Chile
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DESTINATION MANAGEMENT CHILE(SA) |
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Company
D.M.C. - Destination Management Chile S.A., was founded in December, 1989 as a Destination Management Company with the following objectives:
To be your “local office” in Chile, giving you the maximum coverage, both in relation to your customers handled by us while visiting Chile, and with local suppliers.
To provide the most efficient service to our partners, including 24-hour availability in case of emergencies, as well as a guaranteed reply to requests within a maximum of 24 hours.
To offer the best professional and personalized service in the following areas:
UP MARKET F.I.T.’s
GROUP ARRANGEMENTS
MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS
INCENTIVES
We know how important a professionally-operated program is for you and your customers, and we want to help you plan the ultimate program, while taking both time and budget into account.
Although our company is relatively new, we, as professionals, have many years of experience in the business and are determined to work harder to be successful!
And remember - when WE are successful, YOU are the WINNER!
We look forward to working with you,
General Information About Chile
GEOGRAPHY
Chile’s geography is probably the most unique in the world. The country is 5,302 kilometers (3,313 miles) long and has an average width of 200 km (120 mi). Situated along the southwest coast of South America, the Pacific Ocean forms its western border, while the Andes Mountain range provides its eastern border with Argentina and Bolivia. The Atacama Desert borders Peru in the north and its southern territories extend to the South Pole. Chile’s Pacific territories also include Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island.
Just before landing in Santiago's international airport, you will have a spectacular view of the Andes and the Aconcagua Mountain, which, at 7,043 meters (23,106 feet) is the highest mountain in South America and located just north of Santiago. Chile has more than 15 active snow-capped volcanoes and its northern dessert boasts some spectacular geysers. The south offers some of the world's largest "active" glaciers, as well as beautiful lakes and fjords. The central and central-southern parts of the country are blessed with fertile farmlands and large forests, and the areas surrounding Santiago are dotted with fine vineyards.
CLIMATE
Due to its long and narrow shape, Chile has many different climate zones, which can be roughly divided into four:
| North |
Warm, dry, and sunny year round. |
| Central |
Mild weather year round, comparable to the Mediterranean. The warmest months are from December to February, with temperatures reaching 90°F (32° C) during the day. |
| South |
(Lake District) more variable climate, and although there is a possibility of rain in any season, it rarely lasts more than ½ - 1 day at a time. The weather is mild from November through March with an average temperature of 70°-80°F (22°-29°C) in the daytime. Winter weather is comfortable to cool. Snow is rare. |
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Far South |
During the spring and summer months (November - March), the temperature rarely exceeds 70° F (22°C). The weather is always unpredictable and strong winds are common. |
| Easter Island |
Comfortable climate with an average temperature of 65°F (18.5°C). It is cool during June - August, dry from October - March, and quite rainy from April – September |
| Robinson Crusoe Island |
Warm and comfortable from October through April, cool and frequently VERY windy from late May to mid-September. |
POPULATION
Chile’s population reaches approximately 14 million people, of which 5 millions live in the large metropolitan area of Santiago. The port city of Valparaíso and neighboring Viña del Mar comprise the second largest city area, followed by Concepción to the south.
Chile was colonized in the early 16th century when the Spaniards arrived in the Mapocho Valley, where they founded Santiago. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries a new wave of settlers came from Europe, primarily from Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. Until that time the country had been sparsely populated by the original inhabitants, most of whom were indigenous Mapuches and Quechuas
LANGUAGE
As is common in most of South America, Spanish is the official language, although some indigenous languages are still spoken, particularly Mapuche and Quechua. English is spoken at all major hotels, restaurants, and stores.
RELIGION
More than 90% of Chileans are Roman Catholics. The remainder are Jews, Mormons, Protestants, and others.
BUSINESS HOURS
| Banks: |
Monday - Friday |
09:00 am - 02:00 pm |
| Offices: |
Monday - Friday |
09:00 am - 06:00 or 7:00 pm |
| Shops: |
Monday - Friday |
09:00 am - 07:30 pm |
|
Saturday |
09:00 am - 02:00 pm |
| Shopping Malls |
Seven days a week |
09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Supermarkets |
Seven days a week |
09:00 am - 10:00 pm |
TIPPING
Restaurants and bars do not usually add a service fee. It is customary to leave a 10-12% tip.
