Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour

Welcome to Chile! After arrival at the international airport, you’ll have time to acclimatize and get a glimpse of this lively metropolitan capital.

Today, you’ll take a flight south to Balmaceda, the main hub to Chile’s remote Aysén region. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive on the beautiful Carretera Austral to nearby Villa Cerro Castillo.

The majestic mountain world of Cerro Castillo National Park, a true hiking paradise, awaits you today. There are several trails to choose from; a highly recommendable, yet demanding option is the hike up to Laguna Cerro Castillo.

Drive south on the Carretera Austral to Puerto Guadal today, a town on the shores of Chile’s biggest lake, the General Carrera. On the way, there is the option to visit the lake’s spectacular marble caves on a short boat trip.

Drive along the southern shore of General Carrera Lake until reaching the village of Chile Chico, at the Argentine border.

Visit the recently opened Patagonia National Park (former Reserva Jeinimeni) and enjoy a unique hike to explore ancient cave paintings and the colorful rock formations of the Valle Lunar. Afterwards, cross the border to Los Antiguos in Argentina to reach tonight’s hotel.

Continue your journey through the barren pampa landscape of Argentina today. The Ruta 40 leads south until reaching your next stop, the small village of Gobernador Gregores.

Continue driving south on Ruta 40 (mostly gravel road) until you reach the hiking mecca of El Chaltén, a small village nestled into the Andes Mountains.

Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain world that surrounds El Chaltén. There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties; a classic is the day hike that leads to Laguna Torre.

Without a doubt one of Patagonia’s most iconic treks is the one to Laguna de los Tres, at the feet of Fitzroy Mountain. This demanding day hike is worth the sweat and will no doubt be a highlight of this Patagonian adventure.

Continue your way south to El Calafate today. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to visit Perito Moreno, arguably Patagonia’s most impressive glacier! It is one of the few that is growing in the world rather than shrinking, and is a true sight to behold.

Today you’ll cross the border to Chile and continue driving to the town of Puerto Natales, the main touristic hub for Torres del Paine National Park. Once here, you’ll drop off your rental car in the city office and get ready for the multi-day W trek that commences in the coming days.

The multi-day W-Trek invites you to witness the innumerable highlights of Torres del Paine National Park and is one of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia!

Today, you’ll travel by public bus from Puerto Natales to the park’s Torres sector, where you’ll start the trek tomorrow morning. Puerto Natales is Chile’s gateway to a true trekker’s paradise. Tonight, you’ll rest and prep for the first day of trekking tommorow at the Refugio Sector Torres.

The W-Trek kicks off this morning with a demanding full-day hike that leads up to the viewpoint of the towers (“torres”), that give the park its name. Witness the endless scenes of glaciers, lakes, and lofty mountain ranges as you enjoy your first day of trekking on the route.

The trek continues today with stunning views of the turquoise-tinged waters of Nordenskjöld Lake. Enjoy incredible views of the Cuernos and the snow-capped mountains that flank the trail, and keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring in the sky above.

Continue the 11km section to reach the Refugio Los Cuernos where you can enjoy a well-earned evening of R&R.

Today’s hike takes you into the spectacular French Valley which you’ll soon realize, resembles a striking postcard. Afterwards, continue on until reaching Refugio Paine Grande.

Overnight in Refugio Paine Grande.

A day hike leads you to the impressive Grey Glacier, where you’ll stand in awe of its blue-grey walls that lord over the lake. Soak up the views here before returning to Paine Grande in the late afternoon. It’s then time to cross Pehoé Lake by boat and continue your journey by public bus to Puerto Natales.

Take the public bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas today.

Once here, you can reach the airport if you want to end your journey here with a flight back home via Santiago or continue to the city center in order to complete the world’s southernmost trek on Navarino Island.

With your second trek now on the horizon, you’ll fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams on the remote island of Navarino, south of Tierra del Fuego. A transfer will then take you to the nearby lodge.

Your multi-day trekking adventure begins today accompanied by a professional guide. After the first ascent, enjoy panoramic views of the town, the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego. Continue until reaching Laguna del Salto where you’ll set up camp.

After packing up your tent this morning, the route surrounds the Dientes massif until reaching the Southern part of the island, with sensational views to “the end of the world”. Continue until reaching the camping spot between Laguna de los Dientes and Laguna Esc0ondida.

Today’s trek takes you through a fairytale landscape with the Dientes mountain range as you everpresent backdrop. Continue ascending via the Ventarrón and Guerrico passes, before reaching the scenic Guerrico Valley. You’ll reach your camping spot between Laguna Martillo and Laguna Zeta in the evening.

The last ascent to the highest point of the tour, Virginia Pass, awaits you today! Enjoy spectacular views of the Beagle Channel and the Tierra del Fuego mountains, before descending. Arrive at the lodge in the evening.

Your adventure on this remote island ends today. A transfer will take you to the pier or airport, depending on your further travel arrangements.

Take a boat to Ushuaia in Argentina (approx. 4 h) and a flight from here to Buenos Aires or fly back via Punta Arenas and Santiago de Chile.