Natural Wonders & National Parks of Argentina & Chile - 16 Days

Continue to San Telmo and La Boca—the two oldest neighborhoods in the city—and walk down colorful Caminito Street, lined with 1920s cafés and milongas (tango clubs). Also here is La Bombonera, the most famous futból (soccer) stadium in the country. Later, pass through the upscale waterfront neighborhood of Puerto Madero, with its gleaming office towers and repurposed waterfront factories. Then head west to Recoleta, an elegant old-money enclave home to a famous cemetery where famous Argentine historical figures (including Evita) are interred.

Day 2: Day Trip to El Ombú de Areco Ranch

You've had fun in the city; now it's time to experience Argentina's rich frontier heritage. In the morning, meet your driver for the 72-mile (117 km) transfer northwest through the famous Pampas prairies to San Antonio de Areco. This bucolic town is the heart of Argentina's gaúcho (cowboy) country and even today retains its equestrian and silversmith traditions. It's also rich with folk history, inspiring Argentine author José Hernández's epic poem, "Martín Fierro." The ballad recounts the exploits of its fictional hero as he endures life on the frontier.

Your destination is right outside San Antonio, at Estancia El Ombú. This colonial-style mansion was built in 1880 and sits on expansive green grounds, offering visitors an authentic Argentine countryside experience. Once here, there's a variety of options for activities: you can go horseback riding, hiking, or sightseeing in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. The estancia is also a working farm, and you can observe typical ranch-style activities such as herding animals, branding cattle, and milking cows.

A highlight of the day is sitting down to a traditional asado (Argentine barbecue). Enjoy grilled meat and empanadas paired with Argentine wine while being entertained by horse shows and traditional folk dancing. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Buenos Aires and your hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Iguazú, Brazilian Falls Tour & Argentine Dinner Party

Say goodbye to Buenos Aires and hello to Argentina's tropical north! It's a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú in Misiones Province. This city is primarily a hub for excursions to nearby Iguazú Falls, located at the tri-borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Apart from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this is the largest waterfall system in the world. A driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel near the falls.

After dropping off your bags, you'll head right to the star attraction. Get up close and personal with these massive falls on a five-hour private tour of Iguazú's Brazilian side. It begins with a stroll along a walkway to the massive Salto Floriano (Floriano Falls). This magnificent wall of plunging water makes quite an impression, as do the vistas of the lower Río Iguazú. There's no shortage of Instagrammable shots here (rainbows are also common sights), so keep your camera handy. Afterward, you can take a break for lunch at the shopping area on the Brazilian side.

Later, you'll return to your hotel, but the fun isn't over yet. This evening, you'll savor the flavors of Argentina. Transfer to a local kitchen for a unique "dinner party," during which you'll not only feast on Argentina's most famous dishes but learn to prepare them too. In a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by like-minded foodies, you'll sample cocktails paired with tapas, learn the tricks to folding the perfect empanada, and make mouthwatering alfajores (Argentine cookies). Of course, throughout the experience, you'll enjoy copious glasses of Argentina's flagship wine: malbec.

Day 4: Argentine Falls & Boat Tour

Rise for a guided trip into Iguazú National Park, on the other side of the falls. Upon arrival, you'll board a tourist train to Iguazú's tallest waterfall, the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), which drops 260 feet (80 m) into mist-shrouded pools. Disembark and grab some selfies against a backdrop of thundering waterfalls and white spray. Afterward, reboard the train and head to the next station, where you'll take a 2-mile (3 km) walk along wooded footpaths and walkways that bring you closer to the falls and provide a more panoramic view.

Later this afternoon, feel the full force of nature on a 2.5-hour boat ride that takes you right to the base of the falls. Enter the jungle through the Sendero Yacaratiá trail via special transport units until you reach Porto Macuco. Your boat driver will equip everyone with a life jacket and a waterproof bag—you'll need it! Choose your seat and begin the river adventure by weaving your way along the towering canyons of the giant Río Parana. Approach the base of Salto Tres Mosqueteros and prepare yourself for the shower of a lifetime! At the end of this adventurous day, you'll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5: Fly to Ushuaia & Southern Patagonia

Pack your bags once again because, in the morning, you'll transfer to the airport and board a connecting flight deep into Patagonia and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on a bay in the rugged Tierra del Fuego region, 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.

Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, feel free to spend the day relaxing or enjoy a self-guided tour around town. When you're feeling peckish, grab a table at Reinmora, the hotel's gourmet restaurant, which serves delicious classics like succulent Patagonian lamb and decadent centolla (king crab).

Day 6: Tierra del Fuego Off-Road Tour

Today's adventure in Tierra del Fuego takes you on a privately guided journey through the wild and scenic glacial valleys around Ushuaia. After a morning pickup at your hotel, the first stop will be the viewpoint of the picturesque Valle Carbajal (Carbajal Valley). After a quick technical stop at the Villa las Cotorras resort, you'll continue to the legendary Andean mountain pass of Paso Garibaldi, where a panoramic postcard of lakes and peaks awaits you.

Here, you'll hop in a 4WD and descend through the Fuegian forest on rough logging roads carved by the region's first lumberjacks. Stop at the tree-lined Lago Escondido for some traditional Argentine maté (tea) and snacks, then continue to the glacial Lago Fagnano to see the Magallanes Fault. This continental tectonic fault line helped form prehistoric South America. At the end of the morning, you'll head to a small village on the shores of Lago Escondido, where you'll enjoy a homemade lunch before returning to Ushuaia in the afternoon.

Day 7: Trekking & Canoeing Adventure at Lapataia Bay

After breakfast, you'll meet your guide and travel just outside the city to Tierra del Fuego National Park, which covers 242 square miles (626 sq km) of unspoiled Patagonian wilderness. Once here, you and your guide will embark on a full-day excursion that will take you from seaside mountains and freshwater rivers to subantarctic forests and tranquil bays. It begins with a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike on a coastal path that follows the Beagle Channel. This hike offers prime views of the channel along the way, plus the chance to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, including sea lions, seals, and albatrosses.

While hiking, you'll pass the remnants of ancient settlements once occupied by the Yámana Indigenous people. At the end of the three-hour trek, you'll reach Lago Roca and enjoy its stunning views. Here, you can relax and enjoy a hot lunch before embarking on a canoe ride down the Río Lapataia. This waterway leads to your ultimate destination, the spectacular Bahia Lapataia (Lapataia Bay). The bay is located in the Beagle Channel, sitting at the end of Nacional Route No. 3, an extension of the legendary Pan American Highway. From here, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Ushuaia.

Day 8: Fly to El Calafate, Gateway to Los Glaciares 

Return to the airport early for the 1.5-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 settling in, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing or venture out and enjoy the quaint cafés and shops around the city. Another option is to prime yourself with information on the nearby ice floes by visiting the Glaciarium. This multimedia center has an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational info. For those who like to imbibe, it even has a bar made totally of ice.

Day 9: Perito Moreno Glacier Hike

Get ready for a hiking experience unlike any other, as today, you'll be trekking across the surface of Perito Moreno, perhaps the most famous glacier in the world. It begins after breakfast when you hop in a car and transfer west along the lake into Los Glaciares National Park. You'll arrive at a pier, then board a boat for a 20-minute ride to the opposite side of the lake. Greeting you will be awe-inspiring views of the glacier and surrounding forest. 

Next, you'll receive your ice ax, crampons, and other gear. Then, after a safety briefing, it's time to ascend the glacier on a 1.5-hour hike. Not to worry, as this is a perfectly safe activity. More than that, this is the best way to experience the glacier up close, as you'll be treated to views and vantage points regular tourists don't get to see. Plus, it's the thrill of a lifetime traversing deep blue ice crevices and hiking over meltwater streams.

After your expedition, you'll return to the boat for the return journey to the pier. On the way, the boat will cruise near the southern face of Perito Moreno, offering a great vantage point to marvel at its massive ice walls, which reach 230 feet (70 m) in places. Upon returning to the pier, you'll have time to stroll on the boardwalks in front of the glacier and snap pics at different viewpoints. Later, hop in a vehicle for the transfer back to your hotel in El Calafate.

