Patagonia: Expedition and Cultural Exploration

Location: South America
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Challenging

Patagonia: Expedition and Cultural Exploration

Location: South America
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Challenging

Overview

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Patagonia on this unforgettable trekking expedition. Utilizing horses to lighten our loads and deepen our cultural connection, we journey through farms and mountains before exploring Patagonia National Park’s conservation achievements. Our trek begins by winding through traditional Patagonian campo and ascending into the mountains, grateful for our horses as we reach a stunning campsite overlooking the Jeinimeni mountains, where we’ll engage with a gaucho tending sheep and enjoy a delicious camp dinner by the fire. As we climb a dramatic plateau, we’ll take in sweeping views of Lago General Carrera and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field, hiking through unique rock formations and lush meadows. The final leg of our horse-supported journey leads us through glacial valleys back toward Lago General Carrera, culminating in a celebratory asado at La Naviera. After a night of relaxation at a luxurious lodge, we’ll tackle a dramatic 9-mile loop hike in Patagonia National Park, with options for a challenging finale or a scenic grassland trek. Finally, we’ll drive the iconic Carretera Austral, soaking in the stunning landscapes before bidding farewell at Balmaceda airport.

Main Attractions

Explore Unspoiled Terrain

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most pristine landscapes in South America.

Traverse Diverse Landscapes

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia National Park as you traverse plateaus, lush beech forests, expansive grasslands, glacial valleys, and stunning red mountains, all while soaking in panoramic views that will leave you in awe.

Engage with Camp Life

Immerse yourself in the charm of camp life at idyllic sites, before rejuvenating at a selection of well-appointed lodges that combine comfort with stunning surroundings.

Map illustrating travel routes in southern Chile, with flight, bus, and car paths. Highlights Coyhaique, Balmaceda, Puerto Guadal, Patagonia National Park. Inset shows location in South America.
A panoramic view of a coastline with blue water, mountainous terrain, and snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a vast, rugged mountainous landscape at sunset, with a soft golden mist hovering over the valleys and peaks.
A person wearing sunglasses and a teal jacket smiles in a mountainous landscape with patches of snow.
Hiking boots and walking poles resting on rocky terrain with dry grass and small flowers in the background.
A panoramic view of a coastline with blue water, mountainous terrain, and snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a vast, rugged mountainous landscape at sunset, with a soft golden mist hovering over the valleys and peaks.
A person wearing sunglasses and a teal jacket smiles in a mountainous landscape with patches of snow.
Hiking boots and walking poles resting on rocky terrain with dry grass and small flowers in the background.

Itinerary

Chilean flag waving on a pole against a backdrop of mountains and a partly cloudy sky.

Arrival in Chile

Welcome to Chile! Arrive at Balmaceda Airport (BBA) and prepare for your exciting adventure ahead. You’ll receive transfer instructions to the Patagonia House in Coyhaique closer to your departure date. After checking in at the hotel, gather in the evening for a warm welcome dinner and orientation, setting the stage for the incredible journey that awaits.

Meals dinner
A serene turquoise lake surrounded by lush green hills and snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Kick Off Your Patagonia Expedition

Get ready to embark on your Patagonia adventure! You’ll travel south along the historic Carretera Austral, enjoying a scenic 5-hour drive to the shores of Lago General Carrera, the second-largest lake in South America. After a delicious midday lunch, settle into your accommodation outside the quaint town of Puerto Guadal. Shake off your travel fatigue with a leisurely 2-3 mile walk, soaking in the serene surroundings. Today’s Walk: 2-3 miles on a flat walking track, 1.5 hours

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A scenic landscape with a winding river, lush valley, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. Stones and greenery are in the foreground.

Meet the Horses and Begin Your Trek 

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to pack up and head into the mountains! Meet the local families and horses that will support your trek as you organize your food and gear. Your adventure begins with a winding path through a traditional Patagonian campo before ascending into the mountains, where the horses will lighten your load. Arrive at your campsite, offering stunning views of the Jeinimeni mountains, and enjoy an evening by the fire, sharing stories of Patagonian history and culture. Today’s Hike: 5 miles, 5-6 hours, 2,100 ft elevation gain on dirt trails and 4×4 tracks with potential muddy sections.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Icebergs float in a glacial lake surrounded by rocky mountains under a cloudy sky.

