CHILE CRUISES: SKORPIOS II

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6 days / 5 nights - Departure Day: SATURDAY
September to May
Meeting Point:  Puerto Montt Airport

Sailing every Saturday from Puerto Montt, a city located 1000 kilometers south of Santiago, to the San Rafael Glacier, the majestic relic of the planet's last glaciation, Skorpios takes you on a Dream Cruise of seven days and six nights. Undoubtedly, the San Rafael Glacier is a magic sight; here, the ancient history of the planet and present-day man meet as if in a new dimension. In safe boats we will sail between incredible icebergs with unexpected shapes and colors to live the overpowering sensation of the millennia, with this 30,000 year old ice. Sail with us and enjoy the warmth of the people of these lands and share the peace and harmony of these landscapes. Visit the village of Puerto Aguirre, it’s children and fishermen. Know about Chiloé island and it’s traditions, visiting Queilen and it’s capital, Castro, land of myths and legends. A cruise with all the comforts on board, where you will be the center of our attention. Skorpios invite you on this unforgettable journey, in it’s Classic San Rafael Route. Amongst the routes of the Skorpios cruises that are chosen, you can visit different cities, and villages, such as: Puerto Montt, with its German customs and handcrafts; Coyhaique, surrounded by rivers and mountains; Castro, land of mythology, legends and handcrafts; villages like Puerto Aguirre, fishermen and their children as hosts; Queilén, a village of Chilotes fishermen and as well Puerto Chacabuco. In each of these places you can be in direct contact with the fishermen, view their typical homes and customs, enjoy the hospitality of the southern people or only have access to the services of the major cities, hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, etc.

ADDITIONAL LODGING SERVICE ON FRIDAY NIGHT:
As according to the Program, the Skorpios Sea Cruises starts at 11:00 o'clock on Saturday, the Company offers, as an additional service for tourists arriving in Puerto Montt on Friday night, lodging on board includes: cocktail, complete dinner, open bar service and breakfast on Saturday. Passengers staying overnight on Friday and wanting to visit town, should be on board one hour in advance of departure on Saturday morning.

Puerto Montt - Puerto Montt, capital of the Lakes Region (X Region), located in front of the Reloncavi Inlet; this is an inlet that is protected on the west side by the Isle of Tenglo. Founded on the 12th of February 1853 by Don Vincent Pérez Rosales, located near the Melipulli (Four Hills) Shipyard. Its current name was given in honor of the government official of that epoch, Don Manuel Montt. The habitants of this zone are principally dedicated to the exploitation of Alerce, one of the native woods of this area. According the 2001 census Puerto Montt has a population of 175,000. Puerto Montt, as the capital of the X region is a link with the General Carlos Ibañez regions (XI Region) and Magellans ( XII Region). Because of its strategic location this city is, in general, the point of departure to tourist attraction areas in the south, besides this it is the maritime port for the more southerly regions. Its international airport “El Tepual”, is connected to all of the principal terminals of Chile. Since 1985 the Salmon Farming industry has produced an explosive growth as well as significant number of service industries. Angelmo Cove is a small port next to Puerto Montt, today it is the center of the fishing industry of this zone as well as the place where there is a major center of handicrafts made of wool and wood, plus its exceptional sea products and vegetable market. Today it offers the appropriate infrastructure for tourists who choose this areas as their destination, there are modern hotels, restaurants and commercial centers. Besides this it is the sdeparture point of the M/N SkorpiosII Cruises to the San Rafael Glacier in the Southern Ice Fields.

Castro - Was founded on the 12th of February 1567 by Captain Martín Ruiz de Gamboa, and belongs to the province of Chiloé, in the Lakes Region. Castro is located in the central-east part of the island, on the banks of a fjord. The principal economic activities are fishing, complemented by agriculture, whose production is destined for local consumption. Captain Martín Ruiz de Gamboa founded it on The 12th of February 1567. It is important to highlight the architecture that is based on the homes that are constructed over the water, on what are called stilts, such as the San Francisco Church (1906), declared to be a national monument and which was built from woods of the area.
The principal economic activities are fishing, complemented by agriculture, whose production is destined for local consumption. At the end of the XIX Century and the beginning of the XX Century the lumber industry was developed, this provided a new impulse to the economy of Castro.

