Highlights
- See a tango performance in Buenos Aires and tour the highlights of Santiago
- Take boat trips to famous Patagonian glaciers near El Calafate
- Enjoy the best hikes in El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital
- Go rock climbing, horseback riding, and trekking in Torres del Paine
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner & Tango Show | Buenos Aires |
Day 2 | Fly to El Calafate, 4WD Tour & Cave Dinner | El Calafate |
Day 3 | Lago Frías Hiking & Boat Tour | El Calafate |
Day 4 | Todo Glaciares Navigation | El Calafate |
Day 5 | Transfer to El Chaltén, Hike to Mirador Los Condores | El Chaltén |
Day 6 | Hike to Laguna de Los Tres | El Chaltén |
Day 7 | Bus to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) | Torres del Paine |
Day 8 | Torres del Paine Activities (Day 1): Explore the Park by Horseback | Torres del Paine |
Day 9 | Torres del Paine Activities (Day 2): Lakes & Trails Tour | Torres del Paine |
Day 10 | Torres del Paine Activities (Day 3): Rock Climbing Adventures | Torres del Paine |
Day 11 | Fly to Santiago, Afternoon City Tour | Santiago |
Day 12 | Half-Day Maipo Valley Tour, Depart Santiago |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner & Tango Show
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Welcome to Buenos Aires! Argentina's dynamic capital is a movable feast of rich history, romantic architecture, and a singular culture known for its great cuisine and nightlife. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall at Ezeiza International Airport to transfer you to your hotel. Settle into your accommodation and relax, or stretch your legs with a stroll among the Argentine capital's elegant boulevards and colorful neighborhoods.
As evening falls, you'll kick your trip off in style with a tango show at Gala Tango. Amid the splendor of French architecture and decor in a historic setting reminiscent of 1930s Argentina, you'll enjoy a performance of this iconic art form in an intimate, small-group setting. Before the show, you'll have the option to participate in a tango class before sitting down for a meal of delicious gourmet food and some of Argentina's best wines. Dine, dance, and enjoy the best in tango and Argentine folklore before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Day 2: Fly to El Calafate, 4WD Tour & Cave Dinner
![Nativo Experience](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/6a8a82b4ddd7b3931916b7f15904f7eb3b0532bc/original-1c9f3ca31edd961bc9783234c8a65c86.jpg)
Rise and shine because today you're off to Patagonia! Return to the airport early for the 3.5-hour flight to El Calafate. Located on the shores of Lago Argentino and surrounded by the vast Patagonian steppe, this town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is Perito Moreno, perhaps the most famous glacier in all of South America. A driver/guide will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel.
After dropping off your bags, you'll head back out in a rugged 4WD vehicle for an introduction to the area's history and natural beauty. During this half-day nativo tour, you'll make various stops, including at a historic estancia (Patagonian ranch) dating to the days of the first settlers. You'll also travel up to prime viewpoints on cliffs overlooking the lake to the Andes mountains beyond. The adventure culminates with a visit to archaeological caves adorned with ancient rock art. But that's not all—dinner this evening will be served al fresco near the caves, under the twinkling stars of the Patagonian sky.
Day 3: Lago Frías Hiking & Boat Tour
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Get ready for an exciting full-day excursion to witness a few star attractions of Los Glaciares National Park. Today's adventure will take you to some lesser-visited (but no less incredible) hidden glaciers. A car will pick you up from your hotel in the morning for the 37-mile (60 km) drive along a dirt road to the south arm of Lago Argentino. From here, it's a short hike to Lago Frías, a more remote lake. Then, board an old steamboat and sail 3 miles (5 km) across the lake's emerald waters.
After disembarking, you'll set off on a 3.7-mile (6 km) hike across the Río Frías Valley. Hike through a lenga forest and across an ancient glacial valley until finally reaching the upper part of Lago Frías, which is dotted with icebergs. From its shores, you'll enjoy prime views of the Dickson, Cubo, and Grande glaciers. After a lunch break, you'll begin the return journey and arrive back in El Calafate in the afternoon.
Day 4: Todo Glaciares Navigation
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More memorable Patagonia adventures are in store today. After an early breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you and other tour group members up from your respective hotels for the 28-mile (45 km) drive to the port at Punta Bandera, on Lago Argentino. There, you'll board a ferry and ride along the Upsala Channel, passing towering icebergs as you go.
When you reach the northern section, you'll see the western front of the Spegazzini Glacier. At over 10 miles (16 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide, this ancient ice mass is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Disembark at the base of Spegazzini and set off on a quick and easy hike along a forest trail to viewpoints offering great vistas of even more glaciers. Afterward, hike back to the boat for the return trip to El Calafate.
Day 5: Transfer to El Chaltén, Hike to Mirador Los Condores
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Leave El Calafate this morning on a three-hour transfer north to El Chaltén. Nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," this town sits on the banks of the Río Las Vueltas. Like El Calafate, it's a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with towering peaks rising above the windswept landscape. If the skies are clear during the drive in, you'll have incredible views of the granite massif of Mount Fitz Roy.
After settling into your hotel or lodge, you can stretch your legs on a brisk hike. One of the best introductory excursions is the easy, 2-3 mile (3-5 km) round-trip trek to Mirador de los Cóndores. On the way, you'll be treated to great views of El Chaltén and the surrounding mountains.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres
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After an early breakfast, meet your guide and head out on one of the most famous day hikes in El Chaltén: the trail up to Laguna de los Tres. Starting in town, the route covers 14 miles (23 km) and takes 8-9 hours to complete. During the trek, you'll pass through native lenga forests and stop at incredible viewpoints looking out to the Fitz Roy Valley and Piedras Blancas Glacier.
Then, cross a suspension bridge to reach Río Blanco Basecamp, a major hub for rock climbers. From there, it's a final push to Mirador Laguna de los Tres, which looks out to the gorgeous lagoon and affords panoramic views of three surrounding peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. After a break for lunch, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy the scenery before descending back to El Chaltén. Perhaps enjoy one last evening out at one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars.
Day 7: Bus to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
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This morning you'll hop the border into Chile on a 5-6-hour bus ride from El Chaltén south to Torres del Paine. One of South America's most impressive national parks, Torres del Paine is named after the soaring granite pillars that rise over 6,562 feet (2,000 m) above the Patagonian steppe. This pristine wilderness is home to turquoise lakes, rushing rivers, glaciers, dramatic peaks, and dense forests and extends across roughly 700 square miles (1,813 sq km).
Once here, you'll check into your all-inclusive hotel, which is located within or adjacent to the park. Each of the subsequent days during your stay, you'll work with hotel staff to select day trips and excursions according to your interest. For now, feel free to settle in and relax in preparation for tomorrow's big day in the park.
Day 8: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 1): Explore the Park by Horseback
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Day 9: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 2): Lakes & Trails Tour
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Day 10: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 3): Rock Climbing Adventures
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Day 11: Fly to Santiago, Afternoon City Tour
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Say goodbye to Patagonia as you leave Torres del Paine this morning on a drive to the nearby city of Puerto Natales. At the airport, you'll hop on a plane for the three-hour flight north to Santiago. Chile's sprawling capital sits at 1,700 feet (518 m) above sea level and is surrounded by snowcapped Andean peaks. Lining its wide boulevards are a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical landmarks dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the city.
After checking in, you'll hit the streets on a guided tour. Depending on the schedule, you might start at Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace, and continue a short way to Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. Among other historical landmarks, it's home to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court), built in 1808, which houses the National History Museum of Chile.
Then, you can hike up Cerro Santa Lucía, a lovely park and remnant of an ancient volcano. Conquistadors used this hill as a lookout in the 16th century, and it was here that Pedro de Valdivia officially founded Santiago in 1541. After stopping by other famous landmarks, like the Museum of Fine Arts, continue to the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood and relax at a café before returning to your hotel.
Day 12: Half-Day Maipo Valley Tour, Depart Santiago
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