Patagonia Geographic: Chile's Glaciers and Forests

Itinerary Highlights

The geographically expansive country of Chile reminds us how truly beautiful a creation is Mother Earth. From its rugged coastline to its mountainous horizon, strikingly blue lakes and glassy rivers, dense green forests and sprawling desert, it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what to see in Chile. Craft Travel offers a way to break it down into manageable bites, starting with a full immersion into the Southern half’s glaciers, lakes and forests that make Chile’s nature so stunning. 

The all-inclusive luxury lodging in this package is not to be overlooked, and is ideal for those looking for adventure, off the beaten path destinations and comfort, all in one. You will begin your journey at Barraco Lodge, a typical Patagonian style lodge built entirely with local craftsmen and materials. Located on 150 acres bordering Lake Tagua Tagua and the Puelo River, it is the ideal location for exploring the natural treasures of the Northern Patagonia and Pacific coast: wild rivers, waterfalls, hidden lakes, glaciers, volcanos, granite cliffs and rain forests. Spend your days hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking or helicopter-skiing. After a day of adventure, the lodge awaits with hot tubs, sauna and massages. Continue further south to Chiloe, an archipelago with dramatic coastline and scenic clifftops. While staying at the property Tierra Chiloe, enjoy the variety of land and sea excursions included. End your journey at Tierra Patagonia, near Torres del Paine National Park, to the untamed part of the world, beaming with emerald lakes, snow peaked mountain ranges and abundant wildlife.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

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 Ritz Carlton Hotel (no meals included)

After an early breakfast and hotel check out, your driver will be waiting to take you to your flight from Santiago to Puerto Montt (approx. 1hr 45min flight time). Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, you will be transferred on a scenic drive to Barraco Lodge (approximately 3 hours driving), where you will enjoy a wholesome lunch after check-in.

Enjoy one of the many activities offered. For this afternoon, Craft Travel recommends horseback riding to Traidor River. You will cross Tagua Tagua Lake on a jet boat to Jabali Island, where horses will be waiting for your ride south along the Puelo River. After three hours of riding south, a typical Patagonian “asado” (barbecue) will be waiting for you, before your return to the lodge on the jet boat.

Overnight at Barraco Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Select one of the many activities offered at the lodge. Craft Travel recommends trekking the Tagua Tagua National Park. You will cross the lake by boat to reach its entrance, filled with trails of ancient rain forests, streams and waterfalls. Enjoy a 2 hour hike to the Alerce Cabin, followed by a four hour hike to the Quetros Cabin. In the afternoon, the helicopter (additional cost) will transfer you back to your lodge. Alternative ways back to the lodge are offered.

Alternatively, explore the rivers and lakes by fly fishing with your private guide and boat. You will fish at the best spots along the Puelo River and its tributaries. Please note that there is an additional supplement for fly fishing.

Overnight at Barraco Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After this morning’s final breakfast at the lodge, you will check out and be transferred to a volcano by jeep (or simliar), which you will hike along with your guide. A helicopter will pick you up at the summit, in which you will be transferred to your lodge in Chiloe. Hotel Tierra boasts, among other perks, a helicopter pad, making it an ideal form of transportation for arrival! Enjoy dinner and beyond this evening at your leisure, exploring the surrounding area or simply relaxing in the hotel. Work with a local concierge to plan your schedule of activities for the coming days.

Overnight at Tierra Hotel Chiloe (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

With lush green hills and Pacific Ocean blues all around, hiking the Island of Chiloé is at once breathtaking, fun, and nourishing for the soul. Consider a half or full day guided hike through the “Wetlands of Chile” or the dense forests of Bosque Piedra Private Park! If you enjoy biking, pedal your way through Chiloe, with an assortment of self-guided and locally guided biking journeys around the island. Visit three important local churches and get your cultural fix. or combine your biking adventure with a sailing excursions on the hotel’s private boat to the islands of Chelin and Quehui. Visit the Daily Activities Menu to review all of the excursions included during your stay.

Overnight at Tierra Hotel Chiloe (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy one final excursion in Chiloe this morning after breakfast (time permitting). Check out of the hotel before being transferred by ferry and car back to Puerto Montt to catch your flight (approx. 2hr 10min flight time) to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Spend the night in Punta Arenas, resting up for the second half of your action packed trip!

Overnight at Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas (Breakfast)

If departing from Punta Arenas, your driver will be waiting to transfer you on a 4 hour journey through Chile’s stunning landscape to your final destination, Tierra Patagonia Adventure Hotel and Spa. Depending on time of arrival, you may enjoy both lunch and dinner at your leisure at the hotel. Plan your final days’ adventures in Patagonia with an expert guide to make the most of your days here in this natural paradise.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia Adventure Hotel and Spa (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Visit the Daily Activities Menu to review all of the excursions included during your stay.

At Craft Travel Group, we highly recommend dedicating a day to hike the legendary route to the base of the three towers. The first part is a steep climb, loosely following the natural course of the Ascensio River to Paso de los Vientos, where vegetation is thin on the ground. As you get higher, the views evolve and the mountains come into sight. After a stretch of fairly flat walking on a steep mountainside, you arrive at the “Chileno” refuge. Crossing the river, there is shade and a change of pace on a trail through native forest. Then the terrain changes again, opening out onto a steep rocky hillside, with huge chunks of stone making for challenging walking. The effort of this severe ascent is rewarded by the view of the iconic magnificence of the Towers at the top. Take the time to appreciate both the isolation and grandeur of these mountains, a site which evokes its own sense of perspective.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia Adventure Hotel and Spa (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will be transferred to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport for your departing flight home via Santiago Airport. If time permits, ask your travel designer about extending your journey to visit the Patagonian region of Argentina. A road transfer will be arranged to cross the border of Argentina to further enjoy this untouched land.

(Breakfast)

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

• Daily breakfast

• All meals and local spirits at Barraco Lodge & Tierra Lodges

• All lodge-based activities at Barraco Lodge & Tierra Lodges

• 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 Tierra Hotel Chiloe:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

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

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

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

• It is somewhat of an accepted fact that the best time to visit Patagonia is during the peak summer months, December to February, but at Craft Travel Group, we do not think this is necessarily true! It is the warmest time of the year, but also a time of the year when winds are strongest and you will see more people on the trails. Spring and fall are cooler, but the winds are less severe and the main attractions are quiet. Autumn is a great time for photographers to visit as they would appreciate the color contrasts between the blue lakes and tree foliage. Overall, do not be discouraged to travel during the shoulder season, which is September/October and March/April.

• Patagonia is shared by both Chile and Argentina, making it a perfect excuse to continue the adventure to the Argentinean Patagonian region. The Argentine side features arid steppes and grasslands, while the Chilean side has glacial fjords and temperate rainforest. Just a few hours away and crossing the border by car, visit Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and for the more adventurous soul, visit the pinnacles of Monte Fitz Roy for a world-class hike.