There was an error with your log in
Patagonia backpacking tour

Patagonia Backpacking Tour: Expedition to the End of the World

14 days | Challenging
From $8,098 ()
In local currency: Ikr995,715
Book a call

Venture to the end of the world on this Patagonian expedition—one that pushes boundaries of backpacking in one of the world’s most remote and untamed regions! This expedition connects two of Tierra del Fuego’s most legendary routes: the barely accessible Yendegaia National Park and the iconic Dientes de Navarino Circuit. As a fully self-sufficient journey, we’ll explore Patagonian wilderness over almost 2 weeks, just with our backpacks. This is a 115-km (71-mi) journey of unforgiving wilderness, endurance, and immense rewards—an odyssey like no other, all-inclusive and fully guided.

Albert
Albert
AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide

Adventure Highlights

  • Where only a few have dared to explore: Sweeping tundra plains, windswept passes, jaggy peaks, surreal lakes—few venture into the depths where we’ll go to
  • Restricted area, accessible to us: We have got a special permit from the Chilean army, allowing us to cross one of the wildest & least traveled corridors of Patagonia
  • All-inclusive, but self-sufficient: Charter flights, lodges, guides, all meals, transfers… All is covered—ready to embark on a journey unlike anything else in the world?
Duration
14 days
Season
December through February
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Standard, Comfort: Wilderness lodges & camping
Difficulty
Challenging: Great fitness & adventure spirit required, hiking up to 20 km (12.5 mi) per day, while gaining up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, charter flights, cooking equipment

The adventure, day by day

This 14-day Patagonia backpacking tour is a truly one-of-a-kind journey to the edge of the world, where self-sufficiency meets pure wilderness. Linking the remote Yendegaia and Dientes de Navarino trails, it leads you across glacier-fed valleys, through mist-shrouded forests, and over mountain passes carved by ancient ice. Each step demands resilience as you carry all you need on your back, crossing rivers, camping beneath vast southern skies, and discovering Patagonia in its rawest, most authentic form.

Day 1: Welcome to Tierra del Fuego
Punta Arenas spot

Welcome to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the capital of the Magallanes Region! We recommend arriving a day or two early to account for possible travel delays and to have time to explore this southern city. On the evening of Day 1, your guides will meet the group for a trip briefing, followed by a shared dinner to get to know your teammates before the expedition begins.

Accommodation is not included on this day in Punta Arenas.

Days 2-3: Transfer to Yendegaia & preparation day
Lodge Deseado

From Punta Arenas, we journey south into the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, eventually reaching Lodge Deseado, our remote wilderness base. Here we pause for a full day to prepare — checking gear, organizing food, and carefully packing for the days ahead. Surrounded by silence and raw nature, the lodge offers one last night of comfort before stepping into the self-sufficient backpacking expedition through Yendegaia. The last night here is about shedding the world you came from and tightening every loose end: we lay out kit on a table, pull apart sleeping systems, test stoves, and pare the pack down until every item earns its place.

Accommodation: Lodge Deseado
Activities available: Glacier Parry navigation, kayaking & hiking from the lodge (possible to arrange at an additional fee)

Days 4-7: Backpacking Yendegaia National Park
Group hiking Patagonia

For five days, we shoulder our packs and venture deep into Yendegaia National Park, one of the least explored corners of Tierra del Fuego. The route takes us across wide valleys, dense southern beech forests, and high mountain passes where the winds shape every step. River crossings are part of the journey, and our camps are set in wild, untouched places with no infrastructure. Moving self-sufficiently means every decision matters: what we carry, how we share tasks, and how we endure the changing conditions as a team. Each night, we’ll gather around stoves to prepare meals, trading stories before resting. By the end of these days, you’ll have experienced the essence of backpacking at the edge of the world—remote, untamed, unforgettable..

Daily hiking: 9.5-17 km (5,9-10.5 mi)
Accommodation: Camping (tents)

Days 8-9: Speedboat to Isla Navarino & resting day
Errante view

After breaking camp in Yendegaia, we trade the trail for water as a speedboat carries us across the Beagle Channel. These waters were once navigated by the Yagan people in their canoes, a reminder of the deep human history that still lingers here. The crossing itself is an adventure, often framed by dramatic skies and winds that sweep the channel. By the evening, we reach Isla Navarino and settle into a wilderness lodge. This buffer day offers warmth and recovery before the next challenge. Errante Lodge serves as a soft landing after Yendegaia: a place to dry gear, repair equipment, remeasure rations, and reconnect as a group. It’s more than comfort; it’s a deliberate reset that bridges two demanding treks into one cohesive expedition

Accommodation: Errante Ecolodoge

Days 10-13: Backpacking Dientes de Navarino Trail
Hikers Patagonia hiking

The second stage of the expedition unfolds on the Dientes de Navarino Circuit, a demanding four-day trek through jagged peaks, alpine valleys, and remote mountain passes. Carrying full packs, we navigate rocky trails, windswept ridges, and tarn-studded basins where few travelers ever set foot. For three nights, we camp in the wild, exposed to the austral elements, sharing the raw rhythm of self-sufficient travel. On the final night, we return to Errante Ecolodge, where a warm meal, hot showers, and real beds offer a welcome contrast to the rugged days on the trail.

