Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA & Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 2 Buenos Aires
• 3 Buenos Aires & Estancia Santa Susana
• 4 Buenos Aires & El Calafate
• 5 El Calafate
• 6 El Calafate to Torres del Paine, Chile
• 7 Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales
• 8 Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
• 9 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
• 10 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
• 11 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
• 12 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
• 13 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
• Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $95

Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension

• 13 Buenos Aires
• Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $95
• 14 Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú
• 15 Iguazú Falls
• 16 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA & Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Depart the USA on your flight bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina

Recoleta Grand

Full Day Itinerary

This evening, arrive in Buenos Aires, often referred to as “the Paris of the South.” Each neighborhood has its distinctive flavor, but everywhere you go, the people are warm, welcoming, and happy to see visitors. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an evening snack upon arrival at your hotel.

Day 2 Buenos Aires

• Buenos Aires city tour including Plaza de Mayo & La Boca districts
• Enjoy a tango dinner show

Recoleta Grand Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Your exploration begins with a stop for coffee and a local pastry at a historic Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires. Then, continue to the historic Plaza de Mayo, the city's political center. See the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Juan and Eva Perón spoke to throngs of adoring Argentinians. Next, make your way to Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, then to Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Discover the main Avenues of Buenos Aires: Corrientes Avenue, filled with theatres and nightlife; de Mayo Avenue, with a substantial Spanish influence; the Florida Street, where you might catch a tango demonstration in the street. Later arrive at La Boca, the mouth of the Rio de la Plata where the Riachuelo flows. Before its relocation further North, it was the historic port of Buenos Aires. This district was the refuge of the immigrants, predominantly Italians, between 1880 and 1930. Today, La Boca owes its popularity to the street "Caminito," where there are heaps of small humble houses made of colored sheet metal. The Argentine painter Quinquela Martin, a native of the district, is the origin of the first mismatched paintings of the small street. La Recoleta: Here, one knows why Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of Latin America." Exquisite and refined, this place offers a lot of monuments and museums. Finally, you will visit Evita Perón's burial site. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance.

Day 3 Buenos Aires & Estancia Santa Susana

• Full day excursion Estancia Santa Susana, an Argentinean cattle ranch

Recoleta Grand Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, travel outside the city for a full-day excursion to the Estancia Santa Susana. First, visit a traditional estancia (ranch), where you'll discover the life of the Argentine cowboys known as "gauchos." Wine and empanadas will welcome you. After a sumptuous barbecue lunch, enjoy a folkloric show with a typical Argentine dance, song, and dress, along with a demonstration of gaucho horsemanship.
 

Day 4 Buenos Aires & El Calafate

• Morning flight to El Calafate
• Afternoon tour of El Calafate and Walichu Caves

Mirador del Lago Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to El Calafate. Panoramic bus tour of El Calafate and Walichu Caves. This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of El Calafate's old town, with its 20th-century settler buildings. Watch for flamingoes, geese, and other birds on the shores of Laguna Nimez. Then, explore Patagonia's natural history and geology at El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center. Finally, admire the ancient rock paintings at Walichu Caves on the shores of Lake Argentino.

Day 5 El Calafate

• Perito Moreno glacier tour

Mirador del Lago Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for the Perito Moreno glacier tour. The Perito Moreno Glacier moves towards the front of the Magallanes Peninsula, producing its break. When the glacier reaches the Peninsula, it forms a natural dam of ice that stops the water flow from Rico's arm to the Iceberg barrier. As a result, the water level goes up, thus pressing and corroding the ice mass until it produces small leaks and falling pieces of ice. These increases create a tunnel through which water flows toward Lago Argentino. Finally, the tunnel falls into a beautiful spectacle separating the Perito Moreno Glacier from the Magallanes Peninsula. Then the slow process starts all over again. Arrive at the site and observe the most impressive glacier from the footbridges.

