{"id":1907,"date":"2025-05-01T13:30:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T16:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/camperworldchile.com\/?p=1907"},"modified":"2025-09-29T23:41:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T02:41:56","slug":"patagonia-family-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/camperworldchile.com\/fr\/patagonia-family-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Patagonia Family Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Patagonia with family
\n20 days of adventure with Camperworld Chile<\/h2><\/div>

By Orlane and Matthieu | 25th may 2025 | IG O&M<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

We are a family on a world tour: Orlane and Matthieu with our two children, Milo (5 years old) and Thelma (2 years old). To explore Patagonia with complete freedom, we chose the X-Wing<\/a>, perfect for moving at our own pace and sleeping in remote places.<\/p>\n

For 20 days, we traveled the legendary roads of southern Chile and Argentina, between majestic glaciers, wind-sculpted mountains, and emerald-reflected lakes. From Torres del Paine to Fitz Roy, passing through the Carretera Austral, this road trip offered us breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable camping experiences, close to nature.<\/p>\n

Join us on this unique adventure, marked by the unpredictable Patagonian weather, wildlife encounters, and the joy of sharing these moments as a family.<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

\"Carretera<\/span><\/div>

*The names of the campsites are from iOverlander.
\n*The prices are what we paid (free for children).<\/p>\n

This is a highly sought-after destination for locals from Coyhaique, especially in summer, when city dwellers seek to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature by swimming in a lake surrounded by mountains. At the far end of the lake, although not visible from La Paloma Beach, lies the mythical Cerro Castillo, which will be our next stop.<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

\"Carretera<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas<\/strong>
\nWe land in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city of mainland Chile, located on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. Full of history, this former port city was a strategic point for sailors before the opening of the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n

Day 2: Excursion to Magdalena and Marta Islands<\/strong>
\nWe board with Solo Expediciones for an excursion to Magdalena and Marta Islands, famous for their exceptional wildlife.<\/p>\n

Magdalena Island, a natural monument, is home to more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. As we walk on the island, we are surrounded by thousands of these curious birds, strolling fearlessly just a few meters from us.<\/p>\n

Our boat returns to the sea toward Marta Island, where a large colony of sea lions basks on the rocks. Unfortunately, the wind picks up, and we must turn back before reaching the island. A typical Patagonian setback!<\/p>\n

Day 3: Pickup handover and drive to Puerto Natales<\/strong>
\nToday, we pick up our travel companion: our converted pickup truck. The day is dedicated to organizing: shopping, packing, sorting\u2026 In no time, our suitcases are almost empty, every item has its place, and we are impressed by the clever layout. The space is optimized down to the millimeter, and despite its compact size, we immediately feel at ease.<\/p>\n

We drive toward Puerto Natales, a charming little town nestled along the Ultima Esperanza fjord.<\/p>\n

We spend the night at G\u00fcino campsite, where we enjoy a hot shower and a good meal before beginning our adventure on the Patagonian roads.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd G\u00fcino Campsite ($10)<\/p><\/h3><\/div>

\"Atarceder<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park<\/strong>
\nEarly departure, the kids are still asleep as we head toward Torres del Paine National Park, one of the gems of Chilean Patagonia.
\nIn just 30 minutes, the first mountains appear: the view is already spectacular. With its steep mountains, turquoise lakes, and imposing glaciers, this park is a true paradise for nature lovers.<\/p>\n

We begin our exploration with the Mirador C\u00f3ndor hike. From the summit, we have a stunning view of Lago Peho\u00e9. The climb is steep, and after a first plateau offering a magnificent view, the wind picks up suddenly. It\u2019s impossible to continue with the kids, so we turn back.<\/p>\n

We have a picnic at Lago Peho\u00e9 campsite, which offers a nice view of the mountains.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon, we take the Mirador Cuernos trail (1.5h round trip) that runs along the emerald waters of Lago Nordenskj\u00f6ld before offering a spectacular view of the Cuernos del Paine, those wind-sculpted, colorful mountains. Along the trail, we cross guanacos and enjoy a breathtaking panorama.<\/p>\n

Our last stop is at Laguna Azul: a peaceful setting offering a different view, where we can see the famous Paine Towers from a less frequented angle. We decide to spend the night here, rocked by the sunset.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Laguna Azul Campsite ($13)<\/p>\n

Day 5: Puma Watching and Lago Grey<\/strong>
\nWaking up facing Laguna Azul, under a slightly overcast sky. We head towards Lago Grey (2 hours of driving), but a surprise awaits us on the way: a gathering at the roadside catches our attention. In the distance, a family of pumas moves majestically. A suspended moment.<\/p>\n

Upon arrival at Lago Grey, we walk up to the viewpoint to observe the floating icebergs. The children have fun throwing stones into the water while we enjoy the landscape.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to leave, but we need to go back through Puerto Natales to refuel before continuing towards El Calafate.
\nTip:<\/strong> fill a jerrycan before entering the park to avoid this detour.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd<\/b> Free camping Muelle Maclean <\/b>(ideal if no wind)<\/span><\/h3><\/div>

