Overview
Experience the best of the northern and southern Patagonia. Explore the Lake District, mingle with penguins on Magdalena Island, and gaze upon majestic glaciers in Torres del Paine. You’ll feel like you’re a Chilean gaucho horseback riding in the Andean steppe. Most trekking elevation is under 5,000 feet. Shorter hikes (up to 5 miles) are scheduled among other activities like penguin viewing via boat, horseback riding and drinking local wines. This trip is for any adventurous outdoor traveler. See blog post by Greg Lais about WI’s first trip to Patagonia.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Andes!
Arrive at Puerto Montt, the gateway to the Andes mountains and the Patagonian fjords in the afternoon. Meet your guides and group mates and discover why they call this area the Lake District. Settle into your new accommodations in Puerto Varas and rest from your travels. Dinner will be on your own in the hotel.
Day 2: Encounter glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and volcanoes as you trek the Andes.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the day exploring the Andes. Hike around Llanquihue Lake on the way to an active volcano complete with glaciers and gaze at the mouth of Fish River. Enjoy lunch amongst some of the most spectacular scenery. Stop at villages and small towns as you trek toward waterfalls and dramatic scenes culminating at the Lake of All Saints. Explore downtown Puerto Varas and choose a dinner on your own.
Day 3: Encounter the rare Magellanic penguin on the island of Chiloe.
Cross the Chacao Channel via ferry to the island of Chiloe. Discover its quaint palafitos – colorful houses built on stilts above the water. Explore the sixteen wooden churches, which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Venture to the beach of Puñihuil and boat to one of the only islets where both the Magellanic and the Humboldt penguins meet.
Day 4: Explore the endless trails and lakes as you hike through Alerce Andino National Park.
After breakfast at your hotel, set off for a full day exploring Alerce Andino National Park. Hike through forests aged at more than four thousand years. With more than fifty lakes and endless hiking trails, you'll be sure to spot some local wildlife.
Day 5: Fly to Punta Arenas and take in the magnificent surroundings.
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Punta Arenas, the southernmost tip of Patagonia. Settle into your local accommodations and take in the magnificent surroundings.
Day 6: Marvel at the views of the Estancia Fitz Roy.
After breakfast discover the true Patagonia. From the Estancia Fitz Roy, you will live the traditions of the Magellan gaucho, witness wool baths and sheep shearing, and experience a true Chilean barbecue.
Day 7: Cross the strait of Magellan and explore a nature reserve.
Take a boat tour across the Strait of Magellan to a nature reserve and marvel at the thousands of Magellanic penguins milling about on the pebbly terrain. Circumnavigate Marta Island to see countless sea lions in their natural habitat.
Day 8: Hike amongst glimmering glaciers in the famed Torres del Paine National Park.
Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park. Hike the famed W trail to see some of the top sights in the park. Gaze upon soaring mountains, view sparkling glacial lakes, and hike alongside glaciers. If you’re lucky, find a local guanaco amidst an unmatched backdrop.
Day 9: Explore the area on horseback as the Gauchos did.
Take the morning to discover Patagonia as the Gauchos did via horseback. Share a typical Chilean lunch together before embarking on a half-day guided hike through old-growth forest.
Day 10: Learn about local history and marvel at wildlife.
Hike along the "restaurant of the puma" trail and marvel at 7,000 year old cave paintings. Herds of guanacos graze both sides of the path with other possible wildlife sightings.
Day 11: Say farewell to your trip mates before departing.
Say goodbye to the jaw-dropping backdrops of southern Patagonia and your travel companions before embarking on your journey home.
Dates & Fees
WI leads trips to Patagonia but currently has no dates scheduled. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.
Request Trip Quote »What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE: Enjoy exploring the Andes and the Lake District. We will hike a few miles of uneven trail most days above sea level.
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