Fresh off a return from a magical trip to the Galápagos, Knowmad ambassadors and sisters Joyce, Carol, and Gail couldn’t get enough and were looking for another South American adventure. This time, they set their sights on a Patagonia adventure that offered plenty of hiking but with flexibility, creature comforts in places that felt authentically Patagonian, and the chance to experience both the Chilean and Argentine sides. With only about ten days on the ground, the focus was entirely on Patagonia, with little time spent in cities or other regions.
Hiking, Wildlife, and Warm Hospitality
“We three 65+ sisters didn’t think we’d ever experience a trip as amazing as our Knowmad Galapagos journey, but Patagonia was just as wonderful in its own way!
After conferring with the knowledgeable Knowmad staff, we decided to visit both the Argentine and Chilean sides of the Andes, and we were so glad we did. On the Argentina side, we visited the Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate, which was magnificent. Wooden walkways brought us very close to the glacier, and we watched as huge chunks of ice calved and thundered into the water. Another hike, this one to Glacier Grande, took us through a magical, Tolkien-like forest, across two lakes, and into a valley of glacial moraine ringed by snowy peaks, where we experienced five minutes of sleet and then sunshine — and we were the only ones on the trail!
We hit a total whiteout blizzard traveling by van from Argentina to Chile — a real nail-biter. However, the driver remained calm and handled the situation very well. Later, as we dropped back into the sunny valley, he turned to us with a grin and said, “Welcome to Patagonia!”
In Chile, the true highlight was our stay at Estancia Cerro Guido in remote Patagonia. We absolutely loved it there (and wish we had never left!). Every morning, we ate our delicious breakfast with a distant view of the Torres del Paine mountains turning pink. The family atmosphere, the amazing meals, the understated elegance of the rooms, and the commitment to wildlife conservation made this place so special. The excellent staff met with us as soon as we arrived, made sure we felt welcome, and steered us to the appropriate activities. There was even a welcome bonfire. The hikes (which included Torres del Paine National Park) were full of stunning views, wheeling condors, and distant herds of guanacos. On a conservation tour, we watched as a mother puma guided her three cubs across a dirt road right in front of us! An incredible moment.
We are adventurous, but Knowmad allowed us to venture into the unknown with the confidence that high-quality guides and drivers would be waiting for us. They helped us build a customized itinerary that exactly suited our interests, selecting from a list of suggestions from a staff of experts with personal experience in specific locations. Once the itinerary was set, they were also available to answer our (endless) questions before the trip.
Honestly, the most stressful thing for us was figuring out how much and when to tip, and whether we should use cash or credit card and in US dollars or local currency. We would recommend taking some time with Knowmad staff to figure all this out — because you will want to reward all the amazing drivers, staff and guides you encounter!”
— Joyce, just back from a 10-day, custom-built Patagonia adventure and her 2nd Knowmad trip
SISTERS’ CHILE & ARGENTINA PATAGONIA ADVENTURE
Itinerary
DAY 1 USA – Buenos Aires
Take an overnight flight, arriving in Buenos Aires the following morning.
DAY 2 Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, you will be taken to your accommodations by your Knowmad guide.
- No meals – L’Hotel, 1 Single room & 1 Twin Roomr
DAY 3 Buenos Aires – El Calafate
Enjoy a guided half-day exploration of Buenos Aires, visiting neighborhoods such as San Telmo and La Boca. You will also explore the Recoleta district which includes South America’s most opulent cemetery. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. In Calafate, transfer to your accommodations with a Knowmad guide.
- B – Kau Yatun, Triple Room
DAY 4 Perito Moreno Glacier
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and its various viewpoints. Then, meet your kayaking team for a safety briefing before paddling toward the glacier, facing it as you glide along its waters (small group).
- B, box L – Kau Yatun, Triple Room
DAY 5 Grande Glacier
Explore the beautiful glacier country of Argentina today (in shared-group). Arrive at the pier and start by sailing along the south arm of Lago Argentino, where you will then disembark and hike to Frias Lake. From there, cross this smaller lake on a zodiac, and continue hiking down the glacial moraine to Glaciar Grande, taking in its magnificence while enjoying a box lunch. Afterwards, hike back to Frias Lake, cross again on the zodiac, and hike to your boat. Sail on Lago Argentino to the pier and then return to El Calafate.
Hike Details: 8.5 miles, roughly 8 hours in glacier country (5 hours trekking), moderate hike
- B, box L – Kau Yatun, Triple Room
DAY 6 El Calafate, Argentina – Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Take the shared-guest transfer across the border to Torres del Paine (vehicle changes may occur at the border). Due to customs and border crossing, total travel time may be around 4-6 hours. While at your lodge, enjoy a range of small group excursions, gourmet food and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Guides will explain the excursion options each night to plan your activities for the next day. Conservation project & fly-fishing excursions are available at an additional cost and should be arranged in advance.
- B, Box L, D – Estancia Cerro Guido, Triple Room
DAYS 7-9 Torres del Paine National Park
Continue enjoying your adventures at the lodge and throughout Torres del Paine.
- B, L, D – Estancia Cerro Guido, Triple Room
DAY 10 Torres del Paine National Park – Patagonia – Santiago
Transfer by shared-guest transfer to Punta Arenas airport (4-5 hours) or Puerto Natales airport (2-hours), depending on flight availability. In Santiago, transfer to your accommodations with your Knowmad guide.
- B, L (*dependent on departure time) –Bidasoa, Single King Room & Twin Room (2 Queens)
DAY 11 Santiago – USA
Today you will be taken on a guided half-day exploration of Santiago, visiting the Presidential Palace, the pedestrian streets Huérfanos and Ahumada, and Parque Forestal or Santa Lucía Hill. Also visit one of the famous museums in Santiago to learn more about the culture. This evening, transfer to the airport with your Spanish-speaking driver for your international, overnight flight home.
- B
DAY 12 USA
Arrive home.
Interested in creating your own incredible experience in Patagonia? Give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] today!
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly-operated trip.