All taxis have meters. Chileans tend not to tip taxi drivers. However, a small tip (up to 10% maximum) from a visitor is always welcome, though not expected.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Chilean Peso. As of July, 2002, the exchange rate is 668 pesos to US$1.
Chilean coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 pesos. Paper bills come in denominations of 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000 and 20,000 pesos.
It is not recommended that visitors use the unofficial exchange services offered in the streets, as the risk of being cheated is considerable. Money can be exchanged safely and conveniently at banks and the many officially recognized money exchange offices (casas de cambio). Traveler’s checks are also widely accepted and there is an American Express office in downtown Santiago.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Diner’s Club, and American Express, etc.) are accepted.
CLOTHING
In most of the country, you will only need light-weight pants and dresses, short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, comfortable shoes, and a light sweater for the evenings during the warm summer months (November through March). If you plan to travel to the south, heavier clothing is recommended.
Chileans tend to be quite informal, but they do like to dress up elegantly during the evenings, and a jacket and tie will be required for any official functions. Business people dress formally and a jacket and tie for men is a must if attending business meetings.
Example Programmes
Wine Tour – La Posada
2 days / 1 night Sunday to Friday
This Wine Route is a journey through some of the main vineyards of the Valleys of Colchagua and Maule, located 150 miles south of Santiago. In two days, you will be able to see, and to understand the process of elaboration of the best and most grateful wines in our country, visiting the facilities of the wineries La Posada, and Pueblo Antiguo in the valley of Colchagua; and Los Robles, Miguel Torres, and La Fortuna in the valley of Maule.
We will enjoy a glass of the different varieties of wines produced by these wineries, visit their vineyards, and taste the typical country food. You also will be able to acquire at a convenient price, the wines you most enjoy.
It includes a visit to the Museum of Colchagua, property of the Foundation Cardoen, where you will be able to admire a unique group of pieces of the Latin American cultures, and especially of the area of Colchagua.
ITINERARY
Day 1
08:00 Departure from Santiago
10:30 Arrival at Pueblo Antiguo winery. Reception. Visit the facilities. Wine tasting
12:00 Departure
12:30 Arrival at La Posada winery. Reception. Visit to the vineyard and facilities, wine tasting
13:45 Lunch at La Posada
15:15 Departure
15:25 Arrival at the Museum of Colchagua (Cardoen Foundation)
17:30 Departure
17:45 Dinner and lodging at La Posada
Day 2
09:30 Departure from La Posada
11:00 Arrival at Miguel Torres’ winery (Curicó)
12:15 Arrival at Los Robles winery
13:45 Lunch at the Restaurant La Laguna
15:45 Visit to La Fortuna winery
20:00 Arrival at the Hotel in Santiago
WILD RUPANCO AND PETROHUE RIVER FISHING
(4 Days – 3 Nights)
Day 2 Friday
Petrohué River
Float fishing on special Catarraft from Hueñu - Hueño river to Frío river.
Length : approximately 9 hours
Included : Guide service, surface transportation and box Lunch
Boat and wade fishing at the best spots of the river, where you could catch Rainbow, Steelhead, Brown, Sea-run and sometimes Coho Chinook and Atlantic Salmon.
We recommend using Shooting or Wet Tip, medium or fast sinking: with medium or fast action rods, numbers 6 to 8; fly selection for these species.
ITINERARY:
07:30 am : Southern style breakfast at the lodge
08.00 am : Transfer to Hueñu - Hueñu River
08:45 am : Arrival at Petrohue River
09:30 am : Start fishing
01:30 pm : Lunch at the river
06:30 pm : Return to the lodge
- Dinner
- Lodging
Day 3 Saturday
Fishing at Rupanco Lake. 3 Inlet rivers
Length : approximately 10 hours
Included : Guide service, boat, transfer and box lunch
Wade fishing on wonderful inlet rivers on the south bank of the lake where you could catch beautiful Rainbow Trout and, sometimes, Chinook and Coho Salmon.
