Overview
Come away with us on a week’s escape to Tierra del Fuego – the archipelago famous for it´s remote and extreme landscapes at the world´s end. By night you’ll stay in historic estancias and cozy lodges, while by day you’ll drive across the sweeping landscapes and endless skies that this final stretch of the continent is known for. Choosing between horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking options on key days, this is a program that allows you to be as active as you would like, while still finding ample time to relax and soak in the scenery in this pristine location of the world.
Trip highlights
• Navigate the Strait of Magellan
• Visit the King Penguins in their Natural Habitat
• Hike to the Summit of Cerro Pietro Grande
• Full Day Activities in Lodge Deseado
• Ride Horseback on Criolla Horses or Mountain Bike through the Pampas
• Experience a Sheep Shearing Demonstration at an Authentic Ranch
• Stay in Unique Estancia Homes & the Casa Museum Alberto Baeriswyl
• Discover Incredible Scenery in the Comfort of a Private Vehicle
• All Trip Logistics, Transportations, and Activities Reserved for You!
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• PUNTA ARENAS
• PORVENIR
• TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Itinerary
Day 1
Cross to Tierra del Fuego by Ferry - Walking City Tour - Scenic Drive to Caleta Josefina
15 Minute Private Transfer - 2.5 Hour Ferry Crossing - 3 Hour Walking City Tour - 1.5 Hour Private Scenic Drive
Night at Estancia Caleta Josefina (Snack-BL-D)
Early in the morning you will be picked up at your Punta Arenas hotel and travel by ferry across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego Island. Arriving to Bahia Chilota, the place the first boats disembarked in 1883 that took gold diggers to Tierra del Fuego, we will enjoy a comfortable walking tour of the city of Porvenir. Later, we will drive to Estancia Caleta Josefina, a stately 18th Century Patagonian ranch located below the open skies and scrubby pampas of Caleta Josefina, once an extremely important region for Patagonia’s sheep-farming industry and gold rush era. Here, we will settle in and enjoy a tasty dinner while relaxing along the seashore of this grand island.
Day 2
Scenic Drive to Estancia Puerto Yartou -OR- Alternative Sheep Shearing Demonstration, Visit to King Penguin Colony & Gold Mining Ranch
3 Hour Private Scenic Drive
Night at Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl, (double queen room) (B-BL-D)
After a hearty breakfast, we will set off along the road following the coast of the island facing the Strait of Magellan. On the way we will stop to observe “pools” made by the Indigenous Selknam people (Tierra del Fuego’s first inhabitants), to trap fish during high tide. Lunch will be a picnic en route to the Caleta River, which we must cross during low tide along a bridge. Soon after, we arrive at Estancia Yartou and our destination for the next two nights, Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl.
Rather than a hotel, Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl is a living museum that intertwines the concepts of museum and home, featuring 1920s decor and allowing guests to spend the night in a traditional early 19th Century abode. Named for Alberto Baeriswyl Pittet, the Swiss pioneer who was instrumental in the region, the house was once the main home at Puerto Yartou, the region’s first timber factory, in a time in which that what was once an extremely lucrative initiative and necessary for heating and housing at the harsh pre-modern end of the world. At Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl bathrooms are shared and there are a number of common areas and dining room to enjoy.
As an alternative to today's normal itinerary: Before departing Caleta Josefina in the morning, we’ll enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration at the ranch before continuing on to the King Penguin Reserve to come close to the Kings in their natural habitat. Once we spent some time at the king penguin reserve, we will pass by some of the gold mining spots in Tierra del Fuego (Ruffins area) after which we’ll arrive to our lodging destination for the night: Las Lengas cabins.
