This is a soft adventure trip that visits what has been described as the most beautiful section of the Carretera Austral. Lago General Carrera is the second largest lake in South America, and with 590m of depth, it is certainly the deepest. On the Chilean side, the lake is framed by mountains, while on the Argentinean side it borders onto the dry Pampas. This region of Patagonia has an unusually mild and sunny microclimate, which makes it possible to grow much fruit. We will be visiting a stunning marbel cave 'Catedrales Marmol', go hiking or horseback riding through lush native forest of Coigues and Lengas, and visit the Tamango National Reserve, where if we are lucky, we will be able to catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Chilean deer known as 'huemul'. We will sail through the fantastic landscape of uninhabited fjords and visit the immensely impressive glacier Montt. A varied itinerary that takes in some stunningly beautiful sights and scenery in southern Chile.

Day 1: Balmaceda - Lago General Carrera

Today you will be picked up from the Balmaceda Airport and start your journey into this magical, unexplored region of Patagonia. We will stop on the way to have lunch, before boarding a boat to explore beautiful lake General Carrera and one the region's most impressive attractions the 'Marble Cathedral', a fantastic formation carved in a rock wall by the water over the course of many centuries. Then you will head down South to reach our final destination. Overnight in Lodge on the shore of Lago General Carrera. (L, D)

Day 2: Exploring the surroundings

This morning after a great breakfast you will be able to choose to go on a hike or on a horseback ride to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding the lodge. After lunch you will have the afternoon free to truly experience the peace and quiet of this lonely region or to explore on your own some of the local forest. Overnight at a Lodge on the shores of Lago General Carrera. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Puerto Bertrand - Río Baker - Caleta Tortel

After breakfast we will leave the cabins and drive south along the Austral Highway to the town of Cochrane. From here we continue on to the Tamango National Reserve; the only area where you can observe the huemul, a native deer and highly protected species. We will hike through the park, observing the abundant vegetation and fauna and have lunch on the way. We will continue driving south along the Carretera Austral to Tortel, located in a deep Fjord on the Pacific Ocean, between the Northern and Southern Ice Fields. Overnight at Caleta Tortel. (B, BL, D)

Day 4: Caleta Tortel - Excursion

Caleta Tortel is a unique town, situated at the mouth of Chile's biggest river: the Baker, this place is home of approximately 400 inhabitants. Here and built on stilts you can see the houses where these people, who came here because of the timber industry, live. The only way to explore this amazing place is by walking some of the 7 km or 3 miles of wooden walkways that connect all of the village’s corners. Today you will be given the choice to participate in some interesting optional excursions like navigating to Isla de los Muertos or Pisagua falls. Overnight in Caleta Tortel. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Caleta Tortel - Lake General Carrera

Today we will start going back towards the Lago General Carrera, our final destination is our lodge overlooking the lake, for a good night of sleep. Overnight in Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Transfer to Balmaceda or Coyhaique

After breakfast you will be taken to Balmaceda Airport to catch your connecting flight. (B)

Rates for 2011/2012 - per person

Notes:

Program includes: Transfers in/out between the Balmaceda airport and the lodge, 5 overnights with full board (breakfast / lunch box / dinner), use of hotel facilities, entrance fees, daily explorations (see program), bilingual guides

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Accommodations used for this Itinerary

Hotel Terraluna Lodge*** Located on 15 acres of private land with about 500 m / 1.640 ft of beach, the lodge has a superb location. It is open all year around and offers an extraordinary view over Lago General Carrera and the surrounding mountains. The hotel is a large, wooden Georgian-style building with 4 triplex apartments (for maximum 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 children) a shared terrace, restaurant and leisure room, totally equipped. Each apartment can be used as Hotel rooms (maximum 2 PAX/apartment) or as an apart hotel (maximum 6 PAX/apartment). The general facilities of the hotel include parking, restaurant, heating, bar, 24-hour front desk, garden, terrace, panoramic Jacuzzi and artificial thermal bath tub. Apartments do not have their own kitchens.

Hotel Entre Hielos Lodge*** Located in the unique town of Caleta Tortel with its houses on stilts and wooden walkways, this Lodge is an excellent choice for experiencing the unique ambience of Patagonia. the lodge features 6 comfortable rooms, restaurant service, a great bar and an always inviting hot tub are just some examples of this great lodge.