12 days from $3099*

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, great hotels, transfers, many meals, touring and more!

Explore amazingly diverse and fascinating Patagonia, a magnificent "off-the-beaten-path" region spanning portions of Chile and Argentina, where you'll find soaring mountains, windy plains that stretch endlessly toward the distant horizon, lush forests filled with ancient flora and fauna, and pristine glaciers. It is an enchanted voyage filled with contrast and beauty, excitement and adventure, and one that you will never forget.

Begin in Buenos Aires, the beautiful and culturally diverse capital city of Argentina, where outstanding museums, world-class cuisine and spirited nightlife make it one of the most exciting destinations of the new millennium.

You'll also visit Santiago, Chile's charming capital city, where Spanish colonial buildings and old churches are juxtaposed against the spectacular, snowy peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Want even more? Add a 3-night optional pre-tour extension to Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world and very likely the most impressive.

Choose to Explore by Land or by Sea

Patagonia is a vast and intensely beautiful region of South America, and it's impossible to see everything in one visit.

Our Patagonian Explorer tour is very special, because you can choose how you'll explore—land-based touring or a sea cruise. And whichever you choose, we can promise that it will be as thrilling and satisfying a travel adventure as you can possibly imagine, yours at an unbeatable price that represents pure value for money!

Land Tour Option

Patagonian Explorer by Land is sold out. New tour dates coming soon!

Enjoy the gorgeous vistas and wonderful views framed by the glaciers and the Andes Mountains as you travel by motor coach. You'll spend a night at a beautiful hotel in El Calafate, where you'll find plenty to do and see in the little town that supplies the many hikers and trekkers who start their journeys here. From here, you'll have a chance to get very close to one of a very few glaciers in the world that is advancing, the Perito Moreno. You'll then stay overnight at a beautiful lodge inside the Torres del Paine National Park, get close to the Serrano Glacier as you navigate a fjord by zodiac boat, and see the local wildlife, including a soaring condor if you're lucky, that roams this unspoiled place. Detailed itinerary

Cruise Tour Option

At Ushuaia, you'll board your cruise ship, the Via Australis, and sail around the inlets and waterways of Tierra del Fuego and through the Strait of Magellan. The ship's fleet of zodiac boats will whisk you to shore at various points along the way, and en route, you'll enjoy fascinating presentations by the ship's naturalist-guides, all of whom are involved in the study of Patagonia and its natural treasures as well as its preservation. If you enjoy cruising, you won't want to miss this very special opportunity. Space on the Via Australis is extremely limited, so we strongly recommend early booking. Detailed itinerary

Itineraries at a Glance

	Land Tour	Cruise Tour
Day	Destinations
1	Depart USA
2	Buenos Aires
3	Buenos Aires, Estancia Visit
4	Buenos Aires
5	Buenos Aires, El Calafate	Buenos Aires, Ushuaia
6	El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier	Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
7	El Calafate, Torres del Paine	Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay
8	Puerto Natales, Serrano	Piloto & Nena Glaciers
9	Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Santiago	Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas, Santiago
10	Santiago
11	Valparaiso, depart for USA
12	Arrive USA
	Detailed Itinerary	Detailed Itinerary

Land Tour Detailed Itinerary

Patagonian Explorer by Land is sold out. New tour dates coming soon!

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to South America begins as you depart from Miami this evening on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina. After arrival formalities, set out on a tour of the city and discover why Buenos Aires is so often referred to as "the Paris of the South."

Your exploration begins at the Plaza del Mayo, historic and political center of the city. Here is located the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Juan and Eva Perón spoke to throngs of adoring Argentinians. Continue to the Obelisk landmark on the Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world.

Then to the crowded Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Pass through the colorful neighborhood of La Boca and the charming San Telmo area. Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive flavor, but everywhere you go, the people are warm, welcoming and happy to see visitors.

Admire the French architecture in the exquisite Recoleta neighborhood, including the beautiful Cemetery of La Recoleta, where Evita Perón is buried. It is one of many ironies of this complex city that Evita, heroine of the poor, is buried in the city's most elegant (and expensive) section. Dazzler Tower San Martin

Day 3: Buenos Aires and Estancia Visit. After breakfast this morning, travel outside the city for a full day excursion to the Argentine Pampas. Visit a traditional estancia (ranch), where you'll discover the life of the Argentine cowboys known as "gauchos." After a sumptuous barbecue lunch including delicious local wine, you'll enjoy a folkloric show with typical Argentine dance, song, and dress. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Buenos Aires. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Your tour guide will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. We recommend that you take advantage of the early evening hours to stroll the colorful streets and shops around your hotel to scout the amazing bargains that will make shopping for souvenirs (and that gorgeous leather bag) a pleasure. (B)

Day 5: Buenos Aires & El Calafate. After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to Buenos Aires as you transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, gateway to the Argentine Patagonia. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to explore this picturesque Patagonian village on the southern border of the Lago Argentino.

