Castro - Trek at Chiloe National park Take a slow scenic ride to Chiloe National Park. Stop at the visitors centre for vast information and then a 450m trail up to an observation point, and continue on the trek on Tepual path.
A park with a view
Chiloe National Park is located by the Pacific Ocean, 58 km South from Castro town. The road is paved, however with many curves, so the driving is quite slow.
Leave the pier to head south passing next to Chonchi town. Only 9 km before reaching the Park, we will drive along Huillinco and Cucao Lakes. Throughout this trip, we will learn about the local flora, fauna and the history of the primitive settlements visited by Charles Darwin in the 1800s.
Upon arrival to the Park, which has 43.000 hectares, we will visit its Visitor's Center, where we will receive the first instructions and get ready to start the wonderful trek.
Our first portion of the trail consists of 450 meters of easy walk up to the first view point, from where we will observe Cucao Lake and also the Pacific Ocean. After some minutes, we will continue other 500 meters to reach the start point to the “Educational El Tepual Trail”.
This trail is a circuit of 770 meters on mostly flat terrain but with many wooden gangplanks and steps along the path. Along the walk, we will see many different species of trees, such as coihües, mañios and cipreses. Drive back to the pier to join the ship.
Walking information: Total walking is nearly 2.8 km at a slow pace, with around 80 steps in total and many wooden gangways along the trail.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavours of this region with you, it’s important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Level 3 — Active
Booking code: A-WCA2
Min. number: 20 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Learn about the local flora and fauna, and the history of the primitive settlements
• Chiloe National Park has an area of 43,000 hectares
• Enjoy great views over Cucao Lake and the Pacific Ocean
Practical information:
Practical information
• Booking code: A-WCA2
• Included: 2 bottles of water and light lunch at local restaurant (1 mini milcao or mini potato tortilla, 1 mini empanada, 1 chilean stuffed potato, 1 mini sandwich, 1 sweet treat and 1 pisco sour, 1 natural juice)
• Remarks/requirements: We recommend waterproof non-slippery trekking shoes and a water resistant coat in case of rain.
• Weather in Chiloe is unpredictable; guests should be prepared for possible showers during the day. 3h total driving time
• Walking information: Total walking is nearly 2.8 km at a slow pace, with around 80 steps in total and many wooden gangways along the trail.
Castro - Castro Walking Tour Join this walking tour of Castro and see Plaza de Armas and the Neo-Gothic Church of San Francisco.
Exploring Castro
Your tour begins with a short walk from the pier to Plaza de Armas. Here you’ll find the Neo-Gothic Church of San Francisco, the city’s main Catholic church. This striking wooden church with a vibrant yellow façade contrasts with the island's typical style and is a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll then continue to the Plazoleta de Gamboa to enjoy the panoramic views of the local palafitos, or stilt houses.
A walk downhill brings us to the rich handicraft market where you can shop and admire the local artisanal work before your tour ends back at the pier.
Duration: 2h30
Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging
Booking code: INCL-WCA2
Min. number: 0 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• See the striking wooden Church of San Francisco
• Shop for souvenirs at the local craft market
• Learn about the history of Castro and the evolution of Chiloé's towns
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English.
• Remarks/requirements: It is recommendable to wear layered clothing, a windbreaker, rain jacket and good walking shoes. Rain showers are common and unpredictable.
• Walking information: Walking tour over steep paved sidewalks.
• Wheelchair accessible: This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with walking difficulties.
Castro - Dalcahue, Curaco de Velez & Achao Experience the beauty of Chiloé Island with its churches, markets and traditional culture.
Island culture and heritage
Chiloé is Chile's second largest island and is known for its unique architecture, traditional culture and rich history.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: Castro03
Min. number: N/A traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Discover the unique architecture of Chiloé Island
• Visit traditional markets and churches
• Experience the rich culture and history of the island
Practical information:
Practical Information
Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park Enjoy a drive from Cerro Castillo to the Mirador Lago Sarmiento viewpoint. Further on, enjoy photo ops and viewpoints along the way, continuing on to Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres del Paine National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes, great lakes, and amazing mountain scenery.
On this spectacular panoramic tour of the national park, we'll take you to Lago Sarmiento, Laguna Amarga and Lago Nordenskjöld, stop at the main viewpoints to enjoy the views of the mountain range, and have a short walk to Salto Grande. Connecting Lago Nordenskjöld with Lago Pehoé, Salto Grande is the main waterfall within the national park.
