Laura McAfoos
I am originally from the USA, but have been living in Puerto Natales, Chile for the last 12 years. I have been helping people visit Torres del Paine since 2008 and love the park as though it is my home. During my time in Chile, I have traveled around getting to know other parts of the country and the southern part of the South American continent. Now that I have spent time exploring this part of the world, I am happy to plan an itinerary through the best parts of it for all of you!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We specialize in trips in and around Torres del Paine National Park as well as throughout most all of Patagonia!
I can arrange any of the standard hikes in Patagonia to more exclusive and off-trail routes in some of the most wild and remote parts of Patagonia. Apart from hiking I am happy to fill your days with kayaking, horse riding, mountain biking, etc. We love to design complex multi-activity itineraries in all parts of Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina.
Adventure, adventure, adventure!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I fell in love with traveling before finishing high school... My first trip out of the country was to France during my Junior year in high school. After that I began planning more trips out of the country, during university I did an exchange program to spend some time in the UK and finally after finishing university I left for South America. I love getting to know new places and cultures."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Tubing down a cold river in Columbia with knee pads and a helmet hoping I would making it to the bottom alright!!"
Featured trips & expertise
2 Weeks in Patagonia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks in Patagonia, you could stick to one side—Argentine or Chilean—or visit both. On these four unique itineraries, you'll trek on glaciers, see penguins in the wild, dine on fresh seafood in the southernmost city in the world, camp under the stars, and hike in South America's finest national park.
Going Off the Beaten Path in Patagonia: 5 Places to Know
Come for the whale-watching and national parks, stay for the charming Welsh towns, little-known hot springs, and far-flung marble caves. Patagonia is huge, and while the classic attractions shouldn't be missed, there's plenty to see and do off the beaten path, from hiking to ancient cave art to sleeping beside a glacier.
Southern Patagonia - 14 Days
Explore the best sites of Southern Patagonia (both countries) on this two-week adventure. First, there's Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina Patagonia for a boat trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. Next is Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia for three days of guided hikes. Head back across the border to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world—for ice trekking and free time to see the penguins.
Wonders of Chilean Patagonia - 10 Days
This 10-day tour combines Chile's most picturesque attractions with a nice mix of relaxation and physical exertion. After starting in the cosmopolitan capital, you'll head to a lakeside village (adorned with a snowcapped volcano) before continuing south to Patagonia. Then it's time for the "W Trek" in Torres del Paine, one of the most scenic national parks in the world. Here you'll hike past turquoise lakes, emerald forests, roaring rivers, and a massive glacier to get to the best view in the house: Paine Massif.