Extreme Dreams: Patagonia 2025

Location

Patagonia

When to Go

4 MAR - 17 MAR 2025

Fitness Level

Level 4: Highly Active

Cost

A$11,750 per person

Overview

EXTREME DREAMS: PATAGONIA

This expedition is our first foray into the wilds of South America and to celebrate, we’ve brought together the stuff of dreams – watching icebergs calve from glaciers, wild camping on black sandy beaches and witnessing the last rays of sunshine bathe distant snow-clad peaks in liquid amber.

We’ll trek around the wind-shaped peaks of Navarino Island at the foot of the continent, then travel north and embark on a kayak journey along raging meltwaters dotted with icy growlers, before ending our adventure with two nights of sustainable luxury at Simple Hotel Patagonia.

We’ve chosen to head to Patagonia in March, traditionally a shoulder season in South America, to adventure after the wet of the summer and before the frigid Antarctic storms tear through the region. But be prepared for anything the weather gods could throw at us; wind, rain, snow and maybe even some sunshine if we’re lucky.

MINIMUM NUMBERS – this expedition is subject to a minimum number of eight paying guests and once reached, the expedition is guaranteed to go ahead if not, it will be cancelled, and you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate expedition or departure date or receive a full refund.

INSURANCE – We highly recommend taking out personal travel insurance within seven days of booking this expedition, which will ensure you are covered if things go pear-shaped. In the past, we’ve worked with several different companies and have had the best customer experience and speed of response with World Nomads, but the decision is 100% yours if you have a preferred company.

 

 

Itinerary

Travel to Santiago, Chile

Travel to Santiago, Chile

Tue 4 Mar 2025

Fly into Santiago to kick off this Best Lilfe Adventure.

Welcome to South America. We’ll overnight near the airport, travel into the city and soak up some of the local drinks, cuisine and street vibes.

Travel from Santiago to Punta Arenas

Travel from Santiago to Punta Arenas

Wed 5 Mar 2025

Explore the city and overnight in a funky hotel

Travel from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams

Travel from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams

Thu 6 Mar 2025

Gear check and welcome feast

Overnight – Errante Eco-Lodge

Dientes de Navarino Trek - Day One - Laguna Salto

Dientes de Navarino Trek - Day One - Laguna Salto

Fri 7 Mar 2025

We start our trekking adventure with a climb through a deep forest of beech trees and swamp land uphill to Laguna Salto at 480m, above sea level, before setting up camp close to the gorgeous lagoon where we spend the night in tents at campsite Laguna Salto.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Walking distance: 9 km

Elevation gain: 600 m ascent and 200 m descent.

DIENTES DE NAVARINO TREK - DAY TWO - LAGUNA ESCONDIDA

DIENTES DE NAVARINO TREK - DAY TWO - LAGUNA ESCONDIDA

Sat 8 Mar 2025

Today we hike over the Paso Primero to the Mirador de los Dientes and enjoy epic views over the Dientes Mountain range dotted with blue lagoons.

After lunch, we hike over snow-covered terrain to reach Paso Australia (805 m), passing small lagoons and the sharp-rising Dientes mountains until arriving at our next campsite at Laguna Escondida.

Walking time: 5 hours

Walking distance: 9.5 km

Elevation gain: 400 m

Dientes de Navarino Trek – Day Three - Laguna Martillo 

Dientes de Navarino Trek – Day Three - Laguna Martillo 

Sun 9 Mar 2025

Today we walk through hidden and untouched valleys of Isla Navarino and cross the Ventarron pass at 696 metres. Once we descend into the valley it’s easy to spot beaver-marked forests and dams and if we’re lucky, you may have the chance to observe them building structures around their habitat.

Overnight: Tents at Laguna Martillo campsite.

Walking time: 5 hours

Walking distance: 8 km

Elevation gain: 300 m

Dientes de Navarino - Day Four - Puerto Williams

Dientes de Navarino - Day Four - Puerto Williams

Mon 10 Mar 2025 12:00AM

On our final day, we hike uphill to Paso Virginia at 829m, the highest point of the Dientes de Navarino-Circuit. From here we enjoy spectacular views back to the rock spires of Monte Lindenmayer and to Hoste Island and Ushuaia. Afterwards, we descend to Laguna Guanacas and back to Puerto Williams, passing a dense Coigue forest and fire-cleared slopes until reaching Los Bronces.

We return to the Errante Eco Lodge, in Puerto Williams for a celebration dinner.

Walking time: 7-8 hours

Walking distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: 420 m ascent and 830 m descent

Travel from Puerto Williams to Puerto Natales, via Punta Arenas

Travel from Puerto Williams to Puerto Natales, via Punta Arenas

Wed 12 Mar 2025
Kayaking - Day One - Rio Serrano

Kayaking - Day One - Rio Serrano

Thu 13 Mar 2025

Starting early after breakfast we travel north to the shores of Grey Lake, located in Torres del Paine National Park, with views of Paine Grande and Grey Glacier.

After our safety briefing and expedition overview, we pack our vessels ready for the adventure that lies ahead.

Once we hit the water we navigate around the lake paddling among huge iceberg growlers that have broken from the Grey Glacier, and are often sculpted into incredible shapes by the wind and sun.

During this part of the adventure, we have an amazing view of the magnificent Paine Massif; including Paine Grande, the Olguin Range, and Los Cuernos (The Horns of Paine). These mountains, together with the grey water, make for a perfect contrast to the enormous walls of granite and sedimentary rock that tower high above.

