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Kayak Pumalín Park

This multi-day wilderness kayaking adventure explores the fjords of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Park in the Chilean Lake District. Top guides will show you the wonders of this magical place from the water and help you navigate the intricate coast as you experience unique wildlife and scenery on this unforgettable expedition.

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Kayak Pumalín Park

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

4 Days

From

$1,065

Location

Chilean Lakes

Kayak Pumalín Park - 4 Days - $1,065

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Depart from Puerto Varas; Kayak to Llancahué Island; Llancahué B&B 

Day 2: Kayak to Quintupeu Fjord; Quintupeu camp 

Day 3: Kayak to Cahuelmo Fjord; Cahuelmo camp

Day 4: Return to Puerto Varas

Start from Puerto Varas and end at Puerto Varas

Landmarks visited on Kayak Pumalín Park

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Puerto Varas; Kayak to Llancahué Island; Llancahué B&B

At 6am we'll set out on the Austral Highway from Puerto Varas to the ferry. We'll reach Comau Fjord in the late morning and pack up the kayaks on the shore, just before lunch.

There will only be 2-3hrs of paddling today, all of it in relatively protected waters to reach Llancahué Island. Paddle around the island to reach Llancahué B&B and hot springs, where we'll stay this evening. There'll be time to soak in these lovely thermal pools with great lookouts to the fjord. We'll have a pisco sour on the terrace of the B&B before a fresh fish dinner and then head to bed early as the serious paddling begins tomorrow.

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Llancahué B&B


Day 2: Kayak to Quintupeu Fjord; Quintupeu camp

We'll be up early in order to have breakfast and get on the water by sunrise. Today's route is more exposed than yesterdays and the schedule will depend on the tide times.

Paddling southeast we'll reach the narrow entrance of the Quintupeu Fjord flanked by imposing steep walls. Once inside, the conditions will be calmer. It's at this point that native Andean forest meets the Pacific Ocean.

Lunch will be on one of the few beaches in the fjord and you may decide to take a shower under one of the waterfalls before paddling to the bottom of the fjord and your camping spot for the night. We'll leave the kayaks over the tide line and prepare the campsite. Dinner will be cooked by everyone and we'll have a great night under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Quintupeu camp


Day 3: Kayak to Cahuelmo Fjord; Cahuelmo camp

This is the most challenging day of the trip so we'll aim to get on the water very early – depending on the conditions this could be before sunrise. We'll try to make as much progress as possible before lunch and as there are few places to land, we'll take advantage of the energy bars that we'll store on the decks of our kayaks.

We'll reach the entrance to Cahuelmo Fjord, again flanked by steep walls and home to a colony of sea lions who will be staring at us and making plenty of noise as we pass by and navigate to the end of the fjord where we will camp.

Here we'll also find Cahuelmo springs – a very welcome sight after the hours spent paddling. The pools have been carved on the river bank and this is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the sunset, soaking in thermal water. We'll set up our campsite in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by many different species of birds. Dinner will be cooked by everyone again and we'll have another great night under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Cahuelmo camp


Day 4 : Return to Puerto Varas

We'll have a hearty breakfast and a last dip in the thermal pools before we get back into the kayaks. Today's route depends on the paddling conditions. A paddling section takes you around the sea lion colony at the mouth of the fjord and then you will meet the support boat which will take you back to Hornopiren where the van awaits. We'll then be driven back to Puerto Varas along the Austral Highway, arriving around 8.30-9.00pm.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

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What our customers think of Kayak Pumalín Park

Kayak Pumalín Park trips scored 4.8/5 from 2 reviews

Paddling to the hot springs; after two days of paddling on the water, we entered the last fjord and it felt like time stopped. We slowly passed by groups of curious and playful sea lions and made our way to where the river meets the ocean. We had to pull our kayaks through the low tide and made it to our destination. After we set up camp, we enjoyed the hot springs as it began to rain. It was magical.

Travelled: March 2023

Kelsey -

Phenomenal

Travelled: March 2021

Ruth -

Review:

Kayaking in Pumalin Park

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices start at USD $1,065 per person for those joining a small group outing, sharing accommodation and camping. 

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Book now to secure your place for the 2024/25 season. Prices, on the same basis above, start from USD $1,175. The operator will be confirming their rates in the coming weeks and we expect an increase; we therefore guarantee you will not pay more for your trip if you book before then.

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Private departures can be set up on a date of your choice. Please contact us for details.

Additional Notes

Guides – You'll meet your guide the afternoon before departure. They'll go through the itinerary, answer any questions that you have and provide you with your dry-bags for tomorrow.

Note – You do not have to be an experienced kayaker, but you must be able to swim.

Group size is from 2 to 6 guests.

Includes

  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on demand
  • Accommodation: 1 night in B&B, 2 nights wild camping
  • Camping equipment for cooking and tents
  • Single and tandem kayaks (depending on your experience)
  • Private transportation during the whole trip
  • English and Spanish-speaking kayak guide
  • Complete technical gear (wet suits, kayak, paddles etc)
  • Safety communication equipment
  • Dry-bags for your personal gear

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Sleeping bag and mat (can be hired locally if needed)
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

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