Patagonia in-depth: slow travel holiday
24 days from £5,589 pp
Self-drive through the remote and starkly beautiful Patagonia, discovering glaciers, alpine forests, rivers, national parks and raw untouched wilderness. Our slow travel holiday through Patagonia gives you the time and space to really explore and take in every corner of incredible Patagonia. Go kayaking, ice trekking and rafting as you journey through breathtaking natural beauty. This is Patagonia, away from others, away from luxury, in-depth.
Trip Highlights
- The freedom of a self-drive adventure through wild Patagonia
- Walk across the ice of Exploradores Glacier with expert guides
- Experience world-class rafting in Futaleufú
- Explore Pumalin Douglas Tompkins Park, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in Chile
Our Expert Tip
”Always allow for an extra day in your Patagonia itinerary. The weather is highly unpredictable, so having spare days gives you flexibility to reschedule activities, explore hidden gems or simply relax- the secret weapon to exploring this wild region”
Scarlett, Patagonia Expert
Detailed Patagonia in-depth slow travel Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago
Start your in-depth Patagonia holiday in the capital of Chile, Santiago. We will include an eco-boutique hotel in the upscale Vitacura district, perfect for ambling the streets nearby independently and trying some amazing local restaurants. If you would like a private guide in the city, or an extra night to rest up after your flight, ask our experts.
Day 2-4: Puerto rio Tranquillo
Your self-drive adventure begins as you fly to Balmaceda and start the journey towards Carretara Austral. Your home for the next three nights is in Puerto Rio Tranquillo, around a 3-hour drive south. Make yourself comfortable in cosy lodgings as you prepare for three days of active adventures.
With your expert guide, choose to strap on your crampons for ice-trekking across the Exploradores Glacier, go kayaking through the clear waters of Lake General Carrera and take on some spectacular walks.
Day 5-6: Baker River
Hugging the western shore of General Carrera lake, continue your self-drive along the Carretera Austral as you reach Chacabuco Valley. Here you will be able to see some incredible conservation and rewilding efforts, vital for the preservation of Patagonia. Feeling adventurous?
With your guide go rafting down the most powerful river in Chile, the Baker River, alongside dramatic landscapes and vast scenery. A thrilling experience not to be missed.
Day 7-8: Caleta Tortel
As you reach the stilted village of Caleta Tortel, drive past sweeping rivers, epic mountain passes and dense forests as far as the eye can see. Venture out and take a walk across the maze of boardwalks, including a visit to the mysterious La Isla de los Muertos (the Island of the Dead) where you will see thirty three cypress crosses erected. Discovered in 1950 and buried deep in vegetation, these crosses remain a cultural mystery even today.
Day 9: General Carrera Lake
Time to check in to a cosy eco-lodge, around a three hour drive further south. Your secluded lodge is a perfect base to switch off, relax and enjoy some easy going self guided trails through the primary forest within the private reserve here. A good day to unwind and take in the majesty and scale of Patagonia amidst your self-drive adventure.
Day 10: Coyhaique
A longer drive day (around 5-8 hours) is rewarded with dramatic mountain views and scenic roads winding past fjords and forests. As you head towards the capital of the Aysen region, spend a night in Coyhaique, where you can amble through the main square here and perhaps include a visit to Cerro Castillo National Reserve.
Day 11-13: Puyuhuapi
A stunning day of driving past glistening rivers and green forests of the Andean foothills, as you arrive at Puyuhaupi. This small village is famed for its hot springs and is the gateway to Quelat National Park. Your days here can be spent choosing from the range of established hiking trails, with something for all abilities. A top Travel Differently tip is to hike the Mirador Ventisquero Colgante trail to see the Hanging Glacier.
Day 14-15: Futaleufú
A longer self-drive day (around six hours) through more remote and beautiful regions, brings you to Futaleufú, known as the adventure hub of Patagonia. For something really thrilling, experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the Futaleufú River. This is a perfect few days for those who love active adventures and challenging themselves. Go horse-riding, take some lovely varied hiking routes and even try your hand at fly-fishing.
Day 16-18: Caleta Gonzalo
Continue your epic Patagonia in-depth slow travel holiday driving southwest to Pumalin National Park. Your base here is a comfortable scenic lodge that offers amazing access to the park for wildlife spotting, kayaking tours and various walking trails. Discover that Pumalin National Park is a worldwide success story for conservation. Do things differently, seek out hidden waterfalls, lesser known walking trails and ancient alerce forests. Be sure to include a hike to the imposing Chaitén Volcano.
Day 19: Hornopirén
Today you will set sail on an incredible voyage through the Patagonian fjords, on board the Naviera Austral ferry. You will journey towards Hornopirén which will be your home for the night, en route passing by thick rainforests and breathtaking mountain peaks as you glide through the fjords.
Day 20-22: Puerto Varas
The final leg of your vast and scenic self-drive through Patagonia takes you to Puerto Varas, a beautiful lakeside town perfectly located for views of Osorno Valcano. Marvel at the incredible Lake Llanquihue as you explore the area at your own independent pace. Enjoy a day trip to nearby Chiloé to learn more about this unique island with its mythical culture. Hike the slopes of the imposing Osorno volcano or choose one of the scenic walking trails into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, making sure to visit Petrohué Falls.
Day 23-24: Santiago
As your Patagonia in-depth slow travel adventure draws to a close, drop off your hire-car before flying north to the capital of Chile. Enjoy time here at leisure to explore, try some delicious local restaurants, give the renowned Museum of Memory & Human Rights a visit and relax after your long adventure. If you would prefer longer in Santiago, or for us to include a private guide, ask our experts, its all possible. If you’d like to add on a few days at the end to relax at a nearby vineyard after your epic slow travel adventure, take a look at our Top Wine Holidays, where we suggest a stay at the gorgeous Matetic Vineyard an hour from Santiago.
When to Go
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
- We only work with trusted, hand-picked partners
- Every holiday is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a positive impact
- Our tours & experiences are unique, memorable & immersive
- We work with certified & respected local guides & drivers
- Judge us by the company we keep. Read more here
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
