-
Day 1
ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Buenos Aires! Upon arrival at the airport, a local host will greet you and take you to your hotel (check-in time 3 p.m.). Settle in and take a relaxing siesta, wander the wide boulevard of Avenida 9 de Julio, or explore the narrow market streets of Florida Avenue. From your hotel’s vantage point, in the heart of Argentina’s sizzling capital, you are in the centre of all the action: renowned international designer boutiques, fine dining venues, museums, cultural pursuits, modern theatres and the famous Teatro Colon.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 2
BUENOS AIRES SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a morning on your own, before an afternoon guided tour of the city, beginning with Plaza de Mayo—site of the Casa Rosada—and the heart of Buenos Aires’ political life. Stroll the colourful La Boca artists’ district where the Argentinean tango was born and visit the resting place of Eva Perón in Recoleta’s extravagant cemetery. At 6 p.m., join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception in downtown Buenos Aires.
-
Day 3
BUENOS AIRES - BARILOCHE (2 NIGHTS)
Trade man-made skyscrapers for a natural skyline as you fly from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, where frosted peaks surround the lakeside city nestled in the foothills of the Andes. Set along the banks of the 64-kilometre-long Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche—as the city is more formally known—is the gateway to Patagonia’s Lake District and has a distinctly alpine flavour indicative of its strong Swiss influence. This is most apparent in the wood and stone architecture of the city centre, which—along with its status as an international skiing destination—helps give Bariloche the nickname “Little Switzerland”. Explore Bariloche, with a Local Guide before venturing out into the surrounding countryside. At Campanario Hill, enjoy a chairlift ride up this picturesque peak, climbing high above the tree line for a panoramic view of Patagonia’s striking scenery. Take in the beautiful collage of deep green foliage and snow-capped mountains mirrored in the region’s azure lakes. Later, witness how Bariloche’s land and culture come together when you experience how locally grown ingredients are used to brew beer at a family-owned craft brewery, with a Local Expert. Considering the strong German influence in Bariloche, it’s no surprise that locals are experts at transforming their region’s fresh hops, barley, and pristine water into a variety of beers and ales, using artisanal methods passed down from generation to generation. Relish a Highlight Lunch at the brewery while observing the brew masters at work. Back in town, find out about Bariloche’s chocolate connection during a visit to the Chocolate Museum. After a presentation on over 2,000 years of chocolate history, view the production area, and, of course, sample an array of chocolate treats, a Local Speciality. Return to the hotel for dinner on your own this evening.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 4
BARILOCHE SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Experience an older side of Patagonia as you are hosted by a local family at their ranch on the Patagonian steppe where they live on the land they have owned for generations. Learn about their way of life, explore the countryside looking for condors and mount up for a horseback ride that lets you experience this traditional local mode of transportation. Enjoy a delightful Be My Guest lunch at the ranch and later watch a sheep shearing demonstration. Back at the hotel, the rest of the day is on your own.
-
Day 5
BARILOCHE - PATAGONIA LAKE DISTRICT - PUERTO VARAS (2 NIGHTS)
Today is guaranteed to be one of the top highlights of your Patagonian holiday as you travel through some of the southern hemisphere’s most stunning landscapes, journeying by land and water from Argentina to Chile through the breathtaking Lake District with spectacular scenery of snow-capped Andean peaks, gloriously green forests and azure blue lakes. Cruise upon Lake Nahuel Huapi, then drive across the Chilean border to Peulla and have a relaxing lunch. Then board another catamaran for the scenic crossing of Todos Los Santos Lake with the mighty Osorno volcano looming in the background. On your way west, stop at the Petrohue River to see the burbling waters of the Petrohue Waterfalls cascade over the black volcanic rock. Then arrive in Puerto Varas, one of Chile’s most charming villages, located on the banks of Lake Llanquihue. A lakefront light dinner awaits you at the hotel.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 6
PUERTO MONTT & FRUTILLAR EXCURSION
Join a Local Guide to visit the port city of Puerto Montt founded in 1850. From a viewpoint high above the town, enjoy a magnificent look at the wide bay of Reloncavi up to Isla Tenglo and the narrow of the same name. Afterward, head to the harbour to visit the Angelmo fish market. Besides unusual fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses and meats, there are various arts and crafts for sale. A novel way to have lunch at Angelmo is at a Cocineria or ‘Kitchen Restaurant’. Look for a line of these mini restaurants where you can watch the kitchen and everything happening in it behind a large window. See how the food is prepared, including Curanto en Olla, a stew made out of seafood, smoked meat, fowl and sausage. Afterward drive to the lovely village of Frutillar, to see the historical area where houses are surrounded by beautiful gardens similar to those of the German Black Forest region. Back in Puerto Varas, the rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own.
-
Day 7
PUERTO VARAS - PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES (2 NIGHTS)
Travel from northern to southern Patagonia as you fly from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas. Drive to Puerto Natales, across a huge sheep farm before bordering Otway Bay. Here, enjoy the magnificent view of the almost permanently snow-covered Pinto mountain range and Riesco Island. Continue skirting Otway Bay until you reach the caves where the interesting Magellan Penguins keep their nests (only possible from mid-October to mid-March; replaced with a visit to Nandu Park from mid-March to mid-October.)
