Argentina & Chile
In Argentina you can travel from the absolute purity of the southern peaks, rivers, forests and ice fields to the sophistication of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Chile has three distinct regions: the arid Atacama Desert and Altiplano in the north; fertile valleys in the centre, the focal point of political and cultural life; and the famous Lake Region in the south, still called "The frontier".

PATAGONIA EXPLORER

View the stunning beauty that is the landscape of Patagonia in Torres del Paine and the impressive Glacier National Parks, in contrast to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires.

Tour Highlights Buenos Aires City Tour • Patagonian steppe drive • Torres del Paine National Park hikes • Los Glaciares National Park • Walking on the ice of the Moreno Glacier

DAY 1 BUENOS AIRES
Reception at Ministro Pistarini Internacional Airport (Argentina). Transfer in with local guide to Hotel Ushuaia or similar category. Check In. PM: City Tour including Plaza de Mayo, the Cabildo, the Cathedral, Casa Rosada, the Congreso, San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo and Recoleta Districts.

DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES - EL CALAFATE – PAINE
Transfer to Domestic Airport (Jorge Newbery Airport) for flight to El Calafate. Arrive to El Calafate Airport. Private vehicle and guide are awaiting us. After packing the luggage in our private bus, we head southwest en route to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile). The drive gives us the chance to observe and learn about the endless Patagonian steppe. If the day is clear, it is possible to observe in the distance the shape of the Paine Massif. We do several stops on route to observe wildlife and flora, and also to sense the silence of the desert. After crossing the Chilean border and migrations, we reach the Torres del Paine National Park. Dinner and rest after a long but worthwhile day. Hosteria Tyndall

DAY 3 TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Torres del Paine Massif forms a jagged, glacier-clad backdrop to our hotel. Today we visit the Administration area and view the spectacular Cuernos del Paine, Almirante Nieto and Paine Grande peaks behind some of the many lakes this park encompasses, like lake Nordenskjold and Pehoe. We walk a trail to view the Salto Grande and from there to the Mirador del Nordenskjold while we search the skies for the highlight of this National Park: the Andean Condor. Hosteria Tyndall.

DAY 4 TORRES DEL PAINE
At Paine. Today we visit different areas of the National Park, and take some short hikes. We try to spot the elusive torrent ducks at the Rio Paine Falls, and stop to watch, study the behaviour, photograph and enjoy the groups of guanacos at the “Pampa de los Guanacos”. We reach the Laguna Azul, and hike to the view point to enjoy the towers (Torres) reflected on the deep blue lagoon. And then we return passing by Laguna Amarga, a brackish salt lagoon, where you enjoy one of the best views of the Paine Towers. We reach Hosteria Tyndall in the evening in time for dinner.

DAY 5 PAINE - EL CALAFATE
Early morning departure to El Calafate, we take one more look at the impressive Paine massif and the multicoloured lakes, waterfalls and valleys. At Cerro Castillo, we clear Chilean customs to drive the endless Patagonian steppe, while looking for birds and wildlife and learn about the local gauchos lifestyle. After arriving to El Calafate ( a 5-6 hours drive in total), and check in to the Hosteria Los Barrancos you will have time to walk this charming growing town or walk to the Laguna Nimes bird sanctuary and the shores of Lago Argentino.

DAY 6 LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK
Alter breakfast we head to Los Glaciares National Park. After drive 50 miles we reach a small port on the shores of Lake Argentino, where we will take a boat to cross the Rico Arm. On arrival to the opposite shore of the lake, we will be received by our local trekking guides, who will tell us all about the world famous Moreno Glacier. After this briefing, we will start a short walk through the Beech forest, to finally get to the base of the glacier. The view of this enormous mass of ice is absolutely incredible from here, and best knowing that we shall be actually walking on it in a little while! Our trekking guides will provide us with crampons, necessary for walking on the ice of the Moreno Glacier, and immediately after, they shall lead our way to this unforgettable experience. After a picnic lunch, we will cross back the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino. With our vehicle, we will drive all the way to the balconies from where we will have the chance to see the Moreno Glacier from above and another beautiful view of Lake Argentino. Hosteria Los Barrancos.

DAY 7 EL CALAFATE – BUENOS AIRES
Today we will transfer to El Calafate Airport for flight to Buenos Aires Domestic airport. On arrival transfer in private bus with guide to the Hotel Ushuaia, situated on Cordoba Avenue.

DAY 8 BUENOS AIRES - EZEIZA
Morning free to walk the city or take the oldest subway with wooden carriages or visit the Colon Opera House or a flee or artesan market. In the afternoon we will transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for return flight.

DAY 9 ARRIVE BACK IN UK
Today we will arrive back in the UK from an overnight flight.

BACK