Pumalin Park
Kayaking between the Patagonian fjords to the wild hot springs of Cahuelmo, where a thousand seals bask in the sun.
Duration
6 days
From
€1,770/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Set out on a sea kayaking expedition into the heart of Chilean Patagonia, discovering wild landscapes between fjords, islands and glacial valleys. As you navigate, you reach Llancahué Island, then explore the fjords of Quintupeu and Cahuelmó, renowned for its natural hot springs nestled in a preserved environment. This journey also offers you the opportunity to observe an impressive colony of sea lions in their natural habitat.
Your adventure also takes you to discover Pumalín Park, a natural space dedicated to conservation, created at the initiative of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face brand. This park is part of the Route of the Parks of Patagonia, an itinerary connecting 17 national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn, across 2,800 kilometers of land and sea routes. Between sea kayaking, exploring fjords and immersing yourself in Patagonian nature, this circuit invites you to explore a preserved region, in close contact with its landscapes and wildlife.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the South
Your adventure begins with a meeting over coffee with your local team, an opportunity to discuss the course of your trip and finalize the last preparations. You can ask all your questions and review practical details, including checking maps and collecting waterproof bags intended to protect your luggage. You are then transferred from the airport to your arrival city, located in Chile, near Lake Llanquihue, facing the Osorno volcano.
On the way to Patagonia
Back at the hotel, you take time to organize your equipment by distributing food and camping gear in your kayaks, an important step to prepare the rest of your adventure in Chilean Patagonia. You then enjoy a moment of relaxation in natural hot springs, whose water is pumped below sea level to feed pools.
In the evening, you share a dinner with local flavors, accompanied by a pisco sour, a traditional South American cocktail, and seafood specialties. You spend the night in a lodge facing the Pacific Ocean. The next morning, you head south along the Carretera Austral, an iconic road in Chilean Patagonia.
Late in the morning, you arrive at Hornopirén, where you load the kayaks on board Claudio's barge to reach the Llancahue. You take a break there for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a kayaking outing around Llancahué island. You paddle peacefully on the waters of the Pacific, while admiring the surrounding landscapes and islands.
In the fjords
At noon, you enjoy lunch at the campsite, before spending your afternoon discovering a waterfall located at the heights, just above your bivouac site. You then resume your kayaks to reach a second waterfall, on the other side of the fjord. You set up your campsite in a narrow space, at the foot of the cliffs bordering the fjord. This natural setting, between rocky walls and Pacific waters, offers a particular atmosphere for this night in the heart of nature.
In the evening, you share a meal prepared by your guides, with everyone's participation, in a spirit of conviviality and sharing.
The next morning, after an early breakfast, you resume your kayak expedition towards the Quintupeu fjord. This arm of the sea is distinguished by its particularly narrow entrance, which opens between high vertical walls towards the east and the Argentine border.
As you navigate, you discover landscapes of Patagonie chilienne, where granite peaks meet Pacific waters, offering many panoramas of the surrounding reliefs.
Cahuelmo Hot Springs
After approximately three hours of kayaking, you reach the entrance to the Cahuelmó cove, where you discover a colony of seals settled on the southern shore. Depending on the season, their number can reach a thousand, offering a great opportunity to observe these animals in their natural environment. You then continue your navigation eastward, to the end of the Cahuelmó fjord, to reach the natural hot springs located on the banks of the river of the same name. You discover small pools carved into the rock, as well as remains of mussel shell piles associated with a temperature regulation system. These basins are located at the bottom of a glacial valley, facing the fjord landscapes.
After this crossing, you reach a more spacious campsite, where you can settle in and enjoy a moment of rest.
In the afternoon, depending on tide conditions, you have the opportunity to leave for a hike to Lake Abascal, in the heart of the landscapes of Patagonia.
In the evening, you share an expedition farewell dinner around a campfire, in a convivial atmosphere, before spending the night under a tent, in the middle of the woods.
The next morning, you wake up early to take advantage of the most favorable sea conditions. You resume your kayaking expedition towards a parallel fjord, with the objective of reaching it before the wind coming from the ocean strengthens.
Return to Civilization
This morning, you enjoy a peaceful awakening before dismantling your campsite and getting back in your kayaks to leave the cove of Cahuelmó. You then head to the Comau fjord, where you meet up with Claudio and load your kayaks aboard his barge. You sail to Hornopirén, where you take a break for lunch.
In the early evening, you resume the Carretera Austral heading towards Puerto Varas, marking the end of your kayaking expedition in the fjords of Patagonie.
Departure from Puerto Varas
From Puerto Varas
This morning, you leave Puerto Varas to reach the airport or bus terminal, depending on your next destination.
A transfer is organized to accompany you to your departure point, marking the end of your adventure in Chilean Patagonia.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not included
- Personal first aid kit
Included
- Private transport and Certified guides
- First Aid Kit
- Communication Materials
- Meals as mentioned (B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
- Accommodations mentioned in the program
- Waterproof suits, paddles, neoprene skirts
- USCG-approved life jackets
- Expedition kayaks single and double seaters 2018 (W systems, Venture, Old Town)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Patagonie (Argentine et Chili) dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Argentine et au Chili, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée de votre séjour. Il est toutefois fortement recommandé qu'il reste valide au moins six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays, et qu'il comporte au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Argentine et au Chili.
En Argentine, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours, renouvelable une fois sur place pour une durée équivalente. Au Chili, l'exemption autorise également un séjour jusqu'à 90 jours, non renouvelable sans quitter le territoire.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement sur le territoire.
Passage de frontière entre l'Argentine et le Chili
La Patagonie s'étendant sur les deux pays, de nombreux voyageurs sont amenés à franchir plusieurs fois la frontière terrestre entre l'Argentine et le Chili au cours de leur séjour. Chaque entrée sur l'un ou l'autre territoire donne lieu à un nouveau contrôle d'immigration et à l'attribution d'un nouveau délai de séjour autorisé.
Certains postes-frontières terrestres sont situés dans des zones reculées et peuvent avoir des horaires d'ouverture limités. Il est conseillé de vérifier les conditions de passage avant votre départ.
Il est strictement interdit d'importer des produits alimentaires frais (fruits, légumes, viande, produits laitiers) d'un pays à l'autre, sous peine de confiscation et d'amende.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Argentine ou au Chili. Cependant, certaines recommandations sanitaires sont à prendre en compte :
La mise à jour des vaccins de routine (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole) est recommandée.
La vaccination contre l'hépatite A peut être conseillée selon votre profil et votre itinéraire.
En Patagonie, les conditions climatiques peuvent être extrêmes (froid, vent, UV intenses) : une préparation physique et un équipement adapté sont indispensables.
Nous vous recommandons de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination avant votre départ pour un avis personnalisé.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un ou les deux parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence, ainsi qu'une autorisation parentale notariée traduite en espagnol pour certains contrôles aux frontières argentines ou chiliennes.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Argentine et du Chili de leur pays de résidence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Patagonia spans across Argentina and Chile. In both cases, no visa is required for tourist stays. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Before booking your itinerary, check the specific rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of each country.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 220 and 380 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (1000-1500 euros return) are additional. Patagonia is expensive (remote lodges, domestic flights, nature excursions) but unforgettable.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Chilean Patagonia
Guide to Patagonia's Great Horizons, based in Santiago
Patagonia gives a rare sense of freedom. We travel there as much for the landscapes as for what they awaken within us.
— Sarah
