E X P L O R E W I L D P A T A G O N I A
WITH P A T A G O N I A N T R A V E L
Custom small & large group Photo Tours In Patagonia With
RODRIGO LIZAMA & SIMON LITTLEJOHN
Two People With A Profound Passion For The Wildlife & Landscapes
Of
P a t a g o n i a
Why Patagonian travel ?
It would be true to say it is a long way from just about anywhere to get to Patagonia. This incredibly varied and undoubtedly awe inspiring region comprising all of the landmass in the the southern latitudes of the South American continent from around 39-40 degrees south, shared by Argentina and Chile, is high on many peoples bucket list of adventures to tick off. For so many this visit requires a lot of hard work and saving one's hard earned money to get to this and other far flung destinations so many of us wish to visit. Time is also a major limiting factor for most and getting to see and experience the best of Patagonia means being in great company with like minded people who share your passion for adventure and the big outdoors, so having people that live and breath Patagonia is where my dear friend Rodrigo Lizama and his dedicated team come in.
I had long ago in my very early teens heard about these southerly latitudes, read accounts of early explorers and marvelled at the images in old editions of Nat Geo magazines and other publications, but it was not until 1998 that my first adventures in these southerly latitudes started, and they quite simply have carried on to the present day. Rodrigo is a Chilean native born in the beautiful Auracania region in southern Chile, famed for its Volcanos, lakes and Auracaria trees known as Monkey Puzzle trees in English. Rodrigo's family moved south and I had the very good fortune to meet him on my first adventure and we have been friends ever since.
Our goal is very simple, to provide our clients with the best possible experience that can be achieved during your limited time here. The year round trips offered can be arranged for very bespoke 1 to 1 guided tours for serious nature photographers or just trekkers wishing to experience the region but not in a group, all the way up to multi - clients groups as Rodrigo has among his vehicle fleet a luxury 30 seater Marco Polo bus to cater for large group long distance trip in both Chile and Argentina.
Groups of all sizes can be accommodated as 8 seater and 16 seater buses are also part of his fleet of vehicles. Of course it all begins when greeting you at the airport after your long flight to the south, every flight is long to get to this part of the world. Getting acquainted that first evening and briefly chatting about the coming days ahead and answering any questions you have is important. You will want an early night, trust me.
Then the adventure begins, the days will be long each one ending with a good meal, hot shower and comfortable bed. Many of you will have specific questions or general inquiries about the regions rich history and culture ( Rodrigo's speciality) For the wildlife enthusiasts we of course will doing our utmost to spot many of the plethora of wild species that inhabit the region for you. You will have our undivided attention right up to dropping you off and saying farewell. Because of the deep passion we both have and extensive knowledge we have both garnered from our many solo and joint adventures over many years dating back to my first visit to the region in the summer of 1998, we firmly believe we are ideally suited to achieving this for our clients.
Both Rodrigo and I would be delighted if you were to join us on one of our photographic tours among incredible landscapes and wildlife of Patagonia, here at the "fin del mundo" or "end of the world" as the locals fondly refer to it. Our sole aim is to ensure all our clients leave here feeling exhilarated and inspired from their adventure with us. You may feel a little tired at the end of the trip, be we can assure you it will have been worth it.
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The Torres del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif in neighbouring Argentina, are the two main areas all operators in the region focus on, including us, and for good reason. These locations maybe a core part of our tours, however there are numerous other trekking, photographic and filming locations out among the vastness of this incredible region and thanks to Rodrigo's extensive knowledge garnered over countless exploratory trips, we are able to offer tailor made tours to numerous rarely visited locations in these remote regions.
Regardless of whether your here for the landscapes, wildlife or a combination of both, this region will keep you busy from prior to sunrise and post sunset.
The regions apex predator is the sleek, powerful Patagonian Puma, a species Rodrigo and I have dedicated many years to locating and capturing on Camera and in the last couple of years filming. It is the species which many of the photographers and camera operators, who make the long journey to these southern latitudes place on top of their wish list, and Rodrigo and I will do everything we can, within reason, to make that happen during your trip with us.
The main bulk of visitors arrive December - April, however we know from experience just how much is there is on offer in greater Patagonia outside of this frantic busy summer season. The autumn, winter and of course spring months, offer up a much different perspective. Numbers of visitors are far lower, the spring see's a plethora of new life in the region, the arrival of the birds, down for the breeding season, the omni present Guanaco's giving birth to the Chulengo's as they are known, the majority of which arrive in December along with numerous other species of mammals and birds that make this place so special, plus the numerous explosion species of flora that adds a carpet of colour in many places.