Day 3
Free Day at Puerto Yartou: Choice of Horseback Ride, Mountain Bike, or Coast Walk - OR- Free Day in Lago Blanco
4-5 Hour Horseback Ride, 3-4 Hour MTB, 3 Hour Walk
Night at Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl, (double queen room) (B-BL-D)
Today there are a number of options to choose between to explore the landscapes around Estancia Yartou and the neighboring ranch and dairy farm, Estancia Miguelito. A day’s horseback or mountain bike ride are both available. Or, we can take a simple morning walk along the coastline to search for dolphins and other marine life followed by a short afternoon scenic ride in vehicle.
Alternative itinerary allows for guests to enjoy a free day in the Lago Blanco area to visit the sawmill and beaver’s dams and stay the evening in a lakeside cabin.
Day 4
Drive to Lodge Deseado – Hike Cerro Pietro Grande -OR- Drive to Lakeside Cabins at Lake Fagnano
5 Hour Private Scenic Drive, 4 Hour Hike
Night at Lodge Deseado (B-BL-D)
An early morning start (around 7AM) allows us to cross back over Rio Caleta during low tide. Today we’ll drive all the way to the central and south areas of Tierra del Fuego, taking moments to stop along the way to take in historical and natural sites of the island. The first stop is at Russfin, where the “Golden Dredge” is located, a reminder of the atmosphere of the early 20th Century gold rush that called those from around the world to test their luck in the earth. Along the way we’ll also observe a wide variety of indigenous birds, such as Bandurias, Caiquén, and if we are lucky, Chilean Flamingos. Finally, we’ll complete a 4 hour round-trip hike to the summit of Cerro Pietro Grande (495 m), from where can see the stark change in landscapes between the pampas to the north of the island and Antarctic forest to the south. After descending, we’ll drive to the beautiful Lodge Deseado located in a perfect, tranquil spot at the shore of the lake of the same name.
Alternative itinerary includes a hike to Pietro Grande and then driving to the lakeside Cabins of German Genskowski, a pioneer of Tierra Del Fuego, on the shores of Lake Fagnano.
Day 5
Zodiac Navigation & Waterfall Hike -OR- Scenic Drive to Caleta Maria with Navigation to Seal Lion Colonies & Glaciers
30 Minutes by Zodiac, 1 Hour Hike
Night at Lodge Deseado(B-BL-D)
After a hearty breakfast, we will cross Lago Deseado by zodiac to see the border between Argentina and Chile which lies across it. Following this, we’ll go on a short but steep hike to see waterfalls and have a picnic surrounded by ancient lenga forests.
Alternatively, guests may choose to enjoy a scenic drive to Caleta Maria via Lago Fagnano. Here, you’ll be able to go on a short navigation to see sea lion colonies, other marine life, and glaciers for an extra cost. In any case, we’ll come back to the lodge in the early evening to give you ample time to continue to soak in the area's wonderful surroundings and beautiful cozy cabins.
Day 6
Visit to the King Penguin Reserve - Scenic Drive to Estancia Caleta Josefina
4.5 Hour Private Scenic Drive - 45 Minute Walk at King Penguin Reserve - 15 Minute Private Transfer
Night at Estancia Caleta Josefina (B-BL-D)
After breakfast we’ll drive 4.5 hours through the vast terrain of forest and pampas that cover the middle section of Tierra del Fuego until we arrive at the King Penguin National Reserve. At Estancia Tres Hermanos, a working sheep station, we’ll receive a short briefing on how to behave at the reserve among the penguins and their habitat. This is a private nature reserve, aiming to preserve the small king penguin colony that visit the area and remains year-round, attracted by the excellent feeding conditions in the surrounding waters. We’ll have ample opportunities to observe and photograph the penguins from a reasonable distance behind the infrastructure. Following our time with the penguins, we'll take a short 15 minute drive back to Estancia Caleta Josefina where we’ll spend our last night.
Day 7
Return Drive to Punta Arenas
2 Hour Private Scenic Drive - 20 Minute Ferry Crossing - 2 Hour Private Scenic Drive to Punta Arenas (B-BL)
Today we’ll return to Punta Arenas once again crossing the Strait of Magellan by ferry, though via a different route so as to show you other memorable Tierra del Fuego landscapes. We’ll share a final meal together en route before dropping you back at your Punta Arenas hotel for you to continue your onward journey.
