Expeditions
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This is a one-of-a-kind journey through some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Patagonia. Over 13 days, we’ll explore its natural and cultural highlights: we’ll walk on the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and touch the ice of the Southern Ice Field with our own hands while kayaking among icebergs and glaciers. We’ll navigate Chilean fjords aboard a handcrafted wooden boat, stopping at solitary beaches to explore by kayak or on foot. We’ll visit villages where time seems to have stopped, share local meals, and experience the daily life of Patagonian gauchos in a remote fjord estancia. This expedition is a total immersion into the culture, wild nature, and deep essence of Patagonia.
Trip description
- Day 1: Arrival in Patagonia
Group pickup at Balmaceda Airport, Chile. We recommend taking a morning flight from Santiago to make the most of the day. From the airport, we transfer to the city of Coyhaique and check into our hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll have an introductory meeting to present the team, review the itinerary, and address any questions. In the evening, we’ll share a group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know each other and ease into the adventure ahead. - Day 2: Southbound on the Carretera Austral
After breakfast, we begin our journey along the legendary Carretera Austral (Route 7) heading south. We’ll travel through valleys, rivers, and picturesque towns like Cerro Castillo and Puerto Río Tranquilo, with landscapes changing at every turn. We’ll stop for lunch along the way, surrounded by the impressive scenery at the foot of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We arrive at our lakeside lodge in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The day ends with a rejuvenating soak in hot tubs, surrounded by the calm of the forest. - Day 3: Hike on the Exploradores Glacier
The adventure begins. We travel to Puerto Río Tranquilo and then head toward the majestic Exploradores Glacier for a one-of-a-kind ice trekking experience. This is a physically demanding day: we’ll cross Patagonian forests, moraines, and rocky formations to reach the glacier. Once on the ice, we gear up and explore its surface—crevasses, caves, and glowing blue formations. Participants must be prepared for extreme weather. The entire excursion lasts approximately 11 hours. We return to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest. - Day 4: Marble Chapels and a Night in a Tent
We head to the Marble Chapels early in the morning for a sea kayaking tour through these water-sculpted formations. We’ll paddle for around two hours through colourful tunnels and caves on Lake General Carrera, enjoying an intimate and awe-inspiring experience. We then continue our journey south on the Carretera Austral. After lunch in Cochrane, we drive to the Los Ñadis Valley, where we spend our first night in tents. The setting is peaceful and perfect for disconnecting, with the option to enjoy a relaxing sauna at the end of the day. - Day 5: Horseback Ride along the Baker River Valley
After breakfast, we prepare for a very special day: our horseback riding journey. Mid-morning, we mount our horses and begin the ride through the impressive Baker River valley. We’ll ride along the riverbank, through Patagonian forests and alongside farms inhabited by local people. We’ll stop for lunch by the river, soaking in the natural surroundings. The ride lasts between 3 and 4 hours, ending at El Saltón. From there, we’ll take a short hike to explore the historic Paso San Carlos, once used by generations of herders and settlers. We finish the day at our forest camp, where we’ll enjoy dinner and get ready for the next day’s paddle. - Day 6: First Day of Kayaking on the Baker River
Today begins our kayaking expedition on the majestic Baker River. After preparing our gear and loading the kayaks, we’ll enter the water near El Saltón—a section known for strong currents, which we will avoid by paddling along a safer channel near the shore. We’ll paddle for approximately 6 hours downstream, surrounded by fjords, forests, and rocky landscapes. We finish the day at a scenic Patagonian estancia, where we’ll enjoy a traditional lamb barbecue and camp in the peace of this remote corner of Patagonia. - Day 7: Gaucho Culture and Arrival at Caleta Tortel
After spending the morning at the estancia, sharing time with locals and learning about the living culture of the Baker River, we say goodbye to this authentic rural setting. After breakfast, we begin another day of paddling along the river. We’ll spend several hours on the water, stopping to rest and have lunch on a secluded beach. In the afternoon, we arrive at Caleta Tortel—a picturesque village built entirely on cypress boardwalks stretching across the fjords. We settle into a cozy lodge, where our luggage and a hot shower await. - Day 8, 9 y 10: Navigation and Exploration of the Chilean Fjords