Day 6 El Calafate to Torres del Paine, Chile

• Transfer from El Calafate to Torres del Paine
• Cross border into Chile at Cancha Carrera

Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the Cancha Carrera border crossing, where you will bid farewell to Argentina and arrive in Chile. There will be time to take photos during the route toward Cerro Castillo. At Cerro Castillo Village, on the Chilean side of the border, you will change transport and guide and be transferred directly to your hotel in Torres del Paine.

Day 7 Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales

• Full day tour of Torres de Paine, UNESCO a biosphere reserve
• See the majestic granite towers at Torres del Paine
• Visit the Milodón Caves
• Pass through "Silla del Diablo" rock formations

Hotel Costaustralis Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a day in awe visiting Torres del Paine National Park, encompassing snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls. The centerpiece of the park is the Cordillera del Paine. Later depart for Milodón Caves, a natural monument composed of several caves, including one particular cave notable for the discovery of skin, bones, and other parts of a giant ground sloth called Mylodon darwini. To reach the caves, pass through a rock formation called "Silla del Diablo," a name given for its armchair appearance, which is said to have been the "seat" of the Milodón and that the legend transformed into "devil." Finally, in the late afternoon, arrive in Puerto Natales. 

Day 8 Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas & Embark Ship

• Transfer to Punta Arenas pier
• Embark M/V Ventas Australis cruise ship
• Welcome cocktail reception and dinner
• Sail through Straits of Magellan

M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your expedition cruise ship. The captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception on board. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night, traverse the mythical Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, and travel through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 9 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets

• Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay
• Visit the Tuckers Islets

M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay and learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted. Then, hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. Visit the Tuckers Islets and see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs.

Note: This excursion is replaced by a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay in September and April.

Day 10 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley

• Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
• Evening sail through Glacier Alley

M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

By morning, you’ll be entering Pía Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pía Glacier. After disembarking, take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. Then, sail to the viewpoint from where you can see the homonymous glacier, whose central peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, the navigation continues under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley.”

Day 11 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

• Disembark in Cape Horn National Park, UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
• Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay

M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, the location of disembarkment, if the weather conditions are suitable, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. In the afternoon, the ship will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. Finally, we will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest where lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 12 Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

• Sail to the port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
• Visit the Prison Museum
• Transfer to the airport in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
• Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel

Recoleta Grand Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive at Port of Ushuaia, the most important city on the island of Tierra del Fuego and often referred to as the world's southernmost city. The landscapes in this fascinating region range from barren, windswept plains to quiet pine and beech forests, pristine blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Have the opportunity to learn more about Ushuaia's past as a penal colony at the museum located in what once was the prison. Take a flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 13 Buenos Aires & Return to USA

• Day at leisure for independent exploration or
• Optional: Tour the Palermo district
• Transfer to international airport, check in for your flight to USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Your tour guide will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. Later today, transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires for your overnight return flight. Your fantastic wonderous adventure ends as you arrive in the USA the following morning.

 

 

 

 

Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $95

After breakfast, depart for Palermo, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area divides into different barrios, each with its own unique identity: Palermo SoHo, the trendy area lined with cafés and designer boutiques; Palermo Hollywood, renowned for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; and Palermo Chico, also called Barrio Parque, lined with beautiful mansions, embassies, and regal avenues, and is home to Bosques de Palermo, the city's largest park. Visit the Bosques de Palermo, a vast wooded area in one of the wealthiest areas in the city. Reflect the urban ideas of the political class of the late nineteenth century, liberal, modernist, and scientist.

Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension

Day 13 Buenos Aires

• Day at leisure for independent exploration or
• Optional: Tour the Palermo district

Recoleta Grand Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Your tour guide will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. Later today return to your hotel for an evening on your own. 

Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $95

After breakfast, depart for Palermo, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area divides into different barrios, each with its own unique identity: Palermo SoHo, the trendy area lined with cafés and designer boutiques; Palermo Hollywood, renowned for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; and Palermo Chico, also called Barrio Parque, lined with beautiful mansions, embassies, and regal avenues, and is home to Bosques de Palermo, the city's largest park. Visit the Bosques de Palermo, a vast wooded area in one of the wealthiest areas in the city. Reflect the urban ideas of the political class of the late nineteenth century, liberal, modernist, and scientist.

Day 14 Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú

• Fly to Puerto Iguazú
• Transfer to Foz do Iguazu
• Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Hotel Iguazú Grand Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, and board your flight to Iguazú Falls. Upon seeing Iguazú, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the world's greatest natural wonders! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consists of 275 inlets and cataracts that cascade down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises to 500 feet in the air. Iguazú is undoubtedly among the most impressive waterfalls in the world.

Depart to the Brazilian side of the falls. These semicircle-shaped falls are 8,858 feet wide, and their waterfalls reach 236 feet. Depending on the river flow, the number of waterfalls can reach between 150 and 300. No one has visited the Falls without being amazed by their beauty. But nature's most breathtaking works of art are the fantastic Iguazú Falls. Some twenty separate falls divide Brazil from Argentina, with Brazil's spectacular Floriano fall taking pride in place. The torrents of crystal clear water plunging down 250 feet and the water's roar can be heard from miles and miles afar.

Return to Argentina, check into your hotel.  

Day 15 Iguazú Falls

• Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls and see Devil's Throat
• Afternoon at leisure or an optional boat ride on Iguazú River

Hotel Iguazú Grand Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, admire a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling display of power. Travel through the rain forest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazú: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract measuring 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 Iguazu River, sailing under the falls.

Note: Devil's Throat is currently closed. 

 

Day 16 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires
• Upon arrival, transfer to international airport, check in for your flight to USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Take the morning to stroll through the laid-back town of Puerto Iguazú on your own, enjoy the lush gardens, or relax and cool off at your beautiful hotel pool. Later transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.

Your fantastic adventure ends as you arrive in the USA the following morning.

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Recoleta Grand

Superior First Class

Located strategically in the heart of the exclusive Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the Recoleta Grand is the perfect starting point for a stroll through this trendy area, with its Beaux-Arts architecture, elegant shops and excellent restaurants.

More information

Mirador del Lago

First Class

Mirador del Lago is located in the small and picturesque town of El Calafate, known as the National Capital City of Glaciers. The quaint timber-and-stone building structure is nestled in the landscape of mountains and offers scenic views of Redonda Bay and Lake Argentino. The hotel offers modern amenities, a great place to relax or take a short 10-minute walk to the town center.

More information

Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa

First Class

The Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa is an upscale hotel nestled in Torres del Paine region, just steps away from Serrano River, and surrounded by the mountains, glaciers, and lakes of southern Chilean Patagonia. Rio Serrano Hotel is a family business, welcoming tourists to visit the remote and majestic Torres del Paine National Park.

More information

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

First Class

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is a rural, rustic, chic hotel that blends naturally into the backdrop, where horses roam during the day, and wild animals come out at night. Its privileged location is in the center of an Ecological Reserve, at the trail's entrance that will take you to the granite towers (Las Torres) in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park.

More information

Hotel Costaustralis

Tourist Class

The Hotel Costaustralis is located in the heart of Puerto Natales, the gateway to adventure travel in Southern Patagonia. The chateau-style Hotel Costaustralis offers spectacular views of Ultima Esperanza fjord and the Patagonian landscapes. 

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

M/V Ventus Australis

M/V Ventus Australis welcomes you aboard for a spectacular scenic cruise through the waterways of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Launched in January of 2018, the M/V Ventus Australis was tailor-made to navigate narrow fjords and channels of the southern tip of South America, bringing you up close and personal with the spectacular glaciers, rugged terrain and pristine environment of this remote corner of the Earth.

More information

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Argentina? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Brazil? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Chile? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Patagonia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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