About Crux
At Crux Expeditions, we know just how rewarding and mesmerizing traveling can be—and we want to make sure that others get a chance to find out too!
Our dream, however, has always been about more than just that.
We believe travel is more than just visiting a place. It's about experiencing new cultures, connecting with nature, and creating memories that last a lifetime. We're passionate about crafting journeys that are both enriching for you and responsible for the destinations you explore. And with our experienced team, no less than that should be expected.
No matter your background, experience, and timeframe, Crux Expeditions has something for you. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely trip or an action-packed adventure, we’ll make sure your needs are met and the experiences you gain are unforgettable. And just as importantly, we’ll give you the tools and the know-how to leave a lasting positive impression on the places you visit, helping nature and wildlife find their footing and thrive for the generations of travelers that’ll come after us!
OUR MISSION/VALUES
At Crux Expeditions, our mission is to ignite your wanderlust and empower you to explore the beauty of Patagonia with purpose. We design transformative travel experiences that spark curiosity, connection, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of our planet.
Values:
Customization: We believe every traveler is unique. We craft personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style.
Sustainability: We are committed to responsible tourism practices that minimize our environmental impact and support local communities.
Authenticity: We guide you beyond the tourist trail, immersing you in the rich cultures and vibrant traditions of Patagonia, from its people to its most revered destinations.
Expertise: Our team of passionate specialists leverages their firsthand knowledge to create unforgettable and enriching journeys.
Rebirth: We want others to experience the beauty of Patagonia after we’re gone, and are committed to helping it through reforestation and rewilding.
EVELYN K SALINAS GALLARDO
Born in Punta Arenas, Magallanes region in Patagonia, Chile, Evelyn ( or Eve ) was always destined to be intertwined with this magical area. Working independently as a travel guide and outdoor educator since 2004, Evelyn has a BA in Administration in Tourism Services for Travel Agencies and Hotels from the University of Magellan to back up the work she does.
Crux Expeditions is her brainchild, born on the wings of an unfortunate, close-call event—an accident in the mountains, followed by a 22-hour self-rescue, which left her unable to run her company as a one-woman show.
As is often the case, however, pain led to success: Evelyn put together a team of extremely competent and trustworthy people, giving way to Crux—a company providing unique travel experiences tailored to the individual, while also giving back to the region they promote, running a number of projects aimed at the rebirth and thriving of Patagonia.
The love of traveling and spreading the joy of travel to others began early on, but really came into its own in the Torres del Paine National Park, where Evelyn discovered her inclination towards guiding, and continued along this way in other areas of Patagonia, Chile, and Argentina. On the Magellan Strait, Eve worked as a trip leader for Crux, taking a part of the way aboard The Forest vessel—beholding the majestic humpback whales and teaching tourists of the protected areas and land of South America. Her expertise does not only extend to Patagonia, though—with numerous experiences sailing and skiing in Antarctica, and extensive experience with horseback riding in Africa and Wyoming.
Ever the ambitious soul, Evelyn decided that travel guiding wasn’t going to be her last stop. Her social spirit led her to NOLS—the National Outdoor Leadership School—where she participated in various Outdoor Educational courses and now helps lead trips for Seattle and Portland-based schools and co-lead trips for a Business School of PA to remote areas in Patagonia, including Antarctica.
Helping students with their research in various ways also opened up Eve’s understanding of the larger scale of the work she does—giving her a chance to give back to the incredible areas she works so hard to help others discover.
Where we guide
Nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a crown jewel of natural beauty. Its mesmerizing landscape boasts soaring granite peaks, millenia-old crystal-clear glaciers, lakes that shimmer in the sunlight, and snow-capped mountains that pierce the azure sky. The vast Patagonian steppe stretches out, teeming with unique wildlife like guanacos and elusive pumas.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast seeking a gentler pace, Patagonia region offers unforgettable experiences. Embark on a multi-day trek,sailing or horse back riding, through dramatic landscapes, following ancient trails to hidden glaciers and serene lagoons. For a more relaxed exploration, scenic drives weave through valleys and past glacial lakes, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.
At Crux Expeditions, we craft sustainable travel itineraries that allow you to experience the magic of Patagonia with fjords and channels responsibly. We partner with local lodges who share our commitment to protecting this pristine environment. Join us on an unforgettable adventure in the Patagonia region, where you'll create lasting memories while leaving a positive impact on this breathtaking part of the world.
Where we travel, guide, and teach: Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine, El Calafate, El Chalten, Santiago de Chile, Puerto Williams, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Carlos III Marine Park, Cabo Froward, San Pedro de Atacama, and many, many other wonders of Patagonia.
The Team
Daniel Oyarzun - Forestal engineer
If you ever need someone to tell you the exact origin, age, and species of a tree, Daniel is your man!
His specialty is the flora of Patagonia, producing the native plants of the region and acting as an advisor for Stone Leaf projects, where he selects old trees to produce seeds, grows plants and helps push forward the research of growing native trees in Patagonia.
Daniel’s continued work on various projects related to reforestation, as well as his remarkable knowledge of all things Patagonia, are an inspiration for us and serve as the bedrock of Crux’s sustainability initiatives.
