Kayak Chacabuco in the Chilean Fjords

This morning I find myself in the Chilean Fjords and will be for several more days. These places are only accessible from the sea. There are no airports, nor any roadways connecting to the mainland. Only a very few of the fjords are inhabited. Moreover, there is very little wildlife. The only wildlife found here either swims or flies.

The tiny port village is called Chacabuco and is ringed by snowcapped mountains. Being this at an extreme southern latitude on the planet, snow falls almost all year long. You’ll notice the fresh snow in many of the pics attached.

Patagonian ice sheets plunge to the sea and that area provided me the opportunity to see the Giant Condor (although not lucky enough to get a pic). This bird is endangered.

Early morning light and low hanging clouds cling to this fjord.
Early morning light and low hanging clouds cling to this fjord.
This waterfall is at least 4000-5000 feet. It begins at the snow on top and reaches all the way to the sea.
This waterfall is at least 4000-5000 feet. It begins at the snow on top and reaches all the way to the sea.
Another early morning view.
Another early morning view.
Midday clouds provide for some muted lighting.
Midday clouds provide for some muted lighting.
Taking a bread on the riverbank while kayaking.
Taking a bread on the riverbank while kayaking.
Another shot from my kayak and one of the riverbanks.
Another shot from my kayak and one of the riverbanks.
In my kayak with a view to the lake I crossed to enter the river. The kayaker pictured here shall remain unnamed at their request.
In my kayak with a view to the lake I crossed to enter the river. The kayaker pictured here shall remain unnamed at their request.
Evening light in the fjords.
Evening light in the fjords.
Near sunset in the fjords. Notice the calm of these waters here.
Near sunset in the fjords. Notice the calm of these waters here.

Gathering swells as I am nearing my entry to the open sea. Only 4 hours of high swells until I am able to again seek the protection of the fjords. The swells reached 18 -20 feet that night.
Gathering swells as I am nearing my entry to the open sea. Only 4 hours of high swells until I am able to again seek the protection of the fjords. The swells reached 18 -20 feet that night.

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Craig

Born in New Jersey in 1956. Lives in Colorado and travels the world.

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