FJORDS, GLACIERS & PENGUINS BY LAND AND SEA

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Tour Details

Shared by Argentina and Chile, vast remote Patagonia is a dream destination. Begin in electric Buenos Aires uncovering the history and neighborhoods that make this capital a favorite tourist destination. Explore the colorful streets and take in a tango show before heading to El Calafate, the gateway to Argentinian Patagonia. This rugged little frontier town retains its Gaucho charm and offers stunning views of the landscape.

Continue south to the southernmost tip of South America to Ushuaia and the sensational Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. An abundance of wildlife and incredible scenery make this park the perfect introduction to the stunning wilderness. In Ushuaia, you’ll board your cruise ship for a spectacular four-night Patagonia cruise walking in the footsteps of Darwin and viewing fjords and glaciers galore. Commence your journey in Santiago, the Chilean capital where you’ll take in the city’s culinary scene and unwind with some wine tasting before you return home.

3 days Buenos Aires
2 days El Calafate
2 days Ushuaia
4 days Patagonia Cruise
2 days Santiago

Weathers, Seasons & Climate

The best time to visit Argentina and Chile is from April-June (fall) or from September-December (spring). These sweet shoulder seasons usher in mild temperatures, thin crowds, and colorful foliage. January and February remain a popular time to visit, temperatures often rise into the 90s and a muggy heat hangs in the air. The off-season starts in June and ends in August and is usually filled with rainy days, cold winter temps, and few tourists.

The Patagonia region has a dry climate and temperatures range from a low of 28F in winter to highs in the mid-60’s in the summer. Out on the glacier the wind can reduce these temperatures considerably so dress warmly.

The best time to cruise the Chilean fjords — in fact the only time — is September through April; the rest of the time the area is un-navigable, due to weather and sea conditions. However, the weather varies at any time of year and it is advisable to take cold weather clothes at any time of year.

Day 1 :Arrive Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your representative who will accompany you to your hotel to check-in.

Day 2 :Buenos Aires (Full day)

The architecture of Buenos Aires is nearly unrivaled. Your guide will take you for a glimpse into the rich history that created the neoclassical metropolitan Cathedral, the roots of Monumentalism, and the renovation project at Puerto Madero. Tonight, enjoy a sizzling tango show and dinner at El Querandi for an experience you will not soon forget.

Day 3 :Buenos Aires (Free day / car service to dinner)

A free day at leisure to explore on your own before an evening to remember! Argentina is world-famous for its barbeques and fine wine and tonight roundtrip car service will deliver you to your choice of restaurants. Reservations are required, and our experts recommend Getui, Aramburu, Chila, Oviedo or Casa Cavia. Please note your meal is not included and must be paid on location.

Day 4 :Buenos Aires – El Calafate ((3 hours 15-minute flight at your own expense)

Enjoy a private car and driver to bring you to the airport for your short flight to the magnificent setting at El Calafate. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel to check-in.

Day 5 :El Calafate (Half day)

A fantastic day learning about the Gaucho lifestyle at a traditional estanica where you can go horseback riding and watch sheep shearing before a delicious local lunch. Next, you'll board a 14-person small boat and cruise to see the magnificent vistas and the Magellan Peninsula disembarking at De las Monedas Beach. Continue to Perito Moreno Glacier for great views from the catwalks and exploring the area.

Day 6 : El Calafate – Ushuaia (1-hour 25minute flight at your own expense)

Enjoy a private car and driver to bring you to the airport for your flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel to check-in. NOTE: An airport tax of up to $40USD per person is not included in the flight cost and must be paid at the airport.

Day 7 :Ushuaia (Half day)

Head into Tierra del Fuego National Park for a half day guided tour. Situated only 7 miles from Ushuaia, this park was established in 1960 and combines ocean, forests, and mountains. The scenery is stunning and there are large numbers of wildlife including red foxes, ducks, woodpeckers and over 90 species of birds. There are bays and valleys surrounded by hills of verdant green.

Day 8 :Ushuaia – Patagonia Cruise – Beagle Channel (Board your cruise ship)

An exciting day as you are taken to the harbor to board your cruise around Patagonia! After registration, you visit the Maritime Museum and eat a delicious lunch. Early evening sees you boarding your boat and enjoying a welcome toast and introduction by the captain and crew. Overnight you traverse the Beagle Channel and cross into Chilean waters as you enter the narrow Murray Channel.