Day 10: Boat, Glacier & Estancia Tour

More memorable Patagonia adventures are in store today. After an early breakfast at your hotel, a driver will pick you up from your 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, you'll 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. A visit to the Folkloric Museum here (located in an old sheepshearing shed) offers insight into the history of the estancia.

The surrounding scenery is gorgeous, too, as all around are panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers, glassy lakes, and ancient glaciers. After a scenic hike around the property, you'll transfer back to El Calafate in the late afternoon.

Day 11: Transfer to Puerto Natales (Chile), Gateway to Torres del Paine

After breakfast, you'll board a bus for the six-hour transfer south out of Argentina and into Chile and Puerto Natales. This small port city on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) is famous as a base for nature excursions in 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 circuit treks. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and can relax as you prepare for tomorrow's adventure in Torres del Paine.

Day 12: Milodón Caves & Torres del Paine National Park

Set out on an action-packed day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO-listed gem that's one of Chile's most-visited parks. After a pickup at your hotel, your first stop will be near the park at the Milodón Cave. In 1895, an explorer found fragments of a giant mylodon here—an extinct bear-like creature from 10,000 years ago (there's a replica of the giant mylodon in the cave). En route, you can also snap pics of the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair) rock formation nearby.

Once you've looked around the cave, continue north along the road to Torres del Paine National Park to reach Lago Grey, where you can walk to the scenic viewpoint. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head to the park's Salto Grande sector, where the beautiful Lago Nordenskjöld and thundering Paine Waterfall await. On the way back to Puerto Natales, stop at the Lago Sarmiento viewpoint to grab some epic photos with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

Day 13: Day Trip to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers

Embark on another boat tour today, this time to glaciers in Chilean Patagonia. After breakfast, transfer to the pier in Puerto Natales and board a boat for a ride along the Señoret Channel—keep your eyes peeled for toninas (Chilean dolphins) along the way. One highlight is when you pass Estancia La Península, home to a population of cormorants (aquatic seabirds). The trip continues to Punta de Lobos and a nearby waterfall and cliffs, where you might spot condors flying overhead.

The next point on the route is Mount Balmaceda, which rises nearly 7,000 feet (2,000 m), where you'll see the glacier of the same name. Disembark at Puerto Toro and walk the shores of Laguna Témpanos, hiking through the native forests toward the nearby Serrano Glacier. Then, visit a local ranch to enjoy a typical Chilean lunch before returning to the boat and transferring back to Puerto Natales. 

Day 14: Fly to Santiago, Free Time in the Chilean Capital

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Puerto Natales and board a 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. You'll have the rest of the day free to relax.

Day 15: Day Trip to Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

In the morning, meet your driver for the transfer an hour west of Santiago to the Casablanca Valley. This fertile region near the Pacific coast is ideal for grape growing, as the sea breezes come in from offshore and provide the perfect weather conditions for the fruit to thrive. After a bit of time among the vineyards, continue to the coast and the historic port city of Valparaíso.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful hillside neighborhoods, winding stairways, and abundant street art. It's a well-preserved snapshot of a time when electric trolleys coasted through downtown in front of Art Nouveau buildings. On a tour, you'll visit famous landmarks, such as Plaza de la Victoria and the Naval Academy, and ride a funicular elevator up into the hills to enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific. A real highlight is the former home of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda.

Later, you'll drive a short way to the adjacent town of Viña del Mar, which couldn't be more different in style than its neighbor. Whereas Valparaíso is a retro artistic haven, Viña is a modern seaside hotspot with sleek shopping centers and upscale restaurants. You'll pass some interesting heritage buildings on your way to the golden sands of Playa Reñaca, a popular beach destination for tourists and locals. Here, you can grab a bite to eat at a seaside restaurant before returning to Santiago.

Day 16: Explore Santiago, Depart 

The fun isn't over yet! Leave after breakfast on a guided city tour of Santiago's highlights. Begin 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. At the end of the three-hour tour, you'll meet your driver and transfer to the airport, where your flight home awaits. Until next time!

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