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Heart of Patagonia - Classic Group

12 daysArgentina, Chile

Travel through South America on this Patagonia guided tour, crossing Chile and Argentina to experience one of the world’s most remote and striking regions. Visit Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, cruise past towering icebergs and walk beneath the peaks of the Andes. Learn about traditional ranch life at an estancia, meet a glacier expert and discover how climate change is shaping the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Along the way, explore Santiago and Buenos Aires, gaining insight into the political and cultural histories of South America’s southern capitals.

Length
12 days
Route
Santiago to Buenos Aires
Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Style
Regional

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Highlights

  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Top-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants
  • 4 & 5-star stays
  • Deluxe coach travel and select flights

Itinerary

  1. SantiagoDays 1–2
  2. Puerto NatalesDays 3–4
  3. Torres del Paine National ParkDays 5–6
  4. El CalafateDays 7–9
  5. Buenos AiresDays 10–12
Day 1Touchdown in ChileSantiago

Welcome to Santiago, Chile’s cosmopolitan capital framed by the snow-capped Andes and the Pacific coast. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, settle in, and meet your Travel Director and fellow guests. Enjoy a relaxed dinner together, it’s a chance to get to know your travelling companions and look ahead to the experiences that await.

  • Dinner in Santiago

Meals: Dinner

Stay: NOI Vitacura, Santiago, Santiago

Day 2Sights of SantiagoSantiago

Explore Santiago with your Local Expert, uncovering stories etched into its neoclassical landmarks. Admire the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, a symbol of colonial endurance, and browse the bustling Central Market, renowned for its ironwork and seafood heritage. Take in panoramic views from San Cristóbal Hill, once sacred to the Mapuche and now watched over by the Virgin Mary statue. At Pueblito Los Dominicos, meet artisans from southern Chile who transform horsehair into traditional crafts inspired by the nation’s heritage on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience. Learn about their techniques, try your hand at the delicate weaving process and support a community keeping this rare tradition alive.

  • Santiago City Tour with Local Expert
  • Visit Pueblito Los Dominicos

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: NOI Vitacura, Santiago, Santiago

Day 3On to Puerto NatalesSantiago · Puerto Natales

Fly south to Punta Arenas, a historic port once vital to Antarctic exploration. From here, journey across the windswept Patagonian steppe to Puerto Natales, a quiet frontier town on the fjord-like Seno Última Esperanza. With its glacier-fed waters and distant granite peaks, this remote outpost offers your first glimpse of Patagonia’s awe-inspiring scale and solitude.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales, Puerto Natales

Day 4Última Esperanza FjordPuerto Natales

Cross the waters of Última Esperanza Fjord by boat, arriving at Estancia La Península: a working Patagonian ranch set amidst breathtaking southern scenery. You're welcomed with traditional sopaipillas, crispy fried pumpkin dough, served with homemade jam before choosing your own way to explore the landscape. Ride horseback along trails once used by gauchos or join a guided hike through wetlands and evergreen forest, rich in birdlife and native flora. Later, gather for a slow-roasted lamb barbecue, then watch skilled sheepdogs at work and learn about shearing techniques that have shaped rural life in Patagonia for generations.

  • Estancia La Peninsula
  • Horseback Riding
  • Patagonia Hike

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales, Puerto Natales

Day 5Puerto Natales to Torres del PaineTorres del Paine National Park

Journey through the Patagonian steppe toward Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where granite peaks, glacial rivers and sweeping plains define the landscape. As you arrive at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, the scenery shifts to towering spires and wind-brushed grasslands. You may wish to discover the traditions of Patagonian horsemen, whose bond with the land and their horses is central to life in the south, or explore the hotel’s organic gardens and learn how sustainable practices support the fragile local ecosystem. Both experiences offer a unique window into the spirit of Patagonia.

  • Torres del Paine National Park Scenic Drive
  • Patagonian Cultural Experience
  • Tour Reserva Cerro Paine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Torres del Paine National Park

Sightseeing Torres Del Paine, Chile
Day 6Torres del Paine National ParkTorres del Paine National Park

Explore the contrasting landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Visit panoramic lookouts at Puente Negro, Nordenskjöld, Sarmiento and Lake Pehoé, and witness the force of Salto Grande waterfall. Learn how the park’s unique geology and ecosystems have evolved over millennia. Pause for a gourmet al fresco lunch set against jagged peaks and open steppe. Later, follow the trail along the southern shore of Lago Grey, where calving icebergs drift from the glacier into the lake. In the evening, gather for dinner and reflect on a day immersed in Patagonia’s raw, elemental beauty.

  • Visit Torres del Paine National Park
  • Dinner in Torres del Paine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Torres del Paine National Park

National Park Torres Del Paine Chile
Day 7El Calafate and Los Glaciares National ParkTorres del Paine National Park · El Calafate

Travel across the vast Patagonian landscapes as you journey from Chile into Argentina, heading toward the frontier town of El Calafate. Named after the native Calafate berry – a small, dark blue fruit said to ensure your return to Patagonia – this town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Along the way, watch the scenery shift from windswept steppe to glacial lakes and rolling hills, revealing the scale and solitude that define this southern region. With the Andes behind you and new landscapes ahead, the journey offers a striking transition between two of South America’s most remarkable wildernesses.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Posada Los Alamos, El Calafate, El Calafate

Main Avenue Of El Calafate Argentina
Day 8Glaciers of PatagoniaEl Calafate

Set out on a full-day exploration of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of Patagonia’s most iconic ice fields. Cruise across Argentino Lake, passing massive icebergs en route to the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in South America. Continue through the Spegazzini Channel to view its towering namesake glacier, the park’s tallest. Disembark at Puesto de las Vacas for a guided nature walk with your Travel Director through native lenga forest, offering a chance to learn about the region’s unique ecology. Enjoy a scenic lunch aboard the boat before approaching the dramatic northern face of Perito Moreno Glacier – a constantly evolving wall of ice that captivates with its scale and presence.