After breakfast in Caleta Tortel, we take time to explore this charming village on its wooden walkways, learning about its history and local life. Meanwhile, our team prepares the boat and loads the kayaks for the next leg of our journey. Over the next few days, we’ll explore some of the most remote and pristine parts of Patagonia: majestic fjords and glaciers descending from both the Northern and Southern Ice Fields into the sea. We’ll paddle daily among icebergs and narrow channels carved by the fjords. Paddle durations can vary—there will be options for both short and long outings. We’ll enjoy beach lunches, bonfires at sunset, and each night we can choose between sleeping in cozy cabins on the boat or camping on remote beaches. Local homemade meals will be prepared on board to accompany every adventure. - Day 11: Return to Caleta Tortel
This will be our final morning on the boat. As we navigate back toward Caleta Tortel, we enjoy the quiet of the fjords and the presence of the Guaitecas cypress trees that dominate the landscape. The scent of coffee mixes with the fresh morning air as light floods the mountains and waterways. Upon arrival, we return to our comfortable lodge to rest after the adventure. In the afternoon, we have free time to walk through the village and end the day with a hearty local dinner. - Day 12: Return North along the Carretera Austral
After breakfast at the lodge in Caleta Tortel, we begin our return journey north on the scenic Carretera Austral. This is a day for reflection—watching the landscapes pass by with new eyes, carrying the memories of the places we’ve seen and the experiences we’ve shared. We’ll say goodbye to the fjords, glaciers, and ice fields, taking with us the energy of a life-changing expedition. Our last night will be spent halfway back to the airport. We settle into our lodge and close the journey with a farewell dinner, celebrating the adventure we’ve shared in deep Patagonia. - Day 13: Transfer and Farewell
After breakfast at the lodge, we transfer to Balmaceda Airport for our return flights. We recommend booking flights to Santiago from 2:00 p.m. onwards to avoid any delays. With our hearts full of memories and the deep experience of Patagonia, we say goodbye, hoping to meet again on a future adventure with Nothofagus Expedition.
Trip Information
Includes:
- Transfers to and from Balmaceda Airport
- All meals during the trip
- Full services as outlined in the itinerary
- 1 personal tent per participant in campsites
- Sea kayak and full technical equipment (neoprene suit, paddle jacket, booties, PFD, Paddle, Kayak)
- Professional guides throughout the trip
- 1 group online meeting before the expedition
- 1 individual online meeting to answer questions
- Hotel accommodation in Coyhaique (SGL room)
- Satellite communication in remote areas
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Flights to/from Balmaceda
- Medical insurance or remote rescue coverage
Maximum group size: 6 (six)
Minimum group size: 4 (four)
Available Dates:
- January 20, 2026
- February 11, 2026
Difficulty Level High: Previous experience in sea kayaking and long hikes required. (If you have limited experience, we may offer double kayaks depending on availability and whether you have a paddling partner.)
Explore the trip itinerary on the MAP
PRICE: US$ 7.500 per person
Activities
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Hiking
Patagonia is one of the world’s most iconic destinations for trekking/ hiking. From the vast steppe to high plateaus and the Patagonian Andes, the possibilities are endless. With Nothofagus, you can plan anything from a short hike of a few hours to multi-day expeditions into the heart of the Andes.
Glacier explorarion
We offer this activity on two glaciers of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field: the Exploradores and Leones glaciers. Both require good physical fitness, as the approach involves long hikes. Optional ice climbing may also be available depending on weather conditions.
Photography
If photography is your passion—whether you’re a beginner or a professional—and you want to capture the essence of Patagonia, its landscapes, nature, and culture, I can design a trip just for you. We’ll explore different Patagonian ecosystems, observe native flora and fauna, and visit traditional estancias where you’ll meet and interact with local gauchos.
Horseback riding
I can arrange this experience in three different regions of Patagonia: along the Baker River, in the mountain valleys, and in the steppe as we ride into the Andes. Rides can last just a few hours or become true expeditions of up to six days. On multi-day trips, daily riding time does not exceed six hours.
Gaucho experience
This is a one-of-a-kind cultural immersion. You'll meet real Patagonian gauchos, experience their daily life, and share their work. Ride alongside them as they herd cattle through the Andes or visit remote estancias on horseback, sharing mate and a traditional asado with the locals.