The very rare Southern Andean Huemul ( Hippocamelus bisulcus ) a mid sized deer that can only be found in southern Chile and Argentina, can be found in very small numbers in certain remote areas of the park and both Rodrigo & I over many years have long spent long days locating and photographing them, and both Rodrigo and I are happy to alloocate time to try and locate them for our clients.
Please Note : As mentioned above we also cater for individual photographers or Natural History film crews wishing to have the undivided attention of both Rodrigo & I benefitting from our knowledge acting as personel guides for the duration of the clients visit, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss these bespoke guiding services. Every aspects of the trip can be catered for from camping and equipment needs/ basic to 5 star accomadation & food / packed lunches ( catering for Gluten free vegetarian and vegans ) Complete vehicle logistics ranging from 4-5 seat 4x4's / 8 seater SUV'S up to a very sturdy & comfortable Marco Polo Volare 30 seat bus.
Simon Littlejohn: Obsessed with Patagonia and Patagonain Pumas, Moi !!!Simon Littlejohn: Be careful, Patagonia seeps into your Psyche,and she won't let you go.
A Patagonian EdenRodrigo Lizama, Amazing friend+ Guide EXTAORDINERE, welcoming the sunrise at Laguna Amarga just before entrance of Torres del Paine National Park.
Tour Itinerary
Below is an example of a full daily itinerary for an 11 day tour running from
through spring / summer 2025 -2026. The prices per person for a trip like the one below can be obtained by contacting
Rodrigo and his wife Cecilia at their office in Puerto Natales with the dates you would like to travel, your priorities and level of accommodation etc, the number of people in the group, (1-30 ) they will then give you the options that they have drawn up.
Tours can be organised for ANY month of the year, including those of shorter duration
minimum 6 nights 7 days for any size groups ( 1-30 ) and for bespoke 1 to1 dedicated wildlife photographers and film makers.
Very important note: In Patagonia the weather is KING, so clients must accept this fact of nature and be adaptable on our daily schedule, as trying to capture landscapes at sunrise or dusk with a long exposure, when the wind is howling at 110k is going to produce something closer to abstract !
The dates below are there to act as a general guide for the moment. As enquiries about an up coming trip come in for the spring season of 2025 ( November-December ) solid dates will be fixed. Do not hesitate to call Rodrigo or Simon, to answer any questions you may have relating to the dates of the tours. Nothing is set in stone, and we try to be very understanding and accomodating to our clients requirements.
Private transportation from Puerto Natales Airport to town ( Some clients may be flying in Punta Arenas ) First Night in Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine. On the way from the airport to Puerto Natales, ( if clients wish )we will find time for a few photos of wildlife and some of the surrounding countryside, old houses and farm buildlings, gauchos and their livestock, horses etc. You will be glad to check in to your accomodation and then get freshened up, after which we will have a group get together over dinner, and discuus the trip, check to make sure you all have the correct equipment, before we head off. You no doubt will be tired from your long travels, so of course an early night is recommended for all.
08/10/2025 : Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to photograph the bay of Puerto Natales, sunrise, mountains, fishing boats, birds in the fjords. In Cerro Castillo we make a stop for lunch in cafeteria in the town. A short view of its surroundings, we continue our trip to Torres del Paine. The entrance fee to the national park is included. Accommodation at the hotel included, ( dinner not included )
09/10/2025 : Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel, departure to photograph the sunrise, the place will depend on the weather conditions and where we are staying ( Laguna Amarga, Lago Pehoe, Salto Grande waterfall, near to the Hotel explora for example ...)
There is the option of returning to the hotel for a small break and then leaving again, or we have a box lunch/ picnic, so as not to become dependent every day while in Paine to have to waste time heading for a hotel resaurant. (we will do the same every day in Paine). If the weather is bad we can head to shelter and good coffee at Pehoe Lake Lodge or at the Lodge near Lake Grey for example. In the afternoon visit the viewpoints and some guanacos near to the road during less traffic and preparing for the sunset.
Accommodation at the hotel included ( dinner not included )
10/10/2025 : Day 04
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to see the sunrise, later we take the boat to navigate the iceberg dotted waters of Lake Grey,stopping a safe distance from the huge face of the glacier,an arm spurring from the vast Southern Patagonian Icefield(boat tickets are included in the program). In case of cancellation due to strong wind or bad weather we can change it to another day. Sunset photography in another wonderful locatoion and then we return to the hotel.
