DAY 1 – Arrival to Punta Arenas

We begin our expedition with a welcome and introduction of our expert guides. After an overview of the week ahead and the concept behind the Southern Patagonian Expedition Tour we familiarize everyone with basic security principles and rules, communication means while out in the wilderness, as well as kayaking techniques and best practices. Following an equipment check we enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

DAY 2 - Navigation from Seno Otway to Carlos III Island

We start our first expedition day early and drive from Punta Arenas to Rio Caleta on the southern coast of Seno Otway (“Otway Sound”) until we literally reach the end of the road, beyond which no further motorized access exists. An open boat takes us through Seno Otway and the Jerónimo Canal, a 40 kilometer long narrow fjord, which will lead us to Isla Carlos III in the Strait of Magellan - the legendary connection between Atlantic and Pacific. After lunch on the boat we arrive at the permanent scientific camp on Isla Carlos III, our base for the next two days. We meet the scientists and learn about their whale research and protection work at the marine park.

DAY 3 - Carlos III Island – Navigation & marine fauna watching

Boarding an open motorboat, we set out exploring the pristine waters around Isla Carlos III. We will observe whales in their natural environment, as well as possibly orcas and dolphins, with some incredible close range photo opportunities if the animals are in the mood! After a boxed lunch, we will visit a nearby small island which is home to the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the area. We will also be able to see sea lions and fur seals in the spectacular fjords close by.

DAY 4 - Kayaking to St. Ines Island

Today we say goodbye to Isla Carlos III. We team up and begin an exhilarating kayak trip through the bays of Isla Santa Ines and its curvy Seno Ballena (“Whale Sound”) fjord, towards the Santa Ines glacier, where we will set up our second camp. The day will offer countless opportunities to see and photograph marine wildlife - albatrosses, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, whales - from very close proximity.

DAY 5 - St. Ines Island – Kayaking and Trekking

We will spend the morning kayaking around the icebergs, with the option to spend a few more relaxed hours around the pristine glacier zone itself - the glacier front of Santa Ines is 1 kilometer wide. After a campsite lunch our expert guides will lead us on a trekking expedition around Santa Ines, allowing us to explore its flora and fauna and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Reserva Nacional Alacalufes.

DAY 6 - Strait of Magellan and Cabo Froward

An early morning zodiac crossing of the Strait of Magellan takes us to Cabo (“Cape”) Froward, the southernmost point of the American continent. We disembark at the base of the hill and trek up to the top towards the “Cross of the Seas” monument. The top offers astounding panoramic views of Cordillera Darwin and “the end of the world,” a truly singular place and a very special experience. In the afternoon we start trekking north along the Peninsula Brunswick coast, Rio Gennes crossing - an adventure in itself! - and set up camp on our way to Cabo San Isidro.

DAY 7 - Cabo St. Isidro

Our picturesque north-bound trek away from the “end of the world” continues along the beach. Our destination is Cabo San Isidro, the location of a one hundred years old lighthouse and the Hosteria Faro San Isidro, the southernmost lodge on the continent. Once we reach hosteria Faro San Isidro we will enjoy a night of typical Chilean “cordero asado” (lamb roasted on an open fire), and comfortable lodgings at the hosteria.

DAY 8 - Monte Tarn – Trekking and return to Punta Arenas

This morning we set out trekking towards Monte Tarn, the highest point in this part of the peninsula, offering beautiful views of Tierra del Fuego. In 1834, during his stay on board HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin climbed Monte Tarn and wrote a detailed account of his ascent and of the magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains from the summit - mountains now called Cordillera Darwin. We have lunch on top of Monte Tarn, and then descend. Our trek north along the beach continues until we reach the southernmost end of the road leading to Punta Arenas. Transport back to the city - end of our expedition!

DIA 9: Breakfast. Transfer by overland to Torres del Paine

National Park, with a stop-over to take lunch in Puerto Natales and visit the Cueva del Milodon (Milodon Cave). We will made a second stop in Cerro Castillo, after reaching the National Park Torres del Paine by the Laguna Amarga sector, a trip accompanied by red foxes and condors with stunning panoramic views of the Paine massif. Accommodation in camping Las Torres.

DAY 10:
Full day guided trekking through Ascencio Valley to the Towers Bases (8 hours ). The road goes through forests and hills to reach the viewpoint from which to enjoy breathtaking views of the 3 towers of granite. Return to the camping.

DAY 11:
Transfer to Grey Lake. Trekking to Grey Lake lookout. In the way we have spectacular views of Paine Grande hill, the highest in the park. Accommodation in Serrano River sector.

DAY 12:
Navigation in open-boat through Serrano River to Puerto Toro. Trekking through the native forest to the Serrano Glacier. Navigation through the Fjord Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope), where we can see the Balmaceda Glacier to reach Estancia Perales, where you can enjoy the typical roasted lamb. We continue the journey by road to Punta Arenas. Dinner at local restaurant. Modern hostel accommodation in Punta Arenas.

DIA 13:
Breakfast and transfer to Punta Arenas Airport – return flights