Day 9 :Cape Horn – Patagonia Cruise

Daybreak finds you entering the remote Cape Horn National Park archipelago. Discovered in 1616 the sheer rocky bluffs overlook the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage and the "end of the earth". After anchoring in Wulaia Bay, originally a large Yamana aboriginal settlement described by Charles Darwin, you will visit the museum take one of three hikes to reach panoramic viewpoints of the bay.

Day 10 :Pia Glacier – Patagonia Cruise

After a night spent cruising, we are back to the Beagle Channel arriving at Pia Fjord. Zodiacs take you to shore to hike near the glacier. Navigating west drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for a shore excursion on one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass. Enjoy a strenuous hike to waterfalls and viewpoints or stay onboard enjoying panoramic views from the upper deck.

Day 11 :Agostini Sound – Patagonia Cruise

An early sail brings you to Agostini Sound. Disembark for an easy walk around the lagoon you will see glaciers that descend from the Darwin Mountain Range and reach the sea. There are spectacular views around the lagoon. In the afternoon you will take a zodiac to Condor Glacier and hope to see some of the abundant Andean Condors that inhabit this area.

Day 12 :Punta Arenas – Santiago (3-hour 30minute flight at your own expense)

An overnight cruise brings you to the Strait of Magellan to anchor off Magdalene Island, crowned by a distinctive lighthouse. Depending on the season dawn will allow hiking onshore to view the thousands of Magellan penguins and other birds or a zodiac excursion to Marta Island to observe sea lions. A short cruise has you disembarking late morning for a short flight to Santiago.

Day 13 :Santiago (Half day)

A culinary experience today! Your guide begins at La Vega Central Food Market and Mercado Central before tasting empanadas. Continue to Santiago's town square for a tour of the main sites before a local lunch with a Pisco Sour and a glass of wine. Head to Barrio Italia to explore this artsy district and cap off the tour with a sweet treat from the Dulceria.

Day 14 :Santiago – Return home

With a late check-out in place, you head to the Maipo Valley to visit Santa Rita winery which is declared a National Monument. Tour the vineyards and learn about their wine and winemaking along with their very own museum with over 1800 pieces of pre-Columbian art before returning to gather your bags and be transported to the airport for your flight home.

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Buenos Aires
La Boca Neighborhood, Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo, Colon Theatre, The Obelisco, Woman's Bridge, De la Republica Park, Recoleta Cemetery, Tigre River Delta, Japanese Gardens.

Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park, Beagle Channel, Sea Wolves Island, The End of the World Train, Lakes Escondido

Santiago
Plaza de Armas, Metropolitan Cathedral, La Chascona, Maipo Valley, Museum of Memory and Human Rights, La Moneda, Mercado Central, Sky Costanera and much more.

Buenos Aires:Eat

Napoles Bar

Near trendy San Telmo neighborhood you’ll find a unique combination of bar, clothing store, antique store and restaurant! You can see everything from jeans to old cars. It is tempting to simply spend time photographing the eclectic scene but make sure to try their delicious pizza and pasta.

El Globo

Easy going neighborhood cantinas are one of the delights of the city. Try the 100-year-old El Globo for their signature dish puchero (stewdish) which comes on two different trays; one with different cuts of meat and one with assorted steamed vegetables among others

Buenos Aires:Stay

Park Royal City Buenos Aires - Three star

Enjoy comfort and convenience at a great price at the Park Royal. The rooms are decorated in a modern style and feature kitchens while the hotel offers a bar and free breakfast.

Nuss Buenos Aires Soho-Palermo - Four star

This elegant little hotel is located in the chic Palermo Soho area of Buenos Aires close to shopping and restaurants. A former Spanish convent, it has been remodeled with elegantly appointed rooms and a unique center courtyard.

Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta - Five star

Located in the stunning Recoleta neighborhood, the Sofitel has a neoclassical style and imposing brick façade. This upscale hotel offers a grand European heritage with strong Argentinian roots and offers fine linens, deluxe bathrooms, and an unbeatable location.

El Calafate:Eat

Mi Rancho

After a day in nature you will appreciate this casual local restaurant offering the very best wood fire pizza in town along with some delicious empanadas. A fantastic small restaurant in a quaint setting.

La Tablita

Follow the locals to the best parrilla in town. Parrilla is the traditional BBQ grilled meat that Argentina is so famous for. Located right on the main street of town they also offer an excellent wine list to complement your meal.

