dragon de la patagonia

Dragón de la Patagoniaextraordinary experiences for the active

& sophisticated traveler

Colophon

This brochure is copyright Dragón de la Patagonia.

All rights reserved.

Text and editing by Sarah Anderson and Raquel London.

Design by Zeptonn: www.zeptonn.nl

Photography by Marc van der Aa, Raquel London, Edo

Plantinga, Whalesound, Lodge Cerro Guido, Fortaleza

Patagonia, Patagom Lila, Serac Andinismo, Marpatag.

© 2009 Dragón de la Patagonia

About Dragón de la Patagonia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4The Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Torres del Paine National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Los Glaciares National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Patagonia in Winter (May to August) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Patagonia in Summer (October to March) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Winter trips Winter Granite (8 days, challenging level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Winter Glaciers (12 days, challenging level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Winter Wildlife (8 days, comfortable level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Winter Lakes (11 days, comfortable level of activity, no camping). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Summer tripsHidden Valleys (8 days, challenging level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Granite Trails (12 days, challenging level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Forests and Glaciers (8 days, comfortable level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Fjords and Mountains (12 days, comfortable level of activity, no camping) . . . . . . . . . 24

SpecialsPatagonia Yoga Experience (8 days, activity level depending on each person, no camping) . . 26Whales of Magellan Strait (8 days, comfortable level of activity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Customize your trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Index

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Dragón de la Patagonia is a new tour operator in South Patagonia specializing in extraordinary experiences for the active and sophisticated traveler.

Our tours are luxurious, but our understanding of the word luxury has much less to do with cost than with quality of experience. The luxury can be found in the special attention and the superior level of personal service on our trips. We also place the utmost importance on the quality of the hotels we work with and have chosen them very carefully. Our hotels are almost always state of the art boutique hotels with a great reputation for service and level of comfort. However, in many programs one or two nights of wilderness camping are also included, because we just don’t want you to miss out on the best places.

Besides the highlights of Patagonia, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine, our tours often include unusual destinations like the Tyndall Glacier, and the Bader Valley, both in Torres del Paine National Park or Cerro Benitez and Laguna Verde both excellent locations for spotting condors. We love introducing you to places where few people have ever set foot and thoroughly enjoy our continuous search for new and exciting things to do.

Also, Dragón de la Patagonia is a pioneer of winter travel in Torres del Paine National Park. Although almost all travelers visit in summer, we believe the winter to be an excellent time of year to experience Patagonia. The calmer weather, fresh snow and virtual absence of tourism offer many fantastic possibilities.

Come with us and enjoy the great outdoors of Patagonia!

Dragón de la

Patagonia

Dragón de la Patagonia The company is named after a small and unusual insect called Andiperla willinki, commonly known as the Dragon de la Patagonia. This amazing insect lives in the cold and clear ice-water of the glaciers’ crevices. It is a surprising, original and beautiful little animal and we are proud to have it represent us.

Raquel LondonRaquel was born in The Netherlands where she studied cognitive psychology, but her curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering new places led her to Patagonia where she has been traveling and leading tours since 2005. After two years Raquel’s experiences

as a tour leader and her talent for organization led her to found Dragón de la Patagonia of which she is the proud and happy owner.

Roxana Romo Roxana is from Punta Arenas, but chose to live and work here in Puerto Natales, close to nature and with many opportunities to go horse-riding which she loves! Roxana is responsible for receiving our travelers in the office. Through her astute questions

and patient smile she is able to help almost anyone with absolutely anything when it comes to travel.

The TeamCristian Oyarzo

Cristian was born in Puerto Natales and has spent all of his adult life (and most of his youth as well!) at work and at play in the mountains and fjords of the region. He has over 15 years of experience exploring and guiding in Patagonia, Spain, France

and Peru. Cristian is responsible for safely guiding us off the beaten track to exciting new places. He studied mountaineering and mountaineering safety at the “Escuela Española de Alta Montaña”.

Julieta Fernandez Julieta is possibly the most enthusiastic and dedicated guide to have ever set foot in Patagonia. This Argentine painter and very experienced trekking guide can often be found running up and down steep mountain trails for work or just for fun.

