EXTREME DREAMS: PATAGONIA
This expedition is our first foray into the wilds of South America and to celebrate, we’ve brought together the stuff of dreams – watching icebergs calve from glaciers, wild camping on black sandy beaches and witnessing the last rays of sunshine bathe distant snow-clad peaks in liquid amber.
We’ll trek around the wind-shaped peaks of Navarino Island at the foot of the continent, then travel north and embark on a kayak journey along raging meltwaters dotted with icy growlers, before ending our adventure with two nights of sustainable luxury at Simple Hotel Patagonia.
We’ve chosen to head to Patagonia in March, traditionally a shoulder season in South America, to adventure after the wet of the summer and before the frigid Antarctic storms tear through the region. But be prepared for anything the weather gods could throw at us; wind, rain, snow and maybe even some sunshine if we’re lucky.
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MINIMUM NUMBERS - this expedition is subject to a minimum number of eight paying guests and once reached, the expedition is guaranteed to go ahead if not, it will be cancelled, and you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate expedition or departure date or receive a full refund.
INSURANCE - We highly recommend taking out personal travel insurance within seven days of booking this expedition, which will ensure you are covered if things go pear-shaped. In the past, we’ve worked with several different companies and have had the best customer experience and speed of response with World Nomads, but the decision is 100% yours if you have a preferred company.
Fly into Santiago to kick off this Best Lilfe Adventure.
Welcome to South America. We'll overnight near the airport, travel into the city and soak up some of the local drinks, cuisine and street vibes.
Gear check and welcome feast
Overnight – Errante Eco-Lodge
We start our trekking adventure with a climb through a deep forest of beech trees and swamp land uphill to Laguna Salto at 480m, above sea level, before setting up camp close to the gorgeous lagoon where we spend the night in tents at campsite Laguna Salto.
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Walking distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 600 m ascent and 200 m descent.
Today we hike over the Paso Primero to the Mirador de los Dientes and enjoy epic views over the Dientes Mountain range dotted with blue lagoons.
After lunch, we hike over snow-covered terrain to reach Paso Australia (805 m), passing small lagoons and the sharp-rising Dientes mountains until arriving at our next campsite at Laguna Escondida.
Walking time: 5 hours
Walking distance: 9.5 km
Elevation gain: 400 m
Today we walk through hidden and untouched valleys of Isla Navarino and cross the Ventarron pass at 696 metres. Once we descend into the valley it's easy to spot beaver-marked forests and dams and if we're lucky, you may have the chance to observe them building structures around their habitat.
Overnight: Tents at Laguna Martillo campsite.
Walking time: 5 hours
Walking distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 300 m
On our final day, we hike uphill to Paso Virginia at 829m, the highest point of the Dientes de Navarino-Circuit. From here we enjoy spectacular views back to the rock spires of Monte Lindenmayer and to Hoste Island and Ushuaia. Afterwards, we descend to Laguna Guanacas and back to Puerto Williams, passing a dense Coigue forest and fire-cleared slopes until reaching Los Bronces.
We return to the Errante Eco Lodge, in Puerto Williams for a celebration dinner.
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Walking distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 420 m ascent and 830 m descent
Starting early after breakfast we travel north to the shores of Grey Lake, located in Torres del Paine National Park, with views of Paine Grande and Grey Glacier.
After our safety briefing and expedition overview, we pack our vessels ready for the adventure that lies ahead.
Once we hit the water we navigate around the lake paddling among huge iceberg growlers that have broken from the Grey Glacier, and are often sculpted into incredible shapes by the wind and sun.
During this part of the adventure, we have an amazing view of the magnificent Paine Massif; including Paine Grande, the Olguin Range, and Los Cuernos (The Horns of Paine). These mountains, together with the grey water, make for a perfect contrast to the enormous walls of granite and sedimentary rock that tower high above.
After paddling across Grey Lake, we begin the descent of Grey River. The river winds through deep canyons with steep rock faces, creating sections of rapids that are exciting and entertaining, until we join with the turquoise water of the Serrano River.
The day's paddle comes to an end at Serrano Village where we spend the night. There are toilets, showers and electricity here.
Distance: 18 Miles
Paddling Time: 4 - 5 Hours
After a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, we load our kayaks and make the last preparations for the day.
Today, we run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine Massif until we get to the Serrano waterfall (around 1.5 hours). We then portage around it, for around 100 metres before continuing down the river with amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and Geike Range along the way.
The river is surrounded by beautiful Coigue and Cypress native forests, and it's here, the real expedition starts. We will paddle UP the Tyndall River when we can, carefully choosing our line whenever the current is too strong or too shallow until we get to the beautiful Tyndall Lake. Our location is true wilderness as there is no road or air access, so we'll be the only ones for miles around.
We spend the night on a wild campsite on the shores of Tyndall Lake.
Distance: 14 Miles
Paddling Time: 5 - 6 Hours
After a hearty breakfast and fresh coffee, we paddle 5km across Tyndall Lake (weather permitting) to get closer to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, or if the weather is too windy, we hike in to see the glacier from another perspective.
Once back at the boats, we head down the quiet waters of Tyndall River, until we get back to Serrano River. It's surrounded by amazing mountains and native forests. After a couple of hours, we arrive at Balmaceda Mount, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.
The Serrano Glacier is a spectacular view, and from our campsite, we trek to the falls that overlook them. We spend the night at Balmaceda Campsite.
Distance: 25 Miles
Paddling Time: 6 - 7 Hours
We start the day with a 50-metre portage of the kayaks to the Serrano Lagoon. From here we paddle among the icebergs in front of the Serrano Glacier. It's a truly unforgettable experience. The first rays of sunlight add the the unique views of this beautiful place.
Once we're back in camp we pack our gear for the final time, before boarding the “21 de Mayo” catamaran and sailing back towards Puerto Natales. En route we stop at Perales Ranch, for a traditional Magellan Lamb BBQ. With fully satisfied bellies, we continue until our catamaran stops in Puerto Bories, where our private transport will be waiting.
It's a full day and we finally arrive at Simple Hotel, Puerto Natales for two nights of luxurious pampering around 18:00.
Distance: 2 Miles
Paddling Time: 1 - 2 Hours
PLEASE NOTE:
*Wind is a very normal factor in Patagonia, and you have to consider that paddling into strong winds may be a possibility. This is a true Best Life Adventure after all.
* Sometimes the glacial lagoons can be blocked with high ice levels meaning it's too dangerous to paddle close to the glaciers or in the lagoon.
Patagonia 
