Highlights
- Look for flamingos, armadillos, condors, and foxes
- Ride in a traditional estancia setting with local gauchos and learn their customs
- Take a family-friendly boat ride on Grey Lake to Grey Glacier, the largest in the Park
- Visit the Milodon Cave and learn about prehistoric creatures
- Hike short scenic trails suitable for all ages packed with exotic wildlife
- Hike an archaeological route and witness ancient cave paintings
- Paddle out onto the Park’s waterways in kayaks with expert guides
- Explore one of the oldest estancias in Patagonia and feast on succulent fire roasted lamb
- Get involved with a local community project
- Visit the cute burrowing Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena
- Schedule your own private family departure to suit your pace and travel dates
Day by day
- Arrive into Punta Arenas in the far south of Patagonia. After a short transfer to the dock you will be heading out on your boat navigation into the mythical Straits of Magellan to see the penguins at Magdalena Island. This protected area holds a huge Magellanic Penguin Colony of more than 120,000 individual birds. Besides the penguins, several other species of seabirds such as the Imperial and Rock Cormorants, dolphins, kelp gulls, Chilean skua and South American tern also nest here. This trip is an excellent opportunity to observe these penguins and other Patagonian seabirds in their natural habitat and learn more about their natural history and breeding strategies. Night in apart-hotel in Punta Arenas with dinner in one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.
- After breakfast we will set off with our guide in our dedicated vehicle across the wide open pampas to Puerto Natales, the capital of the Ultima Esperanza region of southern Chile. After a short stop for lunch we will continue along the waters of Last Hope Sound, home to the native black necked swans as they bob their heads into the water looking for food. Our destination is the Milodon Cave which contains a full sized replica of a giant sloth (made famous by Bruce Chatwin). Now a national monument the cave is situated in a lovely forested area and there will be a chance to explore the cave and the surrounding area before being meeting our specialist guide. We will be setting off on the network of trails visiting other caves that exist in the area (distance is subject to the ages of the children and fitness levels) and continuing to the Rupestre Archaeological route exploring the ancient forests of southern beech bordering the beautiful Laguna Sofia. We will witness a wealth of flora and fauna including the magnificent Andean condor soaring high up on the thermals. Finally we will visit ancient cave paintings at the Cueva de la Ventana and Cueva Escondida which date back thousands of years before returning to our waiting vehicle and driver. Continue to Estancia Consuelo, a historically significant estancia where we will learn about the history of the region and meet our hosts. Explore the estancia and enjoy a typical dinner and homestay accommodation.
- After breakfast there will be a chance to choose from kayaking in the protected waters of the nearby fjords, or saddling up and enjoying a gentle horse ride into the surrounding landscapes. After a home cooked estancia lunch we will continue with our driver into the magnificent Torres del Paine via the western route to the Serrano River. This area benefits from dramatic views of the western face of the Paine Massif and is famous for its magnificent sunrises. Check in to the comfortable Pampa Lodge where you can relax and enjoy the landscapes before dinner. If you prefer, we can arrange a night camping in a pretty riverside site tonight with all gear and meals provided.
- After your camp or hotel breakfast you will be taking a transfer to Grey Lake and Glacier, roughly 30 minutes driving. On arrival at Grey Lake you will walk down to the beach and check-in for the Grey III launch which will take you on a round trip journey across the lake to Grey Glacier for up close and personal views of this towering vertical valley glacier and the icebergs that have calved into the lake below. *For those who would like to spend the day exploring the high mountain area close to the glacier, normally accessed by hiking the full Torres del Paine circuit, we can arrange disembarkation with a later boat return. Those with older children might want to hike up to the dramatic suspension bridges north of Refugio Grey that link the canyon high above the glacier. There is also an option to hike the moderately challenging 3-4 hour trail south to Lake Pehoe and return to a waiting vehicle on the catamaran. After your full Glacier Day you will return to either the Pampa Lodge or campsite for a second night.
- Today you will be enjoying your own private safari as your guide and driver accompanies you on a drive across the heart of the Park. The scenery today is quite spectacular and includes monstrous granite peaks, crystal clear turquoise lakes, beautiful valleys and waterfalls as we journey from west to east stopping to take photos and observe the plentiful wildlife. Our destination is the beautiful Laguna Azul located in the north east corner of the Park with views across the lake’s azure waters to the Towers. We will be camping here tonight with these magnificent views and all gear and meals provided. The campsite is one of the Park’s prettiest with grassy pitches among the trees for tents, a lake beach to explore and contemplate, hot showers and bathrooms and indoor dining in case of bad weather. Night Camping with all gear provided.
- This morning we will be making our way out of the Park to meet Moncho, a local horseman who will take us to the coral to meet our horses for this morning’s exploration. We will be heading through empty pastures and forests on gentle trails with the views of the Towers never far away. Our destination is a pretty waterfall where we can let the horses drink and enjoy a photo moment before heading back to Laguna Azul for a picnic lunch before our return drive to Puerto Natales. We can choose from a variety of lodges in town from high end waterside lodges to cute, family-run hotels in town. Farewell to Patagonia dinner.
- Private transfer to Puerto Natales airport (or bus station). For those with the time, we highly recommend a visit to Argentine Patagonia. Ask us for suggestions.