Itinerary:

Nov.  15: Arrive Balmaceda/Coyhaique (BBA) airport and transfer to the Estancia Punta del Monte near the Argentine border. This is an authentic Patagonian sheep estancia of 13,000 hectares owned by the Galilea family.  We will be staying in the family’s rustic ranch home this evening and will enjoy a delicious home cooked meal.  Shared bath and no internet this evening.

 Nov. 16:  Pre-dawn departure accompanied by ranch owner Alejandro to photograph Condors at one of two roosting locations located within the estancia.  Later we return to the main house where we will be treated to an authentic Patagonian lamb roast. Late afternoon drive to Coyhaique. Overnight Hotel Nomades.

 Nov. 17: Drive South on the Carretera Austral through Cerro Castillo Reserve. Commanding views of Cerro Castillo and it’s jagged spires. Then on to Puerto Tranquilo on Lago General Carrera. South America’s 2ndlargest lake.  Overnight Hostal El Puesto.

 Nov. 18:  AM excursion on new road going into the Valle Exploradores. Our main goal is to get a view of Cerro San Valentin (Patagonia’s highest summit  at over 14,000 feet. Countless other high mountains and glaciers. Here we delve into Patagonia’s temperate coastal rainforest with many waterfalls, lakes, birds and a profusion wildflowers.  Overnight Hostal El Puesto.

 Nov. 19:  AM visit to the exotic Marble Caves along the shoreline of Lago General Carrera by boat.  Drive South on the Carretera Austral visiting Puerto Bertrand and the Baker River falls.  Then continue on to the Valle Chacabuco (the future Patagonia National Park). This is the flagship park of the late Douglas Tomkins and his wife Kristine. Part of what is perhaps the world’s largest wilderness conservation initiatve. Overnight in luxury at the exclusive “Lodge” located at the park’s extensive administration area. 

 Nov. 20: Early morning departure driving east through the heart of the future Patagonia National Park. Numerous opportunities to photograph native Guanacos, 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 2ndhighest summit. We will make our way to the remote town of Lago Posadas where we will overnight at La Posada del Posadas.

 Nov. 21: Early AM departure to try and catch the dawn alpine glow bathing Cerro San Lorenzo. There is also a very interesting Tehuelche Indian pictograph site we could visit. Today involves a 1-hr drive east through the vast Patagonian pampas and then on south along Argentina’s historic Ruta 40 ending in Perito Moreno National Park, one of Patagonia's most remote and least visited national parks. The park has several large lakes and wonderful views of Cerro San Lorenzo, Patagonia's 2nd highest peak. We will overnight at a historic sheep estancia inside the park. 

 Nov. 22:   Early AM start to try and catch the dawn alpenglow on Cerro San Lorenzo and the surrounding peaks. Today we will have a full day to explore Perito Moreno National Park which has populations of all of Patagonia's representative birds and mammals. Overnight at historic sheep estancia. 

 Nov. 23:   Following another sunrise shoot, we drive back to  Ruta 40 and on north taking a detour to visit the famous Cueva de Manos, Patagonia’s most important archeological site.  From there we will make our way back to Ruta 40 continuing on to on the town of Los Antiguos on the south shore of Lago Buenos Aires (General Carrera in Chile). From here we will cross the border back into Chile and to the nearby town of Chile Chico.  Overnight at a local B&B in Chile Chico.  

Nov. 24: Today we will have a full day to explore the shore Lago General Carrera and parts of the nearby Jeinemeini Reserve which adjoins the Patagonia National Park. Overnight at a local B&B in Chile Chico. 

Nov 25:  The following day we will take the ferry across the lake to Puerto Ibanez on the north shore.  Depending on the Ferry schedule, we may take a morning drive to explore the nearby Jeinimeni Reserve before meeting the ferry. From Puerto Ibanez we continue on back through the Cerro Castillo Reserve and on to Coyhaique. We check in to our hotel (Nomades) and later gather for a final farewell dinner at a wonderful local restaurant just down the street. 

 Nov. 26: Today you will be free to sleep in before being transferred to the Balmaceda airport for your flight home.  End of tour……

*Price: US$6,650 per person based on double occupancy. US$7,950 private single room.  

Includes: all hotels, meals, transportation, guiding and park entrance fees.  

Not Included:   international or domestic airfare, alcoholic beverages, laundry and gratuities for hotel/restaurant staff and local guides. 

*Note: Itinerary may require some slight modifications prior to departure.