Explore the landscapes of Chile and Argentina on the Patagonia Self-drive and Trekking Tour
Patagonia — a word that inevitably ignites your sense of adventure and discovery. The 24-day Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour welcomes you into a remote corner of the world to experience the beauty of both Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia with incredible trekking and a self-driven adventure.
This one-of-kind adventure combines a 12-day self-driven itinerary through Chile’s remote and wild Aysen region with two of the best treks in Patagonia—the self-guided W Trek and the world’s southernmost trek on Navarino Island accompanied by a guide.
Explore the highlights of Patagonia, with incredible self-guided hiking in Cerro Castillo National Park, Patagonia National Park, and Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain world that surrounds El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park. Stand in awe and marvel at the massive glaciers and turquoise lakes that envelop your trail every step of the way.
Enjoy a combination of hotel stays, mountain refuges during treks, and camping on this incredible trek and self-drive adventure.
Notes on Dientes del Navarino Trek:
The Dientes del Navarino Trek is very demanding and requires participants to be in good physical shape, and to have the ability to carry a backpack by themselves. A porter is available at additional charge, but the idea is to divide the group trekking equipment between all participants.
This tour can be shortened to 18 days, excluding the challenging Dientes del Navarino trek that takes place on the last 5 days.
The trek includes a minimum of 2 nights tent camping, which can be extended to 3 nights if the climatic and participant’s physical conditions make it possible. In case of arrival back to the lodge on Day 22 (after 2 nights camping), the last day is at leisure at the lodge.
It is possible to do this trek as a self-guided trip with GPS only (without meals and guide). However, this is only recommended for travelers with experience in multi-day trekking in remote places, please enquire for more information during the booking process.
Important notes about this tour:
- This tour can be shortened to 18 days, excluding the challenging Dientes del Navarino trek on the last 5 days.
- The Dientes del Navarino Trekking is a very demanding trek that requires participants to be in good physical shape, and to have the ability and disposition to carry a backpack by themselves. A porter is available at additional charge, yet the idea is to divide the group trekking equipment between all participants.
- The trekking includes a minimum of 2 nights tent camping, which can be extended to 3 nights if the climatic and participant’s physical conditions make it possible. In case of arrival back to the lodge on Day 22 (after 2 nights camping), the last day is at leisure at the lodge.
- It is possible to do this trekking as a self-guided trip with GPS only (without meals and guide). However, this is only recommended for travelers with experience in multi-day trekking in remote places, please enquire for more information.
Highlights of the Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour
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Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Santiago de Chile
Welcome to Chile! After arrival at the international airport, you’ll have time to acclimatize and get a glimpse of this lively metropolitan capital.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago de Chile
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Drive through Villa Cerro Castillo
Today, you’ll take a flight south to Balmaceda, the main hub to Chile’s remote Aysén region. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive on the beautiful Carretera Austral to nearby Villa Cerro Castillo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villa Cerro Castillo
Distance: 70km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike in Cerro Castillo National Park
The majestic mountain world of Cerro Castillo National Park, a true hiking paradise, awaits you today. There are several trails to choose from; a highly recommendable, yet demanding option is the hike up to Laguna Cerro Castillo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villa Cerro Castillo
Distance: 8-9h, 15 km, 1,100m of ascent hiking
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Drive on the Carretera Austral to Puerto Guadal
Drive south on the Carretera Austral to Puerto Guadal today, a town on the shores of Chile’s biggest lake, the General Carrera. On the way, there is the option to visit the lake’s spectacular marble caves on a short boat trip.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Guadal
Distance: 180km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Drive along the Argentine Border to Chile Chico
Drive along the southern shore of General Carrera Lake until reaching the village of Chile Chico, at the Argentine border.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chile Chico
Distance: 105km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Patagonia National Park
Visit the recently opened Patagonia National Park (former Reserva Jeinimeni) and enjoy a unique hike to explore ancient cave paintings and the colorful rock formations of the Valle Lunar. Afterwards, cross the border to Los Antiguos in Argentina to reach tonight’s hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Los Antiguos
Distance: 4-5h, 7.4km hiking
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Drive on Ruta 40 to the Village of Gobernador Gregores
Continue your journey through the barren pampa landscape of Argentina today. The Ruta 40 leads south until reaching your next stop, the small village of Gobernador Gregores.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gobernador Gregores
Distance: 415km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Arrival at El Chalten via Ruta 40
Continue driving south on Ruta 40 (mostly gravel road) until you reach the hiking mecca of El Chaltén, a small village nestled into the Andes Mountains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance: 300km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Laguna Torre, Los Glaciares National Park
Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain world that surrounds El Chaltén. There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties; a classic is the day hike that leads to Laguna Torre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Laguna de Los Tres and Fitzroy Mountain
Without a doubt one of Patagonia’s most iconic treks is the one to Laguna de los Tres, at the feet of Fitzroy Mountain. This demanding day hike is worth the sweat and will no doubt be a highlight of this Patagonian adventure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Chaltén
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Perito Moreno Glacier
Continue your way south to El Calafate today. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to visit Perito Moreno, arguably Patagonia’s most impressive glacier! It is one of the few that is growing in the world rather than shrinking, and is a true sight to behold.
