Day 2: Magdalena Island & Puerto Natales
Day 3: Hike to the French Valley (Valle del Frances)
Day 4: Trekking to the “Base of the Towers”.
Day 5: Puerto Natales Airport.
Chilean Patagonia is the southernmost region of the country. Its capital is Punta Arenas and it is noted for its strong sense of tradition and rural customs, which are still observed today. It is home to a variety of ecosystems and mildly cold, rainy weather as well as interesting geomorphology that lends value to its landscapes. Its rich fauna includes the puma, southern Andean deer, chilla fox, guanaco, skunk, Patagonian ferret, and Geoffroy’s cat. If you are lucky, you should be able to spot at least one of these creatures! In terms of vegetation, this is a region with many southern beech forests, xerophytic brush, and Andean desert.
Once you arrive in Punta Arenas, located at the southernmost of Chile, a van will be waiting to take you to your hotel, Yegua Loca. After check-in, you’ll have free time to explore the amazing city of Punta Arenas, home to attractions such as the Cemetery – which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world – Plaza Muñoz Gamero, a traditional area, Sara Braun Palace, which is an Historic Monument, and the “Zona Franca”, famous for its low-cost products. If you have enough time you can visit the Magallanes National Reserve just 5km from the town center, as well as several other exciting destinations. There is many good restaurants and food options, Yegua Loca is one of those. Super tasty food!
Meals: None.
La Yegua Loca
Shared Half-Day Tour: Magdalena Island and Penguins Colony
A van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the jetty, where your journey through the Strait of Magellan begins. As you sail toward Magdalena Island, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Upon arrival, you’ll disembark at Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, home to over 150,000 Magellanic penguins. After a brief safety orientation, enjoy time to explore the island and observe the penguins in their natural habitat. During the return to Punta Arenas, you’ll also learn about the penguins’ breeding season and behaviors.
Once back on land, and upon and agreed time, a van will transfer you to your next destination—Puerto Natales. You’ll have the evening free to stroll through this charming city and get ready for the adventures ahead.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel Vendaval
Private Full-Day Tour: French Valley Hike
After disembarking at the Paine Grande sector, we begin our journey into the heart of the French Valley, located at the center of the “W” circuit. The trail traces the northern edge of Lake Skottsberg before ascending gently through lenga forests and rocky slopes.
As we approach the French River, a hanging bridge offers our first dramatic view of the French Glacier tumbling down the eastern face of Mount Paine Grande. From here, the path becomes more demanding, weaving through a boulder-strewn landscape that challenges the body and rewards the spirit.
Upon reaching the French Valley viewpoint, we’re surrounded by a natural amphitheater of granite peaks, including the Cuernos del Paine and the majestic Fortaleza and Escudo. The sound of distant avalanches and the shifting winds amplify the raw, untamed energy of this extraordinary place.
**Hiking to the French Valley, available from October to March, based on the catamaran availability (Ask for optional hikes from April to September)
Type: Private transfer / Shared boat trip
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch.
Hotel Vendaval
Private Full-Day Tour: Hike to the Base of the Towers
After breakfast, your excursion to the National Park will begin, heading towards the base of the Torres. This is a hike that requires good physical condition, but it’s worth doing!
The trip lasts 9 hours and over 22 kilometers. You will be able to enjoy the incredible scenery, made up of rivers, forests, local fauna, lakes, and mountains.
Your ascent will begin near Las Torres Hotel and will take you towards Ascencio Valley, where you’ll continue through sections of forest, looking at the spectacular geology. The terrain becomes more difficult from then on, as you will have to climb a moraine and the path up to the viewpoint is steep. Once there, you’ll have time to look at the amazing rock formations known as the Torres del Paine and the Cuernos del Paine, as well as rest, enjoy the view and sample a delicious picnic. Your return consists of a descent of approximately 4 hours, back to the hotel.
Type: Shared.
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch.
Hotel Vendaval
On your last day, depending on your flight, you will have the last time to enjoy Puerto Natales. The van will pick you up from the hotel at an agreed time and take you to Puerto Natales airport, where you will catch your flight for your next destination!
*You can also depart from Punta Arenas, please specify your preferences when requesting a quote.
Meals: Breakfast.
End of EcoChile Services.
**Hiking to the French Valley is available from December to March only.
We consistently endeavor to organize and conduct sustainable trips. Here’s what we always strive to achieve:
However, it’s important to acknowledge that in certain areas, resources, and awareness may be limited, so we can’t always guarantee complete adherence to our sustainability standards
Duration: 5 days
Price: from USD$ 2,822 / person
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