Patagonia Discovery Tour with Torres del Paine

Welcome to Buenos Aires the “Capital of Tango!” Travel along iconic Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world and admire landmarks including Colón Opera House and the commemorative Obelisk that marks the city’s 1536 founding. Continue to Plaza de Mayo and the Government House, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Mausoleum of General San Martín—Argentina’s national hero.

Proceed to La Boca, a lively Italian district where the first immigrants settled. Stroll Caminito Street, famous for colorful façades and artistic energy. Along the way, pass the legendary Boca Juniors stadium, a temple of world soccer. The tour moves through the port area and San Martín Square before reaching the elegant Recoleta district. Visit the celebrated Recoleta Cemetery, the “open-air museum” where ornate mausoleums honor Argentina’s most prominent figures like Eva Perón.

Pause for a traditional Argentine lunch at the Evita Museum Restaurant before returning to the hotel for leisure time. Those with energy to spare may explore nearby Palermo Chico, a refined enclave of mansions and embassies—or Palermo Park—a sprawling green space to stroll among gardens, lakes, and cultural monuments.

What better way to conclude than with a celebratory welcome dinner at a world-class steakhouse known for expertly grilled meats and an atmosphere that captures the lively spirit of Argentina’s famous dining culture.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Pleno Palermo Soho Hotel

Today explore the Tigre River Delta, the world’s only delta that flows into another river rather than the sea. En route, the Presidential Residence comes into view in the charming neighborhood of San Isidro, where cobbled streets, Colonial-era houses, and shaded plazas reflect 18th-century roots. Just beyond this, the Plata River shoreline unfolds with sailing and rowing clubs that have shaped local traditions for generations. Continue past the soccer stadium that is home to Argentina’s national team and the historic 1978 World Cup venue. In Buenos Aires, football is more than sport—it’s a religion!

Arriving in Tigre, board a catamaran for a gentle voyage through a labyrinth of rivers and canals that serve as vital routes for the local residents called islanders. Gain new insight into their riverside traditions and observe native fauna and flora. Stop at a bustling market to browse artisan crafts before savoring a homemade lunch in a traditional restaurant.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and choose between a dip in the pool, a soak in the steam room, or a cat nap. If energy levels persist, continue to explore the environs with recommendations from the Trip Leader.

Dinner is independent this evening with nearby options or in the hotel restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine and fresh Atlantic seafood. Conclude this day enriched by a new appreciation for Argentina’s vibrant capital.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Pleno Palermo Soho Hotel

This morning the compass is pointing to Patagonia, where almost everyone carries a gourd filled with yerba mate, sipping the earthy, herbal infusion through a silver straw. Shared among friends or enjoyed alone, this daily ritual is a constant companion across the region.

Transfer to the airport for a three-hour flight to El Calafate, a Patagonian town set along the shores of Lago Argentino at the foothills of the southern Andes. Here, turquoise lakes are fed by glacial melt from the Patagonian Ice Field. The waters shimmer with shifting hues of “glacial flour,” creating otherworldly images of light and reflection. Flamingos, black-necked swans, and Andean condors thrive in this dramatic alpine setting—a paradise for nature lovers.

Once a supply hub for sheep-ranching estancias, El Calafate evolved into an explorers’ gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. The town’s name honors the native calafate berry—dark blue and sweetly tart like a blueberry. As legend goes, anyone who eats a berry is destined to return to Patagonia!

Gather for a leisurely town ramble, browsing boutiques with wool textiles and fine leather goods, pausing at a chocolatería, and enjoying a planned tasting of the celebrated ice cream made from—who guessed it? Wild calafate berries.

Back at the alpine lodge, massage might do the body good, but a fine Argentine wine in the lounge can also provide similar comfort. As evening descends, sit down to a dinner of regional specialties.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Calafate Parque Hotel

In Patagonia’s frozen theater, the Perito Moreno Glacier takes center stage. Begin the day with a guided excursion led by an expert to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the crown jewel of Los Glaciares National Park. Take in its vast, sculpted ice wall rising almost 200 feet, stretching three miles across. It is a natural wonder that embodies the drama of Patagonia. Stroll the easy network of catwalks that bring you face-to-face with this frozen giant, pausing to listen as the glacier creaks and moans.

Continue with a boat ride across the lake to the glacier’s southern face. From this privileged point, watch enormous chunks of ice break free and plunge into the water, an unforgettable spectacle of a landscape in constant change. Step ashore for a guided walk closer to the ice, where every view offers a new perspective.

Return by boat to the walkways, then travel back to town in private comfort. Afterward, step into the Yeti Ice Bar, an otherworldly space sculpted entirely from ice. In this frosted atmosphere, raise a glass with a signature drink and make a group toast to the day’s extraordinary encounters.