Daily hiking: 8-10.5 km (5-6.5 mi)
Accommodation: Camping (tents), last night at Errante Ecolodge

Day 14: Departure
Puerto Williams Chile

After nearly 2 weeks of raw adventure at the edge of the world, it’s time to begin your journey back to civilization. From Puerto Williams, you’ll take the flight north to Punta Arenas, where connections home await. The expedition ends in Puerto Williams Airport, but the memories and the bonds forged on the trail will travel with you long after leaving Tierra del Fuego!

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Download now

Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Mónica
5.00
Mónica
AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide
Mónica is a Mountain guide certified by UIMLA. She is extensively experienced in mountaineering, sport climbing and skiing. Originally from Spain, Mónica shares her love for nature and the outdoors with clients all over the world. She knows her way around Iceland’s hidden gems, as well as all the best spots in Black Forest, Morocco, United States, Scotland and Nepal. Mónica has been awarded with “Senior Polar Guide” license by the Polar Tourism Guides Association.
Albert
5.00
Albert
AIMG Mountain & Glacier Guide
Albert is the owner of Amarok Adventures and has guided adventure treks in Iceland, Greenland, South America and Nepal. He has also worked as a documentary and travel photographer for international magazines. He has lived in Iceland since 2015, traveling the country discovering hidden gems and loads of adventure off the beaten path — always with his camera in tow. Albert has been awarded with “Senior Polar Guide” license by the Polar Tourism Guides Association.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, certified hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 14-day Patagonia backpacking tour
      • Accommodation in Lodge Deseado & in Errante Ecolodge in 2-person rooms (5 nights in total)
      • Transfer from Punta Arenas to Lodge Deseado in Yendegaia via charter flight to Pampa Guanaco (ground transportation in case of bad weather)
      • Domestic flight from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas on Day 15
      • All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner (from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 14)
        • Expedition meals during the Yendegaia trail & the Dientes de Navarino trail
        • Breakfasts, lunches & dinners included at Lodge Deseado & Errante Ecolodge
        • Coffee, tea, herbal tea
      • Cooking equipment (JetBoil + gas canisters)
      • Agency support 24/7

    Not included:

      • International flights
      • Accommodation before or after the tour (in Punta Arenas or other towns in Chile if needed)
      • Any meals or beverages not mentioned under “Included” (before dinner on Day 2 and after breakfast on Day 14)
      • Personal mountain & hiking gear
      • Expedition tents, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag (for 7 nights in total)
      • Anything else not mentioned under “Included”
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Insurance with helicopter rescue coverage — mandatory, available to add at checkout
  • This Patagonia backpacking tour is a challenging expedition. Please note that you will be joining a 14-day adventure and to fully enjoy it, you should…

      • Be able to gain over 1.000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation gain per day.
      • Feel comfortable spending the night in tents in the wilderness.
      • Be able to hike more than 20 km (12.5 mi) per day, for several days.
      • Be able to hike in very uneven terrain with boulders & scree.
      • Be physically capable of carrying your own backpack (approximately 15-18 kg, i.e., 33-40 lb) including tent, food & cooking gear, throughout the entirety of the two hikes. The length of the hikes can be extended if the weather conditions are not favorable. Luggage transportation & logistics support are not provided.

    In case you are afraid of heights, please contact us before booking the trip.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking tours in Patagonia here!

  • Training for this Patagonia backpacking tour is highly recommended, especially if you want to enjoy the hike safely and comfortably. These trails, located in two remote areas of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, are known for their very rugged terrain, challenging weather, and remote wilderness. Here’s what you should consider in terms of preparation:

      • Cardiovascular endurance: These trails involve long days of hiking (up to 8–10 hours), often with a heavy backpack. You’ll need good stamina, so activities like hiking, running, or cycling are great to build endurance.
      • Strength training: Carrying a backpack and navigating uneven terrain requires strong legs, core, and upper body strength. Incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and upper body workouts will help.
      • Backpacking experience: If you’re not familiar with multi-day backpacking trips, try doing some shorter trips beforehand. You’ll need to be comfortable with carrying your gear, setting up camp, and walking long distances each day.
      • Hiking on rough terrain: The pass involves river crossings, rocky paths, and steep inclines. Practice hiking on similar terrain if possible, to get used to the uneven ground and changes in elevation.
      • Flexibility and mobility: Long days of hiking with a backpack can put strain on your body. Doing yoga or stretching regularly can help improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
      • Mental preparation: Remote areas like these can be mentally challenging due to isolation, unpredictable weather, and difficult conditions. Being mentally ready to handle discomfort and unexpected challenges is key.
  • You will be hiking with a full backpack. If you need to store some luggage, you will only be able to do it in Punta Arenas.

