Chilean Patagonia DMC Expedition — Conservation, Wilderness & Carretera Austral | 9 Days
A private DMC program for travel agencies, boutique hotels, tour operators and specialist partners seeking a locally operated conservation and wilderness expedition through Chile’s Aysén Region and the Carretera Austral.

Day 1 — Arrival in Coyhaique & Patagonian Countryside

Arrival at Balmaceda Airport and private transfer to your lodge in the Aysén Region.

Settle into your Patagonian base surrounded by lenga forests, open valleys and Andean peaks. Depending on arrival time, the day can include a gentle acclimatization walk through the countryside or a relaxed welcome evening with regional cuisine and Chilean wines.

The guide will lead a private trip briefing covering the route, weather, activity level, equipment, logistics and safety considerations for the coming days.

Accommodation: Hotel Patagonia House
Style: Private countryside lodge in Valle Simpson

Day 2 — Laguna Cerro Castillo Trek

Full-day alpine trek to the iconic turquoise lagoon beneath the dramatic spires of Cerro Castillo.

This is one of the most impressive hikes in the Aysén Region and a powerful introduction to the landscapes of central Patagonia. The route involves sustained elevation gain, changing weather exposure and mountain terrain, requiring good physical condition.

A private picnic is served in the field, with timing adapted to weather, group pace and safety conditions.

Transfer: approximately 95 km / 1h30 each way
Hike: approximately 13 km / 7 hours
Elevation gain: approximately +1,000 m
Difficulty: Demanding
Accommodation: Hotel Patagonia House

Day 3 — Scenic Journey South to Lago General Carrera

Private scenic drive along the legendary Carretera Austral from Coyhaique to Puerto Río Tranquilo.

The landscape gradually transitions from forested valleys and mountain passes to the vast horizons of Lago General Carrera, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular lake systems.

This day is designed not only as a transfer, but as an interpretive journey through changing ecosystems, rural communities, rivers, valleys and viewpoints along the Carretera Austral.

Route: Coyhaique → Puerto Río Tranquilo
Distance: approximately 223 km
Driving time: 4h30–5h, depending on stops and road conditions
Accommodation: Terra Luna Lodge
Style: Contemporary lakeside lodge overlooking Lago General Carrera

Day 4 — Private Kayak at the Marble Caves & Valle Exploradores

Early morning departure to explore the extraordinary marble formations of Capillas de Mármol.

A private guided kayak experience allows guests to approach the formations at water level, with timing planned for optimal light and lake conditions whenever possible. Depending on weather, lake conditions and group profile, an extended navigation toward lesser-visited formations may be arranged.

In the afternoon, continue toward Valle Exploradores for a scenic exploration of glacier landscapes, braided rivers, hanging ice and temperate rainforest.

A soft hike to a glacier viewpoint introduces guests to the northern ice field corridor and the scale of Patagonia’s glacial environments.

Activity: Private kayak experience
Afternoon: Valle Exploradores scenic exploration
Accommodation: Terra Luna Lodge

Day 5 — Glaciar Leones & Transfer to the Baker River Region

Morning journey into the remote valley of Glaciar Leones.

This day combines overland travel, trekking and a boat crossing across a glacial lagoon to access one of the region’s most dramatic and less-visited glacier environments.

After the excursion, continue south toward the Baker River region, entering a wilder and more remote part of the itinerary.

Route: Puerto Río Tranquilo → Valle Leones → Baker River region
Transfer to Valle Leones: approximately 70–75 km / 1h45–2h
Activity: Trekking and boat crossing, weather dependent
Accommodation: Lodge BordeBaker
Style: Boutique riverside lodge immersed in pristine nature

Day 6 — Patagonia National Park: Valle Chacabuco Sector

Scenic drive into Patagonia National Park, Valle Chacabuco sector.

This day focuses on one of the most important conservation landscapes in Chilean Patagonia. The open steppe, mountain backdrops, wildlife corridors and restored ecosystems offer a direct connection with the rewilding vision that helped shape the Red de Parques de la Patagonia.