After paddling across Grey Lake, we begin the descent of Grey River. The river winds through deep canyons with steep rock faces, creating sections of rapids that are exciting and entertaining, until we join with the turquoise water of the Serrano River.

The day’s paddle comes to an end at Serrano Village where we spend the night. There are toilets, showers and electricity here.

Distance: 18 Miles

Paddling Time: 4 – 5 Hours

Kayaking - Day Two - Tyndall Glacier

Kayaking - Day Two - Tyndall Glacier

Fri 14 Mar 2025

After a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, we load our kayaks and make the last preparations for the day.

Today, we run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine Massif until we get to the Serrano waterfall (around 1.5 hours). We then portage around it, for around 100 metres before continuing down the river with amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and Geike Range along the way.

The river is surrounded by beautiful Coigue and Cypress native forests, and it’s here, the real expedition starts. We will paddle UP the Tyndall River when we can, carefully choosing our line whenever the current is too strong or too shallow until we get to the beautiful Tyndall Lake. Our location is true wilderness as there is no road or air access, so we’ll be the only ones for miles around.

We spend the night on a wild campsite on the shores of Tyndall Lake.

Distance: 14 Miles

Paddling Time: 5 – 6 Hours

Kayaking - Day Three - Serrano Glacier

Kayaking - Day Three - Serrano Glacier

Sat 15 Mar 2025

After a hearty breakfast and fresh coffee, we paddle 5km across Tyndall Lake (weather permitting) to get closer to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, or if the weather is too windy, we hike in to see the glacier from another perspective.

Once back at the boats, we head down the quiet waters of Tyndall River, until we get back to Serrano River. It’s surrounded by amazing mountains and native forests. After a couple of hours, we arrive at Balmaceda Mount, on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

The Serrano Glacier is a spectacular view, and from our campsite, we trek to the falls that overlook them. We spend the night at Balmaceda Campsite.

Distance: 25 Miles

Paddling Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Kayaking - Day Four - back to Puerto Natales

Kayaking - Day Four - back to Puerto Natales

Sun 16 Mar 2025

We start the day with a 50-metre portage of the kayaks to the Serrano Lagoon. From here we paddle among the icebergs in front of the Serrano Glacier. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. The first rays of sunlight add the the unique views of this beautiful place.

Once we’re back in camp we pack our gear for the final time, before boarding the “21 de Mayo” catamaran and sailing back towards Puerto Natales. En route we stop at Perales Ranch, for a traditional Magellan Lamb BBQ. With fully satisfied bellies, we continue until our catamaran stops in Puerto Bories, where our private transport will be waiting.

It’s a full day and we finally arrive at Simple Hotel, Puerto Natales for two nights of luxurious pampering around 18:00.

Distance: 2 Miles

Paddling Time: 1 – 2 Hours

PLEASE NOTE: 

*Wind is a very normal factor in Patagonia, and you have to consider that paddling into strong winds may be a possibility. This is a true Best Life Adventure after all.

* Sometimes the glacial lagoons can be blocked with high ice levels meaning it’s too dangerous to paddle close to the glaciers or in the lagoon.

 

Best Life Adventures activity - TBC

Best Life Adventures activity - TBC

Mon 17 Mar 2025

Costs

Costs

A$11,750 per person

INCLUDES:

(TRAVEL)

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Santiago
  • Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas
  • Overnight accommodation in Punta Arenas
  • Return flights – Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams with transport to and from the airport
  • Bus ride from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
  • Two nights accommodation at the luxurious 5* Simple Hotel, Puerto Natales

(TREK)

  • 2 nights twin-share at Errante Eco Lodge, Puerto Williams with transport to and from airport
  • All meals in Puerto Williams including welcome feast
  • 5-day guided Dientes de Navarino trek
    • Certified mountain guide, certified trekking guide, porter and chef
    • All meals throughout the trek inc. breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner
    • All camping equipment (you need to bring personal gear – details to follow)
    • First aid support and equipment

(KAYAK)

  • 4-day guided Tyndall Kayak Expedition
    • Transportation from Puerto Natales to kayak start and end point
    • Professional certified guides and wilderness first aid responders
    • Double kayaks and equipment including dry suits, life jackets, helmets, gloves, booties, etc
    • Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
    • All meals throughout the expedition inc. breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner & drinks & farewell lamb BBQ
    • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park entrance and paddling fee
  • Sailing catamaran along Ultima Esperanza Fjord

 

NOT INCLUDED:

  • International flight to/from Santiago
  • Flight from Puerto Natales to Santiago at end of expedition
  • Tips for guides, alcohol, travel insurance
  • Additional sightseeing trips or optional extras
  • Meals, other than those specified above
  • Alcohol
  • Medical and associated costs including medical evacuation
  • Legal costs incurred during the Event

HOW TO REGISTER & PAY:

  • Click the BOOK NOW button to book and register for this expedition.
  • A 20% non-refundable Booking Fee is due 7 days after registering for this expedition.
  • Your Balance Due must be paid at least 90 days before departure or your deposit will be forfeited.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: We can cater for some food allergies or vegetarians/vegans. You can list any dietary requirements in the Participant Information Form that you need to complete as one of your tasks in preparation for the expedition.

FLIGHTS:  Best Life Adventures do NOT include flights into and out of Santiago. You will need to book these, details will be provided after you register. We recommend looking at Skyscanner for an idea of times and prices.

Our full terms and conditions are published here.

 

ALTERNATIVE ADVENTURES

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