Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
• 3 Santiago, Chile
• 4 Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine
• 5 Torres del Paine
• 6 Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
• 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
• 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
• 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
• 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia & El Calafate
• 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
• 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires
• 13 Buenos Aires
• 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
• Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $105

Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension

• 14 Buenos Aires
• Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $105
• 15 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú
• 16 Iguazú Falls
• 17 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your journey begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile

• Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
• Take a cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill to see the Santiago skyline
• See the urban area of Vitacura and visit Bicentenario Park
• Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura, Pullman Santiago Vitacura or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, where, after completing immigration and customs formalities, you will meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago de Chile as you ascend San Cristobal Hill on a captivating cable car ride. Immerse yourself in the city's stunning skyline and surrounding natural beauty as you feel the gentle sway of the cable car and marvel at the vibrant cityscape below.

Pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture and, finally, the bustling Providencia shopping zone. Then, continue to the Vitacura neighborhood and visit Bicentenario Park, where lush green spaces, serene lakes, and captivating sculptures create an idyllic urban oasis.

In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Note: All departures through March, 2025 will stay at Pullman Santiago Vitacura. October 25, 2025 departures and onwards will stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura.

Day 3 Santiago, Chile

• Explore the colonial district of Santiago
• Visit the bustling Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina
• Sip local wines during a tasting at Santa Rita Vineyard

Pullman Santiago Vitacura, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Explore Santiago, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. Begin with a visit to the colonial district and Plaza Constitución. Later, visit the Palacio de la Moneda, which was built toward the end of the colonial period to house the Royal Mint and is now the seat of the Chilean government.

Later, visit Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina, better known as La Vega, for a glimpse of exotic fruits, local vegetables, and artisan cheeses. Wander the market's second floor to witness a blending of traditional Chilean ingredients and culture through the various ethnic restaurants serving up Chilean, Peruvian, and Colombian dishes.

This afternoon, journey through Chile's wine heritage with a visit to Santa Rita winery to explore vineyards, indulge in wine tastings, and discover the secrets behind the art of winemaking. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes as you savor exquisite wines surrounded by the charming ambiance of one of Chile's most renowned wineries. Wrap up the visit to Santa Rita with a visit to the Andean Museum, a contemporary building located within the vineyards, which houses a collection of around 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic pieces from the pre-Columbian era.

Note: All departures through March, 2025 will stay at Pullman Santiago Vitacura. October 25, 2025 departures and onwards will stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura.

Day 4 Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine

• Board your flight to Punta Arenas
• Upon arrival, transfer to Torres del Paine

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

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas, followed by a transfer to Torres del Paine. Later this afternoon, check-in at your hotel in Torres del Paine.

Note: March 27, 2025 and January 15, 2026 departures will stay Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.  All other dates will stay at Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa. 

Day 5 Torres del Paine

• Enjoy a full-day tour of Torres del Paine

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

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast, visit Torres del Paine National Park, which encompasses snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls. The park's centerpiece is the Cordillera del Paine.

Walk along the shore of Grey Lake and, weather permitting, access the viewpoint of Grey Peninsula. Next, admire the beautiful surrounding landscape from the Mirador del Lago Grey (the view towards the Grey Glacier and the Macizo del Paine) before observing the Cuernos del Paine.

Later, make your way to the Salto Grande sector. Visit Lake Nordenskjold's viewpoint and enjoy diverse views on the undulating route that takes you little by little to the sector of Laguna Amarga. After admiring this pleasant spectacle, pass by the Mirador del Lago Sarmiento. In the early evening, return to the hotel.

Note: March 27, 2025 and January 15, 2026 departures will stay Hotel Las Torres Patagonia.  All other dates will stay at Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa. 

Day 6 Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas & Embark Ship

• Explore the natural Milodón Caves
• Transfer to Punta Arenas pier
• Embark on the M/V Ventas Australis cruise ship
• Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner
• Sail through the mythical Straits of Magellan

M/V Ventus Australis or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, depart for Milodón Caves, a natural monument composed of several caves, including one cave notable for discovering the 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."

Transfer to the Punta Arenas port and board your expedition cruise ship. The captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception on board. After the captain and crew's welcoming toast and introduction, 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 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets

• Discover the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay
• Visit the Tuckers Islets, home to Magellanic penguins

M/V Ventus Australis or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive near the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay and learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted. Then, hike through the beautiful 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 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley

• Disembark at Pía Glacier via Zodiacs
• Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
• Enjoy an evening sail through Glacier Alley

M/V Ventus Australis or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

By morning, enter Pía Fjord and board 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. Back onboard the ship, continue east along the Beagle Channel through Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features several impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them were named after European countries: Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France.

