Patagonia - Argentina, Chile & the End of the World

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Departure

  Our journey begins with an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

• Day 2 • Arrive in Buenos Aires

  After a night of travel, today is yours to enjoy at leisure once we’ve checked into our hotel. You might relax and make use of the facilities or explore Recoleta, our elegant neighbourhood of tree-lined streets, Parisian-style townhouses, former palaces and boutiques. Nearby, La Recoleta Cemetery is one of Buenos Aires’ most famous landmarks, renowned for its elaborate mausoleums, statues and crypts, including the tomb of Eva “Evita” Perón.

• Day 3 • Buenos Aires

  Today, we’ll discover the many sides of Buenos Aires on a full-day tour, beginning in elegant Recoleta before continuing to Palermo, with its green spaces, cafés, boutiques and creative energy around Plaza Serrano. We’ll visit historic Plaza de Mayo, home to the presidential palace, before exploring colourful La Boca, shaped by its Italian immigrant heritage and artistic spirit. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner followed by a traditional tango show – an expressive and passionate art form born in the city’s port districts.

• Day 4 • Pampas Ranch

  After breakfast, we’ll leave Buenos Aires for the Pampas, Argentina’s vast rural heartland, and visit Estancia Santa Susana, a nearly 3,000-acre working ranch founded by Irish settlers. We’ll explore the preserved main house and experience traditional gaucho culture as skilled riders demonstrate their horsemanship. Lunch will be a classic Argentine asado of beef grilled over an open flame, accompanied by local musicians and dancers for an authentic taste of rural Argentina.

• Day 5 • Fly to Ushuaia

  This morning, we’ll fly south from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, dramatically set between snow-capped mountains and the Beagle Channel. After checking into our hotel, we’ll cruise along the Beagle Channel, passing rugged islands, Andean peaks, sea lion colonies and seabirds, with a short island walk offering views back towards Ushuaia. We’ll also see the region’s iconic lighthouse before returning to the city in the early evening, with the rest of the night at leisure.

• Day 6 • Tierra del Fuego & End of the World Train

  Today, we’ll explore Patagonia’s landscapes, beginning with a journey on the End of the World Train, following part of the historic prisoner railway through Lenga and Coihue forests, peat bogs and wilderness, with a stop at a scenic waterfall. We’ll then continue by road through Tierra del Fuego National Park, making short walks and photo stops at viewpoints including Lapataia Bay, while learning about the region’s geology, wildlife and indigenous Yamana heritage. Our journey reaches the southern end of the Pan-American Highway, where we’ll walk along the shoreline before returning to Ushuaia in the afternoon. Lunch is at leisure during the day.

• Day 7 • Fly to El Calafate

  Leaving Ushuaia behind this morning, we fly further into Patagonia, arriving in El Calafate – a small town set on the shores of Lake Argentino, crown jewel of Los Glaciares National Park, known for its vast horizons and striking blue waters. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel, just a short drive from the airport. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to ease into the slower pace of Patagonia. El Calafate is compact but characterful, with the lake never far from view and wide-open landscapes in every direction. With the rest of the day at leisure, you might choose to take a walk along the waterfront or head into town and explore Avenida del Libertador, the main street and social hub. Here you’ll find artisan markets, local wool shops, and a scattering of cafés. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply unwind at the hotel after the journey.

• Day 8 • Perito Moreno Glacier

  After breakfast, we’ll leave El Calafate and cross the open Patagonian Steppe towards the rugged mountains of the park. We’ll then board a catamaran across Lake Argentino to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where towering blue ice walls, deep crevasses and the dramatic sound of calving ice create an unforgettable spectacle. Back on land, we’ll explore the glacier’s network of walkways, enjoying different viewpoints and time to take photographs or simply admire the scenery. Lunch is included before we return to El Calafate this afternoon, with the evening at leisure.

