Chile Zona Austral - "Carretera Austral" & "Torres del Paine"
|
Zona Austral/Patagonia: - Best visited between October and April, visitors to Chile's far south, the outstanding "Zona Austral" or Patagonia, need at least 4/5 days to appreciate the wonders of this area. In fact, it has two distinct parts!
In the north, usually flying into Puerto Montt (5/PMC), returning visitors rejoice in hiring a car and heading off freely down the renowned "Carretera Austral" (7), taking them past outstanding scenic beauty. First-time visitors, however, head straight to the south, flying into the most southerly of Continental America's cities, Punta Arenas (9/PUQ), to visit Chile’s principle tour destination, the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park (8)! 
AND for a ONCE IN A LIFETIME experience consider a Grand Luxury cruise in North Patagonia (areas 5, 6 & 7 on map) aboard M/V Atmosphere from Nomads of the Seas! For MORE click HERE! |
|
|
The "Carretera Austral", a vision of engineering ordered by Chile's one-time leader, General Pinochet, to link far-off Patagonia with the rest of modern Chile, is so long that many visitors elect to do it in two trips! Opened in 1988, and flanked by thick forests, dramatic fjords, sweeping glaciers and majestic mountains, it is daunting country to enter, but exceptionally pristine and beautiful! Also the home of unique flora and fauna, it is a very special excursion! Between Puerto Montt and Coyhaique (7) lie 1,400 kms of grit roads past parks like Alerce Andino and Pumalin. At Futaleufu one can enjoy some of the best "white-water" rafting in the world, and at Puyuhuapi one can relax in one of the most enchanting luxury therms anywhere, and visit the nearby wonder of "Quelat Hanging Glacier".
And CLICK HERE, to see MORE on a special cruise to the mighty San Rafael Glacier! |
|
|
South of Coyhaique (7), where regular flights arrive from Santiago, the "Carretera Austral" winds on for another 560kms to end at Villa O'Higgins. Via more ferries and new roads, the highway will eventually link Puerto Montt to distant Puerto Williams on Tierra del Fuego (9)- a major feat of engineering! Of note, more than 10,000 soldiers worked on its earlier construction, many losing their lives during this effort. Along the current route, intrepid visitors can enter parks where other tourists are rare. On Lake Carrera, whose turquoise waters dazzle impossibly in the sun, visitors are awed by the majesty of the "Marble Cathedral", a marvel of nature only equalled by a twin on Capri! And along the way you may be lucky to catch a rare glimpse of Chile's national mascot, the Huemul deer.
|
|
|
The MOST SPECIAL Lago Carrera Experiences (after Marble Cathedral!) are a choice between outstanding fishing opportunities in some of the best fishing waters in South America, or tours to two spectacular glaciers! Lago Carrera and the River Baker offer some of the best fishing options here, for both salmon and trout. For an alternative route to visit the spectacular San Rafael Glacier, a FULL Day visit can also be made from Lago Carrera, out of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The ULTIMATE Lago Carrera Experience, is an outstanding tour run by Patagonia Jet, an excursion up the Leones River for a view of the spectacular Leones Glacier! A FULL Day trip for all ages and levels, it is not for the faint hearted! The boats are small, go at high speed and traverse impossibly low waters, but with safety and skill. At the source of the river, guests leave the boat for a short hike (or "bo'suns chair" across the river!) for a view of Los Leones Glacier.
|
|
|
Finally, we come to the experience listed as one of the top 5 globally, a visit to the awesome Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Patagonia! Flying into the old whaling port of Punta Arenas (PUQ) on the magnificent Magellan Straits, a visit here offers opportunities to see condors and guanaco close-up, even puma, and great numbers of birdlife ranging from graceful flamingos, to rhea and flightless steamer ducks! Also an option to cruise Lago Grey and visit the Grey Glacier, past winding fjords, soaring mountains and a rich variety of marine life, including dolphins and whales. For the keen birdwatchers, a most memorable day can be enjoyed visiting one of only two King Penguin colonies outside of the Antarctic! Some travellers also combine this with a visit to nearby Calafate in Argentina, to view some of the world’s greatest glaciers.
|
|
|
Unique Destinations uses a shortlist of spectacular lodges and hotels on the "Carretera Austral" and in Patagonia. Normally, a day's flight is required to reach the chosen areas, with often an overnight in Coyhaique or Punta Arenas, depending on the target destination. In the parks we recommend the All-Inclusive solution, as this includes airport transfers, all meals and open bar, plus guided tours. Even in Torres del Paine, whilst it is possible to hire vehicles and self-drive/guide, the expenses still add up, with logistic difficulties in finding fuel, food, etc. Examples of great accommodation are listed here with images. Contact Unique Destinations for availability and pricing, without obligation!
|
PRICING
Rustic, but clean and welcoming Fishing Lodges (3*+) along the Carretera Austral typically have rates that range from US$ 200 - 280/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, in high season.
High-end Uman Lodge (4*+) in Futaleufu starts at US$510/night for two persons sharing a Premium Suite, or US$ 610/night for a Master Suite, with breakfast during the high season, in an outstanding location with a superb spa. Offers excellent activities, such as fishing, riding, rafting, and bird-watching in simply impeccable surroundings.
A similar standard stay in Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa would start at US$ 350/night for two persons sharing a standard room with breakfast and access to all therms/spa facilities; or from US$ 2,375 for 2 persons sharing a superior room for 3 nights/4 days, with an all-inclusive package that includes all meals, open bar, access to spa and external thermal pools, and daily guided excursions. Airport transfers at additional cost.
An excellent all-inclusive package (4*) can be obtained in Torres del Paine from US$ 2,000/person for a 3 night/4 day package that includes two persons sharing a double room, with airport transfers, all meals, open bar, use of spa/other facilities, plus daily guided excursions; a top-end all-inclusive package (5*) would start at US$3,530/person at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, for a 3 night/4 day package with similar services as described above, but with superior facilities.
The "Patagonia Jet" experience to Los Leones Glacier is but one of several day trips they offer. This full day tour would commence at US$ 200/passenger* (* 4 pax or more).
Take advantage of your visit to Torres del Paine National Park to add two nights and make a visit to nearby Calafate, in Argentina. As a minimum, try to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the widest and highest in the world. Also, consider adding an "All-Glacier" cruise from Calafate in Argentina, to view a list of spectacular glaciers, typically charging around US$200/passenger for a FULL Day outing. Restaurant services on board offer drinks and meals at reasonable prices.
Rustic, but clean and welcoming Fishing Lodges (3*+) along the Carretera Austral typically have rates that range from US$ 200 - 280/night for two persons sharing a double room with breakfast, in high season.
High-end Uman Lodge (4*+) in Futaleufu starts at US$510/night for two persons sharing a Premium Suite, or US$ 610/night for a Master Suite, with breakfast during the high season, in an outstanding location with a superb spa. Offers excellent activities, such as fishing, riding, rafting, and bird-watching in simply impeccable surroundings.
A similar standard stay in Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa would start at US$ 350/night for two persons sharing a standard room with breakfast and access to all therms/spa facilities; or from US$ 2,375 for 2 persons sharing a superior room for 3 nights/4 days, with an all-inclusive package that includes all meals, open bar, access to spa and external thermal pools, and daily guided excursions. Airport transfers at additional cost.
An excellent all-inclusive package (4*) can be obtained in Torres del Paine from US$ 2,000/person for a 3 night/4 day package that includes two persons sharing a double room, with airport transfers, all meals, open bar, use of spa/other facilities, plus daily guided excursions; a top-end all-inclusive package (5*) would start at US$3,530/person at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, for a 3 night/4 day package with similar services as described above, but with superior facilities.
The "Patagonia Jet" experience to Los Leones Glacier is but one of several day trips they offer. This full day tour would commence at US$ 200/passenger* (* 4 pax or more).
Take advantage of your visit to Torres del Paine National Park to add two nights and make a visit to nearby Calafate, in Argentina. As a minimum, try to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the widest and highest in the world. Also, consider adding an "All-Glacier" cruise from Calafate in Argentina, to view a list of spectacular glaciers, typically charging around US$200/passenger for a FULL Day outing. Restaurant services on board offer drinks and meals at reasonable prices.