Day 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

• Disembark in Cape Horn National Park
• Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay

M/V Ventus Australis or similar 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, walk through the Magellanic forest where lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia & El Calafate

• Sail to the port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
• Visit the Ushuaia Maritime Museum
• Board your flight to El Calafate
• Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel

Mirador del Lago, Rochester Calafate or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive at Port of Ushuaia, the most important city on the island of Tierra del Fuego and often called the world's southernmost city. The landscapes 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 at the Ushuaia Maritime Museum. The museum shows off much of Tierra Del Fuego's impressive maritime history with few original artifacts. The majority of the displays include scale models of tall ships and merchant vessels that first plied these waters, maps, and charts used by early explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish, and Oliver van Noort, and the first voyage of the HMS Beagle. Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Note: September 16, 2024 departure will stay at Rochester Calafate. 

Day 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier

• Enjoy the Perito Moreno glacier tour
• Sail along Lago Argentino for a close-up look at Perito Moreno Glacier

Mirador del Lago, Rochester Calafate or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, travel to the Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of Argentina’s most spectacular areas, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the planet’s few advancing glaciers. You’ll experience this magnificent natural wonder from various 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 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 leisure time exploring the glacier on your own before returning to El Calafate.

Note: September 16, 2024 departure will stay at Rochester Calafate. 

Day 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires

• Visit El Calafate's 20th-century old town
• Venture into the ancient Walichu Caves
• Board your flight to Buenos Aires

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, 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. Step back in time and venture into the ancient Walichu Caves, nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina. Marvel at the remarkable cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the lives and rituals of indigenous communities that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere as you explore the caves and connect with this extraordinary archaeological site's profound history and cultural significance. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 13 Buenos Aires

• Explore Buenos Aires, including the Plaza de Mayo and La Boca districts
• Enjoy an exciting tango dinner show

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Your exploration begins with a coffee and pastry stop 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, and 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; and Florida Street, where you might catch a tango demonstration. 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 district native, originates from 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, 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 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA

• Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour
• Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning

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, $105

After breakfast, depart for Buenos Aires' vibrant Palermo district, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area is divided 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 late nineteenth-century political class, liberal, modernist, and scientist.

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and for September 2025 departures and onward, the rate is $115 per person.

Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension

Day 14 Buenos Aires

• Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration, or join an optional tour

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel or similar 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, $105

After breakfast, depart for Buenos Aires' vibrant Palermo district, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area is divided 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 late nineteenth-century political class, liberal, modernist, and scientist.

Note: A minimum of 2 passengers is required. 

Day 15 Buenos Aires & Puerto Iguazú

• Board your flight to Puerto Iguazú
• Transfer to Foz do Iguazu
• Arrive to your hotel for check-in

Loi Suites Iguazu Falls or similar 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 vary between 150 and 300. No one has visited the Falls without being amazed by their beauty! Some twenty separate falls divide Brazil from Argentina, with Brazil's spectacular Floriano fall taking pride in place. The torrents of crystal clear water plunge down 250 feet, and the water's roar can be heard from miles and miles afar.

Return to Argentina and check into your hotel.

Day 16 Iguazú Falls

• Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls
• Admire the impressive Devil's Throat
• Spend the afternoon at leisure, or an optional boat ride on Iguazú River

Loi Suites Iguazu Falls or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, admire a fantastic 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.

Day 17 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA

• Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires
• Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura

First Class

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Santiago - Vitacura is perfectly situated in Santiago's lively business district. Experience Chilean hospitality with modern comforts, making it ideal for travelers. Located close to Santiago's top attractions, including the Costanera Center and Sky Costanera observation deck, the hotel offers easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites.

More information

Pullman Santiago Vitacura

First Class

The Hotel Pullman Santiago Vitacura is nestled in the affluent Vitacura neighborhood within walking distance of the Bicentenario Park and known for its flamingos and koi carp filled pond surrounded by modern buildings, art galleries, and posh rooftop bars with spectacular mountain views.

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

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

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

Rochester Calafate

First Class

Discover the charm of Patagonia at Rochester Calafate, a serene retreat offering comfort and elegance in El Calafate, the gateway to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. Located along Avenida del Libertador, the main artery of El Calafate, the hotel is just a short distance from local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

More information

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel

Deluxe

Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel is located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring the city's cultural and historical attractions. You can easily access iconic landmarks such as the Recoleta Cemetery and the Teatro Colón, as well as nearby parks, museums, and vibrant shopping areas.

More information

Loi Suites Iguazu Falls

Deluxe

Loi Suites Iguazu Falls is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Iguazu National Park, on the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls. This property is surrounded by lush rainforests and just a short distance from the magnificent waterfalls.

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? Depart from another city? 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.