At the lodge, unwind in the jacuzzi or sauna, or try a Calafate Kir Royale—a sparkling wine aperitif made with calafate liqueur. Dine independently this evening and discover excellent restaurants within walking distance with your Trip Leader recommendations.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Calafate Parque Hotel

Step into the boots of a Patagonian cowboy (metaphorically speaking) and discover the timeless rhythms of ranch life. Journey across the sweeping Andean steppe to Nibepo Aike, one of the region’s most authentic estancias and the only ranch located within Los Glaciares National Park along the shores of Roca Lake.

Begin by learning the fascinating history of the estancia and the pioneering family who still manage it today. Observe gauchos as they demonstrate their mastery on horseback and witness the skill of sheep shearing, a tradition that has sustained this land for centuries.

Follow in the footsteps of the gauchos themselves. Choose to hike or ride horseback to La Angostura, tranquil waters where two lakes meet. From this vantage point, take in breathtaking panoramic views with Perito Moreno Glacier gleaming in the distance.

Enjoy a meal as authentic as the experience. Savor tender Patagonian lamb slow-roasted over an open fire pit, seasoned with the classic chimichurri of parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil. Complement this feast with rustic potatoes baked in embers, vegetables charred over the flames, and a crisp, fresh salad—side dishes deeply rooted in Argentine tradition.

The evening is free to enjoy dinner independently.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Calafate Parque Hotel

Panthers and Tigers and Bears, Oh my! After breakfast, settle in for a two-hour coach ride southward over the sweeping Patagonian steppe. Cross Cancha Carrera Pass and pause at the Chilean border before continuing. Along the way, make a brief stop at Milodón Cave where the remains of a prehistoric creatures including a cave bear, Patagonian panther, and the saber-tooth tiger.

Continue on to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and home for three nights. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is celebrated as one of the world’s most breathtaking wilderness areas. Towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers create an awe-inspiring backdrop for the abundant wildlife that roams freely—stay alert for guanacos, condors, and the elusive puma cat.

Tucked into a hillside overlooking Last Hope Sound and Baquedano Glacier, the boutique hotel is a minimalist sanctuary. Step into contemporary rooms where natural wood, stone, and cozy lambskins reflect the rugged Patagonian landscape. Large panoramic windows open up to the water, while the hotel’s décor blends seamlessly into the natural setting.

Spend the afternoon unwinding in casual communal areas: a spacious lounge, bar, rooftop terrace, and garden. Or, slip into the hot tub and let your gaze come to rest on the bay.

Gather this evening at the hotel to savor a seasonal menu inspired by Peruvian, Chilean, and French traditions centered around fresh local seafood.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Altiplanico Puerto Natales Hotel

Awake to the joyous call of kelp seagulls and Southern lapwings. Fill a day pack with the exploring essentials before embarking on a tour with your guide—the first of two unforgettable days in the Torres del Paine National Park, and one of Chile’s most iconic natural wonders.

This vast protected area dazzles the eye with towering peaks including the celebrated Cuernos del Paine. Adding to the drama are glacial runs, roaring waterfalls, and sparkling lakes. Entering the park, be on the look-out for herds of grazing guanacos and soaring condors.

Venture deeper into the wilderness, allowing the immense landscape to unfold like a storybook. With more than 700 square miles of terrain, the park requires two days of discovery with today’s focus on the western side and the immense icebergs at Grey Glacier Beach.

Continue to Salto Chico and Salto Grande, two powerful waterfalls that represent the relentless energy of Patagonian rivers. Stop at Lake Pehoé, a shimmering turquoise jewel and admire the contrasting tones of Nordenskjöld and Sarmiento Lakes, each offering its own unique reflection of the surrounding peaks.

Pause midday for a hearty lunch at a mountain refuge that serves rustic Patagonian fare served in a warm communal hall. Rest and recharge among fellow travelers before continuing to explore the park.

Return in the evening to Puerto Natales—the gateway port for boats navigating the Patagonian fjords. Dinner is independent with round-trip transfers provided for those wishing to explore the town’s restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Altiplanico Puerto Natales Hotel

Famous for its granite towers—sculpted over millennia by advancing glaciers—Torres del Paine National Park begs for another day of exploration. The focus today is on the park’s eastern side for up close views of the blue-hued spires. Begin at Laguna Amarga where the towers’ sharp silhouettes are mirrored in the waters—and with any luck—to see a flamboyance of flamingoes painting the lagoon pink.

