Experience History, Culture & Nature in Patagonia - 16 Days

Highlights

• Learn the art of making Chilean empanadas in the colorful hills of Patagonia
• Hike through lush forests and to volcanoes and waterfalls in the Lake District
• Spend time working on Patagonian ranches and trekking in Torres del Paine
• Explore Argentine Patagonia, from petrified forests to Perito Moreno Glacier

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago (Chile), Transfer to Valparaíso, Free Time

Welcome to Chile! This packed itinerary includes all manner of outdoor adventures in the famous Patagonia region. First, though, enjoy some color, culture, and city fun in one of the star cities of this South American nation.

Upon arrival at the airport in Santiago, you'll meet a driver for the 1.5-hour drive east to the coast and the historic port city of Valparaíso. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful hillside neighborhoods, Art Nouveau buildings, winding stairways, and abundance of street art.

When your driver drops you off at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding. If you like, feel free to stretch your legs on a walk around town. Visit famous landmarks, such as Plaza de la Victoria and the Naval Academy, and then ride a funicular elevator up into the colorful hills for views of the Pacific Ocean. A real treat is visiting La Sebastiana, a museum and cultural center that was the former home of legendary Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

Day 2: Chilean Cooking Class, Explore Valparaíso

Get a taste of Chile's beloved cuisine today with a small-group cooking class. Accompanied by an expert chef, you'll begin at one of Valparaíso's iconic street markets to pick up fresh ingredients. Back in the kitchen, the chef will teach you step-by-step how to make some of Chile's most famous dishes, from ceviche to empanadas, as well as signature pisco sour cocktails. 

After feasting on your creations, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Valparaíso as you wish. Navigate the calf-busting streets and stop to sip coffee in charming cafés. If you're craving some sun, relax on nearby Concón Beach, or for a slice of serenity, chill out on the terrace of one of the city's many hillside restaurants and bars.

Day 3: Transfer to Puerto Varas, Explore

Rise and shine because you're off to Patagonia! This morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to the city of Puerto Montt in Chile's gorgeous Lake District, the gateway to Patagonia. Here, snowcapped volcanoes meet forested islands dotted with shimmering lakes. From the airport, it's a 30-minute drive north to Puerto Varas, which sits on the vast shores of Lago Llanquihue. Known as "the City of Roses," Puerto Varas is home to elegant plazas full of these namesake flowers, as well as streets lined with alpine-style architecture.

From its streets you can look out across the lake to the snowcapped cones of nearby Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. The town is also a hub for Lake District adventures—from here, you can hike, ski, climb various volcanoes, fish, raft, and go horseback riding. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town, then turn in early to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 4: Trekking in Alerce Andino National Park

Time to lace up those boots for your maiden hike in Patagonia. After breakfast, transfer to the coastal town of Lenca, the gateway to Alerce Andino National Park. Home to lush Valdivian rainforest, the park spans 970,000 acres (40,000 ha) of valleys, turquoise lagoons, and alerce forests. Alerces are the largest and oldest trees in South America, which can grow 200 feet (60 m) and live as long as 2,500 years.

Your guided trek through the park follows the edge of rivers and lakes through giant, temperate forests abounding with mañio, tepa, arrayán, and, of course, alerce trees, finally reaching Lago Quetrus, a mountain lake. The shores around the lake are home to various wildlife, such as rare coscoroba swans, pumas, cougars, foxes, and other bird species. At the end of the half-day trek, you'll return to Puerto Varas and can spend the evening relaxing.

Day 5: Visit an Indigenous Community

Get ready for a culture fix this morning as you meet a local guide and discover the Indigenous heritage of Chile's Los Lagos (Lake District) region. From your hotel, transfer to Quechalen Aitue, a community home to the Huilliche people. This group is native to the lakes region and historically were skilled fishermen, hunters, and gatherers, relying on the abundant natural resources of the region for sustenance.

