Patagonia
Nature’s Paradise - at the End of the World

Day 01) Departure

Day 02)
Arrival in Santiago and transfer to our hotel . In the afternoon we do a short city tour.  We see the Presidential Palace, “La Moneda” and wander around the main square,  where we relax at a typical café to try a “café cortado”.  We walk up the Santa Lucia Hill near our hotel to enjoy a view of the city.


Constitucion

Day 03)
In the morning we drive 4 hours to Talca,  a city with colonial architecture 250 km south of Santiago. We spend the night at a very pleasant spot on the Lircay river at  the cosy Casa Chueca hotel in bedrooms for 2-4 people with bathroom. At night we make a campfire under the stars (there is a telescope) .

Day 04)
It takes three hours to get to the coast on our nostalgic train trip.  The scenic landscape by the Maule river and the fact that there is no road  for cars nearby makes this ride very special.  It is still the only means of transport for many farmers and their families in the area.  We do a pleasant walk at the beach through the huge sand dunes of Putu.  Accomodation at Casa Chueca.   

Day 05) 
A day excursion takes us to the “Vilches” national park  where we will see the diversified flora of the almost unknown ecosystem of the “Maule forest”. Optionally (not included) you can do horse- riding in this beautiful park. Transfer back to Talca.  


Lago Pehoe

Day 06)
The Araucaria Province is a region famous for its Monkey Puzzle trees (Araucaria) as well as for its active volcanoes. Our trip along the Panamericana Highway brings us into the heart of this region.  We will stay in a cosy lodge close to Curacautin.

Day 07)
We hike through the spectacular native forest with views over the Lonquimay Volcano. Lodge.

Day 08) 
The Conguillio National Park is one of the prettiest parks in Chile. We get to know the landscape hiking around the Conguillio Lake. We also see an amazing Araucaria Tree which is about 2000 years old. The majestic Llaima Volcano is always in the background. Lodge

 

Day 09)
Drive to Temuco and flight to Punta Arenas. This, the southernmost city of Chile lies just to the north of the Magellen Straits. Hotel.

Day 10)
On Day 10 we arrive at the beautiful little town of Puerto Natales. From here we continue to what has to be one of the most beautiful parks in South America – the Torres del Paine National Park. On  our way we get beautiful photo opportunities of the Paine peaks. We will stay in a lodge in rooms for up to 6 people. 

Day 11)
On day 11 we do a great hike through the park. It is a tiring ascent to the Torres peaks but definitively worth it. Lodge

Day 12) 
We cross the whole park by bus stopping here and there to hike. We are able to enjoy the impressive view of the different mountain glaciers. We finally arrive at the Grey Glacier where we can see the icebergs floating in the lake. On  the way we see plenty of Guanacos, who are very patient about being photographed.  We may also see foxes,  ostrich species and condors.  Lodge.

Day 13) 
Transfer through the Pampa to Punta Arenas . Depending on our schedule we visit the Milodon Cave, made famous in Bruce Chatwin’s book “Patagonia “.  We also visit a big colony of penguins at the Otway Sound . Hotel .

Day 14)
Flight to Santiago and international flight.

Day 15)  Arrival

El Caminante Ltda Services:

All excursions, transport,  visits and hikes mentioned in the program except internal flights, 12 nights in clean and pleasant hotels and lodges ( 3 x in double-rooms  with private bath,  6  x in a lodge in rooms for 2-4 people, 3 x in 6 –bed rooms in the Torres lodge),  entrance fees to the National Parks,  El Caminante  tour-guide.  

Not included:

All meals, internal flights, optional excursions, personal expenses, tips and drinks.

rates on request