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ESKAPE
Sea Kayaking |
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Eskape
Sea Kayaking |
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CHILE SEA KAYAKING ADVENTURES |
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Kayak Chile
Dates for 2010: October 27 - Nov. 4 Exploratory Trip to the Fiords and Hot Springs of Northern Patagonia |
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When Roger was in Chile
last year running ACA skills courses for his friends at
Pueblito Expediciones,
Eduardo, Roberto and Jorge showed him some stunning photos of
kayaking in the fiords. "Maybe next year you come back," they said.
"We take you there, ?si?" Si seňor! d |
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 Located in Northern Patagonia, Chile's most remote and least-visited region, Fiordos Comau, Quintupeu, and Cahuelmo are known for their beauty and majesty. Bordering Pumalin National Park, this rugged, roadless area is accessible only by boat and largely uninhabited. In addition to spectacular scenery for paddling, the area is famous for its numerous natural hot springs and for hiking/trekking trails through native forests to expansive vistas of the fiords below and snow-capped volcanic peaks in the distance. |
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Sample Itinerary (Options abound to add more hiking or more kayaking): Day 1: Leave Valdivia, heading south in the Pueblito Expediciones van toward the famed Carretera Austral, the great Southern "Highway." An adventure in itself, the Carretera is mostly unpaved, impassable much of the year, linked together by ferries, and scenic as all get out. As the first section of road dwindles to nada, we'll catch a ferry across the mouth of Fiordo Reloncavi before continuing again by land, winding our way between the Andes and the sea, to the small port town of Hornopiren ("Oven of Snow," named for the snow-capped volcano behind town). We'll spend the night in a comfortable cabana in Hornopiren. Day 2: Instead of catching the next ferry that heads out
around the fiords to reconnect to the next section of highway further south, we'll take a short drive to the end of the road
at Pichanco and begin our paddle down Fiordo Comau. Along the way
we'll take a side trip into Fiordo de Quintupeu to take in its famous
waterfall, before continuing on to camp and a relaxing soak in a
natural hot springs. |
 
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About Pueblito's owners:
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| The Pueblito crew goes international, under the big bridge during their instructor certification course. | |
Some Trip Logistics
Because most flights to Chile are overnight from the US, you'll need to
fly on the 25th, at the latest, to arrive in Santiago on the morning of
the 26th. From there you can catch a 2-hr. LAN flight to Valdivia later
that morning. Alternatively, those with more time can travel by rail
and/or bus, but the trip takes approximately 12 hours. First class rail or
bus travel is quite comfortable and affordable. Last year we flew down to
Valdivia and then took several days by bus and rail to return to Santiago,
exploring along the way.
Hey, nice boats!: Pueblito is the NDK, Current Designs and P&H dealer for the region and has a nice variety of nice boats, so if you have any specific boat preferences, we'll do our best to hook you up with your favorite kayak or something similar.
Price: $1400, includes all meals and transport from Valdivia to the fiords and back, and paddling gear. You bring camping gear, including rain gear.
Weather/Experience Level: In Northern Patagonia is not generally as windy as what you may have heard about the south. The fiords are fairly protected and this trip is appropriate for inexperienced paddlers most days. Tandem kayaks are available and recommended for beginners. If the wind does blow, we'll let the mood of the group dictate whether we want to take on the more-challenging conditions or go for a hike. The latitude is similar to British Colombia, so rainy weather is possible. Temperatures are generally in the 50s-70s. Water temps in the 50s.
Improve Your Paddling Skills |
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| Skills development is a trademark of Roger's tours. He is among a small cadre of American Canoe Association certified Instructor Trainer Educators nationwide (the ACA's highest level) in Advanced Open Water. For over 15 years, he has helped thousands of students polish their paddling skills at every level from first-time beginners to instructor certification. Throughout each trip he offers informal instruction on a variety of topics. Fine tune your forward stroke for speed and efficiency; improve boat-handling skills with Dufeks, draws and other “fancy strokes"; work on braces or rough water skills; practice kayak navigation and trip planning. |
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| Roger is also known for his articles in Sea Kayaker magazine, and for co-authoring Guide to Sea Kayaking Central and Northern California and Sea Kayak Rescue. An adjunct instructor in Marine Natural History for Prescott College, he is trained as a Wilderness First Responder (backcountry first aid) and has extensive experience leading trips internationally for more than 15 years. | |