Luxury travel specialists Leo Trippi and Explorations Company have collaborated to create what might be the ultimate Patagonian adventure. Departing 23 October 2025, this 12-night expedition combines the thrill of remote heli-skiing with authentic gaucho experiences across Argentina and Chile.
The carefully curated itinerary takes guests from the expansive grasslands of a traditional Argentine estancia to the powdered slopes of the Chilean Andes, finishing with cultural explorations in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Limited to just six travellers and priced from £45,000 per person based on the group travelling together, this exclusive journey promises both exhilaration and authentic cultural immersion.
The gaucho lifestyle at Estancia Pilolil
The journey commences at Argentina’s Estancia Pilolil, a 20,000-acre private estate where wildlife roams freely across rugged terrain. Guests spend four days immersed in traditional gaucho culture, exploring the dramatic landscape through various modes of transport. Expert horsemen guide rides across sweeping grasslands, while mountain biking and 4WD expeditions access more remote corners of the estate.
Evenings at Pilolil revolve around traditional hospitality. Dinners feature flame-grilled Argentine beef paired with reserve wines, served under star-filled Patagonian skies. After days of adventure, guests can enjoy cocktails in the property’s atmospheric stables or relax on terraces offering panoramic mountain views – a perfect balance of authenticity and comfort.
Conquering virgin terrain at Rio Palena Lodge
The adventure shifts dramatically on day five as guests board a private aircraft bound for Chile’s Rio Palena Lodge. Nestled deep in the Southern Andes, this exclusive property serves as base camp for five exceptional days of heli-skiing. Each morning, private helicopters transport guests to remote mountain ridges where virgin powder awaits.
Expert guides lead skiers across pristine terrain completely inaccessible by conventional means. The skiing experience can be tailored to individual ability levels, with options ranging from expansive alpine bowls to challenging glacial descents. What remains consistent throughout is the remarkable solitude – many runs represent first descents on untouched snow, far from commercial ski infrastructure.
Cultural finale in Buenos Aires
The expedition concludes with a sophisticated urban counterpoint in Buenos Aires. The final two nights offer personalised experiences reflecting individual interests, from exclusive restaurant reservations to private tango performances with accomplished dancers.
Guests can choose specialised excursions including sommelier-led wine tastings, recording sessions with local music producers, or VIP access to football matches. This flexible finale allows for decompression after the wilderness segment while showcasing Argentine cultural richness beyond Patagonia.
Logistics and exclusivity
The comprehensive package covers luxury accommodation throughout, most activities and tours, internal flights (both chartered and commercial), private ground transportation, and most meals.
The deliberate group size limitation ensures personalised service and minimal environmental impact across fragile ecosystems. With departure set for 23 October 2025, the timing capitalises on optimal spring skiing conditions in the Southern Hemisphere while allowing for comfortable exploration of the estancia beforehand.
