Argentina and Chile
Glaciers and Peaks of Patagonia
Argentina and Chile Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
This is an epic adventure from El Calafate to the tip of the South American continent at Ushuaia – the world’s southernmost city. Marvel at the towering peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, maybe the two most emblematic mountains of Patagonia. Admire the truly spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier and cross the Magellan Strait into Tierra del Fuego to the end of the world. Enjoy walks in some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet.
Tour Highlights
• An adventure through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.
• Walk through incredible mountain vistas.
• Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of the Perito Moreno Glacier
• Experience the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
4/5
Unexplored
4/5
Culture
3/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Argenta Tower Hotel or similar. No meals or activities included today.
Buenos Aires
This sprawling metropolis that glitters in the afternoon rays from the River Plate is home to over one-third of the country's population. Founded in 1580, Buenos Aires is today the largest city in South America. Also known as the city that never sleeps, it’s many and varied around-the clock attractions never fail to surprise and impress. Here, the tango lives on not only in the breathtakingly complex movements executed by professional dancers at tango shows or in the popular plazas at the San Telmo antiques market, but also in the sensuous sway of couples from all walks of life who gather at the city’s many milongas to share their passion for the music. At weekends, the streets ring to a medley of different sounds. San Telmo, famous for its antique and knick-knack stalls; La Boca and the "Caminito" with is brightly painted walls where artists gather; Recoleta where hundreds of stands selling handicrafts fills its square; the gaucho market Mataderos where local groups perform songs from their native towns and the gauchos demonstrate their horsemanship skills. For art and culture lovers, Buenos Aires’ 57 museums house not only some of the continent’s most impressive private collections but also preserve the local heritage of customs and traditions from ornate silver mate pots to the fashion accessories of the 19th century.
The grandeur of the Colón Theatre, an opera house acclaimed world-wide for its balanced acoustic is a must for classical music buffs who will also find a surprisingly broad choice of concerts and recitals of choral, orchestral and chamber works of a very high standard at concert halls and churches throughout Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Buenos Aires
Today explore Buenos Aires on a half day tour. The city is known as the “Paris of South America” and we will easily identify why by looking at its architecture. We will start at May Square, where the Government House, the Cathedral and the old Town Hall are located. Then we will continue to San Telmo -one of the most ancient neighbourhoods- until we reach La Boca, famous for its colourful and picturesque houses on Caminito Street. Finally we will head north to visit Recoleta, the most elegant district with wide avenues, lovely parks and magnificent residences. There we will visit the monumental cemetery where Evita Perón and other historical personalities are buried. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Argenta Tower Hotel or similar (B)
Day 3: Buenos Aires – El Calafate – El Chalten
Transfer to the airport for a flight to El Calafate. On arrival in El Calafate you will be transferred to your hotel in El Chalten (approx. 3hr30m transfer). Overnight Poincenot Hotel or similar (B)
Day 4: El Chalten – Laguna Torre & Cerro Torre
Today we take one of the classic, not to be missed walks of El Chaltén, to Laguna Torre where we find an impressive view of the Torre massif, the Adela range, Mount Solo and their respective glaciers. The footpath will take us through a wide range of landscapes, ranging from wide glacially formed valleys to dense forests. We stop at great panoramic spots and visit famous base camps that are used by famous climbers. Overnight Poincenot Hotel or similar (B, box lunch)
Length: 7/8 hours
Grade of difficulty: Easy
Experience required: Fit. No trekking experience required
Day 5: El Chalten – Laguna de los Tres
The classic, spectacular and unforgettable trek of the region. Today takes you past some impressive scenery and through forests until you arrive at the mystical Mount Fitz Roy; admiring lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers. The end point of this tour is within walking distance of the hotel, so no drop off is included. Overnight Poincenot Hotel or similar (B, box lunch)
Length: 8/9 hours
Grade of difficulty: Moderate
Experience required: Fit. No trekking experience required
Day 6: El Chalten – Lago del Desierto
Spend today enjoying Lago del Desierto, a glacial lake surrounded by lush forest and snow-capped mountains. When we arrive at the lake, we spend a couple of hours to explore the lake and surroundings by boat. After the boat ride there is time to walk along the shores of the lake before returning to El Chaltén. Overnight Poincenot Hotel or similar (B)
Day 7: El Chalten – El Calafate
Today travel to El Calafate (approx. 3hr30m) where you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Hotel Sierra Nevada or similar (B)
Day 8: El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
The spectacular Perito Moreno is definitely one of the highlights in South Patagonia. It is located 80 km away from El Calafate. During the drive to the park, the guide will explain all about this famous glacier. You will see the dramatic change in landscape from the steppe in the first 50 km to the colorful Patagonian Andes forest as you get closer to the park. Once inside the park, a 5-km circuit of walkways with strategic viewpoints grant amazing panoramic sights of this natural wonder. There will be enough time to walk around and enjoy the breathtaking views. Overnight Rincon del Calafate or similar (B)
