Patagonia Self-Drive Safari

Itinerary Highlights

As far as self-drive, there are few places in the world that invite themselves to this thrilling method of travel as well as Patagonia. Both Chile and Argentina's vast and untamed southern region make it ideal, and easy, for navigating at the end of the Earth. Within the epic wilderness of towering mountains, blue-tinged glaciers and crystalline lakes, there is no better way to experience these dramatic landscapes than behind a wheel. Our self-drive safari itinerary allows travelers the independence to safely and comfortably experience this truly spectacular region combined with its best luxury adventure lodges and top naturalist guides.  Each Jeep is equipped with state of the art navigation equipment that includes a Garmin GPS Navigation system, a full interactive itinerary and I-Pad Expedition Manual, a GPS tracker and a satellite phone.

Begin your adventure on the Chilean side at the National Park of Torres del Paine, a rugged stretch of soaring mountains, blue icebergs, pampas (grasslands) and glaciers that shelter unique flora and fauna. With world renowned hiking trails, Torres del Paine National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Hike to the iconic base of the three towers or kayak along the icefield of Grey Glacier. Then, experience the majestic icy expanse of Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, for either a full day navigation on Lake Argentino, or an exhilarating ice trek on the untouched formations of the glacier. End your stay at Mt. Fitz Roy, the breathtaking peak infamous for hiking, mountaineering, fly-fishing and ice-climbing, ranging from relaxed half day activities to full day excursions. 

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

Fly this morning from Santiago, Chile down south, to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (preferred airport) in Southern Patagonia. Upon arrival to the airport you will be met by your driver and guide who will transfer you in a private vehicle toward your hotel in Torres del Paine. Enjoy a free afternoon to rest and relax from your day of traveling. You will be briefed for a few hours on the program that lies ahead, as well as handed over your personal Jeep and reviewing all safety measures. All of the art navigation equipment, such as the GARMIN GPS, the interactive I-Pad and Satellite phone will be reviewed with you in detail.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia (Dinner)

Today’s focus will be to enjoy a full day of Torres del Paine National Park, for a Jeep Reconnaissance Tour around the park. This excursion is highly recommended, as it is the best way to experience all aspects of Torres del Paine in the shortest amount of time. You will cross the entire park from West to East, which includes an opportunity to enjoy a leisure hike to Laguna Azul that takes in the full spectrum of the park’s flora and fauna, in company with various breathtaking views of the Paine Massif, surrounding lakes, rivers, waterfalls and countryside. This is a day for those seeking the ultimate view where there is never a dull moment. End your day returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening before dinner.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today begin the day with a morning navigation across the wall of the mighty Glacier Grey. This nautical voyage takes us on a three-hour excursion of Grey Lake aboard a motorized catamaran, to witness the majestic Glacier from up-close. After returning back to Grey beach from the navigation, you will have the choice between a scenic hike, including Mirador Ferrier, Mirador Condor or Laguna Azul. Return back to the hotel after your hike for a night of relaxation.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today will be another full day of exploring the never-ending Torres del Paine National Park. Choose between either an active or relaxing day, depending on your level of activity and interest. For our active clients, we highly recommend hiking to the majestic Base of the Towers, which is the most emblematic, spectacularly beautiful and physically challenging hike available in the national park that bears its name. For a more easy going option, there are shorter yet scenic hikes in the area, including Mirador Cuernos, as well as hikes to different waterfalls. After your day of hiking, return to the hotel for a night of relaxation.

Overnight at Tierra Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will begin your journey east across the border into El Calafate and Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park. Total driving time will be approximately 4 - 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, with plenty of stops along the way to admire the views and stretch your legs on your own account. Once you arrive to the hotel, take time to soak in the beauty and landscapes surrounding the property. You will arrive in time for lunch.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy a full day expedition to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier with both an active and less active option available. The active option is a short ice hike atop the glacier known as “Mini Trekking”. This unique activity requires sure-footedness, but it is not considered to be a physically demanding activity and does not require previous ice—trekking experience. For the easy going option, enjoy an hour long navigation across the southern arm of the glacier aboard a large motorized catamaran, offering both indoor an outdoor viewing areas to the massive ice wall of Perito Moreno. Enjoy our box lunches at the glacier before the afternoon activity. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely one-two hour long walks across the multi-level observation boardwalk in front of Perito Moreno Glacier. This feat of engineering is the best way with which to appreciate this mammoth ice structure and its famous calving phenomenon.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, drive 15 minutes to Galpon del Glacier, an old Patagonian ranch that offers exceptional horseback riding. On this 2-3 hour horseback ride, you will have the opportunity to ride through the Patagonian steppe and explore the shores of Lake Argentina. The ride covers a variety of terrain, including rolling pampas, lagoons, hills and cattle trails. Return back to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the hotel, such as the spa, of explore the town of Calafate. A stroll in town will offer you the possibility to shop around for local Argentine souvenirs and sweets. Among the most popular items in town are the famous mate tea gourds, wool products and local sweets made from “dulce de leech” or from the Calafate berry. There is also an optional short walk to Laguna Nimez to observe Patagonian birdlife right at the edge of town.

Overnight at Eolo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast and bidding farewell to El Calafate, begin your drive north to Argentina’s adventure capital, the town of El Chalten. The drive is approximately 3 hours long and with stops along the way, admire the beautiful views as you approach the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. For those who opt for the ‘Active Program’, take the rest of the day to relax at your hotel or stroll into town. For those who select the “Easy Going” program, bid farewell to the Jeep and take a final hour-long private transfer north to the edge of Lago del Desierto, where you will board a boat to take you to the secluded Agues Arriba Lodge.

Active Program: Overnight at Don Los Ceros (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Easy Going Program: Overnight at Agues Arriba Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Active Program:

Enjoy a full day of activities in El Chalten, as you prepare for an adventurous hike to Laguna de los Tres, also known as the base of Mt Fitz Roy. This is one of the most emblematic and beautiful hikes in the area, as well as the most challenging. For a slightly less active option, enjoy a shorter hike to Laguna de Los Tres, ending at Laguna Capri (about half way), rather than going all the way to the top. This shorter version provides a chance to hike through forests and rivers, while providing amazing views of Mt Fitz Roy along the way, ending with the best view of the journey at Laguna Capri. Return back to the hotel in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening before dinner.

Easy-Going Program:

For those staying at Aguas Arriba lodge, your stay includes a series of daily walks, hikes, boat trips and fly-fishing opportunities in the private property surrounding the lodge. The forests surrounding the lodge offer extensive trails, with hikes varying in difficulty and duration. Various boat trips are also available to a series of points on the lake, from where we start our hikes through different trails. And for those who enjoy fly fishing, you will have the opportunity to fish at Lago del Desierto Lake, as well as nearby streams that empty into the lake. *Fly-fishing is available at an additional charge.

Active Program: Overnight at Don Los Ceros (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Easy Going Program: Overnight at Agues Arriba Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Active Program:

Enjoy another full day of activities in El Chalten and choose between either an active or scaled-down version hike. For the active option, venture off on a full day hike to Laguna Torres at the base of Cerro Torre, a mountain infamous in the 1970s due to the controversial race between various hikers of different nationalities who attempted the extremely difficult hike to the summit. This is one of the most popular hikes in El Chalten, known for the beautiful trails and landscapes along the way. Alternatively, for a scaled-down version, hike to the looking point of Mirador Torre, for outstanding panoramic views of Cerro Torre. Return back to the hotel in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening before dinner. After dinner, a representative will meet you at the hotel to retrieve the Jeep and wish you farewell.

Easy-Going Program:

Enjoy another day at the lodge including a series of activities, such as walks, hikes, boat trips and fly-fishing opportunities, all in the private property of the lodge. *Fly-fishing is available at an additional charge.

Active Program: Overnight at Don Los Ceros (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Easy Going Program: Overnight at Agues Arriba Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred south to El Chalten airport for your departing flight home, via Buenos Aires.

If you are interested in extending your stay in Argentina, such as including a visit to Iguazu, Buenos Aires or Mendoza Wine Country, please contact your Travel Designer for more details.

(Breakfast)

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

• Daily breakfast

• All meals and local spirits at all hotels and lodges specified in itinerary

• Entrance fees to Torres del Paine & Los Glaciares National Parks (includes Perito Moreno Glacier)

• Scheduled guided touring as specified in itinerary

• Use of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vehicle, with onboard navigation equipment.

• Fuel in Chile (unlimited mileage) for Self-Drive

• Unlimited minutes for satellite phone use with staff and 10 free minutes for personal use

• Comprehensive vehicle insurance, including 3rd party liability insurance

• 24/7 supper with ground operations team while traveling

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

• Season runs from September 18, 2020 to April 30, 2020 and itinerary begins every Sunday of the season

• The itinerary must begin in Chile and end in Argentina.

• Shorter versions of this itinerary are available, such as a self-drive safari in Chile only.

• Hotels described in the itinerary are 5-Star Hotels, but 4-Star Hotel options are available 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.

• Those seeking a more active itinerary, should select the “Active Program” in El Chalten, Argentina and will stay at Don Los Ceros Hotel. Those looking for a more relaxed experience should opt the “Easy Going Program”, while staying at Agues Arriba Lodge. Please see below for more details.

• The sample itinerary below is based on a Self-Drive Safari, with local guided excursions each day. Alternatively, Guided-Drive Safaris are available, where you are accompanied by a naturalist guide in your vehicle throughout the duration of your trip. The guide can also assist with driving. Such tour is available at a supplemental cost.

• For the purpose of a sample itinerary, we have pre-selected the excursions for each day of this itinerary based on client’s past experiences. However, different excursions may be selected based on your expectations. Some excursions may require an additional cost.

• Excursion options include (but not limited to): hiking, trekking, horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, ice hiking, navigation, jeep tours, etc.