Overview of Your Full Patagonia Tour
This tour travels from one extreme of Argentina Patagonia to the other. You’ll experience the idyllic forested surroundings of Northern Patagonia’s pristine Lake District to the continent’s southern tip of Tierra del Fuego. Traveling through some of the most famous national parks of Argentina Patagonia, Nahuel Huapi, Los Glaciares and Tierra del Fuego, you’ll find wildlife galore, including the species everyone on Patagonia tours longs to see, the Magellanic penguin. Here you’ll gain a first-hand perspective on the history of man’s attempts to tame Patagonia. If three weeks of Patagonia hiking, kayaking and rafting in ancient forests sound like bliss, this is your Patagonia adventure tour.
Trip Features
- 22 Days
- Starting at $12,320 per person
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PHYSICAL RATING
Difficult -
ACTIVITIES
Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife -
HIGHLIGHTS
Tierra del Fuego, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park, Bariloche, Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Osorno Volcano
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Arrive Buenos Aires – 2 Hour Walking Tour
Buenos Aires is a city for walkers. Whether you wish to learn about its engrossing history or just soak up the atmosphere, there is a walking tour here to match your interests.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, a Southern Explorations guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. From your hotel, your guide will accompany you by taxi to reach the neighborhood of your choice and then show you the highlights. Safe, flat, and fascinating, these neighborhoods, traveled on foot, will make a memorable component to your Argentina tour.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the many sights and sounds of this sophisticated metropolis.
Transfer to the Buenos Aires airport to fly to Trelew, a former Welsh settlement. Upon arrival you’ll have time for a cup of tea in Gaiman, another Welsh settlement, known for its replicas of famous murals and a park featuring sculpture made of junk. After, head to Puerto Madryn and settle in for the evening. (B)
Spend the day observing the vast array of wildlife that Patagonia tours have to offer. This area of important reserves and rookeries is home to guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonia foxes, hairy armadillos, and Patagonian hares. The protected portions of the peninsula support large colonies of South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals. Magellanic penguins also inhabit this region along with oyster catchers, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, cormorants, and other seabirds. Seeing so many different wildlife species makes this experience one of our most popular Patagonia day tours. (B, L)
Whale Watching Upgrade (contact us for price): From July to mid-December, you may opt to board a zodiac boat to see the southern right whale up close during its breeding season.
This morning you’ll drive to Punta Tombo Reserve, the most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in the world, on the bank of Rio Chubut. Here a declining population of the species, still numbering over 300,000, return in early September and stay until the chicks learn to swim before heading north in the spring. Walking among these remarkable creatures is undoubtedly a memorable highlight of many Patagonia tours. Other species such as kelp gulls, skuas, guanay cormorants, giant petrels, dolphin gulls, the Chubut steamer duck, hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes also inhabit the area.
In the afternoon you will be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world in Tierra del Fuego. After getting settled at the hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to view the magnificent Beagle Channel and the charming town of Ushuaia. (B,L)
You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for a day of Patagonia hiking and canoeing in beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park. On arrival in the park, youll hike 3.5 hours through a beech forest to a scenic viewpoint overlooking some of the regions top sights: Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Lapataia Bay. The forest is inhabited by Magellanic woodpeckers, the largest woodpecker in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Youll enjoy lunch in the camping area of Lake Roca before starting this afternoons Argentina paddling excursion. In an inflatable canoe, youll paddle the crystal clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River which flows into scenic Laguna Verde, containing some of the parks most picturesque views. Todays trip ends in Lapataia Bay, a destination that attracts many sea birds including sea petrels, albatross and steamer ducks, among others. Here at the end of the world, youll disembark and be driven back to your Ushuaia hotel for a free evening. (B,L)
Another unforgettable experience of Patagonia tours, today you explore Tierra del Fuego, the southern portion of Patagonia with its magnificent vistas and a fascinating history. You will depart Ushuaia around 8 AM, cross Rio Lasifashaj by mid-morning, then finish the drive at Estancia Harberton (roughly 1.5 hours of driving). The estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British missionaries to reach the area, Rev. Thomas and Mary Bridges, and was managed for many years by Natalie Goodall, a well-respected naturalist in the area. After a tour of the estancia you’ll take a small boat to Martillo Island, the domain of the Magellanic penguin and even a few Gentoo penguins. The unique location of this island (close to where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge) attracts a rich variety of sub-aquatic life, making it an ideal spot for bird watching to see such species as petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross. Next you will stop at Gable Island (the largest in Patagonia’s Beagle Channel) for lunch at a picturesque 19th century cabin. After lunch you will hike to the opposite side of the Beagle Channel before returning to Estancia Harberton where you will be transported back to Ushuaia. (B,L)
Canoe Option:
Upon arrival at the Rio Lasifashaj you have the option of taking a two hour inflatable canoe excursion down river into the Beagle Channel to view its prolific wildlife. This is easy paddling in gentle water with a focus on wildlife and taking in the beautiful views in a unique and peaceful way. Youll finish at the estancia and rejoin the group in time to visit the Martillo Island Penguin Colony and Gable Island.