Queilen - Is located of the South-East Bank of the Big Island of Chiloé, this community unites all of the tradition and typical nature of Chiloé. Queilen became known in the XVII Century (whose toponymy means colored Cyprus). This “place of the Turkeys”, so called by its original indigenous inhabitants, was inhabited very slowly, by such as: Jesuit Missionaries and Spaniards who established themselves in these lands thanks to the commissions granted by Spain. Today this community is made up of more than 5,000 habitants, which are spread out over 22 localities. The community center is Queilen, which is located on a long and narrow peninsula of only 67 kms from Castro. Due to its isolation al, to which it has been submitted all of its history, the community provides attractive natural and cultural resources that have remained intact for years. Visitors to this area must not miss climbing up to the Panoramic Lookout, that provides a spectacular view of the village, its only Sand Point and in the distance the imposing snow covered mountain summits. Visit the Cultural Center located on the shore, along side of the Pedestrian Dock. You can also enjoy the beaches that have given fame to Queilen. If you want to observe the ocean front activities you must go to the Rampa; or walk towards the town square where the church, Nuestra Señora del Transito, is located.

Puerto Aguirre - Is a small fishing village, located on the Huichas or Chonos archipelago: name of the ancient indigenous people that inhabited these latitudes. The habitants, currently 1,500, live off fishing. The narrow streets hanging on the sides of the island and the colorful wooden homes place a unique seal upon this place. In general Tourists can count of street lighting, which is produced by an electric generator, the public services are basic and commerce is only for local use. One of the principal attractions to these villages are the children, who have become guides for the passengers of Skorpios, which every Sunday visits their Island. It is indispensable for the visitor to walk to the lookout where the beauty of the scenery is lost in the immensity of this archipelago.

The Skorpios II operates Saturday cruises from Puerto Montt.  Constructed in the Skorpios shipyards in 1988, it has 55 cabins on five decks, Athens, Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympo and Athos with a capacity of up to 160 passengers. It also has beautifully decorated bridal suites. All cabins are decorated with native woods and have private bathrooms, intercoms, closed circuit television and backround music. It`s only in Athens deck that there are no windows. It's main dining room can seat 160 passengers at one sitting and is equipped with a giant sized video projector, closed circuit professional television system and music for parties. It also has 2 bars, San Rafael / Quitralco (smokers / non smokers) for sixty passengers each. The passengers can relax in deck chairs on it's wide decks, and are given free access to the bridge and engine room. It's kitchen provides international and local cuisine Based mainly of shellfish and fish captured fresh from the southern seas, with a set menu, served with fine chilean wines, and our famous open bar policy.

Technical Specifications
Maximum Length 70.00 m - Maximum Beam 10 m - Molded Depth 4.20 m - Draft 2.87 m - Gross Tonnage 1.210 ton. - Engine Power 1.497 h.p. - Maximum Speed 12 knots - Cruising Range 2.000 miles - Passenger Capacity 160 - Crew ( T ) 34 - Years of Construction 1988 - Classification A.B.S.

QUITRALCO FJORD
Quitralco, that means "waters of fire" in the Mapuche language, is a fjord with large, snowcovered mountains and impenetrable vegetation, where the flora surges spontaneously, wild and colored with ferns and tall trees with thick foliage, forming a unique and exuberant vegetation in a temperate microclimate beside a calm and transparent sea. Here Skorpios owns a wonderful place where its passengers can rest in both covered and outdoor pools, with thermal waters at 32 and 38 degrees Centigrade, an open fire they can sit around, widespread parklands and paths that can be followed to appreciate nature in all its strength and splendor. The excursions that are made in the clear, tranquil waters of the fjord, in safe motorboats, show us a rich marine fauna such as the banks of mussels and the playful southern dolphins. Undoubtedly, the Quitralco Fjord, where sports fishing can also be practiced, is the paradise we've dreamed of.

SAN RAFAEL LAGOON
The San Rafael Lagoon is a nature sanctuary that shelters a variety of marine fauna and a large number of plants that live in a harmony that is not upset by the silent passing of the Skorpios, and whose astonishing magic can be seen while sailing in the safe boats towards the 2,000 meters wide Glacier whose 70 meters high peaks towers over the landscape. Then, sailing among the most incredible icebergs, thrilled by their varied forms and many colors, it is inevitable to toast with twelve year old whisky and this astonishing 30,000 year old ice.