Julieta enjoys sharing her passion for geology, glaciers and showing you birds, flowers and mushrooms. She is certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Pedro Moita

Pedro was born in Portugal, where he received a degree in economics. Pedro has worked as a volunteer ranger for Torres del Paine National Park and he has led trips throughout Southern Patagonia, specializing in bird watching, botany,

geology and glaciology. His knowledge of the region and his gentle and unflappable personality make him an excellent guide and we are happy to call him a part of the team. He is certified in Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

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Torres del Paine National

Park

In the far south of Chile lies a remote and unspoiled part of Patagonia that offers the visitor unique and exceptional experiences in one of the most pristine places on the planet.

Torres del Paine takes its name from the three granite towers that dominate the landscape of one of the finest parks in South America. These sheer peaks, the distinctive Cuernos (horns) and Paine Grande, the highest mountain in the area at 3050 meters, all form the Paine Massif which is the centerpiece of this dazzling national park.

The Massif was formed by the erosion of retreating glaciers which created the stunning French, Bader and Ascencio valleys leaving behind the impressive granite mountains so characteristic of the park. Located on the eastern edge of the South Patagonian Ice Field the park comprises soaring peaks, imposing glaciers and icebergs, vividly colored lakes and rivers, waterfalls, dense forests and open pampas.

In this far-flung location the weather can be extremely unpredictable and the legendary Patagonian wind is fairly constant throughout spring and summer. The varying micro-climates within the Park mean that a day’s hike could possibly include sunny cloudless skies, occasional showers, raging winds, a light fall of snow finishing with a serene and spectacular sunset.

Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet, with vast stretches of unending snow-covered peaks and valleys hidden deep in the heart of the mighty Andes.

The park is known for its numerous glaciers, the most famous of which is the Perito Moreno Glacier with its 60-meter high front from which massive ice bergs are constantly launched into the lake with thunderous splashes. These glaciers all spill down from the South Patagonian Ice Field, the largest unbroken ice mass outside of the polar circles. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with rugged, towering mountains and many turquoise glacial lakes, including Lago Argentino in the south and Lago Viedma in the north.

In the south, the most important attraction of this region is the Perito Moreno glacier. This massive 5 km-wide glacier is renowned as one of the few glaciers that is still advancing and every so often crowds gather to watch the breathtaking collapse of what is an ice bridge separating the Brazo Rico arm from the rest of Lago Argentino. The outstanding and much wilder northern sector of Los Glaciares National Park is home to the famous peaks of Cerro Fitzroy and Cerro Torre, sheer walls of granite crowned by jagged peaks.

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Winter is when the wind calms down and silence settles over the rugged landscape of Patagonia. The waters of the fjords are mirrors of calm and the short days bring us the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The fresh snow and crisp air invite us to come out and play.

Dragón de la Patagonia is a pioneer of winter travel in Torres del Paine National Park. Although (but also partly because) almost all travelers visit in summer, we believe the winter to be an excellent time of year to experience Patagonia. The weather is calmer, many animals come out of hiding and the snow offers fresh possibilities.

Join us and see for yourself what our Patagonian winter has to offer. Put on some snowshoes and hike with us to El Bloque, overlooking the famous granite towers, or visit Laguna Verde to spot nesting condors and pumas who frequently make an appearance in wintertime. Be one of the very small number of people who has ventured to these latitudes at this magical time of year and feel what it is like to really discover something new and exciting.

Winter season runs from May to August

Patagonia in Winter

In the summer Patagonia is at its wildest; the typical winds blow and give you what we call “the real Patagonian Experience”. The long days give us the opportunity to enjoy the shocking landscapes from early morning to almost midnight, treating us to a variety of different weather between each sunrise and sunset. On lucky days the sky is blue and you may even get to sunbathe surrounded by icebergs.

Visit us in summer, and you’ll have the opportunity to hike onto the glaciers and learn about these giants up close, or take an incredible trek into the hidden and unknown Bader Valley surrounding yourself with the many granite spires of Torres del Paine National Park. This is also the best season to spend some time on an Estancia learning about these enormous cattle ranches and how they work, or just enjoying horse-riding across the vast pampas. Discover Patagonia in all of these many ways for the experience of a lifetime.

