Map of Highlights of Patagonia including Argentina and Chile

Explore the best of Patagonia on this action-packed South American adventure

Cover some of the most stunning glacial scenery in the world – from the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Torres del Pain to the gigantic and still-advancing icescape that is Perito Moreno Glacier. On this Patagonian adventure, start with a tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, then head to frontier town El Chalten to tackle the likes of Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Continue to El Calafate, where the marvels of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are just a hop, skip and jump away. Then, explore the famed Torres del Paine National Park in Chile – keeping your eyes out for grazing guanacos and the famed Los Cuernos. If you’re short on time, but keen to explore Patagonia to its fullest – this trip is for you.


Start
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish
Puerto Natales, Chile
Destinations
Argentina, Chile
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer, Walking & Trekking
Code
GGCB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Start with a bang in Buenos Aires, with a walking tour and tango class to make the most of your limited time in the capital.

  • Explore the incredible Laguna de los Tres through thick woodlands, over streams and past granite spires to the famed blue lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.

  • Listen to the thunder as cracks form in the spectacular wall of ice that is Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive, blue-hued natural wonder is constantly breaking and reforming.

  • Hike past the most beautiful waterfalls and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park with your guide, and spot wildlife like guanacos and rhea birds along the way.

  • Trekking is what small group travel was made for – let someone else take care of the permits and accommodation so you can focus on soaking up the views with new friends.

Is this trip right for you?

  • You can’t have incredible glaciers and frozen lakes in warm weather, so be prepared for the cold. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. From November to March temperatures can fluctuate between 5˚C to 20˚C with strong winds.

  • The fitter you are, the more you'll get out of this trip. While only two hikes are scheduled, it is a full-day endeavour that can be quite challenging. There will also be opportunities to partake in other hikes which require a moderate to high level of fitness.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2025.
View the 2023 itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive cosmopolitan style, it might just steal your heart. Attend a group meeting at 2 pm where you’ll get to know your group and trip leader. The adventure begins straight after the meeting with a two-hour orientation walk that visits Avenida de Mayo, Cafe Tortoni, Florida Street, Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cabildo, Catedral de Buenos Aires) and Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo). Continue to Palermo to participate in a tango class. In a private space, a professional tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history and then give a sultry demonstration. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to join an hour-long beginner’s class to learn some of the basics. Following the tango class, you may want to head to one of the many parrillas (steak houses) in the area for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Orientation Walk
  • Buenos Aires - Tango class
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Make sure you’ve had something to eat prior to the welcome meeting, as the activities begin immediately, and you may not have a chance to eat again until evening.
After breakfast today, fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours), then travel by van to the frontier town of El Chalten, north of Glacier National Park (approximately 3.5 hours). Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here in order to reach the glaciers and mountains of the park. Take it easy and drink in the views today, in preparation for your trek tomorrow. The afternoon is yours to relax, sightsee or get to know your fellow explorers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Rise and shine nice and early for your first day of trekking. After breakfast at your hotel, begin with perhaps the most famous of all Patagonia’s trails – the Laguna de los Tres. Ascend from El Calten on an approximately 9-hour trek through incredible landscapes. Walk through woodlands framed by granite cliffs, over crystal-clear streams and towards the three frosted peaks of Mt Fitz Roy. Along the way, you’ll see numerous glaciers, but the primary reward on this trek comes at the end of a steep climb - the Glacier de los Tres and the blue lagoon that lies before it, at the base of Mt Fitz Roy. Take in the gorgeous views, snap a couple of shots and take a moment to appreciate the majesty. This evening is yours to relax and recharge.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
This trek is considered moderate. While the terrain itself is relatively easy, wind and rain can be challenging depending on the weather.
This morning’s schedule is as clear as the mountain air, so you can decide whether to recuperate or tackle another trail. If you can’t wait to explore further, perhaps head out on the Laguna Torre trail. Aside from the first two kilometres, there’s very little ascent on this trail, which leads to a beautiful glacier lake at the base of Cerro Torre. Hiking there and back will take around 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make, so make sure to head out nice and early and get back to your hotel in time. This afternoon, travel to El Calafate, where you’ll spend the night. The drive takes approximately 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • El Chalten - Laguna Torre hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today, visit the immense Perito Moreno Glacier. This electric-blue beauty is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and at 3 km wide and 35 km long, it’s a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below, creating a thunderous symphony. The glacier is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world, after the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. You’ll also have the option to add a mini hike onto your visit, which explores part of the Moreno glacier on foot – this hike is not available without a guide, so make sure you book ahead. Once you’re finished soaking up the wonder of this natural formation, return to your El Calafate hotel for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park
Optional Activities
  • Perito Moreno - Guided trek (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) - USD410
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note the maximum age limit for the Perito Moreno trek is 65. The operator that runs this will not make any exceptions, even with a doctor’s certificate. Those 65 and older will instead be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier. Depending on the weather, your guide may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint) of the site.

For all optional activities today, full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to hold places on these activities. Delays in providing this information may result in missing out on a ticket.
This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel to the jewel of Patagonia – Torres del Paine National Park (approximately 2.5 hours from El Calafate). Known for its soaring mountainous peaks, bright blue icebergs and glaciers and untouched grasslands (home to many wild guanacos, birdlife and the Patagonian fox), this park is a nature-lovers paradise. Once you arrive, the day is yours to explore. You might want to find a good spot to watch the sunset, gracing your visit to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with some of the best natural entertainment.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Today, head out on a full-day trek in Torres del Paine National Park. The Base Las Torres trek can be a bit of a challenge – but with high reward. Today, you’ll witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, including rolling hills backdropped by snow-capped peaks and diverse flora and fauna among expansive rivers and lakes in different shades of blue and green. After hours of exploring this incredible park, you’ll arrive at the base of Torres del Pain (or The Blue Towers) – the three distinctively jagged peaks that are synonymous with Chilean Patagonia. At their base, a turquoise lake sits still, completing the scene. In the afternoon, travel to Puerto Natales and perhaps round your group to celebrate your last night of Patagonian adventure however you like.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s trek can take up to 8 to 10 hours. No experience is required, but a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d to extend your stay in South America, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Public bus, Taxi, Plane

Accommodation

Hotels (7nights)

Included activities

  • Buenos Aires - Orientation Walk
  • Buenos Aires - Tango class
  • El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Patagonia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

2. Please note that optional Perito Moreno Trek on Day 5 is strictly limited to 65 year old and under by our local supplier. Those above 65 year old will be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier instead.

3. This trip starts with a Welcome Meeting at 2pm of day 1.

4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

5. Bookings within 45 days from departure may incur in late booking airline fees. If applicable, this will be informed at the time of booking.

6. This trip includes a domestic flight. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15Kg for check in luggage.

7. We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available, there is a daily limit for withdrawals and the exchange rate does fluctuate.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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