From Santiago to Buenos Aires, take in the natural wonders of Patagonia in under two weeks. Explore Chile and Argentina’s capital cities, visit the mystical island of Chiloe, marvel at the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier and explore Torres del Paine National Park by boat.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Santiago
Tuesday. Upon arrival at Santiago Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. After some free time to check-in and freshen up we then meet the rest of the group before embarking on a walking tour of the capital. This clean, modern city is home to many fountains and parks, and is well-renowned for its markets such as the famous Mercado Central, one of the best seafood markets in the world. In the Plaza Constitucion at the Palacio de la Moneda you can see the changing of the guard on most days. For the best views of the city, take a funicular railway to the top of San Cristobal where the Statue of the Virgin overlooks the capital and the distant Andes.
Overnight: Santiago
Optional excursion to Valaparaiso
Today is free for you to independently explore Santiago at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Valaparaiso, which is a lively seaport built on a series of hills, overlooking the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. In Chile’s second city you can explore the steep, winding streets and see the brightly coloured colonial homes or take a ride in one of the wooden funiculars to one of the cliff-top communities.
Time permitting you may wish to visit one of the local vineyards situated just outside of Santiago to learn about the process of making wine and sample some Chilean favourites.
Overnight: Santiago | Breakfast
The Chilean Lake District
Santiago – Puerto Varas. This morning we travel to the lakeside town of Puerto Varas in the Chilean Lake District. After a short 2-hour flight we arrive at the ‘City of Roses’ where we marvel at the two snow-capped volcanoes overlooking this picturesque town. We have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to wander along the lakeside promenade and appreciate the Chilean-German architecture and traditions that still run deep through the town or take a trip to Coastal Street to sample some amazing local delicacies.
Overnight: Puerto Varas | Breakfast, Lunch
Chiloe
Today we visit the mystical island of Chiloe which is just a short ferry ride from the mainland but feels worlds apart. We take the ferry across to Chacao where we meet our local guide to explore the island. We visit the plaza in Chacao, taking in the traditional architecture, which includes the famous stilted houses and wooden churches the island is famous for. We then continue to the Bay of Caulin which boasts a huge array of birdlife and here we taste oysters before continuing to Ancud for lunch.
Overnight: Puerto Varas | Breakfast, Lunch
Puerto Natales
Puerto Varas - Puerto Natales. We return to Puerto Montt for a flight to the port city of Punta Arenas, Chile’s most southerly town. The city is rich in history and culture and was once an important British-influenced trading port before the Panama Canal turned it to a back water. From here we continue by bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park and home to pelicans, black-necked swans and cormorants. We have the rest of the evening to walk around the town at our own leisure.
Overnight: Puerto Natales | Breakfast
Torres del Paine National Park
Today we have our first of 2 full-day visits to the Torres del Paine National Park, but rather than taking the road we embark on an adventure by boat. An early morning start sees us hop aboard a ship and begin our journey cruising through the fjord of Last Hope, passing by the redundant meatpacking factories and colonies of cormorants and sea lions.
Further up the fjord we can view the vast Balmaceda glacier, before the ship docks for the walk to the Serrano glacier and the ice-carved lake below it. After the walk we continue our journey up river, this time in zodiacs. This final leg of the journey takes around 3 hours, as we zip through untouched areas of staggering beauty, past further glaciers (Tyndall, Geike) to arrive at Rio Serrano. From here we will be met by our private vehicle to explore some of the magnificent views and scenery of the park.
Overnight: Puerto Natales | Breakfast, Lunch
Torres del Paine National Park
Today we head back into Torres del Paine National Park for another included full day of exploration. You can spend the day following various walking trails alongside the glacial lakes and rivers, with spectacular views of tortured rock towers and 3000m needles. Aside from hiking, there is a wide variety of excursions available - including horse riding and tours of the national park by road.
Overnight: Puerto Natales | Breakfast
Drive to El Calafate
Puerto Natales - El Calafate (Argentina). Today we travel by coach into Argentina, across the Patagonian steppe. Keep an eye out for the spectacular views of Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country and for guanacos, rheas and flamingos. This afternoon we reach the town of El Calafate, which is situated on the shores of the lake. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town and there should be time to visit the Glaciarium Museum to get an insight into all things glacial or opt to sit back and relax in the ice bar on the premises.
Overnight: El Calafate | Breakfast
Perito Moreno Glacier
Today we visit the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Our morning begins with a drive through Los Glaciers National Park, along the shores of Lake Argentino until we reach Patagonia’s most famous attraction. We then have some time to walk across the wooden walk ways which lead to perfect sightseeing spots to see the front edge of the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier which is 5kms wide and towers 60 meters above the water surface.
Overnight: El Calafate | Breakfast
Buenos Aires
El Calafate - Buenos Aires. On day 10 we fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, known as the "Paris of South America" due to its lovely green parks, plazas and wide boulevards. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to do with as we wish.
The following morning we explore the lanes and boulevards on a guided city tour, taking in the quirky neighbourhoods of the city, where European and Latin American influences have blended to create a city like no other. Whether you're a culture lover, bargain hunter or night owl, Argentina's capital city has plenty to keep you entertained. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango and during our stay there will be an optional evening visit to one of the many nightly Tango shows.
Overnight: Buenos Aires | Breakfast x 2
Buenos Aires
Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or we can book post tour accommodation if you'd like to extend your stay.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Torremayor Providencia, Santiago
Set in the heart of Santiago’s Providencia district, this excellent hotel enjoys a convenient location close to a metro station, shopping centres and tourist attractions. Its spacious guestrooms are fully equipped with modern amenities, with the benefit of free WiFi and access to the breakfast buffet included. Guests can easily pass time in the hotel's modern lobby bar or purchase coffees and tasty snacks in Caffe Mayor, which is located just next door. On the 17th floor you’ll also find an outdoor pool, where you can soak up panoramic views of the city.
Park Inn Puerto Varas, Puerto Varas
Set in a quiet yet central location, the Park Inn hotel offers a quaint place to stay in downtown Puerto Varas. Each of the guestrooms feature modern interiors, with modern amenities including air conditioning, a TV and wireless internet. Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant which serves local and international cuisine. In addition to its prime location, the property boasts spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue and the snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Hotel Kapenke , El Calafate
Family-run Hotel Kapenke offers its guests a comfortable and friendly stay in El Calafate. Set just two blocks from Libertador Avenue, the town’s main street, the hotel is well-located close to shops and restaurants. Its guestrooms are simple yet functional, featuring private bathrooms and a flatscreen TV, with some offering views out to the hotel garden. Open for lunch and dinner, the onsite La Carmela Restaurant has a wide-ranging menu to suit all appetites, with a selection of fine wines for you to enjoy alongside.
Hotel Kenton Palace, Buenos Aires
Boasting an excellent location in the traditional San Telmo District, Kenton Palace is just footsteps from Buenos Aires’ Main Square. Guestrooms are well-equipped with modern amenities and feature warm-coloured bedspreads and parquet floors, giving them a cosy feel. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and selection of international dishes including pizza specialties in the on-site restaurant. The hotel also features a wine cellar, a fitness centre and spa. Offering a sauna, pool and massage treatments, the spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of travelling.