8-12 Days of seamless and deep travel in Patagonia, combining Torres del Paine and Patagonia National Park in Chilean Patagonia, and the Southern Patagonia Ice Field region in Argentinian Patagonia

Experiencing the natural wonders of Patagonia just got a lot more rewarding – and convenient – with the launch of new Super Itineraries from Explora. Combining options for stays at multiple Explora lodges in Chilean Patagonia and Argentinian Patagonia, with transportation between them via air or car transfer, the Super Itineraries offer easy-to-access circuits of accommodation and exploration to open the eyes of travelers to the beauty at the southern tip of South America.

Connecting Three Explora Lodges in Patagonia

Few expedition travel companies know their way around Patagonia like Explora. The company opened its first lodge along Lake Pehoé in the heart of Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile in 1993, inviting travelers to stay in comfort and explore the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve via guided hikes, horseback rides, overland drives, and catamaran.

In 2021, Explora began welcoming travelers to Explora Patagonia National Park in the Aysen region of Chilean Patagonia. The new lodge offers access to remote wilderness and protected wildlife via 32 crafted explorations, as well as a gastronomic experience by Pablo Jesús Rivero and Guido Tassi, owner, and consulting chef, respectively, of Don Julio in Buenos Aires. The lodge represents an evolution for Explora from a conservation and developmental perspective. The company now manages the 640,000 acres of Patagonia National Park, collaborating with Rewilding Chile and CONAF. Assuming this new responsibility and making a significant financial commitment expands Explora’s services beyond Explora guests to all park visitors in the region. The expedition company will improve trails and services for park visitors with more educational opportunities while supporting rewilding and conservation initiatives in the coming months and years.

The end of 2021 saw the opening of El Chaltén, Explora’s first address in Argentinian Patagonia. Set within a natural amphitheater surrounded by ancient forests, rushing rivers, countless glaciers, and towering mountains, the lodge offers 30 explorations, including iconic hikes, rock climbing, e-mountain biking, and kayaking led by Explora-trained guides.

Travel Easier, Longer, and Deeper

Convenient air transportation between Explora’s lodges in Chile is offered by DAP, a pioneer of air charters in Patagonia. Founded in 1980 with its base in Punta Arenas, Chile, DAP has a fleet of 30 aircraft – planes and helicopters – and is responsible for more than 80% of flights between South America and Antarctica. Explora Connects allows travelers to lodge-hop in Beechcraft King Air 300, a twin-turboprop aircraft sized to seat six passengers and two crew.

Explora offers three Explora Connects itineraries in Patagonia, all with transportation between lodges via air or ground included:

• Chilean Patagonia – Combines stays at Explora Patagonia National Park and Explora Torres del Paine via bi-directional flights. Air transportation between the two lodges is just 1 hour and 40 minutes or less versus 24 hours on a commercial flight. From USD $10,960 per person/ 8 nights, all-inclusive.
   
• Boundless Patagonia – Combines Explora El Chaltén and Explora Torres del Paine via an 8-hour car transfer (283 miles) – still a significant savings of time over a commercial connecting flight across the border of Chile and Argentina. From USD $9,680 per person/ 8 nights, all-inclusive.
   
• Deep Patagonia – The most in-depth and rewarding Super Itinerary, combining stays at all three lodges – Explora Torres del Paine, Explora Patagonia National Park, and Explora El Chaltén – via air transportation in Chilean Patagonia and car transfer across the border into Argentinian Patagonia. From USD $15,610 per person/ 12 nights, all-inclusive.