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.
Located within Mayo Sound of Lago Argentino and Los Glaciares National Park, the breathtaking glaciers of Cerro Mayo and Cerro Negro can only be accessed by boat. Embark on a scenic journey starting from Puerto Argentino or Puerto Moreno, cruising through the Canal de los Témpanos to reach the majestic Mayo Sound of Lake Argentino.
Upon arrival at Bahía Toro, a knowledgeable guide will lead you on an interpretive walk through the enchanting Patagonian Andean Forest. Take in the stunning views of Cerro Mayo and Cerro Blanco before returning to the boat for a voyage to the north wall of the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.
Disembark at the floating pier of Puerto Moreno, situated at the base of the catwalks, to embark on a mesmerizing exploration. At the conclusion of the journey, a return to the charming city of El Calafate awaits.
This tour starts at 8:00 AM and ends close to 6:00 PM.
Overnight at Hotel Posada Los Alamos, Standard Room.
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, Suite Dome.
Each morning, we kickstart our day early, basking in the beauty of the sunrise from different vantage points as we savor steaming coffee and a quick breakfast. Our skilled puma tracking team is already out in the field, diligently locating the park's most elusive creatures. Led by our knowledgeable guide, we explore the diverse habitats and ecosystems of Torres del Paine, encountering the vibrant array of wildlife and learning the art of responsible wildlife observation. Following a morning adventure, we return to Ecocamp for a relaxing lunch and some downtime before setting off on our afternoon exploration. As the sun dips behind the majestic Paine massif, we head back to Ecocamp to enjoy a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Observation blocks are usually divided in between an early morning tracking (6 AM to 11 AM) and then an afternoon tracking (4:30 PM to 8:30 PM).
* Please be aware that tracking pumas does not guarantee their sightings, although our team will do their best to get a glimpse of these elusive felines.
** The tracking days will be divided into 2 different locations: 2 days at Estancia Laguna Amarga (Mostly to watch pumas) & 1 Day inside Torres del Paine National Park and its surroundings to observe other wildlife (location will change according to the behavior of the pumas).
Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.
Overnight at Ecocamp, Suite Dome.
Following a hearty breakfast at Ecocamp, our journey takes us south toward Puerto Natales and ultimately Punta Arenas. But before we continue our drive, we set out on a fascinating exploration just 25 km north of Puerto Natales.
Our day of discovery begins with a leisurely walk through the Archaeological Park nestled within the Ernesto Helmer Estancia. The trail offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, deep crevices, sheltered caves, and sprawling valleys. Keep an eye out for the majestic condors soaring overhead as we ascend to the summit, where a stunning panorama unfolds, showcasing the Eberhard Fjord, Señoret Canal, and the picturesque Sofia Lagoon. Cerro Benítez holds a treasure trove of history, with cave paintings dating back around 3,500 years. We'll explore the "window" cave and venture into the "hidden" cave on the southeast side, equipped with headlamps and lanterns to illuminate our path*. Inside, marvel at ancient stalactites formed over millennia from mineral-rich water seepage. Exiting the cave, we make our way to "Dos Herraduras," a series of rock formations known for their ancient cave paintings, a testament to the area's rich past as a seabed.
Following our adventure, we will indulge in a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant in Puerto Natales. From there, we will hop aboard our van and journey towards Punta Arenas, where Hotel La Yegua Loca awaits to pamper you with a scrumptious dinner. After your meal, retreat to your cozy room for a well-deserved rest.
*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).
AM: EXPERIENCE MAGELLAN STRAIT PARK.
Begin your day with an early morning adventure after enjoying a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. Your journey kicks off with a visit to the captivating Magellan Strait Park, situated 50 km./31 mi. south of Punta Arenas. This historical and archaeological gem in the Magallanes region is home to significant National Historical Monuments like the Bulnes Fort and the King Don Felipe City, also known as "Port Famine". Explore archaeological sites that unveil centuries of human history, and don't miss the opportunity to stop by the visitor center with its informative museum rooms and scenic viewpoints offering stunning views of the Magellan Strait.
Next, we will return to Punta Arenas for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
PM: EXPLORE PUNTA ARENAS CITY.
After lunch, our historical exploration continues with a City Tour of Punta Arenas. We'll start by visiting the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), surrounded by historic buildings and the Hernando de Magallanes monument. Our next stop? The municipal cemetery, where we'll wander among the beautiful gardens and mausoleums, followed by the iconic “El Ovejero" (The Shepherd) Monument. Later, we will visit the Nao Victoria, a fascinating life-size Boat-Museum, to learn about the Hernando de Magallanes' expedition, taking us back 500 years in history. With its original blueprints and life-sized figures, you can also admire the replica of the Goleta Ancud, pivotal in claiming the Strait of Magellan and other southern lands for the Chilean government in 1843.
Finally, we'll ascend to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint. Drink in the city's colorful rooftops, the sprawling Strait of Magellan, and the distant allure of Tierra del Fuego Island before returning to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room (or similar).
Get ready for an unforgettable wildlife experience on our final day of adventure!
Early in the morning (between 5:45 and 6:15 AM), you will be picked up for a short drive to the meeting point in Punta Arenas. After checking in and receiving some information, we will set off towards the dock to board our ship. After boarding, we will have a picturesque ride to Magdalena Island. Here, we will spend an hour with our guide exploring the natural habitat of the Magellanic Penguins, one of the largest colonies in South America. We will then return to the pier and make our way back to Punta Arenas. Along the route, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Southern Dolphins, Overas Dolphins, and Sei Whales.
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, you will be transferred back to your hotel or the city center. Take the opportunity to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on the best restaurants and bars to visit.
As the afternoon winds down, we'll make our way back to the hotel for a memorable farewell dinner, where we can share our experiences with our fellow travelers.
Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room (or similar).
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.
Departures on specific dates. Private departures are also available upon request.
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).
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
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.
Passengers to need to be prepared for summer and winter 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 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