April 13: Arrive Balmaceda/Coyhaique airport and transfer to the Estancia del Zorro near the Argentine border. Evening lamb roast welcome dinner.

 April 14: Pre-dawn departure to photograph Condors at one of two roosting locations within the nearby Estancia Punta del Monte.  Picnic lunch with afternoon gaucho photography on the ranch.  Late afternoon drive to Coyhaique River Lodge.

 April 15: AM departure driving south travelling through the Cerro Castillo National Park. Highlights will be the drive over the Cuesta del Diablo pass. The drive through Cerro Castillo brings us close to timberline (1100 m.) with opportunities to capture the twisted magic of the Krumholst Lengas at altitude, especially beautiful during the autumn peak in mid-April. We will travel slowly through the reserve and keep an eye out for the highly endangered Huemul Deer (Hippocamelus Bisulcus) that are prevalent in this area. Commanding views of the jagged spires of Cerro Castillo. We continue on to Villa Rio Tranquilo on Lago General Carrera, South America's 2nd largest lake. Overnight at El Puesto Lodge. 

 April 16: Today's main objective will be to explore the new road accessing the remote Valle Exploradores which offers commanding views of Cerro San Valentin, Patagonia's highest peak at 4,058 meters (13,314 ft), with views of several spectacular glaciers flowing off the north side of the Northern Patagonia Ice Field. This newly cut road penetrates deep into the heart of the incredibly rugged Patagonian Andes and the lush temperate rain forest of the Pacific coast. We take a short hike through the old growth Nothofagus forest to a viewing platform overlooking the Exploradores Glacier. If conditions favor, this can provide for one of the most spectacular panoramic views in all of Patagonia. If we are really fortunate and wether conditions align, we may be treated to a “Brocken Spectre”, a rainbow effect created when one’s shadow is cast upon a fog layer in the valley below. Valle Exploradores also possesses several spectacular waterfalls, precipitous snow capped peaks, lush temperate rain forest vegetation and interesting birdlife, including Andean Condors or, the endemic and enchanting Chucao Tapaculo with its amazingly exotic jungle call. Overnight El Puesto Lodge. 

 April 17: We will make an early departure to meet our guide for a morning boat excursion to photograph the exotic Marble Caves along the shore of Lago General Carrera. Afterwards we make a leisurely drive south to Puerto Bertrand, birthplace of the amazing Baker River, Chile’s largest river and also the largest river flowing into the South Pacific (670-700 m3/sec.). The azure blue color of this immense river is truly incredible. Picnic lunch along the way. Afternoon photographic tour of the powerful Baker River Waterfall (15 minute hike). We will spend several hours here experimenting with time exposures, etc. in search of that perfect shot. Overnight Borde Baker Lodge on the shore of the Rio Baker.

 April 18: Early morning departure driving east through the heart of the future Patagonia National Park. This is park is part of one of the world’s largest private conservation projects established by the late Douglas Tomkins and his wife Kristine. There will be numerous opportunities to photograph native Guanacos (Patagonian Cameloids), Fox, Condors, Swans, Flamingos and other birdlife which abound in this Patagonian Steppe region. Continue east to the remote border post at the Paso Roballos, Checking out of Chile and entering into Argentina. Very unusual volcanic formations near the border. Not long after entering Argentina we hope to be greeted by wonderful long distance views of San Lorenzo, Patagonia’s 2nd highest summit. We will make our way to the remote town of Lago Posadas where we will overnight at La Posada del Posadas.

 April 19: Today we rise early and drive a short way out of town to catch first light on Cerro San Lorenzo. There is also a very special Tehuelche Indian pictograph site near town we may choose to visit.  From here we have our longest drive of the trip on the iconic “Ruta 40” across the expansive Patagonian “Pampas” south to the El Chalten village located at the base of the Fitzroy Massif. We will make a couple of stops along the way for any birds or wildlife, gauchos, etc. but this is essentially a driving day. Overnight at Hosteria Destino Sur in El Chalten. 