    The  whole trip is fully self-sufficient. You are required to carry your own sleeping bag, share a tent (assigned for two people), utilize a JetBoil, bring cooking equipment, and carry sufficient food (provided by your guides) for the entire traverse. There are no porters and no huts along the way. The pack will be heavy at the start of each section, and part of the challenge is managing weight and packing smart for 4–5 days out in complete wilderness.

    After finishing Yendegaia, you will transfer by speedboat across the Beagle Channel to Navarino Island. Here, you’ll have time to repack, resupply, and rest at the lodge before starting the next section.

    After booking, you will receive a comprehensive gear list, but consider the list below as a general guide.

    Personal gear:

      • Backpack (35-40 L)
      • Sleeping bag
      • Sleeping pad
      • 3-season tent (light expedition tent)
      • Tent fixing kit
      • Waterproof bag for clothes
      • Rain cover for your backpack
      • Personal toiletries
      • Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you)
      • Sunscreen and sunglasses
      • Earplugs — recommended
      • Headlamp + batteries
      • Camera — optional
      • Power bank
      • Hiking poles — highly recommended
      • Water bottle and thermos

    Clothing:

      • Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole
      • Warm clothes
        • First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended)
        • Second layer: fleece jacket
        • Third layer: down jacket
      • Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended)
      • Hiking pants
      • Short sleeve t-shirts
      • Long sleeve t-shirts
      • Underwear and hiking socks
      • Warm beanie
      • Gloves / mittens
      • Hiking buff
      • Sandals or crocs (for river crossing)

    While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks.

    Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.

  • The weather in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego can be unpredictable and very challenging, particularly in the remote areas where you’ll hike. Strong winds and sudden storms with katabatic winds can affect our planned route and schedule. In some cases, this may result in delays or changes to our itinerary.

    Safety is your guides’ top priority, and you may need to wait for improved conditions or alter the course to ensure a safe journey for the group. While your guides aim to stick to the planned schedule, it’s important to embrace the adventure and understand that flexibility is a part of exploring this wild and beautiful region

    It’s highly recommended that travelers leave up to 48 hours of buffer time before and after the expedition to account for any potential delays due to weather.

  • Yes, there will likely be river crossings during the expedition. Although not every region we hike through has them, you can expect to encounter glacial-fed rivers on several days of the trip. Some crossings are wide and gentle, while others may be deep, fast-flowing, and extremely cold (0ºC–5ºC), making them more challenging.

    Rivers such as the Río Yendegaia, Azopardo, and Río del Viento are fed directly by glaciers and rainfall, so their flow can change quickly depending on weather and temperature. A stream that’s calm in the morning can rise and strengthen by afternoon.

    Each crossing is approached slowly and carefully, with guides scouting the safest line, choosing the right technique (single file or team crossing), and sometimes delaying or rerouting if conditions are unsafe. You’ll need to follow guide instructions closely, unclip your hip belt, maintain a low center of gravity, and cooperate with teammates when crossing in pairs or groups.

    Practical preparation is key—keep spare socks in dry bags, ensure sleeping gear stays waterproof, and be ready for wet boots and pant legs. These crossings can be demanding, but they’re also an essential part of the experience, teaching patience, teamwork, and respect for the ever-changing Patagonian landscape.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Patagonia backpacking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. 
      • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.

    Patagonia backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • You’ll spend a portion of your Patagonia backpacking adventure in your own tents. The other part of the trip will be at Lodge Deseado & Errante Ecolodge—here, the rooms are twin-share, and a single occupancy room is not available.

    Solo travelers are welcome and there will be no additional supplements for them, as they will share a room.

  • The starting point of your Patagonia backpacking tour is Punta Arenas, Chile. To get there, most people fly to  Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), though you’ll need to fly internationally to a bigger airport, and then to Punta Arenas Airport. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Punta Arenas.

    You will meet your guide on Day 1 in Punta Arenas. Accommodation on Day 1 is your responsibility. On Day 2, you’ll all take a charter flight from there to Pampa Guanaco, a small airstrip tucked deep in Tierra del Fuego.

    Note that arrival flights landing in Punta Arenas after Day 1 of the trip won’t be accepted and the traveler will not be able to join the trip. Return flights from Punta Arenas should not depart before late in the evening of Day 14.

    It’s highly recommended that travelers leave up to 48 hours of buffer time before and after the expedition to account for any potential delays due to weather.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining amount to be paid 5 months prior to departure. For bookings within five (4) months of the departure, full payment is required.

    Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
      • If canceled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
      • If canceled 150 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.
      • If canceled 120-149 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.
      • If canceled 0-29 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

    Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

    After booking, client will need to sign the travel agreement. If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, the Guide will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

Have more questions?
Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.
Book a call

Make it private, make it unforgettable

From private groups to special requests, we’ll customize every detail—dates, group size, terrain, and accommodations—so it’s exactly how you imagined
Book a call
From $8,098 ()
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar