Exploring Patagonia – 5 Nights
Come join our Exploring Patagonia Tour! This wild and stunning region sits at the southern tip of South America, shared by both Chile and Argentina. It’s a land of towering mountains, icy glaciers, deep fjords, windswept pampas, dense forests, and dramatic rivers. The scenery is breathtaking, the wildlife is abundant, and the people are famously warm and welcoming. Here, condors soar overhead, guanacos roam freely, and—if you’re lucky—you might even spot a puma in Torres del Paine National Park.
Patagonia feels like stepping back in time. Life moves at a different pace, and nature is always close. To reach this special place, you’ll take a domestic flight to Punta Arenas, then continue overland to Puerto Natales—your base for this unforgettable journey. Over six days, you’ll explore all the highlights, from iconic national parks to glaciers, estancias, and fjords.
Day 1 – Santiago to Puerto Natales
After arriving at Punta Arenas airport, your private driver will take you to Puerto Natales. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch at a traditional Patagonian ranch, where a local family will welcome you with an authentic “asado al palo” (a slow-roasted lamb barbecue). After lunch, take a short tour of the ranch and see sheep shearing in action—a true Patagonian tradition. When you arrive at your hotel in Puerto Natales, unwind with a glass of world-renowned Chilean wine and settle into your boutique accommodations.
Day 2 – Torres del Paine National Park
Today is all about exploring Torres del Paine. After a two-hour drive across the vast Patagonian steppe, you’ll arrive at the park through the Amarga Lake entrance. Throughout the day, you’ll visit the park’s most iconic sites, including the turquoise waters of Nordenskjöld Lake, the dramatic cliffs of Pehoé Lake, and the roaring Salto Grande waterfall. Lunch will be served at a lodge with an incredible view of the Paine Massif. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the Serrano River area before heading back to Puerto Natales.
Day 3 – Lago Grey & Glacier Adventure
After breakfast, you’ll visit the spectacular Lago Grey. You can choose between two unforgettable experiences. The first option is a relaxing catamaran cruise on the lake, which brings you up close to towering icebergs and the face of the Grey Glacier. While on deck, enjoy a pisco sour made with glacier ice. After lunch at Hotel Grey, you’ll visit the nearby Milodon Cave before returning to Puerto Natales.
The second option is for adventure lovers: a guided ice hike on Grey Glacier. You’ll travel by zodiac to the glacier’s western edge, hike across rugged terrain until reaching the ice, and then explore the frozen landscape on foot. You’ll see crevasses, lagoons, and tunnels in countless shades of blue. After the hike, return by zodiac and relax with a catamaran cruise across Lago Grey.
Day 4 – Estancia Day with Horseback Ride
Today, experience rural Patagonia with a full-day visit to a local estancia just outside Puerto Natales. After meeting your horse and packing up your saddlebag, you’ll ride through untouched Patagonian landscapes—crossing open pampas, beech forests, and mountain streams. Along the way, take in views of Laguna Sofía and unusual rock formations. After the ride, enjoy a home-cooked Chilean lunch back at the ranch. In the evening, return to your hotel to rest and relive the day’s highlights.
Day 5 – Kayaking in the Eberhard Fjord
For your final full day, you’ll paddle through the calm waters of the Eberhard Fjord. This is a relaxing yet immersive way to connect with Patagonia’s natural beauty. Along the route, you’ll stop at Villa Luisa, where explorer Captain Eberhard once lived with his family in the late 1800s. The entire kayaking experience lasts about four hours, offering peace, scenery, and a unique perspective on the fjord’s landscapes. After the excursion, you’ll return to Puerto Natales by van for your final night.
Day 6 – Return to Santiago
Spend the morning at your leisure—browse local shops or enjoy a final walk along the waterfront. In the early afternoon, we’ll take you to the airport for your flight back to Santiago, where your journey concludes—or continues if you’d like to explore more!
Availability
This tour runs from September through April, which is the best time to enjoy Patagonia’s landscapes and wildlife.
Planning to spend a night in Santiago before or after?
Take a look at our recommendations for restaurants and hotels. And if you’d like to add more to your trip, check out our tours from Santiago.