Or, if you want to jumpstart your adventure, we recommend the optional Balcones de Calafate Excursion. This thrilling 4x4 adventure will take you through rugged, dramatic Patagonian landscapes.

From the highest point (3600 ft), you have unrivaled views of the emerald waters of the Lago Argentino and the monumental Fitz Roy Massif. On a clear day, you'll even be able to see the mountains of Torres Del Paine National Park. As you descend, witness a sudden and dramatic change in scenery when you find yourself surrounded by a desert, almost lunar, landscape. Esplendor Hotel (B)

Day 6: El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier. This morning, travel to the Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the Argentina's most spectacular areas, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the planet's few advancing glaciers.

You'll have the opportunity to experience this magnificent natural wonder from a variety of vantage points. Begin with views from the footbridges and then sail along the Lago Argentino for a close-up look at the glacier. The Perito Moreno glacier is formed by large blocks of ice that are in constant motion. Along the way, you'll hear the ice as it cracks, splits off from the glacier, and dramatically falls splashing into the water below.

After lunch inside the park, spend some time at leisure to explore the glacier on your own before returning to El Calafate. Take a stroll in the village before dinner and explore some of the well-equipped trekking and climbing shops, galleries and wonderful restaurants, where you'll enjoy endless varieties of grilled meats (parrilla) and great local wines. (B,L)

Day 7: El Calafate & Torres del Paine. Today's excursion brings you to Torres del Paine National Park. The "torres" (towers) or horns are three massive granite monoliths of the Paine Mountain range that reach elevations of 10,000 feet. The park teems with a spectacular variety of wildlife and scenery, so bring plenty of film or memory for your cameras to catch the endless breathtaking vistas.

This evening, stay at the lovely Hosteria Lago Grey, a beautiful hotel inside the Torres del Paine National Park on the shores of the pristine Grey Lake, surrounded by forests of lenga and coigue hardwood trees. Hosteria Lago Grey or Hosteria Pehoe (B,D)

Day 8: Puerto Natales & Serrano. This morning, set out in zodiac boats down the Serrano River. As you navigate the fjords, you'll see colonies of cormorants and sea lions, soaring condors, roaming herds of sheep, and the ubiquitous guanacos. Arrive at Puerto Toro for panoramic views of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. You'll be able to approach the Serrano Glacier after a short walk through the forest. After lunch, continue by river boat to Puerto Natales. CostAustralis Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas & Santiago. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your flight to Santiago.

Arrive in Santiago, bustling capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. Your guide will escort you to your centrally located hotel where you'll meet up with your fellow passengers from the cruise tour to share stories and experiences of your Patagonian explorations. Crowne Plaza Hotel (B)

Day 10: Santiago, Chile. This morning, enjoy an orientation tour that showcases both the colonial and modern highlights of the city. Begin at Santiago's famed Jockey Club and then proceed to Centro Civico and Plaza Constitución. See the Casa de la Moneda, one of Spanish America's most stunning examples of colonial architecture and the current seat of the Chilean government.

Continue to the the bustling Plaza de Armas, the heart of Santiago and home to the ornate baroque Cathedral Metropolitana, the magnificent Post Office building, the Natural History Museum, and the best place to view the dozens of lively street artists and mimes and busy "Santiaguinos" on their way to and from work. End your tour with a spectacular panoramic view of Santa Lucia Hill, site where Santiago was founded in 1541. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the city independently.

Tonight, enjoy dinner and a colorful folklore performance at Buenos Muchachos, a restaurant decorated in traditional Chilean farm style. Sample local wines and regional cuisine as you experience live music and dance from Chile’s northern and central regions and the Chiloe and Easter Island zones. (B,D)

Day 11: Valparaiso. Today's excursion takes you to Valparaiso, a vibrant port city and UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1536.

Valparaiso brims with charming colorful neighborhoods nestled in the hills. More than a dozen cable cars that connect the port with other areas in the city. On today's tour, you'll have the opportunity to ride one of these hillside tramcars—the Ascensor Artilleria—to the Mirador Paseo 21 de Mayo, where you'll take in stunning panoramic views of the port. You'll also visit some of Valparaiso's most interesting sights, including the Plaza Victoria, the handicraft market, and the Muelle Prat, an excellent spot for viewing the bustling port activities. Continue to the lively Central Market before concluding your tour at the University of Valparaiso.

