Patagonia

Tailor-Made

Introduction to Patagonia

The wild and stunning landscapes of Patagonia will remain imprinted on your mind forever – incredible mountain peaks, spectacular lakes, glaciers and forests. This wilderness is so remote and unspoiled that a walk within its landscape is sure to change your view of the world. Separated by the continental ice fields, two regions comprise Chilean Patagonia – the northern regions of Aysén and the Carretera Austral, and the southern regions of the famous Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes, and Tierra del Fuego (shared with Argentina). For those with a little more time, Patagonia offers some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, beautiful accommodation, and a range of walks and hikes to suit most people’s abilities.

 

Given almost all Antarctic voyages voyages route through southern Chile or Argentina, it’s incredibly easy to add time in Patagonia before or after your Antarctic expedition. With simple connections and no major detours, we can help turn a necessary stop into an incredible part of your trip.

 

To find out more about the options in Patagonia, please visit our dedicated South America site or give us a call on 1300 784 794.

HIGHLIGHTS

TORRES DEL PAINE

CHILE

Torres del Paine National Park is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. It is home to 15 peaks over 2,000m, the most famous being the vertical granite spires that give the park its name, the ‘Towers of Paine’. Torres is not just for trekkers but for anyone with a sense of adventure who likes to experience the outdoors – there are walks suitable for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.

There are many stunning properties from which you can explore the region, by vehicle, on foot and on horseback, including Tierra Patagonia, Awasi Patagonia, Cascada Ecocamp and Explora Patagonia.

LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK

ARGENTINA

This is one of the largest national parks in Argentina, stretching over 200km from north to south. It offers you the opportunity to see a part of the huge ice sheet of the Continental Ice Cap, origin of the area’s 47 ice flows. Among them are 13 of the world’s most impressive glaciers that descend from the Andes mountains to end at the Argentino and Viedma lakes. The most spectacular of all is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a river of ice 5km wide and 60m high. A series of walkways facing the glacier head-on allow you to watch as colossal slabs of ice shear from the front of the glacier to collapse in a thunderous roar and create icebergs in the lake.

CARRETERA AUSTRAL

CHILE

The Carretera Austral (Austral Road) is officially the name of the the road from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, 1240km to the south. Vast and untouched areas of forest, gigantic ice fields, river and stunningly beautiful wilderness are the hallmark of this area. It’s ideal for anyone who’s looking for a wilderness experience as well as some activity, including fishing, hiking and rafting.

One of the many highlights of this region are the stunningly coloured caves found on the edge of Lake General Carrera.

PATAGONIA FJORD CRUISING

CHILE & ARGENTINA

A range of voyages are available which cruise south from Puerto Montt all the way to Ushuaia in Argentina. There are 3, 4, 5 and 7 night options that sail through channels and archipelagos, pass tiny fishing villages, see snow-capped mountains and emerge amongst the icebergs and ice floes of the many glaciers flowing down from the Andes. Small zodiac boats afford a closer look to many of the glacial walls as well as landings to allow exploration on foot.

There are a number of quality vessels we know and have experience of, so please contact us so we can find the best voyage and ship for you.

Ushuaia Port, Argentina
USHUAIA

ARGENTINA

Ushuaia is located on the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia. Many cruises to Antarctica embark from this port town surrounded by mountainous National Parks on the shore of the Beagle Channel. Steeped in history, you will find many museums in the main street, shedding light on the towns infamous past. Due to its location, King Crab is a popular dish served at the many good restaurants – plucked out of the Beagle Channel it will be as fresh as you will ever get. During the summer months, Ushuaia offers incredible hiking options which is a great way to stretch your legs before heading off on an Antarctic voyage.

Click here to read about some hiking excursions available in Ushuaia.

VALDES PENINSULA

ARGENTINA

Located on the windswept Atlantic coast of Argentina and accessed via the Welsh-settled port town of Puerto Madryn, the Valdes Peninsula is home to impressive marine wildlife including vast colonies of Magellanic penguins, sea lions and elephant seals. But, with white sandy beaches and clear waters providing a designated breeding ground, the biggest attraction are the southern right whales that visit from June to mid-December. September and October are the best months for sightings.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

ACCOMMODATION

Awasi Patagonia is spread out like a classic estancia, with just 12 deluxe villas dotted throughout native forest, Awasi’s lodge is set in a private nature reserve just outside the national park. It has a rustic vibe but with all modern comforts, and each villa is carefully positioned to ensure the utmost privacy while also offering the best views.

The villas are very spacious, with a king bed, large bathroom, a cosy wood-burning stove and capacious sofas in front of a panoramic window – and a private hot tub under the stars! The main building, with the restaurant and comfortable lounge, is no more than a 5-minute stroll or short golf-buggy ride from the furthest villa.

Cascada EcoCamp is nestled in a beech forest inside the eastern edge of the park, facing the three granite monoliths known as the Torres del Paine. Cascada is camping in style – this very comfortable, environmentally friendly eco-camp is the perfect compromise between a hotel and camping and offers a superb way to get closer to nature.

The camp is made up of large, windowed dome tents where you can stand up straight inside, lie in a real bed and look up at the stars, and eat good food in the dining tent. Resistant to the strongest weather, all offer cosy beds, warm blankets and feather quilts, while the Suite Domes have private bathrooms and low-emission wood stoves.

The Tierra Patagonia is situated on a bluff where the pampas meets Lake Sarmiento, on the north-eastern edge of Torres del Paine National Park. This stunning hotel is almost invisible until you arrive, the contemporary design blending so perfectly with the rugged surroundings in its use of the natural materials of the region. Casually luxurious with lovely public spaces and guestrooms boasting handcrafted furniture and uniquely Patagonian details – and everywhere those incredible big-sky views. Gourmet chefs wine and dine you, and after your excursions into the wilderness, take advantage of the Uma Spa with an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath.

Cerro Guido is a working Estancia (farm) with a heritage dating back to 1906, located close to Torres del Paine. It is a perfect combination of authentically rustic aesthetics, top notch staff and excursions and an excellent kitchen (a lot of the food is home grown). Some of the activities offered by Cerro Guido include E-bike trips, horse rides, fly-fishing, conservation Safaris, full and half day tours and treks – the choice is yours. They also offer a full day tour of the Estancia, and as a working farm you’ll get a glimpse of a gaucho’s way of life.

Developed with sustainability as its main design principle, Patagonia Camp perfectly combines luxury with nature, hugged by the rugged mountain ranges of Torres del Paine. Consisting of 20 Mongolian style Yurts connected by wooden walkways weaving through forests of local flora and fauna, Patagonia Camp is a truly special experience allowing you an intimate connection to your surroundings. All yurts feature central heating, ensuite bathrooms, amenities and handmade furniture and textiles. Patagonia Camp also offers an extensive range of excursions in their All Inclusive package to enable you to explore the beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.

Explora Patagonia, with its exclusive location and highly privileged views, was designed as the perfect base for exploration of this unforgettable region. Featuring handmade furniture made with local materials by local artisans this impressive architectural feat is reflective of the area it is in. Hotel facilities include saunas, a swimming pool, a private pier, boats and mountain bikes. The hotel even boasts an outdoor jacuzzi. Imagine, in the middle of winter, sipping a delicious Chilean wine while relaxing in the jacuzzi, surrounded by snow and stunning views!

For more information on the ships and travel options we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au

Call us today to discuss your holiday to Antarctica, The Falkland Islands, South Georgia or South America