Luxury Tour of Patagonia's National Parks: From Argentina to Chile - 14 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy succulent beef in Buenos Aires and sample Chile's fine wines near Santiago
• Follow the path of Darwin on a boat trip down the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia
• Visit the natural wonders and soaring ice walls of Los Glaciares National Park
• Enjoy four days of lake and mountain adventures in Torres del Paine National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner at Fogon

Welcome to Argentina! The next two weeks are jam-packed with Patagonian adventures in both the south of this country and neighboring Chile. It makes sense, then, to ease yourself into the action with a bit of city fun on the restless streets of Buenos Aires. Argentina's chic capital sits on the banks of the Río de la Plata and attracts travelers with its beguiling mix of European-inspired architecture, leafy parks, raucous nightlife, and famous grill culture.

Upon arrival at the airport, your personal driver will pick you up and transfer you to Buenos Aires' upscale Recoleta neighborhood and the Four Seasons. Part early-20th-century mansion, part contemporary high-rise, it delivers European elegance with an Argentine twist. The spacious guest rooms and suites feature king beds and marble bathrooms, and there are two world-class restaurants: a French-style brasserie and an Argentine parrilla (steakhouse). If you like, head to the spa and take the edge off the long flight with a "tango massage" or anti-aging body treatment.

In the evening, you'll head out for your maiden dinner in Argentina at Fogón, an exclusive, closed-door restaurant where you're the guest of honor. Throughout the night, you'll enjoy a tasting menu of fine cuts of meat and classic Argentine recipes that showcase new grill techniques, elevating the traditional asado (barbecue) to new heights. To complement the experience, there's an impressive wine menu featuring the best boutique wines from Argentina designed to perfectly enhance the flavors of the meal. At the end of the night, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 2: Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour, Dinner & Tango Show

Immerse yourself in Buenos Aires this morning on a private tour of some of the highlights of the city's north side. Meet your guide in Retiro, which is famous for its historic plazas. Do some window shopping as you stroll the boutiques on Avenida Alvear back to Recoleta and its world-famous cemetery. Amid the grand mausoleums, which inter some of Argentina's most noteworthy historical figures, one grave stands out: Eva (Evita) Peron's. The tour finishes in the trendy Palermo neighborhood at expansive parks designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Thays.

This evening, combine dinner with one of Argentina's most famous cultural traditions—the tango. You'll join a small group for an evening at Gala Tango, a distinguished dinner and dance club with French architecture and furnishings reminiscent of 1930s Argentina. Start with a tango lesson and master the basic steps with the help of a local expert. Then, sit back and watch the professional dancers while feasting on regional specialties and sampling a glass or two from the club's extensive wine list.

Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia, Tour the World's Southernmost City

Rise and shine because this morning, you're off to Patagonia! Leave the hotel early and transfer back to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on a bay in the Patagonian region of Tierra del Fuego, the city lies between the jagged peaks of the Martial Mountains and the silver waters of the Beagle Channel. This is the same waterway where Charles Darwin sailed the HMS Beagle almost 200 years ago.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you just south of town to your hotel, Los Cauquenes Resort + Spa. This 5-star gem enjoys a privileged location near Tierra del Fuego National Park on the Beagle's windswept shores. Besides the scenic channel views in your luxurious suite, you can also take advantage of the hotel's heated indoor and outdoor pools.

After checking in, you'll meet a local guide for a private walking tour around Ushuaia's compact city center. Highlights include the Maritime Museum, housed in a building that was once a prison, or the Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum). Located on the waterfront, this small museum features fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and Indigenous history. There will be ample opportunity to do some shopping on Avenida San Martín, plus you can stop in at a local seafood restaurant—be sure to try the centolla (king crab). 

Day 4: Cruise the Beagle Channel to Isla Martillo

Today's excursion is a dream for wildlife lovers. After breakfast, you'll board a private boat and set sail along the Beagle Channel to view some of the region's most exotic animals. Enjoy the mountain and coastal views as you pass Isla de los Lobos, a rocky islet that's home to large colonies of sea lions. You'll have ample opportunity to view these creatures and take plenty of photos.

