Epic Patagonia Exploration: Glaciers, Mountains & National Parks - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner & Tango Show

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 3: Lago Frías Hiking & Boat Tour

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 5: Transfer to El Chaltén, Hike to Mirador Los Condores

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.

Day 6: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres

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 8: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 1): Explore the Park by Horseback

Your grand adventure in Torres del Paine begins today! Wake up early for a full-day itinerary of activities in the park tailored to your interests. A great way to kick things off is a full-day horseback ride. These excursions will take you from the stables across steppe grasslands and rivers, past rolling hills, and through forests to the shores of Torres' reflective lakes and lagoons. The rides are filled with memorable views of the Paine massif and other park landmarks—so don't forget your camera.

Day 9: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 2): Lakes & Trails Tour

It wouldn't be a trip to Torres del Paine without embarking on an epic day hike. One premium option is to hit the trail on a full-day lakes-trail tour. This outing celebrates the park's natural beauty by taking you through native lenga forests, across valleys, and around shimmering lakes over almost 10 miles (16 km). Highlights include skirting the shores of Lago Sarmiento and hiking up to viewpoints offering grand vistas of the Paine Massif. As you go, be on the lookout for resident wildlife like owls, woodpeckers, guanacos, and (if you're lucky) Andean condors.

Day 10: Torres del Paine Activities (Day 3): Rock Climbing Adventures

If you're feeling really adventurous, make your final day in Torres del Paine a thrilling one with a rock-climbing adventure. This three-hour activity takes place at Puma Cave, a large rock formation with routes for beginner, experienced, and expert climbers. For aspiring climbers (or those who just want to brush up on their skills), the day starts with an in-depth tutorial followed by some time on one of the many beginner routes. Once you get the hang of things, you can move up in classes of difficulty. 

Day 11: Fly to Santiago, Afternoon City Tour

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

Squeeze in one last fun activity as you leave your hotel early on a 30-minute drive outside the city to the famous Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most famous viticulture regions. Once here, you'll stop at Viña Undurraga, a famous winery dating to 1885. On an hourlong tour, you'll stroll the vineyard, visit the barrel room, and enjoy a tasting. You'll also visit a small Indigenous heritage site called Aliwen to learn about Chile's native Mapuche people. After the half-day tour, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Santiago, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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