New Explora programme connects three Patagonia properties in South America for the first time

Wild and rugged, Patagonia’s draw can also be its challenge for travellers who are looking to explore this region of ice, tundra and snow-topped mountain ranges that runs along the bottom of Chile and Argentina. But with over 25 years’ experience providing remote tours in the Southern Hemosphere, destination expert Explora’s new ‘Explora Connects ‘programme looks set to raise the bar for convenience and comfort on the ultimate South American journey…

Its recently launched programme connects all three of its award-winning Patagonia properties for the first time, allowing those in search of adventure to access this spectacular part of the world more easily.

Each of the unique Patagonian destinations available showcases a different side to the region, from mountain glacier to Gaucho plains. Torres del Paine, a UNESCO biosphere reserve in Chilean Patagonia, is home to a 49-room property, outfitted in warm lenga and cypress wood, with a spa and stunning views of Lake Pehoé and the Paine Massif, granite giants modelled by glacial ice movement. To the north, Explora’s lodge in the massive Patagonia National Park at Valle Chacabuco in the Aysen region, also opened to visitors for the first time this November. 

Meanwhile, over in El Chaltén in Argentina, visitors can stay in a luxurious 20-room lodge beside the Southern Ice Fields with views of Valle Eléctrico, the Marconi Glacier and the mountains of the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve from the bedroom windows. All three properties are linked by charter plane rides or comfortable overground vehicles, and visitors can choose to visit two or all three on tour programmes that start from eight days.

Covering such vast expanses and remote territory with relative ease is reward enough for any intrepid traveller. But for further immersion into the culture and landscape there are also over 45 activities on offer at the lodges to enjoy, all led by expert Explora guides - including horseback riding and an exploration of Gaucho culture, hikes, mountain climbing and overland crossings at Torres del Paine, bike riding and kayaking in Patagonia National Park and mountain and rock climbing at El Chaltén. 

Eight-night Patagonia programmes start from £7.235pp (USD$9,680), based on double occupancy (December and March). Price includes all-inclusive accommodation in Explora lodges, transfers in exclusive Explora planes and vehicles, meals, bar, a selection of wines, guided explorations and all entrance fees to national parks.