ITINERARY:
07:30 am : Southern style breakfast at the Lodge
08:00 am : Transfer to different fishing places
09:15 am : Start Fishing
01:00 pm : Lunch at the Lake
06:30 pm : Go back to the Lodge
- Dinner
- Lodging
Day 4 Sunday
Fishing at the stream inlets of Llanquihue Lake
Length : approximately 4 hours
Included : Guide service and boat.
Wade fishing on wonderful stream onlet on the banks of the lake. You could catch beautiful Rainbow Trout, medium and large (over 6 pounds); superb Atlantic and Coho Salmon.
ITINERARY:
06:30 am : Southern breakfast at the Lodge
07.00 am : Transfer by engine boat to the different fishing points
07:15 am : Start fishing
11:30 am : return to the Lodge
01:00 pm : Lunch
- Rest and transfer to the airport.
EL MIRADOR DE PLAYA GUADAL
the pear the lake general carrera aisen, the chilean PATAGONIA PROGRAMME : HORSEBACK RIDING
Day 1
Arrival at the airport of Balmaceda and departure by mini-van via the Carretera Austral Sur to the resort. During this tour of about 6 hours we pass through beautiful places like the national park Castillo Hill and the area affected by the eruption of the Hudson Vulcan.
21:00 Welcome dinner at the resort.
Day 2
09:00 Breakfast
10:30 Departure by mini-van to the High Lands at 30 minutes from the resort, where the horses will be waiting us for our first tour to the forgotten Mine.
13:00 Box lunch
14:30 Continue of the trip to Mata Redonda.
18:00 Return to the resort.
21:00 Dinner at the resort.
Day 3
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Departure to the Maquis waterfall
13:00 Country lunch
14:30 Horseback riding in the surroundings of the waterfall, following the course of the river Maquis.
18:00 Departure to the resort.
21:00 Dinner
Day 4
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Discovering the high Lands nearby the resort.
13:00 Lunch: barbecue in the quincho.
14:00 Departure in a mini-van visiting Cochrane and Puerto Bertrand.
18:00 Return to the resort.
21:00 Dinner
Day 5
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Departure to Balmaceda airport.
13:00 Box lunch at the shore of the river Murta.
16:00 Arrival at the Balmaceda airport.
Package :
TORRES DEL PAINE & GLACIERS FROM PUERTO NATALES
(SIB SERVICES)
DAY 1 Punta Arenas /Puerto Natales (246 kms)
Upon arrival at the airport, pick up and transfer to downtown Punta Arenas to the busterminal to take your regular bus to Puerto Natales. The trip takes about 4 hours through the endless Patagonian pampa scattered with houses of the Estancias of the area that are in the business of sheep raising. Arrival in Puerto Natales and immediate transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight Cisne Cuello Negro.
DAY 2 Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine National Park/Puerto Natales (336 KM)
Today, we will visit the famous Torres del Paine National Park. Our first stop is at Mylodon Cave, where the almost intact remains of a giant sloth were found in 1895 by Captain Eberhard. Then, we continue to the park. The landscape is filled with lakes, among which, we will see Lake Sarmiento, Lake Nordenskjiold, the beautiful Lake
Pehoe with its fantastic view, and Lake Grey, where we will stop to have our box lunch. On the way back, a visit to Salto Grande Waterfall. Here a short hike exposes the rugged beauty surrounding this scenic spot. Then continue to Laguna Amarga, known for its intense blue color and habitat of a flamingo colony. Then head out of the park and back to Puerto Natales. Overnight. Cisne Cuello Negro
DAY 3 Puerto Natales/Serrano & Balmaceda Glaciers/Puerto Natales
Today, we will make a full day boat excursion to Serrano & Balmaceda glaciers. We will depart at 08:30 am and start our navigation through the Ultima Esperanza Sound to see the large Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers branching off from the Patagonian icecap, at Balmaceda National Park. Box lunch included. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Natales. Overnight. Cisne Cuello Negro.
