Ice
fields - San Rafael glacier & Termas de Puyuhuapi hotel &
spa
Chile's southern region, Aysén, is a land of incredible
contrasts - continental ice bordering luxuriant forest and valleys
with warm climates next to others where the cold never ends. In Patagonia,
deep valleys cut gashes through wild open spaces, and the pass seems
to disappear through gorges, mountain ridges, and fortress-like cliffs,
where the air currents lift condors and eagles in flight.
The temperate rain forest is a concentration of lush vegetation that
shelters an enormous variety of birds that have almost no fear of
human presence.
The native forest continues up even in the steepest slopes, especially
along the humid hillsides facing the Pacific Ocean. Gnarly-trunked
cypresses and lengas, whose leaves turn bright orange in autumn, grow
atop the mountain peaks. And from deep within the Earth itself spring
the healthful thermal waters that the knowledgeable staff of the Termas
de Puyuhuapi Hotel and SPA employs for your health and pleasure.
To the south of Puerto Aysén, the San Rafael Glacier flows
from the Northern Patagonian Ice Field west toward the sea and empties
its ice into the San Rafael Lagoon.
Approaching the great glacial walls by an excursion boat is a unique
experience beyond comparison. From here you can feel the movements
of the glacier, listen to the frozen mass creak as it shifts, and
hear it roar as giant pieces of millenary ice break off and crash
into the lagoon.
|
|
| Day 1 Thu
BALMACEDA - PUYUHUAPI LODGE & SPA |
Reception
in the Balmaceda airport. Begin tour through the Aysen region, crossing
45 min. of Patagonian pampas to reach the city of Coyhaique. Along
the way we are likely to spot pairs of caiquenes (wild goose) and
flocks of bandurrias (storks) through the grasses. The vast remains
of burned over forests are vestiges of the region's recent colonization
period. Short visit to the city, and then we continue along the Austral
Highway to the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa (5 hrs). Much of the trip
is along a gravel road that passes through extraordinary landscapes
of dense forests between mountains and cliffs.
In the afternoon we arrive at the hotels Pier and then cross the Puyuhuapi
Channel by motorboat in just 10 minutes. |
| Days 2,3
& 4 (Fri to Sun) PUYUHUAPI LODGE & SPA |
| Surrounded
by lush vegetation, and accessible only by sea, this unique lodge
is where understated luxury and a well planed simplicity combine to
create a unique atmosphere. The lodge offers a variety of fascinating
excursions in the cold rainforest and the Queulat National Park, after
which one can wind down in the outdoor hot spring pools and the edge
of the sea or in the Spa. The Spa's facilities are complete. Enjoy
its large hydro massage pool, Jacuzzis, spring-water fountain, and
steam sauna, and then reap the benefits of thalassotherapy sessions,
relaxation massages, and facial treatments. |
| Day 5 Mon
PUYUHUAPI - SAN RAFAEL LAGOON & GACIER - CHACABUCO |
| Our day
begins early. At 7 a.m. we board the PATAGONIA EXPRESS catamaran and
begin our journey through the austral fjords on our way to the San
Rafael Lagoon. The 7-hour route is a sheer delight to the senses:
the transparency of the waters, the majesty of the Andes Mountains
wrapped in lush forests, the play of light interwoven through the
clouds, and sometimes... encounters with playful dolphins. Sailing
through a number of channels, we finally reach the Tempanos River,
which leads us to the San Rafael Lagoon, home to a millenarian glacier.
After a visit of approximately 2 hours, we begin our return trip,
arriving in Puerto Chacabuco around 10:30 p.m., where we will be transferred
to the hotel in this port or Coyhaique. |
| Day 6 Tues
CHACABUCO - BALMACEDA |
| After breakfast,
we travel by bus along the route that follows the Simpson River, from
Chacabuco or Coyhaique, and then continue on the airport in Balmaceda
(approx. 2 hrs)
|
| |
| Day 1 Sat/Tue
BALMACEDA - PUYUHUAPI LODGE & SPA |
| Reception
in the Balmaceda airport. We begin our tour through the Aysen region,
crossing during 45 min. Patagonian pampas to reach the city of Coyhaique.
Along the way we are likely to spot pairs of caiquenes (wild goose)
and flocks of bandurrias (storks) through the grasses. The vast remains
of burned over forests are vestiges of the region's recent colonization
period. After a short visit to the city, we continue on, following
the Simpson River until we reach Puerto Chacabuco (1:15 hr), where
the PATAGONIA EXPRESS catamaran waits to take us on a 5-hour cruise
through the southern fjords and channels to reach our destination:
the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa. |
| Day 2 Sun/Wed
PUYUHUAPI LODGE & SPA |
| The lodge
and its staff warmly welcome guests and invite to explore and experience
the stunning wilderness of Chilean Patagonia. Numerous excursions
guide you through the temperate forest to the Queulat National Park
and its Hanging Glacier, easy bicycle trips to the Carretera Austral,
or explore the Dorita Bay in boats and kayaks. Back to the Lodge,
you can enjoy the thermal waters and a complete Spa offering relaxation
massages and the benefits of thalassotherapy sessions to unwind after
a day full of excursions and impressions. Refined gastronomy with
regional fresh sea food and vegetables coming from our own greenhouse
and selection of fine Chilean wines is also part of the experience. |
| Day 3 Mon/Thu
PUYUHUAPI - LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL - CHACABUCO |
| Our day
begins early. At 7 a.m we board the PATAGONIA EXPRESS catamaran and
begin our journey through the austral fjords on our way to the San
Rafael Lagoon. The 7-hour trip is a sheer delight to the senses: the
transparency of the waters, the majesty of the Andes Mountains wrapped
in lush forests, the play of light interwoven through the clouds,
and sometimes... encounters with playful dolphins. Sailing through
a number of channels, we finally reach the Tempanos River, which leads
us to the San Rafael Lagoon, home to a millenarian glacier. After
a visit of approximately 2 hours, we begin our return trip, arriving
in Puerto Chacabuco around 10:30 p.m., where we will be transferred
to the hotel in this port or Coyhaique. |
| Day 4 Tue/Fri
CHACABUCO - BALMACEDA |
| After breakfast,
our bus takes us back along the route that follows the Simpson River,
from Chacabuco or Coyhaique and then on to the airport in Balmaceda
(approx. 2 hours). |
| Note: the
internal flights to be arranged are LA075 to arrive and LA074 to leave
the programs. If you need the quotation for the internal flights,
please let us know! |
|
|
|
PROGRAMS
|
PCR009
Thursdays to Tuesday
|
PCR010 Saturday to Tuesday
PCR011 Tuesday to Friday
|
|
SEASON
|
High
|
Low
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Double Superior
|
1900
|
1650
|
1450
|
1200
|
|
Single Standard
|
2100
|
1860
|
1600
|
1360
|
|
Double Bay Standard
|
1700
|
1470
|
1300
|
1050
|
|
Double Forest Standard
|
1590
|
1350
|
1200
|
990
|
|
Duplex/Cottage
(4-6 pax)
|
1430
|
1250
|
1100
|
950
|
|
| |
- Notes:
Kids up to 2 years old are free
- Children between 2 to 18 years old sharing room with adult US$
100 per night.
- Special departures (*) extra day US$ 300 per person and children
US$ 100, each one.
|
| |
Low
Season: September 30 to November 12, 2006 & March 20 to April
30, 2007
High Season: November 13, 2006 to March 19, 2007 |
|
|
|
Month
|
PCR011 Tuesday-Friday
|
PCR010 Saturday-Tuesday
|
PCR009 Thursday-Tuesday
|
|
October
|
17 - 24- 31
|
21 - 28
|
19-26
|
|
November
|
7 - 14- 21 - 28
|
4 - 11 - 18 - 25
|
2 - 9- 16 - 23-30
|
|
December
|
5 - 12 - 19
-26
|
2 - 9 - 16 - 23* - 29*
|
7 - 14 - 21* - 28*
|
|
January
|
2 - 9 - 16 - 23 - 30
|
6 - 13 - 20 - 27
|
|
|
February
|
6 - 13 - 20 - 27
|
3 - 10 - 17 - 24
|
1 - 8 - 15 - 22
|
|
March
|
6 - 13 - 20 - 27
|
3 - 10 - 17- 24 - 31
|
1 - 8 - 15 -22 - 29
|
|
April
|
3 - 10 - 17 - 24
|
5*- 14 - 21 - 28
|
3* - 12 - 19 -26
|
|
| |
|
* Special departures
Christmas: PCR009 starts Dec. 21 & PCR010 starts on Dec.
23.
New Year: PCR 009 starts Dec 28 & PCR010 + 1 day (5 days)
starting on Dec 29 (additional day).
Easter: PCR010 starts on April 3 & PCR010 starts on April
5.
|
| |
|
Notes:
- Rates are valid for passengers who are non resident in Chile,
affected to the tax exemption according to D.L. 825, art. 12.
- Rates are subject to changes without previous notice.
- When passengers book these programs, they accept the company's
General Conditions.
- Rates are in US Dollar, per person, according to program, season
and type of room selected in Termas de Puyuhuapi Hotel & SPA.
|
| |
|
INCLUDED :
- Ground transfers from Balmaceda
- Navigation on board the high-speed Catamaran Patagonia Express,
drinks and beverages on board.
- Lodging in Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, according to program selected.
- Full board, soft drinks, beer or wine during meals.
- 1 night lodging with breakfast in Puerto Chacabuco or Coyhaique
on the last night of the programs.
- Menu of excursions: sea kayaks, mountain bike, trekking and
visits of Puyuhuapi village and Queulat national park.
- Use of outside thermal pools and Spa facilities.
|
|
NOT INCLUDED :
- Airfares
- Tips
- Tax
- Drinks during hotel stays (except wine & soft drinks during
meals)
- Laundry
- Additional excursions
- Telephone calls
- Thalassotherapy and massages.
|
BOOKING
AND PAYMENTS
Reservations are confirmed when the payment is made of a 30% deposit
on the total cost. Balance must be paid in full at least 30 days prior
to departure trip. If reservation has not been confirmed this way,
the space will be available to other passengers.
Modifications are acceptable 20 days prior to the original departure
date but subject to availability. |
| |
|
CANCELLATIONS: have to be made in writing to our office
and will have the following deductions:
- Before 45 day prior the trip, US$ 50 per reservation
- Between 45 and 30 day prior the trip, 15% of the total cost
- Between 29 and 10 day prior the trip, 50% of the total cost
- Less than 10 days before the trip, No refund
|
| |
|
INSURANCE:
Rates include an individual accident insurance policy which covers
up to US$ 20.000 per person in the event of an accident of the vessel.
Passengers may choose to take out an additional insurance policy
privately, always recommendable.
Note: due to the extension of the trip, we do not recommend to
travel with children under 5 years old. Special discounts for children
up to 16 years old, traveling with parents.
|
|
