Group of light-brown-&-tan guanacos stands in a bright green grassy field with snowcapped peaks in the background on a sunny day.
Red & white boat cruises beside a massive blue glacier in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile.
Young buck walks on a pebble beach beside calm water with green & gold hillside behind, seen during the Patagonia Wildlife Safari.
Close up of the face of a puma with beige fur & dark eyes, seen during the Patagonia Wildlife Safari in Torres del Paine.
Traveler walks down an empty gravel road with bright green grassy fields on either side, heading toward massive snow-covered peaks.
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South America Patagonia Land Tour

Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Torres del Paine National Park’s magnificent and unrivaled flora, fauna and stunning vistas are at your fingertips with this customized Patagonia trip, allowing you to handpick daily activities such as cycling, hikes and nature walks, returning home to EcoCamp at the end of each day for cozy dome accommodations and sublime meals. We’ve listed the full details for the 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari, but this trip may be booked as a 4-, 5- or 6-day trip as well.

Patagonia is a vast and diverse region, with scenery ranging from dramatic mountain formations and smoky volcanoes to flat barren pampa and expansive ice fields. At the far south of the Andes is the Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere and home to the Patagonia Wildlife Safari and EcoCamp. The dramatic mountain formations here are crowded with glaciers, lakes, fjords, ancient forests and wildlife such as guanacos, flamingos, condors, ñandus and huemules. There’s also some of the most magnificent trekking and nature in the world. With custom levels of activities to choose from – easy or active – the Patagonia Wildlife Safari adventure is outdoor recreation at its best!

Read on for details about this trip, or view all of AdventureSmith’s Patagonia tours and Patagonia trips.



Itinerary

Patagonia Wildlife Safari Itinerary

This customizable 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari begins and ends in either Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Puerto Natales (PNT).

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Day 1
Arrive Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine, Chile

The Patagonia Wildlife Safari starts in Punta Arenas early morning, either at your hotel or at the airport. You’ll be picked up from Punta Arenas and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, for briefing and your first night’s stay. On the way, stop at Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza, “Last Hope Sound,” to enjoy a hearty lunch* with delicious local food. The journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes. The day ends with your overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer, the sun sets around 11:00pm, so upon arrival there’s plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

*Please note: Buses leave El Calafate at 11:45am in October, rather than the typical 7:00-8:00am, and thus October departures do not stop for lunch and instead drive straight to EcoCamp for the briefing and dinner. This may affect Monday connections in November, please confirm with your Adventure Specialist upon booking.

Accommodations

EcoCamp

Meals

lunch or box lunch and dinner

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Days 2 - 6
Various Daily Patagonia Excursions

During your Patagonia Wildlife Safari you can choose between easy or active excursions – depending on your mood, weather conditions and travel companions’ preferences. Detailed below are the activities, which vary in availability depending on the day of the week and local conditions. Each day ends back at EcoCamp for dinner and relaxation:

Estancia Day & Horse Riding (EASY) – WED

After breakfast at Ecocamp, head towards the enchanting Estancia Dos Elianas and be greeted with a brief but informative session on horse riding. Begin with a thrilling 2-hour ride to the breathtaking Sierra Ballena. Around noon, enjoy lunch before embarking on a captivating tour of the Estancia. Witness the arrieros in action, tending to their flock, shearing wool and gracefully riding horses. Gather for another delightful meal using local ingredients. Then bid farewell to this mesmerizing haven and head back to Ecocamp, arriving around 5:00 pm. Activity: Horseback Riding. Distance: 3.7 miles. Riding Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 501 feet. *Please note: Available horses are limited. During September and May, this excursion will be replaced with Condor & Salto Grande Lookouts.

Towers Base Trek (ACTIVE) – MON, WED, THU, SAT

After a hearty breakfast, walk from EcoCamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower’s eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. The big challenge comes on the climb up the steep moraine, leading toward one of the world’s most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (9,350 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and your picnic box lunch, backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp. Activity: Demanding Hiking. Distance: 14 miles. Walking Time: 9 hours. Altitude: 2,880 feet.

Pehoe Lake Boat Ride & French Valley Hike (ACTIVE) – MON, THU, SAT

After breakfast, drive toward the Pudeto dock, on the shores of Pehoe Lake. Board the catamaran, then disembark on the northwest shore of the lake to begin the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley) along a steep trail into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep you go depends on the group’s rhythm. An active walk leads to the hanging bridge over the French River, at the foot of the Massif’s southeastern face. Continue to the valley’s upper section to admire the area’s entire group of geological formations, then enjoy a picnic rest. This day’s adventure ends with a descent through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest at Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. From here, board the catamaran back to Pudeto, where you will be transported back to EcoCamp. Note that the catamaran does not operate in May, and this excursion will be replaced by a 9-mile trek to Los Cuernos. Activity: Demanding Hiking. Distance: 13 miles. Walking Time: 7 hours. Altitude: 1,640 feet. *Note: In May, the catamaran is out of service and therefore the French Valley excursion is replaced by a 7.5-mile hike to Valle Encantado (Seron Woods).

