Relais and Chateaux Patagonia

Itinerary Highlights

This journey through both Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia is ideal for those seeking to thoroughly explore one of the world’s most wondrous regions and enjoy the continent’s finest accommodations.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival to the airport you will be met by your driver and guide who will transfer you in a private vehicle toward downtown Santiago for hotel check-in.  Once you have settled in, you will head with your guide to explore the city of Santiago. Soak up in this impressive city during the private tour which includes visits to historical sites, such as the neoclassical La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas and San Cristobal Hill.  Don’t miss out on the panoramic views of the mountains (Cordillera de los Andes) by traveling to the top of San Cristobal hill by cable car. Venture beyond the city into the varied neighborhoods like the bohemian artsy Bellavista or the high-end areas of Las Condes and Vitacura. 

Overnight at The Ritz Carlton (no meals included)

After flying from Santiago to Temuco, your adventure begins immediately as you arrive at the gateway to Patagonia, a thrilling adventure haven! Known as the “Adventure Capital” of Chile, select from an array of outdoor activities such as river rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, mountain biking, heli-skiing, horseback riding, trekking or skiing. If you prefer to take it easy, embark on an engaging cultural excursion, such as learning about the Mapuche Indians of the region or learning about the different cheeses at the lodges’ cheese factory. 

Your daily surroundings will be of dramatic landscapes of breathtaking glacial lakes mirroring the snowy tips of nearby volcanoes, such as the snow-capped Villarica Volcano. Signature features of the property include a modern working farm, organic farm-to-table vegetable garden, on site boutique cheese factory and two outdoor hot tubs. Mealtimes are undoubtedly one of the main highlights of the lodge – an extravagant and mouth-watering affair. This spectacular 34-acre estate, Vira Vira, will far exceed your expectations. 

For the afternoon, we recommend the scenic helicopter ride to explore the magnificent landscapes around and marvel at the region’s beautiful lakes, forests and snow-capped volcanoes. Setting off from the lodge, hop aboard the properties helicopter and soar across the Lake District passing over the active crater of the Villarrica Volcano. As if this weren’t spectacular already, the view also encompasses other volcanoes and valleys – a truly unique experience!

Overnight at &BEYOND Vira Vira (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Choose from a range of unique experiences, such as birdwatching in the Lake District or gently floating down the Liucura River. To get your adrenalin pumping, this is an ideal destination for Heli-skiing with a vast playground at your mercy fringed by stunning alpine scenery.

For today, we recommend trekking in Villarrica National Park. With an expert guide, explore the national park that showcases beautiful forests, shimmering bodies of water, waterfalls, hot springs and majestic volcanoes with snow-capped peaks.

Overnight at &BEYOND Vira Vira (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After a hearty Chilean breakfast, you will take a flight to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (contingent on flight schedule). Upon landing, a driver and property representative will meet with you and take you to the stunning Awasi Patagonia property, a ride of approximately 4.5 hours from Punta Arenas or 2 hours from Puerto Natales, through the incredibly varied landscapes of Patagonia.

Inspired by old Patagonian shelters and ranching outposts, there are just twelve villas (one of them with two suites) in Awasi’s private reserve. These are positioned in such a way as to ensure the utmost privacy and also offer the best views of the forest, Lake Sarmiento, the pampas and Torres del Paine. The villas are built on stilts for minimal environmental impact, and each boasts a hot tub, wood burning stove, living room and measures 80 square meters.

Enjoy this all-inclusive resort as you wish, utilizing private guide services to craft the perfect Patagonian experience. Your private guide will review all excursion options with you depending on your interests, for the following few days.

Overnight at Awasi Patagonia (Breakfast & Dinner)

Enjoy this all-inclusive resort as you wish, utilizing private guide services to craft the perfect Patagonian experience. Activities include, but are not limited to, nature trekking to lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains; wildlife viewing of foxes, horses, sheep and the odd puma; interacting with local gauchos and learning about their traditional lifestyle and more. Maybe today hike around the Grey Peninsula through the dense and enchanting Lengas forest until you reach the peaceful glacial beach. Perhaps finish your journey with the most sought after, challenging journey - the hike to Base Torres and its glacial lagoon, a site 12 million years in the making.

Enjoy your final evening in Chile with a long, delicious dinner in the lodge’s beautiful restaurant.

Overnight at Awasi Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy the scenic ride as you cross the Chilean border and enter the Argentinian Patagonian region, defined by the unequaled beauty of hills, mountains, lakes and rivers. Located on 10,000 acres of an estancia between the city El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier, you will be staying at Eolo, a privileged location within the Patagonian steppe and far from the tourist activity in the area. Enjoy the activities including during your stay, which is a paradise for horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, bird watching and, of course, to fully enjoy the subtle elegance of the installations. As the only Relais & Chateaux property in Patagonia, you will witness the magnificence of a scenery that is almost untouched.

