The Grand Tour of Patagonia

Today you’ll depart from your selected airport, travelling to Chile with connecting flights along the way.

Welcome to Santiago de Chile! Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. On the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of Chile’s vibrant capital, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Andes. Your guide will go through the itinerary with you, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to begin exploring the city on your own. Take a stroll through its charming streets, find a cosy café or restaurant, or simply relax at the hotel after your journey.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel for an exciting city tour of Chile’s lively capital, Santiago. The city offers a fascinating blend of historic neighbourhoods, leafy parks, and modern urban life, and on clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes rising in the background.

The tour will begin in the historic city centre, where you’ll discover the city’s most important attractions. You’ll see the presidential palace, La Moneda, which has played a central role in Chile’s history, before continuing along charming pedestrian streets to Plaza de Armas – the historic heart of the city. Here you’ll find several of Santiago’s most iconic buildings, including the cathedral, the old post office, and City Hall.

You will then head up Cerro Santa Lucía, the historic hill where the city was founded in 1541. From here, you can enjoy splendid views across the city with the Andes providing a dramatic backdrop.

The tour then continues past the green Parque Forestal and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes before visiting the charming Lastarria district, known for its cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Across the Mapocho River lies Bellavista, a colourful neighbourhood with a creative atmosphere, vibrant street art, and a thriving cultural scene.

The final part of the tour offers insight into modern Santiago as you visit the districts of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. Here, you’ll experience wide boulevards, contemporary architecture, and Bicentenario Park – one of Santiago’s most popular green spaces among locals.

After a day filled with history, culture, and contemporary city life, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

It’s entirely up to you how you spend your day in Santiago.

The Chilean capital has something for everyone, whether you’d like to delve into the city’s history, savour the local gastronomy, or simply soak up its distinctive big-city atmosphere. Take a stroll through the charming districts of Lastarria or Bellavista, where cosy cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and colourful street art shape the cityscape. If shopping is on your agenda, you’ll find everything from exclusive boutiques to large shopping centres in the neighbourhoods of Providencia and Las Condes.

If you fancy seeing Santiago from above, hop on the funicular or cable car up to Cerro San Cristóbal. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views across the city, framed by the mountains beyond.

You could also visit one of the city’s many museums, wander through its leafy parks, or settle into one of the inviting cafés to enjoy a glass of Chilean wine or a leisurely lunch.

If you’d like to explore more of the area surrounding Santiago, join our exciting optional tour to the Pacific coast, including visits to the colourful port city of Valparaíso and the elegant seaside town of Viña del Mar.

It’s time to bid farewell to Chile’s capital and head south towards Patagonia – more specifically, Puerto Natales.

You’ll be collected from your hotel in Santiago de Chile and driven to the airport. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll already notice how dramatically different the landscape is compared to the capital.

Puerto Natales is a small, charming town beautifully set on the shores of the Última Esperanza Fjord. It serves as the gateway to some of South America’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Take a stroll along the quaint waterfront promenade, admire the views across the fjord towards the snow-capped peaks on the horizon, or settle into one of the town’s cafés or restaurants to sample local specialities such as Patagonian lamb, fresh fish, and seafood.

Tomorrow, one of the greatest natural highlights of your tour awaits as you explore the iconic Torres del Paine National Park.

Today, one of the absolute highlights of your tour awaits as you set off on a full-day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

The park spans around 2,400 km² in the southern Andes and boasts an extraordinary landscape of majestic mountain peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, thundering waterfalls, and lush valleys. Its most famous landmarks are the iconic granite towers, the Torres del Paine, which have given the national park its name.

From Puerto Natales, you’ll travel north through the vast Patagonian landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass forests, valleys, and lakes, and on clear days, there is a good chance of spotting condors soaring high above the mountains. Your first stop is the viewpoint at Lago Sarmiento, where you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views across the park. You’ll then continue to Laguna Amarga, known for its beautiful mountain backdrop and frequent visits from flamingos. The area around Laguna Amarga and Lago Sarmiento is also one of the best places in the national park to catch a glimpse of the elusive puma – if luck is on your side.

After entering the national park, the tour then continues to the picturesque Lake Nordenskjöld and the viewpoint at Salto Grande, where powerful torrents of water surge through a narrow gorge, linking Lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. From the viewpoint at Lake Pehoé, you can admire the distinctive Cuernos del Paine reflected in the turquoise waters.

At Lake Grey, there is time for a lunch break, with a stop at a hotel overlooking the lake and the famous Grey Glacier. Here, you have the option to purchase lunch (at your own expense) and explore the area around Lake Grey at your leisure until you are picked up again and the tour continues to the next stop.