Day 4 Puerto Natales /Punta Arenas (226 KM)
In the morning, transfer to the bus terminal to take your regular bus to Punta Arenas airport.
Termas de Puyuhuapi hotel & Spa-Austral Road (4 days / 3 nights) PCA
Tuesday / Saturday
BALMACEDA – PUYUHUAPI
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 TERMAS DE PUYUHUAPI, HOTEL & 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. Welcome!
Wednesday to Thursday / Sunday to Monday
TERMAS DE PUYUHUAPI, HOTEL & SPA
The cousy hotel offers thermal outdoor pools at the edge of the sea, footpaths for walks through the cold forest, visits to the Queulat National Park with its Hanging Glacier, easy bicycle trips along the Austral Highway, or, if you wish, you can explore the Dorita Bay in boats or kayaks.
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 and other treatments. Recover your energy and restore your spirit, with 4 treatments per day: Our staff has prepared a variety of activities guaranteed to make your stay a unique experience. Enjoy it!
Friday / Tuesday
PUYUHUAPI – BALMACEDA
At 7:30 am we board the motor-launch and cross the Puyuhuapi Channel to return by austral road to Coyhaique, where we will have lunch, and then, continue to the airport of Balmaceda. Bon Voyage & Hasta la Vista!
NOTE: This program may vary on day 1, where the trip to Puyuhuapi can be operated on board the catamaran PATAGONIA EXPRESS from Chacabuco to Puyuhuapi, with a comfortable 5 hour navigation. You can request additional nights in Termas de Puyuhuapi, Hotel & SPA.
Lauca National Park & Atacama 6 days/5 nights (seat in bus)
(Tour across The Atacam desert Arica/Iquique)
Day 1
After arrival. Arica apt-transfer to the hotel. Arica-pm visit Axaoa valley and San Miguel de A. museum.
Day 2
Lluta valley - Pukara de Copaquilla-Putre-overnight hosteria Las Vicuñas (Brkst incl.)
Day 3
Visit Lauca national park-Lake Chungara-return to Arica-htl Arica 1 night. (Brkst incl.)
Day 4
By coach to Iquique- 4.5 hrs drive thru Atacama-desert. Htl Pratt 2 nights(Brkst incl.)
Day 5
Visit Humberstone, Pozo Amonte and Tamarugal Forest. Return to Iquique (Brkst incl.)
Day 6
Morning citytour and transfer to Iquique apt.
THE ANDES TO THE PACIFIC
Day 1
Trfin apt PMC /Htl Petrohue
Dinner and overnight at the hotel Petrohue (breakfast)
Day 2
Free Day for optionals :
1)Optional : Trekking Exc. Vicente Perez R. National Par
2)Optional : Exc. Peulla con almuerzo
3)Optional : River Rafting Rio Petrohue
Dinner and overnight hotel Petrohue (breakfast)
Day 3
Full Day Cochamo with lunch + Exc. Rio Puelo by boat + transfer a Puerto Montt via Estuary
Overnight hotel Viento Sur with breakfast
Day 4
Exc. Full day Chiloe, Castro with lunch, visit Criadero de Ostras back to Puerto Montt in the afternoon.
Overnigh hotel Viento Sur with breakfast
Day 5
Transfer from hotel to the airport
MARE AUSTRALIS
Beginning of Operations: Saturday, November 30, M/V Mare Australis.
Departures Saturdays from Punta Arenas and Wednesday from Ushuaia.
Navigation Route:
Punta Arenas - Ushuaia (4 nights), Ushuaia - Punta Arenas (3 nights), Punta Arenas - Punta Arenas (7 nights), Ushuaia - Ushuaia (7 nights)
M/V Mare Australis Itinerary
Saturday:
Departure from Punta Arenas 9:00 pm.
Sunday:
Disembarkment in Ainsworth Bay to observe the Marinelli Glacier from a distance and visit a colony of Elephant Seals.
Disembarkment and sighting Magellan Penguins in Tucker Islet.