Later today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. (B).

Day 12: Arrive USA. Your exciting South American adventure ends today as you arrive in the USA this morning.

Cruise Tour Detailed Itinerary

Your ship, the Via Australis, provides all the modern comforts you'll need or want, plus important extras that you'll be glad to have—even high-top rubber boots to borrow if you don't bring your own! Delicious and bountiful meals are served three times daily in the ship's dining room that is encircled by huge picture windows so you don't miss a single view. Hot beverages, snacks and even wine and other alcoholic beverages are served, free of charge, each day.

Days 1-4: Same as Land Tour itinerary above.

Day 5: Buenos Aires & Ushuaia. Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Ushuaia, the most important city in the Tierra del Fuego province and the southernmost city in the world. The landscapes in this fascinating region range from barren, windburned plains to quiet pine and beech forests, pristine blue lakes, and snowcapped mountains. Learn about the history of this region during your visit to the Museum of the End of the World. Los Yamanas (B)

Day 6: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego. Morning excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, home to the Martial Glacier. When Ferdinand Magellan first sailed along these shores in 1520, he saw fires lit by the Yaghan Indians, giving the region its name: Land of Fire.

Later today, board your expedition cruise ship, the Via Australis, the National Geographic Channel's preferred vessel for sailing through Patagonia. The captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception on board. Set sail through the waterways of Tierra del Fuego as you make your way to the mythical Strait of Magellan. Via Australis (B,D)

Day 7: Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay. Today's voyage brings you to the legendary Cape Horn, a treacherous milestone on the clipper route for centuries. Sail through the Beagle and Murray Channels to disembark in Cape Horn National Park.

The Horn, a sheer 1400 foot promontory, marks where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean merge, only 400 miles from Antartica. The Horn was discovered in 1616 by a Dutch commercial expedition and owes its name to the Port of Hoorn, the expedition's departure point. The Horn was originally believed to be part of Tierra del Fuego, then discovered some time later to actually be an island.

By afternoon, reach Wulaia Bay, once home to the region's largest aboriginal settlements. Wulai is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. Walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to a breathtaking lookout point. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Piloto & Nena Glaciers. This morning, sail through the Brecknock and Ocasion channels, arriving at Cockburn Channel in the afternoon. After lunch, continue to Chico Sound,where you'll disembark in Zodiac boats to explore Alakaluf Fjord and see its beautiful waterfalls. You'll also have the opportunity to observe the Piloto and Nena glaciers and to learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the unique geography of the region’s channels. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas & Santiago. Early this morning, go ashore at Magdalena Island, home to an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins and cratered with their burrows. Magellanic Penguins mate with the same partner year after year, with the male reclaiming his burrow and waiting for the female, who can find her mate through his call alone. Reaching 24-30 inches tall when full grown, the penguins provide quite a spectacle, which you'll see up close during a walk to the picturesque lighthouse that guides ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan.

The penguins migrate in early April, so passengers traveling between April and September get a different treat—a visit to the sea lion colony on Marta Island. After this visit, sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking late this morning and transferring to the airport for your flight to Santiago.

Arrive in Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. Your guide will escort you to your centrally located hotel where you'll meet up with your fellow passengers from the land tour to share stories and experiences of your Patagonian explorations. Crowne Plaza Hotel (B)

Days 10-12: Same as Land Tour itinerary above.

Important Note: While the cruise tour option is less rigorous physically than the land tour, which involves some hiking and walking, the Via Australis does not have an elevator aboard. If you select the cruise option, you must be able to walk up and down several flights of stairs.

Iguazú Optional Pre-Tour Extension

Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Iguazú Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins as you depart from Miami this evening on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2: Arrive Iguazú. After arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the national airport for your flight to the Argentinean side of Iguazú Falls. Check in at your deluxe hotel, the only one located within the Park.

Upon seeing Iguazú, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consist of 275 inlets and cataracts that cascade down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises up to 500 feet in the air. Iguazú boasts the greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world.

