Puerto Chacabuco Shore Excursions
SHORE EXCURSIONS IN PUERTO CHACABUCO
Shore excursions specially designed for cruise passengers
1.-Chacabuco and the Aysén District
The wild and beautiful Aysén District of Chile lies south of Chiloé and Puerto Montt. This 2½-hour tour will provide a glimpse of the impressive landscape in this wet and windy region that makes up a part of Chilean Patagonia. The construction of the Carretera Austral Roadway now makes the area more accessible for travelers who come to this area of Chile to experience the frontier. Your excursion begins with a one-hour journey through beautiful scenery as you follow the river along the base of a deep, rocky gorge. Your destination today is the Rio Simpson National Reserve where you will take a brief walk down to the river to photograph the rugged scenery. At the information center you will find a small museum displaying exhibits of local fauna and flora. The return journey will take you back through the small village of Puerto Aysén
2.-Coyhaique and Simpson Valley
Leaving the pier, you will drive to the Regional Museum of Natural Resources in the Rio Simpson National Reserve where you will take a short walk down to the river to photograph the rugged scenery. Continue to Coyhaique along a paved road, traveling from the coast in the extreme west and crossing the Andes Mountains to the east before arriving in Coyhaique located at an altitude of approximately 1,476 feet.
The road runs along the Simpson River which flows through a narrow, mountainous valley with varied and abundant bird life to spot on the way. A short stop of about 10 minutes at the Alto Baguales viewpoint will be made for you to enjoy a superb view of Coyhaique city. Upon arriving in Coyhaique, you will begin by touring the city center followed by the Regional Museum of Patagonia. Although small, this museum features interesting exhibits with photos of early settlers. Light refreshments will be served at a local restaurant before returning along the same route to the pier.