Chile and Argentina

Aysén & the Ancient Hand Caves

  • Patagonia National Park - Argentina

    Transfer to Argentina from Balamceda Airport
    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Hand Caves

  • Patagonia National Park - Chile

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park

  • Cerro Castillo

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Marble Chapel

  • Puerto Chacabuco

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Laguna San Rafael

About this Journey

This exclusive itinerary was created for a client eager to explore the UNESCO-listed Hand Caves in Argentina’s Patagonia National Park. Remote and untouched, the region posed a real challenge, from rugged landscapes to complex connections. After a month of careful planning, I crafted a seamless journey that balances adventure with comfort. Every detail—from transportation to timing—was designed to maximize the experience while minimizing fatigue. Now, this unique itinerary is part of my portfolio, offering travelers the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Patagonia’s most extraordinary and pristine corners.

Why do I love it?

The itinerery

Your adventure begins as you land in Balmaceda in the morning. Upon arrival at the airport, the transfer to the border with Argentina (4.5 km). After crossing the border, you will meet our driver on the Argentine side, who will take you to your hotel.

Embark on a unique day of trekking and exploration in Parque Patagonia. The day begins with the ‘Bajada de los Toldos’ trail (2.7 km, moderate difficulty), a walk through spectacular landscapes leading to the Cueva de las Manos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you will discover ancient rock paintings, accompanied by expert guides. Enjoy a panoramic lunch at the Mirador El Cóndor. In the afternoon, explore the Cañadón Caracoles Portal, where you can climb and visit the Cueva de Escaladores.

An invitation to get an up-close look at the work of the Rewilding Argentina Foundation. From La Posta de los Toldos, we travel 86 km through stunning landscapes to reach the El Unco Biological Station, where we will be welcomed for an introductory talk about the Rewilding program and conservation goals. Then, we will tour the reintroduction enclosures, one of the most interesting experiences. After lunch, we invite you to join us for a wildlife observation outing in the area.

Private transfers to Chile on the Patagonia National Park

Venture into one of Chile’s most breathtaking protected areas with over thirty explorations designed to immerse you in the wild spirit of Patagonia National Park. From high-alpine lagoons and deep glacial valleys to turquoise rivers and vast Patagonian steppe, every day offers a completely new adventure.

Whether you prefer hiking, e-biking, overland journeys, fly fishing, or water-based experiences, you’ll explore four distinct ecological zones—each with its own character, landscapes, and wildlife.

  • Aguas – Water as the Source of Life: Shaped by glaciers, erosion, and the powerful flow of the Cochrane and Baker Rivers, this region bursts with biodiversity. Evergreen forests, rich fungal networks, birdlife such as the Magellanic woodpecker, and the elusive huemul all thrive here. Explore glacier-fed lakes, turquoise rivers, and wetlands that sustain this complex ecosystem.
  • Veranadas – Ancient Summer Pastures: Once traversed by troperos and ranchers who followed seasonal grazing cycles, these high valleys bloom with life once the snow melts. Surrounded by lenga and ñirre forests, the area has been restored by Rewilding Chile, transforming former grazing land into pristine natural habitats.
  • El Monte – Above the Forest Line “El monte” reveals the raw, rugged heart of the Patagonian Andes. Here, beyond the tree line, the landscape becomes harsher and more dramatic—carved by ancient glaciers and marked by striking geological formations. Ideal for travelers seeking a deeper, more physically demanding mountain experience.
  • El Valle Histórico – The Soul of the Valley: A sweeping valley framed by multicolored mountains, shaped by millennia of glacial movement. This is the realm of the Patagonian steppe, where guanacos roam freely, condors soar overhead, and pumas leave their tracks. Once home to ancient hunter-gatherers and later vast sheep estancias, it now stands as a symbol of resilience and conservation.

Transfer to Villa Cerro Castillo.

Set out on an unforgettable full-day adventure to Puerto Tranquilo, a charming village on the shores of the dazzling Lake General Carrera. As you travel through winding Patagonian roads, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear rivers, and ever-changing landscapes that reveal the raw beauty of Aysén.

Once in Puerto Tranquilo, you’ll have the chance to explore its famous highlights—most notably the iconic Marble Caves, a spectacular network of swirling rock formations sculpted over centuries by wind and water. Depending on conditions, you may venture out by boat or kayak to glide through these luminous caverns and witness the vibrant blues reflected from the lake.

