Patagonia: Where the Wild World Resets Your Inner World

December 28, 2026 – January 12, 2027

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You can’t overthink your email inbox when you are standing in front of a glacier. You can’t hold onto rigid control when the Patagonian wind is rushing past you.

This is why we go to the end of the world. Patagonia is not just a destination; it is a somatic intervention. The sheer scale of the Torres del Paine granite peaks and the vast silence of the pampas plains naturally force your brain to stop spinning and start seeing.

This is a journey of awe. Neuroscience shows that awe is one of the fastest ways to down-regulate a stressed nervous system. It quiets the default mode network (the part of your brain that worries) and brings you instantly into the present moment.

Join me for 14 days of hiking, qigong, and exploration in the wild landscapes of Chile and Argentina. We will use the rugged beauty of the land to interrupt your patterns of force and help you find your footing in flow. You won’t just go home with photos; you will go home with a somatic toolkit you can use forever.

Looking for later dates? View the January 13-28 itinerary here.

On This Personal Growth Adventure You Will:

• Journey deep into Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll explore its majestic landscapes, pristine lakes, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls.
• Practice grounding qigong and meditation at the foot of glaciers, using the landscape’s immense stability to anchor your awareness and stabilize your internal energy.
• Traverse breathtaking trails and view remote vistas on invigorating, physically active hikes designed to challenge your body and uplift your spirit amidst unparalleled natural beauty.

• Immerse yourself for four enchanting nights at a traditional working estancia in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, where you’ll embrace authentic ranch life, enjoy exhilarating horseback rides, and discover hidden hiking trails.
• Engage in heartfelt, transformative conversations that foster self-acceptance and compassion, creating a nurturing space for personal growth amidst the world’s most inspiring scenery.
• Connect with Patagonia’s inspiring landscapes and vibrant wildlife, crafting vivid memories that will linger in your mind’s eye long after your return home.

Your Adventure Day by Day:

Day 1-2 Dec 28/29 ~ (D): Depart the US on an overnight flight on December 28th, arriving in Punta Arenas, Chile, on December 29th. Upon landing, you’ll arrange your own transfer to our hotel in this vibrant port city, strategically chosen to offer a smooth transition and a crucial buffer day after your international journey.

The afternoon is yours to settle in, relax at the hotel, or join us for a group walk through the local area. This will be a great chance to visit a grocery store and stock up on lunch snacks for our upcoming adventures. In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner.

Day 3 ~ Dec 30 (B/D): After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic three-hour drive to Puerto Natales, often hailed as the picturesque gateway to the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our comfortable hotel.

This afternoon, we’ll stretch our legs with an easy coastal walk along the serene waters of the Last Hope Sound, taking in the views and fresh Patagonian air, finding a place to practice qigong and meditation. We’ll enjoy dinner together, reflecting on the day’s journey and preparing for the grandeur of Torres del Paine that awaits.

Day 4 ~ Dec 31 (B/L/D): Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a breathtaking full-day boat tour from Puerto Natales into the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Cruise through stunning landscapes, spotting sea lions and cormorants. Today’s voyage takes us past the magnificent Balmaceda Glacier, followed by a short, easy walk to the foot of the immense Serrano Glacier. Enjoy a unique whiskey with glacier ice before savoring a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue at a local ranch. This day of unparalleled natural beauty and culinary delight is a wonderful way to close out the year. At the end of the cruise, we’ll return to our hotel and have dinner together.

Day 5 ~ Jan 1 (B/D): After breakfast, we’ll begin the new year with a scenic 2-3 hour transfer into Torres del Paine National Park. En route, we’ll enjoy two one-way walks. The first is a fairly flat walk from the park HQ to Puente Weber, about 1.5 miles. We’ll then transfer to another trailhead and take a moderate hike, gaining 750 feet in less than a mile, up to a condor viewpoint with spectacular views. From here we’ll continue onward, dropping down to the road, and walk over a short bridge to our hotel. The distance for this hike is just over 1.5 miles. We’ll then settle into our lodge, Hosteria Pehoe, or similar, enjoy a pre-dinner qigong session, and share a delicious group dinner overlooking the iconic Paine Grande.

Day 6 ~ Jan 2 (B/D): After breakfast with stunning views, we’ll set out for another day of awe-inspiring hikes. Our morning begins with a scenic 4-mile round-trip trek (~ 2.5 hours) to the Cuernos Lookout, which includes a visit to the powerful Salto Grande waterfall. Witness the dramatic Horns of Paine and the vibrant turquoise of Lake Nordenskjöld. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on an easier 2.7-mile loop around Sarmiento Lake (~ 1.5 hours), offering unique perspectives of its vast expanse and distant mountains. We’ll do our best to find time to practice qigong and meditation while out on the hikes, but if not, we’ll enjoy a revitalizing qigong session before a delightful dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Hosteria Pehoe, or similar.