Ascend to Dramatic Plateaus  

Following breakfast, embark on a day of exploration as you climb to a dramatic plateau. On clear days, breathtaking views of Lago General Carrera and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field await you. Spend the day hiking above treeline, marveling at unusual rock formations before descending into a lush valley surrounded by hanging glaciers. Your supplies will arrive via horse, and you’ll set up base camp at the idyllic Pampa Zorro for the next two nights, gathering later to learn about the establishment of nearby Patagonia National Park. Today’s Hike: 8 miles, 6-8 hours, 1,200 ft elevation gain, largely off trail on gravel and scree, potentially on snow.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A panoramic view of a vast mountain range under a cloudy sky, with mist settling in the valleys.

Discover Valle Chacabuco

From your base camp in Pampa Zorro, venture uphill to a stunning pass overlooking Valle Chacabuco, the heart of Patagonia National Park. Here, the walking options are endless, depending on the group’s energy and weather conditions. Enjoy a day of exploration in the open alpine terrain, soaking in the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding you, before returning to camp for a well-deserved evening of relaxation and camaraderie. Today’s Hike: 6-8 miles, 5-6 hours, 1,600 ft elevation gain, largely off trail on gravel and scree with a section on a steep dirt trail.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Grilled meat, sausage, corn slices, and foil-wrapped food cooking on a barbecue grill.

Complete the Horse-Supported Loop

On the final day of your horse-supported loop, traverse beautiful southern beech forests and glacial valleys as you make your way back toward Lago General Carrera. Approaching your pick-up point, you’ll return to the enchanting land of Patagonian campos. After completing your longest hike of the journey, enjoy a traditional asado and celebratory feast at your accommodation, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences you’ve shared. Today’s Hike: 11 miles, 6-8 hours, 100 ft. elevation gain, mix of 4×4 track and dirt horse trail.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Rock formation with natural archway surrounded by clear turquoise water, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rocky cliffs.

Recharge at the Ranch

After a refreshing night’s sleep, enjoy hot showers and comfortable beds. Spend your morning by the shores of Lago General Carrera, where you can hike with stunning views of the Northern Patagonian Icefield and Patagonia’s highest peak, Monte San Valentin. If the weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the pristine blue waters! Gather for a hearty lunch, and in the afternoon, choose from various shorter or longer hikes around the ranch. As evening falls, savor another traditional Patagonian dinner and enjoy stargazing under the clear night sky. Today’s Hike: Various options, from 3-8 miles, mostly on dirt paths and 4×4 tracks.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Person in a pink jacket and backpack stands on a trail with arms outstretched, facing snowy mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Hike Through Patagonia National Park

After an early breakfast, transition to the heart of Patagonia National Park. Drive to the Aviles Valley Trailhead, where you’ll set off on a dramatic 9-mile loop hike through the colorful red mountains and glacially formed plateaus unique to this valley. Experience the diverse landscapes and natural beauty that make Patagonia so captivating, as you traverse established trails with stunning views all around. Today’s Hike: 10 miles, 5-8 hours, 900 ft elevation gain, established dirt hiking trail with several steep sections.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of hikers walks along a grassy trail with snow-capped mountains and a lake in the background under a cloudy sky.

