I always wanted to go to Patagonia and prefer trips with a hiking focus. This trip exceeded my expectations. The scenery is superb and the organisation was such that we were able to make the most of every day. It was well organised with a good mix of activities. Sophia was most helpful, and I appreciated having local guides when we were hiking in Torres del Paine and El Glacier national Park.
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Explore stunning Patagonian landscapes, abundant with glaciers and surreal peaks.
- Encounter diverse wildlife amidst pristine lakes
- Perfect for avid hikers, enjoy captivating adventures in the great outdoors.
- Traverse three awe-inspiring national parks in Chile and Argentina.
- Expertly crafted itinerary blends sightseeing, walks, and cultural encounters.
What’s the Activity level?
- Day hikes last between 5-8 hours
- Flexibility in daily goals, but early returns may mean missing viewpoints.
- Rest days interspersed, with possible extras due to weather.
- Trekking challenging due to unpredictable weather and strong winds.
- Mostly at sea level to 1200m, so no altitude issues.
What’s the transport and accommodation like?
- Travel provided via flights, boats, buses, and walking.
- Enjoy 3-star accommodation with private facilities and local charm.
- Hotels are chosen for their safety, location, ambiance, and friendly staff.
- Four nights are spent in multi-share accommodations in Torres Del Paine, featuring shared bathrooms, hot water showers, and on-site amenities like a bar and restaurant.
*All our tours are non-smoking
TRIP SUMMARY:
Duration: 18 days Patagonia Highlights Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires
Trip focus: Hiking in both remote spectacular national parks and pursuing outdoor activities
Accommodation: 13 nights hotels and family run B&B’s twin share, 4 nights national park lodges, some are multi share with shared bathrooms
Transport: Flights, bus, boat, foot
Group size: Maximum 12 + S.E.T. tour leader, Minimum 4,
Single supplement: US$890 – will not be available for nights while in Torres del Paine
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit to Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony (or longer Beagle Channel Cruise if cancelled due to weather)
- Hike to Cerro Dorothea overlooking Puerto Natales
- 5 day guided excursion to Torres Del Paine National Park with bilingual guides
- One day guided tour to Moreno Glacier
- Day hikes in Glacier National Park
- Guided Beagle Channel Cruise
- Insightful evening learning about Argentine culture and food at the
- Argentine Experience
- Tango show
- All breakfasts, other meals as listed
- Domestic flights within Chile and Argentina
- All land transport during the itinerary an transfers to and from your arrival/departure flights if arriving on arrival and departure day
- The entry fees for all included excursions
- Tips for local guides and drivers
- Local payment of US$ TBA to pay on day one
- All hotel accommodation (on a twin share basis, and multi share night in the park lodges)
- Airport transfers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Your international flight to/from South America
- Transfers to/from international flights if not arriving on arrival/departure day
- Domestic and international airport departure taxes
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal insurance
- Meals (except those listed)
- Drinks
- Laundry
- Souvenirs
- Tips for the tour leader
- Items of a personal nature
PAYING LOCALLY:
Our Patagonia Highlights tour involves a local payment. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. This is especially true of Argentina. Therefore payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash, and it is part of your overall tour cost.
All prices are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY PUNTA ARENAS
Arrive at your convenience for the Patagonia Highlights tour today. We’ll warmly greet you with a delightful dinner, and a brief stroll through the city center.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – PUNTA ARENAS
Embark on an early morning adventure to discover the Penguin colony on Isla Magallanes, located within the iconic Straits of Magellan. Immerse yourself in the presence of hundreds of Magellanic Penguins as you explore their habitat. Following this remarkable encounter, we’ll transition to the charming village of Puerto Natales via a comfortable local bus transfer.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 – PUERTO NATALES
Today, we take some leisurely hours to prepare for the upcoming adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. Later, rendezvous with your tour leader for a brief trek up Serro Dorthea. This vantage point offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Puerto Natales and Last Hope Sound. While you’re here, seize the opportunity to savor the delectable fresh seafood and renowned Chilean salmon. Conclude the day with a tranquil stroll along Last Hope Sound, an ideal opportunity to catch sight of the graceful black-necked swans.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAYS 4 to 8 – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Commence your day early to catch the 9:30 AM Catamaran. Upon arrival, gear up for our inaugural hike to French Valley, followed by an overnight stay at Refugio Paine Grande. The subsequent day is dedicated to a hike towards the Grey Glacier, leading to the welcoming Refugio Grey. Over the following afternoon and morning, embrace the choice between an invigorating ice hike on the glacier or a serene kayak excursion among the icebergs. Should weather conditions intervene, an alternative hike to a glacier overlook is available. After the activity, board the Grey III vessel for a fresh perspective on the glacier. Subsequently, a 2.5-hour journey returns us to the end of Grey Lake, where our van awaits to transport us to the park’s opposite side. Here, we settle into Refugio Torre.
