- 4.9/5 350 Latest reviews
- Destination: Chile
- Duration: 11 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Adventure
About This Trip
Experience the dramatic landscapes and thrilling adventures of Chilean Patagonia on this immersive 11-day journey, featuring key destinations such as Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine National Park. Travel through the legendary Strait of Magellan and visit Magdalena Island to encounter Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. The adventure continues with hikes along the renowned W Trek in Torres del Paine, where you will explore towering glacier-covered peaks, vast valleys, take part in an unforgettable ice hike on Glacier Grey, and admire the serene beauty of Serrano Lagoon.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Santiago
Arrival
2 - 3
Punta Arenas
Strait of Magellan Boat Adventure, Cabo San Isidro Dolphins Searching, Magdalena & Marta Islands Wildlife Searching
4 - 10
Torres del Paine National Park
W Trek Route Hiking Adventure: Mirador Base Torres, Lake Nordenskjöld, Frances Valley, Lake Grey, Glacier Grey Ice Hiking, Grey III Boat Ride, Serrano Glacier, Serrano Lagoon
11
Santiago
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Santiago & Transfer to Punta Arenas
After arriving in Santiago, complete immigration formalities and check in for your connecting domestic flight to Punta Arenas. Once you land, your private driver will be waiting at the airport to escort you comfortably to your centrally located hotel.
Situated near the southern tip of Chile, Punta Arenas is often called the “end of the world.” This historic city serves as a picturesque starting point for exploring Patagonia’s iconic highlights, including Torres del Paine National Park and Magdalena Island.
- Punta Arenas
- Day 2: Punta Arenas & Strait of Magellan Exploration
Early this morning, enjoy a private transfer to the pier where you will board a zodiac boat for an unforgettable journey through the historic Strait of Magellan, once the primary maritime passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As you cruise along, take in the dramatic coastline, shimmering glaciers, the impressive Seno Eyre Fjord, and lush forested islands. Wildlife sightings may include humpback whales gliding through the cold waters, Magellanic penguins gathered along the shore, and sea lions resting on rocky outcrops alongside seabirds.
The voyage continues with a stop at Cabo San Isidro on the northern shore of the strait, where you’ll search for the playful Austral dolphins, also known as Peale’s dolphins. Often seen traveling in small pods, they may swim alongside the boat or leap gracefully through the water. You may also encounter colonies of sea lions, various seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels, and occasionally penguins. After the excursion, return by road to your hotel in Punta Arenas.
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- Punta Arenas
- Day 3: Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales & Penguin Island Cruise
This morning, set out on another scenic cruise through the Strait of Magellan to visit the isolated Magdalena Island and the wildlife-rich Marta Island on a memorable half-day excursion.
Located in the heart of the strait, both islands are part of the protected Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. Magdalena Island shelters tens of thousands of Magellanic penguins and features a solitary lighthouse on its northeastern point. Nearby Marta Island is home to abundant marine life, including penguins, cormorants, gulls, and sea lions. Spend approximately one hour walking among the penguin colony on Magdalena Island, which can number up to 170,000 birds. During the visit, learn about the history of the Strait of Magellan and the islands’ rich ecosystem, and enjoy panoramic views from the lighthouse.
After observing the remarkable wildlife, return by boat to Punta Arenas and transfer to the bus terminal for the three-hour journey to Puerto Natales. Along the drive, admire the vast Patagonian steppe and watch for native animals. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and meet your tour guide for an orientation session covering the upcoming hiking days in Torres del Paine.
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- Puerto Natales
- Day 4: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine & Base Torres Trek
Located on the shores of Última Esperanza Sound, Puerto Natales serves as the main access point to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. The region’s well-known trails lead into untouched wilderness, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking dramatic landscapes.
Rise early and board a bus for the approximately two-hour drive to the park’s main entrance at Laguna Amarga. After completing registration, begin your five-day trekking journey along the legendary W Trek, one of Patagonia’s most iconic hiking routes.
Today’s hike is challenging yet rewarding, taking you to the Base Torres viewpoint at the foot of the towering granite spires. Covering about 9.6 miles and lasting roughly seven hours, the trail crosses open pampas, follows the Ascencio River, and winds through the Ascencio Valley. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of mountains, lakes, valleys, and the glacier-covered Mount Almirante Nieto. Pause at Refugio El Chileno, your overnight lodge, to drop off your gear and rest briefly. The final ascent leads through forested terrain to a rocky moraine, followed by a steep 45-minute climb. Reaching the summit reveals breathtaking views of the three Torres rising above a brilliant turquoise lake.
