Patagonia’s stunning natural beauty is on full display with the Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion from Puerto Chacabuco. This 4.5-hour private tour packs in highlights like Puerto Aysén, Río Simpson, and Coyhaique National Reserve. But the real draw? A mouthwatering picnic lunch featuring the region’s renowned asado. With a small group size, travelers can expect a personalized experience as they discover Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. There’s more to uncover on this immersive tour.
Key Points
- This 4.5-hour private shore excursion from Puerto Chacabuco, Chile, explores the region’s second-largest city, Puerto Aysén, and includes a picnic lunch in Coyhaique.
- The tour features scenic drives along the Río Simpson, with a stop at the Presidente Ibañez Bridge, and an easy hike at the Laguna Verde in Coyhaique National Reserve.
- The itinerary includes a visit to the museum in Río Simpson National Reserve for wildlife learning, and a stop at the Cascada La Virgen waterfall.
- The tour is priced at $205.00 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers, and includes the national park ticket, port pickup, and a local professional guide.
- While the tour has received mixed reviews regarding scenic beauty, guide knowledge, and lunch atmosphere, it offers a personalized experience with the option for free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This private shore excursion from Puerto Chacabuco, Chile, lasts 4.5 hours and allows travelers to explore the region’s second-largest city, Puerto Aysén.
Guests will enjoy scenic drives along the Río Simpson, featuring the Presidente Ibañez Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Chile.
They will visit the museum in Río Simpson National Reserve to learn about local wildlife and savor a picnic lunch of traditional Patagonian fare with views of Coyhaique city.
The tour also includes discovering unspoiled pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls, culminating in an easy hike along Laguna Verde in Coyhaique National Reserve.
Looking for more options in Puerto Chacabuco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Details
The tour kicks off with pickup from the Puerto Chacabuco cruise terminal, timed to coincide with ship arrival.
Stops include a 20-minute visit to Puerto Aysén, the region’s second-largest city. Next, the tour spends 10 minutes at the museum in Río Simpson National Reserve to learn about local wildlife.
Cascada La Virgen waterfall is visited for 15 minutes. Travelers enjoy 20 minutes in Coyhaique, the regional capital, before a 2-hour scenic drive showcasing Chilean Patagonia’s natural beauty.
The final stop is the Presidente Ibáñez Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Chile, for 20 minutes.
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes lunch featuring a traditional Chilean asado (BBQ) with lamb, as well as a drink (beer, wine, or soft drink).
Other inclusions:
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National Park ticket
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Port pickup and local professional guide
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Gratuities
The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers and is priced starting from $205.00 per person.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 3 days in advance. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Participant Information and Requirements
Cruise ship passengers must provide the name of their ship, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time to confirm their participation in the tour.
The Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. Guests should prepare for unpredictable weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Free cancellation is available up to 3 days in advance, providing flexibility for tour participants.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
According to the available reviews, customers have provided mixed feedback on the Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion.
While some praised the scenic beauty, local guide knowledge, and friendly atmosphere at lunch, others expressed concerns:
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Long travel time with limited stops in Coyhaique
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Language barriers with guides
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Inconsistent tour descriptions
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Mixed experiences regarding guide engagement
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Uncertainty about overall value for money
The reviews suggest a need for the tour operator to address these issues to deliver a more consistent and satisfactory experience for future participants.
Discovering Puerto Aysén
One of the first stops on the Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion is the bustling city of Puerto Aysén, the region’s second-largest urban center.
Guests will spend about 20 minutes exploring this riverside town, learning about its history and observing daily life. The tour highlights Puerto Aysén’s role as a regional hub, with its fishing port, shops, and residential neighborhoods.
A short stop in the riverside town of Puerto Aysén offers a glimpse into its role as a regional hub.
Though brief, this stop offers a glimpse into the local culture and introduces the beautiful Patagonian landscapes that will dominate the rest of the excursion.
From here, the tour continues its scenic drive along the Río Simpson towards the national reserve.
Exploring Río Simpson National Reserve
After exploring the charming town of Puerto Aysén, the tour heads towards the Río Simpson National Reserve.
The reserve offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders:
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Visitors can browse the museum to learn about the local flora and fauna.
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A short hike leads to stunning views of the Simpson River and surrounding pine forests.
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Travelers can spot native birds, like the Magellanic woodpecker, during the visit.
The tour then continues along the scenic Río Simpson, crossing the Presidente Ibañez Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Chile.
Picnic Lunch With Patagonian Views
The tour then culminates with a picnic lunch showcasing the flavors of Patagonia.
Guests will savor a traditional ASADO-style Chilean barbecue, featuring tender lamb accompanied by local wine or beer.
They’ll enjoy these Patagonian delicacies while taking in the stunning vistas of Coyhaique city and the surrounding mountains and lakes.
The tranquil setting provides a chance to rest and refuel before continuing the exploration of the region’s natural wonders.
The tranquil setting allows guests to rest and refuel before further exploring the region’s natural beauty.
This lunch offers a delightful taste of the local culture and cuisine, complementing the scenic highlights of the day’s adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional Patagonian lunch with a drink, so bringing outside food and beverages is not permitted.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?
The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and involves an easy hike. Most travelers can participate, but guests should consider their physical abilities before booking.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
While the standard itinerary can’t be customized, guests can discuss their interests with the tour provider. They may be able to adjust the duration or prioritize certain sights to better fit your preferences, though options may be limited.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change Plans?
The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 3 days in advance. This provides flexibility should the traveler need to change plans. The tour operator offers this lenient cancellation policy to accommodate unexpected schedule changes.
Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Tour?
Travel insurance isn’t required, but it’s recommended to protect against unexpected changes or cancellations. The tour offers free cancellation up to 3 days in advance, providing flexibility if your plans need to be altered.
The Sum Up
The Coyhaique Tour Shore Excursion from Puerto Chacabuco offers a captivating glimpse into Patagonia’s natural wonders. From the picturesque Laguna Verde to the cascading Cascada La Virgen, travelers are treated to a personalized exploration of the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, all while enjoying a delightful picnic lunch featuring traditional Chilean asado. This 4.5-hour tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the stunning beauty of Patagonia.