Patagonia Expedition

April 27 - May 9, 2026 | Chile | $12500

Ever since I sat foot on Patagonian soil for the first time in 2018, I’ve felt a strong, almost intuitive connection to these lands. The vast solitude and the region immense empty spaces, the raw natural beauty, the gaucho’s and their proud resilient spirit, and the thriving wildlife, were all arrows straight into my heart.

It was the Sierra Baguales region that particularly got me and I decided to dedicate the next 5 years of my photographic career to documenting my most important body of work so far, a book about the Natales/Bagueles region and its people, which will release early 2026.

With the book currently in production, I can focus on realizing a long-lasting dream: to host my first-ever photographic expedition to Southern Patagonia, bringing a small and intimate group of 8 people with me and show them why this place means so much to me.

On this unique photographic journey, we will travel deep into the heart of the region, exploring 3 elements that are essential to each and every one of my expeditions: nature, wildlife and culture. We will embark on a journey to find the Patagonian Puma by trekking the Patagonian landscape on foot and by vehicle, we then continue our journey hiking through vast Torres del Paine national park in the middle of fall season, experiencing some of the wildest color pallets you’ve seen in your life. And we end our expedition spending time with some of Patagonia’s last gauchos on an active working estancia, a sheep and cattle farm.

Important information

Dates: April 27 - May 9, 2026
Expedition starts/ends in: Santiago, Chile
Type: Car based overland expedition
Physical difficulty: Moderate
Price: $ 12500 per person (based on twin sharing / double sharing accommodation)
Deposit payment: 50% of $ 12500 to be paid upon booking (to hold your seat), 120 days prior to departure the remaining 50% will have to be paid
No single supplement available
Group size: Min 6, max 8
Experience photography level: Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals
Above price is incl VAT
Make sure to read the Terms & Conditions before booking
Read the full day-to-day itinerary by scrolling down

After having traveled to the region twice a year since 2019, I have developed an extensive understanding of the geographics and the photographic opportunities that make this place so unique. Besides that, I have invested in a strong network of some of the best nature and wildlife guides in Patagonia, and carefully selected the best possible accommodations.

However, this expedition is so much more than a photographic trip. It’s an opportunity to learn about the Patagonian ecosystem, its wildlife, and the lifestyle of some of the last remaining gauchos of Southern Patagonia. A fully immersive journey to a truly unique destination that will steal your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The entire expedition is designed for the curious, open-minded traveler, who’s looking for a soul a touching experience. We will have exclusive and privileged access to Patagonian culture and nature. With daily opportunities for 1-on-1 in-field tuition and several mid-day lectures, I will guide you towards creating meaningful stories during this expedition. Of course, the expedition is designed for photographers, but don’t worry about your skill set or your equipment. You can read more about this by scrolling down to the Q&A below.

Because my expeditions are an extension of what I value in my work as an artist and story-teller, I carefully select the partners I work with, based on a few core variables. Next to the photographic potential, I am always looking for a unique and distinct hospitality angle. Accommodation that allows my guests to connect with the wilderness in a meaningful way without making compromises to comfort, as well as allowing them to experience the nostalgic charm of the olden days.

Here’s an image of one of my previous expedition goups, Class of Ladakh May ‘24.

Day-to-day itinerary

For a period of 12 days, we will travel through the vast Patagonian landscape under the guidance some of the best guides in the region. Our pace will be slow, because that is what the magnitude of these landscapes demand from us. Below is a rough outline of what to expect.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago

After everybody arrived at Santiago International Airport, we will gather on April 27 in the evening at the Holiday Inn Santiago Airport hotel.

Day 2: Arrival in Puerto Natales

Early in the morning we board our flight to Puerto Natales, one of Chile’s most southern cities. The flight in will be absolutely spectacular, flying over the entire Andes mountain range. After arrival at around 1pm we will transfer to our Puerto Natales hotel, in the middle of the city, right at the water. We will use the remainder of the day to explore Puerto Natales on foot, you will feel right away you just arrived at the edge of the world. In the night we have dinner together and hit the bed for a long night of sleep.

Day 3: Moving deeper into Patagonia

We will kick-off day 3 with a 3hr long introduction lecture on Visual Story-telling by Pie in one of the hotel board rooms. After lunch we will be picked up by one of the leading Puma expert & guide in the world, Diego Araya, as the next 3 days are all about finding the elusive Patagonian puma. After a 1,5 hour long scenic drive we will arrive in our hotel for the 3 nights, Estancia El Ovejero Patagónico in Cerro Castillo.

Day 4-6: Tracking down the elusive puma

We get up very early this morning, have a quick breakfast and head into Estancia Laguna Amarga, in search of the Patagonian Puma. This private reserve is the only place in the world, where one can have intimate, on foot encounters with the puma. The next 3 days will happen under the supervision of Diego Araya and his team, in search of not only puma’s, but when we’re lucky, also guanacos, foxes, armadillos, skunks, condors or other birds of prey.