Overnight at EOLO Hotel (Breakfast)

Following breakfast, depart from the hotel for an unforgettable trip. Your driver will take you towards Perito Moreno Glacier which is situated within the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park. Because of its beauty, it was officially declared a Mankind Heritage by UNESCO and is the only glacier that is still growing.  There are many activities to enjoy at Perito Moreno, such as walking on the sidewalks mesmerized by the walls of ice, or kayaking near the glaciers for a closer view and thrilling experience.   

For today, we propose boarding an elegant cruiser for a full day to explore the vastness of this area as well as the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, a perfect combination of nature and gourmet cuisine. 

Alternative Excursion: One of Craft Travel’s favorite excursions is ice-trekking, which can be either a soft adventure or more adventurous for the physically active traveler. Starting at Bajo las Sombras Bay port, we will sail for 20 minutes to reach Los Témpanos canal and the southern wall of the glacier. In small groups, conducted by experienced guides, we will walk by the lake shore to reach the glacier itself.   Here we will put on crampons that will allow us to walk over the glacier. In an unforgettable 1-hour route (longer routes are available) we will appreciate different ice formations, cracks, seracs, drains, and small pools. On our way back, we will cross the heavy Magellan forest, visit Canal de los Tempanos, and to stop at a glacier viewpoint.

Restrictions: ice trekking is a physically demanding excursion and is restricted for travelers suffering from any physical condition that may impede their ability to complete the trek. The Argentinean government does not allow travelers older than 65 to participate in ice trekking, regardless of physical condition.

Overnight at EOLO Hotel (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today you will head to Punta Bandera port, 40 minutes away, where you will embark a boat to take you across Lake Argentino to Estancia Cristina, the most historic sheep farm in Patagonia where stunning views of the Upsala Glacier await.

After disembarking at Estancia Cristina, you will continue with the group to the Fossil Canyon Trek. This trek begins with ascending to the top of the Feruglio cordon for 9.5km where you will reach a looking point to view the impressive Upsala Glacier.  You will then begin your 14km trek over Fossil Canyon, an area with a great concentration of unique marine fossils, geological treasures left uncovered after the passage of the oceans long ago. This trek is a gradual downhill climb, but challenging as well. During the journey there will be a break for lunch (optional) and then walk down to Estancia Valley and to the boarding pier. You will then take a boat back to Punta Bandera and a transfer will be waiting for you to transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight at EOLO Hotel (Breakfast & Lunch)

We recommend our clients to enjoy touring EOLO and its surroundings, as many activities are exclusively available for the guests at EOLO. Having its own guide on site, enjoy trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, four wheel drive outings, canopy and horseback riding adventures. 

After the overload of majestic scenery, take a flight out to Buenos Aires for a dose of cosmopolitan fun. Once you arrive in Buenos Aires, you will be transferred to your hotel for an evening of leisure. 

Overnight at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt (Breakfast)

After breakfast, prepare for a private city tour of Buenos Aires. This in-depth tour begins in Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. In its surrounding areas you can see Casa Rosada, the actual seat of Presidential Palace, the Cabinet and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the famous neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the nineteenth century by aristocratic families and currently home to a lively nightlife and a weekly Sunday antiques fair. Going further south, you will arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca (with its famous street “Caminito”) before moving onto the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the seaside neighborhood set on Rio de la Plata. The tour concludes with a visit to the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta. [Note: As the tour is private, please notify your Travel Designer about your interests to best meet your expectations. For example, food sampling at local eateries along the way can be included].

In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history,  you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly. 

Overnight at Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt (Breakfast & Dinner)

You will be transferred to the International Airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 12 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals and local spirits at &BEYOND Vira Vira

• All meals and local spirits at Awasi Patagonia

• All lodge-based activities at &BEYOND Vira Vira and EOLO Hotel (certain excursions at an additional cost)

• All lodge-based activities with private guides at Awasi Patagonia

• Scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at &BEYOND Vira Vira

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Welcome sparkling wine and house made chocolate in room upon arrival

  • Complimentary room bar (applicable only in Villa Suite with ALL inclusive program)

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The best time to visit Patagonia is in late September through mid-March. We at Craft Travel Group are huge fans of the early season in late September and early to mid October, as the parks are less crowded. While temperatures do rise during high season and the summer months, sometimes reaching the low to mid 70s, weather in southern Patagonia is highly unpredictable.

• When staying at Awasi Patagonia, it is important to note that the private transfer included during your stay is from the Puerto Natales airport, which is the closest airport to Torres del Paine. Flights do not operate on a daily basis to this airport which means that one would need to fly into Punta Arenas, which has daily flights operating. The transfer from Punta Arenas to Awasi is not included but can be arranged at a supplemental cost.

• To complete your Relais & Chateaux experience, consider a visit to Awasi Atacama, located in one of the driest deserts on earth in northern Chile. Witness incredible star gazing, geysers, rivers, wildlife, and birding in high altitude desert life. Alternatively, one can easily travel to Awasi Iguazu after visiting Buenos Aires, located just 20 minutes away from the world’s largest waterfalls and surrounded by the lush Atlantic Rainforest.