Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Santiago
On this 11-day group tour, explore Buenos Aires’ vibrant districts and iconic landmarks, enjoy a tango show, and marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. Experience the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, including breathtaking viewpoints and the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument. The tour includes a scenic boat ride through the Patagonian fjords and a hike to the impressive Serrano Glacier. The adventure ends in Santiago with guided sightseeing of the Chilean capital.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Buenos Aires!
Day 1 Welcome to Buenos Aires!
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be transferred from the airport to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Buenos Aires or relax before the start of our tour.
Tour Style: This tour is made up of a selection of excursions and activities, with transportation and a choice of standard or superior accommodation. You will have different bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guides for each excursion. Some excursions are on a shared basis, meaning you will be joined by travellers from outside of the group and the group size may exceed 16. Please note: Internal flights are not included in the cost of the tour but we can book these for you on request.
Day 2 Buenos Aires city tour & Tango show
Day 2 Buenos Aires city tour & Tango show
After breakfast, we will explore the Argentinean capital on a half-day guided tour, starting with the elegant districts of Recoleta and Palermo, known for their tree-lined avenues, boutiques, and grand parks. We'll see Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of the city, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as the impressive Colon Opera House and Palace of Congress.
Next, we’ll visit the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, with its cobbled streets and antique markets, before heading to Caminito Street in La Boca, famous for its colourful houses and artistic vibe. Our tour finishes at the vibrant Puerto Madero waterfront, known for its modern culinary scene. Lunch is included after our tour and the afternoon is at leisure for you to further explore Buenos Aires - you will need to make your own way back to the hotel.
Tonight, we enjoy an included Tango show with dinner and drinks. We'll experience an unforgettable evening, with live tango music, a 15-artist performance, and the finest Argentine cuisine, all set in an early 20th-century house.
Day 3 Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Day 3 Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Buenos Aires - El Calafate. This morning after breakfast, we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport for our domestic flight to El Calafate. This flight is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information.
On arrival in El Calafate airport, there is an included transfer to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4 Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 4 Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast this morning, we will travel to the Perito Moreno Glacier, located 80 km from El Calafate. It is one of the largest glaciers and the only one in the world still advancing. It is the main attraction of Los Glaciares National Park, a 600,000-hectare protected area covered by an ice sheet.
Our journey begins in the Patagonian Andean forest, with a first stop at "Curva de los Suspiros" (Curve of Sighs) for a breathtaking view of this natural wonder. As we approach, we will walk down the catwalks to admire the glacier from various panoramic viewpoints. Up close, we’ll see ice blocks break off and crash into the water, forming beautiful ice floes in Lago Argentino.
After visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, we enjoy an included boat tour, to get even closer to the glacier. We will depart from the port at Bajo de las Sombras Bay, located 7 km from the glacier’s catwalks, and sail towards the southern side of the glacier. Along the way, we will observe ice blocks breaking off from the main glacier and will stop 300 metres from the southern wall of the glacier to admire its immense beauty.
Tonight is spent at our hotel in El Calafate.
Day 5 El Calafate at leisure
Day 5 El Calafate at leisure
Today is at leisure in El Calafate. You could spend the day exploring Laguna Nimez Reserve or browsing the local markets. Alternatively, book one of our optional excursions.
3-hour Nativo Experience with lunch or dinner (requires 2 passengers)
Embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure through the Lake Argentino region. Starting at the lake’s shores, our guide will unveil the secrets of the local flora, glaciology, and geology. Marvel at panoramic views from the Punta Bonita Cliffs, explore ancient rock art at an archaeological site, and finish with a unique cave dining experience.
8-hour All Glaciers Navigation
Starting from Punta Bandera Port, 47 km from El Calafate, this 8-hour adventure begins with a sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino. We’ll pass through the Devil’s Mouth funnel into the Upsala Canal, navigating around icebergs from the Upsala Glacier, and continue to the Spegazzini Canal to view the Dry Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers.
At Spegazzini Base, we’ll follow a 300-metre forest path with viewpoints of Los Glaciares Bay, leading to the Spegazzini Refuge for lunch and scenic views. For a more challenging option, a medium-difficulty mountain trail offers a trek through wooded paths with natural viewpoints.
We spend another night at our hotel in El Calafate.
Day 6 Bus to Puerto Natales
Day 6 Bus to Puerto Natales
El Calafate - Puerto Natales (Chile). This morning after breakfast, we will take a transfer from the hotel to the Calafate bus station. From there, we will travel by bus to Puerto Natales, Chile.
Upon arrival, a private transfer will take us from the Puerto Natales bus station to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to explore or relax at your leisure.
Day 7 Torres del Paine National Park and Milodon cave
Day 7 Torres del Paine National Park and Milodon cave
After breakfast this morning, we will explore two of the most remarkable natural attractions in Chile: Torres del Paine and Milodon. Setting off from Puerto Natales, we will have the chance to experience forests, glacial valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, and, if the weather is on our side, spot condors along the way.
We will make a stop at the Sarmiento Lake viewpoint, offering a perfect opportunity to capture panoramic photos of the Torres del Paine Mountain range, the southern tip of the Andes, and Sarmiento Lake. Another breathtaking view can be enjoyed at the Laguna Amarga viewpoint, a favourite spot for flamingos.
