A road trip weaving through the Andes; walking in Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy; a voyage through fjords to Cape Horn - this is epic Patagonia, no compromises.
Duration
41 days
Duration
All our trips are tailormade and therefore can be extended or reduced to suit you. You'll find a few ideas to extend your trip below, but please do ask about how we can tailor it to you.
Guide Price
£13,520 pp
n/a
Guide Price
This is a realistic guide price per person, based on you travelling at an optimum time for this holiday. Please see 'What's Included' for full details and contact us for a personalised quotation.
When
Oct-Apr
When
This is a broad indicator of when you might realistically take this holiday. Please do ask us if you'd like to chat through your options in more detail - getting the timing right is important. We'd love to help.
Hopping back and forth between Chile and Argentina, this driving adventure leads through the heart of Patagonia's Route of Parks. The world's most ambitious conservation tourism project links 17 national parks 2,700km of road and ocean from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn, many of which you'll experience on this epic journey.
Enjoy reading this taster itinerary. Please Request Full Details if you'd like to know more, or to discuss how we can tailor this holiday for you.
Arrive in Santiago this morning to be met by your guide and shown around a little of this vibrant city. After you settle into your hotel downtown, the balance of the day is yours to explore.
2 of 41
Day 2 - Start discovering the Chilean Lake District
Fly south to Puerto Montt in the Chilean Lake District, where you pick up your 4x4 vehicle. A relaxed guided walking tour will introduce you to its pretty streets and historic houses.
3 of 41
Day 3 - Day to explore the lakes and volcanoes
Head out in your vehicle to explore, probably doing a lap of Llanquihue Lake to see the Petrohue Falls and walk in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
4 of 41
Day 4 - Set off onto the Carretera Austral
Set off by ferry this morning, stepping off the world and into Patagonia. Spectacular views unfold as you travel towards the pristine forests of the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.
5 of 41
Day 5 - Walk through Patagonian rainforest
Spend today walking on self-guided trails in the precious temperate forests of the Pumalín National Park, the 'Cascada' path leaves from just next to your cabin and is beautiful.
6 of 41
Day 6 - Travel through forests to Fú
Follow a relatively easy self-guided trail up to the crater of the emblematic Chaiten Volcano. Continue south to Futaleufú set in a spectacular, fertile, valley near the Argentine border.
7 of 41
Day 7 - A day to enjoy the white water
The town of Fú is famous for having some of the largest river waves in the world, which is why it has become a magnet for white water enthusiasts from around the world.
8 of 41
Day 8 - Go walking to a mirror lake
Follow a self-guided hiking trail through the forests to a mirror lake, waterfall or a lookout point over the river valley, or you can kayak on a lake, ride horses or bikes into the hills.
9 of 41
Day 9 - Travel south to the Queulat National Park
Today's drive takes around three hours, though always with lovely views to enjoy. If you want to walk en route, you will pass the El Puma trail in the north of Queulat National Park.
10 of 41
Day 10 - Kayak or boat along the fjord
Spend today with your host kayaking along the fjord to reach a remote island where you have a picnic lunch with a view, walk up to a waterfall this afternoon.
11 of 41
Day 11 - Walk to see Queulat's hanging glacier
Spend today walking inside the Queulat National Park, with a walk up to the emblematic hanging glacier viewpoint. They are adding new trails all the time so you will have lots of choice.
12 of 41
Day 12 - Leave the temperate rainforests of northern Patagonia
You leave the forested northern part of Patagonia today and enter the high, dry, steppe. As well as the scenery changing, you spend tonight in a proper town, Coyhaique.
13 of 41
Day 13 - Private guided day in and around Coyhaique
Spend today in the company of our friendly guide, introducing you to the history, geography, geology, flora and fauna of the region this morning at the Museum of Patagonia.
14 of 41
Day 14 - Arrive in the Cerro Castillo National Park
Continue south today into increasingly dramatic landscapes as transition into Patagonia's glaciated south. Settle in to your private cabin looking up at the Cerro Castillo mountains.
15 of 41
Day 15 - Guided walk to try and see huemul
Your private guide leads you in search of the seriously endangered national animal of Chile, the huemul. This area is the best place to see this solitary deer in the wild.
16 of 41
Day 16 - Private guided hike into the national park
Private-guided walk along some or all of Cerro Castillo National Park's spectacular Nuevo Zealandes valley. After a long day of hiking, dinner is again provided for you back at your cabin.
17 of 41
Day 17 - Ride horses, or bikes into the hills
Your last day in Cerro Castillo should be a classic Patagonian day of riding and sharing an asado: roast lamb over an open fire. It might be that you ride bikes or horses, that's up to you.
