Chonos Route – Patagonia
Duration
6 days
Destination
Patagonia
Group Size
Departures
Overview
The Chonos Route aboard the Skorpios 2 is an extraordinary five night, six day expedition cruise through the breathtaking fjords, glaciers, islands, and remote waterways of Chilean Patagonia. Sailing more than 800 nautical miles from Puerto Montt toward the legendary San Rafael Glacier, this immersive voyage explores one of the most isolated and pristine regions in South America.
Named after the indigenous Chonos people, the ancient canoe navigators of Patagonia, the route follows historic maritime pathways through spectacular channels, archipelagos, and hidden fjords inaccessible to larger ships. Along the journey, guests visit traditional villages including Quemchi, Dalcahue, and Puerto Aguirre while discovering the raw beauty and rich culture of southern Chile.
Highlights of the Journey
- Close navigation to the magnificent San Rafael Glacier and its towering ancient blue ice formations.
- Scenic cruising through the spectacular channels, gulfs, fjords, and archipelagos of Chilean Patagonia.
- Visits to authentic Chilote and Patagonian communities including Quemchi, Dalcahue, and Puerto Aguirre.
- Wildlife encounters around the Conejos and Barrientos Islets, home to sea lions, seabirds, dolphins, and marine wildlife.
- Relaxation at the beautiful Quitralco Fjord with natural hot springs surrounded by untouched Patagonian wilderness.
- Traditional Patagonian asado featuring lamb slowly roasted over an open fire.
- Incredible opportunities for photography, glacier viewing, and nature observation throughout the expedition.
The Expedition Experience
The Chonos Route delivers a true expedition style experience, combining adventure, exploration, and cultural discovery. Guests travel deep into remote regions rarely visited by conventional tourism, navigating narrow channels and glacier-fed fjords where dramatic landscapes unfold in every direction.
Excursions throughout the voyage allow travellers to connect closely with Patagonia’s wilderness and communities. Zodiac landings, guided explorations, and scenic navigation provide opportunities to encounter native wildlife, admire towering glaciers, and experience the isolated rhythm of life in southern Chile.
One of the most memorable moments of the journey is the approach to the San Rafael Glacier, where floating icebergs and immense walls of ancient ice create an unforgettable natural spectacle. Combined with the serenity of Patagonia’s untouched waterways, the expedition offers a rare sense of remoteness and discovery.
Life Onboard the Skorpios II
Life aboard the Skorpios 2 is relaxed, comfortable, and perfectly suited to Patagonia exploration. The vessel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable cabins, panoramic lounges, spacious observation decks, and elegant dining areas designed for scenic cruising.
Guests can enjoy exceptional views throughout the ship while sailing through glaciers, fjords, and narrow Patagonian channels. The onboard experience is complemented by attentive service and regional cuisine inspired by southern Chilean flavours and fresh local ingredients.
The intimate size of the vessel allows for a more personalised and immersive expedition atmosphere, creating a closer connection to both the landscapes and fellow travellers.
Why the Chonos Route is So Unique?
The Chonos Route is considered one of Patagonia’s most unique cruise experiences because it combines dramatic glacier landscapes, authentic cultural encounters, wildlife exploration, and remote navigation in a single voyage.
Unlike many traditional cruises, this expedition focuses on the untouched coastal wilderness of Chilean Patagonia, exploring regions inaccessible by road and rarely visited by larger ships. The route blends the rich heritage of Chiloe and Patagonia with some of the continent’s most spectacular natural scenery.
From ancient glaciers and hidden fjords to isolated fishing villages and natural hot springs, every day offers a different perspective of Patagonia’s immense beauty. The journey’s intimate expedition style, combined with the historic legacy of the Chonos people and the comfort of the Skorpios II, creates a truly authentic and unforgettable Patagonian adventure.
Itinerary in brief
- Day 1: Embark in Puerto Montt and begin your Patagonia fjords expedition aboard the Skorpios 2.
- Day 2: Cruise through the remote Chonos Archipelago and anchor near the magnificent San Rafael Glacier.
- Day 3: Explore the San Rafael Lagoon by expedition boats, navigating among spectacular floating icebergs.
- Day 4: Arrive at Quitralco Fjord to enjoy natural thermal springs and scenic Patagonian hiking trails.
