Our unguided trips are meant for experienced sea kayakers and whitewater kayakers only. These trips are not meant for people looking for a less expensive version of our guided trips but for experienced kayakers wanting a rugged and unpredictable adventure with the real possibility of hazardous weather and water conditions. Because of the associated hazards we strongly recommend our guided sea kayaking vacations to all of our guests. Our guides are professionally trained and know the weather patterns and water conditions in our region. They love guiding Patagonia sea kayaks trips and you will find them to be knowledgeable, and personable companions in adventure. Having one of our guides along ensures a fun and safe sea kayaking vacation experience.
That said, historically many of our unguided guests have not been successful in completing the Andes to the Ocean expedition (to date all of our guided trips have finished safely) requiring Expediciones Chile to pull them from the trip and plan alternate activities for the week.
Guests who decide to undertake any of our unguided sea kayak trips should take trip preparation very seriously. The ability to self rescue, administer first aid and navigate unfamiliar waters are all imperative prerequisites for these trips. A physical conditioning program should also be undertaken well prior to your vacation.
Expediciones Chile will provide maps and GPS coordinates of all the camping areas. Guests must provide a suitable, working GPS receiver and the expertise to use it for navigation. We must have a trip minimum of two participants on all unguided trips.
Although it rarely happens, Expediciones Chile reserves the right to add guides to any trip or combine an unguided trip with a guided trip leaving at the same time.
Andes to the Ocean - Unguided Option
Day 1 Saturday: Arrival and Introductions
Arrive at either of our entry points in Puerto Montt, Chile or Esquel, Argentina, the gateway to Patagonia. Connect with our representative and travel to the remote riverside town of Futaleufu, surrounded by majestic mountains. You will find your accommodations at our comfortable inn and town cabins, and unwind from your trip with a hearty welcome dinner at the Futaleufu Adventure Center.
Day 2 Sunday: Your choice of Adventure Activities
After breakfast you choose from one our Adventure Center activities by either joining a rafting trip, horseback riding excursion, mountain biking trip or a day trek near town. Later, we will help you prepare for your up coming Patagonia sea kayaking adventure. Before the sun sets we will arrange , gear, food, and go over logistics of our sea kayak journey.
Day 3 Mon - Day 6 Thurs: Expedition Sea Kayaking
Day 7 Friday: Sea Kayaking - Out of the River and Into the Ocean
By the end of the day, you will sea kayak directly to the beach in front of downtown Chaiten, a small seaside fishing village. Your Patagonia sea kayaking loop is complete: hot showers, cool drinks, and a comfortable bed await you at our Chaiten base. All personal gear not taken on the sea kayaking Chile trip will be waiting at your ‘hospedaje’.
Day 8 Saturday: Departure
After breakfast, explore Chaiten for a few hours. A quick shuttle takes you to the airport for your flight back to Puerto Montt, unless you decide you just can't leave and want to return to Futaleufu for more fun in "The World's Greatest Playground!" You will have just experienced in one week what some folks won't experience in a lifetime.
PRICE: $1195.00 USD
Note: Expediciones Chile does NOT rent sea kayaks for guests wanting to undertake these trips independently. Your trip cost includes, at Expediciones Chile expense, supporting a week of alternate activities should something occur that precludes completion of your your trip.
Included: All local transportation, shuttles, food and lodging while in Futaleufu. One night of lodging in Chaiten at the end of your trip. All sea kayaks and equipment specified in the packing list. The cost of finding alternate activities for the sea kayaking vacation should your trip be prematurely terminated.
Eco Camp Campo Tres Monjas
Wilderness Camping
| Price per Person: $1195.00 USD |
Special Flexibilities: Exchile will be flexible to make your trip a total success. The actual program for your custom trip will vary according to the desires and skill level of your group, weather, or other factors. Patagonia has constantly changing weather patterns that might affect what day is best for a certain activity. If a certain part of your trip is not possible due to danger risks and weather extremes, our experienced guide staff will work with you to figure out the best possible option to substitute for the weather complications. If you have any concerns, please feel free to ask us more about the situations and what is guaranteed on the trip.
Included: Your described trip, guiding, instruction, activity equipment, local transportation, shuttles, all meals, wine with dinner, acomodations at our eco-camps, cabins, ranches or lodges, while on your trip. We offer a free pick up on Sunday mornings at 9 am in Trevelin at your hotel, and drop off to your hotel in Trevelin, Argentina on Fridays at 9 pm. See the packing list of your activity, for the specific clothing that is required.
Not Included: Transportation to and from your home town, and your accommodations and meals in Trevelin Argentina or alternate trip pick up point. You can reserve and prepay on the web your transport from your final air destination, to and from your pick up-drop off point before and after your trip, or you can direct us to charge your visa card and do it for you. We higly recommended having exchile make hotel reserves in Trevelin. (room capacity in this small village is limited). Expediciones Chile is not financially responsible for your travel complications getting to your trip pick up point and from the drop off point, HOWEVER, we will be relentless allies in offering our services to help solve any issues that you may encounter.