Throughout the day, enjoy peaceful moments on the lakeshore, take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and experience the authentic atmosphere of this remote Patagonian town. It’s a perfect blend of scenic travel, natural wonder, and quiet exploration—an excursion that captures the essence of southern Chile’s wild and breathtaking spirit.

Experience one of Patagonia’s most intimate wildlife encounters as you venture into the pristine landscapes of Cerro Castillo in search of the elusive huemul, the endangered Andean deer and national symbol of Chile. Nestled among rugged peaks, native lenga forests, and glacier-fed streams, this protected area offers one of the best habitats for spotting these gentle creatures in the wild.

Guided by experts who understand their behavior and the fragile ecosystems they depend on, you’ll explore quiet valleys and forested slopes where huemules often graze or rest in small family groups. Moving at a relaxed pace, you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts, the challenges facing the species, and the remarkable resilience that has allowed them to endure in these remote mountains.

With patience and respect, you may observe these shy animals up close—an unforgettable moment set against the dramatic backdrop of Cerro Castillo’s jagged towers and sweeping Patagonian scenery. This experience is not only a wildlife adventure but also a profound opportunity to connect with one of Patagonia’s most iconic and threatened species.

Private transfer to Puerto Chacabuco

Embark from Puerto Chacabuco toward Laguna San Rafael and become part of an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s last great natural wonders.

As you navigate through the channels of Chilean Patagonia, you’ll witness native forests merging with the sea in a breathtaking display. Sail aboard the Catamarán Aysén or Chaitén across 125 nautical miles of Patagonian channels, verdant islands, and lush fjords, ultimately reaching the foot of the San Rafael Glacier, where dramatic ice calvings send majestic icebergs into Laguna San Rafael.

Enjoy this experience from the comfort of our modern catamaran, equipped with the highest safety standards and distinguished by exceptional onboard service.

A new excursion takes you to the Monumento Natural Cinco Hermanas, at the entrance of the Aysén fjord, just one hour from Puerto Chacabuco.

Sail through the Aysén Fjord amid the Patagonian Andes aboard our catamaran and enjoy a relaxing day at the foot of Volcán Macá (2,960 m), whose cone is covered in ice.

Join us for a day of rest in a privileged natural setting, with access to natural hot-water pools and attentive service throughout the excursion

In the afternoon, a transfer will take you to the airport for your departure from Balmaceda.

Hotels

Posta de Los Toldos

La Posta de Los Toldos is a refuge in the deep steppe of Patagonia National Park. Their experience is rooted in achieving luxury through simplicity, immersion in nature, and the joy of being in a truly remote place. It’s the perfect base to explore the park’s vast trail network and spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

Explora Parque Nacional Patagonia

Remotely located in the Chacabuco Valley, near the Carretera Austral, Explora Parque Nacional Patagonia offers an intimate and secluded retreat immersed in the natural beauty of one of Patagonia’s most coveted regions. Its design reflects Explora’s commitment to rewilding and preserving the Patagonian ecosystem.

Alto Castillo

The lodge allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Chilean Patagonia, with spaces crafted from local materials and designed in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. Blending rustic charm with modern and vintage touches, it offers warm hospitality, inspiring views, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and truly unwind.

Loberia del Sur

Hotel Loberías del Sur is located in Puerto Chacabuco. The hotel has direct access to two major attractions in Chilean Patagonia: Catamaranes del Sur, which operates navigation to Laguna San Rafael, and Parque Aikén del Sur. This infrastructure allows the hotel to offer high–quality services, backed by a “Superior 4-Star” classification, ensuring comfort and relaxation.

What to expect?

Details

What to bring

Best time to visit

The experience changes with the seasons; I recommend visiting in summer or during the shoulder seasons.

How to book

Please use the inquiry form on this page or email info@travellocalclub.com to get started. I will be in touch to start the process of planning your custom trip! 

Price

This is a fully customizable private journey. Based on the itinerary above, for two guests sharing a double room, pricing starts at approximately USD 1,000 per person per day, including personalized service, full board, private transfers, and expert local guides throughout your experience. The price can be reduced by choosing alternative accommodations, potentially bringing the cost down to around USD 500 per person per day.

  • Patagonia National Park - Argentina

    Transfer to Argentina from Balamceda Airport
    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Hand Caves

  • Patagonia National Park - Chile

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park

  • Cerro Castillo

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Marble Chapel

  • Puerto Chacabuco

    3 nights
    2 days to discover the park
    Highlight: Laguna San Rafael

Do you want your itinerary?

Have any questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out.

I will be happy to guide you!