Patagonia Overland
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO DE CHILE
After arrival at the Santiago airport, we will be transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon, we will explore the capital of Chile taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent metropolis. In the evening, we will have a nice relaxing dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Santiago. (D) DAY 2: SANTIAGO – PUERTO MONTT – PUERTO VARAS & PETROHUÉ WATERFALLS / OSORNO VOLCANO In the morning, we will have an enjoyable breakfast and then drive to the airport where we will board our flight to Puerto Montt. Upon arrival we briefly explore our surroundings and then continue on to the beautiful town of Puerto Varas known as the “the city of roses”. After check in, we will embark on a delightful excursion to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and the Petrohué Waterfalls. Afterwards we will continue a little further up the path and arrive to the Todos Los Santos Lake where will take a 30 minute boat ride across the emerald water. Subsequently we will then board our vehicle for a 40-minute drive to reach the famous Osorno Volcano. Once there we will take a small trek to a lookout point where we can admire from a distance the Llanquihue Lake and its surroundings. A few steps further we will reach the Burbuja Crater and subsequently the Rojo Crater, both impressive and remarkable. When the time is right after a full and happy day, we will return to the hotel. Overnight in Puerto Varas. (B) DAY 3: PUERTO VARAS – CALETA GONZALO From Puerto Varas we will make our way south and reach the village of Hornopirén where we will board a 4-hour ferry that will take us along the Cholgo Channel and the gorgeous Comau Fjord (one of the most sensational settings you will ever witness). Upon our arrival at the other end of the channel, we will continue our drive for only a few minutes before boarding a second ferry to Caleta Gonzalo where we will spend the night. Overnight Caleta Gonzalo. (B, BL) DAY 4: CALETA GONZALO – PUMALÍN PARK – RISOPATRÓN LAKE Today we will continue our drive south to the pristine forests of the Pumalín Park, one of Chile’s main ecotourism attractions. There we will have plenty of time for a fulfilling hike to one of the various lookout points in the woods and also to learn more about our amazing surroundings. Afterwards we will head to the town of Chaitén and then continue our adventure through rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains until reaching our final destination for the day; Risopatrón Lake. Overnight at Risopatrón Lake. (B, BL) DAY 5: RISOPATRÓN LAKE – COYHAIQUE Our journey today will take us through the Queulat National Park known for its majestic mountains and virgin evergreen forests. During this time, we will take a hike through the grounds of the park to its centerpiece, the Queulat Hanging Glacier. We also visit a lookout point boasting incredible views to the Quelat Lake. After lunch, we will continue back on the read and reach the town of Coyhaique where we will be spending the night. (B, BL) DAY 6: COYHAIQUE – GENERAL CARRERA LAKE After breakfast, we will start our drive from Coyhaique to the General Carrera Lake. As we make our way through the landscapes we will notice significant changes from lush green forests to snow topped mountains and crystal clear water. Overnight on the shores of the General Carrera Lake known for its turquoise color and famed marble caves carved out over centuries from wind and water; an amazing and unique natural marvel. Overnight in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. (B, BL) DAY 7: ENCOUNTER WITH EXPLORADORES VALLEY Today, we will tourthe Exploradores Valley where we will be able to observe distinct changes in vegetation and climate. During our time there, we will embark on a hike to incredible lookout points where we can enjoy a nice picnic lunch. At the appropriate time, we will return to our hotel for some time at leisure or for those of us looking for a more adventurous option at an additional cost we may proceed to take a glacier hike. Overnight in Puerto Rio Tranquilo. (B, BL) DAY 8: GENERAL CARRERA LAKE – PERITO MORENO Today’s drive will take us from Chile to Argentina with an official border crossing. Along our scenic drive, we will be able to admire the impressive General Carrera Lake that sits between the two countries. Our destination is the town of Perito Moreno, a center of cattle ranches and smallholdings producing fruit and vegetables. Overnight in Perito Moreno. (B, BL) DAY 9: DRIVING RUTA 40 – EL CHALTÉN After breakfast, we will hit the road and travel Argentina’s famous Ruta 40 heading south until reaching the city of El Chalten situated at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain Range. Along the journey, we will take a much-deserved rest stop and visit the Cuevas de las Manos, an archeological site known for its hand paintings. We