Once inside Torres del Paine National Park, we’ll visit several viewpoints, including those at Lake Nordenskjold, Salto Grande, Pehoe, Puente Weber, and Rio Paine. At Lago Grey, we’ll have time to explore the area on foot. After leaving the park, we will stop at the Grey viewpoint to take in the grandeur of the mountains, the vast expanse of Lake Toro, and, if the weather allows, we will be able to catch a glimpse of the Grey Glacier.
Our day will conclude with a visit to the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument, where we’ll be captivated by the unique local flora and fauna, as well as the caves and the striking rock formation known as the Silla del Diablo. Our tour ends back in Puerto Natales.
Day 8 Balmaceda & Serrano boat tour
Day 8 Balmaceda & Serrano boat tour
Today is spent on a 9-hour excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, beginning with a boat tour. Setting sail, we enter the Senoret Channel as we make our way towards Guanaco Island. We hope to spot Magellanic dolphins, condors and cormorants as we cruise. At each point of interest, the boat will stop, allowing us to take in the scenery and its attractions.
We continue to Mount Balmaceda, standing at 2,035 metres, where we can admire the glacier of the same name. We disembark at Puerto Toro to start a one-hour round trip hike along the shore of the Tempanos Lagoon towards the Serrano Glacier, accompanied by our guide.
Our return journey starts with a visit to an estancia (cattle ranch), where we will enjoy a traditional Creole lunch. Then we complete our journey back to Puerto Natales for a well-earned rest.
Day 9 Puerto Natales to Santiago
Day 9 Puerto Natales to Santiago
Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago. Today you will be transferred by bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. This flight is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.
On arrival in Santiago, there is an included transfer to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 10 Santiago sightseeing
Day 10 Santiago sightseeing
This morning we embark on a half-day walking tour of Santiago. We begin by boarding the subway and exploring some of the most picturesque stations. For instance, the “Universidad de Chile” station is decorated with a mural by a local artist and is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world.
We visit a local market to appreciate Chile’s coastal bounty, reflected in its fish and shellfish, as well as its diverse array of fruits and vegetables. Continuing our walk through Santiago’s downtown, we will reach the Plaza de Armas main square, home to stunning architecture that adorns every corner of the city. During our tour we will also find time to sample local snacks such as empanadas and drinks made from local fruits.
Finally, we explore the Bellavista neighbourhood, known for its charming and colourful streets. After our tour, you can either further explore the city on your own (we recommend a visit to Cerro San Cristobal) or return to the hotel independently.
Today also offers an optional afternoon excursion to Cousino Macul Vineyards.
Half Day Cousino Macul
Cousino Macul is Santiago’s only vineyard, with a history dating back to 1856. Situated in the scenic Pirque Valley, just 45 minutes from the city, its historic main cellar, built in 1870, features a natural ventilation system maintaining a steady 14°C and 75% humidity. We will tour the old cellars with a guide, explore the evolution from 19th-century techniques to modern sustainable practices, and taste three local red wines: Varietal, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
Day 11 Goodbye Santiago!
Day 11 Goodbye Santiago!
Our tour ends after breakfast with hotel check out and an included transfer to the airport in Santiago.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
These elegant apartments and studios are situated on the edge of Buenos Aires' Central Business District, just a 3-minute walk from General San Martín metro station. The minimalist accommodations include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and kitchens or kitchenettes, along with tea and coffee makers, and sitting areas with tables. A breakfast buffet is offered in a simple dining room with wooden floors. Additional amenities include a conference and business centre, as well as a guest laundry facility.
Located on a quiet, residential street 1 km from the Ruta Provincial 11 motorway, this relaxed hotel is 3 km from Argentino Lake, 7 km from the Glaciarium museum, and 20 km from Comandante Armando Tola International Airport. The casual rooms, decorated in earthy tones with weathered-wood furniture, offer free internet access and cable TV, with room service available. Amenities include a rustic, country-style restaurant and bar with a stone fireplace and wood-beamed ceilings, as well as a guest lounge featuring a fireplace.
The Vendaval hotel’s design revolves around an antique house of brick typical of Patagonian architecture and is conveniently located in the principal gastronomic neighbourhood in downtown Puerto Natales, a few blocks away from the waterfront and the main square. Guest rooms are contemporary in style, offering soft, comfortable beds with quality mattresses and and are ideal after a day outdoors. Guests will find a cosy bar and terrace protected from the wind on the 4th floor. A great spot to sit back and relax after an adventurous day exploring the Patagonian wilderness.
Hotel Capital Bellet is ideally situated in Santiago's Providencia district, 2 km from Costanera Center, 3 km from La Chascona, and 3.4 km from Santa Lucia Hill. The 3-star hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box, bed linen, and towels. The hotel, which is non-smoking, offers a restaurant, as well as chic, modern rooms in a relaxed atmosphere. Additional amenities include a meeting room. Santiago Cable Car is 4.2 km away, and Parque Bicentenario is 4.5 km from the property, with Santiago International Airport 20 km away.
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