Begin your journey in El Calafate, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Los Glaciares National Park, before crossing into Torres del Paine to search for free-roaming Patagonian pumas and discover the park’s rich ecosystems. The adventure ends in Punta Arenas, where wildlife, history, and culture come together at the edge of Chilean Patagonia.
Your Patagonia adventure begins with a morning arrival in El Calafate, where you will be welcomed and transferred to Pristine Lodge. After lunch and check-in, the afternoon is free to enjoy one of the lodge’s included activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, or biking, depending on availability. The rest of the day is yours to relax and take in the peaceful landscapes of Argentine Patagonia.
*We advise taking flights arriving before 11 AM.
Overnight at Pristine Luxury Camp, Premium Domes, El Calafate.
During peak holiday season, from December 25 to January 12, accommodation at Pristine Camps will be replaced by Hotel Xelena & Suites.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, your guide and private vehicle will pick you up for the Safari Azul experience at Perito Moreno Glacier. You will travel to Bajo de las Sombras Port and cross the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino by boat to reach the glacier’s southern side. After a short walk, you will reach the ice edge to admire its colors, textures, and shapes up close. The return follows the lakeshore and native forest before continuing to the glacier walkways for panoramic views.
Overnight at Pristine Luxury Camp, Premium Domes, El Calafate.
During peak holiday season, from December 25 to January 12, accommodation at Pristine Camps will be replaced by Hotel Xelena & Suites.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch/Lunch, Dinner.
Following breakfast, you will begin the journey from Argentina to Chile by private transfer, crossing the border and entering the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival at EcoCamp Patagonia, lunch will be waiting in the heart of the park. The afternoon is free to settle into your Suite Dome, admire the views, and begin discovering the wild surroundings that will be home for the next few days.
Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Mornings at EcoCamp begin early with sunrise views, coffee, breakfast on the go, and puma tracking with specialist wildlife guides. The first three days focus on searching for pumas inside Torres del Paine National Park through strategic vehicle searches, gentle walks, and observation. On the fourth wildlife day, you will visit Vega Castillo Wetland to observe birds and other native species. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, but each day is designed to maximize your chances.
To maximize time in the field during the Vega Castillo excursion, lunch on that day will be provided as a box lunch.
Overnight at EcoCamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast at EcoCamp, you will begin the journey south toward Puerto Natales, stopping along the way for birdwatching in the Cerro Benítez area. This scenic sector offers the chance to observe native species such as condors, woodpeckers, thorn-tailed rayaditos, Patagonian sierra finches, and chunchos, among others. After the excursion, you will continue to Puerto Natales for lunch before traveling onward to Punta Arenas.
Overnight at Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Standard Room, or similar, Punta Arenas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The day begins with breakfast before heading south of Punta Arenas to explore Magellan Strait Park, home to Bulnes Fort and the historic site of Port Famine. Here, you will learn about the region’s early history and enjoy views of the strait. Later, you will return to Punta Arenas for lunch and a guided city tour, visiting highlights such as Plaza de Armas, the cemetery, the Nao Victoria Museum, and Cerro de la Cruz.
Overnight at Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Standard Room, or similar, Punta Arenas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Your final day brings one more unforgettable wildlife encounter. Early in the morning, you will transfer to the pier, about 25 minutes from your hotel, and board a navigation to Magdalena Island. Here, you will visit a large colony of Magellanic penguins and, during the journey, keep an eye out for southern dolphins, Peale’s dolphins, and, with luck, Sei whales. After returning to Punta Arenas, you will have free time before your transfer to the airport.
Should you wish to extend your stay in Patagonia, EcoCamp and Cascada will be happy to assist with additional arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast.
Each of Pristine’s comfortable Premium Eco Domes is built in wood and fully equipped for a warm and restful stay, with privileged views of the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier. During your stay, you can enjoy outdoor activities, regional gastronomy, transfers, and the personalized attention of the Pristine team in a peaceful and exclusive setting in Argentine Patagonia.
During peak holiday season, from December 25 to January 12, Pristine Luxury Camps will be replaced by Hotel Xelena & Suites.
Nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp Patagonia offers an immersive stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Its comfortable domes combine nature-inspired design, sustainable practices, and a privileged connection with the surrounding wilderness. During your stay, you can rest in your Suite Dome, enjoy EcoCamp’s warm hospitality, and experience the wildlife and scenery that make Torres del Paine so unique.
Located in the heart of Punta Arenas, Hotel Cabo de Hornos combines Patagonian tradition with modern comfort. Overlooking the city’s main square and the Strait of Magellan, the hotel offers spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and an excellent restaurant serving local specialties. Its central location makes it the perfect base for discovering the history and natural beauty of Patagonia.
Private departures are available on request from October to March. Subject to availability.
Operational Season: October 1st to March 31st.
The trip starts in El Calafate, Argentina —airport or hotel— and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile —airport, hotel, or cruise departure point.
This trip does not demand a high level of physical fitness, but it is important to consider that tracking wild animals can involve spending several hours outdoors, taking short walks, or waiting in specific spots until sightings occur. All trails visited during the program are under 1,000 m / 3,000 ft of altitude, so you do not need to worry about altitude.
Weather in Patagonia can change quickly, even during spring and summer. This journey crosses both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, from El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park to Torres del Paine and Punta Arenas, so you should be prepared for sun, wind, rain, and sudden temperature shifts in the same day. Daytime conditions can be mild, but mornings and evenings are often cold, especially during early wildlife departures.
We recommend dressing in layers and bringing waterproof and windproof clothing, warm accessories, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable throughout the trip.
You should be prepared for summer and winter conditions all at once. We recommend the following:
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 only a reference. We will send you a detailed list prior to the departure date of the program.
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 safety, weather, wildlife activity, or other relevant considerations. Additionally, the Vega Castillo Wetland excursion day may be adapted to include additional puma tracking if both the guide and participants consider it necessary to maximize wildlife observation opportunities.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