Continue to Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), a natural seabird habitat home to cormorants and imperial shags. It's a birder's dream, so keep your binoculars close. The furthest you'll venture is Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, located on the northernmost of a chain of islands of the same name. Here, you can see the Monte Cervantes, an ocean liner that sank in 1930. There are also views across the channel to Estancia Remolino (a remote ranch), Isla Gable, and the naval base at Puerto Williams (located on Isla Navarino, Chile).

Eventually, you'll reach Isla Martillo, where you can observe large colonies of gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Witness these flightless birds in their natural habitat while your guide shares information about their habits and nesting areas. Keep in mind that visitors are not allowed to approach or feed the penguins, and silence is encouraged in order to prevent any disturbance to the bird's nesting habits or daily activities. At the end of the day, you'll cruise back to the port and return to your hotel.

Day 5: Off-Roading & Trekking in Tierra del Fuego National Park 

Lace up your hiking boots this morning because a full day of outdoor excursions awaits. Specifically, you'll venture into the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Within the park's 243 square miles (630 sq km) are some of the wildest and most rugged landscapes in Patagonia.

Meet your private driver/guide and hop in a specially outfitted 4WD vehicle durable enough to handle the park's backroads. Then, drive into the park to a trailhead. There, you'll embark on a brisk hike through sub-Antarctic forests to landmarks like the Río Lapataia. After a few hours, you'll arrive at Lapataia Bay. Located in the Beagle Channel, this bay sits at the end of the Pan-American Highway and National Route No. 3. Here, get back in the vehicle for the ride back to Ushuaia. 

Day 6: Fly to El Calafate, Dinner at Rancho Aparte

Make your way north as you return to the airport this morning and board a 1.5-hour flight up to El Calafate. Sitting on the shores of Lago Argentino, El Calafate is the main base for trips into the famous Los Glaciares National Park and one of its star attractions, Perito Moreno Glacier.

Your driver will take you to the eastern outskirts of town and Xelena Hotel & Suites. This 5-star hotel sits right on the lakeshore and features comfortable, quiet, and well-equipped rooms overlooking the water. Other welcome amenities include an indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool with lake views, plus a Jacuzzi, sauna, and a luxury spa offering beauty treatments and aromatic therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind.

Later, return to town for a dining experience that celebrates rustic, gourmet Patagonian cuisine. Take a seat at Rancho Aparte, a ranch home converted into a closed-door restaurant serving home-cooked meals from fixed menus. Highlights include regional specialties like roast Patagonian lamb and goulash with gnocchi pasta, all prepared with organic ingredients from local farms. Of course, the menu is paired with some of the finest wines in Patagonia and throughout Argentina.

Day 7: Day Trip to Perito Moreno & Nautical Safari

Today, you'll enjoy a memorable adventure into Los Glaciares National Park. Meet your private driver in the morning and transfer about west to Perito Moreno. It's a scenic 1.5-hour drive during which you'll pass famous areas like Redonda Bay, home to a variety of exotic waterbirds, including black-necked swans and flamingoes.

Continue cruising across the vast Patagonian steppe until you reach the national park's entrance, surrounded by beech and oak forests. Here, amid a network of boardwalks and viewpoints, you'll be treated to your first glimpses of 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. At points, these walls reach 230 feet (70 m) high.

After marveling at the glacier from the boardwalks, you'll hop on a boat to see it up close. This nautical safari departs from the Puerto Bajo Las Sombras on the Rico arm of Lago Argentino. As you cruise toward the southern side of the glacier, you'll pass by icebergs floating in the water. Keep your camera ready, as once you get near the walls, you might see a chunk of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below (a process known as "calving"). At the end of the day, you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 8: Day Trip to Estancia Cristina & Horseback Ride

More memorable Patagonia adventures are in store today. After an early breakfast, your driver will pick you up at the hotel 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.

After admiring Spegazzini, continue north into the Cristina Channel, arriving at the far end by late morning. You'll disembark at Estancia Cristina, one of the most impressive ranches in the region. It was founded by pioneers in 1914 and built on a valley once covered by the Upsala Glacier. Upon arrival, you'll meet a guide and hop in the saddle for a horseback ride around the area—expect plenty of delightful mountain views.

