PATAGONIA ISLANDS DISCOVERY TOUR
6 Days, 5 Nights
Valid: 1 October
2009 and 15 November 2009
Day 1: Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas - Chiloé
Island
Your guide will pick you up at the Puerto
Montt airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt / Puerto Varas for
an early ferry crossing to the island of Chiloé. The island is
steeped in history, having been the southernmost European colony
anywhere in the world for over 300 years as well as being the
last Spanish stronghold in Chile. Our destination will be the
Puñihuíl Natural Monument, the only place in the world where
Humboldt and Magellan penguins nest side by side. We will tour
the islands by boat with local fishermen. After a tasty lunch we
will then continue our journey southwards towards Castro, where
your guide will show you the most interesting sites of Castro,
including its majestic wooden cathedral (one of 16 UNESCO World
Heritage sites), seaside palafito stilt homes, and its local
market. Overnight in selected hotel on the island. (B,L, D)
Day 2: Chiloé Island Explorations
After breakfast we will drive to the village
of Chonchi and cross over on a small ferry to the island of
Lemuy and seemingly take a step back in time. Lemuy is a quiet,
pastoral island set among the other emerald islands of the
Archipelago and with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes across
the waters to the East. At the return we will continue our
journey to Tepuhueico Park, upon arrival we will hike through a
fantastic lush forest rich in diversity following a small trail
that will lead us to the natural drainage of the Tepuhueico Lake
which consists in an amazingly pretty waterfall. Later on we
will head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight
in selected hotel.(B,L,D)
Day 3: Quellón -Melinka - Jéchica Island
Lodge & Marina
After breakfast you will be transferred to
the local airstrip of Quellón. A small modern aircraft will take
you to Melinka Island in 30 minutes time; to deepen into one of
Chile’s least explored regions. With endless islets and magical
channels between them this area will impress you by its lush
evergreen forests. Once in Melinka we will embark towards our
final destination: Jéchica Island. The transfer is onboard the
“Jéchica I” motorboat. On your way to Jéchica you will be able
to discover the canals and fjords near the island. This
motorboat has been specially built and designed to navigate in
these latitudes and to protect passengers from austral rains.
Additionally, there are windows allowing to fully appreciating
the places; flora and fauna. On our way in to Isla Jechica from
Melinka, different species of dolphins are common to see and you
might even be lucky enough to spot Hump Back and Blue whales! As
the entire region is one of the largest habitats for Blue Whales
in the southern hemisphere, one wonders if these huge mammals
chose this area for its startling landscapes. In this hidden
paradise of more than 7 thousand hectares / 17,297 acres nature
has remained unchanged from the beginning of time. A marvellous
setting combines the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean with the
perfect harmony of one of the most beautiful flora located in
Chile; the evergreen southern rainforest. The comfortable
Jéchica Island Lodge was developed with awareness and conscience
of the ecosystem in mind; integrating the natural composition of
the area with the buildings and the marina. Jéchica Island has
only three independent cabins; to ensure your privacy. The
activity centre of the island is in the clubhouse. Excursions
are organized there and is a great place to share experiences
lived during the day. It has a comfortable living room with
chimney and offers the service of a bar and restaurant, nautical
cards room, movies and internet; all in a cosy environment which
makes you feel at home. Overnight in Jéchica. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Jéchica Island Explorations
The best way to get to know a place is by
living it. Therefore, several activities with different levels
of difficulty are offered today; allowing you to reach the heart
of this paradise. Excursions range from expert-guided hiking
tours up to sea kayaking or wildlife observation. Once you are
deep in these landscapes, you will be able to hear the language
of nature and come in touch with the true Patagonia; which
Jéchica Island has in store for its visitors. Undoubtedly, an
experience that generates excitement and turns the experience
unforgettable. Great food and premium wines will be served at
the lovely restaurant. Overnight in Jechica. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Jéchica Island Explorations
Do not feel surprised if a beautiful giant
wood pecker tells you it is time for breakfast by knocking on a
nearby tree. After breakfast there will be more to unveil of
this magical island’s mysteries by exploring it. Overnight in
Jéchica. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Melinka – Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas
After an early breakfast, Jéchica´s own
vessel will take you back in approximately 3 hours time to
Melinka Island, where you will board a small aircraft that will
take you to Puerto Montt´s small local “La Paloma Airport”. From
here you will be taken either to the Puerto Montt’s main airport
“El Tepual” for your connecting flights or to your downtown
hotel in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. (B)
End of services
Prices are quoted per person sharing in USD and are
subject to change until paid in full.
Price per person sharing: USD$1780.00
Services Included::
5 Nights accommodation
Full board as indicated
Transfers
Tours and
excursions with English speaking guide
Entrance fees
Flights Quellón -
Melinka / Melinka - Puerto Montt
Services Excluded:
1. International flights, departure taxes and any
excess baggage charges.
2. Airport taxes.
3.
Expenses of a personal nature such as bottled drinks, mineral water,
laundry and etc.
4. Personal medical and travel insurance
5. Tips and Gratitude.
6.
Visa fees and inoculations where applicable
Special Conditions:
* Tour must be booked and paid
for in full
* Price only applies for a minimum
of two people per person sharing for travel 1 October 2009 and 15 November
2009
* Flights to an from
Melinka only operate Monday to Friday