Torres del Paine National Park is also renowned for its rich wildlife. If you’re fortunate, you may see guanacos grazing on the open plains, rheas wandering across the landscape, foxes on the hunt, and condors gliding high above the peaks.

On the way back to Puerto Natales, you’ll visit the natural monument Cueva del Milodón, an impressive cave complex of great archaeological and palaeontological significance. In the late 19th century, remains of the extinct giant ground sloth, Mylodon darwinii, were discovered here, and today a statue of the animal stands at the entrance to the largest cave. The cave is around 30 metres high, 50 metres wide, and extends nearly 200 metres into the rock.

After a day filled with unforgettable natural experiences, you’ll return to your hotel in Puerto Natales.

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Puerto Natales.

The area around Puerto Natales is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty, offering plenty of opportunities to experience even more breathtaking landscapes if you’re keen to explore further. You might like to take a look at one of our optional tours.

If you enjoy hiking, we highly recommend the popular Base Torres trek in Torres del Paine National Park. This challenging full-day hike takes you through valleys and forests, across rushing rivers, and up a final steep ascent, rewarded with a spectacular view of the three majestic granite towers of Torres del Paine rising dramatically above a turquoise glacial lake – an unforgettable sight you’ll treasure long after your journey ends.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can opt for our boat trip to the impressive Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery of forests and mountains and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot seals, cormorants, and other birdlife.

You could also spend the day strolling along the beautiful waterfront promenade, taking in views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. In the town centre, you’ll find small shops, cafés, and restaurants, and you can visit one of the local museums to learn more about the region’s history, its indigenous communities, and the early explorers who ventured into this rugged landscape.

Whether you choose a relaxing day in Puerto Natales or set off on another adventure in the wild landscapes of Patagonia, more unforgettable experiences await.

It’s time to bid farewell to Chile and continue your journey into Argentina. Early this morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the bus station in Puerto Natales. From here, you’ll board the bus bound for El Calafate. Remember to keep your passport with you, as there will be a stop at the border control. 

The journey takes around 5–6 hours, so simply sit back, relax, and take in the sweeping views of Patagonia’s striking landscapes. The final stretch follows the iconic Ruta 40, which runs through much of Argentina along the Andes and showcases some of South America’s most spectacular scenery.

Today, look forward to experiencing one of Argentina’s greatest natural wonders on a full-day excursion to the famous Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and travel through the vast open landscapes towards the national park. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the area’s nature and history, while you relax and admire the endless plains framed by mountains on the horizon.

Perito Moreno is one of the world’s most renowned glaciers, and it’s easy to see why it has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list. It stretches for around 30 kilometres and measures up to 5 kilometres wide, while the mighty ice wall rises more than 70 metres above Lago Argentino in places. Beneath the water’s surface, the ice continues for a further 100 metres, highlighting the glacier’s immense scale. For many years, Perito Moreno was considered one of the world’s most stable glaciers, but like many others, it is now affected by climate change.

Upon arrival at the national park, your first experience of the day begins with a boat trip on Lago Argentino, bringing you impressively close to the towering ice wall. From the water, you’ll truly appreciate its vast size, and if you’re lucky, you may even witness a calving, where enormous blocks of ice break away and crash into the lake with a thunderous roar.

After the boat trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area independently via the national park’s well-maintained walkways, which lead to several viewpoints offering magnificent panoramic views of the glacier from different angles. At the visitor centre, you can purchase lunch (not included), which you may take with you onto the walkways and enjoy with a view of the immense wall of ice.

After a few hours at Perito Moreno, you’ll return to El Calafate, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

How you spend today in El Calafate is entirely up to you.

After yesterday’s unforgettable experience at the Perito Moreno glacier, you may wish to slow the pace and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this charming little town. Settle into a cosy café, take a stroll along the shores of Lago Argentino, or browse the small shops where you’ll find local handicrafts, products made from Patagonian wool, and delicacies crafted from the region’s famous calafate berries. The town is named after the calafate bush, and according to an old Patagonian legend, anyone who tastes the berries is destined to return to Patagonia one day.

If you’re curious to learn more about the region’s fascinating natural wonders, visit the Glaciarium – a modern museum offering insight into Patagonia’s glaciers, their development, and their impact on the surrounding landscape. You could also head out to a traditional estancia to gain an authentic glimpse into life on the vast степpe and the proud traditions that continue to shape this part of Argentina.

However you choose to spend your day, El Calafate is the perfect place to enjoy the unique tranquillity and spectacular scenery that define Patagonia.

This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and continue your tour through the Patagonian landscape to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, beautifully set at the foot of the Andes.

The drive takes around three hours, passing across the endless Patagonian steppe where guanacos, rheas, and foxes are often spotted, while the jagged silhouettes of the Andes gradually draw closer. On clear days, the peak of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy appears on the horizon. Once again, part of the journey to El Chaltén follows the legendary Ruta 40, so sit back, relax, and take in the spectacular scenery as it unfolds outside your window.

Upon arrival in El Chaltén, you’ll be taken to your hotel. Founded in 1985, it is Argentina’s youngest town. Most visitors come here to explore the surrounding wilderness, and over the years, it has earned a reputation as the country’s hiking capital.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. Take the opportunity to stroll through this charming town or simply admire the dramatic mountain peaks before tomorrow’s adventures await.

You’ll have the day at your leisure in El Chaltén. Although the town itself is small, the surrounding area offers some of Patagonia’s most spectacular natural experiences and renowned hiking trails, with plenty of opportunities to discover dramatic mountain landscapes, glaciers, and turquoise alpine lakes.

Depending on your fitness level, you can set off independently along one of the many well-marked trails or choose to book a guided excursion. For example, you might hike to the beautiful Laguna Capri, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of Mount Fitz Roy rising majestically on the horizon and reflected in the lagoon. Alternatively, take on the more demanding full-day trek to Laguna de los Tres, rewarded with the iconic view of the turquoise mountain lake and Mount Fitz Roy. If you’d prefer a less strenuous day, consider an excursion to Lago del Desierto, where a scenic boat trip is combined with a short walk through the stunning natural surroundings.

If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed pace, simply soak up the cosy atmosphere of El Chaltén. The town’s charming cafés, restaurants, and small shops invite you to pause and unwind, all set against a backdrop of striking mountain peaks.

Please note: An entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is required if you choose to explore any of the surrounding hiking trails. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or online.

Today you’re heading to the end of the world. Or almost. You’ll be visiting Ushuaia, one of the world’s southernmost cities, beautifully set between the Beagle Channel and the Andes in the Argentine part of Tierra del Fuego. The region earned its name in 1520 when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sailed through the Strait of Magellan and spotted the many fires lit along the coast by the indigenous people to keep warm and cook their food. Today, Ushuaia is known as the gateway to Antarctica and is surrounded by some of Argentina’s most captivating natural landscapes, with dramatic mountain scenery, deep fjords, dense forests, and the remarkable Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

You’ll have the morning at your leisure in Ushuaia. Take a stroll through the charming town centre, browse the small shops, or settle into a café overlooking the harbour.

In the afternoon, an exciting cruise awaits on the famous Beagle Channel, which winds through the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego and partially forms the border between Argentina and Chile.

Please note that you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point at the harbour, which is within walking distance of the centre. The exact address can be found in your travel documents.

As the boat leaves the harbour, you can enjoy wonderful views back towards Ushuaia, where colourful houses sit at the foot of the Andes rising high in the background.

The channel is named after the HMS Beagle, which sailed through the area in the 1830s with the naturalist Charles Darwin on board. Along the way, you’ll follow part of the ship’s historic route through landscapes with Argentina on one side of the channel and Chile on the other.

One of the highlights of the trip is the iconic Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, standing on a small rocky islet in the middle of the channel and guiding ships safely through these waters for more than 100 years.

The boat also calls at Bridges Island, where you’ll take a short walk along a small trail. Here, you’ll gain insight into the area’s unique nature and the history of the Yámana people, who lived along the Beagle Channel long before the arrival of the European explorers. 

The trip then continues past small islands where sea lions bask on the rocks and large colonies of cormorants nest. If you’re lucky, you may also spot penguins and even whales, depending on the season.

On board, a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is included, perfect after some time out on deck in the fresh, cool sea air.

After the cruise, you’ll return to the harbour. From here, you can make your own way back to your hotel, or choose to stay a little longer in the centre and soak up the atmosphere of this charming port town.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Ushuaia. We recommend spending the day exploring the spectacular natural surroundings of the city. Join one of our exciting optional tours, or set off to discover the area independently. If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, Ushuaia also offers cosy cafés, charming little shops, fascinating museums, and an atmospheric waterfront promenade.

Just outside the city lies Tierra del Fuego National Park – the southernmost National Park in South America. Here, dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, babbling rivers, dramatic Andes mountains, and picturesque coastal landscapes along the Beagle Channel come together in one of Argentina’s most beautiful natural areas. On our excursion to the National Park, you’ll get up close to this unique landscape and have the chance to experience the region’s distinctive flora and fauna.

If you enjoy hiking, you can also join a full-day excursion to the stunning emerald-green Emerald Lagoon, hidden among the mountains and surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.

If you choose to spend the day in central Ushuaia, we recommend a stroll along the waterfront promenade, a natural meeting point in the city. From here, you can watch cruise liners, expedition vessels bound for Antarctica, and local fishing boats, all while taking in the views across the Beagle Channel. You may also wish to visit the Museo del Fin del Mundo to learn more about the city’s history and the region’s indigenous people, including the Yámana. Another fascinating stop is the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio, the former prison that now houses exhibitions on the city’s development, its former inmates, and the maritime expeditions to the southernmost corners of the world.

If you’d like to sample the flavours of Tierra del Fuego, don’t miss the local specialities. Ushuaia is particularly renowned for its fresh king crab (centolla), Patagonian lamb, and fish and seafood from the cold waters surrounding Tierra del Fuego. Many restaurants also serve locally brewed craft beer.

It’s time to bid farewell to the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia and continue your journey to Argentina’s vibrant capital.

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, your driver will be waiting to take you to your centrally located hotel.

You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure in Buenos Aires.

Today, some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic attractions await.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken on an exciting city tour through Argentina’s lively capital.

The tour will begin at Plaza de Mayo, the city’s historical and political heart, which for centuries has been the setting for some of Argentina’s most significant events. Here, you will see the iconic pink presidential palace, Casa Rosada.

From here, you’ll continue to the charming district of San Telmo, known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and authentic atmosphere. It is also home to the famous San Telmo Market, where local delicacies, handicrafts, and antiques create a wonderfully vibrant setting.

The tour then moves on to La Boca, where the colourful houses line the renowned Caminito street. Once a bustling port district, immigrants built their homes here using leftover materials and painted them with spare paint from the ships. As there was rarely enough paint for an entire house, the neighbourhood developed its distinctive patchwork of bright colours. Today, La Boca is alive with music, culture, and unmistakable local character – and you’ll clearly sense the city’s passion for tango.

The city tour then continues through Puerto Madero, the former docklands, now transformed into a modern district filled with stylish buildings, excellent restaurants, and pleasant promenades along the waterfront.

You will also drive through the leafy neighbourhood of Palermo, passing some of the city’s best-known parks and attractions, including the botanical garden, the planetarium, the racecourse, and Argentina’s famous polo field.

The day’s final stop is elegant Recoleta, one of Buenos Aires’ most exclusive districts. Its impressive mansions, wide boulevards, and French-inspired architecture reflect the prosperity that earned the city its nickname, “The Paris of South America”. Here, you will visit the renowned cemetery, where many notable Argentinians are buried, including Eva Perón – the country’s much-loved First Lady, better known as Evita.

The city tour takes place by minibus, with stops along the way.

In the afternoon you will return to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.

You’ll have the next few days at your leisure to explore the different neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and experience the city’s many facets. Perhaps you discovered an area during your city tour that you’d like to return to, or maybe a range of exciting excursions has caught your eye? Why not take a look at our optional tours and add even more memorable experiences to your tour.

Whatever you choose, it’s hard to be bored in Buenos Aires. The capital offers a wealth of cultural experiences, striking architecture, and an abundance of local atmosphere.

In Palermo, you can settle down at a cosy café or visit some of the district’s green oases, such as the beautiful rose garden El Rosedal, the botanical garden Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays, or Jardín Japonés – one of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan.

Stroll through the elegant streets of Recoleta or soak up the authentic atmosphere of San Telmo, where historic buildings, art galleries, and small boutiques shape the cityscape. If you’re in the mood for shopping, the popular pedestrian street Calle Florida in Microcentro is the perfect place to browse shops, department stores, and local street performers.

If art and culture appeal to you, visit some of the city’s many museums, including the renowned MALBA, dedicated to Latin American art, the impressive Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, or Museo Evita, which tells the story of Argentina’s iconic First Lady, Eva Perón.

Buenos Aires is also a paradise for food lovers. Sample classic Argentine specialities such as empanadas, milanesas, and, of course, the famous Argentine steaks at a local parrilla (grill restaurant), ideally accompanied by a glass of wine from the Mendoza region. Don’t forget to try the popular alfajores – biscuits filled with dulce de leche that can quickly become rather addictive if you have a sweet tooth. You should also taste mate, the traditional herbal drink you’ll almost certainly spot in the hands of the locals, known as porteños.

It’s almost impossible to think of Argentina without thinking of tango. Buenos Aires is the perfect place to experience an authentic tango show, where talented musicians and dancers bring this passionate dance to life.

If you’re tempted by even more experiences, you can choose from our exciting optional tours. For example, take an excursion to the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, visit a traditional estancia and meet the Argentine gauchos, sail through the Tigre Delta, explore the city from the saddle on a guided cycling tour, enjoy an atmospheric tango show with dinner, or join a foodie tour or an Argentine cookery class.

It’s time to say hasta luego to South America and head home with your suitcase full of unforgettable memories.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport, where your journey home begins.

You’ll arrive home after an eventful tour of Chile and Argentina.