Monday:
Navigation through the D'Agostini Fjord and sighting of the Serrano and D'Agostini Glacier.
Disembarkment at Cóndor Glacier's Bay.
Tuesday:
Disembarkment at Yendegaia Bay.
Disembarkment in Puerto Williams and optional tours.
Wednesday:
Arrival in Ushuaia and optional tours.
Departure from Ushuaia at 7:00 pm.
Thursday:
Navigation through the Beagle Channel and Murray Channel in order to disembark at Cabo de Hornos National Park.
Disembarkment at Walaia Bay (Former Indigenous site).
Friday:
Navigation through Beagle Channel and sighting of Glaciers.
Disembarkment in beach nearby Garibaldi Glacier for a trek excursion inside the virgin Magellan Forest.
Saturday:
Disembarkment in Magdalena Island to observe a colony of 120,000Magellan Penguins. This colony of penguins stay in the island only from October through March.
The M/V Mare Australis expedition comes to an end 11:00 am in Punta Arenas.
Suggested Sightseeing
SANTIAGO
VIÑA DEL MAR
HALF DAY – CITY TOUR SANTIAGO:
The tour includes the most important highlights of historic and modern Santiago, including La Moneda (the presidential palace), Club Hipico, and the Plaza de Armas with a visit to the Cathedral. Continue through the newer residential areas of the city including a visit to the top of San Cristobal Hill for a breathtaking view of Santiago.
UNDURRAGA VINEYARD AND POMAIRE
A morning tour through Santiago’s fertile surroundings with fruit plantations, farmlands, and vineyards. In the Undurraga winery, we see the different phases of wine production including the cellars, where the wine is aged in enormous oak barrels. Wine tasting. The tour continues on to the picturesque and folkloric village of Pomaire, known for its distinctive form of clay pottery sold at very reasonable prices.
CONCHA Y TORO VINEYARD & THE MAIPO VALLEY
Travel eastward through the suburbs of Santiago to the world-renowned Concha y Toro Vineyard, which sits surrounded by its own fields of noble grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot, and Merlot. Visit the production plant and cellars followed by a wine tasting with the opportunity to purchase fine wines at attractive prices. The tour continues through the Maipo Valley with its quaint villages amidst the wine-growing areas.
VALPARAISO & VIÑA DEL MAR
An attractive full day tour. Travel through mountain ranges and fertile farmlands famous for their orchards and citrus groves, and arrive in Valparaíso, Chile’s most important port city built on 42 hills. We pass by the new Parliament building, Fisherman’s Wharf, Plaza Sotomayor, and the Naval Academy, and see some of the city’s incredibly steep winding streets lined with small and colorful houses. We continue along the coast to fashionable Viña del Mar, the “Garden City,” where we pass by the unique “flower clock”, palm-fringed avenues, the Fine Arts Museum, the Municipal Casino, and the beautiful Rioja Palace, built during Viña’s belle epoque. Further up the coast, we visit some popular summer resort towns, such as Las Salinas, Reñaca, and Concon, and have lunch at a restaurant by the sea (not included in tour price). Return to Santiago in the late afternoon.
LOS LINGUES COLONIAL FARM
We drive south on the Pan American Highway approximately 78 miles (125 km) to reach the historic farm, Los Lingues, whose construction was begun in 1545. Los Lingues is the only Chilean member of the Relais et Chateaux, the prestigious international chain of high-quality country-home hotels and restaurants. Its land holdings include 1,000 acres of farmlands and 8,000 acres of forests and rolling hills. The farm’s owners will make you their valued guests for the day and show you around the old and well-maintained house and valuable historic art and antique collection. The Los Lingues gardens alone are worth the visit, with their well-kept grounds and large array of native flora including trees, flowers, plants, and herbs, as well as a large variety of birds. Los Lingues also has one of the most prestigious horse-breeding farms in South America, established in 1760. The “Aculeguano” is a cousin of the Lippizano horses of the Viennese Spanish riding school. This is one of the finest thoroughbred horses in the Americas, descended from the Numidiam and Berber African horses brought to South America by the Conquistadors.
