Grand Patagonia Self-Drive 21 days

This full-day excursion will take you to the San Antonio Valley. After exiting Santiago through Route 68, you will go through another important agricultural valley, Curacaví, which is known for its fruits and for its broad variety of restaurants offering typical Chilean food. Located approximately 80 kilometers away from Santiago, during the past decade the San Antonio Valley rapidly became Chile’s most important grape-growing valley for the production of premium white wine. As part of this excursion, you will enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the many boutique wineries that are part of this flourishing wine route. The journey will then continue to Valparaíso, the oldest and most important port of Chile. Valparaíso's picturesque layout is enhanced by the surrounding hills that seem to dive into the ocean, reminding us that this was once the most important maritime destination of the Pacific coast before the Strait of Panama was opened to navigation in 1914. Walk down the city’s winding streets and enjoy the beautiful scenery before you return to your hotel.

Private service with English speaking guide, wine tasting, La Sebastiana entrance fee. 

Today you will set out to reach the amazing Carretera Austral. Go south along the Reloncaví Fjord, passing the beautiful rivers of Petrohué, Cochamó and Puelo. As you continue along the road the landscape will contrast between forest and sea. (200km). Overnight at the Hosteria Catalina or similar.

After breakfast you will board a 4 hour ferry that takes you along the Cholgo Channel and the stunning Comau Fjord. After a brief drive of only 10 minutes, you will take a second ferry to Caleta Gonzalo where you will be spending two nights at Cabanas Caleta Gonzalo or similar.

The following day, you will have some spare time to discover the primitive forests of the Pumalín Park; one of Chile’s main ecotourism attractions. We recommend a hike to one of the various viewpoints that boast breathtaking views.

Caleta Gonzalo – Puyuhuapi (245 km)

After breakfast you will continue south pass Chaitén towards Lake Risopatrón. This is a stunning drive filled with impressive views of rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains. (245km) Two nights at Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa or similar in Puyuhuapi.

The following day, visit the quaint village of Puyuhuapi and spend time hiking in the Queulat National Park. The park contains 1,541 km² (595 sq mi) of glacier-capped mountains and virgin evergreen forests.

Today´s trip continues past the Queulat National Park and through the spectacular valleys of the region. Shortly before arriving at the capital of the Aysén region Coyhaique, you will also pass through the Simpson National Reserve. (221km) Overnight in Coyhaique at Hotel Belisario Jara or similar.

A beautiful but long drive (265 km) calls for an early departure. Your trip today will lead you to the immense Lake General Carrera. Stop for magnificent views from the various lookout points along the lengthy and uninhabited stretch of the Carretera Austral. Make sure you don’t miss a visit to the Marble Caves just after Puerto Tranquilo. You will spend two nights at Mallin Colorado or similar, near the shores of the lake. 

Take delight in the beautiful landscapes and explore the surroundings of the lake.  

After breakfast you will start to drive west. At the crossing with the Ruta 7 you will turn left, heading south along the river Baker towards the direction of Cochrane. After about 40 km you need to turn left towards the Chacabuco Valley; an wild region with a great diversity of terrain, wildlife and geology. The road has many curves, so drive carefully. (212km). Overnight at Hosteria Lago Posadas de Posadas or similar.

Today, you will set out for an especially long trip to El Chaltén along Route 40; the “Patagonian Highway”. El Chaltén is situated at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain Range. (530km) Two nights at Hotel Lunajuim or similar.

The next will be a relaxing and fun day in El Chaltén. We suggest hiking in the national park and visiting the Southern Ice Field. Another option is to join a boat trip to the Viedma Glacier in the morning.

You will drive around Lake Viedma today to reach another huge glacier lake called Lago Argentino. You will spend the nights at Sierra Nevada (or similar) on the shores of the lake in the village of El Calafate. (240km)

The following day, visit the magnificent glacier Perito Moreno, a true natural wonder. Specified trekking routes can be organised.

You will drive into Chile via Cerro Castillo through the vast pampa and arrive at one of the most beautiful national parks of the American continent; Torres del Paine. (350km). Two nights at Hotel Rio Serrano or similar

The following day, visit some of the various sites within the park, navigate to the Grey Glacier in a boat or trek along one of the trails to experience this magnificent landscape close up. 

On this 4 to 6 hour drive to Punta Arenas you can visit the Milodón Cave where scientists discovered the remains of a gigantic sloth. To experience Patagonian wildlife, visit the Penguin Colony at the Otway Sound before arriving in Punta Arenas. When arriving Punta Arenas you can explore this historical city on the shores of the Magellanes Strait. Overnight at Hotel Cabo do Hornos or similar

Your amazing Patagonian adventure ends when you  return your car at the airport for your flight back to Santiago.