Chiloe Archipelago

Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights

Chiloe Archipelago, where the magic of traditional culture lives on

Immerse yourself in the fascinating, cultural experience of Chiloe Island as we glide silently through the mysterious byways of this archipelago, where Spain once maintained its last stronghold of colonial power in South America. Our sturdy kayaks emulate the spirit of the fragile dalcas; in which the natives traveled many centuries ago. Today there still vestiges of this 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 moss-covered old wooden churches 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. Savor a rich curanto and other typical cuisine to delight your palate. Wander through the local market of Castro. What more can we say? This is the opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy a fantastic adventure at the other end of the Earth.

Itinerary

Day 1 Castro - Sea kayaking Lodge

We meet at noon in Castro, Chiloé, where we have lunch in a typical restaurant in the port. After a visit to the handicraft market, we depart for Altue`s Sea Kayaking Lodge; near the town of Dalcahue. For the rest of the afternoon we have kayak instruction and practice in the smooth waters of the Dalcahue Channel. After dinner and a relaxing bath in a wood-fired hot tub, overnight at the Altue`s Sea Kayaking Lodge.

Day 2 Dalcahue - Mechuque Island

This morning we paddle to Dalcahue, San Javier in Quinchao island or depending on the tides to Curaco de Vélez, we have lunch before embarking by ferry for Mechuque Island. On arrival, we check into the guesthouse, then take a walking tour through the village. We cross the picturesque foot bridge over the inlet, and hike up to the vista point on the hill to view other nearby islands of the Chauques group.

Day 3 Chauques Islands

Today we start early for a full day of kayaking among the islands of Añihué, Taucolón, and Voigüe. At noon we find a quiet spot for a picnic lunch. In the evening, the Mechuque guesthouse treats us to a succulent curanto clambake, Chiloé`s most typical dish.

Day 4 Mechuque - Dalcahue - Castro

At an early hour we take our places on the ferry ramp to catch the boat for Dalcahue, where we drive to Castro in time to make afternoon connections for Santiago. Lunch not included.

Departures: from September to April all Monday. Based on double occupancy.

Includes:

All transportation according to the itinerary, for round trip Castro-Castro / All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 / One night at the Altue`s Sea Kayaking Lodge including wood-fired hot-tub facilities, and two nights in the Mechuque guest house / Services of expert guides / Fully equipped fiberglass sea kayaks with spray skirts, paddles and accessories.

Degree of Difficulty and Physical Conditioning:

The trip is not especially rigorous and requires no prior experience with kayaks. You must know how to swim and be in reasonably good physical condition. A positive attitude towards open-air activities is very important. This is a trip for the person who enjoys participative tourism in a natural setting, and who understands that during our trip we may encounter variable weather and tidal conditions that will require modifications in the itinerary.