If you want to enjoy the incredible landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park from the comfort of a bus, have photo stops to take pictures, and stretch your legs on an easy walk to a great waterfall, then this tour is for you.
The national park is located 60km away from Puerto Natales. During the ever-changing landscapes along the way is possible to spot two iconic species of the local wildlife - the Patagonian guanaco, and the endemic lesser Rhea (Ñandú), relative of the African Ostrich.
Walking information: Hiking in the park over uneven terrain and flat soil. Walk to Salto Grande is approx. 1.5km return on uneven but easy terrain, uphill.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavors of this region with you, it's important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 8h
Booking code: A-PNT1
Highlights:
• Photo ops at the Lago Sarmiento viewpoint
• Viewpoint and photo op at Mirador Laguna Amarga.
• Fantastic views and photo ops.
• Waterfall (Salto Grande) and lakes.
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English and German
• Included: two bottles of mineral water on the bus, two sandwiches, one bottle of mineral water, one juice box, one small chocolate bar, one cereal bar, one piece of fruit, one bag of dried fruit
• Walking information: Hiking in the park over uneven terrain and flat soil. Walk to Salto Grande is approx. 1.5km return on uneven but easy terrain, uphill.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Remarks/requirements: Appropriate warm layered clothing, windbreaker, waterproof materials, and quality, comfortable walking shoes
Puerto Natales - Hiking in Torres del Paine Hike to the spectacular Los Cuernos Viewpoint and enjoy the drive in between the lakes of Torres del Paine National Park.
What a wonderful world
Cuernos del Paine are the most famous group of summits in Torres del Paine National Park. The Torres themselves might be steeper, higher, and harder to climb, but are hidden deep inside the mountain range and often covered by clouds. So, are the Cuernos, defiantly towering above Lago Nordenskjöld, who eventually got all the pictures.
The best views of this spectacular set of mountains can be enjoyed from the so-called Mirador de Los Cuernos or 'Cuernos viewpoint', an easy hike from Salto Grande, the most important waterfall within the national park.
On this excursion we will drive along the main road of the Torres del Paine National Park, stop at the viewpoints, Laguna Amarga, and Lago Nordenskjöld, walk to Salto Grande, and then continue hiking towards Los Cuernos Viewpoint to enjoy the most famous view of the national park.
This excursion is specially designed to get the best of the panoramic drive in between the lakes toping with the spectacular hike to Los Cuernos Viewpoint.
Walking Information: Hiking in the park over uneven terrain, approx. 6.5km return on a mountain track that ascents approx. +60m. Guests should be in good physical condition to participate.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavours of this region with you, it's important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging
Booking code: A-PNT6
Min. number: 25 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Viewpoint at Mirador Laguna Amarga (photo opportunity)
• Walk to Salto Grande and Los Cuernos Viewpoint
• Stop for refreshments
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English / German (Subject to Availability)
• Included: Boxed lunch + 1 juice & 2 bottles of mineral water on the bus
• Remarks: Weather is unpredictable in this region and some rain showers should be expected at any time of the year. It is recommended to wear warm layered clothing, a windbreaker or waterproof jacket and good walking shoes.The visit to Salto Grande is subject to weather conditions due to the area's windy nature.
• Walking information: Hiking in the park over uneven terrain and flat soil. Walk to Los Cuernos Viewpoint is approx. 6.5km return, on an easy mountain track that ascents approx. +60m. The walk includes a stop in Salto Grande waterfall.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
Niebla - Oncol Park - Nature and Volcanoes Enjoy an exhilarating trek along the Oncol Trail and admire the stunning views of Valdivia and beyond.
After an hour’s transfer, we’ll arrive at Oncol Park where we’ll begin our walking tour.
On our two-hour trek along the Oncol Trail, we’ll head up the highest hill in the Coastal Moutain Range. As we climb, your guide will introduce you to the lush flora and fauna of the area. If the weather is in our favour, we'll stop at various viewpoints along the way to admire the views of the sea, the nearby volcanoes Villarrica and Osorno, the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary, and the majestic city of Valdivia.
Duration: 5h30
Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging
Booking code: A-NBL3
Min. number: 15 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Hike up the Oncol Trail in the renowned Oncol Park, walk through caves and caverns, and see spectacular scenery.
• Discover the lush flora of the Valdivian forest with the help of your knowledgeable guide.
