Northern Patagonia On board Aquijo

Upon arrival at Puerto Montt’s international airport, you will be driven 30 minutes to the marina where the crew of Aquijo will greet you. Once onboard and settled, your charter will begin by cruising south through the Seno Reloncavi Solend and Camau Fjord. Dramatic landscapes of steep mountains and thick forest line the 22-mile inlet where Catera Porcelena lies at the end. Spend the evening on board taking in the surrounding natural beauty.

After breakfast, cruise 55 nautical miles through Chiloé’s most beautiful island chain – Islas Chauques. Home to wooden houses built on stilts, UNESCO world heritage wooden churches and many local traditions, explore the local culture and rural life. Teeming with sea life, you will see blue whales and penguins along the northwest coast, while in the evening the Chef will create a freshly prepared seafood dinner onboard.

Cruise 40 nautical miles to Pumalin Private Nature Reserve in Caleta Gonzalo. Offering amazing trekking trails, climb up to the majestic falls hidden amongst thick Patagonian forest. While ashore, Aquijo will make her way towards Bahia Pumalin where she will meet you and spend the night in a safe anchorage with glorious views of the coastline.

Wake up in Bahia Pumalin and enjoy breakfast onboard before setting sail to Cailín Island, one of 3 small islands located in the Corcovado Gulf. Packed full of history and culture, Cailín also boasts fine sandy beaches and freshwater lagoons, good for salmon fishing. Spend the evening in a naturally sheltered bay, which lends itself to water sports.

Head south towards Islas Guaitecas, an extraordinary archipelago with winding channels – a natural labyrinth of extreme beauty. Isla Gran Guaiteca is the most exciting of all, teeming with humpback whales, penguins, dolphins and sea lions. Cruise to nearby Isla Ascension and spend the night anchored off the town of Melinka.

Navigate south towards Puyuhuapi through various canals bordered by staggering high peaks and waterfalls. The Puyuhuapi area lends itself to endless exploration, from trekking through thick walls of vegetation and hiking up to the Hanging Glacier, to going for a dip in the hot springs. The Patagonian forest is home to an exotic variety of birds, while the waters are full of beavers, black neck swans, dolphins and seals. Make the most of your yacht's water toy collection and try your hand at kayaking or paddle boarding.

A 9-hour cruise through a magical maze of islands scattered with volcanoes, waterfalls and views across the Andes will offer many safe anchorages. Discover the Patagonian waters in Aquijo’s kayaks or go ashore for a trek through the forest. Aquijo will anchor off Caleta Christiane for the evening, a beautiful and peaceful setting with a waterfall flowing down into the bay.

Cruise south to Glacier San Rafael, one of Patagonia’s best sights. Holding the record as the northernmost tidewater glacier in the southern hemisphere, the San Rafael glacier, accessed from a lagoon, can only be reached by tender.

Cruise 90 nautical miles to Puerto Aguirre, a small fishing village known for its abundance of seafood including cholgas (large mussels), sea urchin and salmon. En route, visit the Marmor Caves via helicopter.

After a short 4-hour cruise from Puerto Aguirre through mountains with stunning snow-capped peaks, Aquijo will arrive in Puerto Chacabuco. As it's your final day, make the most of everything Aquijo has to offer from her impressive beach club with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, to her relaxing aft deck. Sadly, it is time to disembark the vessel and continue your travels or return home via the nearby Santiago Airport or Balmaceda Airport.