will also take some time to enjoy our box lunch as we admire our unique surroundings. From there we will continue our long drive and reach our destination towards evening. Overnight in El Chaltén (B, BL) DAY 10: TREKKING CAPRI LAGOON – EL CALAFATE In the morning, we will being our trekking adventure through native vegetation to the Capri Lagoon. The trail will be a bit demanding; however, the sights along the way will be more than rewarding. This blue water lagoon sits in a lush valley boasting a fantastic view of the Fitz Roy massif. Upon arrival, we will have time to relax and take several pictures. Afterwards we will begin our return journey. Later that day we will leave El Chalten and make our way to El Calafate. Just before reaching our destination, we make a stop to visit an ice museum offering interactive exhibitions and impressive information. Overnight in El Calafate. (B, BL) DAY 11: LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK – PERITO MORENO GLACIER Today showcases one of the main highlights of this trip; the Los Glaciares National Park. It is the second largest national park in the country and in 1980 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It boasts breathtaking landscapes and the famous Perito Moreno Glacier measuring 250 km2 (97 sq mi) and 30 km (19 mi) in length. Overnight in El Calafate. (B, BL) |
DAY 12: EL CALAFATE – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, we will head back to Chile and to the renowned Torres del Paine National Park where we will be spending the next 2 nights. Encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia, the park is a must see! The grounds centerpieces are the three distinctive granite peaks known as Torres del Paine and are part of the Paine mountain range. They extend 2,850 meters above sea level, and are joined by the Cuernos del Paine. Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, the park is also home to a variety of fauna and adorned with beautiful vegetation. Overnight in or near Torres del Paine. (B, BL) DAY 13: EXPLORING TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK Our day is one of leisure and exploration to sightsee and experience the park (home to a variety of significant natural landmarks, wildlife and stunning flora) up close and in person. Overnight in or near Torres del Paine. (B, BL) DAY 14: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK – PUNTA ARENAS Today we will bid farewell to the stunning beauties of Torres del Paine and head south to the town of Punta Arenas. When we get to this beautiful city, we will make a stop to visit the Nao Victoria Museum. Here we will observe replicas of ships that contributed to the discovery and colonization of the Magallanes Region including the first ship that circumnavigated the globe. Ancient navigation instruments, weapons and other artifacts can be seen inside these replicas. In the evening, we will arrive at the hotel to enjoy a nice farewell dinner. Overnight in Punta Arenas. (B, BL, D) DAY 15: PUNTA ARENAS – SANTIAGO DE CHILE Just after breakfast, we will explore the historical city of Punta Arenas located on the shores of the Magellan Strait. Afterwards we will head to the airport where we will catch our connect flight out. (B) Price per person in US$: $5269 in double. $1049 single supplement. Dates:
Included:
- 14 overnights in good hotels, hosterías, estancias, cabins and lodges with private bathroom (sometimes we have to consider simple accommodations because there are no alternatives) - meals according to itinerary (B=Breakfast, BL=Box Lunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, - transfers and excursions with driver and bilingual English/German speaking guide - robust vehicle with high seat comfort for drive from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas through Patagonia on the Carretera Austral (Chile) and the Ruta 40 (Argentina) - entrance fees. *Itinerary considers easy hiking in National Park Vicente Perez Rosales, National Park Queulat and in Torres del Paine National Park. Although we have several years of experience with this tour, optimising the travel program and the equipment, we ask you to take note that we cannot rule changes or delays in the itinerary out due to possible break downs or weather conditions. Hotels we use in this program: SUBJECT TO CHANGE Santiago: Hotel Plaza San Francisco Puerto Varas: Estancia 440 / Hotel Cabaña del Lago Carretera Austral: Caleta Gonzalo Cabins, El Pangue, Belisario Jara, Hostal El Puesto Argentina: Hotel Chakra, Lunajuim, Kau Yatun Torres del Paine: Mirador del Paine Punta Arenas: Cabo de Hornos * ACCOMMODATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE, indicated hotels are merely references and only to be confirmed at the time of booking Not Included: International and national flights, porter, beer, wine or liquor. PLEASE ASK FOR FLIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS AS SOME FLIGHTS ARE NOT SUITABLE |