Patagonia Wonders: Wildlife Expedition

11-day Patagonia tour in Chile and Argentina

Trip Length: 11 Days
Group Size: 1-6
Difficulty: Moderate
From: 10,590 USD
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Discover nature, fauna and culture on an unforgettable Patagonia tour.

Begin your journey in El Calafate with Los Glaciares National Park's stunning scenery, move to Torres del Paine to witness free-roaming majestic pumas and vibrant ecosistems, and conclude in Punta Arenas, the heart of Chilean Patagonia, where wildlife and culture merge.

The wonders of this Patagonia tour: diverse landscapes and wildlife.

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Highlights

Highlights

  • Sail to explore the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Join knowledgeable guides to track elusive pumas in Torres del Paine.
  • Get to know more about the rich culture and history of Chilean Patagonia.
  • Discover historical & archaeological monuments.
  • Be enchanted by the penguin colony on Magdalena Island.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Adventure Starts!

El Calafate, Argentina

Upon arrival in the morning* to El Calafate, you will be taken by your guide to have lunch and a short briefing about today/tomorrow's activities (depending on your choices).

After lunch, you will be driven towards a dock to embark on a catamaran and take a closer look at Perito Moreno glacier.

After the activity, you will be driven to Pristine Lodge to have dinner and a well deserved rest.

*We advice taking flights arriving before 11 am.

Overnight at Pristine Luxury Camp, Premium Domes, El Calafate

Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

PAT033 _ El Calafate _ Perito Moreno Glacier (1)

Day 2: Full Day in Pristine Lodge

El Calafate, Argentina

Today you will have different options of activities to do like horse riding, hiking and biking from which you can choose the one that most interests you depending on the availability at Pristine Lodge.

Enjoy nature and have your camera ready in case of any interesting flora or fauna sightings!

Overnight at Pristine Luxury Camp, Premium Domes, El Calafate

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch/Lunch, Dinner.

prisitne dome premium

Day 3: From El Calafate to EcoCamp

Los Glaciares NP, Argentina/Torres del Paine NP, Chile

Following breakfast, you will start your journey in a semi-private van that will transport you across the border to Chile and the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park.

Upon arrival at Torres del Paine, a delectable lunch awaits you at Ecocamp.

Subsequently, seize the opportunity of the afternoon to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surroundings and perhaps catch a glimpse of the diverse fauna that calls EcoCamp home.

Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Laguna Inge

Days 4 to 7: Puma Tracking in Torres del Paine and Wildlife Observation

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Mornings at Ecocamp start watching the sunrise, featuring coffee, breakfast, and puma tracking in Torres del Paine's varied landscapes under our guide's expertise. After exploring, we lunch and unwind at Ecocamp, then venture out again in the afternoon. Evenings offer dinner and rest post-sunset. Observation runs from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. While puma sightings can't be guaranteed, our efforts aim to maximize chances. The itinerary includes 3 days at Estancia Laguna Amarga for puma tracking and 1 day in Torres del Paine for general wildlife, adapted based on puma movements.

Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Suite Dome.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Puma

Day 8: Birdwatching at Cerro Benítez

Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas, Chile

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at EcoCamp, we head south towards Puerto Natales, pausing along the way to go birdwatching at Estancia Ernesto Helmer, where we can observe species such as condors, woodpeckers, thorn-tailed rayaditos, patagonian sierra finch and chunchos among others.

After this experience, we will head to Puerto Natales for lunch and a brief briefing for the next day's activities.

We will continue the trip towards Punta Arenas, until we reach our accommodation.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

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Day 9: Historical Journey through Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas, Chile

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, then explore the Magellan Strait Park, 50 km south of Punta Arenas and home to Bulnes Fort and "Port Famine." Visit the museum for history and views. Later, enjoy lunch in Punta Arenas, followed by a city tour featuring Plaza de Armas, Hernando de Magallanes monument, unique mausoleums, “El Ovejero" Monument, and the Nao Victoria Museum's ship replicas. Wrap up with stunning views from Cerro de la Cruz before returning to Hotel La Yegua Loca.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Punta Arenas

Day 10: Penguin Colony at Magdalena Island

Punta Arenas/Magdalena Island, Chile

Get ready for a day full of wildlife encounters on the final day of our adventure!

Wake up early for a transfer to the pier located about 25 minutes from your hotel, where we will embark on a scenic journey to Magdalena Island. Witness the vast colony of Magellanic penguins and then keep an eye out for southern dolphins, Overas dolphins and Sei whales on our return. In Punta Arenas, explore the gastronomic offers and attractions of the city.