Take the remainder of the day to explore Iguazú on your own. There's plenty of well-marked trails through the rainforest around the Falls that afford multiple views of the roaring water and excellent picture-taking (be sure to protect your camera if it's not waterproof). Later, relax and cool off at your beautiful hotel pool. Sheraton Iguazú Hotel (B)

Day 3: Iguazú. This morning, you'll get a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling and awesome display of power. Travel through the rain forest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazú: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that measures 270' high, 490' wide and 2300' long. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore further on your own. Or, take advantage of an optional nautical adventure along the Lower Iguazú River, sailing under the Falls. Later this afternoon, be sure to take time to stroll through the laid-back town of Puerto Iguazú. (B)

Day 4: Depart Iguazú. Enjoy a morning at leisure to take advantage of the lovely resort activities at your hotel. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. You'll enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Buenos Aires, before beginning the next leg of your tour tomorrow (see tour itineraries above). Dazzler Tower San Martin (B)

Space on the Iguazú Extension is extremely limited and subject to availability.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Argentina, click here.

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Chile, click here.

Patagonian Explorer
Included Features

• Round trip flights from Miami via LAN Airlines, including fuel surcharges (flight schedule)
• All intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
• Accommodations in Superior and Deluxe hotels with private bath and Category B* cabins aboard the Via Australis cruise ship (Patagonia Cruise Tour option)
• On the Patagonia Land Tour, 15 bountiful meals including full buffet breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
• On the Patagonia Cruise Tour, 18 bountiful meals including full buffet breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive guided sightseeing tours including entrance fees
• Tango show with dinner and Estancia visit with "asado" lunch in Buenos Aires
• Professional English-speaking tour directors and guides
• Optional three-day pre-tour extension to Iguazú Falls
• On the Iguazú Extension, full buffet breakfast daily
• No extra charges for payment by credit card!

TourCode: d-000

Patagonian Explorer by Sea Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Apr 16 After Apr 16 2010 DEPARTURES Jan 18 Jan 29 $3579 Feb 15 Feb 26 $3579 Mar 22 Apr 2 $3579 Sep 24 Oct 5 $3099 $3499 Oct 25 Nov 5 $3299 $3699 Nov 22 Dec 3 $3499 $3899 Dec 13 Dec 24 $3699 $4099 2011 DEPARTURES Jan 10 Jan 21 $3499 $3899 Feb 14 Feb 25 $3499 $3899 Mar 14 Mar 25 $3299 $3699

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by April 16, 2010. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $130.

Patagonian Explorer by Land Departures & Prices* Depart Return Book by Dec 18 After Dec 18 2009 DEPARTURES Oct 19 Oct 30 $3579 Nov 23 Dec 4 $3579 Dec 14 Dec 25 $3579 2010 DEPARTURES Jan 18 Jan 29 $3579 $3979 Feb 15 Feb 26 $3579 $3979 Mar 22 Apr 2 $3579 $3979

Tour prices are per person, double occupancy, including airfare. Prices in red reflect an early booking discount if you reserve by Dec. 18, 2009. * Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee for this tour of $130.

Patagonian Explorer by Land is currently sold out. New tour dates coming soon!

On Feb. 15 departure of Patagonia Explorer by Sea, Category B cabins are sold out, but Category A & AA cabins are still available; see upgrade price below.

Taxes & Fees Service Price Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee +$130 Argentina Entry Fee* (paid separately) +$131 South American Airport Taxes** (paid separately) +$39

* As of 1/1/2010, US passport holders are now required to pay an entry fee upon arrival in Argentina. Fee is payable by cash or credit card. ** Approximate amount in U.S. dollars. These taxes cannot be prepaid and must be paid in cash locally at each airport as follows: Santiago de Chile, $10; El Calafate, $6; Ushuaia, $5, Buenos Aires, $18.

Patagonian Explorer by Sea Options & Upgrades Service Price Single Occupancy Room/Cabin   Sep 24, Oct 25 +$1,159 Nov 22, Dec 13, Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14 +$1,299 Jan 18, Feb 15 unavailable All other departures +$1,399 Cabins* Category B   Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 22 unavailable All other departures included Category A +$439 Category AA +$529

* Upgrades to AA and AAA cabins are available on a request basis only. Rates listed for these cabins are approximate.

Patagonian Explorer by Land Upgrades Service Price Single Occupancy Room +$859

Iguazu Extension Service Price Iguazu Extension*   Jan 18, Feb 15 unavailable All other departures +$1,099 Iguazú Airport Taxes (paid separately)   Feb 15 n/a All other departures +$61 Rooms Double Occupancy Room included Single Occupancy Room +$499 Falls View Room, Double +$119 Falls View Room, Single +$737

* Iguazu Extension pricing is based upon certain air class of service. Final price may vary based on availability at the time of booking.

Departure Airport: This tour departs from Miami International (MIA).

Coming from somewhere else? Unfortunately, we don't offer departures from other cities for this tour, but you can book your own connecting flights separately.

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* Prices shown are good while inventory lasts, may reflect an early booking discount, and do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000