DISCOVER PATAGONIA - CODICE VIAGGIO: PATAGONIA1
14 giorni 13 notti
Discover Patagonia
Amid the pristine landscapes of southern Argentina and Chile, snowcapped volcanoes and sparkling lakes set the backdrop for an exhilarating adventure. Experience Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty by foot, boat, and private vehicle, journeying from the idyllic town of Bariloche to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Come face-to-face with the Perito Moreno Glacier, part of the world’s third largest ice cap; navigate the legendary Beagle Channel, looking out for seabirds and sea lions; and round off your trip with a tango lesson in bustling Buenos Aires.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities, so check in and enjoy the city.
Private Vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation: Kenton Palace (or similar)
DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES/SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
Catch a flight to San Carlos de Bariloche in northern Patagonia, known as Argentina’s Lake District. Enjoy the highlights of this picturesque town on a half-day tour, driving along the edge of sapphire-hued Nahuel Huapi Lake, visiting scenic Bahía López, or López Bay, and ascending Cerro Campanario for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and snowcapped peaks.
Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Circuito Chico Tour: Enjoy an introduction to the highlights of San Carlos de Bariloche on a circuito chico tour. Stop at Bahia Lopez (Lopez Bay) and Panoramic Point and take in the beautiful landscape. Continue on to Cerro Campanario (Bell Mountain), opt to get an even better view by riding the chairlift.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Huinid Pioneros (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 3: SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE
Spend the day on your own in Bariloche, choosing from a range of outdoor activities. Set out on a hike amid luxuriant forests and glacial lakes; explore the Lake District’s dramatic landscapes on a mountain bike; or go white-water rafting near the Chilean border. You can also choose to relax and explore charming Bariloche, sampling some of the delicious chocolate for which the town is known. Bariloche in many ways resembles the alpine resorts of Europe. Sample a beef parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then take a day hike around Cerro Catedral or enjoy some shopping. It’s also important to know that Bariloche is famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate!
Free Time: Enjoy this stunningly beautiful area. Take a hike in the countryside or visit the town, known for its shops and, in particular, artisan chocolate.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Huinid Pioneros (or similar)( Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 4: SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE/PUERTO VARAS
Embark upon the famed Andean Lakes Crossing, connecting Argentina and Chile through a network of volcano-lined, crystal-clear lakes. Board a catamaran from Bariloche and sail across the waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lake Frías, and Todos los Santos Lake, experiencing one of the most breathtaking border crossings in the world. Arrive on the shores of Chile and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas. There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. Enjoy picture-perfect views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests, and glaciers.
Cruce de los Lagos Cruise: Chile’s Lake District has few rivals when it comes to sheer scenic grandeur. Cross the placid Lago Todos Los Santos aboard a catamaran and marvel at vast mountainscapes and stunning views that’ll have your shutter finger working overtime. Enjoy the breeze and beautiful scenery then continue by bus and another ferry. This full day excursion is considered one of the world's most scenic ferry crossings.
Border Crossing (Argentina Chile): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabana del Lago (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 5: PUERTO VARAS
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town. Opt to take a ferry to Chiloé Island, a fishing village known for its colourful wooden houses built on stilts, and pay a visit to the nearby penguin colony. Or, choose to venture into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park—the oldest national park in Chile—to hike the Desolation Pass trail, climbing up the ice-clad slopes of Osorno Volcano.
Free Time: Enjoy the day exploring the sites of the region
Accommodation: Hotel Cabana del Lago (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 6: PUERTO VARAS/TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Catch a flight to Punta Arenas and transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. One of the most spectacular parks in the Americas, Torres del Paine covers a sweeping expanse of glaciers, forests, and gem-coloured lagoons, crowned by the jagged pinnacles of the Torres del Paine mountains. Settle into your hotel and relax this evening. Words cannot describe the majesty and beauty of this national park in Chilean Patagonia. The lucky people have the opportunity to see this area and those who do will find it difficult to forget its vivid colours and tranquility. Once a large sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959 as the Parque Nacional Lago Grey. Prior to this, “baqueanos” (cowboys) grazed their flocks here and fires occasionally burnt out of control. More land was added to the park in 1962 and the name was changed to its present one. The “Torre” (Tower) Sur rises 2,900m (9,512 ft) above sea level, the Torre Central is 2,850m (9,348 ft) high, and the Torre Norte measures 2,600m (8,528 ft). The “Cuernos” (Horns) del Paine, massive blocks of various rock layers visible from great distances, are as spectacular as the towers themselves.
Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually
Private vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Hosteria Lago Grey (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner)
DAY 7: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a full-day exploration of Torres del Paine National Park with an expert guide. Travel by van across the rugged, windswept landscape and set out on short walks to discover some of the park's most majestic features, including Grey Lake, Grey Glacier, Lake Sarmiento, Azul Lagoon, and more. Along the way, keep a lookout for the park’s resident creatures—eagles, condors, foxes, armadillos, as well as an indigenous type of ostrich.
Torres del Paine National Park Excursion: Enjoy breathtaking views and scenery on this day excursion into the national park with an expert guide. Travel by van and stop along the way for short walks and beautiful lookout points. Stop at Grey River and the park office, then continue over the Grey Bridge to the forest zone and Grey Lake, its ice mass is stunning against the surrounding landscape. Walk along the path to get a closer view of the Grey Glacier with its huge ice blocks resting in the lake. Continue on to Paine River and admire the pure turquoise colours of Pehoé Lake before a short walk to Nordenskjold Lake for a wonderful view of the Paine Horns. Also visit Sarmiento Lake, Amarga Lagoon, Paine Falls, and the Azul Lagoon.
Accommodation: Hosteria Lago Grey (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner)
DAY 8: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK/EL CALAFATE
Enjoy a scenic drive to El Calafate, Argentina, your base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site makes up part of South America’s largest ice field; it is also home to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive towards lofty peaks to the dynamic Moreno Glacier in Glacier National Park. Spot condors, rheas, eagles or flamingos en route, but the real star of the day is the glacier itself, located at the southern terminus of Glacier National Park.
Private Vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation: Koi Aiken Hotel (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 9: EL CALAFATE
This morning, hear a talk by a local glacier expert before venturing into Los Glaciares National Park to view the Perito Moreno Glacier, an active glacier on the southern arm of Lake Argentino. Witness this continually advancing mass calve great chunks of ice into the lake; and opt to take a boat ride along the glacier’s front wall, where most of the calving takes place.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Glacier Talk
In the scenic town of El Calafate, take in a lecture by a local glacier expert and learn all about the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that feeds it.
Private Vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour: Get out there and explore the natural wonder that is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s few “advancing” glaciers. Head to the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park, where Moreno's 60m (197 ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow “Canal de los Tempanos” (Iceberg Channel) creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force.
Accommodation: Koi Aiken Hotel (or similar)(Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 10: EL CALAFATE/USHUAIA
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, soaring above the jaw-dropping landscapes of Patagonia. Opt to visit the Maritime Museum, housed in a former prison, and learn about the stories of seafarers and captives at the “end of the world.” Or, choose to explore the pristine Tierra del Fuego National Park, one of Patagonia’s crown jewels. Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel.
Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time: While small, this port town of Ushuaia is quite busy with lots of shops and some great restaurants.
Accommodation: Cilene del Faro (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 11: USHUAIA
Navigate the dramatic Beagle Channel on a catamaran, gliding past Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Seal Island—where you might spot two species of sea lion—and Bird Island, home to hundreds of nesting seabirds. Later, travel to Martillo Island to get up close with the gentoo and Magellanic penguins that reside here part of the year, and learn about their habits and behaviour from a naturalist guide.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Penguin Rookery & Beagle Channel Excursion
Start the adventure by navigating the Beagle channel on a catamaran and admire the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Seal Island, and Bird Island. Later, get up close and personal with penguins at the end of the earth. Travel by minibus and boat to Martillo Island to explore the rookery, home to almost 1,000 nests. Follow a naturalist guide along the designated trails and walk amongst Magellanic and gentoo penguins as you learn more about them
Accommodation: Cilene del Faro (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 12: USHUAIA/BUENOS AIRES
Fly back to Buenos Aires and take time to explore this vibrant metropolis on your own, visiting some of the city’s galleries, museums, and cafés. This evening, enjoy a private tango lesson at a popular dance venue; then practice your moves alongside other students and teachers during a milonga, a social dancing event. Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Known as the “Paris of the Americas”, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. When you’re finished exploring, rest your feet and enjoy a drink at one of the many sidewalk cafés, ideal places to get a feel for the contemplative Argentine way of life. Since Buenos Aires will be the last chance to try the succulent beef, chicken, and chorizo parrilladas, dig in and enjoy!
Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Tango Lesson
Spend the evening enjoying a night out with a tango lesson from local dancers before having a traditional light dinner. Then head to a popular dance venue for Milonga, a neighbourhood tradition where students and teachers of the venue show up to practice their moves. Sit back and enjoy or if you're brave, join in
Accommodation: Kenton Palace (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner)
DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES
Discover the charms of Buenos Aires on a city tour. Visit key landmarks such as Plaza de Mayo and the pink balcony made famous by Argentina’s iconic first lady Eva Perón; and see the Recoleta Cemetery, where Perón is buried. Explore the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods, including San Telmo and the colourful artist’s quarter of La Boca. This evening, consider catching a tango show at a local tanguería. Known as the “Paris of the Americas”, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo. Consider catching a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías or wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets.
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour: Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Accommodation: Kenton Palace (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 14: BUENOS AIRES
Depart at any time.
Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES:
DAY 3:
Hiking: Hit some trails to get up close to the area's natural beauty. Enjoy amazing views amid mountains and lakes while exploring the Lake District on foot.
Mountain Biking: Take to two wheels and head out to explore. Choose from a number of different scenic routes and trails that wind through the Argentine Lake District's stunning landscapes. (300ARS per person)
Bariloche Rafting: Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet, and head down the Class III/IV rapids of the Manso River towards the Chilean border. Take a rest from paddling and take in the beautiful scenery around the emerald waters before rewarding your hard work with an “Asado Patagónico” (Patagonian barbecue). (2400ARS per person)
DAY 5:
Chiloé Island Excursion: Take the ferry to Chiloé Island. This quaint fishing village is known for its wooden houses on stilts, artistic wooden shingles, and historical churches (remnants of the Jesuit influence of the Spanish conquistadors), most of which has been declared as Patrimony to Humanity sites. Sample fresh fish and produce for lunch, then motor to a penguin colony to see upwards of 5,000 Humboldt and Magellanic penguins when the season is right (roughly October - March). (150USD per person)
Paso Desolacion Trek: Head out early on a guided tour through volcanic canyons, past waterfalls, and turquoise pools to the base of Osorno Volcano (120USD per person)
Osorno Volcano Day Hike: Discover the natural beauty of the region on this exhilarating hike up to the ice-clad Osorno. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Llanquihue, the surrounding mountains and forests, and the Petrohue River valley resting below. (130USD per person)
DAY 9:
Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour: Embark in the floating dock in the south arm of Argentino Lake, and navigate along the Iceberg Channel towards the front wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier where most of the ice calving takes place. This boat trip, which lasts approximately one hour, is one of the most popular excursions and is not to be missed. (1100ARS per person)
DAY 10:
Ushuaia Helicopter Ride: Soar above Ushuaia, admire the natural beauty of the landscape and gaze out at the towering mountains. (370USD per person)
The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum: Visit the Navy Museum, which was previously the Recidivist Prison. Learn about two different histories of seafarers and prisoners who both arrived at “the end of the earth.” (600ARS per person)
Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit: Explore this stunning coastal national park extending 630 sq km. We'll take care of the transport, the park entrance fee, and take you to scenic lookouts in the southern portion of the park. Pass Valle Rio Pipo on the way to Austral Fueguino train station. Opt to take the End of the World train (not included in price) before visiting Lago Roca and Bahía Lapataia. Keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife and spectacular colors in the fall.
Please note: The entirety of this activity (including the End of the World train) can only be booked on the ground locally. This activity takes place on the morning of day 2 in Ushuaia.
DAY 13:
Teatro Colón Tour: Explore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world. (800ARS per person)
