Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa is situated in a space of wild beauty; a place of fjords, native forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers. Deep within a remote recess of Patagonia, one of the least inhabited and most serenely beautiful places on earth. The lodge appears like a dream - sitting on the shore of a tranquil sea inlet of the Ventisquero Sound, accessible only by sea within the protected shore of Dorita Bay, in Southern Chile. Built in harmony with nature it offers rustic, yet supremely comfortable luxury amidst these wild, untamed surrounding 'South of Silence.'

Puyuhuapi was built from trees of the surrounding forests by local craftsmen almost three decades ago. Over the last 15 years the Kossmann family developed it into a unique lodge, welcoming people from all over the world. Guest can experience its magic and tranquility, combining exploration of the fjords, rainforest and surrounding Queulat National Park, plus a top-notch thalassotherapy centre offering thermal pools, pampering massages and seaweed treatments to unwind after a day of excursions. Despite its extreme remote location, the lodge offers all that you'd expect from a small luxury hotel: fine cuisine, comfortable accommodation and friendly service.

Facilities

The lodge offers natural hot spring swimming pools in the open air and on the sea shore as well as a modern hydro massage indoor pool. The structure of this Patagonian Lodge itself was designed to harmoniously combine with the surrounding Patagonian forests. The 33 rooms and cabins have been carefully designed and crafted from local wood and most feature balconies and panoramic views of the bay or forest. Located among the main buildings of the complex, they are all a short walk from the restaurant, reception, communal rooms and indoor spa area, and within 150 meters of the outdoor pools.

Different types of accommadations are available:

1 Suite Capitania /30 Double Superior Bay View Rooms

Dining

The restaurant at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa has an open and spacious ambiance, with numerous tables overlooking the bay. Guests are presented with refined 3-course, two option menu prepared by gourmet chefs, with the freshest regional seafood, and seasonal vegetables from the garden and greenhouse. Vegetarian and other diets can be catered to, and special plates can be prepared for children. The wine list is extensive, guest take pleasure in the exceptional offerings at Puyuhuapi, and take comfort in the fact that house wines are very carefully chosen. There is also a fully-stocked bar, adjacent to the main lounge with its huge fireplace, small library, comfortable chairs, sofas and enormous windows overlooking the bay.

Activities at Puyuhuapi

Travelers come to Puyuhuapi [pronounced Pooh - yeah - w˜ - pee] to experience the unimaginable solitude of the remote Patagonia wilds, in the land that is interwoven with glaciers, fjords, rivers and channels far from civilization. After driving 5 hours along Chile's Austral Road, where the Andes Mountain range are ever present, native forests quilt its slopes, eternal snows cover the peaks, or sailing 200 nautical miles without passing through any mayor civilization, guests can explore Patagonia and experience soft adventures like fly-fishing, trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, sea kayaking and day trips on Patagonia Express catamaran to the spectacular San Rafael Glacier and Lagoon. Plus after a fulfilling day of incredible excursions guest can relax in the natural hot springs or be pampered at the luxurious spa Puyuhuapi has to offer.

Exploring by Land- Puyuhuapi offers tours lasting about 2 hours through the woods of Canelo, either by day or night with torches, to hear the Chucao bird, to see the hanging glacier at its lookout spot or to just take in the serenity and solitude of theses extraordinary woods. Guests can explore by walking, mountain biking, or for a day of complete wonder, exercise and pleasure, an excursion on horseback is an option for longer stays. The ride will take about 4 hours, guided by local huasos (cowboys) with a stop for 2 hours to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Exploring by sea- - Patagonia by sea includes short and long trips kayaking, to the island of Pinique, to the fish farm of Caleta Chiguay to see the famous farmed salmon of Chile, or traveling by motor boat along the fiords to see the amazing scenery. On the shores of the Dorita Bay observe nature with a "birds eye view" as the king fisher waits on the pier at the lodge, looking into the crystal clear water to catch his meal, humming birds drink the nectar of the "chilco" (Fuschsia Magellanica) outside your window, and observe the black necked swans from a kayak in Dorita Bay. A trip aboard the Patagonia Express catamaran is the most relaxing and lavish opportunity to explore by sea. Cruise through the fjords until reaching San Rafael Lagoon and its amazing glacier.

Excursions

Queulat National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty near Puyuhuapi Lodge, which offers various expeditions for guests delight. All around the hotel is the remote Queulat National Park. Queulat National Park was created as such in October 1983 and it is administered by CONAF. Its surface extends over 154,000 hectares (380,380 acres) of fjords, canals, glaciers and ice fields, the majority of which remains uncharted to this day. Its rocky mountainsides, deep valleys, sharp snow peaks and glaciers show the signs of millennial ice ages. Among the activities that are possible in Queulat National Park are the observation of flora and fauna, sailing, fishing and trekking.

