Itinerary

Note: This itinerary includes activities by helicopter and boat that are weather sensitive, and as a result we have designed this itinerary to allow us the flexibility to align these activities with periods of suitable weather. While we do not expect the itinerary to change with regard to accommodations each night, activities described below may shift from one day to another in response to weather.

December 3 – 4: COYHAIQUE

Arrive in Coyhaique. After being greeted at the Balmaceda airport you will be transferred about 45 minutes away to the our group’s modern boutique lodge, Patagonia House, perched in a commanding position above the town of Coyhaique, with views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Check in, relax, and get to know everyone at our festive group dinner.

An early morning departure will take us to a vast private estancia where Andean Condors commonly congregate in numbers on cliff edges over a river gorge. We plan to be in position as the Condors take flight for the day. We will then make a circuit of the mountains and lakes surrounding Coyhaique to introduce you to the stunning beauty and diverse geography of the region. In the afternoon, we will turn our lenses toward photographing our favorite locations in the local landscape, followed by a gourmet dinner by our private chef.

Overnight Patagonia House (D,B,L,D)

December 5 – 7: PUERTO RIO TRANQUILO

In the morning we will depart for Lago General Carrera, or Chelenko as known by its indigenous name, via the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway). This scenic journey will take us from the edge of the famous Patagonian Steppe over the shoulders of Cerro Castillo, through the deep Valdivian forests along the Murta River Valley and into the great basin of snow-capped peaks and azure waters of Lago Chelenko. We will check into our lodge at the lakeside village of Puerto Rio Tranquillo before our next adventure.  Time and weather permitting we may have an opportunity to visit the Marble Caves for an evening shoot. Dinner will be at one of our favorite local restaurants.

The next morning we will rise early and head west towards the Rio Exploradores and the northern reaches of the San Valentin massif and the northern ice fields to capture morning light.  We will also have the opportunity to walk on the glacier itself and do some close-up shots of ice with the mountains in the background. If the weather over the San Valentin Massif and Northern Patagonian Ice Field is good in the afternoon, we will likely begin helicopter flight operations to do aerial photography. Two guests will participate in each hour-long doors-off flight, accompanied by either Justin or Bill, and the highly experienced pilot. The next two days offer opportunities to fly during windows of good weather as well, so we will keep the schedule flexible. If we don’t fly this afternoon, we will head to a secret location on the south shore of Lago General Carrera for photo ops of evening light on the lake and mountains, with a fantastic “asado” barbecue set under the bright stars of Patagonia.

On our final morning in the Tranquilo area, we will photograph dawn light over the lake followed by a three-hour excursion by boat to photograph the incredible Marble Caves. After lunch and a rest back at the lodge we will return to the Marble Caves in the evening for an additional shoot, followed by dinner at another favorite restaurant.

Overnight El Puesta (B,L,D)

December 8 – 9: VALLE CHACABUCO

After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we will continue our journey south, deeper into the wild heart of Patagonia.  Along the way will encounter the famous crystal clear waters of the Baker river flowing from its origins in Lago Bertrand and Lago Chelenko. We will make a short walk to photograph the confluence of the Rio Neff and mighty Baker where the Baker takes it first significant step down through the Baker Canyon before dumping out into Valle Grande on its way south towards the Pacific. We will then move on to Valle Chacabuco, our next spectacular destination.  Here, we will make the most of the many Maulins (wetlands) where swans, flamingos, and Guanacos congregate. We should find ample opportunities to catch the famed Andean Condor soaring among the cliffs to the south, and for those of us who have extra patience, we can go to the local Viscacha colony to shoot these elusive rock dwellers. Valle Chacabuco was once home to the largest sheep farms in Chilean Patagonia, but is now undergoing an environmental rehabilitation.  Under support from Doug and Kris Tompkins and many other philanthropic groups, including Patagonia clothing and Conservación Patagónicas, the ranch and its 400,000 hectares is undergoing a transformation into one of the most beautiful regions of Patagonia, freeing it from fences and invasive species.

Overnight Valle Chacabuco Lodge (B,L,D)

December 10 – 12: TORTEL

Today we will set out for our the southernmost point on our journey, to the quaint fishing village of Caleta Tortel. Along the way we will stop for a picnic before we head south along the shoulders of the towering San Lorenzo Massif, the largest mountain in the region. This will take us through lush Valdivian rainforest, with excellent opportunities to photograph along the way. The culturally significant waterfront outpost of Tortel is connected by a system of wooden walkways built of the local Guaitecas Cypress giving it a very distinctive feel. This community is located at the mouth of the Baker river and will complete our survey of the Baker having visited the origin in Lago Chelenko and now visiting its terminus at the Pacific Ocean.

After breakfast the following day, we will board our very comfortable 16-meter private excursion vessel to explore the fjords of the Patagonian Archipelago beyond the outpost of Tortel. This day-long journey will take us past icebergs, waterfalls, primeval forest, and soaring peaks to the calving face of the huge Jorge Montt Glacier (covering 464 square kilometers). We will have ample opportunity to photograph ice and surrounding environs before heading back to the village of Tortel. We may even cross paths with a pod of Chilean dolphins along the way.

On our last day in Totel, we plan to shoot in morning light along its very photogenic maritime waterfront, and then make the most of the many excellent opportunities easily accessed in the vicinity of Tortel, including Valdivian rainforest scenes, waterfalls, views across the Rio Baker and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Entre Hielos Lodge (B,L,D)

December 13:  BAKER RIVER

Today we begin our trip back north. As we retrace our route, we will have ample opportunities to photograph compelling locations bypassed on the way down, or revisit locations in different light and weather conditions. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Green Baker Lodge, on the banks of the Baker River with plenty of opportunities for evening light on the azure waters of the Baker.

Overnight Green Baker Lodge (B,L,D)

December 14 – 15: LAGO NEGRO

We will continue heading north along the western shore of Lago Chelenko towards the Leones Valley, the eastern shoulders of San Valentine and the quaint village of Guadal. In the evening we will head to the Maqui waterfall to photograph evening light, the lake, and mountainscapes.

We will rise early the next morning to shee the morning sunrise, with expansive views of Lago General Carrera and the many mountain peaks along its shores. After breakfast at the lodge will embark on a day trip to Lago Leones and the Loenes Glacier by jet boat.

Ovenight Hacienda Tres Lagos (B,L,D)

December 16 – RETURN TO COYHAIQUE

On this, our final full day in Patagonia, we will wake early to catch the light and then drive north to return to Coyhaique. We will stop several times along the way to take advantage of photography opportunities. Once in Coyhaique we will settle back into the comfortable Patagonia House and enjoy a final celebratory meal as a group.

Overnight Patagonia House (B,L,D)

December 17 – DEPARTURE DAY

After breakfast, you will  be transferred to Balmaceda to catch your flights back to Santiago and home. If you have a later flight you can explore Coyhaique (or shop for any last-minute souvenirs) before being transferred to the airport. (B)