This morning you may wish to spend your last hours in Ushuaia relaxing or visiting the fascinating End of the World Museum on your own before transferring to the airport to fly to El Calafate. Next youll take a three to four three to four hour drive north to the other end of the park, arriving at El Chalten, with glorious vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range along the way if the weather is clear. After you get settled in your hotel, you may wish to get in some Patagonia hiking on your own. On the hike to the Piedras Blancas Glacier which takes about an hour, you’ll pass through a beech forest frequented by Magallenic woodpeckers to view the Marconi Glacier, gateway to the Continental Icecap. You may prefer to take the five-hour Cerro Polo hike where you’ll have a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. You’ll spend a restful night at your hotel in anticipation of the invigorating Patagonia hiking destinations to come. (B)
After breakfast, you will start a full day of hiking a Patagonian classic: Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its climbing difficulty. This is the pinnacle of trekking Patagonia. Every year, countless expeditions attempt to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a half hour of hiking, you reach the viewpoint of the Fitz Roy River and Margarita waterfall. Continue for another 30 minutes until you reach the Mirador del Cerro Torre, a lookout facing the Cerro Torre and Adelas ranges. From this point, the trail descends into the valley. The trail ends on the shores of Laguna Torre, offering a stunning view of Mt. Torre surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre. You will have time to enjoy the view, eat lunch, and rest before returning on the same trail to the town of El Chalten. (B, L)
Patagonia Hiking Details: 11-12 miles / Elevation gain: 1,000-1200 ft / Average time: 7 hours
Today’s segment of trekking Patagonia includes a full-day hike to the Laguna Capri base camp (Fitz Roy base camp). The hike towards Fitz Roy features spectacular views of the massif. The peak was sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups who believed the mists enshrouding it were volcanic ash, calling it Chalten (God of Smoke). You will begin hiking south from El Pilar, passing Laguna Piedras Blancas on the way to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this emerald lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. Stop en route for lunch and then resume the hike to Laguna Capri, where the image of Mt. Fitz Roy is reflected. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the sweeping Patagonian steppe and Fitz Roy, highlights of any Patagonia tour. After a full day of hiking, return to your hotel for a good meal and night’s sleep. (B, L)
Patagonia Hiking Details: 13-14 miles / Elevation gain 2200-2300ft / Average time: 9 hours
Transfer to El Calafate. Rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the charming town of El Calafate. (B)
PERITO MORENO GLACIER TOUR
Option 1: PERITO MORENO GLACIER TOUR SIGHTSEEING AND GLACIER CRUISE – minimum 2 travelers
This private tour allows you to spend the day gazing at the most famous glacier in South America from several angles. You’ll glimpse your first breathtaking views of the glacier down a narrow arm of Lago Argentino with the majestic backdrop of the Andes. As spectacular as this is, the view pales compared to the experiences you’ll have later today. From El Calafate, it is about a two-hour drive on a paved road to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here you will spend time on the catwalks, taking in the mesmerizing views of the constantly calving glacier. The area’s wildlife includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles and ashy headed geese. An hour-long afternoon tour starts at Bajo de las Sombra where you’ll board a vessel to cross Lake Rico, passing icebergs. On reaching Iceberg Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance to allow passengers time to photograph the Perito Moreno Glacier’s wall and watch for falling chunks of ice. You will be returned to El Calafate in the afternoon. (B,L)
*Shared boat tour
Option 2: PERITO MORENO GLACIER ICE HIKE – $290 Upgrade Per Person
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your El Calafate hotel. An hour long bus ride takes you to the Bajo de las Sombras port on the shore of Lake Argentino. From there, you will board a comfortable boat for a 20 minute navigation across the lake. The cruise offers incredible views of the Perito Moreno glacier with its massive front wall of blue ice and surrounding field of icebergs. Following a beach landing, you’ll stop at a small shelter where the trekkers will be divided into groups of less than twenty. A short walk along an ancient beech forest takes you to the edge of the glacier, a prime location for photographing this spectacular natural wonder. You will be fitted with crampons and receive a safety briefing from your guides before beginning an unforgettable two hour trek on the glacier, with time for photos and a lunch break. This moderate trek will take you past small streams, lagoons, crevasses, and other ice formations as you explore the fascinating landscape of the Perito Moreno glacier. After completing the trek, you will embark on the boat for the return trip across the lake. A short bus ride brings you to an elaborate boardwalk system located across the lake from the glacier. From here you will be able to view and photograph the glacier from many angles, and possibly witness icebergs calving thunderously into the lake. In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel for another comfortable night’s rest.** (B,L)
