Wild Patagonia
Tour Description
Join us on our 18 day small group tour, Wild Patagonia.
Patagonia is rich with history through the eras; from legends of giants roaming a land of fire to the European explorers of Magellan and Drake finding passages to the surrounding seas. Then the humble gauchos (cowboys) who still drive thousands of head of sheep across the arid Patagonian steppe on horseback with the aid of their trusty sheep dogs. Patagonia has a reputation of being rugged and hardy – climbers and hikers alike can attest to 4 seasons in one day with a strong wind thrown in for fun. But with the tough you’ll find the tender; plants and flowers with beautiful colors and delicate leaves, condors and eagles who soar in the skies while armadillos, guanacos and puma roam the territories.
Perhaps the best part of Patagonia is the people you’ll meet. The people who choose to embrace this remarkable region and hold true to their traditions, some of which have been passed down through many generations. You’ll cherish the knowledge and stories these locals will share with us as we pass through the region and try to get a taste of what it is like to live life in Patagonia.
Throughout this 18-day Wild Patagonia small group tour we will weave our way through several of Patagonia’s renowned regions including Bariloche, and the stunning turquoise waters of Argentina’s Lakes District. We journey by road and boat on the famous lakes crossing with vistas of forests and volcanoes. The island of Chiloe in Chile allows us to explore a mix of indigenous traditions and culture, sample the local cuisine and admire the local architecture from fascinating wooden churches to colourful houses on stilts. In Punta Arenas there is even a replica model of Charles Darwin's Beagle to explore.
And...you simply cannot visit Patagonia without seeing Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park, with its jagged, multilayered peaks, or seeking out the impressive array of animals found within the park like guanaco, rhea and puma. The same can be said for Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, a mecca for hikers and nature enthusiasts. You can spend time hiking the trails in El Chalten, and take a day trip from El Calafate to explore the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.
Join us for a Patagonian adventure!
Viva's Best Bits...
Opportunities to engage with the locals, learn about guacho life, spend time with a local Huilliche-Mapuche community, visit a family ranch for dinner with a local chef, and explore caves where the Tehuelche people once roamed.
"Great tour for those that love nature and the outdoors. Experience some of the best day hikes in South America including: Laguna Torre in El Chalten, and Las Torres in Torres del Paine National Park!" Tara, Team Viva
Each day is a new adventure, from hiking the forest and mountains, to photographing landscapes, looking out for condor and other wildlife, or over indulging in the local seafood, barbeque or Calafate ice cream!