Diego is one of Patagonia’s most skilled puma experts in the world and wildlife photographer as well, with over two decades of experience in the region. His deep connection to the land and sharp instincts for reading the landscape make him an exceptional guide. From spotting subtle tracks to anticipating animal behavior, Diego’s expertise allows for rare and intimate encounters with Patagonia’s elusive pumas. What makes working with Diego extra special is his dual perspective as a pruma expert and photographer. He not only undertands their behavior like no one else, but also helps us capture them ethically and artfully, as he’s worked as a videographer and photographer on some of the biggest TV shows ever done on puma’s. His calm, respectful approach to wildlife ensures every experience is immersive and responsible, a unique opportunity to experience the region’s raw beauty through the eyes of someone who lives and breathes its wild rhythms. This means our guides know the same puma’s now for 15-20 years, they have followed the lineages and know all about these beautiful cats, a truly unique opportunity.

The fact that the puma’s in this part of the world, feel so safe and respected in their own environment, means we have the option to track them not only by vehicle but on foot as well, an exhilirating experience. We operate in small subgroups of no more than 3 people. Each sub-group has its own 4x4 Safari vehicle with private tracker/guide. Diego is overseeing the entire operation and always putting us in the right place at the right time. Get ready for some of the wildest wildlife encounters of your life, with the peaks of Torres del Paine in the background, and 4 seasons in a day. It will be crazy, trust me.

Each of our 3 days with Diego, we spend long hours in the field, from sunrise to sunset, bringing box lunches. We will have to leave the puma’s relax around mid-day, which means we will take a break around noon. On the 3rd day at around 6pm we drive back to Puerto Natales to overnight.

Day 7 & 8: Meeting the gaucho’s

After breakfast we get picked up for our long drive towards Sierra Baguales, or the Valley of the Wild Horses, my favorite mountain range in the world and a true hidden gem in Patagonia. On our drive we will make several stops to enjoy incredible viewpoints and sights.

The next 5 nights we will stay at a working estancia, a Patagonian ranch on the egde of Baguales, a truly unique and authentic experience. The romance of the estancia life is in its simplicity and in the connection to the land. However, with 12 rooms on site, all inspired in old English style, you will still experience all the comfort one can wish for on this journey back in time.

On day 7 & 8 of this expedition we will meet the gaucho’s that work on this estancia, and who still actively herd sheep and cattle in the surrounding plains and mountains. A lifestyle that goes back to the early days and the origin of this ranch, more than 100 years ago. Mounted on horseback and with trained dogs, they preserve the natural grasslands and promote coexistence between livestock and wildlife in this vast territory. Their work contributes to ther conservation of the rich biodiversity that characterizes this area, strategically located as a biological corridor with Torres del Paine National Park.

Through various interviews & portrait sessions in small sub-groups, we will learn about the gaucho lifestyle and tradition. On the second day we will head into the mountains with them, on horseback, to see them doing the fieldwork. On day 8 we end the day with an asado, a traditional Patagonian bbq.

At night, the remoteness of estancia reveals an unmatched night sky, with stars and the Milky Way shining bright. Inside, crackling fires and cozy rooms offer warmth and quiet after a day in the wild. It’s a place where Patagonia’s rugged beauty and peaceful solitude come together.

Day 9: Exploring Sierra Baguales

Today it’s time to move our bodies. We will explore the Sierra Baguales mountain range on a full-day hike.

The mystical Sierra Baguales is the natural boundary between Chile and Argentina, as well as the site of recent paleontological and archeological discoveries. The solitary and wild nature of this little explored mountain range is an absolute must for adventure lovers, and one of the most scenic hikes in the world.

For this excursion we head towards Puesto Las Flores, from where we start a steep ascent, off trail, that will take us through hills covered with coiron to the base of the Sierra Baguales. A series of small lakes, striking peaks and herds of guanacos are part of the breathtaking scenery that accompanies us as we approach Cerro Ciudadela. The descent is done through wide valleys, where you can still see herds of baguales; wild horses that inhabited in large numbers this place and that give their name to this remote mountain range.

Day 10: Time to get on horses!

What is a trip to Patagonia without a full-day horse riding adventure. Today is that day. Don’t worry, we will sub divide our group based on your experience. There will be a beginner and an advanced group, both exploring different landscapes.

When the weather allows, we will explore Las Chinas Valley on horseback, a truly wild and barely explored place in the northeast sector of the ranch. The day will take us through open fields, following the Las Chinas River to the only forest in the valley, formed by lengas and irres, native trees of Patagonia. There, we begin our ascent to the viewpoint, located on the upper side of the hills. After our return in our estancia, a beautiful dinner awaits us with some Patagonian steak and Malbec wine.

