- 4.9/5 508 Latest reviews
- Destination: Argentina, Chile
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Explore the wild landscapes and cultural richness of Northern Patagonia on this 8-day journey through Argentina and Chile. Start among the ancient petrified forests of Sarmiento, then admire prehistoric rock paintings at Cueva de las Manos, followed by the striking Jurassic terrain and sparkling lakes near Lago Posadas.
Cross into Chile via Lake General Carrera to see the meeting of the Baker and Nef rivers and the massive Exploradores Glacier. Enjoy a boat trip to the remarkable Marble Chapels, hike to the Maqui River Waterfalls, and experience many other breathtaking sights.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4
Argentina
Comodoro Rivadavia: Arrival
Sarmiento: Petrified Forest
Pinturas River Canyon: Cave of Hands
Lago Posadas: Arco de Piedra, Multicolor Lagoon
5 - 7
Chile
Puerto Río Tranquilo: Lake General Carrera, Río Exploradores Valley, Marble Chapels
8
Argentina
Caleta Olivia: Reserva Natural Provincial
Comodoro Rivadavia: Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Comodoro Rivadavia – Los Antiguos via Sarmiento
Arrive in Argentina at Comodoro Rivadavia airport, where your private driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to Los Antiguos. On the way, stop at the Petrified Forest of Sarmiento to marvel at ancient conifers and palm trees turned to stone over millions of years, forming striking shapes and colors throughout the landscape.
Upon reaching Los Antiguos, settle into your guesthouse and enjoy a restful evening after your travel.
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- Los Antiguos
- Day 2: Los Antiguos – Lago Posadas & Cueva de las Manos
Today, explore the UNESCO-listed Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands). A scenic 2.5-hour drive along Route 40 brings you to the canyon of the Pinturas River, where the cave displays an extraordinary collection of prehistoric rock art. Ancient handprints, vicuñas, and abstract figures in vibrant colors reveal the daily life and hunting practices of Patagonia’s early inhabitants, some dating back over 9,000 years.
Afterward, continue to the peaceful village of Lago Posadas, where you will stay for the next two nights, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.
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- Lago Posadas
- Day 3: Lago Posadas – Jurassic Landscapes and Natural Wonders
Begin the day with a hike across rugged terrain to the impressive Arco de Piedra (Stone Arch), exploring the Jurassic-era landscapes around Lakes Posadas and Pueyrredon that seem frozen in time.
Later, visit the enigmatic Puma Cave, admire the vivid colors of the Multicolor Lagoon, and witness the meeting point of two lakes at the dramatic Isthmus of the Lakes. Conclude the day at the stunning Oro River Gorge, where towering cliffs frame the rushing waters below.
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- Lago Posadas
- Day 4: Scenic Drive from Lago Posadas to Los Antiguos
Today’s adventure takes you to the Los Antiguos valley along the stunning Scenic Route 41. Experience one of Southern Patagonia’s most exhilarating drives, climbing from 200m to 1,500m within less than 100 kilometers, passing through four distinct landscapes: arid steppe, fragrant Andean forests, wind-swept grasslands, and the rugged high Andes.
Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Monte San Lorenzo (3,706 meters), spot soaring condors, cross dramatic basalt dams, and admire striking sandstone formations sculpted by nature.
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- Los Antiguos
- Day 5: From Los Antiguos to Puerto Río Tranquilo – Baker and Nef Rivers Confluence
Cross into Chile and travel along the stunning southern edge of Lake General Carrera, where winding cliffside roads offer sweeping panoramas of Patagonia’s towering peaks.
Continue along the famous Carretera Austral to experience the powerful Baker River, one of Patagonia’s most untamed waterways. A short trek brings you to the confluence, where the turquoise waters of the Nef River, fed by the Northern Ice Field, merge with the Baker River in a dramatic display of colors.
End the day in tranquil Puerto Río Tranquilo, a serene lakeside village that serves as an ideal base for exploring Chile’s natural wonders the next day.
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- Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Day 6: Puerto Río Tranquilo – Explore Río Exploradores Valley
Embark on an unforgettable journey into Río Exploradores Valley, where waterfalls tumble from steep cliffs and hanging glaciers hint at the nearby Northern Ice Field. After passing the tranquil Lake Bayo, a short 30-minute walk brings you to a panoramic viewpoint, revealing the massive Exploradores Glacier cascading down from Monte San Valentín (4,058 meters), the tallest mountain in Patagonia.
For those wishing a closer encounter with this icy realm, optional activities include a boat trip to San Rafael Lagoon or a guided walk on the Exploradores Glacier itself.
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- Puerto Río Tranquilo
- Day 7: Puerto Río Tranquilo – Los Antiguos: Marble Chapels & Maqui River Falls
Begin your day with a scenic boat ride on the vivid blue waters of Lake General Carrera to visit the Marble Chapels, a natural wonder sculpted over centuries by wind and water into stunning, swirling formations.
Later, make your way back toward Los Antiguos, including a short, invigorating hike to the Maqui River Waterfalls. The cascading waters and verdant surroundings create a perfect ending to an extraordinary day.
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- Los Antiguos
- Day 8: Final Leg: Los Antiguos to Comodoro Rivadavia
Conclude your Northern Patagonia adventure today. After breakfast, embark on a roughly 5.5-hour drive toward Comodoro Rivadavia Airport for your departure flight.
Along the way, make a stop at the Reserva Natural Provincial near Caleta Olivia, where you can observe sea lions resting on the shoreline and seabirds gliding gracefully above.
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