*Shared boat tour
**The upper age limit for the regular Perito Moreno excursion is 65, regardless of fitness level with no exceptions.
This is a day of international travel, crossing the Argentina Patagonia border into Chile Patagonia. Though a long day of travel, it will prove worth it. Finally, you’ll arrive at the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. Entering the park, you’ll be in the summer grazing grounds of the endangered guanaco species. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it is a place you’ll stop to watch and photograph these fascinating animals. Arrive at Las Torres where you will settle in and spend the evening. (B, L, D)
Spend these next two days touring Torres del Paine National Park and nearby areas of interest. Select from a number of Patagonia adventures, each lead by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. Hike up to the base of the giant Towers of Paine, horseback ride through the Enchanted and Ascencio Valleys, trek around the brilliant blue Lake Nordenskjold, visit the archeological sites, or enjoy any number of other activities for any activity level and interest. After full days exploring the area, return each evening to your comfortable accommodations. (B, L, D)
Hotel Las Torres is a rustic hotel extremely well-situated at a hub of Torres del Paine National Park near the trailheads for several well-known hikes: through the Ascencio Valley to the base of the Towers of Paine, through Valle Encantado to Lago Paine, and along Lake Nordenskjold to Los Cuernos and French Valley. The lodge has 84 cozy rooms with views of nearby hills and rustic, yet stylish, ambiance perfect for resting after an ambitious day exploring the Park. The convenient location and larger size of the hotel allows for around 25 different activities to choose from daily each with groups of up to just eight travelers, ensuring ultimate flexibility without sacrificing personal attention. The lodge has many comfortable common areas, a bar with delicious artisan beers and regional wines, an extensive spa, and a restaurant featuring home-styled cuisine that incorporates meats and vegetables from the hotels nearby organic farm.
After one final morning excursion in the park you’ll be driven across the pampas to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night at your comfortable lodgings. (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight into Chile’s Lake District. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt you’ll be driven 30 minutes north to check-in at your Puerto Varas hotel on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. (B)
The most iconic sights of the Lakes District are easily the majestic Osorno Volcano and the gorgeous Petrohue Falls. The snow-capped image of Osorno adorns most photos of the area, as it stands looking over Todos los Santos and Llanquihue Lake. The falls are gentle and serene and bring an elegant beauty to this already spectacular landscape.
