ITINERARY
Gateway to Wild Patagonia Begin your ultimate adventure with a flight from Santiago to Balmaceda Airport, your portal into the wild and remote Aysén Region. This extraordinary landscape showcases nature’s full spectrum—windswept steppes, endless Patagonian pampas, lush evergreen forests, turquoise glacial rivers, ancient fjords, and massive ice fields.
Carretera Austral Journey Drive south along the legendary Carretera Austral for 3 hours through ever-changing landscapes until reaching Lake General Carrera, South America’s second-largest lake. Settle into Chalenko Lodge, surrounded by breathtaking views, and enjoy a welcome dinner preparing for the historic adventure ahead.
Morning Wonder Explore the world-famous Marble Caves by kayak or boat (3.5 hours), paddling through luminous caverns where sunlight creates dazzling blue reflections across ancient marble walls sculpted by millennia of glacial erosion.
Epic Frontier Drive Continue with a spectacular 7-hour drive along the Carretera Austral to Villa O’Higgins, Chile’s southernmost road terminus. This legendary journey reveals pristine rivers, untouched valleys, and towering peaks defining true Patagonian wilderness.
Lake O’Higgins Crossing Ferry across expansive Lake O’Higgins from Puerto Bahamóndez (1 hour 45 minutes), enjoying stunning Patagonian vistas while approaching one of the continent’s most remote border regions.
Pioneer Trek Embark on the extraordinary 22-kilometer trek from Candelario Mancilla to Laguna del Desierto’s northern shore (6-7 hours)—a route few have completed. Navigate pristine lenga forests, dodge ancient roots, and leap crystal-clear streams while crossing the historic Portezuelo de la Divisoria pass between nations. Wilderness camping under star-filled Patagonian skies.
Complete your historic border crossing with optional ferry or additional 12-kilometer lakeside hike. Transfer to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, and celebrate your pioneering achievement at Hostería El Pilar.
Legendary Peak Adventure Trek through Patagonian lenga forests alongside the Blanco River, reaching Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint for spectacular photography. Continue to Poincenot Camp with stunning Fitz Roy massif views, then ascend to Laguna de los Tres for the ultimate close-up encounter with this legendary peak. End with an exclusive private dome dinner experience complete with beverages and dessert.
Glacial Giants After breakfast in your private dome, trek toward Cerro Torre through the valley of Lake Mother and Daughter. Stop at scenic lakes, spot Patagonian geese colonies, and traverse ancient moraines to reach Lake Torre and the impressive Grande Glacier. Weather permitting, hike to Maestri viewpoint for intimate glacier encounters before returning via Fitz Roy River valley, visiting the classic viewpoint and beautiful Margarita waterfall.
Ice Cathedral Experience Private transfer to El Calafate through sweeping Patagonian steppes. Afternoon visit to magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, exploring walkways for multiple viewpoints of dramatic ice formations. Complete the experience with scenic navigation across Lake Argentino, witnessing the glacier’s towering ice walls and thunderous calving into turquoise waters.
Transfer to Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine. Free afternoon to explore this charming frontier town, followed by expedition briefing and farewell dinner at Costa Australis hotel.
Iconic Towers Challenge Journey across Patagonian pampa to Torres del Paine National Park. Trek 2 hours up Ascencio Valley to Refugio Chileno, continue through native Lenga forests to glacial moraine, then climb to the ultimate viewpoint of the three vertical granite towers. Return to Kau Rio Serrano Lodge beside the pristine Serrano River.
Granite Cathedral Catamaran across Pehoe Lake to Paine Grande, then trek 2.5 hours into the spectacular French Valley. Experience the natural amphitheatre created by hanging glaciers and granite spires, reaching the main viewpoint for absolutely breathtaking panoramas of this glacial masterpiece.
Ice Adventure Paddle among floating icebergs on Lake Grey, approaching the eastern face of Grey Glacier for intimate encounters with this frozen giant. Experience the thrill of kayaking through ice-filled waters while surrounded by dramatic Patagonian peaks. Overnight at Grey Lodge.
Ultimate Ice Experience After equipment briefing, zodiac to Grey Glacier’s west side for a 3-hour glacier trek exploring crevasses, ice rivers, lagoons, and tunnels. Conclude with Grey III catamaran navigation through iceberg-filled waters, sipping pisco sours made with glacial ice while approaching the glacier’s towering front face. Return to Puerto Natales for farewell celebration.
Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport, concluding your ultimate Patagonian pioneer expedition.
