Self-drive tour - Wild Patagonia & estancias

You collect your rental vehicle, a Ford Ranger (4x4) category or similar, with unlimited kilometers. From Trelew, you could take the road that crosses the Patagonian steppe to reach Estancia La Antonieta. This journey would take you through arid landscapes where you can spot guanacos and nandus.

Once you arrive, you would be welcomed at Estancia La Antonieta, founded in 1918 by the ancestors of Guido, your host. You could then set off to visit the elephant seal colony. The private reserve of the Fundación Dos Pozos was created to protect and preserve this colony established on the coast of Estancia La Antonieta.

Night at Estancia La Antonieta in a superior room.

You could drive between the Atlantic coast and the Patagonian steppe: the landscapes would be grandiose and you would already feel the full dimension of Patagonia, even as you were just beginning to enter it.

You could make a stop at the Cabo Dos Bahias reserve, where there is a large colony of Magellanic penguins that is very little frequented due to its remoteness.

Then, you could head up to the San Gregorio lighthouse which overlooks the bay; the view and the particular atmosphere of the place would be sure to seduce you. An unusual detail: the lighthouse is located on the lands of singer Florent Pagny.

You would then continue on to the small village of Bahia Bustamante. Located in the heart of Atlantic Patagonia, Bahia Bustamante is a lodge surrounded 360 degrees by nature. By the seaside, few places in the world shelter such an abundance and diversity of birds and marine mammals. This place is part of the inter-jurisdictional marine and coastal park "Patagonia Austral" and the UNESCO biosphere reserve "Patagonia Azul" (Blue Patagonia).

Sometimes compared to the Galapagos Islands, the place would offer you the possibility of observing a wide variety of marine and terrestrial fauna:

• colony of Magellanic penguins

• blue-eyed cormorant and rock cormorant

• white-headed steamer duck and Olrog's gull, two endemic species

• ruddy turnstone and white-rumped sandpiper

• Hudsonian godwit

• colony of sea lions

• whales (more rarely), common dolphin and Commerson's dolphin

• Patagonian cavy, small rheas, guanacos (often observed)

• maras, fox and even grey fox (best time at sunset)

You could set off this morning for a great day on the road, crossing Argentina from east to west. You would first head to the town of Sarmiento to visit the petrified forest. You would then continue your journey to La Posta de los Toldos, located in Patagonia National Park.

Upon arrival, you would settle in at La Posta de los Toldos lodge, a former inn renovated by a local carpenter. The lodge is located in the heart of Patagonia park, where the Rewilding conservation project is developing. Night at La Posta de los Toldos lodge in a standard room.

Several trails could be available to you, either as free access or accompanied by a local guide:

• "Tierra de Colores": you could follow a loop of approximately 1h30, of low difficulty, crossing an area of colored mountains.

• "La Guanaca": this trail of approximately 1h45, of medium difficulty, would lead you to a viewpoint over the canyons, where it would be possible to admire the flight of the Andean condor.

• "La Bajada de los Toldos": you could count on 40 minutes of driving to cross the Río Pinturas canyon, then 1 hour of hiking to reach the site of the Cueva de las Manos, where a guided tour of approximately 1 hour is planned. On the canyon walls, at over 300 meters high, it is sometimes possible to hear and see the orange chinchillón, a local endemic species.

• "Meseta Sumich": this trail of approximately 1h45, marked by local wildlife, would cross a lagoon frequented by a diversity of indigenous birds and lead to a 360º viewpoint allowing you to observe a typical basaltic plateau and part of the Buenos Aires lake plateau.

Then, you will depart this morning for Estancia La Angostura. You will be received by the owners, who will be able to explain to you the history of estancias in Patagonia.

Dinner and overnight at Estancia La Angostura in a standard room.

You leave Estancia La Angostura to rejoin the mythical Route 40 and head down towards Lake Viedma. You arrive at Estancia La Estela, located on the lakeside: you enter here the region of glaciers, with the Viedma glacier as your first neighbor.

From La Estela, you can simply enjoy a moment of relaxation while observing the magnificent landscape of steppe and ice, or choose from several activities on offer:

• you could go horseback riding,

• you could go hiking,

• you could try rafting,

• you could explore the surroundings by bike,

• you could go fishing.

Night at Estancia La Estela in a standard room.

Your horseback ride starts from Estancia La Estela and takes you to the tip of Lake Viedma, where the La Leona river begins. After following its banks, you continue to the mouth of the Guanaco river. Throughout the route, various panoramic viewpoints allow you to catch glimpses of Fitz Roy mountain and Cerro Torre. A presentation of the indigenous flora and fauna of the area is also offered to you.

Once you reach the Guanaco river, you return to the estancia by passing through the highest plateaus. A short break is planned at the Yaten refuge, where you can rest for about fifteen minutes before resuming your journey towards La Matera, crossing large imposing dunes.

Next, you take the road from Estancia La Estela to reach El Calafate.

Night at the Hosteria La Estepa in a Premium room with a view of the lake.

From El Calafate, you head southeast toward estancia Monte Dinero in Argentina. Founded in the early 1880s, it is run by the Fenton family, direct descendants of Scottish pioneers. A living example of Patagonian history and traditions, the estancia spans 26,000 hectares dedicated to raising approximately 14,000 Merino sheep. Located at kilometer 0 of the legendary Route 40, it is considered the southernmost estancia in continental Argentina. You will be able to observe a wide variety of bird species.

About 15 km from the estancia, you can take a walk of approximately 30 minutes to reach one of the largest penguin colonies on the continent, which spans over 47 hectares and is home to around 250,000 Magellanic penguins.

Argentine estancias were born in the 19th century as large rural properties dedicated primarily to sheep and cattle raising. They played an important role in the country's economic development and represent an essential part of Argentine culture and identity. Today, they face several challenges: climate change, the need to preserve the environment, adaptation to new technologies and new markets. Monte Dinero is committed to addressing these by developing sustainable practices and diversifying its activities, particularly through ecotourism.

Estancia Monte Dinero thus promotes a comprehensive approach that combines history, culture, nature, and sustainability.

Night at estancia Monte Dinero in a standard room.

You are leaving mainland Argentina today to reach the Tierra del Fuego Island, famous for its location at the southern tip of South America and for its rich and often dramatic history. It has been explored by navigators such as Magellan and Darwin. Its wild and varied landscapes – snow-capped mountains, dense forests and windswept coasts – further reinforce its legendary aura. Stories about indigenous peoples and pioneers also contribute to this mysterious character.

After approximately 8 hours of travel, including a ferry crossing of the Strait of Magellan over 560 km, you arrive in Tolhuin.

Night at the Hosteria Kaiken in a standard Del Lago Basic room.

You take your vehicle to reach national route 3 and cross the dense lenga forests. You drive along the great lakes of Tierra del Fuego, in particular Lake Fagnano, before continuing your journey.

You then continue towards the End of the World: Ushuaia.

You then have free time in Ushuaia. Capital of Tierra del Fuego, the city is situated between the Beagle Channel and Martial Glacier. It is the most southerly city in the world; explorers, adventurers and sailors contribute to giving this End of the World a particular atmosphere.

You could walk down the central San Martin street to stroll around, as well as the street that runs along the coast. The team's favorite spot is the Almacén Ramos Generales Ushuaia Ushuaia, a kind of café-museum that concentrates the essence of the End of the World. You could also visit the End of the World Museum, which traces the history of the region, the maritime museum and Ushuaia's former prison.

Night at the Altos Ushuaia Hotel in a standard room.