The upcoming day’s adventure is a trek to the park’s namesake, the awe-inspiring Torres of Paine. This 7-hour round trip involves a brief snack break along the way and culminates with a final scramble up a boulder-strewn path, revealing an unforgettable view of the towering peaks. Following this accomplishment, unwind and rejuvenate at the Hosteria, marking our well-deserved rest and final night in Chile.
Come morning, we’ll be transferred to El Calafate in Argentina. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, immersing yourself in the town’s captivating atmosphere. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ORDER OF THE ITINERARY IN THE PARK IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners
DAY 9 – CALAFATE & PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Situated along the shores of Lago Argentino, we set out on a captivating expedition to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This awe-inspiring site, a striking blue vestige of the ice age, remains one of the rare advancing glaciers globally. Once you’ve managed to pull yourself away from the mesmerizing spectacle of ice cascading into the lake below, we embark on a bus journey to reach the secluded village of El Chalten. It’s worth noting that the glacier visit and the bus voyage to El Chalten will span a considerable part of the day, so it’s wise to come prepared with snacks and a captivating book to make the journey enjoyable!
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAYS 10 to 12 – EL CHALTEN
Dedicate the next three days to immersive hiking adventures amidst the lakes and moraines of the Fitzroy range, nestled at the northern extremity of Glacier National Park. Renowned globally among climbers and hikers, these granite pinnacles stand as iconic landmarks. Within this timeframe, you’ll have the opportunity for two full-day hikes, and should you desire, there’s an optional jaunt to Laguna del Desierto or an exhilarating horseback riding experience.
The trailblazing excursions encompass treks to the base of Mount Fitzroy, the captivating Lago de Los Tres, and the impressive Cerro Torre. Moreover, if the weather permits and our spirits are high, an expansive 360-degree panorama of the mountains awaits atop Pliegue Tumbado. This awe-inspiring journey offers a truly spectacular view of the jagged pinnacles that’s absolutely worth the effort.
Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts
DAY 13 – TRAVEL TO USHUAIA
Commencing with an early morning bus ride to El Calafate airport, we proceed to embark on a brief flight to Tierra Del Fuego, home to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, situated along the shores of the Beagle Channel. Depending on the frequency of flight schedule alterations, there might be an opportunity to discover the city during the afternoon, indulging in a leisurely coffee at one of the historic waterfront cafes
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAYS 14 & 15 – BEAGLE CHANNEL CRUISE & TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, we’ll embark on a captivating Beagle Channel cruise to delve into its exceptional flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for penguins and southern fur seals, and be on the lookout for the majestic Albatross soaring gracefully. The following day’s plan, depending on flight arrangements to Buenos Aires on day 15, involves the possibility of a morning hike in the national park or alternatively swapping it with the cruise. It’s worth noting that both activities can be accommodated on day 14 if necessary. On day 15, our flight transports us to the lively and vibrant Buenos Aires.
Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts
DAYS 16 & 17 – BUENOS AIRES
On the 16th day, engage in a half-day city tour to uncover the charm of the “Paris of South America.” It’s essential to delve into the distinct culture of Argentina, making this experience truly complete. In the evening, immerse yourself in the realm of cultural and culinary pleasures through the captivating “Argentine Experience.” On our concluding day, take advantage of free time to meander along the avenues and discover vibrant markets. As the sun sets, the entire group gathers to celebrate the tour’s culmination with a remarkable Tango Show, an unforgettable finale to your journey.
Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner
DAY 18 – DEPARTURE DAY BUENOS AIRES
Free morning in Buenos Aires for that last bit of shopping. Then depart anytime today on your flight home.
However, if you’d like to stay on longer, ask us about an Iguazu Extension
Meals Included: Breakfast
IGUAZU EXTENSION: Ask us about an extension to the thundering Iguazu Falls
Visit the Brazilian and Argentine side of the falls for two completely different perspectives on the falls.
TESTIMONIALS
HIGHLIGHTS
DATES
| Start Date | End Date | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Mar 2025 | 25th Mar 2025 | AVAILABLE | US$6,195 |
