About Us
At Wangulen Odyssey, we craft journeys that go beyond travel.
Our name, inspired by the Mapuche word Wangulen meaning “star,” reflects our mission: to guide you through South America’s most extraordinary destinations with brilliance and care.
We specialize in small-group hosted tours and tailor-made journeys, blending cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and curated comfort.
From the glaciers of Patagonia and the mysteries of Easter Island, to the wonders of Machu Picchu and the wildlife of the Galápagos, every program is designed with precision, passion, and authenticity
Our Story
Wangulen Odyssey began in 2006 as a small local tour operator in the charming city of Puerto Varas, Chile.
Our vision was bold: to connect Patagonia through an epic 2,500 km overland journey, a 15-day adventure linking the most remote and breathtaking corners of the region.
Back then, it was the very beginning of online travel and e-commerce. Adventurous independent travelers from around the world found us, eager to join a new way of exploring Patagonia.
Over the years, we faced—and overcame—many challenges: the global financial crisis of 2008, health outbreaks, volcanic eruptions from Chaitén, Calbuco, and Puyehue-Caulle, the powerful 2010 earthquake in Chile, and finally the global pandemic in 2019. Each obstacle only strengthened us, allowing us to refine our company, our values, and our destinations.
From our roots as Patagonia specialists, we have grown to host journeys across South America’s most magical natural destinations—from the glaciers of Torres del Paine, to the mystical Moai of Easter Island, to the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and the timeless wonder of Machu Picchu.
Today, Wangulen Odyssey stands as more than a tour operator.
We are storytellers, guides, and companions in your travels. Our future is guided by a commitment to responsible travel, sustainability, and preservation of the cultures and landscapes we love.
Travel with us, and be part of the odyssey.
Founder’s Story – Felipe Soto
I am Felipe Soto, co-founder of Wangulen Odyssey.
My journey into travel began in 1998, when as a young university student I backpacked through South Africa. That experience changed the way I saw the world. I was inspired by the idea of connecting places through a single overland route—just as I had traveled from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
Years later, I dreamed of doing the same in Patagonia.
In the early years, I worked as a driver for local companies in Southern Chile, learning the roads, the people, and the land.
My very first client, Roberta M. from Chicago, trusted me with an itinerary I had created. She suggested I run the trip for her and her husband with a special discount—and in return, she would help me promote my new venture.
That was the beginning of Wangulen Odyssey.
From there, I led tours across every corner of Patagonia, facing logistical, political, and natural challenges that prepared me for the unexpected. Over time, travelers began asking me to guide them beyond Patagonia, to other extraordinary natural destinations across South America.
I have a deep passion for nature and people. Alongside my work as a tour leader, I completed my yoga teacher training in India, which taught me balance, health, and the importance of sharing positive energy with others—something I bring into every journey I host.
Today, with over 20 years of experience, Wangulen Odyssey has grown from one client to a community of travelers from around the world. We are stronger than ever, committed to creating unique, responsible, and meaningful travel experiences in South America’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Welcome to Wangulen Odyssey—your journey begins here.
