patagonia

Day 1

Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile; transfer to hotel and enjoy a workshop welcome dinner in the evening.

Day 2

Sail to Magdalena Island in the waters of the mythical Strait of Magellan and walk among a bustling hub of more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. The sight of these charming birds waddling and diving across the pristine beach will fill your heart with delight and your camera roll with stunning snapshots.

From there, travel to the heart of Patagonia, the Torres del Paine National Park. Home to the eponymous granite towers, this park offers heart-stopping beauty at every turn. Crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, magnificent glaciers, and dense forests teeming with diverse wildlife make it a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Next, unwind in Puerto Natales, a picturesque town that serves as the gateway to Torres del Paine. With its colorful houses, lively waterfront, and dramatic mountain backdrop, this charming town is a jewel in its own right.

Day 3

Rise and shine as we prepare to capture the first light washing over the mesmerizing Paine Massif. Looming grandeur of the granite and sedimentary rock formations that make up the Massif's rugged beauty.

Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant red head of the Magellanic woodpecker, the vibrant green feathers of the Austral parakeet, and the elusive huemul (Andean deer) blending seamlessly with the forest undergrowth.

We’ll hop aboard an ice-breaking boat to explore the icy expanse of the Grey Glacier, an imposing river of ice that's part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The shimmering blue icebergs calving from the glacier offer unforgettable views of colossal icebergs, marooned on the southern shore of the lake.

End the day with an optional photo outing for sunset and the dramatic cloud formations.

Day 4

Puma day! With a local expert puma tracker, we will explore the alkaline ponds and the awe-inspiring natural beauty continues with Patagonia's enchanting lagoons and waterfalls. Whether it's the turquoise waters of Lago Pehoé reflecting the snow-capped peaks or the thunderous roar of the Salto Grande Waterfall, these natural wonders will leave you spellbound.

Day 5

Head to viewpoint on the eastern corner of Lake Sarmiento from where we'll have the most breath-taking views of the towering peaks of Las Torres (the Towers) the granite spires after which the park is named.

In the afternoon we’ll visit Mylodon Cave Nature Reserve. This outstanding natural wonder consists of an enormous cave, carved out of the rock by the waves of an ancient lake. It was used as shelter for a large array of Pleistocene mammal species, including the giant ground sloth, or Mylodon, (Mylodon darwinii) when most of the surroundings were covered by glaciers.

Finish the day at Puerto Natales.

Day 6

Head east after leaving Puerto Natales and drive along the straight-line border with Argentina to visit the Pali Aike National Park. The birdlife of the area is also interesting and you may find intriguing species such as least seedsnipe, tawny-throated dotterel, chocolate-vented tyrant and the colourful white-bridled finch.

After a short ferry ride across the narrowest part of the Strait of Magellann, arrive on Tierra del Fuego drive along the shores of the vast Useless Bay, a windswept plain on the southern coast. Tierra del Fuego is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to countless migratory birds and a king penguin breeding colony.

Finish the day in Porvenir.

Day 7

Spend the morning exploring Porvenir, a quaint city on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego. With its historic buildings, rich culture, and stunning views of the Strait of Magellan, Porvenir is a delightful addition to our trip.

You'll also visit the alkaline pools, home to large groups of migratory birds such as sandpiper and plovers – your main goal here will be to see the Chilean flamingo. Later you'll explore the coast to see some of the many shipwrecks that have made these seas around here infamous over the years.

Ferry back to Punta Arenas for the night.

Day 8

After breakfast, transfer to Punta Arenas Airport and head home.

INCLUDED:

• Single occupancy accommodations,.

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 3-7. Day 1 dinner. Day 2 lunch dinner. Day 8 breakfast.

• Transfer to/from airport to hotel.

• Ground and Marine transportation.

• One-on-one photography instruction with evening post-editing sessions (time permitting) with Brandon Cunningham.

• Puma guide, park fees.

EXCLUDED:

• Airfare to/from destination.

• Gratuities for instructors, drivers, and tour guides.

• Personal shopping.

• Travel Insurance (and visas if necessary).

Your arrival and departure airport is Punta Arenas (PUQ-Carlos Ibanez Del Campo Intl.)

$2,000 Deposit is due to reserve your spot and the full balance is due 75 days prior to arrival date.

Please see the full Terms and Conditions including cancelation fees on the site.

Pack Your Gear!

• Choose one: monopod, tripod or handheld.

• Batteries and chargers.

• Memory cards.

• Laptop and external drive.

• Pack clothing accordingly to our destination’s forecast.

General things to bring:

• Small bag for daily excursions.

• Bug spray/wipes.

• Sturdy shoes.