Patagonia Expedition — Marble Chapels, Cueva de las Manos and Patagonia National Park
The lesser-known Patagonia: canyons, marble and rock art under endless skies.
Introduction
An expedition designed to explore northwestern Santa Cruz and southern Chile: the Sarmiento Petrified Forest, a boat trip to the Marble Chapels and Cathedrals (Lago General Carrera, Chile), a scenic drive along Provincial Route 41 with lunch at a traditional estancia, and a guided visit to Cueva de las Manos in the Pinturas River Canyon. Flights from Buenos Aires, full logistics and a dedicated coordination team throughout.
Flights included
From Jorge Newbery Airport (Aeroparque), Buenos Aires
December departure
- Outbound: December 4, 2026 · Aeroparque 05:40 → Comodoro Rivadavia 08:09 (JA 3031)
- Return: December 8, 2026 · Comodoro Rivadavia 17:02 → Aeroparque 19:22 (JA 3032)
January departure
- Outbound: January 2, 2027 · Aeroparque 05:40 → Comodoro Rivadavia 08:09 (JA 3031)
- Return: January 6, 2027 · Comodoro Rivadavia 17:40 → Aeroparque 20:00 (JA 3032)
Baggage: backpack and carry-on included.
Schedules and airline may be adjusted based on availability.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sarmiento Petrified Forest and arrival in Los Antiguos · See details
The trip begins in Buenos Aires with a direct flight to Comodoro Rivadavia. From there, the van crosses the Patagonian plateau westward, stopping at the Sarmiento Petrified Forest.
There you'll see fossilized araucaria trunks that grew millions of years ago, when this area was forest rather than steppe. Lunch is a packed box meal, meant to be eaten on the go without losing travel time.
Arrival in Los Antiguos is in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hostería Tierra Los Antiguos, dinner included, to rest before the first full day of excursions.
Day 2 – Boat trip to the Marble Chapels · See details
The second day is dedicated entirely to the Marble Chapels, limestone formations sculpted over centuries by the lake's waves. The boat trip crosses the lake to the Chilean side, where the best-known formations are located, before returning to the Argentine side.
The route winds through cavities and columns carved into the rock, with shifting light throughout the day. Lunch is included during the excursion.
It's the most photogenic day of the trip: the combination of turquoise water and white rock is the most sought-after shot for those who have done this route before. Return to Los Antiguos, dinner included at the hostería.
Day 3 – Scenic Route 41 · See details
Route 41 is the highest road in Santa Cruz and runs alongside the mountain range, with views alternating between snow-capped peaks and open steppe. The drive includes stops at scenic viewpoints along the way.
Lunch is at a local estancia, a pause to see how life and work unfold on an isolated Patagonian ranch, far from any urban center.
In the afternoon, return to Los Antiguos, dinner included.
Day 4 – Patagonia National Park and Cueva de las Manos · See details
The fourth day combines hiking and rock art. The “Tierra de Colores” trail winds through a formation of multicolored clay inside Patagonia National Park, home to guanacos and condors.
Next comes the “Los Balcones” trail, with views over the Pinturas River Canyon, before heading down to the guided visit to Cueva de las Manos, with rock paintings thousands of years old covering the canyon walls.
Lunch is a packed box meal, to make the most of the full day between the two trails. Return to Los Antiguos, dinner included.
Day 5 – Return to Buenos Aires · See details
Last breakfast in Los Antiguos and transfer to Comodoro Rivadavia for the return flight to Buenos Aires, marking the end of the trip.
The order of activities may be adjusted for weather, operational or conservation reasons.
Highlights
- Boat trip to the Marble Chapels (Chile).
- World Heritage Site: Cueva de las Manos and the Pinturas River Canyon.
- Sarmiento Petrified Forest: open-air fossils.
- Scenic Provincial Route 41: viewpoints, valleys and lunch at a traditional estancia.
- Full logistics, local team and dedicated coordination throughout.
Accommodation and inclusions
Accommodation: 4 nights in Los Antiguos (Hostería Tierra Los Antiguos).
Includes: flights to/from Buenos Aires, full board, ground transfers, guided excursions (Petrified Forest, Marble Chapels, Route 41 with lunch at an estancia, Cueva de las Manos + Tierra de Colores and Los Balcones trails), entrance fees, permanent coordinator and traveler assistance.
Not included: services not mentioned and personal expenses.
Price and payment
Price per person: USD 1,450 + flight. The flight cost depends on the departure date: ARS $310,000 (approx.) for the December departure and ARS $359,000 (approx.) for the January departure — both amounts are in Argentine pesos, billed locally.
- Payment method for international clients: [FALTA: confirmar método de pago para clientes internacionales]
- Maximum group size: 10 people · Difficulty level: low.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience or to be in great physical shape?
No. This is a low-difficulty trip with scenic hikes and trails. We recommend hiking shoes, warm clothing and a windbreaker.
What documentation do I need to cross into Chile?
A valid national ID or passport. Check current immigration and health requirements before traveling.
What are the accommodations and meals like?
Hostería Tierra Los Antiguos, with full board. A vegetarian option is available for meals.
Is traveler assistance included?
Yes, traveler assistance is included throughout the entire trip.
How do I pay from outside Argentina?
[FALTA: confirmar método de pago para clientes internacionales]