Accomadation at the hotel included ( dinner not included )
11/10/2025 : Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by drive to photograph sunrise. Depending on how active everyone is feeling, we will organise walking options, including one of my favourite walks between the parks main entrance at Laguna Amarga along the parks border with the neighbouring ranch to the Porteria Sarmiento, where much of my 4 years was spent camping, and if I am honest wondering in a state of perpetual bliss. We could opt for a walk to the Small Lake Sarmiento, head for the Salto Grande waterfall, Condor viewpoint, Laguna Azul ( blue lagoon ) healthy population of Guanacos and therefore Pumas are generally fat in this area. Certain places offer better results, depending on the weather, so the Ferrier Viewpoint is a great option when all is calm. We will round up the day by finding a great spot for the sunset, then head for the hotel.
Accomadation included at hotel ( dinner not included )
12/10/2025 : Day 06
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart to see the sunrise, we will drive/walk or both all morning in the
park, depending on the weather and after lunch well go to“Sierra Baguales”, a beautiful and little visited
area full of fossils, a real treat. If any client's wish to do a long trek to the base of the towers, Rodrigo
and I will lead seperate groups, so we are all happy. In Sierra Baguales we will see the old barns the hard
as nails leather skinned gaucho's and their animals near to the hotel, Sunset and accomodation in
“Cerro Guido Lodge”.
Accommodation at the hotel included, ( dinner not included ).
13/10/2025 : Day 07
Today we will see sunrise from the hotel, then after breakfast we set off driving for El Calafate .We will
lunch en route. Check into our Accomodation, then for all who wish we can walk for 2 hours
( more or less ) to Laguna Nimez, an excellent place for birds or Lake Argentino. Entrance fee included
Accommodation at the hotel included, (dinner not included ).
14/10/2025: Day 08
Early departure from the hotel to be at 08:00 am at the entrance of the park, as well as the first to
enter and be alone in front of the Perito Moreno glacier for at least two hours ( the fee entrance at the
park are included ). Late the regular tours and tons of visitors arrive, so it is always best to get there
early and soak up this magnificent natural wonder in peace.Today we will have an Argentinian guide that
will accompany us to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. Lunch in the park after which we will drive for
3 hours to " El Chaltén ". Sunset photography and check in to hotel in town.
Accommodation included, ( dinner not included ).
15/10/2025 : Day 09
Breakfast at the hotel,sunrise & landscapes, then we will be visiting different viewpoints to fully
appreciate this stunning mountain range,later we will head for the "Chorrillo del Salto" waterfall.
After Lunch and we can explore the alrededores of the town to see the sunset. Accommodation at
the hotel included, ( dinner not included ).
16/10/2025 : Day 10
Early big breakfast at the hotel in order to capture the sunrise, then we get ready to take a long walk
to the "Laguna Torre" viewpoint, an excursion that lasts about six hours, the reward being a view of
the imposing granite spire of the mythical " Cerro Torre". For those who do not wish to hike the
whole way, the halfway point offers a good viewing point, choice is yours, Today we will have a
Argentine guide will accompany us all day.
Accommodation at the hotel included, (dinner not included )
17/10/2025 Day 11:
Early breakfast at the hotel to capture the sunrise, then we start
to drive back to Natales. Lunch somewhere on the way. Sunset and accomodation in hotel
in town.
Last dinner included with Rodrio and Simon, Adios and Ciao to you all !!!!
Accommodation at the hotel and dinner included.
18/10/2125 Day 12: Breakfast, and private transfer to Puerto Natales Airport .
This trip includes:
Private vehicle throughout the itinerary.
All vehicle expenses, fuel, parking, park entry, insurance, border taxes.
All trips are personally led by both Rodrigo Lizama and Simon Littlejohn
English / Spanish Driver/guides
11 nights accommodation based on twin bed ( breakfast included )
11 lunches or box lunch.
2 dinners (both in Puerto Natales)
Cooler in the vehicle with free snacks every day (chocolates, cookies, fruits and
nuts, coffee,tea ... etc).
Argentine guides in Perito Moreno ( El Calafate ) and Fitzroy range ( El Chalten )
Navigation in Gray Lake.
Laguna Nimez, Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park entrance tickets.
Not included:
Accommodation in Santiago.
International airline flights or domestic flights ( Santiago to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales )
Changes in itinerary due to extreme weather.
Alcoholic drinks.
Evening meals.
“Whenever we encounter wild animals in nature, we must only ever show kindness and compassion.”
―
Accommodation
There are a number of middle range hotels and lodges we offer our clients. These can be found below.