Patagonian Highlights

13 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires

Visiting: Argentina, Chile, Patagonia

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AAA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $7275

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Rugged, snow-capped mountains stand amid the wild south of Argentina and Chile, fringed by huge icy lakes and windswept grasslands. In the distance, shy guanacos roam and a few hardy gauchos tend their many sheep. We discover the sheer-sided peak of Mount Fitzroy and the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, from which ice chunks often tumble into the water. Our journey culminates in Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world. Renowned for expansive landscapes and outdoor activities, Patagonia never fails to astound.

Highlights

  • Discover Torres del Paine National Park, including a hike to the base of the Towers of Paine

  • See amazing glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park with an optional boat trip at Moreno Glacier

  • Marvel at the stunning granite peaks of Fitzroy Massif and Cerro Torre

  • Travel to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia

  • Experience the vast, wind-blown expanses of the Patagonia Steppe

  • Enjoy free time to explore Buenos Aires, the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Buenos Aires; Walking Tour

Our local leader will meet us today for a welcome briefing and to take us on an introductory walking tour of the city. The evening is free for you to visit one of the many excellent restaurants in the capital, many serving the much-revered Argentine steaks.



Accommodation: Argenta Tower (or similar)

Day 2 : Fly To El Calafate; Dive To El Chaltén

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and transfer (approximately three to four hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town has a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breath-taking views of Mount Fitzroy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.



Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 3 : Los Glaciares National Park; Trek To Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we set off for a day of trekking amid incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park. We start with a hike to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp with views of the massif ahead. In the afternoon,  we come out of the forest to trek up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. This is a full day challenging trek over fairly rough terrain with impressive, rugged scenery along the way.



Note - We also offer a moderate trek option to take in these storied mountain peaks and scenic beauty of the  parks flora and fauna at a more leisurely pace.



Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 4 : Optional Activities; To El Calafate

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today has been left free to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion in the area. In the late afternoon, we transfer (approximately three to four hours) back to El Calafate.



Trekking option: 9mi (14km), six hours



Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 5 : Visit Perito Moreno Glacier; Optional Boat Trip

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This jagged ice sheet stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation. Every so often, an office block-sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as an iceberg. An optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder.



Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 6 : Free Day In El Calafate

Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend a second day here to explore. We can take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for fantastic views over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) or to Todo Glaciares – this navigation includes Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where glacier pieces float in the water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.



Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 7 : To Torres Del Paine National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we have a long drive (approximately eight to nine hours) across the border into Chile before we arrive in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Torres del Paine (due to local regulations we must change buses at the border). From here, we meet our Chilean guide and drive around some of the park. We may have time after check-in for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.



Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe (or similar)

Day Hike To The Torres Del Paine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Without a doubt, one of the park highlights is the hike up to the base of the Torres del Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking primarily through forests along the Ascencio River valley. This is a full day challenging trek and the last section is steep with rocky terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence.  It is important to recognize that adverse weather conditions can make this walk much harder; your tour leader will give a briefing regarding the trek and answer any questions you may have.



Note - We also offer a moderate trek option to take in the majesty of Torres del Paine National Park views, flora and fauna at a more leisurely pace.  Once we finish the treks, we take a transfer (approximately two hours) to Puerto Natales.



Accommodation: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie or Hotel Baquedano

Day 9 : To Tierra Del Fuego

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we have free time before a fairly long transfer in the afternoon, through dramatic scenery to Cerro Sombrero. This journey involves a short ferry crossing over the Magellan Straits. We advise you take plenty of water and snacks for the journey (approximately seven to eight hours). In the evening, we'll have dinner together at the hotel in the small town of Cerro Sombrero.



Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen (or similar)

Day 10 : To Ushuaia, The End Of The World

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) is named after the original inhabitants who lit bonfires to ward off the winter chill. Crossing the island, we'll have views of the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia – the end of the world! This is a long driving day (approximately seven to eight hours) but we use a private bus to make the journey more comfortable. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon depending on weather conditions and traffic.



Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 11 : Walk In Tierra Del Fuego National Park; Optional Visit To Penguin Colony

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking among varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon, there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, sea lions and many species of water bird including a flightless duck. We also enjoy fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.



For those wanting more adventure or not wishing to trek, an optional half-day 4WD excursion is on offer, which takes us deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego, where conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote lakes of Fagnano and Escondido (please note, it is not possible to see penguins on this tour).



Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 12 : Fly To Buenos Aires

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending upon the flight schedule, we may have free time this morning in Ushuaia. There are magnificent views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) or enjoy a last group meal together.



Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 : End Buenos Aires

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending on the time of your flight home, you may have another chance to see more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After last night's tango show, you might be tempted to learn a few steps or watch it in the streets and plazas. A visit to the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world, is also possible.

What's Included

  • 12 breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Internal flights for all bookings

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

Our Patagonia Highlights itinerary mixes a variety of three-star hotels, each reflecting the different regions this trip visits. In sophisticated Buenos Aires, we stay in a modern hotel with a rooftop pool. In Patagonia, we stay in welcoming hosterias (small hotels) full of local charm. In Torres del Paine, we have a stunning location facing the Paine Massif and in Ushuaia our 'end of the world' hotel overlooks the Beagle Channel. Below are some of the hotels we typically use.



Buenos Aires: Argenta Tower (nights 1 and 12)







In the Retiro neighbourhood, Argenta Tower has spacious rooms, plus a restaurant and cafe serving an array of international flavours and quick bites. Guests particularly enjoy the rooftop pool area, where they can enjoy city views with a glass of Argentinian red or white wine.



El Chalten: Hosteria Don Atilio (nights 2-3)







Locally owned and operated, Hosteria Don Atilio has an inviting ambiance and offers a convenient stay while exploring the natural wonders of the region. Ideal for trekkers, the hosteria is within walking distance of the trailheads to the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains.



El Calafate: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (nights 4-6)







The design of Hosteria Puerto San Julian is regional and rustic, combining Patagonian stone and wood. The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere with a pleasant lounge area where you can relax with a drink after touring Perito Moreno Glacier. It is also a short walk into the main commercial street of El Calafate, which is full of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.



Torres del Paine: Hosteria Pehoe (night 7)







Location, location, location. Hosteria Pehoe is on an island in the middle of Lake Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. The unique spot offers stunning views of the lake and the Cuernos mountain peaks – cameras at the ready. Aside from the incredible photographic opportunities, this small hotel has a lounge, dining room, and a bar where you can take in the majesty of Patagonia.



Ushuaia: Hotel Ushuaia (nights 10-11)







Hotel Ushuaia is perched on a hillside, which affords excellent views of the Beagle Channel. It offers a comfortable stay and a lounge-bar in which to share your Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) travel experiences. The property is a short taxi ride to the bustling main commercial street (Ave San Martin), where you will find shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and the End of the World Museum.

Food

All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners are included.



Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style and are included. The accommodation will arrange packed lunches for trekking days. There is a variety of good-quality food in local restaurants and cafes, usually for relatively low prices (although the refuge we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception as facilities here are limited). Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please advise us before you travel so we can make arrangements on your behalf.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    A good standard of hotels

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 18 years age people can go on this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Fabulous trip

A fabulous trip to Patagonia. A great group, super guide and fabulous scenery every day. My sister recommended that I take this trip as it was one of her favourites and I agree with her. It will stay in my memories for a long time.

Amazing Patagonia

An amazing trip. We were blessed with excellent weather which made it all the more special. The hikes were incredible with stunning scenery. The food and wine weren’t bad either!

Amazing sights in Patagonia

What a fantastic itinerary Exodus have put together for this trip. From bustling Buenos Aries with its steaks to die for to stunning sunrises on Mt Fitzroy, we experienced it all. Another highlight was Perito Moreno The worlds quickest moving glacier ringed by the snow capped Andes, A quick hop across the border to Chile brings you face to face with the mind blowing Torres Del Paine National Park before ending at the worlds end Ushuaia and it’s penguins and brilliant wildlife. Without doubt the trip of a lifetime.

Patagonia Highlights

Having just returned from this trip, I would highly recommend it for others wanting to see the highlights of Patagonia. The scenery was beautiful and the walks (especially the one in Torres del Paine) was fantastic, despite seeing four seasons of weather in one day!

Patagonian Highlights

Beautiful scenery, friendly locals and lovely food! The walking was challenging (and we don't think the trip notes really described what we were letting ourselves in for) but well worth it for the views and the sense of achievement at completing the walks. We had an amazing trip.

Spectacular and worth the distances travelled

Fantastic scenery, massive distances to travel in between though, but worth it for Fitzroy, Moreno, Torres del Paine etc. The excellent rating is in part due to the luck we had with weather, even down as far south as Ushuaia. There were only two proper trekking days though, maybe some options to do more would have been good, and an extra day if Chile for the Grey Glacier would have justified the miles in a minibus.

Patagonian Highlights

This was a great holiday. We had a good bunch of people who "clicked" almost immediately. We had a fantastic leader who made everything so much better. The views were outstanding. Even the long bus rides didn't seem that bad. Lots of breaks to stretch our legs

Patagonian highlights

This is a fab holiday to see the best of Patagonia in as condensed a time as possible. It's tiring with some long travel days but the highlights make it worth it.

Patagonian Highlights

Overall we enjoyed the trip.

Patagonian Highlights

Our first group holiday! A fantastic experience, well organised by our guide, Xavier. From the initial group meeting at the hotel in Buenos Aires till the final day, the trip well planned. Yes, there were some long travel days and the major treks were challenging but the Trip Notes reflected things accurately. The scenery was fantastic and this was matched by the sense of achievement felt on completion of the long treks (well maybe the day after!)

Read all 46 reviews

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Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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