\"Atardecer<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 6: Drive to El Calafate (Argentina)<\/strong>
\nWe hit the road around 10 am, and after a quick border crossing, we find ourselves alone in the vastness of the pampas. The track is bumpy, and after an improvised lunch break, we continue our journey to El Calafate, where we arrive late afternoon.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Free camping Rotonda de los Troncos (near a children\u2019s playground)<\/p>\n

Day 7: Perito Moreno, an Unforgettable Day<\/strong>
\nA day dedicated to one of the most impressive glaciers in the world: Perito Moreno, this gigantic ice wall that stretches at the foot of the Andes.<\/p>\n

We board with Patagonia Chic for a one-hour cruise, bringing us close to the glacier\u2019s bluish walls.<\/p>\n

Next, we continue with a walk on the panoramic walkways, covering the blue, orange, and red circuits, offering views from every angle (3h \/ return by bus). We are fascinated by the spectacle of ice blocks breaking off with a deafening crash. A moment etched forever.<\/p>\n

In the evening, we settle at Estancia R\u00edo Mitre, a warm place offering a splendid view of the steppe. We cook in the shared kitchen, a beautiful immersion into local life.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Estancia R\u00edo Mitre campsite ($30)<\/p>\n

Day 8: Peaceful Morning at Estancia and Heading to El Calafate<\/strong>
\nThe wake-up is slow, rocked by the silence of the pampas. At Estancia, we have the luxury of parking wherever we like, so we take the opportunity to move away and savor the tranquility of the place.<\/p>\n

We decide to extend the experience with a 45-minute horseback ride, a timeless break in the midst of the endless steppes. After this immersion into gaucho life, it\u2019s time to get back on the road.
\nBefore leaving El Calafate, we do an essential restock, then find a peaceful spot for the night by Lago Argentino.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Free camping Lago<\/p>\n

Day 9: Drive to El Chalt\u00e9n<\/strong>
\nWe reach El Chalt\u00e9n in 3 hours, Argentina\u2019s trekking capital, where the majestic granite peaks of Fitz Roy stand tall.
\nWe make several stops to observe the landscape and a stop at the entrance to the town to get information about the hike at the visitor info center.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Free camping R\u00edo de las Vueltas<\/p>\n

Day 10: Fitz Roy Hike \u2013 A Challenge Conquered as a Family!<\/strong>
\nDeparture at 7 am for the Laguna de los Tres hike (20 km round trip). We set out on this challenge thinking we\u2019ll adapt based on the kids\u2019 needs.
\nThe beginning is tough, Thelma wants to walk but tires quickly. After a moment of hesitation, she agrees to go into the baby carrier, and off we go!
\nWe pass by the Mirador Fitz Roy, where the view of the mountains is already spectacular. After several hours of effort, we finally reach the summit at 2 pm. The satisfaction is immense: Milo did it all by himself, a real champion!
\nReturn to the campsite at 7 pm, exhausted but happy. A hot shower, an aperitif, and bed!<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Camping El Refugio ($30, very good)<\/h3><\/div>

\"Atardecer<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 11: Relaxation Day in El Chalt\u00e9n<\/strong>
\nAfter the effort, the reward! A morning off in El Chalt\u00e9n: a stroll through the village, games for the children, and an excellent meal at the restaurant La Oveja Negra, where we enjoy delicious Argentine meat.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon, we hit the road north again.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree camping Tres Lagos by the River<\/p>\n

Day 12 & 13: Road to Chile<\/strong>
\nWe return to ruta 40 heading towards the Carretera Austral, the legendary road that winds through Chilean Patagonia, between fjords, glaciers, and dense forests.
\nBefore leaving Argentina, we stop to sleep:<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree camping Estancia La Ascension (great by the water with a toilet and wood-fired hot shower) a peaceful place where you feel cut off from the world.<\/p>\n

The border crossing at Chile Chico is an adventure in itself: a dusty track, a small customs post lost in the middle of nowhere, and a thorough inspection of fresh products in our camper.<\/p>\n

We cross the border at Chile Chico and enter the Patagonia Park, a still wild and preserved region.<\/p>\n

This wild region is a sanctuary for wildlife, with guanacos, condors, and landscapes of valleys sculpted by glaciers.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon, we arrive under a bright sun at Lago Jeinimeni, where we will also spend the night alone in the middle of this unique landscape: a lake with crystalline waters surrounded by forests and colorful mountains.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree camping El Silencio<\/p>\n

Day 14: Discovering the Carretera Austral<\/strong>
\nThe sun is not out this morning, the landscape is different. We stroll around the lake and leave leisurely, stopping to see the caves with 10,000-year-old paintings. It\u2019s quite a climb, and once at the top, we discover there\u2019s a hike \u2013 Cuevas de la Mano (6.9 km loop). Unfortunately, we have to skip it because it\u2019s already 1 pm, and we have quite a bit of driving ahead to reach Puerto R\u00edo Tranquilo.<\/p>\n

We follow the turquoise waters of Lago General Carrera, one of the largest lakes in South America, before setting up camp near Puerto R\u00edo Tranquilo, the starting point for the famous Marble Cathedrals or glacier excursion.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdCamping Pubu ($20)<\/h3><\/div>