Departing from Puerto Varas, you’ll travel in vehicle to the beginning of the El Solitario trail. You will trek at the base of the Osorno Volcano, taking in amazing views of the surrounding scenery. The trek will lead you through an ancient forest, over volcanic rock, and between renewed native forests. You will be surrounded by beautiful views of three volcanoes: Osorno, Calbuco, and Puntiagudo. Ending the trek, you’ll head to the Petrohue Falls, where turquoise waters flow mightily over the rocks, a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Finally, you’ll make a stop at Lake Todos los Santos, where the Andes provide a magnificent backdrop for a peaceful rest and gorgeous photos. You return to your Puerto Varas hotel in the afternoon and have the evening on your own before a restful night at your lodgings. (B,L)
After breakfast, you will be taken by car to a pier on the Petrohue River. Here you will board a catamaran for the scenic river excursion to the emerald waters of Todos los Santos, the first of the lakes you will navigate today. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of three volcanoes: Osorno; Tronador, famed for the crashing sounds of ice falling from its 11,453-ft summit; and 7,185-ft Puntiagudo. At midday, you’ll arrive in the village of Peulla and enjoy a delicious lunch. From there, you’ll take a short bus ride to the border with Argentina Patagonia at Puerto Frias and travel through a lush cloud forest to cross Lake Frias amidst scenic wilderness views. After arriving at Puerto Alegre, you will have a short bus ride through an Andean larch forest to the village of Puerto Blest. Here you’ll board a catamaran for the day’s final lake cruise into scenic Lake Nahuel Huapi. The boat docks at Puerto Panuelo, a port town near Bariloche, Argentina where you’ll be spending the night at a local hotel. (B,L)
Today’s Patagonia tours are yours to decide. After breakfast, you may opt for a relaxing day of exploring the European-style city of Bariloche on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Those who wish to spend the day more actively engaged may choose one of the following day-trips:
Option 1: MANSO RIVER RAFTING / CLASS III-IV
Take a thrill-packed Patagonia rafting trip down the Manso River. From your hotel, you’ll get a relaxing start over coffee at John’s Ranch in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Here you’ll don a wetsuit and receive a safety briefing from your guide. Today’s scenic Patagonia travel takes you through a lush cloud forest in the direction of the Chile border. When it’s over, you’ll change into dry clothes and return to the ranch for a delicious traditional Argentine asado (barbeque), arriving back in Bariloche in the late afternoon. (B, L)
*Rafting is only available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the months of October/November/March and available every day of the week during December, January, and February
Option 2: BARILOCHE HIKING
Dedicated hikers may wish to make today a Patagonia hiking adventure, set according to the pace you decide. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred the short distance to the trailhead to start your invigorating Patagonia hike. The first two or three hours of the trip, you’ll pass through alpine forests with views of the pristine lakes and extraordinary mountains for which the region is renowned. You’ll enjoy a delectable picnic lunch before completing the last three to four hours of your satisfying Patagonia trek. After returning to your hotel, you’ll have time to relax before enjoying another evening in paradise. (B, L)
Patagonia kayaking on the brilliant blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi is today’s excursion. This is an enjoyable trip regardless of your fitness level or paddling experience. For trekking devotees, we can arrange for a half-day trek in Nahuel Huapi National Park Your skilled guides will meet you at the beach to begin paddling. You’ll stop for a delicious lakeside picnic in this heavenly area before picking up your paddle again to continue the rest of the afternoon’s explorations. Your Patagonia travel concludes at the landmark Llao Llao Resort. You will be returned to your hotel for a final memorable evening in Bariloche. (B, L)
Patagonia Hike & Kayak Option: If your group prefers, we can instead organize a day of laid-back hiking with paddling. After breakfast, drive to Lopez Bay and trek the well-tread path to the Tristeza lookout point, a granite dome offering spectacular views of the Lakes Region. Here you will enjoy a scenic lunch before returning to the trailhead. After a safety briefing, you will hop into your kayak to paddle the shores of Moreno Lake for the remainder of the afternoon. Return to your Bariloche hotel for a final night of your Patagonia travels. (B,L)
You’ll be transferred to the Bariloche Airport to fly back to Buenos Aires and be taken to your hotel on arrival in the capital. No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without a tango experience. Southern Explorations offers tango floor show tour extensions for your dining and dancing pleasure before spending a last night in a Buenos Aires hotel. (B)
There will be time on this last day of Argentina tours to enjoy a few more sights of Buenos Aires before being transferred to the Buenos Aires International Airport to fly home or to your next destination. Should you be able to stay longer, we offer a number of fascinating day-tours in the city and tour extensions elsewhere in South America. (B)
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Trip FAQs
We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.
Talk to a Travel ExpertYou have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you
We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.
The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.
Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and we’re happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.
We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!
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Learn More About PatagoniaTestimonials
The trip to Patagonia (Argentina and Chile) was one of the greatest experiences and Southern Explorations made it into a dream trip. Everything was so perfectly organized and all of the accommodations, guides, and travel was great. Highly recommend and they can help make this into the trip you desire.
– Konstantin
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