Patagonia
Chile
Patagonia: Natural Wonders Revealed
You Concentrate on Adventure While We Take Care of the Rest
Inspirato's Patagonian Experience ushers you into the primitive terrain and rich culture of Chile. Experience the allure and wonder of nature with an eco-friendly tour that blends serene comfort, rustic elegance and the chance to fearlessly engage with all facets of this singular place.
From scenic river valleys, spectacular lake frontages and soaring glacier-covered volcanoes - to fjords, verdant forests and unspoiled wildlife habitats - Patagonia is a wonderland for outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts. This is your chance to discover the undiscovered - an experience only made possible for Inspirato members.
Amid this famed and lush beauty, you can tackle any number of activities - for every skill and experience level. Consider world-class fly fishing, horseback riding with a Gaucho (traditional Patagonian horseman) guide, touring regions that are only accessible by helicopter, kayaking to a colony of sea lions, or learning about local Patagonian traditions such as weaving and mate.
Despite your remote location, your comfortable accommodations are equipped with luxurious amenities and private, ensuite bathrooms. While you are focused on adventure, the local hospitality team takes care of every detail, including preparing delicious food, serving fine Chilean wine, and ensuring each guest is happy and comfortable.
The Chilean Patagonia - An 8-day Itinerary
Chile is counter-seasonal, so when compared to countries in the northern hemisphere, such as the U.S. and Canada, the seasons are reversed. Chile's summertime, specifically between December and February, is the best time to visit Patagonia. Temperatures during these months are generally warmer, and trails are more accessible. The months of November, March and April tend to have cooler temperatures, but less wind.
To make your stay (and packing) more enjoyable and stress free, Inspirato helps arrange all the best outdoor gear for excursions. The properties have mountain bikes; rafts; wet suits; flotation devices; waders; rods; fishing boots; trekking poles; insulated ponchos and leather half-chaps for horseback riding; kayaks; and helmets for biking, river floating and horseback riding.
While you explore, Gauchos (traditional Patagonian horsemen) will offer insiders' knowledge of the terrain and history. They will infuse your excursions with the authentic essence of Patagonia.
Day 1-2 Home/Santiago, Chile/Puerto Montt
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are highly customizable so that members may choose the activities and destinations they prefer.
When you arrive at the Santiago International Airport, a representative will greet you and show you to your domestic flight or transfer. Spend the night in either Santiago or Puerto Montt.
From Puerto Montt, a Patagonia Sur representative escorts you to the charter plane, which flies over the ocean to the town of Palena. Weather conditions may necessitate re-routing flights to other airports, which may mean a longer drive (up to four hours) to our properties. The onsite Patagonia Sur team greets you upon your arrival at The Patagonia Sur Nature Reserve. Gather around the quincho ("keen-show" - a traditional Chilean barbeque area) for delicious hors d'oeuvres and a Chilean pisco sour. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs on a hiking trail located close to the quincho, or you may opt to relax in the riverside hot tub.
Day 3-5 Puerto Montt to Valle California
Begin your first full day in Valle California with a beautiful walk through the El Tigre trail, visiting some of the different types of forests within Valle California. After lunch in the quincho, you may saddle up for a horseback ride to El Tronador (Thunder Hill), where you'll discover how the popular hill gets its name. After your adventure-filled day, the quincho awaits with a warm dinner with delicious Chilean wines.
The next day, hike, fly fish or float on a river; you are free to choose your own adventure. Each evening, the head guide meets with you to discuss excursion options and lunch and dinner choices for the following day. For example, you may spend the morning fishing in the El Tigre River, while your children try their luck in the fun rapids. An afternoon hike to Laguna Corazón or a horseback ride to El Fraile waterfall can complete the day.
Rise for a full-day hike to Laguna Caiquén, a pristine Andean lake, which is an amazing opportunity to visit a forest of old-growth lenga trees (a native species of deciduous beech tree) and the chance to spot the mighty Andean condor. Upon arriving at the lake, the chef will astonish you with a special lunch outdoors in this remarkable setting. At the end of the day, share stories of the day's adventure during an inviting, family-style dinner at the quincho.
Day 6 Valle California/Melimoyu
Further explore the wonders of Valle California with a morning hike before continuing to Melimoyu for the second part of your journey. After lunch at the quincho, a guide will drive you to Palena (or Santa Bárbara, depending on weather conditions) to board a charter plane to the Melimoyu airstrip, where Patagonia Sur staff members will show you to Casa Bahía, our guesthouse in Melimoyu. Take the rest of the afternoon to meet the Expeditions Team, plan the second half of your trip and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Casa Bahía.
Day 7-9 Melimoyu
Enjoy the local rivers while hiking, rafting or fishing. Local guides are always ready to provide adventure and sightseeing ideas. Consider an early-morning kayak to Melimoyu village, spotting rare birds along the way, followed by an aerial view of the whole Melimoyu property while on an afternoon helicopter ride and a wine-glass toast atop the Melimoyu glacier.
On the last full day in Melimoyu, take a half-day excursion aboard the Chucao I. While on this photo safari, navigate through the fjords of coastal Patagonia capturing amazing snapshots of sea birds, dolphins and other large ocean mammals. During February and March - the southern hemisphere's whale migration season - you may see amazing orcas and magnificent blue whales.
After a hearty breakfast and a brief morning activity, travel by boat to the Melimoyu airstrip for your return flight to Puerto Montt. During the charter flight, view the Melimoyu volcano and say goodbye to Patagonia one last time.
Day 10 Melimoyu/Puerto Montt/Santiago/Home
Once in Puerto Montt, connect to Santiago and subsequent international connections. You may choose to stay one extra night to explore historic Santiago. Patagonia Sur representatives will meet you at the Puerto Montt and Santiago airports to help ensure a hassle-free experience. In addition, Inspirato's Patagonia Sur Travel Concierge can assist with planning other travel within Chile, or in booking extra services.