You will be served Chilean empanadas and a drink before lunch and then enjoy typical Chilean home-cooking at its finest for a delicious lunch accompanied by especially-selected wines.
NORTHERN CHILE
Arica:
EXCURSION TO LAUCA NATIONAL PARK
A visit to wonderful Lauca National Park, an international biospheric and environmental reserve. You will see exotic flora and fauna. Herds of guanacos and vicuñas, vizcachas, and black-necked geese create an unexpected view. Parinacota and its 12th century church will be the culmination of such a splendid journey. Box lunch included. Open all year, although subject to confirmation in January through March.
Iquique:
FULL DAY TOUR TO PICA OASIS AND SALTPETER PLANTS
Early departure from the hotel to drive to the top of the coastal range. Visits to the Santa Laura and Humberstone Saltpeter plants (national historical monuments). Continue to Pica and Matilla Oases, well-known for their fruit production, especially the famous Pica lemons and oranges. Visit the Cocha Hot Springs, famous for the therapeutic properties of its mud. Return to Iquique passing through the Tamarugal Forest, located in the middle of the desert.
Approximately 11 hours, lunch included.
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
FULL DAY EXCURSIONS
* TATIO GEYSERS – GUATIN (Overland 210 km. R.T. – trekking)
Take a guided walk through the geothermal fields, observe the fumeroles (blowholes), hot mud craters and small geysers. Return via the majestic passage through the Andean Mountains, with a view of the Tocorpuri and Sairecahue Volcanoes.
* Stop for a break in Guatin, with its small Atacama-style farms where they raise crops and domestic animals. Here you see pre-Colombian routes used by Atacama’s first settlers.
* CASPANA – AYQUINA (Overland 360 km. R.T. – trekking)
One-day visit to Caspana, a small town noted for its architecture and terraced cultivation systems with Incan origins – evidence of the richness of the region’s Andean cultures. The people of Ayquina are devotees of the Virgin of Guadalupe and her shrine, at 3,000 meters above sea level, this is a site of constant pilgrimage.
* MISCANTI AND MEÑIQUES LAGOONS (Overland 270 k. R.T.)
These lagoons, at an altitude of 4,500 meters, are surrounded by imposing volcanoes that arose with the Andes Mountains in geologically remote times. The water comes from underground run-offs of melting ice. Along the way, we will visit Socaire, a small Atacamanian village.
* SENTINELS OF PAKANA – TARA SALT FLAT (Overland 290 km. R.T.)
Approximately 135 km southeast of San Pedro, Pakana is set of rocky columns preserved from geological times that give testimony to the violent volcanic activity during the Tertiary period. Wonderful scenery and view of the Tara Salt Flat’s extraordinary ecosystem at 4,500 meters.
* CHUQUICAMATA - CHIU CHIU – LASANA
Early morning visit to the impressive Chuquicamata Copper Mine, a national industry important to the Chilean economy. The tour through the world’s largest open pit mine is guided by mine personnel. Visit the town of Chiu Chiu, with one of Chile’s oldest intact churches, dating back to the arrival of the Spaniards. In the Lasana Valley, visit the pre-Colombian Pukara (fortress) and observe ancient rock art.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
FULL DAY TOUR TO VILLARICA AND THE LAKE & SKI RESORT OF PUCON
Drive to the town of Freire, located 30 km south of Temuco. Travel through lush forests, rolling hills, and beautiful landscapes to Lake Villarrica. Stop in the town with the same name to visit its museum and the commercial streets, where indigenous people selling their handicrafts are seen everywhere. Later, drive on along the lakeside road to the resort town of Pucon. Stops in Pucon include the Gran Hotel, the monastery, the pier, and the beaches, and the peninsula, where one of the most beautiful golf courses in Chile is located, overlooking the blue waters of the lake with an impressive view of the ever snow-capped Villarrica Volcano.
FULL DAY TOUR TO FRUTILLAR
Located on Lake Llanquihue, Frutillar is a charming German-style village with attractive beaches, which boasts the most complete museum in the area, which contains samples and relics of the German pioneers who colonized the region. High quality cuisine is also found here, specializing in regional dishes and old German "Delikatessen."
