Silversea Luxury Cruises À Puerto Chacabuco

Enjoy the day close to nature while horseback riding through a beautiful valley. Strategically located on the plains in the Simpson River Valley, Los Torreones Lodge appears as a breath of fresh air away from the great metropolises. Located halfway between the cities of Coyhaique and Puerto Aysén, this lodge arises between the Patagonian plains in this amazing region of southern Chile.

Horseback Riding

Meet your guide at the pier and drive directly to Los Torreones Lodge, located only approximately 14 miles away, immersed in an incredible landscape.

Upon arrival meet your specialized guides, who may also accompany you, receive your equipment and be briefed with safety instructions.

Enjoy an approximately 60-minute horseback ride in the heart of northern Patagonia with its native forest along the Simpson River with spectacular views. Throughout the experience you may be accompanied by all manners of farm animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, cattle and rabbits.

Before returning to the pier, stop by the lodge to relax and enjoy some refreshments.

Parque Aiken del Sur provides wonderful opportunities to see this region's flora and fauna up close. Get out and explore the beautiful and remote scenery of Chile's Aysen region with a local guide who is waiting to take you on a safe and enjoyable journey through the Patagonian nature.

Nature Walk

Depart the ship and enjoy the 15 minute coach ride through an outstandingly beautiful road up to the Aiken Sur Private Park. The park is set amidst unique and magnificent natural surroundings. Noteworthy is the long and luxuriant shore of Lake Riesco renowned for its placid crystal-clear blue waters, as well as the natural prairies, forests and wide variety of local fauna. The natural trail paths are equipped with footbridges, lookout points and resting-places which through the use of tutorial stations give visitors an insight to the bio-geographical history of the region. Breath-taking views of the lake, river, hills, and nearby mountains as well as the chance to spot some of the local birds such as the "Chucao" and "Hueta" are also amongst the attractions.

Upon arrival at the park, stop at the information centre to receive safety instructions and a brief description of the content of the trail you will follow.

Set off along the river trail which will immerse you in the deep nature of Patagonia as you traverse prairies and the humid forest that characterizes this part of the world. Along the nearly 1.2 mile (1.9 Kilometre) hike there are some resting areas for those who wish to take a break. At the end of the trail, the impressive Old Man´s Beard cascade awaits you.

Next, enjoy some free time for photos then walk approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) to the main gate. Afterwards walk up or take the bus up to the restaurant (approximately 300 meters / 984 feet on an inclined gravel road).

At the restaurant enjoy a cocktail and a folkloric show as well as some free time before returning to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the natural splendour of Patagonia during this picturesque excursion to the Rio Simpson National Reserve, and a visit to the town of Coyhaique. Wind your way through impressive scenery and see waterfalls along the way in this beautiful part of Chile.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate one-hour drive on the Carretera Austral Roadway en route to the Rio Simpson National Reserve. Along the way, pass through the wet and windy region of Western Patagonia while following the Rio Simpson along the base of a deep, rocky gorge.

Rio Simpson Reserve

Upon arrival at the Regional Museum of Natural Resources, a stop is made at the small information centre located in this 100,000-acre (40,468-hectare) reserve that straddles the paved highway between Coyhaique and Puerto Chacabuco. Some time is then made available for a brief walk down to the river to take photographs of the beautiful and rugged scenery.

Coyhaique

Next, your drive continues on to Coyhaique, which is located at an altitude of approximately 1,476 feet (about 450 metres). En route, cross the Andes Mountains from the coast to the east. Founded in 1929 at the foot of the basalt massif of Cerro Macay, Coihaique was the first major town in the Aysén region.

Upon arrival in Coyhaique, a visit is made to the main square and a handicraft market. Some free time is available for browsing and independent exploration before commencing the return drive to the pier. A snack and refreshment will be provided during your free time.

On the way back the vaporous Velo de la Novia (Bride's Veil) waterfall can be seen. On the cliffs across the river is a black and white rocky face known as Las Pizarras with several thin waterfalls.

The return drive will be approximately one-hour. Your tour concludes back at the pier to re-join the ship.