Patagonia Fall Photo Tour
April 7 - 15, 2025
Single Room Occupancy: $9,400
Double Room Occupancy: $7,900
Reserve Spot - Deposit: $2,000
If you have any questions regarding payment or workshop details, please email me at: mark@markdenneyphotography.com
Embark on a captivating journey to the heart of Patagonia during the enchanting autumn season, where the landscapes are painted with a palette of fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows.
This Patagonia Fall Photo Tour is meticulously designed for photographers who yearn to capture the essence of one of the world's most stunning and wild regions during its most photogenic time of year. As the crisp autumn air sets in, Patagonia transforms into a photographer's paradise, offering dramatic light, dynamic weather, and landscapes ablaze with color. This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and photograph the rugged beauty of Patagonian mountains, serene lakes, and majestic glaciers, all while the fall foliage provides a breathtaking backdrop.
Under the guidance of myself and Ty Lekki, you'll enhance your skills and return with a portfolio of images that truly encapsulate the majestic beauty of Patagonia in autumn. Whether you're an experienced photographer or an enthusiastic beginner, this tour promises a journey of discovery, learning, and unforgettable experiences in one of the most awe-inspiring settings on the planet. Join us to witness and capture the splendid transformation of Patagonia, and immerse yourself in the magic of autumn in this wild and wondrous region.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas
Upon reaching Punta Arenas, the entry point to the awe-inspiring Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, it's advisable to take time to acclimate and rest after your lengthy flight. Ideally, you should plan to arrive around 2 p.m. We will assist you with transport services to our hotel and help you check in to your rooms.
Our first group gathering will be at the welcome dinner. Here, we will indulge in the region's culinary specialty, cordero patagonico – a renowned Patagonian lamb delicacy, expertly roasted at a local parilla. This dish has been acclaimed as the finest meat experience globally.
Following the dinner, we will spend the night at our hotel, resting up for the adventures that await.
Day 2: Torres del Paine, Chile
Following breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey towards the majestic Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife, such as guanacos, ostriches, armadillos, and perhaps even the elusive puma. As we cross into Chile, the landscapes transform into wilder, more rugged terrain, with the stunning Andes mountain ridges looming on the horizon. We'll take brief pauses en route to observe and interact with the unique fauna of Patagonia.
The final stretch of our journey, covering about 60 kilometers, takes us through gravel roads deep into the park's interior. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel within the park, where you can relax for a bit. Afterwards, depending on the weather, we'll set out to a chosen location to witness and capture the magnificent sunset. April marks the conclusion of the tourist and hiking seasons, so the park will primarily host photographers, offering a more serene and intimate experience with nature.
Day 3-5: Torres del Paine, Chile
Our expedition in the park continues during which we'll explore a myriad of stunning and diverse locations. Our deep familiarity with the area allows us to select the best photography spots based on the weather forecast for the following day. Some of the highlights include:
- The harbors of Pehoe Lake, featuring stony bays and a variety of interesting foregrounds for our photographs.
- The panoramic views from our hotel, specially chosen for its location near Torres del Paine.
- An optional 1-hour hike to Mirador Condor, where we'll be greeted with a spectacular 360- degree view encompassing Cuernos, Paine Towers, Lake Pehoe, and Glacier Grey.
- A leisurely hike to Nordenskjold Lake. Along the way, we'll pass through a mesmerizing dead forest and discover numerous small bays.
- The impressive Salto Grande waterfall, a sight not to be missed.
- Laguna Amarga, known for its salty fringes and a high likelihood of spotting pink flamingos feeding.
- The serene Laguna Azul, along with a stunning waterfall en route to the lagoon.
- The Rio Serrano Sector, where we can capture the majestic bends of the river, local gauchos, and horses wading through the water.
These carefully chosen locations promise a rich and varied photographic experience, capturing the essence of Torres del Paine's natural beauty.
Day 5: Chile to Argenita Border Crossing
Following breakfast at our hotel, we will embark on a journey to the quaint village of El Chalten, situated in Argentina. The travel time for this leg is approximately 7-8 hours, including the time needed for crossing the border, with the journey mostly on paved roads. Upon arrival in El Chalten, we'll check into our hotel where we'll stay for the next 3 nights as we explore Argentinian Patagonia.
During sunset, we have planned a photography session in a canyon, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean ridge. Below us, the meandering Fitz Roy River guides our gaze towards the towering peaks of the Fitz Roy (Chalten) massif, creating a stunning visual experience.
Day 5-7: El Chalten, Argentina
We will spend the next several days showing you our favorite photographic locations showcasing the beauty of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Argentinian Patagonia. There will be optional hikes and opportunities for aerial photography in most of the locations that we will be visiting.
We will be visiting Chorillo del Salto, a charming waterfall where you can capture the water cascades against a backdrop of lush greenery and mountains.
Los Condores and Las Aguilas are a few of the many viewpoints we will visit during our time in El Chalten. As you can imagine, Patagonia is immensely huge and we will barely be touching the surface of its beauty. We will try our best to take you to the most photogenic highlights during our time with easily manageable treks to scenic spots.
The banks of River Las Vueltas offer accessible spots with beautiful views of water and the mountains. It is a beautiful place for a leisurely walk with plenty of photo opportunities.
Day 8: Perito Moreno Glacier
We'll embark on a 2.5-hour drive from the village of El Chalten to El Calafate. Upon arrival in El Calafate, we'll enjoy a lunch before proceeding directly to visit the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.
Our visit to Perito Moreno is scheduled for the afternoon, allowing us the opportunity to wander through the enchanting Patagonian forest, which offers panoramic vistas of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This afternoon stroll promises a blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
After our time at Perito Moreno, we will make our way to El Calafate for dinner. Post-dinner, we'll check into our hotel, where we will spend our last night together, wrapping up several days filled with awe-inspiring natural scenery.
Day 9: Departure Day
It's important to remember that our departure is from Argentina, contrasting with our arrival which was in Chile. This aspect of our travel plan highlights the unique cross-country experience of our journey.
Please depart from the El Calafate airport, heading to Buenos Aires, on a recommended flight around 10 a.m.
If you have any questions regarding payment or workshop details, please email me at: mark@markdenneyphotography.com