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Puerto Chacabuco, Chile shore excursion


Kayelache
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We have all our shore excursions booked for our Dec. 15 HAL cruise, Rio to Valparaiso except for Puerto Chacabuco. It appears that there isn't much near the port, and that to find handicrafts etc one needs to go to Coyhaique some 50 miles away. Portcompass has some interesting tours but there aren't enough people interested to get a group rate. The ship offers three tours, one is to a lake and features a lamb "asado" (whatever that is, lunch, I assume) and is pricey at $129 per person. It mentions going through Coyhaique but does not stop at the handicraft market. A less expensive one does visit the market, but, at $79 per person, I wonder if it would be possible to find local transportation (taxi?) at the port and go on one's own. Anyone been there, done that???

Karen in Arizona

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Hi Karen

There is absolutly nothing in Puerto Chacabuco - you will not find private tours or cabs waiting for you - the cruise lines have to bring the buses in - take the Simpson Valley & Coyhaique tour offered by your ship - this is your best bet - beautiful scenery - very remote - your only other choice is to stay on the ship and you don't want to do that since you've paid lots of money to get here and probably will not have another opportunity. Also don't take the lake tour - you will get great scenery but a long bus ride and overpriced for what you get.

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Kayelache: I agree with the above poster. We took the Lake Elizalde excursion last year and it was the absoulute worst excursion we have ever endured! VERY overrated, extremely long, miserable bus ride to a severely overcrowded lodge with mediocre food, and no other activities. Save your money and take a local bus/cab to Cohayhique (sp?). There is NOTHING in the port itself. I can't believe that HAL is returning to this port again this year. Chile is a beautiful country and we would like to return for more sights but, we will skip Puerto Chacabuco!

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I concur! This isn't a good port at all. There's nothing there. Even if you start walking to look around, it will take you a while to find anything. I disembarked in this port just to say I'd been there and take a picture in front of the Port Chacabuco sign. Then it was back to the ship to enjoy the day looking at the beautiful surroundings. I wouldn't spend any money for an excursion out of this port.

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  • 2 weeks later...

You can hop on the local bus for about $1.00 each and take it into the next town then go into the bus station and buy a ticket to Coyhaique about $5.00. The bus takes you on the same road as the ship tour and it's fun to be with the locals. When you arrive in Coyhaique make sure you buy your return ticket to ensure a seat on the bus and get back in time. You may be able to buy a round trip ticket but we didn't know about it until someone on the bus informed us that we had to make a reservation for our return. This is sort of their Greyhound bus service.

 

We enjoyed doing this on our own and the drive going through the Andes was beautiful.

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  • 7 years later...

This is a NON COMMERCIAL message.

 

My name is Paul Dion. I am 68 years and a US Citizen living full time (retired) in Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. I lived here from 1991 - 1995 while working as Pesquera Friosur's QA manager. I returned in Nov of 2010 to retire. I have spent 10 years living and working in Chile.

 

I am offering a FREE WALKING TOUR of Puerto Chacabuco. I am capable of offering your guest for FREE an in-dept look at the people, the everyday life and the culture of this small village typical of life in Patagonia. It has no shops nor artisanal bazaars. It is a glimsp of life in Patagonia that otherwise goes relatively unnoticed.

 

Your clients may ask me questions regarding what life is like here in Chacabuco. As a former teacher in the US for 20 years I am able to offer them an experience through the eyes a a real "gringo" in a language that only a US citizen can offer. There is no duration nor commitment to come along with me and enjoy the conversation and insights.

 

I also offer FREE non commercial advice on just about anything regarding Chacabuco, Aysen and Coihaighe from buses, taxis, collectivos, shops and public transportation.

 

Regards,

 

Paul Dion

Puerto Chacabuco

Chile

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Hi Paul,

I will be in Chacabuco on 3 March this year, with Adonia cruise ship. Can you tell me if there are any local parks where we could see some local birds or wildlife please?

Also are there any decent places to eat?

I think there must be some good things to see in Chacabuco otherwise you would not have gone to retire there!:D

 

Alternatively would you be able to meet me and some other cruise pax for a walk round the town please?

Thanks very much

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Hi Kristal,

 

I would love to escort you around Chacabuco on March 3. You will be here for the day according to the Adonia's itinerary while in here.

Thanks for getting back to me now as it will give me a chance to make a few arrangements with the locals.

