Chile: Expedition to the heart of the austral winter
Travel to Chile
- 30 days & 29 nights
- Individual from May to September
- Group (4 to 12 people) from 06/07 to 05/08/2025
Because times have changed, and today it's our responsibility to be more respectful of the world we live in, some people have chosen to stop flying, preferring to explore destinations closer to home. But crossing the ocean by plane is still an option if you want to experience a unique unique, unforgettable and enriching journey. Travel can endure, it's mass tourism that needs to be limited.
With this in mind, we offer you a a winter adventure in Patagonia, far from the crowds. This will be a long, slow journeyIt will be long and slow, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the culture and landscapes of this country of contrasting geographies. Rather than take multiple domestic flights and hop from place to place, we'll discover every corner of this fascinating land by land and sea.
Our adventure begins in Santiago, the Chilean capital, where we discover the country's emblematic neighborhoods and rich history.
One night bus later (in comfort, of course :)) and we're in the Lakes and Volcanoes region that we wake up. It's here, in Araucania, that the majority of the Mapuche live. This indigenous population now accounts for only 5% of the total population, but still retains strong traditions. We spend a few days in a Mapuche community, sharing their daily life, living a unique human experience and helping to support their local economy. At this time of year, bathing in the thermal baths, snowshoeing and climbing the Villarrica volcano complete our adventure in the heart of this snow-covered landscape.
A few days' drive along the Lakes Route takes us to Chiloé Island to the island of Chiloé, one of Chile's most authentic places.. Here, we discover stilt dwellings, Unesco World Heritage-listed wooden churches, natural parks and a gastronomy rich in seafood.
The second part of our journey begins here, with a great adventure a great adventure on the mythical Route Australe as we continue our journey. An overnight ferry takes us from Quellón, on the island of Chiloé, to Puerto Cisnes, one of the most remote fjords on the Route Austral. Ruta 5, which runs parallel to Argentina's Route 40, is much less busy and offers an authentic, wilderness experience.
The northern part of the road is asphalted, but the southern part we're taking is still a challenge for adventurers. We travel, of course, with an expert guide-driver, a native of the region, and a robust 4×4 vehicle, ready to brave unpredictable weather conditions to get us to the end of the road. Indeed, on the Chilean side, this is where the road ends: we must then take a ferry to reach the extreme south of the country. During this week of adventure, we have to constantly adapt to Patagonia's capricious weather.Our goal is to reach Caleta Tortel, a picturesque village that marks the end of the Route Austral. From here, we'll take a ferry to the extreme south of the country and experience 40 hours of total disconnection (finally a place without the Internet, what a luxury!), sailing through the Patagonian fjords in the heart of unspoilt wilderness.
The third leg of our journey begins here in Puerto Natales, at the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. After two nights on the boat, we appreciate the comfort of good bedding, and if we're going to have an extraordinary trip, we might as well sleep at the Singular (said to be one of the most beautiful hotels in the world)! The next day, we make our way to Torres del Paine: world-famous for trekking and Chile's most touristic spot. The only difference is that the thousands of tourists who visit it every year do so between October and March. Completely deserted by tourists in winter, we have the park to ourselves, with the extraordinary possibility of observing pumas in their natural habitat. We continue our adventure on foot and on horseback, like a true gaucho!
Beyond the absolutely exceptional experience we're about to live, it's undoubtedly the feeling of being alone in the world that will accompany us throughout this trip.
Highlights
- Plunge into the heart of Mapuche culture: a total immersion in the daily life of this ancestral community.
- Climb the Villarrica volcano: whether on foot or by ski touring, every step towards the summit is an emotional rollercoaster of breathtaking panoramas.
- The Marble Chapels all to yourself! Imagine yourself alone in the world, sailing through crystal-clear waters to discover these spectacular rock formations. In summer, dozens of boats visit at the same time...
- Discover Caleta Tortel, a village suspended in time: this unique village of wooden footbridges marks the end of the Route Australe.
- Stay at Estancia Cerro Guido: Torres del Paine Park seen from a different angle, that of responsible tourism, the real thing. Observe pumas, horseback ride through breathtaking landscapes, feel a deep connection with nature...
Does this trip inspire you? Are you dying to know all the details?
1. Complete the form below to download the complete pdf of the tour and find out all the information about the trip (stages, schedule, accommodation).
2. Request a quote or contact Océane directly in Chile to organize your extraordinary trip: contact@terra-chile.com or by phone Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 9:30 pm (French time) on 09 70 44 86 98.