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 8
BALMACEDA & SERRANO GLACIERS EXCURSION
Board zodiacs with a Local Guide and begin an adventurous trip via the Rio Serrano, passing the southern icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) towards the Serrano Glacier. Upon arrival, explore the impressive glacier and afterwards hike a short 30 minutes through unspoiled, cool rainforest to Seno Ultima Esperanza (“Fjord of the Last Hope”). See the incomparable landscape of Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s largest nature reserve with majestic mountain scenery. Then continue through the fjord by boat with views of Balmaceda Glacier in the background.
-
Day 9
PUERTO NATALES - TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Today you are going to see one of the most spectacular scenic regions—the Torres del Paine National Park! It covers an area of 113,000 ha and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Your Local Guide shows you cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes and jagged spires of mountains, all of which are just a part of what Paine offers. En route, visit the legendary and impressive Milodon Cave where a gigantic, prehistoric ground sloth fossil was discovered, and see a replica of it inside of the cave. Visit the viewpoints Los Cuernos and Lago Pehoe, the spectacular Salto Grande (“Big Waterfall”) and the viewpoint Lago Grey, which provides a marvellous view of the Grey Glacier. Glimpse at the park’s fauna including herds of guanacos, foxes, swans, and several bird species. Box lunch provided. Dinner is served at your hotel, offering superb views of Torres del Paine.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 10
TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK - EL CALAFATE (2 NIGHTS)
Enjoy another chance to revel in the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Patagonian steppe during the drive across the border into Argentina. After stopping at Cancha Carrera, between Chile and Argentina, continue your land journey to El Calafate, a boomtown near the border between Chile and Argentina and the gateway to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. For 65 million years, the land here evolved from chaotic volcanic eruptions and massive glaciers, creating a jagged landscape of interconnected fjords, channels and mountainside glacial lakes. El Calafate takes its name from the calafate bush—which locals say eating its berries will ensure your return to this mystical region. You are free to discover its charms as you explore at your own pace tonight.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
-
Day 11
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION
Embark upon a full-day excursion with a Local Guide to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Los Glaciares is the second largest National Park in Argentina and comprises more than 4400 square kilometres and nearly 50 large glaciers. These glaciers are fed by a giant ice cap (the largest continental ice extension after Antarctica) that begins in the Andes and occupies well over a third of the park’s total area. Discover the wondrous Perito Moreno Glacier, a pristine marvel towering nearly 60 metres above Lake Argentino. It is named after Francisco Moreno, a 19th-century Argentinean explorer who helped resolve his country’s border dispute with neighbouring Chile. The constant, cyclical movement of Perito Moreno’s ice mass often forces the glacier to “calve”—an iceberg “birthing” process in which smaller chunks of ice fracture and break off from the glacier to thunderous noise. This spectacle can occur at any time, so keep your fingers crossed to be lucky enough to witness an iceberg calve at Perito Moreno. However, ice isn’t the only thing you’ll see today: just east of the icefields are areas of southern beach forest and windswept steppe. Journey back to El Calafate through scenic forests filled with lively birds. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel.
Day 12
EL CALAFATE - USHUAIA (2 NIGHTS)
Fly to Ushuaia and explore the world’s southernmost city with a Local Guide. Visit the legendary and ancient Jail of Recidivists that has preserved its impressive architecture as well as its tough history. You will also see the first settlers’ houses and visit the harbour and Paseo del Centenario—a great spot for you to take in the panoramic view of the mountain’s chains. Afterwards see the Bebán house, once considered one of the most prestigious houses in Ushuaia. Later, visit the central part of the city as well as the restricted area of the Naval Base. This evening and dinner are on your own.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
-
Day 13
TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park with a Local Guide, stopping first at the End of the World Train Station where you may take an optional train ride. At the park, observe the most incredible native animals such as red foxes, woodpeckers, steamer ducks, condors, eagles, beavers and birds all living together in the most spectacular environment. Explore the park through a combination of scenic road rides and nature walks. Different from other parks, the Tierra del Fuego National Park combines the ocean, forests and mountains in the same vicinity. Inside this National Park, find the biological richness of the Tierra del Fuego Island and its beautiful scenery. The forest is formed by Lengas, guindos, nires and valleys of peat and lichens. Ensenada Bay, Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay (the end of the Pan-American Highway which connects Alaska and Tierra del Fuego) give colour to this unique place that still holds reminders of its ancestral inhabitants: the Yámanas. Back at your lakeside hotel, the afternoon is free to relax at the spa or perhaps take an optional catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel. This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends to enjoy a Farewell Dinner celebrating your experiences from this unforgettable trip.
Day 14
USHUAIA - DEPART BUENOS AIRES
Board your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival at the domestic airport you will be transferred to the Ezeiza International Airport for your flight home (not included in holiday price), or the Trafalgar hotel for those extending in Buenos Aires. Please do not book any flights before 7 p.m.