Southern Patagonia Luxury Adventure

Trip Highlights

In such a vast and strikingly beautiful region, exploring Southern Patagonia can be a challenging task for the first time visitor. This itinerary focuses on the true highlights in Southern Patagonia, ideal for the adventurer at heart, as the lodges recommended, explora, are the world's leading expedition company, providing in-depth exploration of the surroundings while never sacrificing comfort and world-class cuisine. Be guaranteed action-packed days in remote yet impressive territories in both countries, without needing to change accommodations frequently. All excursions are led by expert guides in small groups of no more than eight travelers.

Begin your journey in Torres del Paine National Park, with its iconic granite towers, blue glaciers and crystalline lakes, while lodging right in the middle of the National Park on Lake Pehoe at Explora Patagonia, characterized with breathtaking views of the Paine ridge and towers. The lodge’s location is ideal as it provides easy access to key areas and boasts its own waterfall. Choose among 40 explorations, either hiking or horseback riding, to some of the circuits of the renowned W Circuit or to other less explored routes. Finish your day in the property spa, taking in the view from the outdoor hot tubs and with a glass of Chilean wine in hand. 

Cross the border at Cerro Castillo into the heart of Argentinian Patagonia, enjoying the typical contrasts of Patagonia, from the steep mountain landscape of the Paine to the typical plains of the Patagonian Pampa. Make your way to El Chalten, Argentina’s hiking and climbing capital. Amidst the Argentinean Patagonia, discover the famous mountain range of Mount Fitz-Roy and Cerro Torre, or for those looking for an off the beaten path hike, consider trekking less visited routes such as Los Huemules National Reserve. Explora El Chalten is the perfect base for exploring, from treks, overland trips, fly-fishing and ice hikes to rock climbing and traditional hiking for all levels.

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 our representative 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 Singular Lastarria (no meals included)

After breakfast and check out, you will take a 3h20min flight to yet another example of Chile’s magnificent and contrasting landscape - Patagonia! Upon arrival to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport, you will be met by a lodge representative who will take you on a breathtaking journey through the countryside to Torres del Paine, where the lodge itself is located. You will meet with an expert guide to plan your adventure for the next few days. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the property’s amenities, or jump right onto a late afternoon activity.

Overnight at explora Patagonia (Breakfast & Dinner)

Choose from a list of over 40 explorations found on the Explorations Menu, carefully crafted to cover all areas of the park. From 1 hour walks to full day hikes up the mountainside, Explora has something for everyone and every day. Today, consider a boat trip to walk along the beach of Grey Lake, sailing past mighty glaciers, or a full day hike to view the Pehoé, Sarmiento and Nordenskjöld lakes from Bader Valley. Definitely consider a full day mountain hike to the summit of Cerro Castillo, taking in an unforgettable 360 ° view of the park and its surroundings.

Overnight at explora Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will begin your road transfer to the border of Chile and Argentina, Cerro Castillo. At this point, you will be directed to change vehicles to continue your journey to your lodge, Explora, in El Chalten, for check-in. With views to the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier, the lodge is a headquarter from where to explore a world-renowned destination by those who love nature and trekking. Upon arrival, you will meet with an expert guide to plan your adventure for the next few days. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the property’s amenities, or jump right onto a late afternoon activity.

Overnight at explora El Chalten (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Choose from a list of various exploration, carefully crafted to cover all areas of the park. The area’s geography has towering mountains and different landscapes open to be discovered through treks, overland trips, ice hikes, and even rock climbing, depending on the preferences and skills of each traveler. Some areas to be discovered are the Southern Patagonia Mountain Range, Mount Fitz-Roy, the towering heights of the area, and the surroundings of the Los Huemules Natural Reserve, in addition to the Patagonia forest and its rich wildlife. Spend a day discovering Los Glaciares National Park and Upsala Glacier, an iconic destination in the El Calafate area.

Overnight at explora El Chalten (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to El Calafate airport for your departing flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. After resting, your guide will meet you at the hotel for your half-day private city tour. This 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. After the tour, feel free to explore the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta.

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 Legado MItico (Breakfast)

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

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

• All meals and local spirits at all explora lodges

• All lodge-based activities in small groups of 8 travelers maximum at explora Lodge

• Scheduled guided touring as specified

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

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• *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 the Patagonian region 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.

• To continue your adventure and experience the other extreme, consider pairing the itinerary with explora Atacama in the northern region of Chile and one of the driest deserts in the world. Horseback riding through red soil esplanades, walking on landscapes that seem like taken from another world, cycling through the Andes highlands, reaching summits of more than 5,000 m.a.s.l. (16,404 f.a.s.l.) or taking it easy in the Puritama hot springs are some of the experiences you can enjoy. With this addition, the itinerary can begin in the Atacama Desert and then continue to the Patagonia, as noted in the itinerary above.