Machu Picchu - Lake
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Lake Titicaca
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Archaeological & Ecological
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Galapagos - Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu - Galapagos
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Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos
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Galapagos & the Kingdom of Quito
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Historic Haciendas of the Andes
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© 2012 Inka's Empire Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Strange Trolls, Sea Monsters & Eerie Ghost Ships
Church at Llaullao, Chiloé Island, Chile.
Photo: Scott Price.
5-Star Luxury Tours
Sustainable Nature Tours
Land Price (3 days/2 nights)
The land price includes escorted transfers, private excursions with professional guides and chauffeurs, entrance fees, selected category of accommodations, gourmet cuisine (see details), all land and water transportation, and travel insurance for guests through the age of 59 years (over that age, there is a supplementary fee). All prices are per person based on two people sharing a guest room. For a detailed description of our services, see Opulent Itineraries. Season: September through March.
Chiloe
The Isla Grande of Chiloé is South America's largest island and among its most striking cultural anomalies. Divided by the gentle peaks of the Coast Range, Chiloé's eastern and western coasts are two worlds apart. To the west is a wilderness of endless beaches, dune habitat and temperate rainforests, much of it protected in one of Chile's most forgotten national parks. To the east are the scattered islands of the Chiloé archipelago, sheltered from Pacific storms, intensely cultivated, home to a traditional culture of subsistence farmers, fishermen and craftsmen.
The history of Chile, both human and natural, is rife with episodes of isolation. None is more dramatic, or more readily apparent, than the case of Chiloé. Cut off from the growing colony in Central Chile by a vast territory of impenetrable forests and hostile Mapuche Indians, the inhabitants of Chiloé depended directly upon the Viceroyalty in Lima for provisions. A ship came once a year, if that, exchanging astronomically priced manufactured goods and supplies unavailable locally -- which is to say, nearly everything -- and buying for a song the fruits of the islanders' labor.
Over the course of two centuries, the Spanish population mixed with the native, and all learned to make do with what limited resources could be culled from the sea, the forest and the earth. Meanwhile, the Jesuit order made this corner of the earth its special responsibility, erecting schools and over 200 elegant wooden churches, nine of which are now protected as national monuments. A rich mythology -- populated by strange trolls, sea monsters and eerie ghost ships -- is yet another mark of Chiloé's singular history.
Today, Chiloé balances wild, unbridled nature with one of South America's most remarkable traditional cultures. Renowned for its seafood, its woolen handicrafts and the warmth of its people, Chiloé is still a largely unknown destination for walking and biking, fishing, paddling and birding.
Source: Tourism Promotion Corporation of Chile.
Highlights
Chiloé Island
Day 1: Puerto Varas - Chiloé Island. An early drive and ferry crossing to Chiloé, an island steeped in history. It was the world's southernmost European colony for over 300 years and the last Spanish stronghold in Chile. Our destination is the Puñihuíl Natural Monument, which we will tour by boat with local fishermen. After a tasty lunch of traditional Chilean cuisine at El Mascaron de Proa, we continue southward toward Castro's majestic wooden cathedral, seaside palafito stilt homes and local market. A dinner of typical Chiloéan cuisine at the Lef Restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Espejo de Luna -- Standard Room.
Puerto Varas
Day 2: Chiloé Island - Puerto Varas. This morning, we cross over on a small ferry to the island of Lemuy, seeming to take a step back in time. Set among the other emerald islands of the archipelago, Lemuy is a quiet, pastoral isle with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes across the waters to the east. Lunch at Parque Yayanes. Upon returning to Chiloé, we arrive at Tepuhueico Park for a hike through a fantastically lush and biologically diverse forest to a charming waterfall. Return to Puerto Varas. Dinner at Cumbres del Lago. Overnight in the 5-star Cumbres Patagónicas -- Luxury Room (or Suite).
Your next destination
Day 3: Puerto Varas - Your next destination.
Details
Palafito stilt homes, Chiloé Island, Chile.
Photo: Protours Ltda.
Day 1: Puerto Varas - Chiloé Island
Breakfast. An early drive and ferry crossing to Chiloé, an island steeped in history. It was the world's southernmost European colony for over 300 years and the last Spanish stronghold in Chile. Our destination is the Puñihuíl Natural Monument. The only place where Humboldt and Magellan penguins nest side by side, we will tour its islands by boat with local fishermen. After a tasty lunch of traditional Chilean cuisine at El Mascaron de Proa in the town of Ancud, we continue southward toward Castro's majestic wooden cathedral (one of 16 World Heritage Sites), seaside palafito stilt homes and local market. A dinner of typical Chiloéan cuisine at the uniquely designed Lef Restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Espejo de Luna -- Standard Room.
TripAdvisor Review: "Driving through the green, rolling hills of Chiloé, the nostalgic image of a large, wooden ship washed ashore emerges from the picturesque landscape. In reality it is Lef, the restaurant and reception centre of Espejo de Luna, hand built in timber in the form of a shipwreck. The name and shape of the building were inspired by the seafaring tradition of this Chilean isle, which dates back to the first indigenous inhabitants of the island, the Chonos, and a tradition that is still alive today. The unique architecture of Lef does not seem out of place in Chiloé, famous for its wooden architecture, including 16 World Heritage churches. Lef features a first class, international restaurant, which utilizes and is inspired by the rich and abundant local produce. Combining award-winning Chilean wines, an inspired menu and warm service with pleasant views over the 3-hectare site, the dining experience at Lef is rarely matched in South America. Espejo de Luna boasts a lodge, Ruka Kimun, with five ample double suites with private bath and a shared lounge with awe-inspiring views over the Corcovado Gulf towards the Chaiten Volcano, which infamously came to life again in early 2008. The beach is one of the rough, stormy beaches of the south of Chile, with volcanic sands and views out of the clear waters towards the mainland. It’s a beach with the kind of brutal beauty which inspired Pablo Neruda’s Playa del Sur (Beach of the South)."
Lef Restaurant of the Hotel Espejo de Luna, Chiloé Island, Chile.
Photo: Hotel Espejo de Luna.
Day 2: Chiloé Island - Puerto Varas
Breakfast. This morning, we pass through the village of Chonchi and cross over on a small ferry to the island of Lemuy, seeming to take a step back in time. Set among the other emerald islands of the archipelago, Lemuy is a quiet, pastoral isle with a backdrop of the snow-capped Andes across the waters to the east. Lunch at Parque Yayanes. Upon returning to Chiloé, we arrive at Tepuhueico Park for a hike through a fantastically lush and biologically diverse forest. A small trail leads to the natural drainage of Tepuhueico Lake -- a charming waterfall. Later on, return to Puerto Varas to enjoy spectacular views of the Calbuco and Osorno Volcanos across Lake Llanquihue. Dinner at Cumbres del Lago. Overnight in the 5-star Cumbres Patagónicas -- Luxury Room (or Suite).
Day 3: Puerto Varas - Your next destination
Breakfast.
© 2012 Inka's Empire Corporation, Luxury Peru Tours & Travel. All rights reserved.
