Swoop Patagonia’s Cruise Combines Chile’s Majestic Fjords with Trekking in Pristine Rainforest
Swoop Patagonia is inviting enthusiastic naturalists and conservation-minded guests to be among the first to join its exclusive, new four-day ‘Chiloé & Pumalín Discovery: Wildlife & Fjords’ cruise in southern Chile, departing in January and February 2019.
In travelling by boat, this varied expedition, which is available exclusively in the UK through Swoop Patagonia, cuts out a great deal of driving for visitors. It also combines hiking in the pristine temperature rainforests of the Pumalín National Park, home to some of the oldest living trees on the planet, with kayaking and fishing in the Chilean Lake District, and enjoying a plethora of South American flora and fauna.
The adventure begins in Puerto Varas with a scenic road journey along the Carretera Austral to Hornopiren, where up to 10 passengers embark the stylish, wooden yacht, M/V Alba, before heading south to the fjords. En route, guests may indulge in a thermal bath, courtesy of the Cahuelmó Natural Hot Spring, and kayak or fly-fish in Quintepeu Fjord, with its narrow entrance, huge waterfalls and steep-sided walls towering up to 600 metres high.
A major highlight of this adventure is Pumalín Park. One of a number of national parks established by American philanthropist, Douglas Tompkins, and donated to the Chilean government at the beginning of 2018, it is a beautiful, protected area covering more than 700,000 acres in the Palena Province between the Andes and the Pacific coast.
An extensive network of hiking trails snakes throughout the park, giving walkers the chance to appreciate nature at its very best, while taking in views of the active Chaiten volcano (NB it hasn’t erupted for a decade). Corcovado, a peak which resembles the tower of a gothic cathedral, traditionally used by sailors to help navigate the remote coastline, will be seen from the boat.
Back on board Alba, the crossing of the Gulf of Ancud to the Chiloe Archipelago provides plenty of opportunity to spot Austral and Chilean dolphins, colonies of Magellanic penguins and a wealth of sea birds, such as albatrosses and petrels. A naturalist guide is on hand to answer questions about the region’s wildlife.
Chiloé Island has a diverse culture, a rich history and a strong identity influenced by centuries of myths and legends. A fusion of indigenous Mapuche people with colonial Spanish and German immigrants from the 1850’s, has resulted in a curious mix of cuisine, folkloric tales and music, which is distinct from the rest of Chile.
Life on the island is still very traditional and led at a slow pace. Passengers from the Alba get a taste of this when they meet locals for a lamb barbecue before visiting some of the island’s more remote fishing villages, where colourful palafito houses sit on stilts above the water, and many of the pretty wooden churches have been given UNESCO World Heritage status.
The trip’s final port of call is Dalcahue, a Chilote town best-known for its traditional boat-building industry, woollen clothing and carved wooden souvenirs. Guests have the chance to explore before returning by road to Puerto Varas.
The price of US$2340pp, is based on a group of eight people travelling, and includes private return transfers to Puerto Varas, a guide and daily on board lectures, bird watching equipment, insurance, entrance fees to parks and three nights’ full board on M/V Alba.