Depending on conditions and group level, the day may include the Lagunas Altas panoramic circuit, wildlife observation, condor viewpoints, guanaco encounters and a visit to the park’s visitor infrastructure.

A private outdoor lunch can be arranged in a remote setting.

Route: Cochrane → Valle Chacabuco
Driving time: approximately 1h–1h30
Possible activities: hiking, wildlife observation, conservation interpretation
Accommodation: Lodge BordeBaker

Day 7 — Patagonia National Park: Jeinimeni Sector

A second day dedicated to exploring the contrasting Andean terrain of Patagonia National Park, this time in the Jeinimeni sector.

This area reveals a more mountainous and geologically dramatic landscape, with sculpted rock formations, high-altitude lakes and frontier scenery near the Argentine border.

Possible explorations include Piedra Clavada, Jeinimeni Lake viewpoints, Cueva de las Manos archaeological site and extended hiking options adapted to group energy, weather and road conditions.

This day deepens the understanding of the park’s ecological, geological and cultural diversity.

Possible activities: hiking, viewpoints, archaeological visit, geological interpretation
Difficulty: Adaptable from moderate to demanding
Accommodation: Lodge BordeBaker

Day 8 — Scenic Transfer North to Coyhaique

Morning at leisure before beginning the panoramic drive north toward Coyhaique.

This is a transition day from remote wilderness back to refined Patagonian comfort, with photographic stops along rivers, valleys, lakes and mountain viewpoints.

The guide manages timing, stops and pacing according to road conditions, weather and departure logistics for the following day.

Route: Baker River region → Coyhaique
Arrival: mid to late afternoon
Accommodation: Hotel Patagonia House

Day 9 — Departure from Balmaceda Airport

Breakfast at the hotel.

Private transfer to Balmaceda Airport for departure flights.

End of services.

Partner Rates

Net rates: available upon request for travel agencies, hotels and tour operators
Commercial formats: white label, co-branded or direct DMC support
Commission policy: available for registered partners

Public Reference Rate

USD 5,200 — Private Experience | 2 guests
A fully tailored private expedition with maximum flexibility, immersive guiding presence and continuous field support.

USD 4,400 — Small Private Group | 3 guests
Balanced exclusivity with improved cost efficiency while preserving premium standards and private logistics.

USD 3,600 — Exclusive Group | 4 guests
An optimal group size for seamless logistics, strong expedition flow and immersive exploration.

USD 3,280 — Private Group | 5 guests
Expanded group experience while maintaining curated comfort, private operation and expedition integrity.

Optional Guiding-Only service for this program may be available upon request, depending on dates, partner needs and itinerary scope.

Guiding
Certified leadership and risk management
UIMLA / ACGM certified mountain guide;
Wilderness First Responder certification;
advanced wilderness risk assessment;
field decision-making protocols;
route planning and safety oversight;
private expedition leadership;
support in Portuguese, Spanish and English.

Accommodation
8 nights in double occupancy;
half board throughout the program;
3 nights at Hotel Patagonia House;
2 nights at Terra Luna Lodge;
3 nights at Lodge BordeBaker;
single supplement available upon request.

All properties are selected for atmosphere, comfort, location and alignment with the wilderness character of the region.

Meals
Half board: breakfast and dinner at hotels and lodges;
premium picnic lunches with local products on hiking and exploration days;
private outdoor lunch arrangements when possible;
dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice.

Transportation & Logistics
Private airport transfers to/from Balmaceda Airport;
all private ground transportation throughout the program;
logistics coordination along the Carretera Austral;
private kayak tour to Capillas de Mármol;
boat logistics for Glaciar Leones excursion, when operating conditions allow;
park entrance fees, including:
Parque Nacional Cerro Castillo;
Parque Nacional Patagonia;
supplier coordination;
route planning and safety oversight for remote road segments and field activities.