Summer season runs from October to March

Patagonia in Summer

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The base of the towers is one of the most visited places in Torres del Paine National Park in summer. However in winter it transforms into a solitary and magical place perfect for enjoying this unusual adventure. Camp El Bloque lies above the usual lookout and offers a spectacular and privileged view of the three granite monoliths that tower over a small glacier and lagoon. With this trip we dare you to spend an unforgettable night, up close to the Torres del Paine. Also we offer you the chance to marvel at the picturesque surroundings of Puerto Natales in wintertime, sure to surprise you with its pristine and rugged beauty. Outdoor activities are strenuous. Accommodation in upscale boutique hotels and one night of wilderness camping.

Winter Granite

• Visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, one of the few glaciers still advancing.

• Quietly kayak around the Cisne Norte Bay observing the amazing birdlife so plentiful in winter time.

• Hike to Camp El Bloque using snowshoes and camp overnight next to the imposing towers in the Torres del Paine National Park.

• Indulge yourself at the boutique Indigo Hotel and Spa overlooking Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

HighlightsW

inter

Program challenging level of activity

Day 1 Arrive at the town of El Calafate, the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park.

Day 2 Visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park to watch and hear immense icebergs breaking off and crashing into Lago Argentino. Drive to Puerto Natales, Chile.

Day 3 This kayak excursion in the Cisne Norte Bay is wonderful for bird watching. Swans, flamingos and many other water birds can be closely observed.

Day 4 Hike up the Ascencio Valley, using snowshoes where needed, to the base of the Torres del Paine. Continue on to Camp El Bloque offering awesome views of the soaring granite peaks and the Las Torres Glacier. Overnight camping.

Day 5 Hike back down the Ascencio Valley through native beech forests and return to Puerto Natales. Relax at Indigo Hotel and Spa.Day 6 Enjoy a half-day horse ride near scenic Laguna Sofía

accompanied by a local “baqueano”.Day 7 Drive back to El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino

and spend the afternoon enjoying some free time.Day 8 Transfer to El Calafate airport.

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Winter Glaciers

This winter trip is designed with the hardy and experienced trekker in mind who is looking for a new and exciting way to experience the jaw dropping landscapes Patagonia has to offer. Be a part of this otherworldly landscape in wintertime, when Patagonia can still be considered a remote and truly wild place on earth. On this trip you’ll enjoy challenging day hikes to the most breathtaking locations Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks have to offer. Part of this unique trip takes place off trail and will take you to Tyndall Glacier, one of the largest of the many glaciers spilling down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field into Torres del Paine National Park. Outdoor activities are strenuous. Accommodation at upscale boutique hotels and two nights of wilderness camping.


Day 2 Visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park to witness the roaring spectacle of immense icebergs breaking off and crashing into Lago Argentino. Drive to Puerto Natales, Chile.


Day 4 Drive to Torres del Paine and put on some snowshoes to start hiking through the dense forests of Pingo Valley. Have the rare chance to see one of the smallest deers: the shy and near-extinct Huemul. Overnight camping.

Day 5 Spend the day hiking in this challenging terrain where there are no trails, and marvel at the wide expanse of Tyndall Glacier lying before you. Overnight camping.

Day 6 Hike back and drive through the Park enjoying the wonderful winter panoramas of the Paine Massif.

Day 7 Enjoy this famous hike through Ascencio Valley in the privacy of wintertime and reach the base of the breathtaking granite towers that give the Park its name. Return to Puerto Natales and relax at Indigo Hotel

and Spa.Day 8 Drive to El Chaltén and explore this charming little town

that has sprung up in the wilderness from the original climbers’ camp.

Day 9 Hike through luscious beech forests to Laguna Torre for an incomparable panoramic view of the Adela Range, Cerro Torre and the glaciers at its base.

Day 10 Challenge yourself on this world famous hike to Laguna de los Tres where you will be treated to an up close view of the sheer granite wall of gigantic Mt. Fitz Roy.

Day 11 Return to El Calafate in the morning and spend the afternoon enjoying some free time.

Day 12 Transfer to El Calafate airport.


• Visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.

• Kayak around the Cisne Norte Bay observing the amazing birdlife so plentiful in wintertime.

• Snowshoe and camp near Tyndall Glacier, and hike to the “Base de las Torres” in Torres del Paine National Park.

• Hike the famous trails to Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy for some amazing jagged granite and ice landscapes.

• Stay at the state of the art Indigo Hotel and Spa on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

HighlightsW

inter

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The Southern Patagonian winter is a very special time. Not only has it barely been discovered by tourism, it also offers the possibility to encounter the wildlife that remains hidden during summer. The rare pumas wander around in search of the guanacos who have migrated away from their usual grazing grounds. Condors can be found nesting, giving us the opportunity to observe them from up close. This very special trip is perfect for those who love wildlife and are ready to accept the inviting challenge to experience Patagonia in wintertime.

Outdoor activities are moderate, but our Patagonian weather conditions may require some endurance. Lodging at upscale boutique hotels and lodges, and one night of wilderness camping.

Winter Wildlife

• Visit the massive Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.

• Kayak around the Cisne Norte Bay observing the amazing birdlife so plentiful in wintertime.

• Go condor spotting around Laguna Verde and Cerro Benitez with astonishing panoramic views of the Paine Massif.

• Enjoy staying at state of the art Indigo Hotel and Spa overlooking Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

Highlights

Winter

Program comfortable level of activity


Day 2 Visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park to witness the roaring spectacle of immense icebergs breaking off and crashing into Lago Argentino. Drive to Puerto Natales, Chile.


Day 4 Drive to Torres del Paine National Park and slowly immerse yourself in this otherworldly landscape. Short hike to Laguna Verde and first attempt to find the Andean condor. Overnight camping.

Day 5 Hike around Laguna Verde to observe the flora and fauna while enjoying amazing panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Paine Massif. Another great opportunity to find condors. Return to Indigo Hotel and Spa for some rest and relaxation.

Day 6 Short day hike to scenic Cerro Benitez for another chance to spot condors and maybe even glimpse the beautiful puma. See the cave paintings and explore a large prehistoric cave.

Day 7 Drive to El Calafate and enjoy some free time in this picturesque little town.


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If you love the idea of visiting Patagonia in winter to experience all of its wonders, but don’t quite warm to the prospect of camping during this time of year, then this is a great choice for you. Torres del Paine offers many breathtaking panoramas and short day hikes will allow you to enjoy the park and its surroundings to the fullest with special attention to the wildlife. Day hikes in Los Glaciares National Park will have you marveling at the pristine and rugged nature. Enjoy the jaw dropping Perito Moreno glacier in the quiet privacy of wintertime. After these exhilarating days, you’ll come home to warm and comfortable boutique hotels and lodges ensuring an invigorating and relaxing experience.

Outdoor activities are light, but our Patagonian weather conditions may require some endurance. Accommodation in upscale boutique hotels and lodges.

Winter Lakes

Winter

Program comfortable level of activity, no camping


Day 2 Visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in the Los Glaciares National Park to witness the roaring spectacle of immense icebergs breaking off and crashing into Lago Argentino.

Day 3 Drive to Puerto Natales and relax at Indigo Hotel and Spa, overlooking Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

Day 4 Short day hike to scenic Cerro Benitez where you’ll have the chance to spot condors and maybe even glimpse the beautiful puma. See the cave paintings and explore a large prehistoric cave.

Day 5 Drive to Grey Lake and take a short hike up to Ferrier Lookout for an amazing view of the glaciers spilling down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap.

• Explore Torres del Paine National Park in wintertime and search for condors on Cerro Benitez.

• Stay at luxurious Indigo Hotel and Spa overlooking Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

• Make short day hikes around El Chaltén enjoying views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountain ranges.

• Visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier.

Highlights

Day 6 Drive through Torres del Paine National Park and experience its otherworldly landscape. You’ll have a chance to see the Grey Glacier, Lago Nordenskjöld and the Park’s famous granite monoliths. Short hike offering some amazing views of the Paine Massif.

Day 7 Drive to the small town of El Chaltén, the original base camp from which climbers approach the soaring peaks in Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy views of Mount Fitz Roy and the jagged Cerro Torre.

Day 8 Take an easy hike to Laguna Capri which on clear days gloriously reflects the impressive Mount Fitz Roy.

Day 9 Drive to Lago del Desierto (Desert Lake) for a short hike on the shores of this beautiful lake, surrounded by lush Patagonian beech forests.

Day 10 Return to El Calafate and enjoy the day strolling through this picturesque town or go bird watching at the lagoon.