Day 7 ~ Jan 3 (B/D): After breakfast, we begin a truly spectacular transfer from Torres del Paine, crossing the border into Argentina towards the trekking capital of El Chaltén. This scenic journey offers breathtaking vistas of Patagonian steppe and the granite peaks of the Andes, making the drive itself part of the adventure. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, then head out for an afternoon walk to the Mirador de los Cóndores (~ 1.5 miles RT with a 425′ gain), which offers panoramic views of the Fitz Roy range and excellent opportunities to spot majestic condors soaring above. This will also be a wonderful place to practice meditation and qigong. After we return to town, we’ll grab snacks for upcoming lunches before gathering to enjoy a well-deserved group dinner.

Day 8 ~ Jan 4 (B/D): Today, after a hearty breakfast, we travel one of El Chaltén’s most iconic trails: a roughly 11-mile hike to Laguna Torre. This relatively flat yet incredibly scenic path winds through a pristine Patagonian valley, tracing the Fitz Roy River. Over 6-7 hours, you’ll be constantly surrounded by breathtaking views of towering granite spires and lush landscapes. The reward comes when reaching the stunning Laguna Torre, nestled at the foot of the dramatic Cerro Torre and the Adela Glacier. Witness icebergs floating in the glacial lake, which reflects the majestic peaks. We’ll find time during our hike to practice qigong and meditate in the soul-stirring landscape. After an awe-inspiring day on the trail, we return to El Chaltén for a well-deserved group dinner.

Day 9 ~ Jan 5 (B/D): Today, our El Chaltén adventure continues with a beautiful 6-mile hike to Laguna Capri. This trail, though steeper in sections, rewards your efforts with some of the most captivating views of the Fitz Roy massif. You’ll ascend through varied terrain, with tantalizing glimpses of the iconic granite spires. Upon reaching Laguna Capri, prepare to be mesmerized by the emerald waters, often perfectly mirroring the towering peaks of Fitz Roy and its companions. This serene setting offers a magnificent backdrop for photography, qigong, and meditation. Returning to El Chaltén, we’ll enjoy a delightful group dinner, savoring memories of another spectacular Patagonian day.

Day 10 ~ Jan 6 (B/D): After breakfast, we bid farewell to El Chaltén and embark on a scenic 3-4 hour transfer to the authentic Estancia Nibepo Aike. Our route crosses the vast Patagonian steppe, so keep watch for roaming guanacos and soaring raptors against the backdrop of distant mountains. Depending on the time of our transfer, we’ll either take a short hike in El Chaltén before departure or one in the evening after reaching the estancia. In either case, we’ll settle into our accommodations and immerse ourselves in the unique ranch atmosphere before a delicious group dinner. Overnight at Estancia Nibepo Aike.

Day 11 ~ Jan 7 (B/L/D): Today offers a full immersion into the authentic Patagonian life. We’ll begin by exploring the fascinating history of this working ranch and the pioneering family that continues to manage it. Marvel at incredible gaucho horsemanship skills and witness a traditional sheep shearing demonstration. Later, choose between an exhilarating hike or a scenic horseback ride to La Angostura, the beautiful point where the vast Roca Lake and Argentino Lake converge. This unforgettable morning culminates with a savory, traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue, slow-cooked to perfection. After a day of culture, activity, and exquisite food, we’ll enjoy qigong in the afternoon and a relaxing evening and dinner at the estancia. Overnight at Estancia Nibepo Aike.

Day 12 ~ Jan 8 (B/L/D): Today is yours to craft your perfect Patagonian estancia experience. You’ll choose from a rich array of rural activities, immersing yourself in the authentic daily life of a working ranch. You may opt to hike, bike, or horseback ride through the stunning Andean landscape, exploring the valley of the Cachorro River or the shores of Argentino Lake. You may even be able to participate in cattle branding or sheep shearing. Whether by foot, horse, or bike, breathtaking panoramic points may even reveal distant glaciers. After a day connecting with nature, return to enjoy qigong and meditation before another delightful dinner at the warm, historic lodge. Overnight at Estancia Nibepo Aike.