Drive & Walk Western Lakes & Grey Glacier Boat Ride (EASY) – TUE, FRI

Drive across the Park, admiring the view of snowy Paine Grande and Los Cuernos with its black, granite horn-like spires. Stop at various viewpoints on the way to enjoy observing and photographing herds of guanacos, Andean condors and interesting flora. Walking along the shores of Lake Pehoe, see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls and enjoy a spectacular lookout point. From here, drive up to Grey Lake and wander along the beach. Here enjoy a tasty box lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Grey Glacier. After this incredible up-close look at the glacier, drive back to EcoCamp. Activity: Nature Walk & Boat Trip. Distance: 1 mile. Walking Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 660 feet.

Please be aware that the Grey Glacier boat trip is subject to availability, so please confirm your reservation in order to participate on the day of your arrival. During the shoulder season months of September, October and April, the boat trip to Grey Glacier may be canceled as the boat requires a minimum of 15 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case, an alternative excursion in the park will be planned. *Note: In May, the catamaran is out of service and therefore the Grey Glacier boat ride is replaced by a 5.6-mile Pingo Trail Nature Walk.

Western Lakes Drive & Cerro Ferrier Hike (ACTIVE) – TUE, FRI

Drive across the Park to Grey Lake, then pause and raise eyes to the huge peaks of the east. This windswept rock monster is Cerro Ferrier which, standing at 5,246 feet, makes a rewarding (but intense) hike. First, pass through a forest that gives a fascinating insight into the diversity of austral trees. Here meet all the classics, lenga, coihue, ñire, and with luck meet the famous South American deer, the huemul, which is a national natural monument (keen-eyed watchers will remember it from the Chilean coat of arms) Activity: Hiking. Distance: 7.5 miles. Walking Time: 4 hours. Altitude: 2,106 feet.

Lazo Weber Hike (ACTIVE) – TUE, FRI

Start the day at 8:30am with breakfast at EcoCamp and a moment to prepare your box lunch before boarding your bus at 10:00am. Drive past the Lazo Weber Estancia where you’ll enter the National Park via Laguna Verde and begin this active hike. The Lazo Weber Trail is packed with native flora and wildlife, so have your cameras ready to snap pics of the guanacos, owls, eagles, condors and caranchos, another bird of prey, all with the mountainous Paine range on your right. The hike is rather easy, and apart from a few hills, the trail remains rather flat. Stop a moment to refuel by the magical Laguna Honda, and enjoy the sights and sensations of the gorgeous landscape and fresh breeze. On your way, hike through one of the quietest forests in the national park, a fantastic opportunity to observe native trees such as the lenga and the coihue. From here, continue to a lookout point (El Toro Lookout) where you’ll be wowed with a 360-degree view of the Paine mountain range, the Patagonian Andes and a suite of rivers and lakes (including the Paine, Grey and Serrano Rivers, and Lake Toro, the largest in the region). An hour’s descent towards Paine River will reunite you with your van. On your way home, search for more animals to photograph and take a final moment to enjoy the scenery. Activity: Hiking. Distance: 7.5 miles. Walking Time: 6 hours. Altitude: 2,300 feet.

Sarmiento & Sarmiento Chico Lakes (EASY) – MON, SAT

This peaceful, predominantly flat hike features incredibly diverse natural landscapes and offers the opportunity to delight in a strikingly blue lake, which is isolated from all other aquatic systems in the area. There will be plenty of opportunities to spot many elegant guanacos and grebes along the way. We will first examine the geology of the area’s turbidite rock folds, before descending the isthmus that separates Lake Sarmiento from Lake Sarmiento Chico (the two lakes were once a single body of water), walking along a slight slope and wandering along the eastern edge of Lake Sarmiento Chico. You will eventually reach a stunning bay on the western side of Lake Sarmiento, admiring a stunning view that could easily be mistaken for a work of art. Here you can also study the calcium deposits characteristic of the area. Then your ascent back to the van begins, and along the way you will come across a stunning panoramic view of Lake Sarmiento from its western shore, looking towards its eastern shore shining on the horizon. Activity: Nature Walk. Distance: 3 miles. Walking Time: 2 hours. Altitude: 501 feet.

Wild Horse Tracking (ACTIVE) – SUN

After a buffet breakfast at EcoCamp, head towards the Laguna Azul sector. Begin your journey by 4×4 through the folds of the Cordillera Masle, to experience the Cordillera Baguales, Salto Las Chinas and Barranca de Los Toros pass. After about 40 minutes, arrive at a typical puesto where Patagonian gauchos would take refuge while caring for their livestock. Here, hear a short but interesting introduction to the area’s history and the evolution and characteristics of its wild horses. With the help of satellite tracking equipment, coupled with your guide’s experience and knowledge, begin your trek, searching for the 100 untamed horses that remain isolated in this sector surrounded by mountains, lakes and plains, in the most pristine and untouched terrain of Torres del Paine. Depending on the location of the horses, choose a lunch spot and share stories and experiences. Tracking, observing and analyzing the horses in such natural surroundings is incomparable. Additionally, enjoy fantastic views of Lago Stokes, the Cordillera Dickson and the imposing Towers. After 7-8 hours, return to EcoCamp, ready to enjoy an aperitif before settling down to a warm meal. Activity: Nature Walk. Distance: 4 miles. Walking Time: 6 hours. Altitude: 984 feet.