During this full-day experience, you'll meet with local community members and see firsthand many of their ancient traditions that have endured to this day. You'll not only see how they still exist in harmony with the land and sea but also learn about their rich history and hear their music. You'll even visit a family home for a cooking demonstration followed by a hike in the rainforest. At the end of the day, you'll return to Puerto Varas.

Day 6: Day Trip to Chiloé Island & Penguin Colony

Meet your driver early for the ride south of Puerto Varas to the port town of Pargua. There, you'll board a ferry for the 30-minute ride to the northern tip of Chiloé island. Both geographically and culturally, this is one of the most distinctive areas of the country. Chiloé is an archipelago comprised of many little islands and one main one, Isla Grande, which abounds with myths and legends. Supposedly, the island is inhabited by witches who fly from the caves after dark and can be seen as lights zipping across the night sky.

Your first destination is the northern coastal town of Ancud. During a stop, you can hike up Huaihuen Hill for prime views of Ancud's many landmarks. This includes the Fuerte San Antonio, an early 19th-century Spanish-colonial fort that played a significant role in the wars for independence. You'll also visit the regional museum and municipal market, as well as the Caulín Bird Sanctuary, which is a shelter for migratory birds like black-necked swans, flamingoes, and herons.

The day trip continues with a visit to a penguin colony in nearby Puñihuil. The area is filled with Magellanic and Humboldt penguins and is the only place in the world where these two species coexist. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Puerto Varas and enjoy a relaxing evening in town. 

Day 7: Fly to Punta Arenas, Explore

In the morning, return to the airport in Puerto Montt, where you'll catch a 2.5-hour flight south to Punta Arenas. Located on the Strait of Magellan, this port city was founded in 1848 and, in its heyday, was home to the creme de la creme of Patagonian society. Nowadays, it's a hub for excursions to famous locales like Torres del Paine National Park.

Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel. Then, if you like, you can spend the rest of the day exploring. The perfect starting point for a walk around town is the Plaza Muñoz Gamero. Not only is this leafy central plaza a gem (the pathways are lined with French street lamps, and a statue of Magellan sits in the center), but it's surrounded by grand neoclassical mansions once owned by the moneyed sheep-ranching families of the 19th century.

If you like, watch the sun go down at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This viewpoint overlooks the city all the way out to the Strait of Magellan and is the perfect spot to watch a sunset. Later, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in town. Seafood is a staple, so sample some local specialties, like chupe de centolla (souffle of king crab), as well as oysters, scallops, and other shellfish.

Day 8: Magellan Strait History & Nature Tour

Combine history and adventure this morning as you cruise the waterways of southern Patagonia. This small-group tour begins with a morning transfer to Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes, a rugged protected area about 34 miles (55 km) south of Punta Arenas. It encompasses diverse coastal ecosystems on the Strait of Magellan that are habitats for a wide array of marine and bird species, including whales, dolphins, penguins, cormorants, and more.

Upon arrival, you'll visit a museum that features historical artifacts from the region, as well as some original structures dating to the time of the first settlers in Chilean Patagonia. After this amuse-bouche of history, you'll continue farther south to the Agua Fresca Bay, where we will hop in a Zodiac boat to explore this pristine ecosystem. During the boat ride, there will be opportunities to observe austral dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as a number of native seabirds. Capping the tour is a group meal and drinks, followed by a ride back to Punta Arenas.

Day 9: Transfer to Puerto Natales, Explore

After breakfast, you'll hop on a bus for the three-hour drive north to Puerto Natales. This waterfront town is famous as the base for excursions into Torres del Paine, a legendary protected area that covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its circuit treks. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel.

After checking in and receiving a trip briefing, you'll have the rest of the day free. Simple pleasures in Puerto Natales include strolling the promenade fronting the silver waters of the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). In the distance, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sunset views are phenomenal.

Day 10: Hiking & Horseback Riding at Estancia La Peninsula

Meet your driver at the hotel this morning for the ride to Estancia La Peninsula on the Antonio Veras Peninsula. This sprawling sheep and cattle ranch is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and beech forests. Getting there involves a fun 40-minute boat trip across the Última Esperanza Sound.

