EC Adventure Preview – Best of Patagonia

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The EarthCruiser Adventure program is set to start 2024 with a bang, with a three-week trip covering the highlights of the Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile. Patagonia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by towering mountains, expansive glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and vast open plains. The dramatic and diverse scenery creates a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. It also offers superb back-road driving and camping.

This trip takes in all of Patagonia’s classic parks, peaks, and highlights. Our drives include the legendary Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral. We’ve also worked in a few bespoke experiences. These include a guided safari in search of the elusive puma, a stay at an exclusive and remote lodge, and guided tours of natural and historic sites.

Patagonia is known as the “land of the wind,” and the weather and rugged landscape of the region will be our constant companion. The trip is set to run during mid to late February, typically a time of some of the best weather in the Patagonia region. We start our expedition in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, often referred to as the “End of the World.”

Working north, we’ll jump between Argentina and Chile. We will enjoy the unique experience of transporting our vehicles via ferry across the Magellan Straight. From there, we’ll enter Torres del Paine, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a haven for hikers and photographers. The park features towering granite spires, shimmering lakes, and diverse ecosystems. Here we can take day hikes deep into the mountains or drive gravel roads to scenic vistas. We also have the opportunity to head out with a local guide in search of the elusive puma known to live in the region, preying on wild guanacos.

We’ll go for a full-day, guided walk over the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few in the world that is advancing. Witnessing massive chunks of ice calving off the glacier and crashing into Lake Argentino is a mesmerizing spectacle. We will don crampons and walking poles as we explore the stunning blue ice landscape of this unique landscape.

We’ll camp at the base of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre. These are some of Patagonia’s most recognizable peaks, with the option to explore the area via horseback with local gauchos or on foot. We’ll have time to explore the Swiss-Alpine-influenced streets of Bariloche and the unique monkey puzzle tree forests of Pucon.

If adrenaline activities are your thing, there are plenty of optional activities to get your heart pumping. From climbing an active volcano in Pucon to riding out on horseback in El Chalten to mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and parasailing, there’s an option for every thrill-seeker.

We’ll make several stops that trace the path of the legendary Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, including a visit to a ranch the pair hid out in for several years. And no trip to Patagonia would be complete without plenty of opportunities to try delicious local wines and authentic gaucho cooking.

Our trip ends in beautiful Santiago, Chile, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of the Adventure. The timing of this trip allows participants to continue their journey after reaching Santiago. That could mean crossing into Brazil in time to take in the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro or continuing further north. Perhaps some will choose to drive the full distance back to the United States via Colombia and boat transport around the Darien Gap to Panama. Those interested in combining the trip with a journey to Antarctica could book a cruise either before or after our journey.

This trip is offered exclusively for owners of EarthCruiser vehicles. Bookings are available now and is expected to sell out.

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