Icons of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia (no hiking)
Perito Moreno Glaciar - El Chaltén - Torres Del Paine
This itinerary is a pure, immersive deep dive into the soul of Patagonia. By focusing our time exclusively in the south, we can explore three distinct and powerful landscapes. We’ll start in Chile with the raw, dramatic beauty of Torres del Paine—a landscape seemingly purpose-built for high-contrast, black-and-white photography. We then cross into Argentina to witness the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier before concluding in El Chaltén, beneath the spires of Fitz Roy. This journey is for the true landscape enthusiast, offering an unparalleled opportunity to capture the heart of the Patagonian wilderness.
Patagonia from Torres del Paine to El Chaltén
This journey links the great landscapes of southern Patagonia across Chile and Argentina, from Torres del Paine and the Perito Moreno Glacier to El Chaltén’s mountain valleys. The route balances iconic places with time to work patiently in changing weather and light.
It is a photography journey shaped by the landscape itself: wind, cloud, water, ice and distance all become part of the image rather than obstacles to be eliminated.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
What to expect
- Travel Style: Selective Sights, Richer Delights, Focus on Finest Experiences, Quality Over Quantity Tours
- Transportation: Transport in a comfortable minivan with air conditioning
- Dining Options: Authentic Local Cuisine for Lunch and Upscale Dining Experiences in the Evening
- Physical Rating: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Golden Serrano Sunset Welcome
Begin your Patagonia journey with an arrival reception at the airport, where guide Tristan meets you after luggage collection. Transfer from Puerto Natales to Hotel Rio Serrano by rental car, then check in and relax. A tour orientation covers the itinerary and tips, followed by free time. In the evening, enjoy a sunset photo activity from Hotel Serrano, capturing Chile’s vibrant evening sky, before a traditional Patagonian dinner. Overnight at Hotel Rio Serrano, nestled in Torres del Paine National Park.
Key activities
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Sunset Photo Activity from Hotel Serrano
Golden Pehoe Sunset Stroll
Begin with a sunrise photo activity from Hotel Rio Serrano, capturing first light on Torres del Paine’s peaks, followed by included breakfast and hotel check out. Transfer by rental car to Torres del Paine National Park with scenic photography stops, then check in and relax. After a traditional Patagonian lunch and free time, enjoy a golden hour and sunset stroll from Mirador Pehoe, watching vibrant colors reflect on Lago Pehoe. End with a traditional Patagonian dinner and an overnight stay at Hosteria Pehoe, a lakeside retreat with views of the Paine Massif.
Key activities
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Sunrise Photo Activity from Hotel Rio Serrano
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Stroll at golden hour and sunset from Mirador Pehoe
Golden Serrano Sunset Welcome
Day 3 in Torres del Paine begins with sunrise from Hotel Explora, followed by a photography session capturing Cuernos reflections, weather permitting. After breakfast, transfer to Los Cuernos Parking Lot for the Salto Grande Waterfall and Cuernos Trail walk, ending among dead trees framing the Cuernos peaks. Return to Hotel Explora for free time, lunch, and dinner, with a minivan rental and Hosteria Pehoe also part of the day’s Patagonian experience.
Key activities
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Sunrise from Hotel Explora
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Capturing Cuernos Reflections from Explora
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Salto Grande Waterfall and Cuernos Trail
Golden Sunrise at Pehoe's Cuernos
Begin with a sunrise photography session from Camping Lago Pehoe, capturing the Cuernos in golden morning light, then use a long lens to photograph the rugged details of Torres del Paine’s peaks. After breakfast and hotel check out, enjoy a traditional Patagonian lunch before transferring from Mirador Camping Pehoe to Puerto Natales, with scenic stops at Mirador Lago Nordenskjöld and Laguna Amarga. The afternoon offers free time, followed by a traditional Patagonian dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel Altiplanico Puerto Natales.
Key activities
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Sunrise from Lago Pehoe View point
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Landscape photography shots with long lens on Torres Peaks
Transfer day & Strolling Through El Calafate
After breakfast and hotel check out in Puerto Natales, transfer to El Calafate along a scenic, mostly flat route with some unpaved stretches, stopping for lunch on the road. On arrival, check in and settle in, then take a leisurely walk through El Calafate to explore its charming streets and scenic lakefront. The day ends with a traditional Patagonian dinner, with a stay at Mirador del Lago Hotel, a retreat with lake views and easy access to Perito Moreno Glacier.
Key activities
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Relax Walk in El Calafate
Glacial Majesty Up Close
Begin with breakfast before a car rental transfer from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy a full-day tour of Perito Moreno Glacier, watching icebergs calve from the towering ice face. Savor a traditional Patagonian lunch, then take a boat navigation for an up-close view of the immense calving ice wall. Return via transfer from the Perito Moreno Glacier walkways to El Calafate. Dine on traditional Patagonian cuisine and stay at Mirador del Lago Hotel, with a minivan rental including insurance for your journey.
Key activities
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Perito Moreno Glaciar
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Boat Navigation Perito Moreno Glaciar
Golden Sunset at Cañadon Rio
Day 7 begins with an included breakfast and a leisurely morning in El Calafate before hotel check out. Enjoy a traditional Patagonian lunch, then take a private transfer to El Chaltén across the Estepa Patagónica, with photo stops at key viewpoints. After hotel check-in and free time, join a sunset photography session from Cañadon Rio De Las Vueltas, capturing golden-hour light on the mountain spires. The day closes with a traditional Patagonian dinner and a stay at Chalten Suites Hotel, with car rental, fuel, and minivan logistics covered.
Key activities
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Sunset from Cañadon Rio De Las Vueltas
Golden Peaks and Cascading Light
Begin Day 8 with a sunrise photography session at Cañadon Rio De Las Vueltas Spot 2, capturing first light over the canyon. After breakfast, enjoy free time before a traditional Patagonian lunch. Walk through native forest to Chorillo Del Salto waterfall, then head to Mirador de los Condores for sunset views over Fitz Roy and El Chalten. The day ends with a Patagonian dinner and a stay at Chalten Suites Hotel, with a minivan rental available for exploring El Chaltén.
Key activities
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Sunrise from Cañadon Rio De Las Vueltas
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Visit of Chorillo Del Salto
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Sunset from Mirador de los Condores
Windswept Wonders of El Chaltén
Day 9 in El Chaltén begins with included breakfast before a scenic drive with a private vehicle and guide along Río Eléctrico and the Hostería El Pilar road toward Lago del Desierto, with viewpoints and no hiking required. A traditional Patagonian lunch follows, then free time to rest or enjoy the hotel. In the evening, a sunset photography session from Cañadon de las Vueltas focuses on pancake clouds and rugged Patagonian landscapes in golden light. Dinner is traditional Patagonian, with Chalten Suites Hotel offering views of Fitz Roy.
Key activities
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Scenic Drive along Rio Electrico
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Golden Hour Pancake Shots
Golden Serrano Sunset Welcome
Begin Day 10 with a sunrise photography session along the curves of the road to El Chaltén, capturing the iconic light over the landscape. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer from El Chaltén to Calafate Airport by rental car, with a minivan rental and insurance plus car fuel noted as separate costs. The day concludes with your departure from the airport for the flight home, closing out the adventure.
Key activities
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Sunrise Photography Session from road to El Chaltén (Curves)
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 12.795 USD (1.280 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 10.895 USD (1.090 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 8.095 USD (810 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 7.395 USD (740 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Single Supplement
- 2.196 USD
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Hotel Rio Serrano — 1 night · Luxury Hotel
- Hosteria Pehoe — 2 nights · Upscale Hotel
- Hotel Altiplanico Puerto Natales — 1 night · Upscale Hotel
- Mirador del Lago Hotel — 2 nights · Upscale Hotel
- Chalten Suites Hotel — 3 nights · Upscale Hotel
- Local guides for selected activities
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Local guides are included for- El Chaltén
- Scenic Drive along Rio Electrico
- El Chaltén
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van), as well as Car Renting
- Meals indicated in the program: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunchs, 9 dinners
- Entrance fees to: all Argentina's national parks and Torres del Paine
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Optional gear rental (e.g., sleeping bag, pad, trekking poles)
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Optionnal Services with supplemental Costs
- Backpack Carriage
Deposit
- 30% (3.269 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Where does your investment go?
A transparent look at how your bespoke itinerary is funded.
Services to Expect
Transportation
To ensure the utmost flexibility and a truly seamless experience on our Patagonian adventure, we will travel by rental car, with the vehicle type—either an SUV or a minivan—selected to best accommodate our group size. I will personally be your guide and driver, allowing us to navigate the stunning landscapes with complete freedom. This approach is particularly advantageous in Patagonia, where our schedule often involves departures before sunrise.
Critically, it also streamlines the journey across borders. Local regulations often make border crossings with a private driver complex, forcing a mandatory and time-consuming switch of both vehicle and personnel. Our self-driven model avoids this entirely, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted trip. Furthermore, this method provides a significant cost advantage. Not only do we bypass the high fees of a dedicated driver, but we also avoid the substantial added expense of covering their lodging and food for the entire journey.
For those who still prefer a trip with a private driver, this can be arranged. Please contact us for a separate price quote, which will account for these additional logistical and cost considerations.
Practical Information
Weather in Patagonia
Summary: Visiting Patagonia in autumn is a magical experience for photographers and nature lovers. The landscape explodes in fiery autumn colours, the summer crowds disperse, and the weather, while unpredictable, offers a unique, dramatic beauty.
- Stunning Autumn Foliage: This is the season’s main draw. The Lenga and Ñire beech forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating breathtaking vistas, especially around Torres del Paine and El Chaltén.
- Unpredictable & Dynamic Weather: Always be prepared for “four seasons in one day.” You can experience sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow. The famous Patagonian wind is a constant factor.
- Cooler Temperatures: Days are crisp and cool, while nights become cold, often dropping near or below freezing. Expect daytime highs from 5°C to 13°C (40s to mid-50s F).
- Fewer Crowds: With the peak summer season over, you’ll find the trails and viewpoints much quieter, allowing for a more serene experience with nature.
- Shorter Days: Daylight hours are decreasing, so plan your hikes and activities accordingly.
Brazil Visa & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Brazil vary depending on your nationality.
- For U.S. Citizens: Effective since April 10, 2025, Brazil require U.S. citizens to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) prior to arrival. This must be applied for and approved online before you travel. We recommend starting this process well in advance.
- For E.U. & U.K. Citizens: Citizens of the European Union and the United Kingdom generally do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
For all travelers, it is essential that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Brazil. As regulations can change, we strongly advise you to personally verify the latest entry requirements with the official Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Embracing the Patagonian Pace: The Luxury of Time
Our philosophy moves beyond simply checking sights off a list; it’s about forging a genuine connection with the landscape. With a more relaxed schedule, you have the freedom to truly be in a place. Linger at a breathtaking viewpoint long after other groups have departed. Find a quiet spot by a glacial lake to simply sit, listen, and absorb the profound silence of the wild. This flexibility is a gift for both the adventurer and the photographer. See a trail that sparks your curiosity? We have time to explore it. Want to wait for the fleeting alpenglow to paint the peaks in crimson light? You won’t be rushed. This is the difference between seeing Patagonia and truly feeling it, allowing your journey to unfold naturally and create a deeper, more personal story.
Clothing
- Layering System: Base layers (merino/synthetic), Fleece/mid-layer, Waterproof/Windproof Outer Shell (Jacket & Pants)
- Insulated Jacket (Puffy – down or synthetic)
- Broken-in, waterproof Hiking Boots with ankle support
- Hiking Socks (wool blend recommended, multiple pairs)
- Warm Hat & Gloves/Mitts
- Sun Hat, Sunglasses & Sunscreen (UV is strong)
- Water Bottle or Hydration Reservoir (min 1.5L capacity)
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Your Tour Guide
Tristan Quevilly
Tristan brings over 20 years of diverse travel experience, and has spent a bunch of time exploring and hiking in Patagonia. His deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and optimal photographic locations, combined with his passion for both photography and authentic travel, ensures a seamless and inspiring journey.
- Nationality: French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Guiding since: 2003
- Specialties: Photography, Trekking, Indigenous Communities
Activities you might be interested in
These are suggested experiences that have not been included in the itinerary, mainly due to time constraints. If you would like more information about any of them or wish to include them in the itinerary, feel free to let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