The ship offers a tour to Parque Aikin that I am sure you will find all the flora and fauna of the region. It is located a few klms from Chacabuco so you will not get stuck on some bus for a hour and a half. There are other sites that offer the same if you wish to "go it alone" with me. Just let me know.

Your choice in Chacabuco to eat ranges from a five star restaurant/hotel, The Loberia, which serves very overpriced food, to the oldest rooming house in Chacabuco, "The Moreleda" which serves a daily fare of Chilean cuisine for affordable prices. I can make some "special arrangements" if you decide to eat their. I would recommend it.

Chacabuco is rich in its people. Modern day technology has caught up with life here. The houses may be small and a bit on the shack style but all have a 25in flat screen TV and a PC. But daily life is simple here. I hasn't changed since I first lived here in 1991. That's why I choose to return here to retire.

We just put up street signs the other day. Most people thought that it was a waste of money. We all know where we live why do we need these modern day signs?

Once again I am here to help you enjoy Chacabuco. It's a free service because I enjoy it possibly more than you do. Keeps me busy. So tell your friends on board about me and maybe I can help them experience what I call, "the very heartbeat of Patagonia's real life". My email address is pdionpda@aol.com

Regards,

 

Paul Dion

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  • 3 weeks later...
You can hop on the local bus for about $1.00 each and take it into the next town then go into the bus station and buy a ticket to Coyhaique about $5.00. The bus takes you on the same road as the ship tour and it's fun to be with the locals. When you arrive in Coyhaique make sure you buy your return ticket to ensure a seat on the bus and get back in time. You may be able to buy a round trip ticket but we didn't know about it until someone on the bus informed us that we had to make a reservation for our return. This is sort of their Greyhound bus service.

 

We enjoyed doing this on our own and the drive going through the Andes was beautiful.

 

I did this local bus tour to Coyhaique on my own in January 2011. I bought a return ticket. The bus was very fast, about 3/4 hr. from Aysen to Coyhaique. I didn't start out early enough, so I just took the bus to Coyhaique and returned on the same bus. The scenery was very good, and it was fun to watch people get on and off in the different areas. It's best to go into Aysen and buy your ticket right away to Coyhaique, so that you have some time to look around the town before returning to Aysen, and then going back to Puerto Chacabuco. In Aysen, the grocery store would only take Chilean money, no US or credit cards, so no one bought anything, as none of us had any Chilean pesos with us. The store did have Chilean wine for sale, so if you want to buy some to take back to the ship, make sure you have some Chilean money with you.The bus station took US dollars, and the bus from Puerto Chacabuco into Aysen took US dollars.

Edited by luvcruisn'
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Too bad we did not hook up while you were in Chacabuco. I could have helped you with the local scene. I live on top of the hill where the bus from the boat lets you off.

 

You got the best deal out of your trip to Coiyaighe. The view nof the mountains. Really nothing to see in Coiyaighe and the Artisanal bazar is nothing but high priced comercially made trinkets. Even the WOOL SOCKS are made commercially and are half cotton blend.

 

Aysen really has nothing unless you rent a cab for $15 US an hour and just drive around locally. Well worth the $15. But like the bus, rent the cab in Aysen. Can get some lined up at the local Superarket, INIMARC. Don´t let these guys get you for more. It´s $15.

 

Chacabuco has a hidden character that must e explored with a native or someone who lives here full time. Like me. Next time or tell your friends to look me up the next time they are passing through. Email at pdionpda at aol.com (Can`t get the keyboard to print the at symbol)

 

Regards,

 

Paul Dion

Puerto Chacabuco

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  • 9 months later...

Hi Paul,

We will be on the Regatta and will arrive at Puerto Chacabuco on Feb. 02 at 11:00am. We are Shirley and Richard and would like to take you up on your offer of showing us around. Please let us know if you are willing to show us your country at this time.

Our e mail is: srseafish@aol.com

Thanks, Shirley

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Hi Paul,

We will be on the Regatta and will arrive at Puerto Chacabuco on Feb. 02 at 11:00am. We are Shirley and Richard and would like to take you up on your offer of showing us around. Please let us know if you are willing to show us your country at this time.

Our e mail is: srseafish@aol.com

Thanks, Shirley

Thanks for getting in touch. Would love to show you around. Pray for a sunny day.

Paul Dion

Puerto Chacabuco

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Hi Paul,

I will be in Chacabuco on 3 March this year, with Adonia cruise ship. Can you tell me if there are any local parks where we could see some local birds or wildlife please?

Also are there any decent places to eat?

I think there must be some good things to see in Chacabuco otherwise you would not have gone to retire there!:D

 

Alternatively would you be able to meet me and some other cruise pax for a walk round the town please?

Thanks very much

e

 

Kristal,

Would love to escort you and your friends around Chacabuco, our humble little town with lots of trucks. Your choice of restaurants at 5 star or a la chilena. The park is private and you have to take a cruise tour to partake. However you can rent a taxi for $14 and hour to take you where you want to go. Looking forward to seeing you. Pray for a sunny day.

 

Paul Dion

Puerto Chacabuco

Chile

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Hi Paul,

I will be in Chacabuco on 3 March this year, with Adonia cruise ship. Can you tell me if there are any local parks where we could see some local birds or wildlife please?

Also are there any decent places to eat?

I think there must be some good things to see in Chacabuco otherwise you would not have gone to retire there!:D

 

Alternatively would you be able to meet me and some other cruise pax for a walk round the town please?

Thanks very much

 

Did you get to meet and be shown round by Paul Dion after all? If not, what did you do in Chacabuco?

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  • 2 months later...

Just feedback after our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip with En Patagonia tours. Very professional, very enjoyable. Particularly we enjoyed our visit to a farm for a meal and entertainment. Delicious food, great pisco sour and shared bottle of wine. The entertainment - traditional dances - was excellent and the welcome was warm and genuine. Recommended.

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Just feedback after our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed our day trip with En Patagonia tours. Very professional, very enjoyable. Particularly we enjoyed our visit to a farm for a meal and entertainment. Delicious food, great pisco sour and shared bottle of wine. The entertainment - traditional dances - was excellent and the welcome was warm and genuine. Recommended.

 

That is excellent to hear as we are doing the same tour next month!

 

Any hints and tips to add perhaps please?

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We are also doing this tour next month - it looks a great day out. It is a 5.5hr tour and is $95 pp.

Any hints and tips to add perhaps please?

The advice we received was

Remember that weather in Northern Patagonia is very unpredictable. Bring rain gear, cold weather gear and comfortable walking shoes. It is quite rainy year around, but we are lucky to have some summer days every now and again. Layers are the best, plan for cold and rain or sunshine!

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That is excellent to hear as we are doing the same tour next month!

 

Any hints and tips to add perhaps please?

Laylam is right - it can be rainy. You will have to walk along a path so wear appropriate shoes.

On our trip through Ushuaia some people did not bring adequate clothing. They thought they were going south to warm weather! Check http://www.weatherbase.com for typical / historical and http://www.accuweather.com for longterm forecasts. Enjoy1

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  • 2 months later...
We are also doing this tour next month - it looks a great day out. It is a 5.5hr tour and is $95 pp.

The advice we received was

 

We are hoping to take the enPatagonia tour this fall on our cruise, but their website is "down". Can you tell me if they are still in business and give me contact information please?

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e

 

Kristal,

Would love to escort you and your friends around Chacabuco, our humble little town with lots of trucks. Your choice of restaurants at 5 star or a la chilena. The park is private and you have to take a cruise tour to partake. However you can rent a taxi for $14 and hour to take you where you want to go. Looking forward to seeing you. Pray for a sunny day.

 

Paul Dion

Puerto Chacabuco

Chile

 

Paul,

 

We will be in Chacabuco aboard Holland America Zaandam on November 7, 2013...and if you are still helping travelers...we could use your help. We are in our mid-60's, but avid walkers and lovers of the outdoors. Any suggestions or guide help that you can arrange during our visit would be most appreciated. Rocky

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We are hoping to take the enPatagonia tour this fall on our cruise, but their website is "down". Can you tell me if they are still in business and give me contact information please?

Try their email address: enpatagonia @ gmail.com (close the spaces). We had a great trip with them.

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I was able to contact Ann from enpatagonia tours and she is definitely still giving tours from the port of Puerto Chacabuco. I have confirmed 2 spots for February 15, 2014 arriving on the Zaandam. She will only take a full van of 14 people out, so if anyone of my sailing is interested you can give a holler on the roll call or contact her.

Wendy wwb

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