The day concludes with a special farewell dinner at Hotel La Yegua Loca, celebrating our shared adventures.

Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca, Panoramic Room, or similar. Punta Arenas.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.

Penguin

Day 11: Goodbye Patagonia!

Punta Arenas, Chile

For this last day, we understand the importance of a seamless travel experience, which is why we will ensure that you are picked up from your hotel at the perfect time to either make it to your return flight or embark on new adventures in the stunning landscapes of Chile or Argentina. Our private transfer service can be arranged in advance to accommodate any schedule you may have on this final day of your journey. Let us take care of the logistics so you can focus on making the most of your time in this beautiful region.

Meals: Breakfast.

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Accommodation

Pristine Luxury Camps - El Calafate

Each of their 6 comfortable Premium Eco Domes, built in wood and fully equipped for guests' comfort, offers a majestic view of the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Guests can enjoy a complete experience, which includes various activities, regional gastronomy, transfers, and the personalized attention of the Pristine team. They guarantee warm and exclusive attention, making each stay a truly unique experience.

pristine domo exterior Pristine domo restaurante prisitne dome premium-1

Ecocamp Patagonia - Torres del Paine

Nestled in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, Ecocamp Patagonia offers a unique and immersive experience in one of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes. This eco-friendly camp embraces sustainable practices while providing guests with comfortable dome accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. From guided treks to star-gazing sessions, guests can explore the wonders of Patagonia while minimizing their ecological footprint. Ecocamp Patagonia is a true haven for nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.
 
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La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel - Punta Arenas

Located in the beautiful, southern city of Punta Arenas. This thematic hotel is the result of the rehabilitation of an old house of an English court built in 1929 and shows off the the trades and traditions of Patagonia. The rooms are spacious and originally decorated. Additionally, a tasty breakfast is served every morning in the hotel’s charming restaurant.
 
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Included

Included

  • All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary (private and semi private).
  • All accommodation indicated in the itinerary.
  • Private or shared excursions as specified in the itinerary.
  • English/Spanish speaking Specialist Tour Leader throughout the trip.
  • English/Spanish speaking guides on excursions.
  • Entrance fees where needed.
  • All meals indicated in the itinerary.

Not included

  • Flight tickets.
  • Insurance (appropriate Travel & Health insurance is mandatory).
  • Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
  • Items of personal nature.
  • Additional bus tickets or transfers/connections.

Facts

Departures

Fixed Departures for 2025 - 2026

  • November 7th to 17th, 2025.
  • December 3rd to 13th, 2025.
  • January 20th to 30th, 2026.
  • February 3rd to 13th, 2026.
  • March 4th to 14th, 2026.

Private Departures are available on request from October to March. Subject to availability.

Operational Season: October 1st to March 31st.

Starting / finishing point

The trip starts in El Calafate, Argentina (airport or hotel) and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile (airport, hotel or cruise).

Physical demands

This trip does not demand a high level of physical fitness to perform well, but you need to consider that tracking wild animals can involve spending several hours outdoors either taking short walks or waiting in specific spots until the sightings occur. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000m / 3,000ft high so travelers don’t need to worry about altitude

Weather

The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle Antarctica making the weather hard to predict. Winter’s temperature ranges between -2ºC/28ºF and 6ºC/43ºF. June, July, and August are the wettest months in Torres del Paine and sub-zero temperatures are common. Nevertheless, the winds are relatively mild in winter and visitors should come prepared for sunshine as well as the cold.

What you need to bring

 

Passengers to need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:

  • A day backpack. (30 liters - to carry a camera, glasses, raincoat, etc).
  • Water-resistant trekking or hiking boots.
  • Extra shoes for evenings or in case others get wet.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • 2 pairs of wool socks.
  • Fleece jacket or sweater.
  • Shorts or comfortable loose pants.
  • Sun protection. (glasses, hat, lip balm and screen).
  • Cash for buying extra drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Optional: Capilene underwear for the upper and lower body.

Are you wondering about photography equipment? We got you! take a look at our What to bring to Patagonia for Photographers.

Please Note: This list is just to give you an idea. We will send you a detailed list prior to the departure date of the program.

Itinerary modifications

We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on these considerations.

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We are a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago de Chile, operating adventure tours in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.

Destinations | Chile

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