Fly Fishing
Our region is filled with pristine rivers, lakes, and creeks—perfect for this beautiful sport. We can stay in rustic shelters near the fishing spots or at cozy lodges nestled between lakes and rivers.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a unique way to connect with the environment. From the quiet of your kayak, you’ll take in stunning Patagonian landscapes. This activity can last just a couple of hours or be extended into a multi-day expedition. It can also be combined with our ship experience in the fjords.
Sea Kayaking Course Paddle Canada Level 1
This is an introductory course in sea kayaking. You'll learn essential paddling skills, safety measures, and how to read weather forecasts and plan outings with friends. The course lasts three days and includes an official Paddle Canada Level 1 certification.
Art Cave
In the Río Pinturas canyon and surrounding tributaries canyons, we find art cave dating back nearly 10,000 years. Some sites are easily accessible, while others require longer hikes. My seven years of experience as a art cave guide will bring you closer to these ancient Patagonian stories painted on the walls.
Hotsprings
On the Chilean side of Patagonia, we can find well-organized hot springs with excellent service—some by the Pacific Ocean and others nestled in native forests.
Rafting
The place for this thrilling experience is the Baker River—the most voluminous river in Chile. Its power comes from the vast network of rivers and lakes fed by the Northern Ice Field. The river begins at Puerto Bertrand, and from there, we’ll jump into its turquoise waters for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Ship exploration in the fjords
From Caleta Tortel—the famous Patagonian village of cypress boardwalks—we’ll embark on an unforgettable journey deep into the fjords. Our ship is fully equipped with comfortable accommodations, ideal for enjoying the sight of glaciers tumbling into the sea and lush coastal forests. We’ll also use a smaller support boat—or our sea kayaks—to explore hidden corners into the Fjords.
About Nothofagus
Your guide Pablo Barboza Giorgia
I was born in this wild and profound land, into a family that has lived for generations beside Lake Chelenko. My grandfather, Roque Giorgia, came from southern Italy in the 1920s, when there were no roads or communication lines. He was a pioneer, together with his brothers, opening routes through mountains, rivers, and the steppe. My father came from Paraguay, and my mother was born in the town of Perito Moreno. That legacy is part of what drives me to guide in the place where I was born: Patagonia.
For more than ten years, I’ve been designing and leading expeditions in some of the most remote corners of the world: from the fjords of Norway to the Amazon river, and across Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard—and of course, Patagonia. Sometimes working as a winter guide in remote areas, other times leading kayaking expeditions or aboard ships, or instructing certified Paddle Canada courses. I’ve also guided horseback journeys and participated in volunteer projects related to the environment and outdoor education.
Still, my home base is always here, in the south. And it’s from Patagonia that I want to invite you to live a truly authentic adventure, custom-built for you. In small groups, where every step follows the rhythm of nature—and of the people.
It’s not just about travelling through the landscape. It’s about becoming part of it. And I’ll be there to guide you on the journey
Why choose Nothofagus?
Because Patagonia is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to live. And I’m here to guide you.
- I know this corner of the world the way you know a remote trail: by memory, by intuition, and by having walked it a thousand times since my youth.
- My family were pioneers in this land, carving paths through mountains, lakes, and glaciers over a hundred years ago—when there was nothing but silence and wind.
- I’ve been guiding in Patagonia for over 25 years. But not only here—I’ve also led tours in Antarctica, Greenland, the Amazon, the Arctic, the Norwegian fjords, as well as expeditions in Canada, Alaska, and Patagonia. Each journey has taught me something new, and I always return to my home: Patagonia.
- I’ve lived and worked on Patagonian estancias, sharing life with gauchos who still herd cattle on horseback. There, I learned about simplicity, hard work—and built lasting friendships. That culture lives in every step of our trips. You’ll experience it up close.
- I design each expedition as if it were the first. I think about safety, group rhythm, weather conditions, and those unexpected encounters with nature.
- And because I believe in the power of travel to create real change, I hire and work with local guides and services. Tourism can protect this land—if it’s done with respect and heart.
“If you're looking for a true adventure, guided by someone who loves this land and knows it from the inside—Nothofagus is your place.”
Nothofagus
Nothofagaceae, commonly known as the southern beeches, is a family within the order Fagales. It includes a variety of tree species native to the Southern Hemisphere.
The family contains a single genus, Nothofagus, whose members are collectively known as southern beeches. They are related to the beeches (Fagus) of the Northern Hemisphere and, until the 1990s, were classified as a sister genus within the Fagaceae family. It is believed that the genus originated in southern South America and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Contact
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