International or domestic flights;
travel insurance, mandatory;
personal expenses;
optional gear rental;
gratuities;
additional experiences not included in the base program;
costs derived from major itinerary changes caused by force majeure, road closures or extreme weather.

1. Why choose this DMC program?

This itinerary offers a deep and refined exploration of Chilean Patagonia, combining the Carretera Austral, Cerro Castillo, Lago General Carrera, glacier valleys, the Baker River and Patagonia National Park.

It is ideal for partners seeking a private wilderness program with strong logistics, professional guiding and a meaningful conservation narrative.

2. Who is this program designed for?

This program is designed for travel agencies, hotels, tour operators and private travel designers looking for a reliable local DMC partner in Patagonia.

It is suitable for active travelers, premium adventure clients, educational groups, conservation-oriented travelers and private groups seeking a deeper connection with the region.

3. What is the activity level?

The program is active, ranging from moderate to demanding.

It includes full-day hikes, scenic transfers, kayaking, glacier access and remote terrain. The Cerro Castillo hike is the most physically demanding day, with approximately +1,000 m of elevation gain.

Activities can be adapted according to weather, group energy and partner requirements.

4. Do guests need mountaineering experience?

No technical mountaineering experience is required.

However, guests should have previous hiking experience, good physical condition and comfort with full days outdoors in variable Patagonian weather.

5. What is the best season for this program?

The recommended season is October to April.

Spring and autumn can offer beautiful colors and fewer visitors, while summer usually provides longer daylight hours and better access to remote areas. Weather in Patagonia remains variable throughout the season, so flexibility is essential.

6. How flexible is the itinerary?

The itinerary is fully private and can be adapted according to:

client profile;
dates;
group size;
physical level;
travel style;
accommodation category;
conservation, photography or adventure focus;
weather and road conditions.

For DMC partners, the program can be operated as white label, co-branded or direct support.

7. What kind of accommodation is included?

The program uses carefully selected lodges that combine comfort, character and strong connection with the Patagonian landscape.

The base version includes Hotel Patagonia House, Terra Luna Lodge and Lodge BordeBaker, subject to availability.

Alternative properties can be considered upon request.

8. How are meals organized?

The program includes half board, with breakfast and dinner at hotels and lodges, plus premium picnic lunches on hiking and exploration days.

Menus prioritize local products whenever possible and can be adapted to dietary restrictions with advance notice.

9. What equipment should guests bring?

Recommended personal equipment includes:

trekking backpack, 30–40 L;
comfortable hiking boots;
layered clothing;
waterproof jacket and pants;
warm insulation layer;
hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen;
water bottle or hydration system;
personal medications;
dry bags or protection for camera equipment.

A detailed packing list can be provided before departure.

10. Is the program private or shared?

The program is fully private.

We do not mix unrelated reservations. This allows better pacing, privacy, safety management and a higher-quality guest experience.

11. How does the logistics work?

Ensenada Tours coordinates the field operation with local suppliers, private transportation, guiding, park access, activity timing and safety decisions.

For partners, we can deliver the program as a complete DMC operation or provide selected services such as guiding, itinerary supervision or field coordination.

12. Is the program safe?

The expedition is led by a certified UIMLA/ACGM mountain guide with Wilderness First Responder training and experience in Patagonia and Antarctica.

Safety management includes route assessment, weather monitoring, group pacing, terrain decisions and adaptation of objectives when necessary.

13. Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes.

The program can be adjusted for photography, conservation, private family travel, active luxury, educational travel or agency-specific client profiles.

Additional experiences such as fly fishing, horseback riding, rafting or scenic flights can be integrated when conditions and logistics allow.

14. What makes this program special?

A unique combination of:

Carretera Austral scenery;
Cerro Castillo alpine hiking;
Marble Caves kayaking;
glacier landscapes;
Baker River region;
Patagonia National Park;
conservation and rewilding interpretation;
private logistics;
certified guiding;
remote lodges and refined wilderness comfort.

Request a tailored DMC proposal for your clients or private group.