Welcome to Argentina. Your expedition begins in Buenos Aires, a city where the air is thick with the scent of grilled asado and the sound of distant violins. You will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in before meeting your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers. This evening, immerse yourself in the soul of the city at an intimate and immersive tango performance. Soak in the history and cultural significance of this passionate dance before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to toast the beginning of your Patagonian exploration.
Buenos Aires reveals its layered identity today, beginning in the grand tree-lined streets of Recoleta before moving through the political heart of the city — past the iconic obelisk and Plaza de Mayo — to the cobblestones of San Telmo and the vivid murals of La Boca. The afternoon takes an unexpected turn across the Riachuelo River via the historic 1914 transporter bridge to the Isla Maciel community, where local guides share a side of the city that few visitors ever encounter. Vibrant street art, empanadas, and the ritual of mate (a traditional tea) tell a story of resilience and identity that no museum could replicate. The remainder of the day is yours to savour the European-influenced elegance of the capital at your own pace.
Leave the bustle of the capital behind and fly deep into the heart of southern Patagonia. Arrive in El Calafate, a gateway city nestled on the shores of the milky-blue Lago Argentino. As evening falls, enjoy a rare opportunity to meet with a local glaciologist. Gain a scientific perspective on the massive ice fields that define this region and learn how these geographic giants shape the landscape. Continue the immersion with a visit to the Glaciarium Museum, where high-tech displays bring the history of the glaciers to life. The evening is free to enjoy on your own.
Prepare for an encounter with one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacier. Stand on the boardwalks and feel the chill radiating from the ice as you listen for the "white thunder"—the crack and roar of massive shards calving into the water below. Wander the various viewpoints to see the jagged blue walls from every angle, with the opportunity to take an optional boat ride to approach the towering ice face. After a morning in the presence of this frozen giant, return to El Calafate for a free afternoon. Tonight, gather for a traditional Patagonian feast at a local restaurant, celebrating the flavours of the region.
Board a boat for a full-day navigation of Lago Argentino, where the water is a brilliant turquoise fed by ancient ice. Sail past the towering Spegazzini, Heim, and Peineta glaciers, surrounded by the dramatic silhouettes of the Patagonian mountains. In the comfort of the Captain’s Club, enjoy preferential seating and the insights of a local guide as you glide past icebergs. Step ashore for a walk through an old-growth forest trail at Bahía de los Glaciares, leading to a panoramic refuge for a spectacular lunch at the base of the glacier. Return to El Calafate for an evening at leisure.
Journey across the vast pampa, watching the horizon for guanacos and rheas as you cross the border into Chile. Arrive at your lodge situated at the southern limit of Torres del Paine National Park, a pristine wilderness and sanctuary of granite towers, azure lakes, and golden grasslands. Upon arrival, meet with a local guide to learn about the unique natural history and geology of the park as well as the various ways to discover it. Settle into your room as the twilight turns the famous granite "horns" deep shades of purple and orange. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, preparing for a full immersion into one of the world's most spectacular landscapes.
Today is yours to explore the jagged beauty of Torres del Paine where you can choose one of a variety of included activities. If you are looking for active options, join a guided walk to the Cuernos viewpoint for a staggering look at the park’s central massif, or wander the Aonikenk Trail in search of local wildlife and ancient cave paintings. Alternatively, take a full-day panoramic vehicle tour to reach the park’s most hidden corners, or board a boat to witness the sheer grey walls of the Grey Glacier. This evening gather back together in the warmth of the lodge to share stories of the day over a delectable meal.
A transfer to Puerto Natales, precedes the flight north to Santiago, a city that feels like a different world entirely: sophisticated, sun-drenched, and framed by the snow-capped Andes. This evening, the expedition concludes as it began, around a shared table, with a farewell dinner that traces the journey from the tango halls of Buenos Aires to the wind-scoured edges of Patagonia — and everything extraordinary in between.
Your expedition to Chile and Argentina concludes today. In the morning, enjoy a guided panoramic city tour of Santiago to see the historic Moneda Palace, the bustling Plaza de Armas, and the green slopes of Cerro Santa Lucia. Take a final look at the snow-capped Andes that have been your constant companion throughout the journey. The tour ends back at the hotel, where airport transfers are provided throughout the day for your departure back home.