 April 20: Early morning outing to drive up the road to the east in hopes of catching images of the spectacular Fitzroy massif bathed in the dawn alpine-glow. Return to Hosteria for breakfast. Today we make an all-day hike starting right from town. We begin with a 2-hour walk up to the picturesque Laguna Capri where we will enjoy a picnic while photographing the area. Those who wish have the option of returning back to El Chalten from here. For those with the legs and energy to continue further, it is recommended to continue on from Laguna Capri hiking the trail along the base of the amazing Fitzroy Massif with its unparalleled opportunities to capture images of the mystical mountain spires. The trail continues on down along the Rio Blanco through an enchanting old growth Lenga forest eventually ending at the Hosteria El Pilar where will enjoy a much deserved cup of tea and a snack. This is a long day hike, 6-7 hours with 300-400 meters elevation gain. One of the guides will have driven the vehicle around to meet us for the drive back to El Chalten. Overnight at Hosteria Destino Sur . 

 April 21: Today we have another full day to explore the Fitzroy area and we will choose the days activities depending on the weather conditions. The autumn foliage will be at its peak and the old growth native Lenga (Southern Beech) forest will be ablaze with color. A very nice waterfall is nearby where we may spend several hours playing with time exposures, etc. In this environment we are always on the look out for the very large and impressive Magellanic Woodpecker. Overnight at Hosteria Destino Sur.   

 April 22: Again we will make an early morning drive up the road in hopes of catching the spectacular Fitzroy massif bathed in the dawn alpine-glow. Return to Hosteria for breakfast. Driving out into the Pampa once again where there will be numerous opportunities to photograph the elegance of estancias and their flag trees against the barren landscape. Lunch in the town of El Calafate before continuing to the Perito Moreno Glacier and its massive snout that falls into Lago Argentino. We will spend about 3 hours photographing the glacier before returning to El Calafate. Overnight at Mirador del Lago in El Calafate and dinner at a local restaurant. 

 April 23: Today begins with an early visit to the Laguna Nimez Reserve to photograph native waterfowl, flamingos and a variety of songbirds.  Then we depart on a full day drive leaving Argentina at the Cancha Carrera post and entering into Chile near the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. Shortly after crossing the border we make our way to the historic Estancia Cerro Guido, one of Patagonia’s largest estancias. Commanding views of the famous Towers of Paine from the dining room window. Overnight Estancia Cerro Guido.

 April 24: Today we rise at dawn to photograph the famous Paine Towers returning for a relaxed breakfast.  From there we will make our way into Torres del Paine National Park for a full-day photographic journey. We will choose what to do considering the weather, views, and desires of the group. Valle Frances, Glacier Grey (possible boat trip across lake to base of glacier) or Valle del Silencio, a day without need for definition as the photographic opportunities abound. Overnight at Pampa Lodge. 

 April 25: We have another full day to explore and photograph this magnificent park. We will seek out spectacular waterfalls, magical mountain landscapes accented by the autumn foliage and, the abundant native Patagonian wildlife such as condors, rheas, foxes. Perhaps, if luck is on our side, we may even be able to spot the elusive Puma! Overnight at Pampa Lodge. 

 April 26: We have another full day to explore and photograph this magnificent park. We will seek out spectacular waterfalls, magical mountain landscapes accented by the autumn foliage and, the abundant native Patagonian wildlife such as condors, rheas, foxes. Perhaps, if luck is on our side, we may even be able to spot a Puma! Overnight at Pampa Lodge. 

 April 27: After our last morning in the park, that can be an early one again to get the sunrise, we will start our full-day journey south to Punta Arenas via the newly completed south road, stopping for lunch in Puerto Natales where we will have ample time to eat, walk the waterfront, and do some shopping for maps, gifts, etc. There are also opportunities to photograph native waterfowl along the shore here.  In Punta Arenas we will stay at the historic Hotel Jose Noguiera, former residence of the famous Sara Braun, known as “The Queen of Patagonia”.   Evening dinner at a favorite local restaurant for a special farewell celebration.

 April 28: After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.  End of tour……..

 Price: US $8,320p.p. based on shared room, US $9,975 single private room.

 Included: All hotel accommodations, meals, ground transportation, local guides and photo instruction. 

Not Included: International and domestic airfare, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (bottled water included at meals), park entrance fees, optional boat tours, gratuities for local guides and hotel/restaurant staff, laundry service. 

 *note: this itinerary may require some slight modifications prior to tour date.