Northern Patagonia & Coyhaique City
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Port
Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
City Tour,Hiking,Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Your tour departs from Puerto Chacabuco on the legendary Carretera Austral. This road was built in 1976 to connect Puerto Montt with Puerto Yungay.
You will drive approximately 50 miles through a gloriously rugged landscape to the Simpson River Reserve. Situated in the Simpson Valley, the reserve encompasses 98,844 acres of nature in its purest form. Rounded hills rise to 6,161 feet and are surrounded by silent forests; deep valleys are filled with the rustling of numerous waterfalls. Check out the Visitor Center here -- it affords a dramatic outlook over a scenic combination of river, canyon and valley panoramas.
Next, you’re headed eastward to the city of Coyhaique, crossing the Andes Mountains at 1,476 feet. The road follows the Simpson River through a narrow valley that is home to an abundance of bird species.
Coyhaique is the capital of the Aysén region, which claims breathtakingly steep peaks, glaciers, cascading rivers and grassy steppes. Take some time to stroll in the central plaza with its cathedral and browse at the handicrafts market .
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a sweater and a raincoat. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Refreshments will be served en route. This tour is available only on certain sailings and is dependent upon time in port. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here; you are trading breadth of experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties or operational surprises that may crop up. The transportation does not have air conditioning. Shops in Coyhaique open after 10am, meaning the shopping is not available for guests on early morning and Sunday departures; more time in other locations will be substituted.