• Drink in the views of Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary and volcanos Villarica and Osorno.
Practical information:
• Included: One bottle of mineral water and a boxed lunch
• Remarks/requirements: Please dress according to the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
• Walking or Activity information: This is a challenging hike due to very uneven terrain and slippery wooden boardwalks. Not suitable if you have limited mobility. Hiking distance approx. 1.8km. The ascent is approx. 2 hrs, descent is approx. 1 hrs 30 mins.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
• Language availability: English (German subject to availability)
Puerto Natales - Scenes of Puerto Natales Explore the highlights of the charming town of Puerto Natales, with its intriguing Milodón Cave.
Churches and caves
Visit Plaza de Armas, a typical Chilean small-town square, with its church, town hall and post office. Continue to the Milodón Cave where the remains of a Mylodon, a prehistoric ground sloth, were discovered in 1896. The cave is 98 ft high and 656 ft deep. You’ll also see a display of the indigenous tribes who inhabited this and other caves 12,000 years ago.
Duration: 3 hrs
Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy
Booking code: INCL-PNT1
Min. number: 10 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Explore the charming town of Puerto Natales and learn about its history
• Visit Plaza de Armas, a pretty, tree-lined square in the centre of town
• See the Milodón Cave and learn about the interesting discoveries from 1896
• Enjoy splendid views of glacier-capped peaks
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English (German subject to availability)
• Remarks/Requirements: It is recommendable to wear layered clothing, a windbreaker, rain jacket and good walking shoes. Rain showers are common and unpredictable.
• Walking information: Flat paved terrain, walking on sites.
• Wheelchair accessible: Not accessible for wheelchairs.
• Included: 1 bottle of mineral water.
Torres del Paine – Grey Hike Hike along the shores of Grey Lake in Torres del Paine National Park and visit Salto Grande waterfall.
The highlight of Patagonia
Lago Grey is the westernmost of the great lakes within Torres del Paine National Park. Fed by the massive Grey Glacier, the lake might even have some small icebergs floating near its shores. The amazing landscape surrounding the lake is dominated by Cerro Paine Grande, which at 3050m of altitude is the highest mountain in the National Park.
On this fascinating excursion we will drive to the Visitor’s Centre of Lago Grey and then hike along the flat and easy-to-walk moraine that make up the southern shore of the lake. If weather allows, we will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding scenery, including the massive Cerro Paine Grande.
Weather permitting, we will end the excursion walking to Salto Grande, the famous waterfall spectacularly connecting the waters of Lago Nordenkjöld and Lago Pehoé. After some time to take photos, we will leave the park behind and, crossing the Patagonian ‘pampa’, drive back to Puerto Natales.
Walking information: Trekking in the park over uneven terrain and flat ground. Count on approx. 5km return on a mostly flat bun uneven surface made of gravel and small pebbles (moraine terrain). Return is via the same way.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavours of this region with you, it’s important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 9 hours
Difficulty: Level 4 — Challenging
Booking code: A-PNT7
Min. number: 25 traveller(s)
Highlights:
• Explore Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight of Patagonia
• Take in the glacial colours and icebergs of Grey Glacier that feeds into Grey Lake
• Stretch your legs amidst the iconic mountain peaks of Patagonia
• Observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat and scout for the elegant guanarco
Practical information:
Practical information
• Language: English / German (Subject to Availability)
• Included: Boxed lunch and juice
• Remarks: Weather is unpredictable in this region and some rain showers should be expected at any time of the year. It is recommended to wear warm layered clothing, a windbreaker or waterproof jacket and good walking shoes. Timing may vary to avoid congestion or for operational reasons.
• Walking information: Trekking in the park over uneven terrain and flat ground. Count on approx. 5km return on a mostly flat bun uneven surface made of gravel and small pebbles (moraine terrain). Return is via the same way.
• Wheelchair accessible: No
Tortel Community Visit Discover the isolated community of Tortel and sample local empanadas.
Explore Tortel
Remote communities seldom visited by travellers don’t have the typical tourist-related infrastructure common in bigger ports. We may get the chance to enjoy a singing or dance performance, a taste of local food, or a craft demonstration, visit a small museum, enter a church, see the social centre, or stroll through the local market. Whatever they prepare for us, be sure that it will be a unique experience prepared from the bottom of their hearts.