Day 9: El Calafate – Puerto Natales
Transfer to the bus terminal for the bus to Puerto Natales. The journey itself is about 3hr30m with additional time for the border crossing from Argentina into Chile, and immigration formalities. Overall transfer time approx. 5-6 hours. On arrival into Puerto Natales you will be taken from the bus terminal to your hotel. Overnight Simple Patagonia Hotel or similar (B)
Day 10: Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park
Departure from our hotel to the Milodón cave located 24 kilometers north of Puerto Natales. Before reaching the cave, the access road passes through the "Silla del Diablo", a name that comes from the popular imagination given to a rocky structure with the appearance of an armchair which is said to have been the "seat" of the Mylodon and that the legend became "devil". At the end of the visit, we will continue along the new access road to the Torres del Paine National Park, being able to observe lagoons and mountain ranges along the way. Next, it is possible to admire the beautiful landscape that surrounds us from the Mirador del Lago Grey (view towards the Gray Glacier, the Macizo del Paine, and the Lago del Toro). A couple of kilometres further on it is possible to see the Cuernos del Paine, reaching the bifurcation that takes us to the Grey Lake area. In this sector, we can take a pleasant walk along the shore of Lake Grey and depending on the weather conditions, it is possible to access the viewpoint of the Grey Peninsula. After enjoying our box-lunch, we begin the second stage of our visit to Torres del Paine National Park, heading to the Salto Grande sector. We will visit the Mirador del Lago Nordenskjold and we will continue to enjoy various views on our undulating route that gradually brings us closer to the Laguna Amarga sector. After admiring this pleasant show, we will return to the city of Puerto Natales passing through the Mirador del Lago Sarmiento, arriving in the late afternoon, and bringing with us an unforgettable experience. Overnight Simple Patagonia Hotel or similar (B, box lunch)
Day 11: Peurto Natales – Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Today experience the incredible Patagonian world of fjords, native flora and fauna. You will enjoy the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers while drinking a delicious whisky with ancient ice. Start from Puerto Bories through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord towards Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. There are beautiful views of mountains, cascades, cattle ranches and Patagonian birds. Take a hike to the Serrano Glacier lookout point in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park before returning from Serrano Glacier to Estancia Perales (whisky appetizer with ancient ice on board). Have lunch on board before arriving back at Puerto Natales. Overnight Simple Patagonia Hotel or similar (BL)
This excursion is subject to weather conditions.
Day 12: Puerto Natales – El Calafate
Take the bus journey back to El Calafate. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Rincon del Calafate or similar (B)
Day 13: El Calafate – Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ushuaia. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Alto Andino Hotel or similar (B)
Day 14: Ushuaia – National Park
This park, located at 12 km from the city centre to the southwest of the island, was created in 1960 to preserve and protect the natural fauna and flora of the region. Only nearly 5000 acres of its total area are open to visitors who can enjoy a combination of Sub Antarctic forest, mountains of the Andes Range and the marine environment of the Beagle Channel. During the excursion you will learn about archeological sites, historical events and wildlife of the island. You will take short walks along some of the trails in the park and stops at some viewpoints such as Roca Lake will allow great pictures to be taken. At Lapataia Bay a wooden sign announces the very end of the national route Nº 3 (or Panamericana Highway as it is called down here). Return to Ushuaia from this point.
This afternoon sail across Ushuaia Bay and on to the Beagle Channel. The first stop will be at the Birds Island with its numerous specimens of birds: cormorants, skuas, seagulls, to mention just a few and next, the boat will get closer to the Sea Lions Island where colonies of southern sea lions and southern fur seals constitute the “star attraction”. Further on you will reach one of the best known pictures of Ushuaia: “Les Eclaireurs” Lighthouse, often wrongly called “End of the World” Lighthouse. From here you will return to the city. Overnight Alto Andino Hotel or similar (B)
Day 15: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for your last night in Argentina. Overnight Argenta Tower Hotel or similar (B)
Day 16: Buenos Aires Departure
At a suitable time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Transport throughout the tour in minibus or similar – a combination in between private and shared transportation may be necessary for specific sections of the itinerary
Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
All accommodation
Internal flights
Private services with English speaking local guide or shared services with English speaking local guide or Spanish speaking driver only as per program above
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
National Park Fees
City Taxes where applicable
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Argentina and Chile that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Argentina or Chile. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Latin America, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