Overnight Location: Hotel in El Calafate
Distance: 215km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Cross the Border to Chile and Drive to Puerto Natales
Today you’ll cross the border to Chile and continue driving to the town of Puerto Natales, the main touristic hub for Torres del Paine National Park. Once here, you’ll drop off your rental car in the city office and get ready for the multi-day W trek that commences in the coming days.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Natales
Distance: 355km driving
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Torres del Paine National Park: W-Trek
The multi-day W-Trek invites you to witness the innumerable highlights of Torres del Paine National Park and is one of the most beautiful treks in all of Patagonia!
Today, you’ll travel by public bus from Puerto Natales to the park’s Torres sector, where you’ll start the trek tomorrow morning. Puerto Natales is Chile’s gateway to a true trekker’s paradise. Tonight, you’ll rest and prep for the first day of trekking tommorow at the Refugio Sector Torres.
Overnight Location: Refugio Sector Torres
Distance: 2-hour bus drive
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 14 Trekking to Base Las Torres
The W-Trek kicks off this morning with a demanding full-day hike that leads up to the viewpoint of the towers (“torres”), that give the park its name. Witness the endless scenes of glaciers, lakes, and lofty mountain ranges as you enjoy your first day of trekking on the route.
Overnight Location: Refugio Sector Torres
Distance: 8-9h, 20km, 700m of ascent hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15 Trek to Refugio Los Cuernos
The trek continues today with stunning views of the turquoise-tinged waters of Nordenskjöld Lake. Enjoy incredible views of the Cuernos and the snow-capped mountains that flank the trail, and keep your eyes peeled for condors soaring in the sky above.
Continue the 11km section to reach the Refugio Los Cuernos where you can enjoy a well-earned evening of R&R.
Overnight Location: Refugio Los Cuernos
Distance: 4-5h, 11km hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16 Trek the French Valley
Today’s hike takes you into the spectacular French Valley which you’ll soon realize, resembles a striking postcard. Afterwards, continue on until reaching Refugio Paine Grande.
Overnight in Refugio Paine Grande.
Overnight Location: Refugio Paine Grande
Distance: 9-10h, 21km hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17 Grey Glacier, Pehoe Lake, and Return to Paine Grande
A day hike leads you to the impressive Grey Glacier, where you’ll stand in awe of its blue-grey walls that lord over the lake. Soak up the views here before returning to Paine Grande in the late afternoon. It’s then time to cross Pehoé Lake by boat and continue your journey by public bus to Puerto Natales.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puerto Natales
Distance: 8h, 22km hiking
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 Punta Arenas
Take the public bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas today.
Once here, you can reach the airport if you want to end your journey here with a flight back home via Santiago or continue to the city center in order to complete the world’s southernmost trek on Navarino Island.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Distance: 3h bus ride
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 Flight to Navarino Island
With your second trek now on the horizon, you’ll fly from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams on the remote island of Navarino, south of Tierra del Fuego. A transfer will then take you to the nearby lodge.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Puerto Williams
Distance: 1.5h flight
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 20 Hike to Laguna del Salto
Your multi-day trekking adventure begins today accompanied by a professional guide. After the first ascent, enjoy panoramic views of the town, the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego. Continue until reaching Laguna del Salto where you’ll set up camp.
