Chile: Patagonia Rewilding Conservation Adventure

Chile

Learn about conservation and rewilding efforts in North Patagonia

Uncover South America’s best-kept secret as you journey through wild landscapes to reach hanging glaciers and float through marble caves illuminated by turquoise waters.

You’ll experience the best that North Patagonia has to offer in this active itinerary while also taking moments to slow down and learn about the conservation of these environments and rewilding efforts of local organizations.

Travel off the beaten path on foot, boat, and horseback for a genuine Patagonian encounter.

Best time to go: November-March
Shoulder season: October and April
Price: Starting from $7,000 per person for 2 guests sharing
Starting from $5,000 per person sharing for 4 or more guests

"I loved the perfect mix of learning about Peru and its rich history and spending time in the students homes. We very much enjoyed painting at one home, gardening at the Andean Alliance, having dinner with the Peruvian Hearts girls, and working in the school with the young girls. We really fell in love with all of them and plan to be in contact with them for a very long time. We came home and immediately made donations to each!"

Melissa Allen
Peru

Highlights

Hike to view the Hanging Glacier and its impressive waterfalls in Queulat National Park.
Relax in natural hot springs with views of the fjords.
Participate in a rewilding project and learn about the effects of climate change in Patagonia.
Horseback ride with Gauchos in one of the wildest places on earth.
Set up base camp and trek through lush forests to reach the Leones Glacier.
Kayak through the majestic Marble Caves on the jade-colored Lake Carrera.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO

Upon arrival in Santiago, you’ll be met by our representative who will transfer you to The Singular Santiago, your accommodation for the evening. This elegantly designed hotel is set in an exceptional location in Santiago’s cultural and historical hub.

Overnight Singular Santiago

Day 2

WALKING TOUR AND BREWERY VISIT IN BALMACEDA

After breakfast at Singular Santiago, our representative will drive you to the airport, help with your luggage, and check-in for the flight to Balmaceda Airport. On arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you for the transfer to Coyhaique. Take a walking tour of the city and finish the day with a beer tasting and dinner at a local brewery.

Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela

Patagonia: A city square with palm trees, people walking, and a historic cathedral with twin towers; modern glass buildings are visible in the background at sunset.

Patagonia: A winding road curves through a green valley with scattered trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Patagonia: A fast-flowing river winds through rocky terrain surrounded by dense green forest under a cloudy sky.

Day 3

FJORDS, GLACIERS, AND HOT SPRINGS

Your morning will begin with a delicious breakfast and a drive along the Carretera Austral, passing the stunning Simpson River and rocky landscapes. On arrival at Queulat National Park, enjoy a short hike through evergreen forests to a viewpoint of the famous glacier suspended between two peaks. The most unusual aspect of this glacier are the spectacular waterfalls flowing into the valley below.

After taking in this magnificent sight, walk down to the lakeside for a picnic lunch in this beautiful location.

On the way back to your accommodation, you’ll have the opportunity to take a rejuvenating dip in the Ventisquero Hot Springs. Enjoy a drink and fjord views from your the springs.

Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela

Day 4

KAYAK AYSEN RIVER AND REWILDING EXPERIENCE – MEET WITH CONSERVATIONISTS

Get ready for a day of kayaking along the Aysen River. After a briefing from your guide, jump into your kayak to admire native wildlife and the breathtaking views of the fjords. Puerto Aysen is a fantastic place for bird watching.

This afternoon, on return to Coyahique, you’ll meet with a local organization to learn how climate change has affected Patagonia. You’ll be able to see the rewilding efforts that scientists and volunteers have done to regenerate these essential ecosystems.

Overnight Patagonia Lodge or La Pasarela

Patagonia: A turquoise river with rapids flows between rocky banks and green hills under a partly cloudy sky with distant snow-capped mountains.

Patagonia: An old wooden cabin and fence stand in a field of yellow grass, surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Patagonia: A person on horseback crosses a shallow stream surrounded by green vegetation, with a snow-covered mountain in the background under a blue sky.

Day 5

CROSSING LAKE GENERAL CARRERA

After breakfast, leave Coyahique for your drive to Puerto Ibanez. From here, catch the 2-hour ferry south along the coast of Lake General Carrera to disembark and continue to Puerto Guadal. On board, you’ll have time to relax while enjoying panoramic views of wild Patagonia.

We suggest you get to have an early night to prepare for tomorrow’s exhibition.

Overnight Terra Luna Lodge

Day 6

TREK TO LEONES GLACIER

Today’s route is long but rewarding. Start your morning with 5.5 miles of hiking along the Leones River, through the forests towards the Patagonia Ice Sheet.

From the banks of Leones Lake, a boat will bring you to the edge of the Leones Glacier. You’ll have assistance getting your gear to Valle Leones Camp, and if weather permits, you can trek on the glacier surface, with ice that is millions of years old. Watch the sunset over the landscape this evening as your guides prepare a delicious dinner.

Overnight Valle Leones Camp

Day 7

EXPLORE LEONES GLACIER

This morning, you’ll be able to visit other lookouts for sensational views of the glacial tongue. This special place has some of the most beautiful scenery in Aysén.

Hike back to Puerto Guadal for a relaxing evening in your hotel for a tasty dinner and unwind in the hotel’s hot tub.

Overnight Terra Luna Lodge

Patagonia: Aerial view of snow-covered mountains with glaciers flowing toward a turquoise lake, bordered by rocky terrain and partially covered by clouds.

Patagonia: Two people hike through a grassy field with rocks, surrounded by mountains and a distant snow-covered peak under a clear blue sky.

Patagonia: A marble cave with textured, blue-gray rock formations above clear turquoise water.

Day 8

KAYAK THE MARBLE CAVES

After breakfast, leave your lodge for the drive north to Puerto Tranquilo for an unforgettable journey through Lake General Carrera’s marble caves. Take a private tour through the caves and on the largest lake of Patagonia via a small boat or sea kayak.

Following this wonderful experience, travel north through the heart of Patagonia towards Cerro Castillo. Settle into your comfortable bed and breakfast near town and appreciate the mountain views.

Overnight La Casona

Day 9

HORSEBACK RIDE OR HIKE THROUGH CERRO CASTILLO NATIONAL PARK

Spend your last day doing the activity that excites you most. You have the option to horseback ride with Gauchos or hike through one of the wildest places on earth, Cerro Castillo National Park.

On your way to Laguna Duff, keep your eye out for wildlife, including the endangered Chilean Andean Deer.

The day, and once-in-a-lifetime trip, will conclude by sharing a traditional Patagonia-style barbeque with the local community of Cerro Castillo.

Overnight La Casona