THE INLAND FJORDS

A third of Chile lies south of Puerto Montt and yet it remains sparsely populated.

Here the ocean eats up the valley between the Andes and the coastal mountain range, providing a maze of channels and fjords and islands.

Five rivers run westward, and provide some of the best fly-fishing available.

The Carretera Austral, began in 1976 and completed in three sections, links Puerto Montt to the north with Cochrane in the south, via 1098 km of "camino ripio".

The whole area is pristine forests, many national parks, spectacular fjords, lakes and rivers.

The Termas de Puyuhuapi offers an opportunity to cruise the scenic splendor of the channels and fjords, travel the famed Carretera Austral, explore nearby Quelat National Park, view the hanging glacier, go fly-fishing or just partake of the spa facilities and thermal pools.

And the island of Chiloe brings a special scenic and traditionally historic opportunity staying at either the inclusive Tierra Chiloe or one of the "palafitos".