\"Atardecer<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 15: Puerto R\u00edo Tranquilo \u2013 Marble Cathedrals & Mirador Confluencia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Departure at 9 am to discover the famous Marble Cathedrals (Capillas de M\u00e1rmol) on Lago General Carrera, a lake with a thousand shades of blue. The sky is cloudy, so we opt for a boat tour (1h30) with M\u00e1rmol Expediciones. The crossing is peaceful, and despite the overcast sky, we are amazed as we pass inside these rock formations sculpted by the water. The reflections change depending on the light, giving the walls incredible tones.<\/p>\n

On the way, stop at the Mirador Confluencia, where the Ib\u00e1\u00f1ez and Murta rivers converge in a spectacular landscape, with mountains in the background.
\nWe then continue to Cerro Castillo, where we will spend the night.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree camping Museum Parking \u2013 great view<\/p>\n

Day 16: Coyhaique \u2013 Change of Scenery<\/strong>
\nThis section of the road is much flatter and more monotonous, with no particular relief. We reach Coyhaique, where we take a break in town: restaurant and shopping to restock provisions.<\/p>\n

After a few hours of driving, we experience a radical change of atmosphere as we approach the Queulat Park. We find ourselves back in spectacular landscapes: waterfalls, lush forests, giant ferns, snow-capped peaks, and in the background, the hanging glacier towering over the fjords.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdCamping Las Toninas ($20)<\/p>\n

Day 17: Queulat Park \u2013 Hikes and Fjords<\/strong>
\nThe cold is striking upon waking, but the day promises sunshine. We set out for a hike, but the Mirador Ventisquero (hanging glacier) trail is closed. Instead, we opt for the walk to Laguna T\u00e9mpanos (30 minutes round trip): short but magnificent, offering a splendid view of the glacier and the turquoise lake. We also climb to the Mirador del Ventisquero, another beautiful viewpoint 10 minutes (round trip).<\/p>\n

Lunch break with a breathtaking view of the Puyuhuapi Fjord, before hitting the road again. On the way, we stop at Puyuhuapi for some shopping and bread (excellent bakery address).<\/p>\n

We find an idyllic camping spot by the Palena River, opposite the El Sauce hot springs. One of the most beautiful free camps of our journey: alone in the world, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The children play by the water while we prepare a campfire. A magical evening under a starry sky.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree Camping: Palena River \u2013 opposite El Sauce hot springs<\/h3><\/div>

\"Guanaco<\/span><\/div>
Some views of our trip.<\/h5><\/div>

Day 18: Lake Yelcho \u2013 Rest in the Rain<\/strong>
\nWaking up to pouring rain that doesn\u2019t seem to want to stop. We spend the morning doing homework with Milo, then hit the road again.<\/p>\n

We stop at Yelcho Patagonia Hotel, which offers camping with great spots equipped with BBQs. With the weather, we enjoy the warm hotel lounge instead, with its comfy sofas, a fireplace, and toys for the kids. In the afternoon, a little walk by Lake Yelcho despite the drizzle.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdCamping Yelcho Patagonia Hotel ($30)<\/p>\n

Day 19: Pumal\u00edn Park \u2013 Chait\u00e9n and its Huge Beach<\/strong>
\nWe enter Pumal\u00edn Park, one of the gems of Chilean Patagonia, with its lush vegetation. This park, once owned by philanthropist Douglas Tompkins, is a model of conservation. We have a picnic in the wild before continuing to Chait\u00e9n.<\/p>\n

We enjoy its vast beach, the sea air, and the children\u2019s play area before settling in for the night.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree Camping Chait\u00e9n Beach<\/p>\n

Day 20: Ascent of the Chait\u00e9n Volcano<\/strong>
\nAt 10 am, we depart for the Chait\u00e9n Volcano hike (4 km round trip). The trail is steep and demanding, with stairs of various sizes along the ascent. But the higher we climb, the clearer the sky becomes, offering stunning views of the coast and the caldera.<\/p>\n

Once at the top, we picnic facing the smoking crater, still marked by the 2008 eruption. The clouds clear, revealing a breathtaking sight: the fumaroles, the yawning crater, and the surrounding mountains. An intense but unforgettable climb.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdFree Camping Lago Negro<\/p>\n

Days 21 & 22: Crossing the Fjords and Returning to Puerto Varas<\/strong>
\nWe cross the fjords, rocked by the rhythm of the boat, and then continue our journey to Puerto Varas, marking the end of our freedom road trip.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: 20 Days of Freedom at the End of the World<\/strong>
\nThis road trip in Patagonia will remain one of the most remarkable experiences of our world tour. Traveling in a converted pickup truck gave us total freedom, allowing us to explore incredible landscapes, wake up by turquoise lakes, and sleep at the foot of mountains.<\/p>\n

Between majestic glaciers, wild fjords, vast steppes, and lush forests, Patagonia amazed us more each day.<\/p>\n

An intense journey, where every moment reminded us of how grand and precious nature is.<\/h3><\/div>

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