Marvel at the stunning spectacle of the pristine Patagonian wilderness as you stroll among Magellanic penguins, explore rugged Torres del Paine National Park and view the astonishing Perito Moreno Glacier on an exhilarating adventure at the ends of the earth.
Day 1 - Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s vibrant capital, and
transfer to your hotel. Relax or explore the neighborhood
on your own before gathering for a welcome dinner served
family style.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires
Explore Buenos Aires in the company of your expert
Resident Tour Director. Visit the Plaza de Mayo, pass
through the San Telmo neighborhood, continue to La Boca
and walk along Caminito Street. After a light lunch, fly
south to Ushuaia, set in magnificent Tierra del Fuego at the remote tip of South America. Tonight, enjoy dinner
at the hotel, with a view of the city and Beagle Channel.
Day 3 - Ushuaia
Drive to Estancia Harberton, the oldest estancia (farm)
in Tierra del Fuego and an Argentine National Historical
Monument. Embark on a private cruise to Martillo Island
to walk among a teeming rookery of Magellanic penguins
before continuing to Gable Island, in the middle of the
Beagle Channel, for lunch. Relax and embrace the solitude
of its remote, primal landscape, where wind, waves and birds
make the only sounds. Later, cruise back to the estancia, and
return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 4 - El Calafate
Fly to El Calafate to experience Patagonian rural life in this
rustic town with well-kept gardens and pretty homes. Later
this afternoon, experience over 100 years of history during
a visit to an authentic ranch. Watch sheep shearing and
herding, and hike or Ride Like a Local on horseback along
the pristine banks of Argentino Lake. Admire the stunning
Patagonian landscapes during a relaxing Scenic Sundowner;
dine tonight on lamb grilled the traditional Patagonian way.
Day 5 - El Calafate
Start the day cruising to Argentino Lake’s Seno Mayo, stopping along the way for an interpretive walk in the Andean Patagonian forest and getting up close to limestone rock formations and majestic landscapes. Continue to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few remaining advancing glaciers in the world. Hike at your own pace and ability along the seven walkways located at different heights and distances from the glacier, taking in magnificent views of the glacier’s northern and southern faces. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 6 - Puerto Natales, Chile
Journey to Puerto Natales, where, after a late lunch, you
will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Opened in
1940 and honored as a National Heritage site, the Singular
Patagonia was once a cold-storage plant. Today it features
an industrial museum on site and offers a wide range of expeditions and activities, such as horseback riding, trekking
and mountain biking. Choose your preferred mode of
exploration and experience this incredible location on your
own terms.
Day 7 - Puerto Natales
Today, discover the magnificent wilderness of Torres del
Paine National Park, again selecting from available activities
— with opportunities to explore fjords, mountains, glaciers,
forests and ranches — all with varying grades of difficulty
and duration. This park was created by tectonic movements; its rugged landscapes were sculpted during the ice ages, and
the motion of glaciers has continued to reshape them. A
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is renowned for its
otherworldly landscape of granite spires, ice and deserted
pampas. See firsthand the serrated ridges and spires of the
Torres del Paine mountains. Watch closely as you scan the
peaks and you might pick out a soaring Andean condor
riding an updraft. Tonight, on a private, interactive Chef’s
Table experience, join a chef as he prepares barbecue and
explains his distinctive preparation for this traditional meal,
savoring the result for dinner. Later, unwind in your room
or marvel at the Patagonian night sky, awash with countless
pinpoints of starlight.
Day 8 - Puerto Natales
Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Cruise the Patagonian Fjords to Two Glaciers (weather
permitting), witnessing their majesty and power up close.
Ride Horseback at Puerto Consuelo, the first ranch in the
region, and roam through the surrounding landscapes.
Trek to Condor Lookout on Mount Benitez, viewing rock paintings en route and watching condors in flight.
Additional activity options are also available. Tonight, join
your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a farewell
dinner with superb Chilean wines.
Day 9 - Santiago
After a leisurely morning, fly to Santiago, capital of Chile, a
vibrant city set against the backdrop of the Andes that sits
some 2,000 feet above sea level in Chile’s Central Valley and
is surrounded by a ring of spectacular mountain peaks. Your
hotel is strategically located in Santiago’s most prestigious
and refined neighborhood, El Golf.
Day 10 - Depart Santiago
Explore Santiago during a morning tour of city highlights, including the Palacio de La Moneda (presidential palace) and the Plaza de Armas, with its impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and Central Post Office. Ride by cable car up San Cristóbal Hill to behold the stunning statue of the Virgin Mary and take in expansive views of Santiago. Relax this afternoon, with late access to your room, before transferring to the airport for your departing flight.