Divergences:
patagonia
FINALLY! Our long-awaited fourth Yellow Wood Divergence is back in the works! We’ve done Everest Base Camp, Machu Picchu, and Kilimanjaro. We’re excited to share that Yellow Wood, in partnership with MT Sobek will be traveling to Patagonia March 8 - 14, 2024! They’ve been the adventure company since 1969 and promise an absolutely epic trip!
There are few bucket lists that don’t include a breathtaking (or breath-giving) trip to picturesque Patagonia, and for obvious reason if you’ve ever so much as glimpsed at an image of the region’s otherworldly glaciers. Often revered as the pinnacle holiday for adventurers, Patagonia features colossal, crystal blue glaciers, a symphony of wildlife quite unlike anywhere else in the world, and swirling, dreamy skies that seem to extend beyond the reaches of our Earthly existence.
Our next Divergence will take you there - to the southernmost tip of South America, where, nestled along the western coast of Chile are landscapes so vast and pristine it looks animated.
The itinerary outlined below has been custom-curated for Yellow Wood. Our maximum capacity is 16 people.
OVERVIEW
On this “go at your own pace” adventure, you'll explore the breathtaking mountain environs of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Nature really outdoes herself in this corner of the world: soaring pink and white granite towers, golden grasslands sprawled beneath a huge expanse of sky, forest of gnarled trees resembling oversized Bonsai, sparkling lakes of incredible hues, the largest continental ice field outside Antarctica, and glaciers forgotten by the last ice age. Exhilarating scenic hikes are complemented by sumptuous accommodations. With our 40+ years of expertise in the region, you’ll be in excellent hands, so join us and discover the real Patagonia.
Activity Rating: Level 3 (on a scale of 1-5). This custom itinerary allows for a flexible hiking schedule. Your guide team will work with you to plan each day’s hikes and make the most of your time in Patagonia, tailored to the group's preferences and abilities. On each of the four primary hiking days, the hikes we have in mind involve 3-5 hours of hiking, with 3-5 miles and usually just 200-800’ elevation gain and loss (on one day, a 3-mile hike involves 1,477’ elevation gain and loss, but this is completely up to you and can be modified as needed). Note that strong winds are common in Patagonia, and weather can change drastically, causing temperatures to fluctuate rapidly. Come prepared for high winds, and the possibility of rain or sun.
Day 1 - March 8 - Arrive in Punta Arena, Chile. Arrive to Punta Arenas, Chile on the flight of your choice. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage meet your private MT Sobek adventure guide and transfer to the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. This evening, meet up with your guide for a briefing on the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner. Transportation: 20-minute private van transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to hotel in Punta Arenas Overnight: Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas Meals: D
Day 2 - March 9 - Scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Today set out early to Torres del Paine National Park and glimpse your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). Closer to the park, you will begin to see some guanacos — small cousins to the camel and llama. Transportation: 6-hours private van transfer Overnight: Hotel Rio Serrano, Torres del Paine National Park Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 - March 10 - Western side of Torres del Paine with close-up view of the Grey Glacier. Today explore the western side of Torres del Paine National Park, along a trail that follows the Pingo River. Look for the rare Andean Deer, and take a boat to get up close to the impressive Grey Glacier with its fantastic blue ice-spires in all kinds of different shapes. Transportation: 2 hours total driving Activity: 3 hours/5 miles with 300' elevation gain; 2 hours 45 minute catamaran cruise Overnight: Hotel Rio Serrano Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 - March 11 - Move to eastern side of Torres del Paine. Today set out towards the eastern side of the park, stopping along the way to catch amazing views at several beautiful lookouts. Hike to the Salto Grande waterfall, beautifully located in front of the Horns (Los Cuernos) of Paine, and on a nature trail to watch llama-like guanacos and view cave paintings drawn by the original inhabitants. Continue to Estancia Cerro Guido, and settle in to your comfortable rooms at this working ranch in a beautiful setting on the eastern side of Torres del Paine. Enjoy an easygoing afternoon walk at the ranch to get to know the true country life in Patagonia, from the inside! Transportation: 2 hours total driving Activity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain Overnight: Estancia Cerro Guido Meals: B,L,D
Day 5 - March 12 - Explore eastern side of Torres del Paine. Your Torres del Paine hiking adventure continues, with a morning hike along the limit of the park. Enjoy panoramic views of the Paine Massif while looking for local fauna: guanacos, rheas, condors or maybe even a puma. Towards the end of the hike, stop to appreciate some original cave paintings, and weather permitting, catch glimpses of the famous towers. Return to your private van, and transfer to the northern sector for a stroll along the shores of Laguna Azul. Here you can enjoy some of the most precious views of the three towers that majestically rise from the steppe. Transportation: 3 hours total driving Activity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss, plus 1-2 hour lakeshore walk Overnight: Estancia Cerro Guido Meals: B,L,D
Day 6 - March 13 - Condors Trek. After a morning drive back towards Puerto Natales, stop for a hike to Cerro Benitez, a cliff of nesting condors that is part of the Cerro Toro geological complex, some 20 miles from Puerto Boris. After a 1.5-hour hike, reach the summit where you might be fortunate to observe the imposing presence and flight of the austral condors. Relax at this extraordinary viewpoint of Sofia Lake and the fjords of Eberhard and Ultima Esperanza, then continue to your hotel in Puerto Natales. Transportation: 3 hours total driving Activity: 5 hours/3 miles hiking with 1,477’ elevation gain and loss Meals: B,L,D Overnight: NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel, Puerto Natales
Day 7 - March 14 - Depart from Punta Arenas. After an early breakfast, return to Punta Arenas by private van to meet with your afternoon flight to Santiago and continue to your next destination. Driving Time: 3-4 hours private van transfer from hotel in Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) Meals: B
Booking is open February 15, 2023 through March 1, 2023. Reserve your spot by getting in touch with Debra at info@yellowwoodgear.com.