The Gaucho Way Trek (7 days)

From $3,750

  • Duration

    7 days

  • Bookable From

    October - April

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Chile

  • Physical Rating

    Mildly Strenuous

Overview

Spend 7 days responsibly trekking along the Gaucho Way in pristine and untouched wild Chilean Patagonia.

Supported by gauchos and an attentive crew, discover a part of Chile that is lesser-known to travelers and famed for its natural beauty.

This is the shorter version of our signature route for Patagonia trekking. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed pace, or the option to do a bit more hiking, see the extended version (9 days) here.

The Gaucho Way follows traditional horse trails used by the 'gauchos', a term generally referring to a skilled and traditional South American cowboy. Gauchos play a significant role in the cultural heritage of the region. Families living in the valley used to follow the trail with herds of cattle on their way to the market to purchase supplies like flour, sugar, mate, and other sundries. Nowadays, there is more frequent boat travel along the trail.

Highlights

  • Enjoy incomparable access to wilderness, learning, and adventuring in Chilean Patagonia
  • Discover a unique location accessible only by boat
  • Trek exclusively with your small group of 6-8 guests
  • Benefit from your guide's 30+ years of expertise and intimate local knowledge
  • Support our mission’s conservation, education, and community goals
  • Experience traditional gaucho routes, supported by locals, our friends, and neighbors
A group of 5 trekkers walk along the Gaucho Way in wild Chilean Patagonia on a responsible trekking tour. They walk over mixed terrain of dirt and rocks, with a small pond nearby and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
A local Chilean man with salt and pepper facial hair, a black and white striped t shirt, and a black cap stands in front of a brown horse behind a wooden fence railing in Patagonia along the Gaucho Way.
Two men and two women stand with their arms around each other, facing the camera and smiling along the Gaucho Way in Chilean Patagonia, with a bright blue lake behind them on a blue sky sunny day.
A teal alpine lake sits in front of snow capped mountains along the El Gaucho Way in Chilean Patagonia.

Fill your lungs with fresh, clean air while listening to the natural rhythm of lake waves hitting rocky shores, and the soft thumping of horse hooves connecting with the earth. Participate in the custom of sharing mate, a local tea.

Enjoy a deliciously prepared meal in community with others. Share a glass of wine and stories around a campfire. Identify the Southern Cross amongst the night’s sparkling stars. Cup your hands in pure, frigid water and enjoy the sweet taste of a mountain brook.

Get ready to experience the Gaucho Way!

Seasonal Notes

Our season runs from October to April, when daylight hours are longer and temperatures are generally mild. Patagonia is famed for its intensity of experience, and the same is true for its weather. It's not uncommon to get extreme wild, torrential rain, and brilliant sunshine all in the same day! As such, we abide by the mantra that ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’ (and gear).

  • October and November are the shoulder season.
  • December, January, and February are the high season.
  • March and April are the shoulder season.

We help to ensure that you’re prepared to meet the vast range of changing conditions so you can truly enjoy the experience. Our activities throughout the year will be shaped by the conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago [Chile] (arrival day)

Upon arrival to Santiago Airport (SCL), you'll transfer to a domestic flight. Your driver will meet you at the regional Balmaceda Airport (BBA) where you will continue your journey.

You will travel south on the Austral Highway on paved and improved gravel roads. Within 300 kilometers of driving, you will pass two small villages, Villa Cerro Castillo, at the foot of its impressive peak, and Puerto Río Tranquilo, a village on the shores of Lago General Carrera. Lago General Carrera is Chile’s largest lake, and South America’s second largest lake.

You will continue south, poised between the deep blue waters of the lake and the sharp, snowy peaks flanking the Northern Patagonia Icefield. You will arrive at the tiny hamlet of Puerto Bertrand, located at the headwaters of the Baker River, Chile’s largest volume river, a world-class fishery and the centerpiece of a dormant, yet contentious dam-building project by the Spanish Energy Consortium, Endesa.

Puerto Bertrand is your departure point. You'll board a boat and travel 10 miles (16 kilometers) across two connected lakes to reach our dock and main ranch. There are no roads here. Once you’ve met your guides and staff and had a look around, you’ll get settled into your accommodations in the guest house.

Drive Time: Approx. 6 hours, + a 1 hour boat shuttle

Accommodation: Guest House, Main Ranch

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Full Day Hike (7 miles | 12 km)

Take a boat shuttle to the starting point for today's hike.

Today holds a spectacular segment of the trek! The trail rises up intermittently forested slopes to a high shoulder overlooking the joining of waters between Lago Bertrand and Lago Plomo. These waters connect through a breach in the long, narrow moraine that forms a peninsula separating the two lakes. This short gap demarcates where the deep blue of Lago Bertrand abruptly changes to the jade green of Lago Plomo.

After the trail’s initial ascent, you hike along rocky outcroppings, across high alpine valleys, and through enchanted forests of moss-covered beech trees. The glaciated peaks are at your shoulder, and the waters of the lake are below your feet. Keep an eye skyward in search of an Andean condor with its distinctively broad wingspan. Near the lake’s end are spectacular views far up the Soler Valley and beyond to where the afternoon sun stands watch over the enormous expanse of the Patagonia Icefield summits.

Finish the day with a descent past a marble outcropping, sculpted by time and the elements, and walk across a forested pasture to the dock, boats, houses, and barns of the main ranch, all of which you’ve been glimpsing from a distance. It will be a long, satisfying day finished with a wholesome meal, a glass of fine Chilean wine, and falling asleep in the rustic, comfortable guest house accompanied by the sounds of the horses soft grazing on home pasture.

Accommodation: Guest House, Main Ranch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 Trek Begins: Soler & Cacho Valleys (7 miles | 12 km)

Begin the day with yerba mate, a bitter tea sipped from a gourd through a metal straw. It is a traditional start to any Patagonia day and an important social custom. After a hearty breakfast, we will prepare for our trek up the Soler Valley, toward the icefield.

You’ll follow horse trails and carry only the essentials in your daypack. There are several short creek crossings so don’t forget those sandals or water shoes.

The long valleys, lush temperate forests, and mountain peaks offer a wide variety of terrain in which to trek and it’s not uncommon to see soaring condors or even the elusive huemul, a small endangered deer that appears on the Chilean coat of arms.

The varied terrain means that you’ll be able to experience everything from craggy mountain trails to long, sandy beaches, always with a backdrop of the majestic mountain panorama.

Tonight’s destination is situated on the banks of the Cacho River. This tent camp is located just beyond the intersection of two large valleys facing each other across the Soler Valley floor. This is one of our favorite spots and we always sense energy here, be it from the massive peaks, the open space, the flowing water, or the pristine landscape. There’s contentment here in an evening fire while enjoying good company and watching the horses graze against a slowly darkening backdrop that reveals southern stars above white, jagged peaks.

Accommodation: Overnight Tent Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 Trek: Northern Patagonia Icefield (7-11 miles | 12-18 km)

Mate and breakfast are served around a campfire as you watch the long, creeping approach of the morning’s sun slip down from the peak tops to the valley floor. Today, you will hike and explore an untouched depth of wild Patagonia that is seldom revealed. 

If the day is clear, your views will encompass the surrounding peaks and glaciers, five and six thousand feet in elevation above you, and the awe-inspiring and formidable Northern Patagonia Icefield, with Cerro Hyades standing firm at the head of the Cacho Valley. The difference in elevation between the valley floor at the far end of our Cacho Ranch and the summit of this monumental peak is 10,000 feet!

Along the way is the old-growth forest of Coigüe, or Dombey’s beech, with its elegant branches and thick, lustrous evergreen leaves. The large Magellanic woodpecker

is frequently seen or heard here, with its resoundingly deep echo reverberating through the air as it searches for grubs in the ruin of aged trunks. This is also home to the endangered huemul, or South Andean Deer, as well as predators such as the Geoffroy’s Cat, Patagonian Fox, and Puma. Hidden in plain view, inconspicuous amongst the grandeur of the landscape is a marble mountainside.

Weather, river levels, the group’s pace, and energy levels will ultimately influence the furthest point of the trek. If conditions permit, it is possible to reach as far as the massive glacier’s edge before returning to the tent camp for the night.

Accommodation: Overnight Tent Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 Trek Ends; Patagonia BBQ (7-10 miles | 12-16 km)

As the morning sunlight edges toward camp, you’ll sip yerba mate around a fire, and marvel as the light plays over the peaks of snow, ice, and rock. There’s plenty of time to take in the beauty before packing up camp and heading back home down the valley. Upon departing, we will travel one of several routes back down the valley to the main ranch.