*While we're excited to share the unique flavours of this region with you, it’s important to note that allergy awareness and hygiene standards can vary widely across the world. The local community providing food for this tour may not be as familiar with allergy concerns or preparation standards as suppliers in your home country or the expert chefs onboard our ships. As a precaution, we advise anyone with a severe food allergy to contact a member of the onboard Expedition Team before booking this excursion.
Duration: 1h
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-ATOR1, CLTOR-IN01
Highlights:
• Explore the small and isolated village of Tortel and learn how people live here
• Join us on a ride in our expedition boats and land in remote village Tortel
• Enjoy a community visit with traditional music and local empanadas
Practical information:
Practical information:
• Language: English and Spanish.
• Included: Traditional music, handicraft stalls, empanadas.
• Remarks/requirements: It is recommendable to wear layered clothing, a windbreaker, rain jacket and good walking shoes. Rain showers are common and unpredictable.
• Walking information: Walking over unpaved terrain and boardwalks.
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
Highlights of Valdivia Visit, one of the prettiest places in Chile with a very interesting history and rich wildlife.
Viva Valdivia
On a guided visit to Valdivia, learn all about its history and how it has suffered attacks, floods, fires, and the disastrous earthquake of 1960. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore the Museo Histórico y Antropológico Mauricio van de Maele to see artefacts and historic photos from the area. Afterwards, continue to Valdivia's downtown area for a pleasant stroll and admire the pelicans and sea lions longing by the riverside market.
Duration: 3h
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-NBL1
Highlights:
• Discover Valdivia, one of the prettiest historical towns in Chile
• Learn about German immigration to southern Chile through its stately, historic homes
• Visit Maurice Van der Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum, housing Mapuche artefacts
• Discover Mercado Fluvial, where dozens of fishermen sell fresh conger eel, hake, and king crabs
Practical information:
Practical information:
• Language: English.
• Remarks/requirements: It is recommendable to wear warm comfortable clothing, and a windbreaker waterproof to fully enjoy the visit.
• Walking information: Walking is mostly up to each guest. Most surfaces are flat, some slight inclination and few steps. In downtown Valdivia walking on cobblestone, paved flat terrain.
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
Puerto Eden - Puerto Eden Community visit A representative of the indigenous people Kawesqar invites you to visit their community.
Visit the Kawesgar
During our visit to Puerto Eden, we invite you to explore one of the most remote settlements of Southern Chile. This small town is a true hidden gem, rich in culture, at the end of the world, giving a new meaning to “living off the grid”. Here still live people who originate from the indigenous Mapuche culture, whose history stretches back thousands of years, giving Eden an aura of antiquity, yet firmly set within the modern world. Upon arrival, the locals welcome you and guide you through their unique home sharing an insight into their life. You will make your way through town following the complex network of wooden boardwalks making up the majority of the local infrastructure, hold on to the rails! On the way, you will explore the charm of this iconic place, acquire some local handcrafts, and maybe spot some of the local wildlife of Chile.
Duration: At leisure
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: INCL-EDE1
Highlights:
• Explore the small and isolated village of Puerto Eden
• Meet the Kawesqar, the native canoe people of the Chilean fjords
Practical information:
Practical information:
• Language: Spanish, some locals might speak English.
• Remarks/requirements: It is recommendable to wear layered clothing, a windbreaker, rain jacket and good walking shoes. Rain showers are common and unpredictable.
• Walking information: Walking over unpaved terrain and boardwalks.
• Walking distance: approx. 2-3km, on wooden boardwalk
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
Niebla - Valdivia’s Wetlands by Kayak On this excursion, experience Valdivia from water level on a kayak, giving you a unique vantage point from which to admire its breathtaking scenery, flora, and fauna.
This excursion will take you to the Angachilla River, part of the extensive fluvial system of Valdivia.
After a brief kayak fitting and instructions, paddle with no rush from the Angachilla River to the calm waters of the wetlands. Here, you can spot birds and enjoy nature before returning to the kayak center and finishing this experience with some tea or coffee and a home-baked brownie.
Return to the pier.
Duration: 4 hrs
Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate
Booking code: A-NBL2
Highlights:
• Niebla Pier
• Kayaking
• Wetlands
• See seabirds and nature.
Practical information:
Practical information:
• Language: English.
• Remarks/requirements: Wear clothing that is weather-appropriate, layered, and comfortable, and bring a change for water activities, water-footwear, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Walking information: Minimal walking over uneven soil
• Wheelchair accessible: No