Later, you'll visit the Folkloric Museum. Located in an old sheepshearing shed, it offers insight into the estancia's history. After a walk around to admire the panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, running rivers, glassy lakes, and ancient glaciers, you'll transfer back to El Calafate.

Day 9: Transfer to Torres del Paine (Chile)

Say goodbye to Argentina as you meet your driver this morning for the five-hour ride south into Chile. The scenic route skirts the vast Patagonian steppe, and there will be stops to eat and pass through customs. Your destination is Torres del Paine, the crown jewel of Chile's national parks. This legendary protected area covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its granite peaks, glassy lakes, and various circuit treks.

Upon arrival in the park, you'll check into the Explora Torres del Paine, a 5-star luxury wilderness lodge set amid breathtaking scenery, including Lago Pehoé and the iconic Paine massif. This chic hotel (it opened in 2007) features a modern design that blends with the natural scenery, which complements Explora's commitment to sustainable tourism. Each class of room features wide windows offering park views, and the on-site gourmet restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine paired with fine Chilean wines.

After checking in, you can relax in the sauna, soak in the open-air Jacuzzi, or opt for an activity like a horseback ride. Otherwise, try to rest up—your multiday adventure in Torres del Paine begins bright and early tomorrow morning.

Days 10-11: Torres del Paine Custom Activities

The next two days are devoted to adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel will arrange whichever tours and excursions suit your interests, and together, you'll craft a custom itinerary of private excursions. If you'd like to take it easy, book a scenic van ride through the park. Or experience the highlights of Torres del Paine on horseback. These excursions will take you from the hotel stables across steppe grasslands and rivers, past rolling hills, and through forests to the shores of Torres' reflective lakes and lagoons.

There's also the option to embark on the 11.2-mile (18 km) trek up to Mirador Base Torres, the most popular day hike in the park. In this spot, three granite pillars jut out of the ground over a silver lagoon and make for the best view in the park. You'll also see the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre. End each day of outdoor adventures back at the lodge, where you can pamper yourself in the spa before dinner.

Day 12: Torres del Paine Custom Activities, Fly to Santiago

For your last day in Torres del Paine, you'll again have your choice of activities. If you haven't done so already, hop in the saddle for a scenic horseback ride or hit the water on a kayak tour. There's also the option for a half-day trek to Salto Grande, a raging aquamarine waterfall that channels water between lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. The rest of the tour involves a 3.7-mile (6 km) hike around a great panorama of landscapes featuring the peaks of Los Cuernos and Paine Grande with its French Glacier hanging down.

Afterward, you'll transfer about 1.5 hours to the port city of Puerto Natales, where you'll catch a flight (likely connecting) to Santiago. Welcome to Chile's capital! This grand metropolis is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering Andes peaks. With its captivating mix of historical landmarks and great food scene, this is the perfect place to end any South American adventure.

Upon arrival at the airport, your personal driver will meet you for the ride to your hotel, The Singular. This 5-star luxury hotel lies in Santiago's historic Lastarria neighborhood, close to the city's major attractions. When you arrive, you can relax in your spacious suite, enjoy a massage at the hotel's spa and wellness center, or perhaps kick back beside the rooftop pool and admire views of the surrounding Andes.

Day 13: Colchagua Valley Wine Tour

Chile is just as famous for its fine wines as it is for its spectacular scenery—and today is the mother of all private wine tours. Leave in the morning on a two-hour transfer south to the Colchagua Valley, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the country. The area is most famous for producing syrah and carménère, the latter of which is a bold, fruit-forward wine originally from the Bordeaux region of France.

Over the course of the day, you'll visit three world-class wineries and enjoy tastings at each. Not only that but there will be a break around midday for lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Santiago and your hotel.

Day 14: Santiago City & Food Tour, Depart 

The adventures needn't end merely because it's departure day. Rise early and meet a local guide for a private city and food tour of Santiago. This half-day walking tour will take you around the capital's highlight landmarks, like the Plaza de Armas and the National History Museum. Then, take a stroll to the historic Mapocho neighborhood, where you can sample street food like empanadas, local fruits, and fresh seafood at the local markets. Another highlight is visiting a traditional chichería to taste the famous chicha, a fermented corn drink. Afterward, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. ¡Buen viaje!

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