El Calafate:Stay

Michaelangelo Hotel Calafate - Three star

This lodge-style hotel suits the wild environment of the region with a laid-back style and comfortable, simple rooms. The hotel has a fantastic fireplace lounge for warming up after a day at the glaciers and enjoys lovely views of the area and offers buffet breakfast and free WiFi

Kosten Aike - Four star

Ideally situated near the town of El Calafate the traditional design is evident throughout the hotel with comfortable amenities and wonderful views. The hotel features comfortable rooms to welcome you after a day exploring Patagonia.

Xelena Hotel & Suites - Five star

This beautiful lodge offers contemporary rooms with excellent service. The hotel features and indoor/outdoor pool, restaurant and well- appointed rooms. There is a spa with excellent services and gorgeous views from each room.

Ushuaia:Eat

Villagio

It’s all about the king crab at this popular local spot in the center of town. Run by a delightful Italian family you can also get a good pasta if you want but we suggest the crab.

Dublin Pub

An Irish pub in Argentina? Why not! This convivial local favorite has tasty beers on tap, a good bar menu and is a warm and cozy spot to hang your hat on a cold Patagonian evening.

Ushuaia:Stay

Alto Andino Hotel - Three star

A wonderful choice for a contemporary simple hotel that is comfortable and offers some spectacular views of the Beagle channel and offers free breakfast.

Hotel Tierra del Fuego - Four star

A comfortable, casual hotel with an exercise room and storage area. The rooms are tastefully decorated with views of the sound and the hotel features an on-site restaurant.

Arakur Resort & Spa - Five star

Ideally located in a natural reserve and just minutes from downtown Ushuaia this luxury hotel focuses on sustainable design and offers spectacular views. The lobby fireplace and beautifully appointed rooms will surely please any guest but the views of Patagonia is the most impressive feature.

Patagonia Cruise:Stay

M/N Ventus Australis

Taylor made for touring the remote southern tip of South America, this 210-passenger ship is perfectly designed to navigate rough waters all while being small and nimble enough to reach small bays. The staterooms are comfortable with floor-to-ceiling windows so you don’t miss a single view. Onboard indulge in delicious cuisine, play a game of cards, or simply enjoy a drink at the bar.

Santiago:Eat

Panko Sushi

While you might not think of sushi when thinking Latin America, the sushi at Panko is not to be missed. Try their 10-seater location in the Lastarria neighborhood and prepare to be amazed as the chefs blowtorch your goyza and use fried corn chips for a Latin touch on your tuna tartar.

Shakti

For a twist on the usual try out this unique vegan restaurant. Beloved by vegan and meat lovers alike the focus here is on “creative food” and by the end of your meal of vegan ceviche you may very well question your love of meat and dairy.

Santiago:Stay

Hotel Panamericano - Three star

This understated contemporary hotel is only a short walk from city center making it a favorite for travelers. It features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a unique feature; a boxing gym.

La Reve Boutique Hotel - Four star

This stunning hotel is a Chilean National Monument and French architecture has been restored with gorgeous results. The rooms are tastefully decorated with views of the inner gardens and are designed for the discerning traveler.

The Singular Santiago - Five star

Set in the historic center of Santiago, this luxury hotel is an appealing blend of classic and contemporary in an excellent location. The spacious accommodations, gourmet restaurant and inviting lobby are all enchanting and lend to the charm of a visit to this cultural city.

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Buenos Aires

Walking food tour of Recoleta

Experience all of the best of Argentinian street food on this 3-hour walking tour. Sample empanadas, dulce de leche, and parrilla along with local wine in one of the city’s most charming barrios.

El Calafate

City Tour and Walichu Caves

Enjoy a 3-hour tour learning the history of this storied area of Argentina with a special visit to the 4000-year-old Walichu Caves with their rock paintings and visit Old Town Calafate.

Santiago

Walking food tour

Bring your appetite for this 4-hour hour eating extravaganza. Browse the markets, stroll the main square, and ride the cable car to San Cristobal all while stopping regularly to sample regional snacks and drinks before lunch at a local restaurant.

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Testimonials

Best Enjoyable Trip
We just soak in the experiences and there were so many it is hard to find a memorable part: from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and Patagonia Cruise and in end Santiago , all were amazing . The accommodations were excellent and far exceeded expectations. Everything went perfectly, including flights, transfers, and the tours. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. This was one of the best vacation we've ever had.

Julian Talal and Stav

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