Leigh Vierstra - Director of innovation, Madison Metro School District, Madison WI
Leigh is the Director of Innovation for Madison Metro School District in Madison, WI. Her story is one of hard work, commitment, and longevity. She started as an English teacher in the Marshall Islands and then returned to the US to teach high school social studies and lead the ESL/bilingual program (where 42 different languages were spoken!) at a Madison High school. Her next stop was serving as a high school administrator, before building and overseeing the school district's innovation team—all adding up to a grand total of over 18 years experience in education.
In 2013, Leigh discovered PA-MOJA (then Project Kenya Sister Schools) and after a visit to Kenya, she never looked back. Since 2015, Leigh has served as a member of the PA-MOJA board and is most proud of spearheading the PA-MOJA student exchange program where students from North America travel to Kenya to work alongside and learn from their Kenyan peers. Since 2015, three student groups from Madison, WI and one student group from Langley, B.C. have traveled to Kenya.
Leigh and Evelyn have traveled to Kenya a few times together to support PA-MOJA and PA-MOJA scholars in rural places in Kenya.
Leigh believes that travel and experiencing other cultures is critically important to not only a person's own growth, but also for a better understanding of the world in which we live. When we laugh, dance, hike, and sit in community with others we learn that we aren't that different after all. Leigh is a Crux advisor and helps with the Outdoor Education aspect of Crux Expeditions.
Claudio Carocca - Marine Biologist and Investigator
Claudio researches the fjords and channels of the southern coast of Chile. His work has taken him into the exploration and understanding of environment(s) and how the way we interact with them connects back to us and influences our lives.
He is an excellent photographer and writer and he’s been putting those skills to good use, researching our fjords and the channels of Patagonia and how they can be protected (as well as writing papers about these topics). Claudio is an independent investigator and he has been an excellent teacher and leader for the communities in our region, representing the area and pushing it forward.
If you’re looking for an old-school way to get to know Patagonia, Claudio is the person for the job!
Claudio has been leading scuba diving sessions for youth and adults in the cold water of Patagonia, bringing a unique opportunity to get to know the territory in a highly unusual way—and creating an even better understanding of the land we need to protect.
Felipe Vidal - Agroturism and Horseback Rider
Felipe is a calm, committed and empathetic horse and dog trainer. Characterized by patience and a deep understanding of the spirit and changing faces of Patagonia, Felipe is the ideal partner for a trip in this magic land. Born and raised in Patagonia, he was never far away from the region, and with his family living in the area, he isn’t likely to be leaving it in the foreseeable future.
Given his familial ties to Patagonia, it’s no wonder that the region now bears the fruits of his labor—Felipe and his family take care of 500 hectares of lake, forest, rivers, and mountains to the Southeast of the Torres Del Paine National Park, his land offering terrific panoramic views and a chance to see all kinds of wildlife.
Felipe’s greatest passion, however, is horses. With over 30 of them (most “mestizos“ and “Criollo Chileno”, carrying the genes of breeds like Arabic, Bryson, and Bretones horses), Felipe serves as the go-to person for any equine questions. His horses are well adapted to the terrain and weather, and have been trained for endurance and long rides.
Felipe and Evelyn met at the end of the Autumn season, riding horses on a sunny day and enjoying the camaraderie and love for the horses and native fauna. Felipe and Evelyn offer a unique experience unlike any other in Patagonia, riding horses across pampas and mountains, crossing estancias, and sleeping overnight. Both have a long experience riding for days, Evelyn as a horse rider in Yellowstone and Wind Ranges in Wyoming, and Felipe in Patagonia.
TBD Icebird Expeditions - Antarctica and Patagonia sailing for photographers, kayakers, hikers, mountaineers, and skiers
Sun or storm, warm or cold, day or night—no matter the conditions nor the activity, a dependable, sturdy vessel is essential if you’re traveling via sea. And there’s none more dependable than the Icebird—designed to carry her crew in comfort, speed, and safety across any oceans of the world and to the farthest and most remote corners of it.
The Icebird’s strong double-glazed pilot house means you can enjoy the views while sailing in one of the world’s harshest environments. The Icebird is a tough aluminum expedition yacht with watertight bulkheads, specifically built for high latitudes and ice, equipped to operate in extreme and remote environments, and suited to meet the requirements of small group and private charters for ski-mountaineering, sea kayaking, film and photography support, dry-suit diving, science support, whale watching, and adventures of all kinds.
Partnership
Pingo Salvaje
If you’re visiting Patagonia with horseback riding in mind, Pingo Salvaje will be impossible to avoid. Born in 2009 as part of the Estancia Laguna Sofía, Pingo Salvaje is the home to a large number of horses of the Criollo and Arabian breed—the pride and joy of the local owners. Even if you’re just looking to see what a perfectly-groomed, mild-tempered horse looks like, you can’t do better than this estate which stretches over 6,000 hectares.
Together with the Estancia, Crux Expeditions will bring you an unparalleled horseback riding experience, combining breathtaking scenery, the best possible guidance, and the most friendly horses—in order to make sure the experience is one you’re likely not going to forget any time soon!
The Estancia isn’t just the proud home of these majestic horses though. Through years of trial and error and a number of methods, it’s become a model of sustainability which can serve as an inspiration for many others, helping both the area that surrounds it, as well as the animals—domestic and wild—that live there.
Mestizos Agroturismo
Family business dedicated to horseback riding in Chilean Patagonia.
