Air Austral

Advantages: A Unique Experience
Disadvantages: None

...-partner fainted into the land of dreams or utter exhaustion, after our almost deadly drive. But my usual obstinacy compelled me to communicate with the glacier! Ommmmmmmmm…. So I donned my sacrificial outfit, cleansed my soul (or rather attempted to, it is far too dirty!), made a couple of prayers to any likely gods or spirits guarding the place, and left the car. My sacrificial outfit consisted of a down parka and woolly hat plus 3 pairs of socks magically fitting into leather boots. In fact, it was not that cold. It was early January, summertime in that austral magical land and as it had been raining, the temperature was on the mild side. The first thing I saw when I left the car was a sign saying that you are not allowed to spend the night in this place. We were the only car parked in the purpose built small parking facing the glacier... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Stunning scenery and enough adventure to last a lifetime
Disadvantages: Huge distances and the developing transport system

...at the moment, but watch this space...! I'm sure within the next few years most of Chile's ski resorts will be packed with tourists! Look into Argentinian resorts as well in this region of Patagonia (although I never managed to visit any). Carretera Austral: this is the oftentimes dirt road that leads south from Coyhaique, taking you to the very depths of Patagonia. The towns Cerro Castillo and Puerto Ibañez are the two that you encounter first. Cerro Castillo (pop. 300) is a beautiful town at the foot of the mountain Castillo, which can also be climbed. Puerto Ibañez (pop. 500 - also at the foot of another climbable mountain) is the gateway to southern Chile: this is where the boat departs to cross Lake General Carrera, the second biggest lake in South America. The towns are quiet, but persistance always finds suitable family-run residences... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: the price
Disadvantages: the service of flight attendants.

...Air China is not China air line. They are completely different two companys. China air line is a taiwanese company. It used to be a state run company, and now has been privitisated. That's the begining of its disaster. Air China is a state-run international air line company. It has guite good reputition and very famous for the safety. It's not a bad idea to take Air China from China to go abroad, because it's cheaper and the food is all right. However, I don't think the service is good. At least, not as good as China air line. There is still some room for improvement.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful