Explore the northern and southern reaches of Chile’s Route of Parks — from temperate rainforests and ancient Alerce trees to the windswept coasts where new marine parks are being born. Meet the conservationists, scientists, and local visionaries who are rewilding ecosystems and preserving one of the world’s last great wildernesses. This journey is more than travel — it’s a chance to stand at the edge of ecological transformation and be part of a global movement to heal the planet.

Conservation Spotlights

Rewilding Chile & the Tompkins Legacy
Discover how the visionary work of Doug and Kris Tompkins sparked one of the most ambitious conservation initiatives in the world — the Route of Parks. Meet the Rewilding Chile team continuing their legacy on the ground.

Legado Chile & Urban Wetland Restoration
Support a groundbreaking initiative to protect endangered species and restore degraded wetlands through community-driven conservation and science-based stewardship.

Alerce Forests & Ancient Ecosystems
Walk among trees over 3,000 years old in the Alerce forests of Pumalín. Learn why these slow-growing giants are a vital part of Earth’s ecological heritage.

Chile’s First Marine National Park
Visit Cabo Froward, the future site of Chile’s first marine park, and explore how marine ecosystems are being protected through collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities.

Puma Conservation in Torres del Paine
Join ethical wildlife trackers and biologists working to understand and protect Patagonia’s apex predator in one of the world’s most stunning natural habitats.

Citizen Science & Field Work
Take part in hands-on fieldwork that supports active conservation, from monitoring amphibians and otters to contributing data to local NGOs and research groups.

Rewilding Careers & Local Empowerment
Meet young Chilean conservationists forging a new path in environmental careers, supported by training, mentorship, and the global rewilding movement.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Chile

Overnight: Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital nestled between the Andes and the Pacific. After settling in, meet your TerraFauna Trip Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and dinner in the bohemian Lastarria neighborhood. Over a thoughtfully prepared meal, begin to unpack the conservation story that awaits—an introduction to the Route of Parks of Patagonia and the profound legacy of Tompkins Conservation, whose vision redefined how national parks are created and protected.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Rewilding Chile

Overnight: Cabaña del Lago

Fly south to Puerto Montt and journey into the Lakes and Volcanoes region, a land sculpted by fire and water. Stop for an outdoor lunch beneath the towering Fitzroya trees—some over 1,000 years old—before continuing to Puerto Varas, a lakeside town framed by snowcapped volcanoes. In the evening, gather by the fire for an inspiring talk led by Rewilding Chile. Learn how protected areas here are not just scenic wonders but working models of ecological restoration, community empowerment, and a bold rewilding mission now led by Chileans.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park & Wetlands Conservation

Overnight: Cabaña del Lago

Begin the day exploring Vicente Pérez Rosales, Chile’s first national park. Follow scenic trails along glacial rivers, beneath volcanic peaks, and into misty temperate rainforest. After lunch, collaborate with the Legado Chile Foundation on a hands-on field workshop focused on wetland restoration and endemic species like the elusive Chilean frog and the endangered river otter. This is conservation in motion—where local communities, science, and storytelling intersect to restore vital ecosystems.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Into the Heart of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins Park

Overnight: Caleta Gonzalo Lodge

Fly above a spectacular mosaic of volcanoes, fjords, and forests to reach Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, one of the crown jewels of Chile’s Route of Parks. After arriving by boat at Caleta Gonzalo, hike the El Amarillo trail through emerald valleys and forests teeming with life. Visit the park’s ranger headquarters for a private talk on the park’s evolution—from private conservation land to national park—and the long-term stewardship model that empowers local communities as protectors of Patagonia’s wild legacy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Alerce Forests & Active Volcanoes

Overnight: Caleta Gonzalo Lodge

Choose your own adventure: a peaceful forest walk rich in birdsong or a more strenuous trek up the flank of a nearby volcano for panoramic views. In the afternoon, venture into one of the world’s last remaining ancient Alerce forests. Walk among trees older than the Roman Empire, and witness how climate, time, and conservation collide in these living cathedrals. Learn about the threats facing Chile’s old-growth forests—and the efforts underway to ensure their survival.rving ancient ecosystems.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Journey to the Southern Tip

Overnight: Hotel Almasur

Fly south to Punta Arenas, stopping en route in Balmaceda. After arrival, explore the European-style city that has launched countless expeditions to the End of the World. This city marks the gateway to the last wild frontiers of South America.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cabo Froward & Chile’s First Marine National Park

Overnight: Hotel Almasur

Travel by plane to the windswept shores of Cabo Froward, where the Andes tumble into the sea. Trek through lenga forests and along remote pebble beaches to the southernmost lighthouse of continental South America. On the return, board a Zodiac boat for an interpretive ride through the Strait of Magellan, where dolphins, seabirds, and whales are often spotted. Learn about Chile’s first marine national park—slated to open in 2026—and the monumental effort to protect both land and sea in this unique biosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Penguin Colony & Patagonian Highlands

Overnight: Hotel Ovejero Patagónico

Board a catamaran and cross the strait to observe thousands of Magellanic Penguins in their natural colony—a spectacle of sound, motion, and resilience. After returning to land, journey inland through vast pampas and rugged ridgelines toward Cerro Castillo, a gateway to Torres del Paine. Along the way, keep your eyes open for guanacos, foxes, and soaring condors as the landscape transforms into high Patagonian steppe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Puma Tracking & Torres del Paine

Overnight: Hotel Ovejero Patagónico

Set off at dawn with a wildlife biologist and expert trackers in search of Patagonia’s most elusive predator: the puma. Learn about the science and ethics of tracking in this fragile ecosystem, and witness the ongoing recovery of carnivore populations in the park. Along the way, encounter herds of guanacos, marvel at ancient rock paintings, and gain firsthand insight into how research and tourism are working together to preserve this extraordinary place.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Wildlife, Wilderness & Reflection

Overnight: Hotel Ovejero Patagónico

Your second day in the park allows for deeper immersion into its wild rhythms—perhaps returning to track pumas or exploring other wildlife corridors in search of foxes, armadillos, or birds of prey. In the evening, come together for a reflection circle with your TerraFauna Trip Leader and a conservation partner. Share stories, insights, and intentions from your journey, and raise a glass to Patagonia—rewilded, resilient, and forever unforgettable.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Departure

Transfer to Puerto Natales Airport for your onward flight. As you rise above the windswept steppe and glacier-carved peaks, carry with you the voices of the land, the lessons of the wild, and the inspiration to become a steward of our shared planet.

Meals: Breakfast

Patagonian Terrain & Trail Readiness

This journey is designed for active travelers who are comfortable walking and hiking for several hours a day. Activities range from gentle forest walks to more strenuous hikes over uneven terrain, including optional volcano treks and puma tracking in Patagonia. You should be able to hike up to 4–6 miles (6–10 km) per day with elevation changes, sometimes in windy or rainy conditions. Zodiac boat rides and light travel days are included to balance the pace. A moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure will ensure you get the most out of this experience.

Deposit Policy

This journey requires a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD per person, in addition to the total trip cost. This deposit secures your space on the itinerary and covers the cost of non-refundable, non-transferable permits.

• All trip deposits and payments are non-refundable.

• For fully private bookings (e.g., you reserve an entire departure), deposits are double the standard rate and remain non-refundable.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

We pour our hearts into crafting meaningful, conservation-driven journeys—and we know that travel plans are a significant investment of both time and intention. While we hope you’ll be able to join us, we understand that circumstances can change. Please review the following policy carefully before booking.

Standard Cancellation Terms

• 121+ days (4+ months) prior to departure: A $200 cancellation fee per person will apply.

• 61–120 days (2–4 months) prior to departure: 50% of the total trip cost, including internal flights, pre/post extensions, and added services (e.g. additional hotel nights), will be non-refundable.

• 60 days or fewer prior to departure: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any refunds at this stage due to our financial commitments to local partners and accommodations.

Travel Insurance Requirement

Because our trips venture into remote, wild, and weather-sensitive areas, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all travelers. This must include coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical needs, and evacuation. We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to maximize your coverage window. If you have any questions about this policy, we’re happy to assist..

What’s Not Included:

• Laundry services

• any meals not noted on the itinerary

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips and gratuities

• Alcoholic beverages

• Travel insurance

• Visas and international airfare