Chile’s coastline stretches from Peru (17o30' south) to Cape Horn (56o32' south) with every extreme of climate and geography. In the north, towering bluffs that drop from the world’s driest desert to sparkling blue Pacific. In the center, basaltic headlands and pocket beaches attract hordes of visitors. In the south, the inhabitants of Chiloé, South America’s largest island, farm salmon and continue their mystical traditions. In Patagonia, the unending fjords, rainforests and glaciers spill into archipelagic waters. And finally, over windswept Tierra del Fuego, time seems to have stopped. The sea determines the lives of Chileans who live in these sometimes harsh and difficult, and sometimes serene and beautiful places. This eight day tour brings you close to the sea and the people who live there.
Day one, Sunday
Arrival at Santiago’s new international airport. Reception by Anglatin Ltd.® Travel via the 2800 meter Lo Prado tunnel, the agriculturally rich Curacaví valley, the 1800 meter Zapata tunnel and finally the new Casablanca wine valley to the Pacific ocean at Viña del Mar. Free time. Evening welcome dinner at the rotating restaurant overlooking the port city of Valparaiso, the port and the harbor of Valparaiso.
Overnight Viña del Mar
Day two, Monday
Breakfast. Comprehensive guided city tour including the busy harbor, the fishing villages and navy museum. The history of the Chilean navy with its strong British influence is included. Seafood lunch at seaside restaurant. Explore along the coast visiting fishing villages and seaside resort communities. Return to Viña del Mar to enjoy the beaches, gardens, shops and casino.
Overnight Viña del Mar
Day three, Tuesday
Breakfast. Depart to the Casablanca valley and a visit to one of the modern wineries. Continue to Santiago’s airport. Flight to Punta Arenas, the capital city of Chile’s archipelago. Transfer to hotel. Walking visit of San Angelmó, a special fishing village where the fishermen’s wives prepare great seafood and offer hand crafts. Seafood lunch. Excursion to Puerto Varas, a popular lakeside resort, and Lake Llanquihue, home of many salmon nurseries and at the foot of Osorno volcano. Visit a small salmon hatchery. Return to Puerto Montt for a free evening to explore this important center of the Salmon industry and export port. Overnight Puerto Montt
Day four, Wednesday
Breakfast. Travel along the coast in the direction of Chiloé Island. Stop at a fishing cooperative and talk with the fishermen about their boats and fishing. Continue to Chacao channel and board the ferry for Chiloé Island. The crossing usually includes sightings of sea lions, whales, and thousands of sea birds. After landing on the island, the route to Castro passes the fishing community of Ancud and the green rolling pasture lands of the island. Group lunch in Castro. After lunch, a short excursion to several sites for photos of salmon farms, offshore islands, rustic villages and the grand views across the Gulf of Corcovado to the glaciers on the mainland. Free evening to stroll the colorful streets of Castro. Overnight Castro