Day 11 Transfer to El Calafate Airport

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Hidden Valleys

This trip for the experienced trekker offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Torres del Paine National Park outside of its known trails. The trip starts in Argentina with a spectacular ice-hike on Perito Moreno Glacier. Then we continue to Torres del Paine National Park where we take you deep inside Bader Valley, one of the most impressive valleys of the Park, where you’ll find yourself in the wild heart of the Paine Massif. The campsite has an unbelievable view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. After a solitary three days on this unspoiled terrain, hike up through the Ascencio Valley for an amazing view of the world-renowned Torres del Paine that give the Park its name.

Outdoor activities are strenuous. Lodging in upscale boutique hotels and two nights of wilderness camping.


Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport.Day 2 Hike across Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares

National Park.Day 3 Drive across the pampas to the small town of Puerto

Natales, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Relax and prepare for the adventures of the next few days.

Day 4 Drive to Torres del Paine National Park and hike up to the entrance of Bader Valley for some stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5 Explore Bader Valley’s wild terrain and be amazed by the jagged peaks with names like Sword, Leaf and El Dorado. Have a chance to see the Cuernos and Torres del Paine from an entirely different vantage point than most get

to enjoy.Day 6 Hike back out of the wilderness and enjoy an afternoon

of well earned rest.Day 7 Follow the famous trail through the Ascencio Valley up

to the base of the Torres del Paine. Relax at Indigo Hotel and Spa.


• Take an adventurous hike onto Perito Moreno Glacier and learn about this spectacular ice mass from up close.

• Camp and hike in the wilderness of the unspoiled Bader Valley in the heart of the Paine Massif and go where few have gone before.

• Hike up through the Ascencio Valley and stand at the base of the famous Torres del Paine.

HighlightsSum

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Granite Trails

This trip is paradise for those trekkers who love their nature rugged and wild. Combine unique off trail explorations with world famous hikes in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. Set foot in the untrodden Bader Valley where you’ll find yourself in the wild heart of the Paine Massif. Be impressed by astonishing views of the granite peaks usually only seen by a few climbers per year looking to conquer the valley’s sheer granite walls. Continue on to the trekkers’ town of El Chaltén from where you’ll have a clear view of legendary Mt. Fitz Roy. Enjoy two challenging day hikes with jaw dropping vistas of the soaring, pink peaks and blue ice fields that dominate this otherworldly landscape.



Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport.Day 2 Hike across Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares

National Park.Day 3 Drive across the pampas to the small town of Puerto

Natales, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Relax and prepare for the adventures of the next few days.

Day 4 Head to Torres del Paine National Park and hike up to the entrance of Bader Valley for some stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 5 Explore Bader Valley’s wild terrain and be amazed by the jagged peaks with names like Sword, Leaf and El Dorado. Have a chance to see the Cuernos and Torres del Paine from an entirely different vantage point than most get

to enjoy.Day 6 Hike back out of the wilderness and enjoy an afternoon

of well earned rest.

Day 7 Follow the famous trail through the Ascencio Valley up to the base of the Torres del Paine. Relax at Indigo Hotel and Spa.Day 8 Drive to El Chaltén and explore this charming little town

that has sprung up in the wilderness from the original climbers’ camp.

Day 9 Hike through luscious beech forests to Laguna Torre for an incomparable panoramic view of the Adela Range, Cerro Torre and the glaciers at its base.

Day 10 Challenge yourself on this world famous hike to Laguna de los Tres where you will be treated to an up close view of the sheer granite wall of gigantic Mt. Fitz Roy.

Day 11 Return to El Calafate in the morning and spend the afternoon horse riding, or just wandering around town and enjoying some free time.



• Camp and hike in the wilderness of the unspoiled Bader Valley in the heart of the Paine Massif.

• Stand at the base of the famous Torres del Paine.

• Hike the scenic trails around El Chaltén to the jagged monoliths of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

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Forests & Glaciers

For those hardy trekkers looking for new and exciting trails to discover, this trip is a dream come true. Tyndall Glacier is one of the largest of the many ice masses that come spilling down from the Southern Patagonia Ice Field into Torres del Paine National Park. This one-of-a-kind program offers the opportunity to undertake a fascinating hike and be completely awed by these expansive ice masses while they still exist. Combine this unique wilderness adventure with the highlights of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks for a legendary experience including an extraordinary hike across Perito Moreno Glacier.



Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport and drive across the pampas to the town of Puerto Natales overlooking Ultima Esperanza Sound.