18 of 41
Day 18 - Travel east into Argentina
Switch ecosystems again today as you move to the east and into Argentina. Depending on your mood, you can drive around Lago Buenos Aires, or take a ferry, either way, it is beautiful.
19 of 41
Day 19 - Private guided day in the Patagonia National Park
A day with a local guide to enjoy the hiking trails of the Argentinian Patagonia Park and to learn about the fascinating ‘Rewilding Argentina’ project.
20 of 41
Day 20 - Travel south on the beautiful Ruta 41
Drive south on the breathtakingly remote scenic Ruta 41 which hugs the Andes as it journeys south on what feels like the surface of the moon with reddish volcanos and basalt dikes.
21 of 41
Day 21 - Visit the incredible Cave of Hands
Today you'll meet your local guide to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the 'Cueva de las Manos'. Enjoy short hikes in the area and an overnight in the wilds of Patagonia.
22 of 41
Day 22 - Morning walk along the Pinturas Canyon
You'll have the opportunity for a final hike in the morning before driving south back on the Ruta 40 through the open Patagonian wilderness. Stay in a working ranch dating back to 1878.
23 of 41
Day 23 - Arrive at the Fitzroy mountains
Todays drive will take you to some of Patagonia's most iconic scenery - the staggering jagged skyline of Mount Fitzroy. You’ll have time for an afternoon hike when you arrive.
24 of 41
Day 24 - Private guided hike in the mountains
With your local guide you will hike the stunning trail that takes you to the base of the immense Mount Fitzroy. Look and listen out for the fantastic Magellanic woodpecker along the way.
25 of 41
Day 25 - Self guided walking around Fitzroy
Spend today exploring at your own pace. There are many self-guided trails you can follow or you could drive further up the valley to visit the impressive Lago del Desierto.
26 of 41
Day 26 - After a morning walk, drive to El Calafate
Continue south towards the Los Glaciares National Park and the comfortable, if uninspiring, town of El Calafate. It is a springboard to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.
27 of 41
Day 27 - Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is dedicated to seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier. Let everyone else go in the morning, you should go in the quiet of the late afternoon when it is at its most beautiful, and peaceful.
28 of 41
Day 28 - Return to Chile and the Torres del Paine National Park
Cross back into Chile as you drive back west towards the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. Stay in a traditional estancia, ranch, with fantastic views over to the mountains.
29 of 41
Day 29 - Walk around the peaceful Laguna Azul
Walk in the area around the beautiful Laguna Azul. There are various loops but the 5km walk up to the viewpoint of Mirador Masle gives the best views of the famous towers.
30 of 41
Day 30 - Walk to the famous Torres
You can spend today watching life on the farm of hiking up the Ascencio Valley to tackle the strenuous hike up to the glacial lake at the foot of the Paine Towers.
31 of 41
Day 31 - Cross the park to walk the fauna trail
Cross Torres del Paine to change hotel, stopping to follow the fauna trail across an area of arid open steppe, where you can see guanacos, foxes, armadillos and perhaps, if you're lucky, pumas.
32 of 41
Day 32 - Spend the day at Glacier Grey
Here in the western side of the park you are close to the glaciers, most obviously Glacier Grey. Take a boat ride to the face of the glacier followed by a walk alongside the lake.
33 of 41
Day 33 - Walk to a viewpoint over the Serrano River
Walk up to the Mirador del Serrano for incredible views of the Paine mountains and the Grey and Serrano Rivers. This afternoon, walk a route along the bird-rich river flats of the Rio Serrano.
34 of 41
Day 34 - Complete your drive in Punta Arenas
Set off south to the city of Punta Arenas, gateway to the Magellan Straits. Return your car and enjoy a stroll. In winter it gets so windy here they have ropes along some streets!
35 of 41
Day 35 - Set sail towards Cape Horn
Settle into your very comfortable cabin aboard the Australis as you set sail along the Beagle Channel towards Cape Horn. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
36 of 41
Day 36 - See elephant seals, penguins and sea birds
There should be some wonderful wildlife encounters in store today, including chances to get close to elephant seals, penguins and sea birds. Walk through a remote Magellanic forest.
37 of 41
Day 37 - Land at the Pia Glacier
Today is mainly dedicated to glaciers; take a zodiac ride and walk to a viewpoint to survey the Pia Glacier, from mountain to sea. Later sail through the majestic Glacier Alley.
38 of 41
Day 38 - Land, hopefully, at Cape Horn
Whether permitting, you will step foot on Cape Horn today. It is a place of legends; a sheer, 400 metre high promontory which marks the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge.