The evening will include a Patagonia barbecue! Guests, staff, and neighbors traditionally all share in this feast over an open fire of meat, new potatoes, fresh salad from the greenhouse, bread, and wine.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying up late to listen to the strumming of a guitar and a soft, Spanish melody.

Accommodation: Guest House, Main Ranch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 Puerto Bertrand: Raft, Hike, or Relax

Breathe in the refreshing, cool morning air. Spend the morning strolling along the beach or through the orchards, gardens, and greenhouses. Take a walk in the pasture and share a moment with the horses, or relax as you prepare to say goodbye to the ranch before departing by boat to Puerto Bertrand.

The dock there is the departure point for a whitewater rafting descent of the crystal-clear powerhouse that is the Baker River. You can choose between rafting, having an additional day at the ranch relaxing and exploring, or doing a more vigorous activity like a longer day hike.

Accommodation: Local Guest Cabin or BnB in Peurto Bertrand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 Balmaceda Regional Airport (departure day)

After a private transfer to Balmaceda Regional Airport, fly back home with a refreshed body and soul.

Meals: Breakfast

Customization

This trip can be customized. There's also an extended, 9-day version of this itinerary. Contact us to add on additional trekking days, or include excursions (for additional cost) such as visiting the:

  • Marble caves and chapel in Peurto Tranqilo
  • Exploradores Glacier
  • Confluencia, the junction of the mighty Baker and Nef rivers
  • Chacabuco Valley, the site of the newly formed Patagonia National Park
  • Frontier town of Cochrane
  • Town of Caleta Tortel, with its intricate boardwalks

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 6 nights of accommodations at the ranch, tent camp, and guest house

  • All meals and rations during the program according to the itinerary

  • All transportation in Patagonia, Chile (including horse and boat support)

  • Guide and logistical support for trip activities in the Aisén Region, Chile, and at our ranches

  • Instructors, guides, porters, drivers

  • All entrance, use, and park fees

  • Use of all facilities and equipment at the ranch or as specified in the itinerary

  • International airfare to/from Chile

  • Domestic airfare within Chile

  • Meals, transportation, and lodging outside items on the itinerary (bring any specialty trail snacks you might want)

  • Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks

  • Chilean tourist cards, visas, or reciprocity fees

  • International vaccinations

  • Excess baggage charges and airport taxes

  • Wire transfer, credit card, or payment processing fees (if applicable)

  • Repair or replacement costs due to damage to group gear or other equipment.

  • Extra checkout charges at third-party accommodations.

  • Fishing licenses

  • Personal gear (see gear list)

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Changes to the itinerary made at the request of clients

  • All expenses incurred in the event of late arrival, and early or late departure including, but not limited to, evacuation or medical expenses due to illness or injury, transportation, extra hotel nights, etc.

  • Charges incurred as a result of delays or factors beyond our control, such as, but not limited to inclement weather, road cuts or delays, non-navigable water or river conditions, etc.

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

  • Deposit per person

    50% of the trip price

  • Group of 2-3 travelers - price per person

    $3,750 pp

  • Group of 4-6 travelers - price per person

    $3,450 pp

  • Single Supplement

    $300 pp

Optional Add-ons

Excursions mentioned in the Customization section may cost between $85-150 per person depending on the activity.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Due to the nature and costs of government and operator permits, we must abide by a stringent refund policy. The itinerary is subject to modification without notification in the event of unavailability of services and/or adverse safety or climatic conditions.

  • All balances are due 180 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified. Participants whose balances are not received by the 180-day deadline risk forfeiture of their place on the program.
  • Full refunds will be provided 180 days prior to program start date.
  • 50% refunds will be provided 90-180 days prior to program start date.
  • No refunds will be provided 89 days prior to program start date.

All refund requests must be received in writing within the 90-180 day period as stated above.

Patagonia Frontiers reserves the right to waive any fees. We will strive to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.

Sustainability

Every one of our adventures is deepened by the unique location of our wilderness homestead – accessible only by boat – and embodies our mission’s conservation, education, and community goals. This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots". We also raise behavioral awareness by specifically discussing with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why.

Prepare to see soaring condors or an elusive huemul, but you won’t see another traveler. It’ll be just you, us, and the wilderness. Given our remote location, you won't see many other people. Our groups are small and usually private - up to 8 people unless we have an educational group that can be larger - we have over 5000 acres as part of our homestead where even if we had two groups going, which we don't normally ever do, it would be rare you would see each other.

