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Boat Trip Down Coast of Chile

Puerto Natales Travel Blog › entry 16 of 71 › view all entries

Over the next 2 months, I will explore the southern part of South America, traveling by plane, train, boat, bike, bus, and foot. I will wine-taste in Chile, hike through Patagonia, party on NYE in Rio, and recover on the beach in Uruguay. I will begin and end my trip in Panama where my uncle lives. I don't know what to expect, except that it will be one hell of an adventure. Whatever happens, I'm truly thankful to have this opportunity to see more of the fascinating world we live in.

Boat Trip Down Coast of Chile

The bow.

I will try to come back later tonight to do a more thorough update here.  Maybe even post some pictures.  (It's actually Nov 27 right now)  But I wanted to get something down in the blog about this amazing maritime experience....a 4-day boat trip down the coast of Chile, weaving our way through the many canals, while avoiding rocks, islands, glaciers, and yes even icebergs! 

The trip was aboard a cargo freighter, a few floors (or "decks", i guess in ship-speak) of which had been converted to carry people, not cargo. 

The voyage began with an information meeting about safety, route, schedule, etc.   We had fixed-menu meals in a large cafeteria, we slept in "cozy" 4-bunk cabins, and could hang out on three of the decks (including the bridge with the captain!).  We were not allowed in the cargo holds or the engine room.  There was even a "pub" on board - basically a large room with comfy chairs, small bar, and stereo system.

Ok I have to run to dinner, but will try to do an update later.  Basically, though, for 4 days, we hung out and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery (despite the misty, cloudy weather), played cards, drank beer and wine and pisco sour, and shared travel plans (past, present, future).

 

 

bigtex1113 says:
interesting trip. what company did you get this boat through and how much did it cost if i can ask? i've looked into this for part of my trip to south america this summer. since you've done it, i figured you could be some help.
Posted on: Jan 18, 2009
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The bow.
The bow.
The stern.  And some of our cargo.
The stern. And some of our cargo.
The bridge.
The bridge.
More of our cargo.
More of our cargo.
My shower slippers - thanks to Sta…
My shower slippers - thanks to S
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