39 of 41
Day 39 - Arrive in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and make the flight north to Buenos Aires. Today is yours to relax and stroll to one of the nearby restaurants for dinner tonight.
40 of 41
Day 40 - Private guided exploration of Buenos Aires
Spend this morning in the company of your own private guide who can take you on and off the beaten track. Rather than follow a specific route, this is a tour set by you.
41 of 41
Day 41 - It's time to travel home
After six weeks in Patagonia, it's time to head home. Your guide will take you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.
1 of 41
Day 1 - Arrive in Chile, see Santiago
Arrive in Santiago this morning to be met by your guide and shown around a little of this vibrant city. After you settle into your hotel downtown, the balance of the day is yours to explore.
2 of 41
Day 2 - Start discovering the Chilean Lake District
Fly south to Puerto Montt in the Chilean Lake District, where you pick up your 4x4 vehicle. A relaxed guided walking tour will introduce you to its pretty streets and historic houses.
3 of 41
Day 3 - Day to explore the lakes and volcanoes
Head out in your vehicle to explore, probably doing a lap of Llanquihue Lake to see the Petrohue Falls and walk in the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
4 of 41
Day 4 - Set off onto the Carretera Austral
Set off by ferry this morning, stepping off the world and into Patagonia. Spectacular views unfold as you travel towards the pristine forests of the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park.
5 of 41
Day 5 - Walk through Patagonian rainforest
Spend today walking on self-guided trails in the precious temperate forests of the Pumalín National Park, the 'Cascada' path leaves from just next to your cabin and is beautiful.
6 of 41
Day 6 - Travel through forests to Fú
Follow a relatively easy self-guided trail up to the crater of the emblematic Chaiten Volcano. Continue south to Futaleufú set in a spectacular, fertile, valley near the Argentine border.
7 of 41
Day 7 - A day to enjoy the white water
The town of Fú is famous for having some of the largest river waves in the world, which is why it has become a magnet for white water enthusiasts from around the world.
8 of 41
Day 8 - Go walking to a mirror lake
Follow a self-guided hiking trail through the forests to a mirror lake, waterfall or a lookout point over the river valley, or you can kayak on a lake, ride horses or bikes into the hills.
9 of 41
Day 9 - Travel south to the Queulat National Park
Today's drive takes around three hours, though always with lovely views to enjoy. If you want to walk en route, you will pass the El Puma trail in the north of Queulat National Park.
10 of 41
Day 10 - Kayak or boat along the fjord
Spend today with your host kayaking along the fjord to reach a remote island where you have a picnic lunch with a view, walk up to a waterfall this afternoon.
11 of 41
Day 11 - Walk to see Queulat's hanging glacier
Spend today walking inside the Queulat National Park, with a walk up to the emblematic hanging glacier viewpoint. They are adding new trails all the time so you will have lots of choice.
12 of 41
Day 12 - Leave the temperate rainforests of northern Patagonia
You leave the forested northern part of Patagonia today and enter the high, dry, steppe. As well as the scenery changing, you spend tonight in a proper town, Coyhaique.
13 of 41
Day 13 - Private guided day in and around Coyhaique
Spend today in the company of our friendly guide, introducing you to the history, geography, geology, flora and fauna of the region this morning at the Museum of Patagonia.
14 of 41
Day 14 - Arrive in the Cerro Castillo National Park
Continue south today into increasingly dramatic landscapes as transition into Patagonia's glaciated south. Settle in to your private cabin looking up at the Cerro Castillo mountains.
15 of 41
Day 15 - Guided walk to try and see huemul
Your private guide leads you in search of the seriously endangered national animal of Chile, the huemul. This area is the best place to see this solitary deer in the wild.
16 of 41
Day 16 - Private guided hike into the national park
Private-guided walk along some or all of Cerro Castillo National Park's spectacular Nuevo Zealandes valley. After a long day of hiking, dinner is again provided for you back at your cabin.
17 of 41
Day 17 - Ride horses, or bikes into the hills
Your last day in Cerro Castillo should be a classic Patagonian day of riding and sharing an asado: roast lamb over an open fire. It might be that you ride bikes or horses, that's up to you.
18 of 41
Day 18 - Travel east into Argentina
Switch ecosystems again today as you move to the east and into Argentina. Depending on your mood, you can drive around Lago Buenos Aires, or take a ferry, either way, it is beautiful.
19 of 41
Day 19 - Private guided day in the Patagonia National Park
A day with a local guide to enjoy the hiking trails of the Argentinian Patagonia Park and to learn about the fascinating ‘Rewilding Argentina’ project.
20 of 41
Day 20 - Travel south on the beautiful Ruta 41
Drive south on the breathtakingly remote scenic Ruta 41 which hugs the Andes as it journeys south on what feels like the surface of the moon with reddish volcanos and basalt dikes.
21 of 41
Day 21 - Visit the incredible Cave of Hands
Today you'll meet your local guide to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the 'Cueva de las Manos'. Enjoy short hikes in the area and an overnight in the wilds of Patagonia.
22 of 41
Day 22 - Morning walk along the Pinturas Canyon
You'll have the opportunity for a final hike in the morning before driving south back on the Ruta 40 through the open Patagonian wilderness. Stay in a working ranch dating back to 1878.
23 of 41
Day 23 - Arrive at the Fitzroy mountains
Todays drive will take you to some of Patagonia's most iconic scenery - the staggering jagged skyline of Mount Fitzroy. You’ll have time for an afternoon hike when you arrive.
24 of 41
Day 24 - Private guided hike in the mountains
With your local guide you will hike the stunning trail that takes you to the base of the immense Mount Fitzroy. Look and listen out for the fantastic Magellanic woodpecker along the way.
25 of 41
Day 25 - Self guided walking around Fitzroy
Spend today exploring at your own pace. There are many self-guided trails you can follow or you could drive further up the valley to visit the impressive Lago del Desierto.
26 of 41
Day 26 - After a morning walk, drive to El Calafate
Continue south towards the Los Glaciares National Park and the comfortable, if uninspiring, town of El Calafate. It is a springboard to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.
27 of 41
Day 27 - Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Today is dedicated to seeing the Perito Moreno Glacier. Let everyone else go in the morning, you should go in the quiet of the late afternoon when it is at its most beautiful, and peaceful.
28 of 41
Day 28 - Return to Chile and the Torres del Paine National Park
Cross back into Chile as you drive back west towards the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. Stay in a traditional estancia, ranch, with fantastic views over to the mountains.
29 of 41
Day 29 - Walk around the peaceful Laguna Azul
Walk in the area around the beautiful Laguna Azul. There are various loops but the 5km walk up to the viewpoint of Mirador Masle gives the best views of the famous towers.
30 of 41
Day 30 - Walk to the famous Torres
You can spend today watching life on the farm of hiking up the Ascencio Valley to tackle the strenuous hike up to the glacial lake at the foot of the Paine Towers.
31 of 41
Day 31 - Cross the park to walk the fauna trail
Cross Torres del Paine to change hotel, stopping to follow the fauna trail across an area of arid open steppe, where you can see guanacos, foxes, armadillos and perhaps, if you're lucky, pumas.
32 of 41
Day 32 - Spend the day at Glacier Grey
Here in the western side of the park you are close to the glaciers, most obviously Glacier Grey. Take a boat ride to the face of the glacier followed by a walk alongside the lake.
33 of 41
Day 33 - Walk to a viewpoint over the Serrano River
Walk up to the Mirador del Serrano for incredible views of the Paine mountains and the Grey and Serrano Rivers. This afternoon, walk a route along the bird-rich river flats of the Rio Serrano.
34 of 41
Day 34 - Complete your drive in Punta Arenas
Set off south to the city of Punta Arenas, gateway to the Magellan Straits. Return your car and enjoy a stroll. In winter it gets so windy here they have ropes along some streets!
35 of 41
Day 35 - Set sail towards Cape Horn
Settle into your very comfortable cabin aboard the Australis as you set sail along the Beagle Channel towards Cape Horn. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
36 of 41
Day 36 - See elephant seals, penguins and sea birds
There should be some wonderful wildlife encounters in store today, including chances to get close to elephant seals, penguins and sea birds. Walk through a remote Magellanic forest.
37 of 41
Day 37 - Land at the Pia Glacier
Today is mainly dedicated to glaciers; take a zodiac ride and walk to a viewpoint to survey the Pia Glacier, from mountain to sea. Later sail through the majestic Glacier Alley.
38 of 41
Day 38 - Land, hopefully, at Cape Horn
Whether permitting, you will step foot on Cape Horn today. It is a place of legends; a sheer, 400 metre high promontory which marks the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge.
39 of 41
Day 39 - Arrive in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and make the flight north to Buenos Aires. Today is yours to relax and stroll to one of the nearby restaurants for dinner tonight.
40 of 41
Day 40 - Private guided exploration of Buenos Aires
Spend this morning in the company of your own private guide who can take you on and off the beaten track. Rather than follow a specific route, this is a tour set by you.
41 of 41
Day 41 - It's time to travel home
After six weeks in Patagonia, it's time to head home. Your guide will take you to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.
