In This Blog:
- Introduction – Puerto Chacabuco
- Viking Excursion Review
- Rio Simpson
- Coyhaique
- Chilean Snack Stop – Restaurant Aiken
- Virgin Mary Waterfall
- Practical tips
- Pink Bear Rating
Introduction – Puerto Chacabuco
The Viking Polaris Argentina and Chilean Fjords expedition cruise includes only 2 actual port days. Puerto Chacabuco was one of those. Puerto Chacabuco is the primary seaport in Chile’s Aysén Region. It is located within the Patagonian fjords. It serves as a popular gateway for expedition cruise day trips, glacier tours, and inland explorations.
Patagonia is known for its almost constant rain, and our 2 Port days lived up to that reputation lol. For the Puerto Chacabuco port day, we selected a full-day tour headed to Rio Simpson and the town of Coyhaique. We dressed for rain with layers, a rain jacket, and waterproof hiking boots. I packed ponchos in my waterproof backpack.
It is a tender-only port for cruise ships. I was able to take some nice pictures of the tenders being lowered from our cabin.
We proceeded to our meeting point and then to the tender area. We boarded the tenders and arrived at the little port in light rain.
Viking Excursion Review
Viking is known for its good value, partly due to its included Excursions. Viking includes at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call on both expedition, ocean, and river itineraries. These complimentary tours are typically guided bus panoramas or walking tours. They also offer optional, paid excursions; most are also guided bus tours.
As a mature senior with a hearing impairment, “big-bus” excursions are one area in which Viking falls short, in my opinion. Not only am I hearing impaired, but I am also deaf in my left ear. Tour groups are typically large, and therefore, a voice amplifying device is needed to hear the guide. Viking provides Quiet Vox audio systems for their shore excursions. Viking provides a left earbud with the QuietVox. It can be altered, but it is not made for the right ear and does not fit comfortably. I am a repeat Viking passenger and have informed them on every cruise and in my comment card on the ship. However, on every subsequent voyage, only the left earbud is provided. They offer me a big, bulky headset that is uncomfortable with a hat in cold climates. So, I am pretty much stuck, not hearing the guide and just looking at the scenery. I really like the Viking product, but I don’t understand why they cannot provide both right and left earbuds.
I am also not a fan of “big bus” tours, so many times I just book my own excursion. Unfortunately, on expedition cruises to remote locations, this is not easy. Therefore, I ended up on a “big bus” tour at Puerto Chacabuco. Our guide was very good, and I tried to stand near the front, so I was able to hear some of the commentary.
Rio Simpson
This reserve owes its name to the Rio Simpson River that crosses the park on its journey westward. This river is one of the best rivers for fly-fishing in Chile. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, including mountains, streams, waterfalls, and plants.
It was lightly raining, so I did not think I was going to enjoy it or get good pictures. Boy, was I wrong. It was a nice walk. We stopped at a lovely deck that overlooked the river.
Then off to the town of Coyhaique. Coyhaique is the capital of Chile’s Aysén Region and the ultimate gateway to remote Chilean Patagonia. Founded in 1929, this vibrant little city.
The ride there was spectacular, and I was shocked at the good pictures I got from the bus. The town was very cute, with lots of nice stores and craft stalls, but it was difficult to walk around since it started raining heavily.
I did buy some nice trinkets, but left the bag on the bus and was unable to recover them.
The views on our way to Coyhaique were spectacular
Chilean Snack Stop – Restaurant Aiken
Our next stop was for some Chilean snacks and drinks at Restaurant Aiken. It was down a muddy hill, so a bit of a challenge, but it was a cute stop. This entire area is very rural. I love visiting different cultures and ways of life. The world is a beautiful and diverse place!
Virgin Mary Waterfall
Our final stop was unscheduled and a real treat. The Virgin Mary waterfall is magnificent. There is also a lovely shrine to Our Lady. This was my favorite sight of the day.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Chacabuco turned out to be one of those days that reminded me why I love traveling. The forecast called for rain, the excursion was a large-bus tour, and at first glance, it seemed unlikely to be a successful journey. However, the rain and mist created a romantic scene and, in fact, enhanced my photographs. Also, because of the rain, the area around the Virgin Mary Waterfall was empty, and we were able to visit. It is a small parking lot that is usually too crowded for tour buses. But because of the rain, the parking lot was empty, we stopped, and so did the rain when we arrived.
Puerto Chacabuco may only be a brief stop on the Viking Polaris Argentina and Chilean Fjords itinerary, but it provided a wonderful glimpse into the beauty of rural Chilean Patagonia. Even with the rain—and despite losing my souvenir bag—it was a day I am very glad we experienced.
Practical Tips
- Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, as the weather is often wet and unpredictable
- The quiet Vox has a left-fitting earpiece.
- Stand close to the guide if you cannot use the quiet Vox
- The Virgin Mary Waterfall is not to be missed
Pink Bear Retirement Vacation Rating:
⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 8/10
⭐ Adventure Level: Calm, but possibly muddy, so wear sturdy footwear
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes