Chile: Private Patagonia
Explore Chile's mind-bending terrain without joining the throngs on the popular trekker circuit. On this paddle/hike/horse adventure, you'll have glacier-chiseled fjords, sky-piercing mountains, and best-ever camping all to yourself.
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The author circles Lago Geike (Photo by Jorg Badura)
The author circles Lago Geike. (Jorg Badura)
Fjord De Las Montanas
[kayak , hike, ice climb]
Cordillera Baguales
[hike , backpack, horseback ride, fly-fish]
Puerto Toro
[backpack , kayak]
Multisport Skills
Manage a kayak in rough weather; pack smart for every sport; get rescue insurance
Trip Planner
Get thereFly to Punta Arenas (four flights/week from Santiago during high-tourist season, December through February) and take a bus or taxi three hours to Natales.
Season/Gear Fall and spring (Natales gets more crowded during South America’s summer, December to March). Pack for cold and wet weather; it rains an average of 200 inches annually, average relative humidity is 75 percent, and the record high temperature is 89°F. Bring a synthetic (not down) sleeping bag, waterproof gloves, and three-layer raingear. This is not a place to experiment with ultralight.
MapsPatagonia Sur & Tierra Del Fuego ($7, patagoniainteractiva.com)
InfoFind the outfitters mentioned—plus other guides and tour operators in the region—at gopuertonatales.com. The site also lists hotels, hostels, and restaurants. For general info, see chile.travel.