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Spirit of the Carretera Austral:
Puerto Ibáñez, Chile Chico, Puerto Guadal & Coyhaique
The Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, bridges the gap between the well-known Lake District and extremely popular Southern Patagonia, including Torres del Paine National Park. Yet, this long stretch of Northern Patagonia in the Aysén region remains largely unexplored, and unknown to tourists. With its eponymous highway only opening in 1988, this 770-mile stretch of mountains, lakes, and rivers has thus far only been traversed by the most intrepid adventure seekers. Home to the magnificent and endlessly photogenic marble caves of General Carrera Lake, this region holds boundless possibilities for travelers looking to get off the beaten path and explore untouched wilderness, far from any crowds. With rustic accommodations, the scenery and relentless views hold your attention, and private tours and transportation provide you with exclusive access to this adventurous region.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 1 Night Puerto Ibáñez
• 1 Night Chile Chico
• 1 Night Puerto Guadal
• 1 Night Coyhaique
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Tours and Transfers
• 4 Lunches
• Daily Breakfast
BALMACEDA AIRPORT TO PUERTO IBÁÑEZ:

Upon arrival at the Balmaceda Airport a transfer will be waiting to take us to Puerto Ibáñez. We will commence our travels appreciating the beautiful scenery and local flora of the region. Once there we will have time to explore our surroundings and enjoy a simple but delicious meal. Puerto Ibáñez is a small tranquil town on the northern shore of General Carrera Lake, and acts as a gateway to the natural beauty of the region. Overnight in Puerto Ibáñez.


(Box Lunch and Accommodations, Puerto Ibáñez)

PUERTO IBÁÑEZ - CERRO CASTILLO NATIONAL PARK - CHILE CHICO:

After breakfast, we will adventure out to explore the magnificent Cerro Castillo National Park boasting 250,000 acres in protected land. This place is sure to take our breath away with its beautiful mountainous landscapes. In addition, it is home to a variety of fauna such as skunks, cougars and the huemul (southern Andean deer). All of these represent the essence of the Chilean Patagonia. Later, we will return to town to board a ferry and navigate the General Carrera Lake, known for its intense turquoise waters comprised of several distant glaciers. By late afternoon, we will disembark in the town of Chile Chico, located only 4 miles west of the border with Argentina. This small town of 3,000 inhabitants features a microclimate that gives it Mediterranean breezes perfect for fruit orchards. Overnight in Chile Chico.

(Breakfast, Puerto Ibáñez; Box Lunch and Accommodations, Chile Chico)

CHILE CHICO - PATAGONIA NATIONAL PARK - PUERTO GUADAL:

Today we will leave Chile Chico and travel to reach the southern part of the Patagonia National Park (formerly known as Lago Cochrane National Reserve). Once there we will have the opportunity to connect with typical Patagonian nature as we hike two trails boasting a variety of vegetation. Additionally, we will have the option to navigate the icy waters of the Cochrane River (not included). At a certain moment during our excursion, we will make a stop to have a well-deserved meal. To wrap up this wonderful day we head to our hotel, in Puerto Guadal, on the Southwest corner of General Carrera lake. Overnight in Puerto Guadal.

(Breakfast, Chile Chico; Box Lunch and Accommodations, Puerto Guadal)

PUERTO GUADAL - PUERTO RÍO TRANQUILO - COYHAIQUE:

Our journey today will take us north to visit two of Mother Nature's most spectacular highlights of the Carretera Austral. Our first stop will be at the confluence of the Neff and Baker rivers boasting contrasting colors and white waters. We will then continue to the town of Puerto Río Tranquilo to explore the famous Marble Caves, an extraordinary rock formation carved throughout centuries by wind and water. After our navigation, we will return to the town to have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will depart to Coyhaique, capital of the Aysén Region. Overnight in Coyhaique.

(Breakfast, Puerto Guadal; Lunch and Accommodations, Coyhaique)

COYHAIQUE TO BALMACEDA AIRPORT:

After breakfast, we will be picked up from our hotel and transferred to the Balmaceda Airport. Along the way we will notice cooler weather and a change in scenery. This is the true entrance to the Pampa, which can be viewed immediately after passing through airport customs. At the airport, board a plane to Santiago, and on to your next Avanti Destination!

(Breakfast, Coyhaique)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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