When Doug Tompkins, founder of The North Face, and his wife Kris Tompkins, former CEO of the Patagonia clothing company, started to acquire property here in the Chacabuco Valley, much of the land consisted of over-grazed sheep and cattle ranches. Three decades later, the natural ecology is being restored and these magnificent steppe grasslands, glaciated peaks and rushing rivers are once again sheltering abundant wildlife including guanaco, huemel deer, puma, Chilean flamingo and the Andean condor.
Today, you can tailor your exploration to your own interests and personal taste for adventure with the included excursion of your choice. Ranging from gentle walks to challenging treks, your personal guide can help you select the one that’s right for you; here are some of the ones we offer:
La Confluencia: This gentle 3-hour excursion down to the confluence of the Baker and Chacabuco Rivers immerses you in the rugged beauty of Patagonia Park. It’s a 2-mile roundtrip with an ascent of less than 500 feet.
La Vega Trail: Another gentle hike, this one covering about 4.5 miles with a slightly greater ascent of 1,100 feet. In addition to impressive scenery, you’ll have a chance to encounter inquisitive guanacos and stop by the Valle Chacabuco Cemetery where several historic figures are buried.
Lago Chico Loop: This half-day hike covers a little more than 7 miles with an easy ascent of less than 600 feet. Exploring the eastern sector of Chacabuco Valley, the scenic highlights include the vast glacier-fed waters of Lago Cochrane and the rugged 12,000-foot peak of Mount San Lorenzo.
Lagunas Altas Trail: Covering 14 miles with a total ascent of 4,200 feet, this challenging full-day trek ascends Mount Tamanguito before winding around spectacular alpine lakes with awe-inspiring views of the valley. This was the first major trail created in Patagonia Park and has been named one of “Patagonia’s Five Best Treks.”
Avilés Loop Trail: This is one of Patagonia Park’s most remote and beautiful full-day hikes, covering 14 miles with a total ascent of 1,400 feet. Exploring the beautiful Aviles Valley Canyon, you’ll cross two bridges including a dramatic hanging footbridge – 100 fee long and 100 feet up!
Meals B+L+D