- Day 5: Sail along Chiloé’s eastern coastline with opportunities to spot blue whales, Magellanic penguins, and seabirds.
- Day 6: Return to Puerto Montt and disembark.
Itinerary
12:00 hrs. Set sail from Terminal Skorpios in Puerto Montt. Navigation through the archipelago of Llanquihue. Sighting of the city of Calbuco. Gulf of Ancud. 17:00 hrs. Landfall in Mechuque Island of the archipelago of the island of Chiloé. Disembark in boats in this picturesque town of Chilote, where you can visit its streets, craft fair and museum, as well as boat rides through interior canals, depending on the conditions of tide and climate. 19:30 hrs. We continue south through the archipelago of Chiloé, crossing the Corcovado Gulf at midnight.
Dinner
08:00 hrs. Navigation through Moraleda and Ferronave channels. Arrival in Puerto Aguirre at 11:00 hrs. Disembarkation in this fishing village nestled in the archipelago of the Chonos, we walk through its streets, viewpoints and the path of a typical rainforest of the region. 13:30 hrs. Navigation through Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Casma pass channels. 16:00 hrs. Arrival at Barrientos Islet. Here we will make a landing in boats stealthily approaching this group of rocky islands and be able to visit this place where there is the largest number of seabirds in the Aysén region to see birds such as Imperial Cormorants and Liles, Southern and Dominican Seagulls, accompanied by sea lions of two hairs that are on the rocks or in the sea. 17:00 hrs. Set sail south, anchoring at approximately 22:00 hrs. in Caleta Quesahuen or Punta Leopardos, 20 miles from the San Rafael Glacier.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
07:30 hrs. The nave crosses the San Rafael roadstead and Canal Témpanos. 09:00 hrs. Enter the lagoon and anchor 2 kms from the glacier. Excursion in motor boats between multicolored icebergs if the weather permits. 14:30 hrs. The ship approaches the Glacier. 16:00 hrs. Set sail for the Quitralco Fjord.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
08:00 hrs. Docked at the Quitralco pier. After breakfast, passengers can take thermal baths at 32° and 38°C, in indoor or outdoor pools and hikes along the trails of the place. If the weather permits, motor boat excursions are made inside the Fjord. 17:00 hrs. Set sail for Chiloé sailing through Moraleda and Pérez Norte channels.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
08:00 hrs. Navigating the Leucayec Channel. Crossing of the Corcovado Gulf at 05:30 hrs. approximately. In this area, if conditions permit, we will have the possibility to see Blue whales or Alfaguaras. We continue sailing and bordering the eastern coast of Chiloé, arriving at 11:00 hrs. to Conejos Islet, located in Queilen channel. Disembark for a ride in motor boats, surrounding this small island where Magellanic penguins and numerous birds of the area live. 13:00 hrs. We set sail sailing between the islands Lemuy and Shilling. 16:30 PM Arrival in Dalcahue, disembarkation and visit of place, we recommend its craft fair, the church and its walk on the waterfront. 23:00 hrs. Heading to Puerto Montt. Farewell party, Captain’s dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
08:00 hrs. Breakfast docked at Terminal Skorpios pier. 09:00 hrs. Disembarkation and transfer of passengers.
Breakfast
Itinerary Map
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Cabin Accommodation: 5 nights in your selected cabin category, complete with private bathrooms and heating.
- All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, featuring international cuisine and Chilean wines during meals.
- Open Bar: Drinks, spirits, and beverages available at the bar and during meal times.
- Shore Excursions: All guided visits, such as exploring local fishing villages (like Puerto Aguirre), riding rubber boats near glaciers, and entry to the Quitralco hot springs.
- Onboard Events: Welcome cocktails, the Captain’s Dinner, and the farewell party.
- Extras: On ship activities, thematic talks, and daily entertainment.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Port Fees: A mandatory embarkation and port tax of USD $80 per person (subject to change).
- Flights & Transfers: Air tickets to and from Puerto Montt are not included. Shared transfers between El Tepual Airport (PMC) and the Skorpios Terminal are available for an extra fee.
- Additional Nights: Accommodation or meals on the Friday night before the official Saturday sailing date.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs and items from the on board shop ( toiletries, batteries, apparel).
- Insurance & Gratuities: Personal travel insurance and tips and gratuities for the crew.
