Explore Patagonia National Park from a Luxury Lodge

This itinerary is an example of how you could spend your time on this all-inclusive experience. Please see the full list of day excursions on the excursions page.

Day 1: Arrive in Balmaceda; Drive Carretera Austral to Explora Patagonia National Park

Arriving at Balmaceda airport you will be met by your driver, and perhaps other travellers who are heading to the lodge. You will begin your adventure with a road trip southwards, along the epic Carretera Austral, where every turn in the road provides even more impressive views than the last. 

Today’s drive will take you past the mighty Cerro Castillo National Park, where you’ll likely stop for photos and a comfort break, before taking to the gravel highway, past waterfalls, pools of water and pristine forests, for approximately another hour, until reaching the picturesque lake-side town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. After stopping to admire the views, stretch your legs and enjoy your included box lunch, you’ll continue south to enter Patagonia National Park, arriving mid-afternoon at the lodge. 

Upon arrival your guest service team will meet you and ensure a smooth and welcoming check-in, making you feel like part of the family, before allowing you some time to get organised in the national parks’ only hotel accommodation, and one that certainly doesn't skimp on style or quality. With only 13 rooms your home-from-home, provides the perfect luxurious base from where to take daily explorations over the coming days. 

Guests should aim to arrive at Balmaceda before 11am. The total drive time to the lodge is 6 hours. Alternatively, you may wish to arrive at Cochrane Airport, which is only a 45-minute drive to the lodge and served by smaller charter aircraft. Contact us for more information. 

This evening you’ll meet your expert guide team, who will give you an introduction to the region, the lodge and most importantly the array of excursions available to be taken during your stay here. You will be able to choose from more than 30 different outings. As everyone’s different, and excursions may be modified, your guide will inform you the night before what the best options are for you to take, to maximise your experience during your stay at Explora Patagonia National Park. 

Meals: Box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Patagonia National Park

Day 2: Lagunas Altas Day Hike

Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll enjoy the park’s iconic full-day hike to Lagunas Altas. Your small group will be expertly led by an in-house guide to explain why Patagonia National Park is one of the world's best-kept secrets in terms of world conservation efforts. 

The “highlight” hike of PNP this 23km hike leaves straight from the lodge and gradually meanders its way up the local peaks providing great views of the entire Chacabuco Valley. The hiking is strenuous but not technically difficult, the majority of the trail is on gravel and rocky terrain, with the first 8km being the toughest and the rest to a lesser degree. The hike may be extended to the summit of Tamanguito Peak, but this will be decided by your guide and group.

Crossing past many mountainous lagoons and will truly epic views over the entire region, this day hike provides the best experience to the majority of hikers. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Patagonia National Park

Day 3: Kayak & Hike; Cochrane River

One of the best combinations of kayaking and hiking that can be taken over one day, anywhere in Patagonia, today’s excursion is both dynamic and not too strenuous for most travellers. 

Driving a short distance to the Cochrane River (one of the world's most pristine rivers) you’ll be instructed and guided for approximately 2 hours downstream (7km) in slow-flowing waters. You’ll be amazed by how crystal clear the glacial-fed river is, and perhaps have the chance to take a dip if you’ve remembered to bring your swimsuit. 

After enjoying a river-side box lunch, in the usual Explora style, you’ll see the river valley and surrounding area from a different perspective as you hike over undulating terrain for a short hike of approximately 5km. Your guide will explain about the geology, flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history of the park, to give you a greater depth of understanding and appreciation for this wild and unique ecosystem. 

Returning in the afternoon to the lodge, you’ll be free to enjoy a drink at the bar, relax in one of the hotel's outdoor jacuzzis or perhaps visit the local museum (not to be missed), a truly remarkable legacy left by the founders of this national park: the Tompkins.

Please note: As the kayaking is provided by a third party, this excursion only operates Monday / Wednesday and Fridays, hence the order of activities is subject to change.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Patagonia National Park

Day 4: Laguna Chico Drive & Hike

Today will commence with a drive through the immense Chacabuco valley (ex-grazing ground for cattle, and a history trade route through to Argentina) where you’ll get to witness the miracle of rewilding first-hand. These lands used to be barren and derelict, with a few wilted species of grass growing only, until the fences were removed, and nature allowed to rewild. Nowadays these plains are home to herds of guanacos and flocks of Darwin Rhea, amongst other species that now call them home.

After your drive, you’ll take to foot, hiking a route to the Laguna Chica viewpoint for about 12km there and back. The gently undulating terrain is accessible to most, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the regions you’ve been exploring over the past few days, as well as the interminable view over to Argentina and the vast Patagonian steppe: a landscape that has captivated travellers ever since Charles Darwin was enthralled by its immensity some 200 years ago. 

You’ll return to the lodge to enjoy the creature comforts of the exclusive Explora property, with some fine dining, wonderful signature drinks and great company with perhaps your fellow travellers with whom you’ve shared explorations over the past few days.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Explora Patagonia National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Balmaceda Airport

Departing today, your driver will take you along the iconic Carretera Austral, northwards as you witness the changing landscapes etched with forests, glaciers, huge lakes and marvellous viewpoints from where to take it all in. You’ll stop to enjoy coffee and comfort breaks along the way, and of course, your sumptuous box lunch to keep you well fed. 

Guests should aim to depart Balmaceda Airport after 3pm. The total drive time from the lodge is 6 hours. Alternatively, you may wish to depart from Cochrane Airport, which is only a 45-minute drive from the lodge and served by smaller charter aircraft. Contact us for more information. 

Meals: Breakfast