Although high season in Patagonia is stunning in its own right, nothing can beat a winter adventure through an epic ice-clad and snow-covered landscape such as Patagonia! Discover the winter wonderland of offseason Patagonia, visiting the area’s amazing lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests, and valleys in the tranquil wintertime silence and snowy beauty of winter.
Upon arrival at Punta Arenas airport, you will be met by a Cascada representative and driven to your hotel in the city. After a chance to leave your luggage and freshen up you’ll be taken on an afternoon hike excursion to Magallanes National Park, 7 km west from Punta Arenas city. Here you will hike along ancient lenga an ñirre trees. The evening is free for you to continue exploring at your own leisure or try the hotel's swimming pool with a view over the Magellan Strait.
Today’s an early start and after breakfast you head off to the city of Puerto Natales. After lunch we will visit the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, one of the most important Paleontological sites in South America and one of the oldest human settlements in Patagonia. The Milodon Cave Natural Monument, located about 24 kilometers north of the city. In it we will visit the Milodon cave, where Hermann Eberhard, the first settler of the province discovers a piece of skin of an unknown animal for that time and that two years later would come to light to the surprise of scientists and researchers from around the world , thus discovered a new species already extinct, the Milodon. After this you will visit the cave paintings of the area, manifestations that 5,000 years ago in a sector known as Dos Herraduras. We will go to a conglomerate of almost 40 meters high known as the Devil's Chair to enjoy a snack in the middle of a beautiful natural environment. In the course we will visit the middle cave, used as a human settlement, for the first migration of the Paleoindian or Primitive Indian.
After breakfast you will go on an exciting kayaking adventure! Kayaking in the Eberhard Fjord is a half-day activity, which begins roughly 30 minutes from Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, we’ll meet in an old house from 1909 with the owners who have lived there for generations. From here, we’ll get on our semi-dry suits and leave our valuables in a safe area. Our guides will also go over all safety rules and regulations. Then the kayaking adventure begins! We’ll navigate through the historic Eberhard Fjord, traveling from Puerto Prat to Puerto Consuelo. Along the way, we’ll pass by Isla Kruger, also known as Isla de Los Muertos. Don’t forget to look out for native birds that inhabit the area! We’ll stop for a brief 40 minute walk to visit the magnificent viewpoints and enjoy a quick snack and hot tea. After arriving back at the house in Puerto Prat, we’ll sit together for a typical Chilean “once,” which is a small meal consisting of jam, eggs, bread, pastries, coffee and tea. *Please note that the route is dependent on the weather conditions.
After receiving our box lunch the big adventure continues as we head into the famous Torres del Paine national park! After a 2-3 hour scenic drive to the park, covering 130 km of open Patagonian land, you will be greeted by the long-anticipated majestic view of the towers themselves - 3 dominating granite peaks formed by the remains of glacial ice erosion. We will make a short stop along the way at Cerro Castillo, a tiny border town between Chile and Argentina with a little cafe where you can enjoy a tea or coffee.
We will head up to EcoCamp Patagonia to continue your Patagonian winter adventure with your next program.
La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel is located in the beautiful, southern city of Punta Arenas. This thematic hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of an old house of 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.
Hotel Vendaval in Puerto Natales has been open since 2017 and features a restaurant, bar, shared lounge and garden. The hotel is in a great location, close to several nearby attractions. From the terrace, you can even see the the waters of the Last Hope Sound.
Regular Departures. Every day on request.
Available only during the winter season (May to August).
The trip starts at Punta Arenas Airport and ends at Torres del Paine National Park.
This trip includes easy hikes and kayak activity. An average to a good level of fitness is required.
Minimum age for kayak excursion: 16 years old. Maximum age for kayak excursion: 65 years old.
No prior kayak experience is necessary.
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.
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.
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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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