Day 2 Hike along the river through the dense beech forests of Pingo Valley. Have the rare chance to see one of the smallest deers; the near-extinct Huemul.

Day 3 Spend the day hiking in this rugged terrain where there are no trails, and marvel at the endless expanse of Tyndall Glacier lying before you.

Day 4 Hike back and drive through the Park enjoying panoramic views of the Paine Massif.

Day 5 Take a day hike through the Ascencio Valley up to the base of the world renowned Torres del Paine. Relax at Indigo Hotel and Spa.

Day 6 Return to El Calafate in the morning and spend the afternoon horse riding, or just wandering around town and enjoying some free time.

Day 7 Spend the day on crampons, ice hiking on majestic Perito Moreno Glacier.


• Hike and camp in the wilderness near the vast Tyndall Glacier.• Stand at the base of the soaring granite

pinnacles that lend their name to Torres del Paine National Park.


Highlights

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Fjords & Mountains

This is the perfect trip for those travelers who want to combine exceptional adventure with a great level of comfort. We take you to three National Parks in Chile and Argentina where short day hikes and boat excursions throughout the trip will allow for some astonishing panoramic views. For a peek into the history of this world of explorers and pioneers we have prepared a stay on a historical working estancia where you’ll have the chance to get to know the past and present of life in Patagonia. The truly outstanding and exclusive cruise on the small Santa Cruz offers an amazing three days in the pristine glacial landscape of Lago Argentino, including a visit to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.Outdoor activities are light, but our Patagonian weather conditions may require some endurance. Accommodation in upscale boutique hotels and lodges and a small luxury cruise ship.

Program comfortable level of activity, no camping

Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport and drive across the pampas to the town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

Day 2 Travel over the waters of the fjord to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers and then hop on a zodiac boat for an exhilarating trip into Torres del Paine National Park. Stay overnight in a cozy hotel on the shores of Lago Grey.

Day 3 Make a trip to the Grey Glacier by boat and take a short hike up to Ferrier Lookout for an amazing view of the glaciers spilling down from the Southern Patagonian

Ice Cap. Day 4 Drive through Torres del Paine National Park and

experience the overwhelming beauty of its otherworldly landscape. You’ll have a chance to see the Grey Glacier, Lago Nordenskjöld and the famous granite monoliths that give the Park its name. Short hike offering some amazing views of the Paine Massif. Arrive at Estancia Cerro Guido.

Day 5 Spend a day exploring Cerro Guido and learn about life on this working estancia. Maybe even do some horse riding!

Day 6 Drive to the small town of El Chaltén, the original base camp from which climbers approach the soaring

peaks in Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy views of Mount Fitz Roy and the jagged Cerro Torre.

Day 7 Enjoy an easy hike to Laguna Capri which on clear days gloriously reflects the impressive Mount Fitz Roy.Day 8 Drive to Laguna del Desierto (Desert Lake) for a short

hike on the shores of this beautiful lake, surrounded by lush Patagonian beech forests.

Day 9 Drive to the town of El Calafate and enjoy the day strolling through this picturesque town or go bird watching at the lagoon. In the evening board the luxurious Santa Cruz cruise ship to start an intimate and exclusive 3-day adventure.

Day 10 Navigate the northern arm of Lago Argentino to the enormous Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, disembark for a small hike and continue on to the dazzling

“Iceberg Channel”.Day 11 Cruise to Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy the privilege

of solitude and having all the time in the world to wait for an iceberg to rumble into the lake. Disembark in the evening, overnight in El Calafate.


• Explore the national parks of Bernardo O’Higgins and Torres del Paine by land and sea.

• Stay at the luxurious Lodge Cerro Guido and experience life on a historical working estancia.

• Make short day hikes around El Chaltén enjoying views of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountain ranges.

• Cruise the scenic Lago Argentino and enjoy the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier from a very privileged vantage point.

Highlights

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This yoga vacation offers you the unique opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind surrounded by the inspiring natural beauty of Patagonia. The Patagom Lila yoga academy receives us for twice daily private sessions at their specially designed geodesic dome located on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Sound. In between the yoga sessions we will visit many of the highlights of Southern Patagonia combining personal awareness with an active contemplation of nature.

The Patagonia Yoga Experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The food included in this trip is delicious and vegetarian. Outdoor activities are moderately challenging. Accomodation at upscale boutique hotels.

