Wonders of Patagonia
Wonders of Patagonia
Wonders of Patagonia
11 Days Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina and ending in Santiago, Chile
Visiting: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Santiago
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LPATZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Wonders of Patagonia" tour, an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina and Chile. Begin in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, where you'll connect with locals and experience the passionate tango. Explore the dramatic Tierra del Fuego National Park and the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. Discover the awe-inspiring glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park and the stunning beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at Pingo Salvaje ranch, learning about sustainable practices. Delight in a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue and cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of the world's most pristine regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Buenos Aires
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel, Alvear Art
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
It's time to Tango your way through beautiful Buenos Aires - your launch pad to the other-worldly southern frontier of Patagonia. On arrival, your local host will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax or explore the grand boulevards and colorful barrios of Argentina's vibrant capital on your own. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for dinner.
Day 2: Buenos Aires Sightseeing Connect With Locals
Location: Buenos Aires
Accommodation: Hotel, Alvear Art
Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk in the footsteps of the porteños on your exploration of the exquisite sights of the 'Paris of South America' with your Local Specialist. Wind your way through the city, past the grand pink Casa Rosada, and bold, bright La Boca. View the ornate Teatro Colon and pay homage to Eva (Evita) Peron in the final resting place of Buenos Aires' most noteworthy residents, Recoleta Cemetery. Embrace Argentinian culture at a Be My Guest experience this evening as you Connect With Locals, joining a local family in Palermo Soho who'll share their homemade family recipes, the secrets of kneading bread and the art of the passionate Tango.
Day 3: Admire Tierra Del Fuego National Park And Continue To Ushuaia
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Hotel, Los Acebos Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An expedition through the extraordinary landscapes of Patagonia begins today as you fly to the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia. On arrival, explore the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentinian’s southern-most national park on the border of Chile. Join a Local Specialist to delve deep into its natural splendor. Admire its beautiful waterfalls, forests and snow-capped mountains in which the wildlife of this area find sanctuary. Keep a keen eye out for red foxes, condors, eagles and beavers. Come face to face with the biological richness of Tierra del Fuego Island and its incredible scenic beauty, enjoying views over the Beagle Channel at Ensenada Bay, the glacial waters of Roca Lake and the deep Bay of Lapataia Bay. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel on the Beagle Channel, so named for the famous HMS Beagle on which Charles Darwin once sailed the southern seas and saw glaciers for the first time.
Day 4: Uncover Ushuaia Dive Into Culture
Location: Ushuaia
Accommodation: Hotel, Los Acebos Ushuaia
Accommodation Name: Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, join a Local Specialist and your fellow travelers for a tour of Ushuaia including a visit to the Museo Maritimo y Del Presidio, where you’ll explore the history of the Prison at the End of the World and learn about the famous prisoners who were incarcerated there. Later, delve into its history as a former penal colony and missionary base on your own, or consider joining an optional cruise excursion on the Beagle Channel focusing on the scenic archipelago, wildlife and history. Learn about the great shipwrecks of the region, as well as the dogged determination of the first European explorers, who in the 19th century navigated this inhospitable region which has since had a turbulent history. Consider taking a longer excursion that includes views of lazy colonies of sea lions and Magellanic penguins, which Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first saw in the early 16th century.
Day 5: Off To El Calafate
Location: El Calafate
Accommodation: Kosten Aike
Accommodation Name: Kosten Aike
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the 'end of the world' and fly to El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park with its spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll have a rare opportunity to explore the otherworldly landscape of massive glaciers, interconnected fjords and mountainside glacial lakes over the next few days, but not before perhaps tucking into the Calafate berry after which the town is named to secure your return to this mystical region.
Day 6: Los Glaciares National Park Excursion
Location: Los Glaciares National Park
Accommodation: Kosten Aike
Accommodation Name: Kosten Aike
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is dedicated to a deep exploration of the striking UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Touring with a Local Specialist, you'll come face-to-face with its arctic blue and white glaciers that are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field. Discover the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which towers above the icy waters of Lake Argentino. You could perhaps witness massive igloo icebergs plunging into the lake with thunderous force. Experience the rugged solitude of the windswept steppe and the quiet southern beach forests, before heading back to El Calafate for an evening spent at leisure. Consider indulging all your senses savoring the town’s famous Patagonian lamb paired with a delectable glass of Argentina’s Malbec, or pop into the glaciarium for a chilly encounter that will warm your polar heart.
Day 7: Adventure To Puerto Natales
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Hosteria Las Torres
Accommodation Name: Hosteria Las Torres
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, embark on an adventure to Puerto Natales, a charming gateway to the stunning landscapes of southern Chilean Patagonia. Your journey begins with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Pingo Salvaje, where you’ll learn about the ranch owners’ holistic grazing efforts. You'll also be led on a walk to an on-site waterfall, which the farm uses to produce hydraulic energy. Next, it’s off to to the fascinating Milodon Cave with your Local Guide. Here, German explorer Herman Eberhard discovered evidence of a giant prehistoric ground sloth, along with traces of human habitation dating back to 6000 BC, offering a unique window into ancient life. Next, explore Rupestre Patagonia Park, which showcases Patagonia’s natural and cultural riches. Just a stone’s throw from Milodon Cave, this family-owned park features native Patagonian forests and diverse sedimentary rock formations. Alongside a local specialist, marvel at stunning eaves and caverns sculpted by glaciers 18,000 years ago. Pause at the Laguna Sofia viewpoint for breathtaking vistas and condor sightings. Along the way, uncover ancient cave paintings, each inviting your personal interpretation. This enriching day deepens your connection to Patagonia’s unique heritage and beauty.
Day 8: Torres Del Paine National Park Sightseeing
Location: Torres del Paine National Park
Accommodation: Hosteria Las Torres
Accommodation Name: Hosteria Las Torres
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a breathtaking journey to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This stunning region spans 113,000 hectares and is known for its cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes, and jagged mountain spires. Guided by a local specialist, you'll visit Los Cuernos, Lago Pehoe, Salto Grande, the Park Administration (Conaf), and the Lago Grey viewpoint to marvel at the Grey Glacier. Wildlife sightings may include guanacos, foxes, swans, and other fascinating fauna. Then, explore the serene beauty of the must-see Laguna Amarga region. In the afternoon, observe the Torres towers from the east and discover unique cyanobacteria with stromatolites at the Laguna Amarga caldera. End your day at the Blue Lagoon, known for its striking cerulean waters, encapsulating the untouched beauty of this wilderness.
Day 9: Admire The Local Culture Of Puerto Natales Stays With Stories Dive Into Culture
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a Dive into Culture Experience at Estancia Anahi del Valle, located in Cerro Castillo, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Puerto Natales. This family-owned ranch in the commune of Torres del Paine specializes in sheep and cattle raising, embodying the rich country traditions of the region. Immerse yourself in the daily ranch activities and witness the remarkable teamwork between sheep dogs and shepherds. Learn how sheep are herded and bathed, and see how dogs, guided by whistles and voice commands, expertly manage the flocks. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue. Enjoy a Pisco Sour or Calafate Sour as a welcome drink, followed by a homemade dessert and a choice of beverages. Complement your meal with freshly baked bread and Pebre, a local sauce, for a truly authentic Patagonian experience.
Day 10: Puerto Natales, Balmaceda And Serrano Glaciers Excursion
Location: Puerto Natales
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia Lodge
Accommodation Name: Remota Patagonia Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's exploration takes you by boat up the Rio Serrano, passing the Southern Icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) toward the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier. Take some time with a Local Specialist to explore the impressive glacier with a hike through unspoiled, cool rainforest landscapes to Seno Ultima Esperanza ('Fjord of the Last Hope') where you will see the rest of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. Continue through the fjord by boat with views of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers in the background. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner and toast to an unforgettable expedition to the ends of the earth.
Day 11: Depart Santiago
Location: Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart this morning for the peninsula town of Punta Arenas to board your flight to Santiago International Airport, where your Patagonia adventure ends. Airport arrival will be at 8 p.m., please be aware when booking your onward flights.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - El Cafate, Punta Arenas - Santiago
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Optional Experiences and free time
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Ushuaia: Tour Ushuaia including a visit to the Museo Maritimo y Del Presidio, where you'll explore the history of the Prison at the End of the World and learn about the famous prisoners who were incarcerated there.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi, and enjoy all intra-air flights between Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, Punta Arenas, and Santiago, ensuring a seamless journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected hotels such as the Alvear Art Hotel in Buenos Aires, Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel, Kosten Aike in El Calafate, Hosteria Las Torres, and Remota Patagonia Lodge, offering comfort and local charm throughout your Patagonian adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on the Wonders of Patagonia tour?
On the Wonders of Patagonia tour, you can expect to connect with locals in Buenos Aires by dining with a local family in Palermo Soho. In Ushuaia, you'll visit the Museo Maritimo y Del Presidio to learn about the history of the Prison at the End of the World. Additionally, you'll experience the culture of a family-owned ranch in Cerro Castillo, where you'll witness traditional sheep and cattle raising practices and enjoy a Patagonian lamb barbecue.
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What wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the tour, you might see a variety of wildlife including red foxes, condors, eagles, and beavers in Tierra del Fuego National Park. In Torres del Paine National Park, you may encounter guanacos, foxes, swans, and other fascinating fauna.
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What are some of the unique natural features I will see on this tour?
You will see the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, the striking glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, and the jagged mountain spires of Torres del Paine National Park. The tour also includes a boat excursion to the Serrano Glacier and views of the Balmaceda Glacier.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience included in the tour?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on this tour includes a visit to Pingo Salvaje ranch in Puerto Natales, where you'll learn about sustainable practices such as holistic grazing that maintain ecological balance and preserve local ecosystems.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and features a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue. There is also a farewell dinner included on the last night of the tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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