To deeply explore both sides of Patagonia, we created a tailor-made journey called Travesía.
We use a van to drive for 9 days between Chile and Argentina, sleeping in local posadas and at our lodge explora Patagonia.
Patagonia isn’t a country or a place; it’s a territory shared by Chile and Argentina. Travesía El Chaltén focuses on both the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, and the Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.
Day 1: Arrival to El Calafate
You arrive to El Calafate and then travel to El Chaltén.
Days2 through 4: El Chaltén
During this time, we walk around El Chaltén in diverse explorations of varying duration and intensity, in which you will get to know the geology, the glaciology, the flora and the fauna of each area.
During our daily explorations we cross the mountain ranges of Fitz Roy and Torre, formed 12 million years ago; we traverse mature beech forests and valleys characteristic of the Patagonian prairie; and we skirt glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. From the numerous viewpoints of the Park we can observe condors and eagles in flight, as well as grasp panoramic views of El Chaltén and the Paine massifs.
In the evening, we eat in characteristic Argentine restaurants in the town of El Chaltén, enjoying their wines, meats, and local flavors.
Day 5: Crossing to Chile
Along the way we cross Lake Viedma, a few rivers, a prairie and continue the journey through lakes from Argentina to Chile.
In Patagonia we can observe many contrasts, like the craggy mountainous landscapes of Torres del Paine, the emblematic plains of the Patagonian prairie.
Days6 through 8: Explora Patagonia
At explora Patagonia, which functions as a base for exploring Torres del Paine National Park, each day you can choose from a variety of different explorations. On foot or by horseback, gentle or more physically demanding, our explorations will allow you to experience the extent of the geography and wildlife of this area, in addition to discovering the cultural identity of the region.
At the end of each exploration our lodge is always waiting: a place to relax and regain the energy you will need to continue your explorations.
Day 9: Departure from Punta Arenas
Depart from explora Patagonia to the airport in Punta Arenas.
Recommendations
Services included
- Accommodation
- All meals and bar
- All explorations
- Pick up and drop off from and to airports
- Relaxing area
- Wi-Fi service in public areas
- National park entrance fees
Children
- This trip is recommended for travelers above the age of 18.
Equipment
Requirements
- To be healthy enough to face heights and fluctuating temperatures.
- Spirit of adventure and good humor, as well as flexibility when facing unexpected events.
- Some people are sleep deprived when in altitude, if this is your case, we advise you to bring some products that can help you sleep.
Suggested Equipment
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking pants
- First layer: thermal tee-shirts, long and thick underwear, thick sock
- Second layer: fleece jacket
- Third layer: windbreaker
- Fourth layer: feather parka
- Thin gloves and thick gloves
- Thin and thick socks
- A hat against the sun and one for the cold
- Polar fleece neck warmer
- Sunglasses with UV filter, if possible with side protections
- Sun Cream (at least SPF 30)
- A small backpack (20 to 30 liters)
- Resting shoes