Patagonia Yoga

Experience

• Twice daily yoga sessions at the Patagom Lila geodesic dome with expert instruction by a qualified Hatha Yoga teacher (Purna / Shivananda / Ayurvedic yoga).

• Short hikes in Torres del Paine visiting two amazing lookouts for stunning panoramic vistas.

• Stay at the luxurious Lodge Cerro Guido and experience life on a historical working estancia.

• Visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park Argentina, one of the few glaciers still advancing.

Highlights

Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport and drive across the pampas to the town of Puerto Natales where you are welcomed to the yoga dome.

Day 2 Start with yoga and breakfast. Short trek on Cerro Benitez to observe cave paintings and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Yoga and meditation.

Day 3 Yoga and breakfast. Drive to Grey Lake to see the Grey Glacier and hike up to Ferrier lookout for a great view of the glaciers of Torres del Paine. Yoga and meditation.

Day 4 Yoga and breakfast. Drive to Torres del Paine to visit the highlights of the Park. Short hike to the Condor Lookout for some amazing views of the Paine Massif. Overnight in Estancia Cerro Guido.

Day 5 Yoga and breakfast. Canter or gallop across the pampas exploring Cerro Guido and learn about life on this working estancia. Return to Puerto Natales, yoga

at the dome. Day 6 Yoga and breakfast. A day to relax and enjoy some free

time. Final yoga session and farewell get together with our yoga teacher.

Day 7 Drive back to El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino and visit the incredibly beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier.


Program level of activity depending on each person, no camping

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This very special program is designed with the real nature lover in mind. It is not often that we have the privilege to be a guest in the natural environment of a majestic animal like the humpback whale. At Carlos III Island in the Strait of Magellan, a group of dedicated scientists allow a limited amount of visitors to observe and take part in the study of these creatures, thereby promoting their protection and wellbeing. Combine this intimate adventure with the highlights of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park for the voyage of a lifetime.

Outdoor activities are light, but our Patagonian weather conditions may require some endurance. Lodging at upscale boutique hotels and a luxury wilderness camp.

Whales of Magellan

Strait

• Stay at remote and exclusive Hostería Faro San Isidro, at the southernmost lighthouse of the American continent.

• Have the chance to experience numerous close encounters with humpback whales, dolphins and maybe even orcas.

• Visit Torres del Paine National Park, famous for its rugged landscape and soaring granite spires.

• Take a trip to the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, one of the few glaciers still advancing.

Highlights

Day 1 Arrive at El Calafate airport and drive across the pampas to the town of Puerto Natales overlooking Ultima Esperanza Sound.

Day 2 Drive to the city of Punta Arenas and explore the historic buildings from the era of the great cattle ranches. Travel to remote Cape Froward over land and sea to reach Hostería Faro San Isidro located at this southernmost point of the American continent.

Day 3 Board the vessel Esturión and start the voyage to Carlos III Island where you will sleep in luxury dome tents. Lecture and introductory tour by a scientist and first chance to spot whales. Actively take part in the identification and registration of individuals.

Day 4 Take a trip on the Esturión to go whale watching. Also an excellent chance to observe penguins,

cormorants and sea lions. In the afternoon another trip is scheduled to visit Santa Inez Glacier.

Day 5 Whale watching on the Esturión in the morning and return voyage to Puerto Natales.Day 6 Drive to Torres del Paine National Park and experience

the overwhelming beauty of its otherworldly landscape. You’ll have a chance to see the Grey Glacier, Lago Nordenskjold and the famous granite monoliths that give the Park its name. Short hike to the Condor Lookout for some amazing views of the Paine Massif.

Day 7 Drive back to El Calafate on the shores of Lago Argentino and visit the gigantic Perito Moreno Glacier, the most impressive glacier of Los Glaciares National Park.



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Customize your trip

Although our programs have been very carefully designed, it is always possible to adapt them to your wishes. There are many ways to combine different elements of the trips to suit your needs. Please contact your travel agent or let us know directly and we will produce a customized trip for you.

Contact Dragón de la Patagonia Tomas Rogers 2356160000, Puerto Natales Región XII Magallanes y Antartica Chilena, Chile

Cel: +56-9-94022038Tel: +56-61-613394

[email protected]

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