  • Los Glaciares National Park Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: Posada Los Alamos, El Calafate, El Calafate

Glacier 2 El Calafate Argentina
Day 9Perito Moreno GlacierEl Calafate

Today offers a closer look at Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonder – the Perito Moreno Glacier. Begin with panoramic views from the boardwalks, where the 30-kilometre-long glacier spills into Lake Argentino. Observe the shifting ice and, if lucky, witness a calving event. Later, visit the Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum, where interactive exhibits, audiovisual displays and scientific models explore the formation, movement and future of these ancient ice masses. Gain a deeper understanding of glacial systems and their role in the region during a talk with a local glacier expert, who shares insights on climate change and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

  • Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Meet a Glacier Expert
  • Visit Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Posada Los Alamos, El Calafate, El Calafate

El Calafate Argentina
Day 10Off to Buenos AiresEl Calafate · Buenos Aires

Fly north from the wilds of Patagonia to Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires. As you leave behind the glaciers and open steppe, the landscape shifts to leafy boulevards, grand architecture and the energetic rhythms of city life – a striking contrast that highlights the diversity of Argentina’s cultural and natural landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: MGallery Palladio Hotel, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Sightseeing Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 11Explore Buenos AiresBuenos Aires

Take a deep dive into Buenos Aires on a city tour that reveals the capital’s layered history and cultural contrasts. Travel along Avenida 9 de Julio past the Teatro Colón, then visit Plaza de Mayo and see Casa Rosada before stepping inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, resting place of independence hero General San Martín. Continue to the colourful streets of La Boca, then head north through Palermo to Recoleta, where the cemetery’s elaborate mausoleums house notable figures including Eva Perón. This evening, gather with your Travel Director and fellow guests for a farewell dinner at El Viejo Almacén in San Telmo. Enjoy traditional cuisine and an evocative tango show in one of the city’s most iconic venues – a fitting finale to your South American adventure.

  • Buenos Aires City Tour
  • Tango and Dinner Show

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: MGallery Palladio Hotel, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Return to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Day 12Depart Buenos AiresBuenos Aires

Your journey comes to an end as you bid farewell to your Travel Director and fellow guests before your transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Walking Tour To Avenida Corrientes, Beunos Aires, Argentina

Hotels

Santiago, Chile

2 nights

NOI Vitacura, Santiago

Contemporary

Set in the upscale Vitacura district, NOI Vitacura offers sleek, contemporary comfort with views of the Andes. Close to art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the hotel features a rooftop pool, spa and refined design – a sophisticated base for exploring Chile’s capital.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Room Service, Spa, Gym

Room Air Conditioning, Mini fridge, Bathrobes and Slippers, Telephone, TV, Mini Bar

Puerto Natales, Chile

2 nights

Remota Patagonia Lodge, Puerto Natales

TripAdvisor 4.5Contemporary

Remota Patagonia Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge situated near Puerto Natales, Chile, overlooking the Última Esperanza Fjord. Designed by renowned Chilean architect Germán del Sol, the lodge seamlessly integrates with the Patagonian landscape, drawing inspiration from traditional sheep shearing sheds. Its sustainable architecture features grass-covered roofs and expansive windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, fjords, and glaciers.

Hotel and room features

Room Iron & ironing board, Bathrobes and Slippers, Wi-Fi

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

2 nights

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

TripAdvisor 4.5Traditional

Nestled at the foot of the Torres del Paine massif, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia offers unmatched access to the national park’s iconic trails. With rustic-chic rooms, on-site stables and an organic garden, the hotel blends sustainability and tradition in a dramatic setting deep within the Patagonian wilderness.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Spa, Bar, Room Service

Room Safe, Telephone, Wi-Fi

El Calafate, Argentina

3 nights

Posada Los Alamos, El Calafate

Traditional

Hotel Posada Los Álamos is a distinguished 4-star hotel situated in the heart of El Calafate, Argentina. Established in 1983, it offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal retreat for travelers exploring Patagonia.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym

Room TV, Safe, Telephone, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi

Buenos Aires, Argentina

2 nights

MGallery Palladio Hotel, Buenos Aires

Hotel

Set in Recoleta, this elegant retreat blends historic charm with contemporary design. Enjoy spacious rooms, unwind at the serene spa or savour Mediterranean flavours at Negresco Bistro – all just steps from the city’s grand architecture and cultural gems.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Gym, Pool, Restaurant, Room Service, Laundry, Concierge

Room Air Conditioning, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini Bar, TV, Telephone, Safe, Wi-Fi

What’s included

Optional experiences
  • Dinner at Fogón Asado

    2 hours

    $152

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$7,695

Choose a departure