Expedition Itinerary
This journey has been designed so that you can discover this remote territory alongside our expert exploration team. This is a location where highways don't exist, services are scarce, and there are still native people who arrived decades ago to colonize a pristine territory.
Day 1: Welcome
We will meet this day at the Yegua Loca Hotel in Punta Arenas, where we will be waiting for you.
Depending on the arrival time, you can explore the beautiful city of Punta Arenas while we prepare for the evening, where we will enjoy the introduction to our journey with our exploration team and a dinnerto kickstart the trip.
Accommodation: Yegua Loca Hotel
Day 2: Strait of Magellan and Pampa
Rise at dawn for breakfast before departing by boat across the Strait of Magellan, the most important natural passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Embrace the brisk sea air as you witness this passage from the deck. When explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the island of Tierra del Fuego, he named it after the large bonfires he saw from the sea, which were likely made by the indigenous Selk’nam people who inhabited the area. Arrive at the port of Porvenir, where we briefly tour the city to understand its history and culture. Your journey continues as you cross vast extensions of pampa and several estancias, with a stop to marvel at the island’s only colony of king penguins. Enjoy lunch and connect with the culture of Tierra del Fuego. Later, arrive at our accommodation in a local estancia.
Accommodation: Local estancia (single rooms only)
Day 3: Transition to Patagonian Forest
Today you cross the border and endless plains of pampas to enter tthe forests of Tierra del Fuego. Arrive at Karukinka Park, a private natural reserve spanning more than 741,000 acres (300,000 hectares) that seeks to preserve the native environment and raise awareness about the island’s biodiversity. Take a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike to Cerro Pietro Grande to admire its diverse ecosystems as well as the effect of beavers on its forests. End the day at our cabin accommodations near Lake Fagnano. These special accommodations belong to the Genkowsky family, who welcome us upon arrival. Considered the last settlers on the island, they created roads, settled against all odds to live in this part of the planet and share their stories with us firsthand.
Accommodation: Estancia Fagnano (select cabins have outdoor bathrooms)
Day 4: Navigating Patagonian Fjords
After an early breakfast, head to Caleta María, a bay once only accessible by sea until 2014m, when a new land route was developed. Today, we travel by boat to navigate to Parry Fjord and cross the Almirantazgo Sound, Tierra del Fuego’s first protected marine area. Enjoy a moderate hike along the fjord’s edge through forests overlooking the glaciers. In the afternoon, return to the protected area of the Almirantazgo Sound, where we find sea elephants, leopard seals and black-browed albatrosses. Disembark in Caleta Maria and return to Estancia Fagnano for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Estancia Fagnano (select cabins have outdoor bathrooms)
Day 5: Mountains & Forests
Today, embark on an active, full-day at Yendegaia National Park. This park is closed to visitors, but Explora has special access to explore a part of this wonderful park at the end of the world. Led by our expert guides, enjoy a full-day hike of advanced intensity through the park’s varied terrain and surrounding its high-altitude lagoons.
Accommodation: Estancia Fagnano (Select cabins have outdoor bathrooms)
Day 6: Andean Treeline
Today’s Exploration brings you to the extreme south-east side of Karukinka Park for a moderate walk along the tree line. At the highest part of this walk, take in incredible views of the mountains, valleys and an ecosystem that is home to the greatest variety of plants in all of Karukinka as well as its greatest concentration of endemic plant species. Snow is always possible in the area, so exploring in snowshoes may be necessary. Return to the cabins this evening for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Estancia Fagnano (Select cabins have outdoor bathrooms)
Day 7: Returning Home/Flight to Punta Arenas
Today, we finish this marvelous journey and prepare to return home. After breakfast, journey to Pampa Guanaco, where a flight awaits to take you to Punta Arenas. Operated by Aerolíneas DAP, this flight is approximately 30 minutes for a maximum capacity of 15 people.
Expedition Itinerary Map
