Patagonia Wonders: Wildlife Expedition

11-day Patagonia tour in Chile and Argentina

Trip Length: 11 Days
Group Size: 1-6
Difficulty: Moderate
From: 10,590 USD
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Discover nature, fauna, and culture on an unforgettable Patagonia tour.

Begin your journey in El Calafate with Los Glaciares National Park's stunning scenery, move to Torres del Paine to witness free-roaming majestic pumas and vibrant wildlife, and conclude in Punta Arenas, the heart of Chilean Patagonia, where wildlife and culture merge.

The wonders of this Patagonia tour: diverse landscapes and wildlife.

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Highlights

Highlights

  • Embark on a delightful sail to explore the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Join a knowledgeable guide to track elusive pumas in Torres del Paine.
  • Get to know more about the rich culture and history of Chilean Patagonia.
  • Discover awe-inspiring Historical & Archaeological Monuments and Museums.
  • Be enchanted by the charming penguin colony on Magdalena Island.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Adventure Starts!

El Calafate, Argentina

Upon arrival, your guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to a local restaurant for a delicious meal while discussing the exciting plans for the days ahead.

Following lunch, you will be chauffeured to your hotel where you can unwind and relax after your journey.

Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos or similar, Standard Room. El Calafate.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Imagen de la galería de este alojamiento

Day 2: Mayo Sound & Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate, Argentina

Embark from Puerto Argentino or Puerto Moreno for a boat tour through Canal de los Témpanos to the stunning glaciers of Cerro Mayo and Cerro Negro within Mayo Sound, Lago Argentino, and Los Glaciares National Park. A guide will then lead you on a walk through the Patagonian Andean Forest for breathtaking views, followed by a visit to the north wall of Perito Moreno Glacier. The adventure concludes with a return to El Calafate. The tour starts at 8:00 AM and ends around 6:00 PM.

Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos or similar, Standard Room. El Calafate.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.

Perito Moreno

Day 3: From El Calafate to Ecocamp

Los Glaciares NP, Argentina/Torres del Paine NP, Chile

Following breakfast, you will start your journey in a semi-private van that will transport you across the border to Chile and the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park.

Upon arrival at Torres del Paine, a delectable lunch awaits you at Ecocamp.

Subsequently, seize the opportunity of the afternoon to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surroundings and perhaps catch a glimpse of the diverse fauna that calls Ecocamp home.

Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Laguna Inge

Days 4 to 6: Puma Tracking in Torres del Paine and Wildlife Observation

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Mornings at Ecocamp start with sunrise, featuring coffee, breakfast, and puma tracking in Torres del Paine's varied landscapes under our guide's expertise. After exploring, we lunch and unwind at Ecocamp, then venture out again in the afternoon. Evenings offer dinner and rest post-sunset. Observation runs from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. While puma sightings can't be guaranteed, our efforts aim to maximize chances. The itinerary includes 2 days at Estancia Laguna Amarga for puma tracking and 1 day in Torres del Paine for general wildlife, adapted based on puma movements.

Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Puma

Day 7: Wild Horse Tracking in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

After breakfast at Ecocamp, we head to Laguna Azul, then journey by 4x4 across Cordillera Masle, admiring Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas, and Barranca de Los Toros pass. Arriving at a traditional "puesto" after 40 minutes, we learn about the region's history and its wild horses from Patagonian "gauchos." Equipped with satellite tracking and guided by experts, our trek seeks the 100 wild horses roaming the untouched Torres del Paine, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and plains. Lunch is enjoyed amidst this quest, sharing stories against the backdrop of Stokes Lake, Dickson Mountain Range, and the Towers. After 7-8 hours, we return to Ecocamp for dinner.

Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Horse

Day 8: Cerro Benítez & Journey to Punta Arenas

Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas, Chile

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at Ecocamp, we head south towards Puerto Natales, pausing for an exploration 25 km north of the town. We'll wander through the Archaeological Park in the Ernesto Helmer Estancia, admiring stunning landscapes and ancient cave paintings in Cerro Benítez, some dating back 3,500 years. With headlamps, we delve into caves to see millennia-old stalactites and historic rock art. Post-adventure, we'll savor lunch in Puerto Natales before driving to Punta Arenas, where Hotel La Yegua Loca offers a sumptuous dinner and cozy overnight stay.

