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| Itinerary |
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DAY 1:
(Puerto Varas - Chiloe Island : Chiloe Churches mini Museum - Chiloe Ancud Historic Museum - Penguin colony of Puñihuil or Trekking Chiloe Coastline)
Puñihuil Penguin Colony in Chiloe Coastline close to Ancud.
 At 8 AM we will meet in Puerto Varas. This is a small pleasant
city 20 km north of Puerto Montt, located along the shores of Llanquihue
Lake and in front of Osorno volcano.
We will have to drive south east for one hour for a 30
minute ferry crossing through the Chacao Channel till Chiloe Archipiélago, located inmediately north of Corcovado Gulf.
As soon as we arrive to the town of Ancud, we will visit a kind of museum installed in an old church , where are represented in scale , samples of the Churches of Chiloe that are declared by UNESCO as World Heritage.
While we visit the place, we will receive complete information about them. Also there you can see some original parts that are being restored by chilote wooden artisans.
After this we will go to visit the Ancud Museum , to have an idea of the geographical, historical and cultural dimensions of this island. Then go for lunch (not included) and inmediately after, we will drive west , close to Quetalmahue Gulf.
September till March:
When we arrive at the Pacific Coast we embark in boats to get to the
unique penguin colony on the islands off the coast of Puñihuil– the only place in the world
where Humboldt and Magellan penguins nest side by side. It is not allowed to leave the
boat, because these are protected breeding grounds.
The area is very rich and supports
many other species, including 3 species of nesting cormorants (Red-legged, Rock &
Imperial), Kelp Geese, three gull species, skuas, Blackish and Magellanic Oyster Catchers, sometimes sea otters , flightless steamer duck).Some penguins start arriving in August , mostly from September till March. If we have time we will go for an short hike to have an idea of the area where we are.
From April till August :
After visiting Ancud, when we arrive at the Pacific coast , we will start a trekking in the rugged Chiloe coastline , with impressive views of the sea.
In the afternoon
we will drive south by rolling hills and beautiful farmlands to a special zone, the Dead Valley of
Rio
Chepu (Chepu River).
This tidal effected valley dropped 2 m (7 ft) during the massive earthquake in
1960, which formed huge wetlands at the juncture of two flat rivers.
We will spend the night at a local chiloe family house sharing with them their dinner and learning from their stories. (B-L-D)
Chiloe roads conecting culture and nature
DAY 2:
(Sea kayaking and birwatching at Dawn in the Dead Tree Valley wetlands of Chepu River)
Early in the morning, after a fresh breakfast , the exploration starts ....
Dead Tree Valley in the Wetlands of Chepu River
Why we choose to paddle our seakayaks in the Dead Valley of Chepu River ?
If you like nature and appreciate tranquility, this is the right spot for you.
The wetlands of Chepu were created in 1960 when there was an earthquake, the largest earthquake recorded to date, , which sunk the ground by 2m. It let salt water in and that killed thousands of trees, so the whole area is covered with grey ghostly tree skeletons surrounded by lush green forests and grasslands, naked trees which give this spot a mystic touch.
This area is a combination of extensive coastline and complex wetlands , bays and estuaries , intricate river networks.... a top-quality birding place.
We travel silently by kayak up this flat river, past the remnants of the submerged forest, and look for birds, such as the
Snowy, Great and Cattle Egrets, the Cocoi (White-necked) Heron, White-winged & Redgartered
Coots, White-tufted & Great Grebe, and the Spectacled Duck. This unique area
is home and nesting area to more than 60 species of birds, offering a special opportunity
for observation.
The mixture of
forest, freshwater and tidal areas offers a wide range of species to observe, making this a
wonderful day of birding.
The plan is to start kayaking at dawn so you can experience the sunrise over the water , listen the first birds , to be alone in a kayak surrounded by dead trees, wetlands, and rare and endemic birds that stay quiet while you picture them .....all this will make you feel in a different time and space. While we paddle we will stop for a boxlunch and continue exploring this special place.
In the afternoon, early dinner (not included) and return to Puerto Varas at night / (B-BL-D).
WEATHER:
It is characterized by a temperate maritime rainy climate, but not particularly cold; the average annual temperature is 10,7ºC. The best weather is found between October and April. Summer temperatures are nice and with occasional rainfall.
| Requirements |
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- Swimming expertise.
- Physical state and health compatible with the activity to be
performed.
- Previous indication of any illness or health problem
- Positive attitude in front of unexpected situations. You'll
find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility
and a sense of humor with you.
- Understand that this kind of trips requieres team work meanaing
the participation of each person at each stage .
- Understand that all activities performed in nature can indicate
some risk.
- The program could be modified at any stage due to weather conditions
or sudden incidents that could affect the security of the group
- Before trip starts you must send us signed the Release of Liability Form. and the Reservation and Medical
Forms that appears after you press the Reservation Button.
- To have read and have a clear understanding of the Terms and Conditions section.
| Includes |
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- SMALL GROUPS, maximum of 8 (safety and respect for the environment
and the local colonos)
- Authentic interaction with the local people we meet in the area.
- Safety talk about paddling and rescue techniques.
- Penguin colony boat trip
- Lodging in local chiloe family house
- Transportation in private vehicle Puerto Varas-Chiloé-Puerto Varas.
- Ferry tickets to cross the Chacao Channel
- All the food from lunch day 1 till lunch day 2
(Breakfast / L: box lunch / D: dinner)
- Complete Paddling Equipment : expedition double sea kayaks imported
from the USA, Germany and Canada , with original rudder, spray skirt,
paddles, life jackets, paddling jackets , paddle float and pumps.
- Safety Equipment: Satellite Telephone, VHF Marine Radio, towing
equipment, tide tables.
- Guide: certified as BCU 4 STAR Seakayak Award, English speaking
guide with NOLS trainning, first aid and rescue knowledge (Wilderness
First Responder Course).
Note:
* This is not an ornithological tour.
*
We
must state that the success of this type of trips is subject to
unexpected weather and personal situations, so a positive attitude , an adventurous spirit
and good disposition will be fundamental.
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