Day 13 ~ Jan 9 (B/L/D): Today promises an extraordinary adventure into Los Glaciares National Park. We begin by navigating the serene South Arm of Lake Argentino to its southern end. Disembarking, a 1.5-mile walk with a slight climb leads us into a tranquil forest, opening to a breathtaking natural viewpoint overlooking Frías Lake. We then cross the lake by semi-rigid boat, reaching the trailhead for a 3-mile hike. This unique trek, with very little slope, brings us to an incredible glacial amphitheater where the Grande, Cubo, and Dickson or Frías glaciers converge. After a rewarding lunch amidst this glacial spectacle, we’ll practice qigong and meditation, then retrace our steps. We’ll return to the estancia for dinner.

Day 14 ~ Jan 10 (B/L/D): Today, we’ll spend the morning at the estancia, perhaps hiking to some beautiful place to practice qigong and meditation together on the beautiful land. Then, after lunch, we’ll say goodbye and transfer to El Calafate. Once we arrive in town and check into our hotel we’ll take a coastal walk. We’ll then enjoy a farewell dinner together where we can review all the wonderful experiences we had together throughout our journey.

Day 15-16 ~ Jan 11/12 (B): Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head to the airport to catch your homeward flight, in most cases landing in the US a day later than your departure date.

Included in Your Patagonia Spiritual Tour:

• Near-daily instruction and facilitation of meditation, qigong, and occasional conversations about self-acceptance, compassion, and joy. Engaging with this content is an integral part of this spiritual tour. If you are not interested in meditation, heart-opening conversation, and qigong, different tours are available to you via other companies.
• All ground and water transportation for the duration of the tour, except airport transfers.
• Lodging for 13 nights in locations hand-selected for their beautiful, intimate, natural settings; please note rooms may be smaller than what you’re accustomed to in the United States.
• 31 meals (13 breakfasts, 12 dinners, and 1 lunch).
• Gratuities for bus drivers and local guides.
• Chilean and Argentine mini-bus drivers, local guides at certain locations, and a professional tour leader throughout the entire journey.
• All entrance fees for parks and activities throughout the tour.
• Two unique boat rides that transport you to gorgeous glacier views.
• Spectacular moderate walks and hikes ranging in length from 1.5 to 11 miles.
• A guaranteed small group, with 12 guests maximum, which means a more personalized and intimate retreat experience.
• The itinerary is subject to modification based on the weather and the needs of the group.

The Little Bits Not Included:

• International airfare to Punta Arenas, Chile, and from El Calafate, Argentina.
• Airport transfers.
• Meals not listed above, most often this means lunch.
• Beverages with meals and/or alcohol.
• Tour leader gratuity.

Tour Facilitator Amy Pattee Colvin:

In the fall of 2015, I attended a meditation retreat in Machu Picchu. One day, a local shaman joined us for a blessing ceremony. When it ended, he placed a seed in my hand, told me to bury it where I sat, then gave me a specific directive: “Look for the plant when you bring your own group here.”

For months, that seed of an idea quietly germinated. It eventually sprouted into the international tours I lead today.

Traveling with me is different from a standard vacation. We don’t just look at the landscape; we harmonize with it. You will practice qigong and meditation daily, using the wild beauty of the land to interrupt your stress patterns and help you shift from force to flow.

I guide these journeys with a toolkit built from two worlds: the grounded lineage of over 30 years of Taoist practice, and the rigorous, science-backed protocols of Stanford University’s Compassion Cultivation Training.

Tour Leader Manuel Velazco:

Manuel Velazco, born in Cusco, Peru, entered the tourism industry at the age of 15. He has served as a professional tour guide for more than 20 years, guiding around Peru and South America. He is one of Peru’s most experienced and respected leaders.

I met Manuel in the fall of 2015 when my mother and I traveled on an Overseas Adventure Travel trip to Southern Peru and Bolivia. He has been the tour leader on all my Peruvian tours. When I put this Patagonia spiritual tour itinerary together, I contacted him to see if he was interested in working with me. Through the years, he has provided excellent knowledge, leadership, humor, and love of South American people and cultures.

I look forward to spending time with you! If you have any questions, please email me at amy @ amypatteecolvin.com.

Investment & Registration:

Investment: USD $6350 per person based on double occupancy.

• Space is limited to 12 guests. Ensure your spot by placing your deposit now.
• A deposit of $1000 is required to reserve your space, with the balance due by August 1, 2026. Payment plans are available. Please contact me for more information.
• You are welcome to register as an individual, and I will match you with a person of the same gender to share a room.
• Single rooms are available with a supplement of $1700.

Cancellation Policy:

• Your deposit is fully refundable until June 1, 2026. After that date, if you choose to cancel, your deposit is transferable to a future trip.
• I highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and trip cancellation.

Email me at amy @ amypatteecolvin.com to register and place your deposit.

Food budget is roughly $900 per person