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. You will also have the opportunity to observe a 600 year old tree and meander through farms and forests.

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.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount walking over approximately 350 yards (400 metres), however it is recommended for guests in good physical condition and free from back, neck or leg problems. This tour is not suitable for guests who may be pregnant. The minimum age to participate is 8 years old with an accompanying parent. The maximum weight for participants is 216 pounds (98 kilograms / 15 stone). Weather is unpredictable in this region and some showers could be expected at any time of the year. It is recommendable to wear warm layered clothing, a waterproof windbreaker and closed-toe shoes. A signed waiver is required to participate. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; young, enthusiastic students act as guides, and due to local average cooler temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.

Experience the pristine natural beauty and crystal-clear waters of Lake Los Palos in a unique new way during this picturesque, half-day kayaking excursion. Experience this area of calm, crystalline waters when you navigate the lake and see the varied endemic vegetation as well as typical Patagonian birds that inhabit this area, like kingfishers, eagles, several types of ducks, caiquenes and many more.

Lake Los Palos Kayaking

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 60-minute drive passing Aisen Town to Lake Los Palos located in Northern Patagonia where the Andes Mountain Range sinks into the ocean, thus creating dozens of small lakes, and rivers. Upon arrival, receive your safety and kayaking instructions, then don your life vest and commence your kayaking excursion. Your route takes you along the western shore of the lake northward to the Tabo River, which feeds into the lake.

As you ride upstream through the calm, crystalline waters see the area's diverse local vegetation and typical Patagonian birds.

Finally and before returning to Puerto Chacabuco, walk some 300 meters (984 feet) to a refuge to change clothes, if necessary, and to enjoy a revitalizing hot coffee.

Your tour concludes with an approximately 60-minute return drive to the pier, including a short stop at the interesting Handicrafts Domos, located not far from the port area.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, and is recommended for guests who know how to swim and are in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. A life vest is provided; a rain cape is also provided in the event of rain. Guests are advised to dress comfortably according to weather conditions: for sunny days, wear a lightweight shirt and shorts, and gym shoes or sandals; for rainy days, wear trousers, gym shoes and a polar fleece jacket. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are also recommended. Don't forget to bring a change of clothing in case you get wet. Changing facilities are only available at the end point of the tour therefore please ensure proper dress upon arrival. Since the width of the cockpit is approximately 17 inches (about 45 centimetres), the maximum advisable distance between the waist and heels is 43 inches (about 1.1 metres). The maximum weight to participate is 260 pounds (approximately 120 kilograms / 18.89 stone). Minimum age to participate is 12 years old. A signed waiver is required for all guests participating on this tour. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; young, enthusiastic students act as guides, and due to local average cooler temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.

Parque Aiken del Sure 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.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven ground but mostly flat/easy hike for approximately one-hour and 30 minutes at a slow pace and is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable, clothing with sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring a light raincoat. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; young, enthusiastic students act as guides, and due to local average cooler temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning.

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.

Your tour concludes back at the pier to re-join the ship.

Please note: This tour involves an optional amount of walking with a few stops requiring guests to climb in and out of the vehicle. Guests may remain on the vehicle when it stops. Walking is minimal (approximately 100 metres and 10 steps to manage). The climate is generally damp, with maximum temperatures in the low-60 degrees Fahrenheit (low-15 degrees Celsius) during the summer months. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable, clothing with sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring a light raincoat. Please be advised that local tourist facilities are limited; young, enthusiastic students act as guides, and due to local average cooler temperatures, vehicles are not equipped with air conditioning. Tour itinerary may be altered to avoid congestion.