ON BOARD SERVICE
On board the M/V Skorpios II, you will find a friendly, personalized service, always with the exceptional hospitality provided by the Kochifas family and their experienced and well-trained crew who will offer warmth and efficiency in a unique and unforgettable cruise. You will have an enjoyable gastronomic experience, alternating international cuisine with the best culinary traditions of southern Chile, where the most outstanding are Chilean Kingcrab, giant mussels (Mitilus), mussels, oysters, sea urchins, barnacles, salmon, croaker, sea pike, kingclip, red and white meats and the juicy and delicious Curanto, always accompanied by the best Chilean wines and exclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the Skorpios' traditional open Bar.

SKORPIOS II ITINERARY

Day 1: Puerto Montt / Cruise (Saturday ) 
11:00 Hrs.Puerto Montt. Weigh anchor from Skorpios Terminal. Sailing through the Llanquihue archipelago. Cruising past the town of Calbuco. Gulf of Ancud, Chiloé archipelago crossing the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight.

Day 2: Cruise / Puerto Aguirre / Puerto Leopardes (Sunday ) 
08:00 hrs. Sailing along the Moraleda and Ferronave channels. Arrive at Puerto Aguirre, at 11:00 Hrs. The Stopover in this fishing village lasts one hour and a half. 12:30 Hrs. Sailing through Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Costa Channels. Casting anchor at approximately 21:30 Hrs, in Caleta Hualas or Punta Leopardos, 20 miles from the San Rafael Glacier.

Day 3: Cruise / San Rafael  (Monday ) 
07:30 Hrs. Crossing San Rafael Bay and the Témpanos Channel. 09:00 Hrs. Enter the Lagoon and cast anchor 2 Kms. from the Glacier. Motor-boat trips between multicoloured ice forms, Weather permitting. At 17:00 Hrs. for the Quitralco Fjord.

Day 4 : Cruise / Quitralco (Tuesday ) 
08:00 Hrs. Brought alongside Quitralco Quay. After breakfast, passengers may take a thermal bath at 36º, 32º and 30º C, in indoor or outdoor pools. Weather permitting, motor-boat trips will be made up the fjord 19:00 Hrs. Set sail in the direction of Chiloé sailing through the Moraleda and Peréz Norte Channels.

Day 5 : Cruise / Castro (Wednesday ) 
08:00 Hrs. Sailing through the Leucayec Channel within partial sight of Melinka Island located in the Chonos archipelago, this island was a pirates hideout in bygone times. Across the Gulf of Corcovado to continue sailing and hugging the eastern side of Chiloe´s achipelago. Weather permitting a land fall and an optional visit will be made at Quellón. Sailing along the Yal Channel and Castro Estuary arriving to this beautiful city at 21:00 Hrs.

Day 6 : Cruise / Puerto Montt (Thursday ) 
08:00 Hrs. Castro. After breakfast passengers may visit the handicrafts fair, Museum, church, and explore the city streets. Optional excursion to the town of Chonchi, 18 kms. away. 12:45 Hrs. Return to the ship. 13:00 Hrs. Sail across the Castro Estuary, through the Channels of Lemuy, Dalcahue, Quicaví and Calbuco 21:00 Hrs. Farewall Dinner. 23:00 Hrs. Arrival to Puerto Montt.

Day 7 : Cruise / Depart (Friday) 
08:00 Hrs. Tie up at Skorpios Terminal in Tenglo Channel. 08:00 Hrs. to 09:00 Hrs. breakfast. End of the cruise.

Included:

Not Included:

PLEASE NOTE: All tours are usually presented as LAND ONLY (no airfare is included) and best airfare from your departing city will be included at time of departure. All tour programs are subject to your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions, which is understood when you progress into the reservation. Please review Terms & Conditions

INSURANCE NOTE: Cancellation policies are strictly enforced! We highly recommend to protect your travel investment should you need to cancel your trip. We have designed an exclusive insurance plan to provide broad protection!