Patagonia Wonders: Argentina & Chile Wildlife Expedition 11D10N, Fully Guided

As you step foot in El Calafate, Argentina, a warm embrace of welcome awaits. Your guide, a seasoned companion in your adventure, greets you whisking you away to a local restaurant for a delightful meal, while discussing your upcoming trip filled with thrill and discovery. After lunch, a leisurely drive leads you to your hotel sanctuary, where tranquillity beckons, offering a serene refuge after your travels.

You'll stay at Hotel Posada Los Alamos in El Calafate, a charming retreat nestled in the heart of this picturesque town. Embraced by stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas, it serves as an ideal haven for you to explore the wonders of Patagonia. Unwind at the modern spa facilities or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool embraced with ceiling to floor windows, a perfect space to savour the views.

Nestled within Mayo Sound of Lago Argentino and the embrace of Los Glaciares National Park, the awe-inspiring glaciers of Cerro Mayo and Cerro Negro beckon, accessible only by boat. Set sail from Puerto Argentino or Puerto Moreno, navigating through the Canal de los Témpanos to reach the serene Mayo Sound of Lake Argentino.

Upon reaching Bahía Toro, a knowledgeable guide invites you on an interpretive stroll through the mystical Patagonian Andean Forest. Revel in panoramic vistas of Cerro Mayo and Cerro Blanco before returning to the boat for a voyage towards the northern face of the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier.

Disembark at the floating pier of Puerto Moreno, nestled at the foot of the walkways, for an enchanting exploration. As the day concludes, a return voyage awaits, bringing you back to the charming city of El Calafate, where your journey began.

This captivating adventure commences at 8:00 AM and concludes near 6:00 PM.

After a hearty breakfast, your adventure begins aboard a semi-private van, whisking you across the border into Chile and the majestic Torres del Paine National Park.

Arriving at Torres del Paine, a sumptuous lunch awaits at your Ecocamp, your home for the next few nights. Your spectacular accommodation pays tribute to nature with its eco-friendly domes, the first of its kind in the world. Unwind in your luxury Suite Domes furnished with private bathrooms, heaters, modern toilets, cosy twin and queen-size beds with comforters, and spacious terraces to soak in views of its captivating surroundings, including the three granite towers known as the Paine Towers. The domes also feature an open sky roof that allows you to watch the stars at night. Additionally, rejuvenate at the wellness dome with a yoga class and other activities to rekindle your synergy between body, mind, and soul.

Greet each day in Torres del Paine with the first light, savouring sunrise views over steaming coffee and a quick breakfast. While our expert puma trackers venture out early to seek the park's elusive inhabitants, our knowledgeable guide leads us through diverse habitats, encountering vibrant wildlife and mastering the art of respectful observation. After a morning of exploration, we return to Ecocamp for a leisurely lunch and downtime before embarking on our afternoon adventures. As the sun sets behind the grandeur of the Paine massif, we retreat to Ecocamp for a delightful dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Our observation periods are structured into early morning (6 AM to 11 AM) and late afternoon (4:30 PM to 8:30 PM) tracking sessions.

Note: While we strive to spot pumas, sightings cannot be guaranteed. 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 behaviour of the pumas).

After indulging in a buffet breakfast at Ecocamp, we’ll set off towards the Laguna Azul sector. From here, our journey begins with a 4x4 drive through the rugged folds of the Cordillera Masle, offering views of the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas, and Barranca de Los Toros pass. About 40 minutes later, we’ll arrive at a traditional "puesto," a refuge for Patagonian "gauchos" tending to their livestock. Here, we’ll enjoy a brief but fascinating introduction to the area’s history and the evolution of its wild horses.

Equipped with satellite tracking gear and guided by our experienced team, we’ll start our trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that roam this secluded sector. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and plains, in the untouched terrain of Torres del Paine, we’ll immerse ourselves in the wild. Depending on the horses' location, we’ll find a spot for lunch, sharing stories and experiences while marvelling at the vistas of Stokes Lake, the Dickson Mountain Range, and the imposing Towers.

