Patagonia experience 2021

Day-by-day description

This exclusive journey takes you through the most enchanting region of Southern Patagonia. Here you will drive through countless landscapes you will not get bored of. It is like a nature film with you as the main character. We drive to the end of the world, visit the impressive Perito Moreno glacier and discover the National Park Torres del Paine. Along the way you will drive through the most spectacular landscapes. Glaciers, peaks and vast plains. You will visit an estancia and meet a colony of king penguins. It will be an unforgettable journey in the wilderness of Patagonia.

Day 1 | 19 October: Amsterdam – Santiago

Today you will board an intercontinental flight from Amsterdam to Santiago. You will arrive here the following day.

Day 2 | 20 October: Santiago

Today you will arrive in Santiago. You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel, and an early check-in can be arranged for you. The rest of the day is at your leisure, which you can spend on discovering Chile’s capital.
Accommodation: Hotel Magnolia | bed & breakfast

Day 3 | 21 October: Santiago – Punta Arenas

You will be taken from your hotel to the airport, where you will board a domestic flight that takes you to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in you can freshen up and the afternoon is at your leisure. Punta Arenas is the southernmost city of Chile. Take a walk through the center and visit the main square. Here you will find a statue of an Indian. Kiss or touch this statue and you will be back here. In the evening we have an informal expedition briefing followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Diego de Almagro | half board

Day 4 | 22 October: Punta Arenas – Porvenir – Rio Grande

Distance: 2,5 hour on the ferry,232 kilometers paved road
Estimated driving time: 4 hours

The adventure starts today and therefore we start early in the morning. After breakfast we drive to the port of Punta Arenas, Tres Puentes terminal, and take the ferry to Porvenir (about 2.5 hours navigating). Here we cross the Strait of Magelhaen. Upon arrival in Porvenir you will be on the Chilean part of Tierra del Fuego. Before we continue to the hotel we visit a colony of king penguins. This species is the second largest penguin species in the world and it is very special and entertaining to see these animals waddling by. Afterwards, we continue our way to Rio Grande and we have a first border crossing between Chile and Argentina. Early in the evening you will arrive at your hotel. The rest of the evening is for leisure. We are happy to advise you about a good restaurant.
Accommodation: Posada don Fiori | half board

Day 5 | 23 October: Rio Grande – Ushuaia

Distance: 215 kilometers paved road
Estimated driving time: 3,5 hours

Today we have just a few hours of driving. Therefore we leave a bit later, which gives you the time to start up quietly. From Rio Grande we drive to the end of the world. Enjoy the surrounding landscape. The route takes you from scenic snow-capped mountains and picturesque lakes to dry, flat and steppe-like areas. In the evening we arrive in Ushuaia.
Accommodation: Los Cauquenes | bed & breakfast

Day 6 | 24 October: Ushuaia

Today is a rest day in Ushuaia planned. You will have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the city. For example, visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park. In this nature reserve you will find an example of the Patagonia forest characterized by rugged mountain peaks, glacier lakes and green valleys. North of Ushuaia you will find the Escondido lake between the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Are you a birdwatcher? Then this is the place to be. Finally, you can take a boat trip on the Beagle Channel. The waters of the channel are rich in food, so an exuberant animal life manifests itself here, such as penguins, sea lions and albatrosses.
Accommodation: Los Cauquenes | bed & breakfast

Day 7 | 25 October: Ushuaia – Rio Gallegos

Distance: 580 kilometres paved road
Estimated driving time: 9 hours

Early in the morning we leave the southernmost city in the world and drive north. We have a long day ahead of us. Along the way we will cross the border between Chile and Argentina twice and we make another ferry crossing. Rio Gallegos is named after Blasco Gallegos. He is one of the pilots of Ferdinand Magellan, who discovered the river Gallegos. In the evening we arrive at the hotel.
Accommodation: Patagonia Hotel | bed & breakfast

