking;
Responsibilities of Trip Members:
Trip members are responsible for understanding the conditions implied in the Trip Itinerary and selecting a trip that is appropriate to their interests and abilities. In order to assist you we grade each trip with a Trip Rating. We are also happy to discuss the trip with you, as well as provide you with names of past participants who can discuss their experience with you.; Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip; - for bringing appropriate clothing and equipment as advised in the equipment list; - for following normal standards of personal hygiene in order to lessen risk of traveler's diseases; - for following normal social behavior patterns with fellow trip participants; - for acting in an appropriate and respectful manner in accordance with the customs of areas visited;- for completing the itinerary as scheduled (or as adjusted in the field as necessary).
Normally the travelers will be asked to carry a day-pack containing the extra personal belongings they wish to take such as: camera, glasses, extra clothing, etc. In the 10day Patagonia trekking and Aconcagua, Plomo, Parinacota, Ojos del Salado ascents, travelers will be asked to carry their own personal items including back pack, sleeping bag, pad, daily box-lunch and others. The 10-day Patagonia trip offers the option to hire a porter. In camping trips, the cooking and the cleaning will be the responsibility of the guiding Staff and they may ask the passenger for help in setting up his/her tent;
Reasonable changes may be made in the itinerary due to weather conditions or if judged to be in the best interest and well being of the participants;
Pricing Policies
Pricing:
The price for the land portion of the trip is called Land Cost and includes:
-All accommodations in hotels, inns, mountain huts, camps and tents; -Ground transportation in private vehicles or domestic buses depending on the itinerary including reception & transfer from the nearest airport; - Meals in the field as specified in each program except for those meals in cities or towns where the travelers will feel inclined to make their own choices; -All trekking, horse-riding, diving, marine and river arrangements in the field (as specified in each program) including group equipment, permits and mules or pack horses if specified; -Entries and park fees; -Expert leadership including English speaking guides in all our fixed departures trips. The guide/participant ratio varies from 1/5 to 1/10 depending in the type of program;
Costs not included in the trip are some meals as noted in the itinerary, soft drinks and liquor, medical expenses, cost of hospitalization or evacuation, laundry, airport departure taxes, visas, international and domestic airfares, gratuities and insurance. Please refer to the trip itinerary for detailed information on what is included and not included in the Land Cost. If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency or other causes beyond our control, the associated costs including any nonrecoverable costs are not included in the trip rates or refunds. In such circumstances it is your responsibility to pay directly for actual extra costs in the field (i.e. food, transport, accommodations, etc.). Obtain trip cancellation/interruption insurance!
Prices listed on our website and marketing material are subject to change since the trip dates and prices have often been published more than a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip's actual departure, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases or currency fluctuations that we cannot absorb. We do everything we can to keep our prices the same as published.
Tier Pricing:
In order to operate small groups, some trips are priced according to the number of full-price passengers on the trip. Cascada Expediciones staff, invited passengers as travel writers, photographers or tour operators' representatives under a familiarization trip and other discounted travelers are excluded from the count for this purpose. We initially invoice you at the highest tier level price. If the price drops due to an increase in the group size, you will be refunded the difference.
Accommodation:
The prices correspond to accommodations in a share basis. If the passenger is traveling alone and there is no one with whom to share, or if he/she wishes single accommodation, then he/she will be asked to pay the Single supplement Fee listed in the Price-List. Accommodations in hotels are based on double occupancy. Accommodations in tents are based on double occupancy.
The criteria for picking out the accommodations are a mixture of comfort, security, location and local atmosphere.
Meals:
All meals on the field are included as well as all others to be taken in places such as National Parks where the travelers will not be able to purchase their own food or where we consider it is not recommendable to do so. Please refer to each trip itinerary for information on which meals are included and not included. The meals included are shown as B=breakfast, L=lunch, L-=box-lunch, D=dinner.
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by Cascada plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and other local suppliers.
a- Cascada Land cancellation fees for regular departures: these are departures with fixed dates. Cancellation of the confirmed booking outside 30 days prior to departure entails loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter the following applies:
30 - 23 days 40% of total fare
22 - 14 days 60% of total fare
13 - 0 days 100% of total fare
b- Cascada Land cancellation fees for private departures: these are trips operated in a non-fixed date or as special requests. Cancellation of the confirmed booking outside 60 days prior to departure entails loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter the following applies:
60 - 45 days 40% of total fare
44 - 31 days 60% of total fare
30 - 0 days 100% of total fare
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TESTIMONIALS
We are back from a fabulous time at the Refugio Amazonas! I have nothing but raves about it all! Thanks for your help in getting us to this great place!
-- Susan L, Refugio Amazonas Family Adventure
We just got back from Peru on Sunday. It was a GREAT trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The highlight was truly the trek to Machu Picchu. Thanks for all of your help in making the trip very special. Everything went off without a hitch. We were very impressed.
-- Mary Ann, B., Multi-Activity Peru
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
I want to say I LOVED the trip. ECOCAMP was divine. Really amazing setting. The mix of people in the group was healthy. We all liked each other enough to dine every meal together.