After 7-8 hours of exploration and wildlife observation, we’ll return to Ecocamp, ready to unwind with an aperitif before settling down for a delightful dinner.

Following a hearty breakfast at Ecocamp, we set off southward towards Puerto Natales and ultimately Punta Arenas. However, our first stop lies just 25 km north of Puerto Natales for a day of intriguing exploration.

Our adventure begins with a gentle hike through the Archaeological Park at Ernesto Helmer Estancia. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking vistas of towering mountains, deep crevices, sheltered caves, and expansive valleys. As we ascend to the summit, keep an eye out for majestic condors soaring above. The summit offers a stunning panorama of the Eberhard Fjord, Señoret Canal, and the picturesque Sofia Lagoon. Cerro Benítez is a historical gem, with cave paintings dating back approximately 3,500 years. We'll explore the "window" cave and delve into the "hidden" cave on the southeast side, using headlamps and lanterns to light our path. Inside, ancient stalactites, formed over millennia from mineral-rich water seepage, are a sight to behold. Please note, inside the caves you will need to crawl in some sections that are more difficult to access. Emerging from the cave, we’ll head to "Dos Herraduras," a series of rock formations adorned with ancient cave paintings, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history as a seabed.

After our exploration, we’ll savour a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant in Puerto Natales. Then, we’ll continue our journey towards Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, Hotel La Yegua Loca will welcome us with a delicious dinner. After enjoying your meal, you can retreat to your cosy room for a well-deserved rest or savour the views from the garden and terrace.

Start your day with an early morning adventure after enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Your journey begins with a visit to the captivating Magellan Strait Park, 50 km south of Punta Arenas. This historical and archaeological gem in the Magallanes region houses significant National Historical Monuments like Bulnes Fort and the King Don Felipe City, also known as "Port Famine." Explore archaeological sites that reveal centuries of human history, and visit the informative visitor centre with its museum rooms and scenic viewpoints offering stunning views of the Magellan Strait.

Afterward, we’ll return to Punta Arenas for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, our exploration continues with a city tour of Punta Arenas. We’ll begin at Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historic buildings and the Hernando de Magallanes monument, and then visit the municipal cemetery with its beautiful gardens and mausoleums, followed by the iconic "El Ovejero" (The Shepherd) Monument. Next, we’ll explore the Nao Victoria, a life-size boat museum, to learn about Hernando de Magallanes' expedition, complete with original blueprints and life-sized figures. You’ll also see the replica of the Goleta Ancud, crucial in claiming the Strait of Magellan and other southern lands for Chile in 1843.

We’ll conclude our day at the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, taking in the city's colourful rooftops, the expansive Strait of Magellan, and the distant allure of Tierra del Fuego Island before returning to the hotel.

Early in the morning (between 5:45 and 6:15 AM), you’ll be picked up for a short drive to the meeting point in Punta Arenas. After check-in and a brief orientation, we’ll head to the dock to board our ship for a picturesque ride to Magdalena Island. Here, we’ll spend an hour with our guide exploring the natural habitat of the Magellanic Penguins, one of the largest colonies in South America.

Afterward, we’ll return to the pier and head back to Punta Arenas, keeping an eye out for Southern Dolphins, Overas Dolphins, and Sei Whales along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or the city centre. Take some time to explore, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Ask your guide for recommendations on the best restaurants and bars to visit.

As the afternoon winds down, we’ll return to the hotel for a memorable farewell dinner, sharing our experiences with fellow travellers.

On this final day, we prioritise a seamless travel experience for you. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel as you savour your final views. Rest assured, we'll pick you up from your hotel at the perfect time to catch your return flight or continue your adventures in the stunning landscapes of Chile or Argentina. Our private transfer service can be arranged in advance to accommodate any schedule, ensuring your last day is worry-free. Let us handle the logistics while you savour every remaining moment in this beautiful region.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.