F/D TOUR TO PETROHUE FALLS
The first stop en route is the city of Puerto Varas, known as the "city of roses." Continuing to the east, drive along the lakeside road to Ensenada, a small town located on the southeastern coast of the lake. Just after Ensenada, the road leads to the famous Petrohue Falls. Continuing north, we reach Lake Todos Los Santos, which, due to its transparent, light green water is called the "Emerald Lake." Return to Puerto Montt, overlooking the snow-capped slopes of the Osorno Volcano, another of the wonders that can be appreciated during this spectacular excursion. The lakes and forests, framed by the snow-capped volcanoes, present a view that will be unforgettable for a lifetime.
F/D TOUR TO THE ISLAND OF CHILOE
Chiloe Island was the last area of the Chilean territory dominated by the Spaniards. The longer influence of Spanish conquistadors on the island is one of the reasons why today there is still quite a difference between the island's culture and the one in the rest of Chile. A ferry boat links continental Chile with the island. After crossing the Chacao Channel, we arrive in the city of Ancud. The Cathedral, San Antonio fortress, and the Chilote Museum are among the interesting places we visit on this tour
LAKE CROSSING DESCRIPTION
1. PUERTO MONTT / PUERTO VARAS / PETROHUE
76 km, 2 hours by bus
Morning departure on modern buses from Puerto Montt, passing through Puerto Varas and heading along the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue until reaching the Petrohue River Falls and rapids. After a 15-minute stop, buses continue on to Petrohue.
2. PETROHUE / PEULLA
13 Km, 1.4 hours by motor-ship
From the Petrohue pier, modern motor ships continue crossing through Todos Los Santos Lake, also called the Emerald Lake due to the deep green color of its water. While navigating, you can enjoy the magnificent presence of the Osorno Volcano, Puntiagudo Hill and Trovador Hill. Arrival in Peulla.
3. PEULLA / PUERTO FRIAS
27 km, 2 hours by bus.
After checking through the police and customs offices, you will continue by bus to Puerto Frias, reaching the maximum height of the trip, over 2,900 feet above sea level. Arrival in Puerto Frias and check-in with the Argentine police.
4. PUERTO FRIAS / PUERTO ALEGRE
2,5 Km, 20 minutes by motor ship
Short navigation through the green waters of Frias Lake. Arrival in Puerto Alegre.
5. PUERTO ALEGRE / PUERTO BLEST
6 km, 15 minutes by bus.
A short bus ride takes passengers from Puerto Alegre to Puerto Blest.
6. PUERTO BLEST / PUERTO PAÑUELO
10 km, 1.3 hours by motor ship.
A modern catamaran navigates the blue waters of the Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo.
7. PUERTO PAÑUELO / BARILOCHE
25 km, 20 minutes by bus.
Bus ride from Puerto Pañuelo to Bariloche downtown bus terminal.
PATAGONIA
Punta Arenas.
HALF DAY TOUR TO FORT BULNES AND FAMINE PORT
Depart from the hotel heading south 58 km along the Strait of Magellan to the very end of the continent! We arrive in "Puerto Hambre" (Famine Port), formerly called "Ciudad del Rey Felipe II" (King Philip II City), which was founded in 1584 by Sarmiento de Gamboa. Three hundred people were either killed by Indians or starved to death after being left there by Sarmiento. When the English pirate Cavendish landed in the bay in 1587, he found one sole survivor, and dubbed the city "Port Famine." Further south, we arrive in "Fuerte Bulnes," a careful reconstruction of the first Chilean fort established in 1843, when the Chilean government took possession of the Strait. The observation point at Fuerte Bulnes offers a superb view of the ocean.
HALF DAY TOUR TO PECKET PENGUIN COLONY
Heading northwest of Punta Arenas, we follow the road that borders Otway Bay and cross a huge sheep farm before coming to the penguin colony and caves where hundreds of these animals live and make their nests. This tour operates from November to February.