Continue on to Laguna Azul, a favored vantage point for admiring the full sweep of the Paine Massif. Pause at Paine Cascade, where the river plunges against a backdrop of rugged steppe and soaring peaks. Weather permitting, enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors, dining with a front-row seat to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring panoramas.

Return in the afternoon to Puerto Natales, a town with its own story. Founded in 1911 as a port for sheep ranching, its character is shaped by corrugated tin houses, old meat-packing warehouses, and brightly painted façades built by early European settlers. Wander the waterfront and admire how the industrial heritage mingles with modern cafés, art galleries, and shops.

This evening, an independent dinner is enjoyed at the hotel or in town. Take the opportunity to sample one of Patagonia’s distinctive specialties: guanaco, a lean and tender game meat often paired with a berry reduction, or Magellanic beef, raised on the open pastures of southern Chile; admired for its rich flavor.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Altiplanico Puerto Natales Hotel

Oh Patagonia, how we will miss your wild and untamed ways … But, the time has come to bid farewell to this special corner of South America and head to the airport for a three-hour flight to Santiago, home to nearly 40% of Chile’s population.

Arrive in the cosmopolitan and energetic capital city brimming with cultural treasures. Discover world-class museums, striking architecture, bustling food markets, and vibrant art galleries. Santiago’s neighborhoods reveal their own distinct characters: the bohemian flair of Bellavista, the polished avenues of Las Condes, and the colonial charm of Lastarria. The city invites exploration on foot, with tree-lined boulevards, shaded plazas, and a modern metro linking it all together.

Home is a stylish retreat in the heart of Lastarria. The rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and lounge provide a welcome retreat after a day of travel. Just steps away, Forestal Park stretches along the Mapocho River offering shady pathways, sculptures, and a glimpse of local life. Overlooking both the skyline and this green oasis, the hotel lies at the city center.

This evening, savor every bite at a celebrated wine bar and restaurant in a beautifully restored mansion. Each dish is crafted to pair with an award-winning wine. The lively yet relaxed ambiance offers the perfect introduction to Santiago’s culinary scene.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Ismael Hotel

After breakfast, board a private coach bound for Pomaire, a charming town just west of Santiago and long celebrated for traditional clay pottery. Known as Chile’s “ceramic capital,” Pomaire is famed for earthen dishware, rustic cookware, and whimsical figurines using ancestral techniques passed down over generations.

Visit a studio and join a hands-on workshop where skilled artisans guide you in shaping your own clay piece to take home as a meaningful keepsake. Pomaire is also known for the delicious “Pomairean empanada,” that weighs up to a kilo, drawing food lovers from across the region.

On the return journey, stop in the fertile Maipo Valley at Undurraga Vineyard, founded in 1885 and one of Chile’s most traditional wineries. Stroll the landscaped park before visiting Rincón Aliwén, a cultural space dedicated to the Mapuche people, Chile’s largest Indigenous group who maintain a rich spiritual connection to the land and their weaving, music and storytelling traditions. Learn how the Mapuche worldview still influences the modern Chilean identity.

Continue into the vineyard, passing tempting clusters of ripening grapes. Visit the presses and barrel rooms where Reserve wines mature. Conclude with a guided tasting of three distinctive vintages.

Lunch is at a favorite local eatery en route to Santiago. Dinner is independent this evening with numerous fine and casual dining options within walking distance of the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Ismael Hotel

Discover Santiago through local eyes as you embark on a guided walking tour of Chile’s vibrant capital. Begin with a gentle stroll through Forestal Park, the green space where street musicians and art vendors animate the tree-lined pathways. Pause at the National Museum of Fine Arts to admire its neoclassical façade and catch a quick glimpse inside. 

Continue west along Merced Street to Main Square, the historic heart of the city. Here, admire the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, a masterpiece of baroque and neoclassical architecture, watching the chess players hover over their boards and locals gather as they have for centuries. 

Walk south along Paseo Ahumada, a bustling pedestrian avenue of shops and cafés, until reaching La Moneda, Chile’s presidential palace. Circle the Plaza de la Constitución to see fountains, guards in ceremonial dress, and the seat of the nation’s history. Just a few blocks away something refreshing is waiting: mote con huesillo is a sweet Chilean drink of wheat and dried peaches, enjoyed best on a shady bench. If spirits are high, continue around the base of Cerro Santa Lucía, admiring its manicured gardens, fountains, and panoramic city photo ops. 

Retire to the hotel in the afternoon with time to rest, read, or prepare bags for departure. In the evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner at Santiago’s iconic sustainable seafood restaurant, a building lovingly crafted from reclaimed nautical materials. Raise a glass, savor ocean-fresh flavors, and celebrate the friendships and memories forged across both sides of the Andes.