INCLUDED
- All Transportation Indicated in Schedule
- All Excursions Indicated in Itinerary
- Horse, Saddle, Helmet, Riding Chaps & Gloves for Horseback Excursions
- Mountain Bike & Helmet for MTB Excursion
- All meals Indicated in the schedule (B: breakfast, BL: box lunch, D: dinner, BBQ: barbecue)
- Two Nights at Estancia Caleta Josefina (Pleasant Ranch Home with Private Rooms and Bathrooms)
- Two Nights at Lodge Deseado (Double Occupancy Rooms with Private Bathrooms)
- Two Nights at Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl (Living Hotel Museum with Private Rooms & Shared Bathroom)
- Zodiac Transportations as Indicated in Schedule
- Ferry Fares
- Entrance Fee to King Penguin Reserve
- Guide (English-Spanish) & Driver
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights Lodging
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Dinner on Day 7
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Gratuities for Guide / Driver
Lodgings
Estancia Josefina Caleta
Estancia Caleta Josefina is a pioneer experience in accommodations and the traditions of Patagonia. Rooms welcome guests with their simple Patagonia decor and warmth, and their authentic history of this unique and beautiful place. A new adventure in Tierra del Fuego and an experience you will be sure to remember for a lifetime.
Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl
Casa Museo Alberto Baeriswyl is a living museum & home featuring 1920s traditional decor and allows guests to spend the night in a traditional early 19th Century abode. The house was once the main home in Puerto Yartou, the region’s first timber factory and once an extremely lucrative initiative for heating and housing during these pre-modern days. Bathrooms are shared and there are a number of common areas and a quaint dining room for enjoyment.
Lodge Deseado
Located in Tierra del Fuego, Lodge Deseado is placed on the shores of the Deseado Lake. Surrounded by silence and beauty, this lodge delivers a perfect atmosphere for rest and to enjoy some of Tierra del Fuego´s pristine trails, scenery, and activities. Guest cabins on the shores of the lake have a spacious bedroom, living area, and private bathroom. Meals are enjoyed in a beautiful dining lodge with unimaginable views. This location offers the purest connection to the natural world without television, telephone, nor internet.
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2020/2021: (valid until April 2021)
2 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 4.995 per person
3-4 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 4.595 per person
5-7 Guests Total in Group: USD$ 4.295 per person
Single supplement: USD$ 520
BOOK NOW! Travel Later
Book now, Travel Later gives our guests the flexibility to reserve with a reduced deposit now for their program of choice during our 2020/21 season with our updated booking and cancelation terms. Choose any departure date prior to the end of the season on April 30th, 2021 (subject to availability).
Review our full terms and conditions here!
FAQ's
Add-Ons & Upgrades
PRIVATE DEPARTURES AVAILABLE – CONTACT A TRIP SPECIALIST TO PLAN YOUR OVERLAND ADVENTURE!
OPTIONAL SERVICES: (must be booked in advance)
– Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport: *Price depends on total number of guests
– Private Transfer from Puerto Natales: *Price depends on total number of guests
– Public Bus to/from Puerto Natales/Punta Arenas: USD$ 15 per person, per way
EQUIPMENT RENTAL: (must be booked in advance)
– Trekking Poles: USD$ 6 per pair, per day
UPGRADES: (must be booked in advance)
On some days, alternatives activities and lodging are available
Day 2: Alternative lodging Las Lengas Cabins (4 or 6 person cabins) *Please contact a trip specialist for this upgrade option
Day 4: Alternative lodging: German Genskowski’s Lakeside Cabins (8 person cabin) *Please contact a trip specialist for this upgrade option
Day 5: Alternative Activity: Scenic Drive to Caleta Maria with Navigation to Glaciers & Seal Lion Colonies *Please contact a trip specialist for this upgrade option
