A guide
specialized in native flora and fauna will trek with you, helping you to enjoy the area as
he/she gives commentaries along the way.
Difficulty: Low
Time: 3 hours
Minimum: 4 passengers
SPECIAL
EXCURSIONS - Available at extra cost:
LOS PUMAS LAGOON TRAIL
Beginning in the northern area of the 154.000 hectare Queulat (Distant Lands)
National Park, this 7-kilometer extension trail abruptly climbs through the native forest
to reach Los Pumas Lagoon. The clear and graduated trail provides beautiful views of Lake
Risopatron and the cold forest and then leads on through the transition and high reaches a
wide plateau with a spectacular panoramic view of the mountain ridge that protects the
narrow Ventisquero Sound in the fjords of the Chilean Patagonia. A spring-fed creek gently
winds its way through, making this the perfect nesting place for birds of the area. Land
mammals roam the plane. Contrasting shades of yellow, ochre and red saturate the forest in
the autumn. After crossing through the pass that borders the plateau, the trail drops
gently to the eastern sector of the Los Pumas lagoon to a beautiful beach for a swim and
picnic lunch. With a basin of approximately 70 hectares and a clear water, both pure and
well-oxygenated, is the source of life for a wide variety of aquatic species. White peaks
just up in the west, embellishing the scenic view of this remote and unexplored
destination.
A nature guide
adds to your enjoyment by identifying and explaining the sector's flora and fauna geology.
Difficulty:
High
Duration: Full day
Minimum: 2 persons
HANGING GLACIER VISTA POINT TRAIL
The Ventisquero River runs the length of the glacier moraine valley that was carved
out by the Ventisquero Colgante (Hanging Glacier) and others that form part of the Nevados
del Queulat (Peaks of Queulat). Walking just a short distance from the parking lot and
over the hanging bridge that crosses the river, we find the entrance of the forest trail
that encircles the valley created by the moraine.
Along the way
we see the lagoon from high above and behold beautiful panoramas of the lush evergreen
forest on the northeastern side of the trail. Although a bit steep at the beginning, the
trail is clear an is easily accessible. And just over three kilometers through the cold
forest, we come to a vista point with a view of the Ventisquero Colgante and its
waterfalls that plummet more than 150 meters. Giant blocks of ice frequently break loose
from the glacier and hurtle down the rocks with a deafening roar as they plunge into the
Los Tempanos Lagoon below.
A nature guide
helps you enjoy your hike by identifying and explaining the flora, fauna and geology of
this area of the Chilean Patagonia.
Difficulty:
Medium
Duration: Half day
Minimum: 2 passengers
ENCHANTED FOREST TRAIL
The true spirit of this excursion lies in the extensive, towering
snow-capped peaks of the Queulat National Park and the lush vegetation of its lower
valleys. 'Me lofty peaks and majestic glaciers come into view along the southern slopes of
the park. The hike begins just beyond the Portezuelo del Queulat (Queulat Pass) where the luxuriant forest arches over the
clear trail and lichen gently drapes down form ancient trees as if inspired by the pages
of Hans Cristian Andersen. An abundance of Fungi, moss, algae, ferns and flowers
intertwine with and add color to the fallen leaves beneath our feet. The leisurely path
slopes slightly and runs nearly 2 kilometers to the Cascadas River. The climb continues
along the edge of the river and through the valley, which opens up to offer a spectacular
panoramic view of the area. We soon reach the source of the river, a lagoon whose banks
are contained by the looming, craggy wall of granite that provides a base for the glacier
that originates in one of Queulat's many snow covered peaks. Tracks of time are etched out
on the rock, and its traces are clearly visible as the giant mass recedes. Sparkling
shades of blue, lavender and ping emanate from the massive block of ice, and great chunks
frequently break off and tumble into the deep turquoise waters below. The forest and high
altitude flora rise up from below. The wind blows gently, and you an almost touch the ice.
This landscape and its scenic views are truly awe-inspiring.
A nature guide
adds to your enjoyment by identifying and explaining the sector's flora, fauna and
geology.
Difficulty:
Medium
Duration: Half Day
Minimum: 2 passengers
FJORDS AND DOLPHINS
Cai-Cai and Tentenvilu - mythological serpents - once wove their way through the
relentless Patagonian mountains and fjords the same ones we reach today in fast boats that
travel the length and width of the calm sa. We are accompanied along the way by playful
dolphins and a wide variety of other sea mammals - even killer whales, if we are lucky.
Joy and happiness! We are in dolphin territory! Both docile and mischievous, they love to
splash us as they play and dive near the bow of our boat. Do not forget your camera - this
is a great photographic opportunity. And there are countless other species to enjoy too.
We sometimes see sea lions just meters away as well as a Black-Browed and Wandering
albatross. Nature always has some pleasant surprise in store for us as we wind our way
through islands, islets, and fjords This is the true Chilean Patagonia, land of dolphins,
Cai-Cai and Tentenvilu.
A specialized
nature guide adds to your enjoyment by identifying the many species that populate our
interior seas.
Difficulty:
Medium
Duration: Half day
Minimum: 2 passengers