Take time to appreciate the beauty of Lago Torres before hiking back along the same path to Refugio El Chileno for the evening.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 5: Torres del Paine – Trek beside Lake Nordenskjöld
Following breakfast, set out on another scenic trek toward Refugio Los Cuernos, a welcoming mountain lodge located along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld. The hike covers approximately 7 miles and takes around five hours to complete. As you walk beneath the slopes of Mount Almirante Nieto and alongside the turquoise waters of the lake, enjoy impressive views of the dramatic Cuernos del Paine peaks. Along the route, you’ll encounter hanging glaciers, tranquil lakes, and a rich variety of native plants and wildlife. Spend the night at Refugio Los Cuernos.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 6: Torres del Paine – Discover the French Valley
Today’s trek takes you into the spectacular French Valley, one of the most celebrated highlights of the circuit. The hike covers approximately 10.7 miles and requires about seven hours to complete.
Walking along the breezy shoreline of Lake Nordenskjöld, enjoy views of vivid turquoise waters fed by glaciers and the surrounding jagged mountain peaks. Stop at Campamento Italiano to drop off your heavier gear before continuing into the French Valley. The trail climbs steadily through forested terrain before reaching a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the circuit, including Lakes Nordenskjöld, Skottsberg, and Pehoé, as well as the impressive hanging French Glacier. Take time to absorb the striking contrasts of green forests and grey rock walls before retracing your steps to retrieve your bags. Continue hiking for another 2.5 hours to Refugio Paine Grande, located on the shores of Lake Pehoé, where you will spend the night.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 7: Torres del Paine – Lake Grey and Grey Glacier Trek
Today’s hike offers a rewarding challenge with breathtaking views of Lake Grey and the magnificent Grey Glacier. The trail covers about 6.8 miles and takes roughly four hours. Begin by walking toward Lake Grey, whose icy blue waters are fed directly by the glacier, often dotted with floating icebergs. Continue on to Grey Glacier itself, where towering, rugged ice walls showcase one of the park’s most impressive natural wonders, known for its vast ice field, striking blue tones, and drifting ice formations. Be prepared for strong winds, which are common along this route.
Afterward, continue hiking for more than two hours along the lakeshore to reach Refugio Grey. Here, you’ll settle in for the night surrounded by the dramatic Patagonian landscape.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 8: Torres del Paine – Ice Trekking & Grey III Boat Tour
Early in the morning, head to Bigfoot Base Camp, where your guide will provide all the necessary equipment for the ice hiking adventure. Board a boat to Islatak Island, the safest point to access the glacier. Once on the island, begin a one-hour challenging trek with your guide to reach Grey Glacier. Equipped with an ice axe, crampons, helmet, and harness, embark on a 2.5-hour ice-hiking experience across the glacier, exploring crevasses, ice tunnels, rivers, and lagoons, with optional ice climbing under expert supervision. After this incredible adventure, return to the boat and head back to the base camp.
Next, set off on the double-decker catamaran Grey III, sailing along the glacial river to approach the front of Grey Glacier up close. Enjoy unparalleled views of the floating icebergs, surrounding mountains, and lush Patagonian vegetation. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at the stunning Hotel Lago Grey, immersed in the park’s dramatic scenery.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 9: Torres del Paine – Kayaking to Serrano Glacier
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Pueblo Serrano, where you will meet your guide and receive your kayaks. Once prepared, begin your kayaking journey, first paddling to the picturesque Salto del Río waterfall. Here, you’ll carry your kayaks around the falls before continuing toward Serrano Glacier.
Along the route, pause for lunch with stunning views of Tyndall Glacier and the Geike Mountains. Continue downstream toward Mount Balmaceda, where the river flows into Última Esperanza Fjord, offering spectacular sights of Serrano Glacier and its floating icebergs. Conclude the adventure at Puerto Toro, set up camp, enjoy a hearty dinner, and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Patagonian forest.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 10: Torres del Paine – Kayak & Return to Puerto Natales
Start the morning with a kayaking adventure on Serrano Lagoon, paddling among the striking blue icebergs at the foot of Serrano Glacier. After this serene excursion, transfer to a larger boat and sail along Última Esperanza Fjord toward Puerto Natales, taking in breathtaking views of Balmaceda Glacier along the way.
Stop at Estancia Perales to savor a traditional Patagonian roasted lamb before continuing your journey by boat to Puerto Natales. Arriving around 6 PM, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, leaving the rest of the evening free to relax and enjoy at your own pace.
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- Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 11: Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas & Departure
It’s time to bid farewell to Patagonia! At the scheduled time, take a bus back to Punta Arenas and transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. From there, connect with your onward international flight home, concluding your unforgettable Patagonian adventure.
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