Disclaimer: Early May we can expect snowfall, if that is the case, we will have to reschedule to another location, which will obviously be equally scenic, as we’re in the heart of Patagonia.

Day 11: Conquering the Torres

After yesterday’s horseback adventure, it’s time to move our bodies again. Under the guidance of professional mountain guides, we will conquer the base of the Torres del Paine, an 8hr return hike to the main attraction of the National Park.

We leave early from our estancia to head to Torres del Paine National Park, where we will begin our hike approaching the Maizo Paine and facing the first big climb of 2 km. That will take us inside the Ascencio Valley. We continue through the valley, passing by the Chilean Camp and gradually climbing through a forest until we reach the foot of the Moraine glacier that rises to the viewpoint of the towers. The final and last hour of our 4hr climb up, will go through rocky terrain to finally contemplate one of the most iconic landscapes of Patagonia, if not in the world, the base of the Torres. Our journey down will be another 4hrs, which means we will rest in the estancia the remainder of the day, ending with a good glass of wine and some incredible Patagonian lamb.

Day 12: Our journey back to Natales

It’s time to say goodbye to farm life, as today we move back to Puerto Natales. But not before we took the time to sit down with the estancia owners, to learn about their conservation efforts. After having experienced the gaucho lifestyle, having seen puma’s inside the park, and having experienced Patagonia’s natural beauty, we will dive deeper into the conservation challenges that this part of the world is facing. The owners of the estancia will educate us on their efforts in creating harmony and balance between ranching and puma conservation.

Before we leave there is also one last & final opportunity to get some last gaucho portraits. When all of that is done, we make our way to Puerto Natales Airport, to board our flight back to Santiago in the end of the afternoon, which is where our expedition ends.

NOTE: This journey is an ‘expedition’, so above itinerary is the plan. The actual journey may change depending on the weather, the road conditions, the wellbeing of the group members or other events beyond our control. Or simply if new exciting opportunities present themselves. But don’t worry, myself, and my guiding team will do everything to ensure you will get the best possible experience.

Here’s an image of one of 2024 goups, Class of September ‘24.

Included in the expedition

1 night at Holiday Inn Santiago Airport based on B&B
1 night in Costaustralis in Puerto Natales based on B&B
3 nights in El Ovejero based, all meals included
1 night in Costaustralis in Puerto Natales based on B&B
5 nights on a working estancia, all meals included
All accommodation based on twin / double sharing
Alcoholic drinks during our 5 nights at the estancia
All transfers and transport
3 full days of puma safari
All guided excursions as specified in above itinerary
All national park fees
Photographic lectures and image review sessions by Pie
1-on-1 tuition in the field

Excluded in the expedition

International flight tickets to and from Santiago
Travel & cancellation insurance
Tips & gratuities for staff and guides
Visa
Dinner in Santiago Airport hotel
Lunch & Dinner in Puerto Natales on day 2 and day 6
Any additional excursions, not mentioned in the itinerary above
Expenses of personal nature such as in-camp laundry & souvenirs
Purchase of alcoholic beverages outside of our 5-day estancia stay

Testimonials of previous participants

As you probably know, I have been hosting expeditions to Africa and India for some years now. After each expedition I am asking participants to write a short testimonial, below you find some words written by participants of previous expeditions to various places.

Michelle (USA): This is my second expedition with Pie and I didn’t think it could get any better than the last one but somehow it did. Ladakh was an adventure unlike any other. A land filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and ancient monasteries. One of my favourite aspects of the trip was our local guide, Namgyal, who was with us the entire time teaching us about the history and people of Ladakh. He has such deep knowledge and passion for this region that it adds a beautiful layer to the experience. Being with him and Pie was like being guided by the dream team. Seeing the area through their eyes brought such unique encounters, I doubt you can get on any other expedition to this region. It’s safe to say that this trip was one of my all time favourite travel experiences to date.

Yofred (USA): While this was a photography expedition, it was the conversations we had with the Ladakhi people that made my most memorable highlights. Thanks to Pie’s connections with the Ladakhi community, we had unique access and conversations with many different groups of people. Observing how Pie made meaningful relationships with the monks, nuns, and nomads, all through respectful cultural exchange, was one of the biggest inspirations I came back home with. It was a unique and unforgettable life experience. Watching how the landscapes changed as we drove from mountain passes to deserts to lakes was also a deep visual experience that I’ll remember for a long time.

Macklin (USA) - Pie’s expedition to Ladakh was one of the peak travel experiences of my life. The level of deep access that we had to the local communities, and the diverse cultures we experienced, were something I had only previously dreamed about. Going on the trip with Pie also felt like being with a lifelong friend. His attention to the details and care for the project, helped me capture the best images of my life. I’m already trying to get a spot on the next one!