• Day 9 • Upsala & Spegazzini Glacier Cruise

  Today, we’ll travel to Punta Bandera and board a full-day cruise across Lake Argentino towards the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, navigating waters dotted with drifting icebergs and passing glacier-fed waterfalls. We’ll view Upsala Glacier, the largest in Los Glaciares National Park, from a distance before continuing to Spegazzini Glacier, the park’s tallest, whose towering ice front makes for a spectacular sight. There’ll be time to enjoy the views from the boat’s indoor lounges or open-air decks, with commentary throughout, before stopping at a refuge for lunch or a short walk to a glacier viewpoint. We’ll then cruise back to Punta Bandera and return to El Calafate.

• Day 10 • Travel to Puerto Natales, Chile

  We leave Argentina behind today, travelling from El Calafate over the Chilean border and on to Puerto Natales. Our journey crosses the Patagonia Steppe, through landscapes of open grassland, distant mountains and seemingly endless skies. Along the way, spot estancias (ranches) grazing sheep, and native wildlife, like guanacos, roaming freely across the plains, while the Andes gradually rise on the horizon – on a clear day, you might even be able to spot the peaks of Torres del Paine on the horizon. After a stop at the border to complete the formalities, we continue into Chile, arriving in Puerto Natales late afternoon. Set on the edge of Última Esperanza (Last Hope) Sound, this former fishing village is a wonderful introduction to Chilean Patagonia. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Puerto Natales and enjoy dinner at leisure.

• Day 11 • Chilean Ranch

  After breakfast, we’ll venture into the Patagonian countryside to visit a traditional Chilean estancia, where we’ll learn about sheep farming and daily ranch life against the backdrop of the Andes. We’ll explore the estate and discover how it differs from ranches across the border in Argentina before enjoying a traditional lunch, often featuring local lamb. There’ll then be time to take in the expansive views and peaceful surroundings before returning to Puerto Natales this afternoon.

• Day 12 • Torres del Paine

  An early start takes us north through Patagonia to Torres del Paine National Park, where we’ll explore its dramatic landscapes at a relaxed pace, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the Paine Massif, Lake Pehoé, Lake Nordenskjöld and Salto Grande. Along the way, we’ll look out for wildlife including guanacos, condors, flamingos and Andean foxes, with the chance of spotting pumas, while our guide shares insights into the glaciers, geology and ever-changing weather. After lunch, we’ll continue exploring before visiting Cueva del Milodón, a vast natural cave named after the prehistoric giant ground sloth whose remains were discovered here. We’ll then return to Puerto Natales for our final night.

• Day 13 • Fly to Santiago

  Today, we wave goodbye to Patagonia, boarding a flight for Santiago. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel downtown, situated in the heart of the historical centre. With some of the city’s most famous landmarks and parks close by, as well as plenty of eateries, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

• Day 14 • Santiago City Tour

  Today, we’ll explore Santiago, a city of leafy boulevards, historic squares and modern neighbourhoods set against the Andes. We’ll begin at Cerro Santa Lucía, where Santiago was founded in 1541, walking through its landscaped gardens and terraces while enjoying views across the city. We’ll then continue to Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago, surrounded by colonial landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral, before visiting Plaza de la Constitución and La Moneda Palace, the seat of Chile’s government, where our guide will share stories from the country’s political history. Later, we’ll head to Cerro San Cristóbal within one of South America’s largest urban parks, travelling to the summit by funicular for sweeping views across Santiago and the surrounding mountains, before returning by cable car with panoramic views along the way. After lunch, we’ll continue exploring before returning to the hotel this afternoon, having discovered both Santiago’s rich history and the dramatic setting that makes the city so distinctive.

• Day 15 • Valparaiso & bodega visit

  Today, we’ll travel west from Santiago to Chile’s Pacific coast, visiting Viña del Mar, known as the “Garden City”, with its palm-lined boulevards, gardens and ocean views. We’ll then explore colourful Valparaíso, built across steep hills above the harbour, discovering its historic funiculars, vibrant street art and fascinating history as a major South American port. After lunch, we’ll return towards Santiago, stopping at a local bodega in one of Chile’s renowned wine regions to learn about winemaking and enjoy a tasting of regional wines.

• Day 16 • Return home

  Transfer to the airport and begin our journey home, bringing our South American adventure to a close.