Overnight Location: Camping in Laguna del Salto
Distance: 4-6h, 7km, 900m hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 21 Trek to Laguna de los Dientes
After packing up your tent this morning, the route surrounds the Dientes massif until reaching the Southern part of the island, with sensational views to “the end of the world”. Continue until reaching the camping spot between Laguna de los Dientes and Laguna Esc0ondida.
Overnight Location: Camping at Laguna de los Dientes
Distance: 4-6h, 9km, 575m of ascent hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 22 Trek to Laguna Martillo
Today’s trek takes you through a fairytale landscape with the Dientes mountain range as you everpresent backdrop. Continue ascending via the Ventarrón and Guerrico passes, before reaching the scenic Guerrico Valley. You’ll reach your camping spot between Laguna Martillo and Laguna Zeta in the evening.
Overnight Location: Camping at Laguna Martillo
Distance: 4h, 7km, 350m of ascent hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 23 Ascend the Virginia Pass
The last ascent to the highest point of the tour, Virginia Pass, awaits you today! Enjoy spectacular views of the Beagle Channel and the Tierra del Fuego mountains, before descending. Arrive at the lodge in the evening.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Puerto Williams
Distance: 8-10h, 16km, 930m of ascent hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 24 Depart
Your adventure on this remote island ends today. A transfer will take you to the pier or airport, depending on your further travel arrangements.
Take a boat to Ushuaia in Argentina (approx. 4 h) and a flight from here to Buenos Aires or fly back via Punta Arenas and Santiago de Chile.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour Price and Dates
This trekking and self-drive tour in Patagonia is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the types of the rooms that your group chooses.
The prices below are per person.
Full 24-day Tour (with Navarino Trek Included):
- Guided group of 2+: $7,830 USD per person
18-day Tour (with Navarino Trek Excluded):
- Guided group of 2+: $4,670 USD per person
Accommodation on the Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour
This tour offers a wide variety of accommodations. You will stay in hotels, refuges and tents. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodation in refuges is rustic and you will be sharing the living spaces with other hikers.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement (on request). Please note that single rooms are not available in refuges, where only dormitory accommodation is available.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotels, refuges and camping in Patagonia
Guests will enjoy a variety of comfortable accommodations on this trip, ranging from 2 and 3-star hotels to mountain refuges and tented camps in stunning natural landscapes.
What’s Included in the Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour?
Meals
23 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners are provided. You will receive breakfast in each accommodation along the route, and full board will be provided during the trek in Torres del Paine National Park and on Navarino Island.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 23 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes numerous transfers. The below are all included:
- Private transfers with guide to/from hotel in Santiago de Chile
- Rental vehicle from day 2 to day 12
- Private transfers without guide to/from bus station in Puerto Natales
- Public bus Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine-Puerto Natales-Punta Arenas (to W Trek)
- Ferry on Pehoé Lake
- Private transfers without guide from bus station / to Punta Arenas Airport
- Local flights:
-
- Punta Arenas – Puerto Williams
- Flight Puerto Williams – Punta Arenas OR Ferry Puerto Williams – Ushuaia (last day of tour)
Also Included
- Car Rental from day 2 to day 12:
-
- Collision Damage Waiver with $240 USD deductible
- Unlimited km
- Airport Service Charge
- Programmed GPS
- GPS-app with tour coordinates
- Trekking Guide for Dientes del Navarino
- Group trekking equipment in Dientes del Navarino: tents, campstove, cooking utensils, cutlery
- Personal trekking equipment in Dientes del Navarino: Gaiters, backpacks, walking canes, sleeping bags, liners, sleeping pads
- Torres del Paine Entrance Fee
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Guide services (except for Dientes del Navarino)
- Meals not noted as included
- Visa fees
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Extra nights before or after the tour
- Porter services in Dientes del Navarino
Frequently Asked Questions about Patagonia Self-Drive and Trekking Tour
In Andes Nativa, their name says it all. Their highest priority are authentic travel experiences in Chile, where the mighty Andes Mountains are a steady companion. NATIVA represents the pristine and fragile, worthy of protection.
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