Alex (Canada) - Pie’s Ladakh Expedition was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable travel experiences ever. Our crew was a bunch of adventure junkies like me, so right from the start, we clicked like old friends. The most extraordinary aspect of this expedition was the exclusive access to such unique photographic opportunities. Being able to immerse ourselves in personal and intimate settings with the local people and monks was an incredible privilege. From sipping tea with monks in ancient monasteries to participating in traditional ceremonies, I felt deeply connected to the Ladakhi culture. The landscapes and scenes we encountered were a photographer’s dream, and each moment was a potential work of art. Also, the food and stunning accommodation choices provided by Pie elevated the entire experience, offering comfort and luxury amidst Ladakh’s rugged beauty. This was a truly unforgettable journey, and I am immensely grateful for the memories and lasting friendships it has given me. It’s an experience that I will treasure for a lifetime.

Paola (USA) - Where to begin? I’ve just returned from what can only be described as a journey of a lifetime. It’s hard to find the right words to capture the profound beauty and experiences I encountered in Ladakh, India. I can honestly say I haven’t stopped smiling since I returned. If I had to rate the entire adventure, without a doubt, it’s a perfect 10. Every aspect of the trip was meticulously planned, leaving no room for disappointment. The places we explored were like something out of a dream, each more breathtaking than the last. The people I met along the way became a part of the unforgettable memories we created together. The accommodations provided were a perfect blend of comfort and immersion in the local culture. It’s rare to find such a balance, and Pie made sure we experienced it firsthand. His attention to detail and commitment to our well-being made every moment of the journey special. What truly sets Pie apart is his contagious energy. It’s a positive force that brought our group together and made every day an adventure to remember. His passion for the region, its culture, and its people is both inspiring and infectious, in the best way possible. Ladakh will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Heather (USA) - This was not my first safari, but it was going to be the first time to Africa for my father, who is 82 years young. He had waited many decades for the stars to line up, for this opportunity to arise, and had high hopes of seeing all that could be seen, but realized it was a big ask. But not for Pie - this trip surpassed any and all expectations. Honestly, absolutely nothing could be improved. It became a running joke — everyday Pie would ask my father what he wanted to see the next day, and low and behold, the request would be fulfilled. Pie’s resources, connections and his ability to bring together a small group of strangers into a harmonious family are undeniable. I have been on many group travel trips in my lifetime, but never have the dynamics of all, worked so well together. This was a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to go back.

Do I need any photography experience?

Nope, not at all. Everybody is welcome. Beginners and professionals. Young and old. In fact, a diverse group always makes up for a lot of fun, because the main idea of my expeditions is all about interaction and learning from each other. I’m more than happy to explain you the basics of how to use your camera, but we can also have a deeper conversation about how to grow your personal brand as a visual artist, or how to find your voice. Or about music. art or sports :) So please don’t hesitate if you have never used a camera before, I’m there to help. But also don’t hesitate if you want to fine-tune your professional skills, I’m sure I can help with that too.

What type of gear do I need?

As soon as you have confirmed your booking, we will share an extensive list of recommended gear items that you would need for this expedition. However, don’t stress, any camera will work, it all depends on how you use it. We offer a custom advice for every level, from amateurs and beginners to full professional photographers.

Why do we travel in April/May?

Patagonia is a seasonal destination, which means each season has its opportunties and limitations. End of April is the start of fall season, and the beginning of a long winter. This means fall foliage is in full force. The summer winds have died down, and the snowfall has (hopefully) not yet arrived. This seasonal shift will also provide epic lighting conditions, and therefore amazing imagery. But the best part of all is, the crowds are gone, and there won’t be any other tourists around.

Can I cancel my seat when I change my mind?

Read the Terms & Conditions for more info.

Is there an option to book a private room?

No. On this expedition there’s no single supplement. All rooms are based on twin sharing unless you book as a couple, we will of course offer you double sharing. As soon as the group is complete, we will make a roomplan taking into account personal preferences.

Will you advise what documents to organize in order to travel?

Of course. We will send you a full briefing before the trip on which steps you need to take in order to travel.

The host

Pie Aerts is a Dutch documentary and wildlife photographer with a sincere interest in human/wildlife conflict stories. Through his lens, he examines the intricate relationship between animals, humans and nature and, as we become increasingly distant from each other and ourselves, he uses photography to search for the cause of this disconnect. He believes art can be an incredibly powerful tool in restoring that lost connection and therefore founded Prints for Wildlife in march 2020. Since it’s inception 2.1 million dollars have been raised of which 100% has been donated to African Parks Network. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Pie spend more than 60 weeks in Kenya, visualising his personal relationship with the Kenyan landscape. Pie serves as a Canon EMEA ambassador, Gitzo Ambassador and as Hahnemühle Ambassador.