Scientific Aysén
Organized by the Center for Scientific Research of Patagonia - CIEP Discovering the Pampas, the Baker River and the Northern Patagonian Ice fields with scientists.
Aysén is one of the most remote areas of Chile and Patagonia. Unheard of by most travelers, this region is a jewel in the heart of the Andenean Patagonia, with parks, mountains, glaciers, wild prairies and lands where only a few pioneers have decided to settle, braving the wild climate of Patagonia. Located 1 600km South of Santiago and 800 km North of the Strait of Magellan Aysén cradles between the imposing Northern Patagonian Ice fields and the infinite Argentinean pampas. Famous for its Laguna San Rafael Glaciar, few travelers have yet travelled the mythical Patagonian Austral Road.
This program wishes to introduce experienced travellers, professors and scientists on a journey to talk and debate about crucial environmental issues about water ressources and sustainable use of natural ressources. While visiting the Valle Chacabuco and the “pampa”, we will debate about the Patagonian Park Conservation Project, on the site of the Glaciar Exploradores (Glacier of the Explorers) debate about Global warming and on the shores of lake carrera and the River Baker debate about the posible construction of 3 hydroelectrical dams. With scientits from the Center of Patagonia Ecosystems you will be able to learn about the local natural and cultural heritage and actively debate of challanges and environmental issues.
Day-by-Day Program 7 days and 6 nights Program Departures: 18Jan till the 24th Jan
- Day 1 Balmaceda / Coyhaique: Meeting at the Balmaceda airport and Transfer to Coyhaique. Afternoon visit of CIEP. Free evening.
- Day 2 Coyhaique / Puerto Tranquilo: Morning seminar in CIEP with presentations from it’s scientists on trends and critical environmental issues. Early afternoon trip to Villa Castillo through the Volcanic Andes Western range to the small village of Puerto Tranquilo. Night in local cabins.
- Day 3 Tranquilo / Vallee Exploradores / Lago Carrera / Capillas de Mármol/ Tranquilo. Day visit into the heart of the Patagonia Andes, in the valley of the Explorers, up to the limit of the cold rain forest. A 20 minute walk takes us to a view point that dominates the Glacier at the foot of Mount St Valentine, the highest peak of Patagonia*. Return to the lake where we navigate to the “Capillas de Marmol”; a small island on Lago Carrera. Night and dinner in Tranquilo.
- Day 4 Tranquilo /Lake Carrera / Baker River and the Falls of River Neff. Early this morning we follow the Austral Road further south along the Emerald Blue Lake Carrera, second largest lake of Latin America. Within a few hours we reach the village of Bertrand. Walk to the shores of the baker river and the junction of and falls of the River Neff and Baker. Night in a cabin.
- Day 5 Baker River / Valle Chacabuco/ Cochrane / Baker River. We leave early this morning to visit a unique place, the future Patagonia Park, a private park owned by the Conservación Patagonica Foundation headed by the Tompkins family. Photo safari of the native wildlife and Guanacos. Visit of the town of Cochrane and the Tamango reserve to see the endemic gray deer, the Huemul. Diner in Cochrane and night in our cabins.
- Day 6 Baker River / Lake Carrera / Bajada Ibáñez / Coyhaique. Travel back North on the “Carretera Austral” to the river Ibáñez valley. Views of the rural areas and traditional lifestyle under the volcanic and snowy peaks of Cerro Castillo. Arrival in Coyhaique and sharing of a Traditional “Asado Patagon”. Night in a comfortable hotel and fancy restaurant.
- Day 7 Coyhaique / Balmaceda. Morning visit of Coyhaique, the local historical museum and shopping in the craftsman market. Drive to the airport of Balmaceda and flight to Santiago.
7d/6n Program Cost* with Economic Hostels:
| Prices per person With shared rooms |
12 to 16 Pax | 17 to 20 Pax | 21 to 25 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prices in Dollars* | 990 USD$ | 880 USD$ | 840 USD$ |
| Supl. SGL in dollar | 180 USD$ | 180 USD$ | 180 USD$ |
Includes: Private Transportation / English Speaking Scientific Guide/ Local tours / Full meals (including a mineral water or soft drink)/ Park and Museum entries /Navigation on Lake General Carrera / Housing in Shared Rooms in Huts and Double in Coyhaique Hostel).
Registration and payments until 25 November at http://www.viajescampanil.cl/heic/contact/. Please indicate that your are registering for Scientific Aysén Program.
A minimum of 12 participants are required to run the Scientific Aysén Program.