*Please note: Wild Horse Tracking is not available during May and September (low season), when the excursion will be replaced by a short nature walk close to EcoCamp.

Accommodations

EcoCamp

Meals

breakfast, box lunch and dinner

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Day 7
Depart Torres del Paine, Chile

Board an early-morning vehicle, sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas on time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Those heading to Argentina board an earlier transfer heading to the border.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast and box lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation at EcoCamp; transportation to/from El Calafate (this includes public bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal); meals as indicated, including daily box lunches and house wine with dinner; all ground transport as indicated in the itinerary; English-speaking escort guide; park fees for Torres del Paine National Park; boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake.

Exclusions

Airfare; insurance (it is mandatory that you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip); voluntary tipping to guides and staff; soft drinks or snacks not served with the meals included at EcoCamp; extra drinks/snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park (bringing cash in US$ is suggested); items of a personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 50 days – 50% of total trip cost
49 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Patagonia Wildlife Safari begins and ends in either Punta Arenas (PUQ) or Puerto Natales (PNT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. There are two daily arrival transfers: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Plan flights to arrive to Punta Arenas on Day 1 before 11:00am for the morning transfer, or before 3:00pm for the afternoon transfer. For pick up in Puerto Natales, plan flights to arrive on Day 1 before 2:40pm for the morning transfer, or before 4:30pm for the afternoon transfer. There is one daily departure transfer. Plan flights to depart Puerto Natales no earlier than 12:30pm on the final day. For drop off in Punta Arenas, plan flights to depart on the final day no earlier than 3:30pm. Transfers between Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales/El Calafate and EcoCamp are provided (inquire for details on arrival from or departure to El Calafate). Earlier, private or semi-private transfers can be arranged for a fee. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit ourBooking Flights resource page.

Activities

Optional, added-cost activities may include: spa & massage services on site. Included activities have a typical group size of 8-12 travelers, plus guiding staff. Maximum group size is 16 people. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:12.

Room Configuration

All domes may be booked for single occupancy at an added cost; Suite Domes may also be booked for triple or quad occupancy. If you are a solo traveler then you will be expected to share a dome with another traveler of the same gender. If there is availability at EcoCamp, most likely in low season, you may be allocated your own dome. EcoCamp follows this sharing policy in order to keep dome numbers to a minimum and preserve the surrounding wilderness as much as possible. Of course, you are entitled to pay for the whole dome to avoid sharing. Contact AdventureSmith for single rates at EcoCamp. Please note Standard Domes do not have electricity or a heater.

Families & Children

Children 6 to 12 years old sharing a dome with 2 adults receive a 50% discount. Minimum age 6 to participate in program. Children aged 6 to 9 are welcome to participate in nature walks. Children aged 10 to 12 may participate in trekking excursions, but the family must hire a private assistant guide. Children aged 12 and up are welcome to participate in all activities and are treated as adults.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

The operator may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife and unplanned discoveries. The ability to be spontaneous makes this style of adventure travel unique.

Rates & Dates

Trip Rates & Details

Trips run daily, September through May. In addition to the rates and dates listed below, 4- and 6-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari itineraries are available. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and more information.

2024-25 Season:
Low: Sep 7-30, 2024; May 1-4, 2025
Shoulder: Oct 1-31, 2024; Apr 1-30, 2025
High: Nov 1-Dec 14, 2024; Jan 15-Mar 31, 2025
Peak: Dec 15, 2024-Jan 14, 2025

 

2024-25 Low Season
EcoCamp Patagonia
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From $1235USD
Per Person
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2024-25 Shoulder Season
EcoCamp Patagonia
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From $1505USD
Per Person
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2024-25 High Season
EcoCamp Patagonia
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From $2565USD
Per Person
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2024-25 Peak Season
EcoCamp Patagonia
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From $2860USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary

Lodge
EcoCamp Patagonia

EcoCamp is situated in the very heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, and provides the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, complete with green technology and individual geodesic domes.

Expert Review

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • July 3rd, 2018
Expert Review: EcoCamp & the Towers Base Hike

See what it's like to hike to the Towers Base in Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park, and why EcoCamp lodge is the best basecamp for this famous trek.

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Good Balance Between Sustainable Adventure Travel & Comfort"

I loved the EcoCamp in Patagonia--every evening, you can decide with the help of staff and fellow travelers what you'll be doing the following day, depending on how you're feeling. Every choice of activity level is top-quality. The EcoCamp represents a good balance between sustainable adventure travel and comfort, and the staff succeeds in quickly building a sense of community.

Overall
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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"This Was a Trip of a Lifetime"

Smooth trip, great guides. Patagonia is obviously one of the most beautiful places on earth. Torres del Paine is almost terrifying in its beauty. The (reasonably) close contact with wildlife/birds is extraordinary.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
4 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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Patagonia Wildlife Safari