Experience the bold beauty of Patagonia on this adventure through southern Argentina and Chile. Discover the region's majestic Andes mountains, glistening glaciers, and cascading waterfalls in Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego national parks. Enjoy European-style villages such as San Carlos de Bariloche which are set against a backdrop of Alpine scenery, the colorful traditions of gauchos on horseback, and couples dancing to the drama of the tango. Join us on this new journey to experience the natural and cultural heritage of this unique region in South America.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Overnight Flight - Experience the beauty of Patagonia on this adventure through southern Argentina and Chile. Discover the region’s majestic Andes Mountains, glistening glaciers and cascading waterfalls as well as the colorful traditions of gauchos on horseback and couples dancing to the drama of the tango.
Day #2 Buenos Aires, Argentina - Your tour begins in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires. European architecture, wide boulevards, and charming sidewalk cafes have earned it a reputation as the “Paris of South America.” This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before a special welcome dinner.
Day #3 Buenos Aires - Venture into the Argentine countryside and visit a typical estancia (ranch), where gauchos demonstrate their impressive horsemanship. Enjoy a true taste of Argentina with a delicious asado, a traditional meal, accompanied by typical gaucho music.
Day #4 Buenos Aires - San Carlos de Bariloche - Fly south to the beautiful city of San Carlos de Bariloche, nestled at the foot of the Andes. Glacial blue Lago Nahuel Huapi laps at its shores, snow-covered mountains dominate the horizon, and charming European architecture envelopes you.
Day #5 San Carlos de Bariloche - Today is yours to explore beautiful Bariloche independently. You may choose to indulge in the region’s famous chocolate or take a stroll along the scenic lake.
Day #6 Bariloche - Puerto Varas, Chile - The dramatic and renowned Lake Crossing awaits you today as you travel from Argentina to southern Chile on a series of lake cruises. Your adventure ends in the quaint lakeside village of Puerto Varas.
Day #7 Puerto Varas - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales - Travel this morning to the city of Punta Arenas, located on Chile's Strait of Magellan, once a main stop for sailors rounding Cape Horn. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Punta Arenas and visit a fascinating museum highlighting the Magellanic region’s unique history. Delight in a visit to the Seno Otway penguin colony for up-close views of the amusing Magellanic penguins before journeying through the Patagonian wilderness to the city of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and some of the world's most incredible natural scenery.
Day #8 Torres del Paine National Park - Puerto Natales - At Milodon Cave, view the encased figure of a milodon, a mysterious prehistoric animal believed to have once lived in this area. Then travel into the majestic Torres del Paine National Park and drive along the banks of lakes Figueroa and Sarmiento.
Day #9 Puerto Natales - El Calafate, Argentina - Travel through the heart of Patagonia today and cross back into Argentina as you approach El Calafate, gateway to the glaciers. Your lakeside hotel offers sweeping views of Lake Argentino.
Day #10 Lake Argentino - Perito Moreno Glacier - El Calafate - Experience the beautiful Brazo Rico shoreline of Lake Argentino en route to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. With a wall of ice over 60 feet high, Perito Moreno is the only continually advancing glacier in the world.
Day #11 El Calafate - Ushuaia - Depart El Calafate and journey to Ushuaia, “the world's southern-most city,” where the afternoon is at leisure. This evening experience a home-hosted dinner with a local Fuegon family. Rest tonight at your hotel overlooking the Beagle Channel.
Day #12 Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Ushuaia - Enter beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park. Visit La Roca, the idyllic wooded forests of the park, followed by a spectacular sightseeing cruise of the Beagle Channel, home to sea lions and cormorants.
Day #13 Ushuaia - Buenos Aires - Return to lively Buenos Aires for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, dine on typical Argentine fare and experience the passion and artistry of an authentic tango show!
Day #14 Buenos Aires - Tour Concludes - Your tour ends today in Buenos Aires.