When you arrive at this working wool farm, you'll get an overview of the grounds and choose your own adventure for the day. Possible activities include horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking, bird-watching, and more. Your schedule depends on your interests. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Patagonian asado (barbecue) prepared by the staff and attend the daily sheepshearing demonstration. Return by boat to Puerto Natales in the evening.

Day 11: Torres del Paine Full-Day Private Tour

Rise and shine! You'll hit the road early for the two-hour drive into the famous Torres del Paine National Park. During this full-day tour, you'll visit some of the park's main attractions, such as Laguna Amarga, which features views of the iconic peaks of the Cordillera Paine. You'll also hike over a suspension bridge in the Lago Grey sector and enjoy views of glaciers.

After a picnic lunch, continue to Salto Grande, the park's famous thundering waterfalls. At the end of the day, you'll return to Puerto Natales, stopping at the glassy Lago Sarmiento to snap some final pics.

Day 12: Grey Glacier Boat Tour

Get ready for another memorable boat tour. This time, you'll board the Grey III catamaran and begin a journey toward Grey Glacier, a massive ice floe in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that feeds Lago Grey. You'll cruise across the lake until you get close to the glacier, at which point you'll have fantastic views of the Grey's massive ice walls (a terrific photo opportunity).

Following the boat tour, you'll take a short guided hike along a windswept beach and through the forest. Before transferring back to Puerto Natales, there's the option to go on another hike in the area, perhaps to nearby Mirador Ferrier, which offers jaw-dropping views of the park's many colored lakes.

Day 13: Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina), Explore

Say goodbye to Chile as you board a bus for the five-hour ride north across the border and into Argentine Patagonia. You'll arrive in El Calafate, which sits on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. It's the gateway to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Los Glaciares National Park and Perito Moreno, a 96-square-mile (250 sq km) ice formation that is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.

Upon arrival at the bus terminal, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. You can then wander around and enjoy the quaint cafés and souvenir shops in town. A little later, you'll learn about the region's famous glaciers on a visit to the Glaciarium, a multimedia center with an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational information regarding glaciers. A real treat is throwing on a coat, boots, and gloves and enjoying a drink at the museum's ice bar.

Day 14: Day Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier

Meet your driver this morning and head out on a tour of Los Glaciares National Park. The ride there takes about an hour, and as you enter the park, you'll catch your first glimpse of the mighty Perito Moreno. This expansive glacier flows down from the Andes over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending in a great wall that curves around the lake. Enjoy views of this marvel of Mother Nature via a network of wooden boardwalks on the waterfront (be sure to take plenty of photos).

Then, head over to the port at Bajo de Las Sombras and board a boat for a one-hour tour of the glacier's southern face. The first 20 minutes of the trip will take you past icebergs floating on the lake. These are the result of "calving," a periodic occurrence when ice breaks off the face of the glacier. Eventually, you'll get up close with Perito Moreno's massive ice wall, which rises as high as 230 feet (70 m). After the hourlong tour, you'll return to the port and transfer back to El Calafate.

Day 15: Day Trip to La Leona Petrified Forest

Join your driver this morning and set off along a scenic ride north along the famed Route 40 highway, passing the vast Patagonian steppe. There will be a few stops on this small-group tour, first at the historic La Leona Hotel, a guesthouse that once hosted the legendary American outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Then continue on to the La Leona Petrified Forest, home to 70 million-year-old petrified tree trunks and rare dinosaur fossils. Here, you'll embark on a brisk nature hike, breaking midway for a picnic lunch. Afterward, you'll transfer back to El Calafate.

Day 16: Fly to Buenos Aires, Depart

You've answered the call of the wild, now it's time to move on to the next adventure. In the morning, you'll check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport, where you'll board a plane to Buenos Aires and catch your connecting flight home. Adiós!

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