Day 8 | 26 October: Rio Gallegos – El Calafate

Distance: 360 kilometres paved road
Estimated driving time: 6 hours

Today we have a beautiful route ahead that reminds you of the plains and stark peaks of the southwestern United States, but more rugged. This is because you are in the same region as Antarctica. At the end of the afternoon we arrive at Estancia Nibepo Aike in the town of El Calafate. The estancia is still in operation and has been owned by the same family for more than four generations. Here you get a glimpse of life on an authentic estancia, in the middle of the beautiful surroundings of Los Glaciares National Park. The park covers an area of more than 12,000 hectares and stretches all the way to the border with Chile. We will spend 3 nights at Estancia Nibepo Aike, so we have enough time to explore the surroundings.
Accommodation: Estancia Nibepo Aike | half board

Day 9 | 27 October: El Calafate

Today you can spend your time at and around the estancia. Go horseback riding or take a walk to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding the estancia. The charming Patagonian countryside, surrounded by beautiful mountains, will help you relax. Sit back and enjoy the local wines.
Accommodation: Estancia Nibepo Aike | fullboard

Day 10 | 28 October: El Calafate

Today we are going to explore the massive Perito Moreno glacier. This impressive ice wall, 70 meters high and a few kilometers wide, is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still growing in size. We drive through the National Park to the Perito Moreno glacier. Here we walk over the panoramic balconies for a magnificent view of the massive ice wall. The view and the thundering sound of breaking ice is downright spectacular. Late in the afternoon we drive back to the estancia for a wonderful sunset and a lovely dinner.
Accommodation: Estancia Nibepo Aike

Day 11 | 29 October: El Calafate - Cerro Guido

Distance: 265 kilometers paved road, 50 kilometers gravel road
Estimated driving time: 5 hours

Today we start early again. We will be driving through one of the most stunning landscapes of the Argentinean Pampas, and we will be crossing the border from Argentina to Chile one final time. Once we are on the other side we approach the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. You will stay in the authentic estancia Cerro Guido bordering on the east side of Torres del Paine. It is a great place for nature and wildlife lovers, thanks to the wide variety of flora and fauna in the area. Upon arrival you can freshen up and in the evening a dinner is planned. We will spend 2 nights in estancia Cerro Guido, so we have enough time to explore the area.
Accommodation: Cerro Guido | full board

Day 12 | 30 October: Cerro Guido

Today we have a full day in Torres del Paine. Besides its spectacular nature, it is also home to 25 different mammal species, such as the guanaco, puma, the Patagonian grey fox and the endangered Huemul deer. With a little luck you will spot one of these animals. You will visit some of the most iconic places in the National Park combined with some off-road adventure. Whether it is Sierra Baguales, a visit to a local guachos farm, a 4x4 river crossing or a visit to a secret lagoon, you will always keep the famous towers in your sight . At the end of the day we drive back to estancia Cerro Guido. In the evening a farewell dinner is planned. Cherishing all the great moments and memories of the expedition.
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro Guido | full board

Day 13 | 31 October: Cerro Guido - Santiago

Distance: 110 kilometers
Estimated driving time: 2 hours drive to Puerto Natales

The last ride of the expedition brings us back to civilization: Puerto Natales. The ride takes us through more interesting landscapes that Chilean Patagonia has to offer. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, you will drop off your rental car and will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport. From here you will take a domestic flight back to Santiago. From the airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Magnolia | bed & breakfast

Day 14 | 1 November: Santiago - November

Today you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport, where we will board a flight that takes you back to Amsterdam.

Day 15 | 2 November: Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today, marking the end of our wonderful Patagonian adventure.

Travel sum: from € 9,870 per person

*On the basis of 2 persons travelling together

**Depending on the time of booking, availability of local flights and accommodation, and the period of travel

Included:

Local flights, economy class
12 hotel nights, meals as stated
All transfers and excursions as mentioned
11 days rental car; Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon incl. basic insurance and escort team with separate 4wd car and satellite communication.
24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
Comprehensive travel document package with small attention

Not included:

International flights, if desired we reserve these for you
Public tax Calamity fund travel; €2.50 per booking
Travel and cancellation insurance

More attractive booking and cancellation conditions

Down payment is € 500,- per team
If the destination has been coloured red or orange by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with COVID-19 5 weeks prior to departure, the trip will be cancelled and you will receive your deposit back immediately.

Would you like more information about the Patagonia Experience 2021 or would you like to sign up for this exclusive car trip? Fill in your details below and we will contact you as soon as possible. Of course you can always call us: +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl.