Iconic Sights of Southern Patagonia Tour

Day 1: Buenos Aires

As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, you can explore the city after checking into the hotel. If time allows, try to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo, or catch a tango show. Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience this vibrant city.

Your adventure begins in the evening. Arrive in time to meet the group and your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will share the details of the days ahead. Throughout the trip you'll be accompanied by both the CEO and the local guide, benefiting from the knowledge of both.

Please note that normal check-in times apply at your hotel on the first night, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Accommodation: Carsson Hotel, or similar

Day 2: Transfer to El Chaltén via El Calafate

Today you'll fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before continuing by bus to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route, marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time exploring El Chaltén, or warm-up for the tomorrow's hike by heading out on some short hikes to nearby lookouts.

Length of journey: 3hrs 30mins by plane, 3hrs by bus 

Accommodation: Hosteria El Paraiso, or similar

Day 3: Hiking in Los Glaciares National Park

Enjoy a full-day guided hike in Los Glaciares National Park through the scenic terrain of lakes, tree-covered trails and snow-covered mountains. See granite pinnacles spiralling upward from the third largest ice field on earth. Hike to Laguna de Los Tres to fully appreciate the majestic Cerro Fitz Roy/Chalten (3,441m/11,290ft). This is probably the most famous and popular viewpoint of the mountain.

Length of hike: 8-9hrs 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hosteria El Paraiso, or similar

Day 4: Transfer to El Calafate

Enjoy a free morning in El Chaltén before heading to the quaint little town of El Calafate. Explore the area as you wish: hike to spectacular views or kick back and relax to prepare for the adventures yet to come.

Length of journey: 3hrs by bus 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hosteria Posta Sur, or similar

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier guided tour 

Today you travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for a guided tour, included in your trip. Experience the natural wonder of the glacier, one of the world's few 'advancing' glaciers. You'll head to the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park, where Moreno's 60m (197ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Iceberg Channel) creating a natural ice dam, eventually exploding in a dynamic display of force.

There is an option to take a boat trip on the lake and get a different view of the stunning landscape and marvel at how large the glacier actually is when up close. This boat trip (additional cost of USD $25 per person), which lasts approximately 1hr, is one of the most popular excursions and is not to be missed. You'll embark from the floating dock in the south arm of Lago Argentino and navigate along the Canal de los Tempanos towards the front wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier where most of the ice calving takes place.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hosteria Posta Sur, or similar

Day 6: Transfer to Puerto Natales 

Travel by bus to Puerto Natales and prepare for the upcoming days of hiking with expert mountain guides.

Explore the town and do any last minute shopping. Here you can rent any trekking equipment you need and you can store any extra gear not required for the hike. Spend a relaxing evening in scenic Puerto Natales, fuel-up with a hearty meal and rest well for the upcoming hiking in Torres del Paine.

Length of journey: 5-6hrs by bus

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Capitan Eberhard, or similar

Day 7: Trek in Torres del Paine National Park

You'll first cross the pampa Patagonica on asphalt roads to Cerro Castillo, stopping for a quick break. Then you'll continue by dirt road with some photo stops at the most beautiful viewpoints. Start checking for wildlife here and you'll see lots of guanacos and (likely) condors, geese, and other birds as well.

You'll enter the Torres del Paine National Park and continue for another 30mins to the start point of the trek at Las Torres campsite. A local guide will lead the way and the CEO will act as sweep, keeping everyone together. You'll hike about 4-5hrs to the base of Las Torres where we'll see the spectacular three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

You'll return by the same route which makes this a long day, but it really is worth it!

Transfer to the campsite at the end of the day for some spectacular food and time to reflect on the day.

Length of  journey: 2hr private vehicle transfer

Length of hike: 9-11hrs 

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Serrano Camp, or similar

Day 8: Trek into the French Valley

Today you'll cross Lake Pehoé by ferry and trek into the French Valley. From the lookout point in the valley you'll see the spectacular Paine mountain range spread out across the national park and take in the dramatic contrasting greens and greys of the landscape. This is a day full  of breathtaking scenery and physical exertion. 

Length of journey: 45mins ferry

Length of hike: 8-10hrs 

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Paine Grande

Day 9: Hike to Glacier Grey viewpoint

Today you'll lace up your boots for the final day of trekking in this beautiful region. You'll hike all the way to the Glacier Grey viewpoint where you'll take in stunning views of the immense glacier.

You'll then hike back to your start point to catch the ferry to Puerto Natales.

Length of hike: 4-5hrs

Length of journeys: 45mins ferry; 2hr private vehicle transfer 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Capitan Eberhard, or similar

Day 10: Cross into Argentina, arriving at Ushuaia

There is a lot of travelling today. You'll first take a bus south to Punta Arenas and then head across the Magellan Strait on a 20-30mins ferry journey. Once back on board the bus, and in Tierra del Fuego, you'll cross the border into Argentina.

Several hours later, you'll leave the bus and transfer to a van for the onward journey to Ushuaia, the city known as 'the end of the Earth'.

Length of journey: 12hrs by bus, ferry and van

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cilene del Faro Hotel

Day 11: Explore Ushuaia 

Enjoy a free day in this unique and compact mountain town where optional activities include:

- Birdwatching - Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars ready to spot some amazing birds.

- Tierra del Fuego National Park hike -  A scenic hike in the national park as long or short as you like.

- Horseback riding - Ride around Ushuaia and take in amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cilene del Faro Hotel

Day 12: Explore Ushuaia and surrounding areas

Spend another day exploring the town and enjoy more of the optional activities listed above, or choose from one of these amazing experiences:

- Helicopter ride - Soar above Ushuaia, admiring the natural beauty of the landscape and gazing out at the towering mountains.

- Beagle Channel boat cruise - See penguins at Isla Martillo and observe rock cormorants and sea lions sharing cliffside resting spots.

- Visit Bird Island  - Home to king and imperial cormorants. Stop off at Isla de Los Lobos to see seals and visit Isla Martillo to see Magellanic penguins.

- Maritime Museum & Prison at the End of the World Museum - Visit the Navy Museum, which was previously the Recidivist Prison. Learn about the histories of both seafarers and prisoners who arrived at 'the end of the Earth'.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cilene del Faro Hotel

Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires

Today you'll fly to Buenos Aires where you'll have the chance to experience this vibrant city with some of the following activities:

- Tango Dinner Show - Immerse yourself in the passion of tango, watching the pros step and slide around the dance floor while you enjoy a traditional Argentine dinner. Get lost in the music and savour the sensuality; this traditional dance ignites the senses of locals and visitors alike.

- Buenos Aires bike tour - What better way to experience this buzzing city than cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine? (Bike, helmet and knowledgeable tour guide are all included). Take in the many historical sights on offer: discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where tango was born. 

- Buenos Aires guided city tour - An introduction to the historic sites and districts of the city, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. Witness the colourful street life of La Boca and San Telmo with their painted houses, and wander around the famed Recoleta Cemetery.

- Tour of Teatro Colon - Explore this stunning opera house and discover why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.

Length of journey: 4hrs by plane 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Carsson Hotel, or similar

Day 14: Depart from Buenos Aires

Depart from Buenos Aires at a time of your choice.

Meals: Breakfast