*Inside the caves, you will have to crawl in some sectors that are more difficult to access.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

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Day 9: Historical Journey through Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, Chile

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, then explore the Magellan Strait Park, 50 km south of Punta Arenas and home to Bulnes Fort and "Port Famine." Visit the museum for history and views. Later, enjoy lunch in Punta Arenas, followed by a city tour featuring Plaza de Armas, Hernando de Magallanes monument, unique mausoleums, “El Ovejero" Monument, and the Nao Victoria Museum's ship replicas. Wrap up with stunning views from Cerro de la Cruz before returning to Hotel La Yegua Loca.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Punta Arenas

Day 10: Penguin Colony at Magdalena Island

Punta Arenas/Magdalena Island, Chile

Gear up for a day packed with wildlife encounters on our adventure's last day!

Rise early for a transfer to Punta Arenas, where we'll embark on a scenic journey to Magdalena Island. Witness the vast Magellanic Penguin colony and keep an eye out for Southern Dolphins, Overas Dolphins, and Sei Whales on our return. Back in Punta Arenas, explore the city's offerings, with our guide's top dining and shopping recommendations.

The day concludes with a special farewell dinner at Hotel La Yegua Loca, celebrating our shared adventures.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Penguin

Day 11: Goodbye Patagonia!

Punta Arenas, Chile

For this last day, we understand the importance of a seamless travel experience, which is why we will ensure that you are picked up from your hotel at the perfect time to either make it to your return flight or embark on new adventures in the stunning landscapes of Chile or Argentina. Our private transfer service can be arranged in advance to accommodate any schedule you may have on this final day of your journey. Let us take care of the logistics so you can focus on making the most of your time in this beautiful region.

Meals: Breakfast.

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Accommodation

Hotel Posada Los Alamos - El Calafate

Hotel Posada Los Alamos in El Calafate is a charming retreat nestled in the heart of the picturesque town. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, this hotel offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax and unwind. With spacious rooms, delicious dining options, and a range of amenities, Hotel Posada Los Alamos is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Patagonia. Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors or simply looking to soak up the tranquility of the region, this hotel provides a memorable experience for all travelers.
 
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Ecocamp Patagonia - Torres del Paine

Nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, Ecocamp Patagonia offers a unique and immersive experience in one of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes. This eco-friendly camp embraces sustainable practices while providing guests with comfortable dome accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. From guided treks to star-gazing sessions, guests can explore the wonders of Patagonia while minimizing their ecological footprint. Ecocamp Patagonia is a true haven for nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.
 
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La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel - Punta Arenas

Located in the beautiful, southern city of Punta Arenas. This thematic hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of an old house of an English court built in 1929 and shows off the the trades and traditions of Patagonia. The rooms are spacious and originally decorated. Additionally, a tasty breakfast is served every morning in the hotel’s charming restaurant.
 
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Included

Included

  • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary (private and semi private).
  • All accommodation indicated in the itinerary.
  • Private or shared excursions as specified in the itinerary.
  • English/Spanish speaking Specialist Tour Leader throughout the trip.
  • English/Spanish speaking guides on excursions.
  • Entrance fees where needed.
  • All meals indicated in the itinerary.

Not included

  • Flight tickets.
  • Insurance (appropriate Travel & Health insurance is mandatory).
  • Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
  • Items of personal nature.
  • Additional bus tickets or transfers/connections.

Facts

Departures

Private Departures are available on request from October to March. Subject to availability.

Operational Season: October 1st to March 31st.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts in El Calafate, Argentina (airport or hotel) and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile (airport, hotel or cruise).

Physical demands

This trip does not demand a high level of physical fitness to perform well, but you need to consider that tracking wild animals can involve spending several hours outdoors either taking short walks or waiting in specific spots until the sightings occur. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so travelers don’t need to worry about altitude

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle Antarctica making the weather hard to predict. Winter’s temperature ranges between -2ºC/28ºF and 6ºC/43ºF. June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the winds are relatively mild in winter and visitors should come prepared for sunshine as well as the cold.

What you need to bring

 

Passengers to need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:

  • A day backpack. (30 liters - to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc).
  • Water-resistant trekking or hiking boots.
  • Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • 2 pairs of wool socks.
  • Fleece jacket or sweater.
  • Shorts or comfortable loose pants.
  • Sun protection. (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen).
  • Cash for buying extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Optional: Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.

Are you wondering about photography equipment? We got you! take a look at our What to bring to Patagonia for Photographers.

Please Note: This list is just to give you an idea. We will send you a detailed list prior to the departure date of the program.

Itinerary modifications

We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on these considerations.

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We are a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago de Chile, operating adventure tours in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.

Destinations | Chile

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