An exclusive proposal of Walk Patagonia to travel the Carretera Austral, famous for its surreal landscapes, its picturesque localities, and its pristine nature.
Arrival in Puerto Tranquilo, from Balmaceda Airport (Chile) or from Los Antiguos, crossing via Chile Chico (border with Argentina).
Overnight: Hostal El Puesto, or similar.
We can visit these interesting geological formations by boat or kayak. The kayak option, which takes half a day, can be done in the morning or afternoon, based on the weather forecast.
The rest of the day is free to rest or take a stroll along the seafront.
– Overnight: Hostal El Puesto, or similar.
After breakfast, we depart with our guide towards Valle Exploradores, where we venture into the forest up a steep hill until reaching a lookout point offering marvellous views of the Glacier and Monte San Valentín, the highest peak in Chilean Patagonia. Continuing a little further, we’ll enter a valley flanked by narrow, vertical walls, and get closer to the Glaciers jutting from the Northern Ice Field.
We’ll choose a spot with a fine view for lunch, before retracing our steps back to our vehicle and return to our hostel for a well-earned rest.
– Overnight: Hostal El Puesto, or similar
Today, we travel down another section of the Carretera Austral to the picturesque town of Caleta Tortel, nestled in a zone of archipelagos with endless islands, channels and estuaries, and rugged mountain ranges crowned by glaciers.
In the afternoon, we visit Isla de los Muertos (the Island of the Dead), which can also be visited by boat or kayak.
– Overnight: Hostería Baker, or similar.
We have a free morning, with an optional short walk in the surrounding area and a small ascent (rewarding us with nice views).
Our journey continues to Villa O’Higgins, where the Carretera Austral comes to an end.
– Overnight: Hostal El Mosco, or similar.
Our guide will come to meet us in the Hostel to chat about the different hiking options in the area.
There are several routes available, all with stunning views and very rugged paths.
Full-day trekking excursions:
– Cerro Submarino
– Río Mosco Refuge
– Tigre Glacier Lookout
– Overnight: Hostal El Mosco, or similar.
Today, we embark on the lake transfer that connects the different towns of the southern region of Aysén and arrive in the beautiful spot of Candelario Mansilla.
If time allows, we can go on a small walk in the area surrounding the farm, to marvel at the views or even visit a border marker.
Candelario Mansilla is still today an operating farm, inhabited and run by the direct descendants of the founder.
– Overnight: Candelario Mansilla Farm, basic facilities (private room with shared bathroom)
After breakfast, and completing the border formalities at the Carabineros detachment, we set out on a 24-km hike from Candelario Mansilla to Gendarmería Argentina (Argentinian border police), in Punta Norte, Lago del Desierto (Del Desierto Lake).
Upon arrival, we’ll register our entry into Argentina and then take a boat across the lake. In Punta Sur, a driver will be waiting to take us to El Chaltén through a picturesque, scenic route along a gravel road.
– Overnight: Patagonia Hostel, or similar.
El Chaltén is the National Trekking Capital of Argentina. There are several trails for hiking inside and outside the park. Some examples:
Full-day trails:
Laguna de los Tres
Laguna Torre
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
– Overnight: Patagonia Hostel, or similar
Today, we have the chance to enjoy another day of trekking in El Chaltén and then travel to El Calafate or depart for El Calafate in the morning and have a free afternoon there.
The transport is by public bus and takes around 3 hours.
– Overnight: Hostal Cauquenes de Nimez, or similar.
There are several options for visiting this crown jewel of southern Patagonia: by boat, walking along the walkways, and trekking with crampons on the glacier. Based on your choice, we’ll arrange your preferred excursion.
– Overnight: Hostal Cauquenes de Nimez, or similar.
One of our company’s drivers will take you from your hotel in El Calafate to the local airport. End of services.