San Rafael Lagoon

San Rafael Lagoon offers scenery of breathtaking beauty. Aboard the Patagonia Express catamaran enjoy a unique journey across the fjords to the San Rafael Glacier. The trip to the San Rafael Lagoon and Glacier begins early in the morning at the Puyuhuapi Lodge pier. For the next seven hours guests will cruise through crystal-clear waters in the Patagonia Fjords, channels and uniquely shaped islands, the traveler's senses enjoy a spectacle of exceptional beauty as the landscape extends itself along the majestic snow-caped Andes. Guests can enjoy the playful interaction between dolphins and toninas (a native mammal), or even take pleasure in a beverage made with ice taken from the floating icebergs.

San Rafael Glacier

This finger of ice which hangs down towards the sea is part of the 1,742,000 hectares (4,302,740 acres) which make up the National Park of the San Rafael lagoon. In 1979 the San Rafael Lagoon was declared a reserve of the Biosphere by Unesco. It lies 600 km from Puerto Monnt in the extreme south of the Moraleda channel at the foot of the Northern Ice Fields. The San Rafael Glacier falls into the San Rafael Lagoon. The ice which forms the San Rafael Glacier is more than 300,000 years old and originated in the Nevado San Valentin, in the southern ice fields in the Andes mountain chain. Patagonia glaciers are magnificent, imposing, and majestic. On zodiac boats guests can visit the Patagonia glaciers and enjoy the incredible experience of sailing close to the icebergs which have fallen from the Patagonia glaciers into the San Rafael Lagoon where they float freely. For more information on excursions with Patagonia Connection.

Spa & Thalassotherapy

The waters of the spa are naturally pure, the source being just meters from the lodge. At the spa, you can enjoy the benefits of three very rare world wide, pristine water coverage's in one place; sea water, thermal water and water directly from the waterfall.

It's important to find ways to alleviate the stress of daily life, to find places to reenergize, and to reclaim that good feeling of well-being. The Spa at Puyuhuapi provides benefits from relaxation massages, beauty treatments, to thalassotherapy treatments.

Thalassotherapy, which combines the Greek words thalasso - ocean therapeuin - to heal, helps restore physiological balance through the use of products based on the benefits of the ocean, within a marine environment. Initially, the thalassotherapy Centers in France were devoted to rehabilitation and to the treatment of serious illnesses such a rheumatism, Arthritis, Lumbar problems and after bone fractures and sprains. Gradually, Thalassotherapy has moved towards a global conception of seawater treatment including fitness, relaxation, anti-stress, beauty and dietetics. In Puyuhuapi guests will find a complete spa amidst nature, perfect for unwinding after a day full of excursions and new experiences.

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, and facial as well as and other treatments. (Thalassotherapy treatments are at an extra charge, please inquire)

Rates for 2008/2009 - per person

There are 3, 4 and 5 day programs available - most operate only from October to April, but a couple are available all year round. For details please see the chart below. Click on the package code to view detailed itineraries of each program.

Children under 2 years Free. Ask for special rates for children between 2 and 14 years.

Note:

• Rates in US$ Dollars. Foreign passengers are granted a tax exemption, according to decree 825 art. 12, for foreigners who are not residents of Chile. These taxes are not included in the above rates.
• Rates are subject to changes without previous notice.

Christmas and New Year Supplement:

• Christmas: Regular Departures
• New Year: PC1 departs Mon, Dec. 29 //PC2 + 1 day, departs on Tues, Dec. 30.
• Easter: to be confirmed

Special Rates:

• Christmas: Regular rates
• New Year: Supplement USD 140 p/adult // USD 70 p/child // PC2 +1 day=PC4 rate.
• Easter: Regular rate.

Included

Ground transfers, navigation on board the high-speed Catamaran Patagonia Express (if considered in the program) and lodging in Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, according to each program. Use of indoor SPA and outdoor hot spring pools, Kayaks, Canoes, walks through the rain forest, mountain bike excursions, visit to Puyuhuapi Villages and Queulat National Park. Full board and soft drinks, beer or wine during meals. In PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4 programs, drinks and beverages on board the catamaran Patagonia Express and 1 night lodging with breakfast in Puerto Chacabuco or Coyhaique on the last night of the program.

Not included

Airfare, beverages in hotels (excepting soft drinks, beer and house-wine during meals at the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa) Thalassotherapy treatments and massages, communications, laundry, rental of motorboats, fly-fishing excursions (advanced booking mandatory).