Final Hikes in Patagonia National Park  

On your last day in Patagonia National Park, choose between two exhilarating hiking options. For those seeking a challenge, tackle the stunning 12-mile Lagunas Altas loop, known as one of Patagonia’s finest trails, featuring panoramic views and varied terrain. Alternatively, opt for a shorter 7-mile hike through expansive grasslands to a newly built suspension bridge overlooking a river canyon. Afterward, transition to a lodge in Puerto Guadal for a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences of your journey. Today’s Hike: Either 13 miles, 7-9 hours, 2,500 ft elevation gain, dirt trail with some steep sections; or 7 miles, 4-6 hours, 400 ft elevation gain, dirt trail mostly through grasslands.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A winding road snakes through a vast landscape with snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Farewell and Scenic Journey North

Awake early for the final leg of your adventure, heading north along the Carretera Austral, often hailed as one of the world’s greatest road trips. Enjoy a picturesque 6–7-hour drive alongside the turquoise Baker River and near the Northern Patagonian Ice Field before arriving at Balmaceda Airport (BBA) in time for afternoon flights. Please ensure your return flight is scheduled for after 3 PM, allowing you to soak in the final moments of this breathtaking journey.

Meals breakfast
A person stands on a rock, looking at a turquoise lake with snowy mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A spacious, modern room with a large sofa, a conference table surrounded by chairs, and a counter with stools. Large windows offer a view of trees and an open field outside.

Patagonia House

Patagonia House is a comfortable mountain lodge set against the panoramic backdrop of the snow-capped Andes. Suites at Patagonia Lodge are decorated with tasteful wooden floors and matching autumn décor.

AMENITIES: free Wi-Fi, balconies

Patagonia building

Vientos del Sur

Nestled within the serene beauty of Chilean Patagonia’s rural landscape, Vientos del Sur offers accommodation in the Mallín Grande area. This establishment offers fully furnished cabins, ensuring a delightful and fulfilling experience for the guests amidst the privileged natural surroundings.

AMENITIES: bedding/linens, equipped kitchen

A group of yellow tents is set up on grassy terrain with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Backcountry Camps

At each of your backcountry camps, you will have a 3-season camping tent. Ground sheet, fly sheet, vestibule, and closed-cell foam sleeping mat are provided. Your guides will instruct and coach you on tent set-up and break-down. A kitchen tarp will offer space for gathering in the evenings to eat and relax. Your guides will spearhead cooking hot dinners and breakfasts, and snacks and purified water will be available. Bathroom facilities are rustic and minimal.

View from inside a tent of a person in a red jacket and hat standing near a mountain lake, surrounded by grassy terrain and illuminated by sunlight.

Frontcountry Camps

You will have a 3-season camping tent. Ground sheet, fly sheet, vestibule, and closed-cell foam sleeping mat are provided. Your guides will instruct and coach you on tent set-up and break-down. A covered cook shelter with picnic tables and benches will offer space for gathering in the evenings to eat and relax. Your guides will spearhead cooking hot dinners and breakfasts, served here, and snacks and purified water will also be available. Bathroom facilities include flush toilets and solar showers.

Wood-paneled room with a bed, desk, and chairs, overlooking a lake through a large window.

Patagonia 47g

Located on the shores of Lake General Carrera, Patagonia 47g offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.

AMENITIES: flatscreen TV, Kitchen

What People Are Saying

After the last few years so close to home, this first adventure out was a humbling reminder of how immense and stunning our beautiful planet is. I didn’t realize how much I missed this sensation, and it filled my soul. Thank you AdventureWomen!

What People Are Saying

I have never traveled with another group, but I think what sets AdventureWomen apart is all of the staff on your team and the places we stayed. Caring, attention to detail, very knowledgeable and just a lot of fun!

What People Are Saying

I had an incredible experience with AdventureWomen! The trip was perfectly organized, and the itinerary offered a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, making every hike and activity engaging and fun.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jan 17 Jan 26
Sold Out
$6,995*

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $800

Arrival: Arrive in Balmaceda, Chile (BBA) on Day 1 at any time. You’ll be given transfer instructions to your accommodation closer to your departure date.

Departure: Depart Balmaceda, Chile (BBA) on Day 10 after 3:00 PM. You’ll be transferred to the airport as a group.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Airport transfer on departure day
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • Soft drinks, tea, and coffee at meals
  • Snacks in vehicles
  • Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, and wait staff

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Balmaceda
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Mandatory travel insurance to cover any evacuation and medical expenses incurred while abroad
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides, porters, and additional support staff

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women regardless of race, creed, or sexual preference, as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.