Environmental Initiatives

We are firm believers in minimal impact ethics (Leave No Trace); which apply to our ranch, the wilderness, and our community. We aim to live simply and practice conscious use of resources. Therefore, we generate our own solar power, access clean glacial water, and emphasize local and/or organic food by cultivating fruits and vegetables in a large greenhouse or fruit orchard.

Throughout the adventure, we adhere to strict environmental standards and aim at conserving ecosystems and/or preserving biodiversity. We focus on responsible waste management (insisting on a "Leave No Trace" or "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy, for example). All the accommodations are hand-picked to ensure they are local and environmentally friendly. Most are small and locally run and use solar thermal panels.

Sociocultural Initiatives

At the core of our travel philosophy is the belief that authentic experiences foster a deeper understanding of both the destination and the communities we visit. We actively honor and respect the traditional culture and livelihood of our gaucho neighbors. These knowledgeable locals serve as guides and horse packers, allowing travelers to genuinely engage with the local community.

When it comes to our staff, we prioritize inclusivity and non-discrimination in the hiring process. We strive to create a work environment that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for everyone involved. By doing so, we foster a harmonious and respectful workplace that ultimately enhances the overall experience for our travelers.

Economic Initiatives

We are committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of the local community. Our trip not only offers an unforgettable experience but also contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and ensuring fair wages for the staff involved. We place a strong emphasis on creating safe and favorable working conditions for everyone working with us. By designing the trip to support local businesses, we aim to maximize the positive impact on the community as a whole, rather than benefiting only a select few. We firmly believe that nature-based tourism should be a force for good, benefiting both the people and the communities who call this place home.

Deepening our connection with the natural world, and to one another, is among our highest values:

  • We always hire locals, our neighbors, and friends to work the trips with us and support local businesses. They depend on work from us season after season.
  • Any of our employees, partners, friends, and neighbors would be willing and able to vouch for us.
  • We give back to our community not just in monetary ways, but how we show up as a business and personally as part of the community since this is not just a place we work but our home.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

One of our fundamental priorities has always been the safety and welfare of living beings. We live in, work in, and share with others the secluded wilderness locations we call home, and we’ve found it judicious to continually emphasize a personal, as well as institutional culture of safety, risk management, and mitigation.

FAQs

What does the physical rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?

Distance covered for each trekking day can be between 7-11 miles (12 to 18 km).

What are the accommodations like?

Our wilderness ranch is basecamp, the launch point for our backcountry adventures. It’s also the place we call home.

Life at the ranch is rustic and comfortable, designed to be as immersive in the outdoors as possible. We strive to embody our ethos to live simply and in harmony with nature and our community.

The homestead encompasses a series of connected spaces, including a guesthouse (sleeping quarters), main house, dining and social space (community area), and outhouse (long drop toilets). We generate our own solar power, which meets any standard phone or camera charging needs. That said, come prepared to disconnect from devices (no cell or Internet service) and reconnect to wild places in nature and within yourself.

Our guesthouse readily sleeps up to seven guests, and we accommodate larger groups in a camping-style format. The guesthouse has three modest rooms: a single, double, and four-person bunk room. We’ll set up a hot outdoor shower upon request, though you may embrace our Patagonia-style bathing (brisk run off the end of the dock into a glacial lake!). When we are in the backcountry, you'll be in double tents. For any nights off the ranch, we will do local rustic cabins, occupancy.

Is this trip recommended for Solo travelers, women, LGBTQ+ travelers, BIPOC travelers?

Yes. Chile is in the top safest places to travel across according to many different surveys & publications. In addition, because the trip is supported and all inclusive from the regional airport, travelers are accompanied by our staff and guides throughout their stay on this trip. We take everyone's safety as part of our mission.

What gear do I need?

We provide all of the group gear, and we'll provide you with a gear list. The gear list will include you bringing your own sleeping bag, pad, and all personal clothes.

How much money should I bring?

You will only need money for any sundries on the ride down and back (although we will provide you with some snacks), and tips if they choose to give any. The cost of the trip is all-inclusive from pickup to drop off.

What are the best flights to take?

For same-day travel, you should book the earliest arrival to BBA and the latest departure from BBA. Some people choose to spend a night pre- and post-trip in Coyhaique. We're happy to recommend where to stay.

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