Day 1
Santiago
Welcome to Chile! You can arrive at any time today, as there are no activities scheduled until an important welcome meeting at 6pm – afterwards, there’s the option to join the group for dinner to become acquainted with everyone before your adventure begins.
If you arrive early, you may wish to spend some time exploring Santiago; the city centre is very easy to navigate around, where you can visit Plaza de Armas (the main square), and its cathedral, ‘Palacio La Moneda’. Alternatively, head out to the serene Paris Quarter, named Bella Vista, and take a cable car up to Cerro San Cristobal for phenomenal views across the city.
Optional Activities
Santiago Nightlife Adventure (Urban Adventures), A Bite of Santiago Half-Day City Tour (Urban Adventures)
Day 2
Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
You’ll be travelling to Puerto Natales today, known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Leave early in the morning to take a flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas (3-5 hours depending on the flight connection), and from there, take a local bus to Puerto Natales (3 hours, toilets on-board). Upon arrival, catch up with fellow hikers for a pre or post-trek meal in one of the many quaint local restaurants.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Torres Del Paine National Park – Grey Glacier
You’ll be heading deep into the mountains today, leaving the hotel at 7:15am to take a taxi to the bus station, where you’ll board a local 2-hour bus to Torres Del Paine National Park’s main entrance (Laguna Amarga). Make a quick stop to register into the national park, and continue driving for another 40 minutes to the shores of Pehoe Lake. Here, you will board a catamaran to cross the lake, taking around 30 minutes before reaching Paine Grande, your campsite for the next two nights.
As you enter the realm of Chilean Patagonia, you will most likely be greeted by a herd of guanacos, providing fantastic photo opportunities. The park is also home to an abundance of other impressive species, including Pumas, Huemul (local deer), rare birds, the red and grey fox, and Chilean pink flamingos. The real highlight of the park, however, is the breath-taking landscapes, consisting of majestic glaciers and mountains, lush forests, glistening lakes and cascading waterfalls.
After setting up camp in Paine Grande and enjoying lunch, you will hike to the first lookout point: Grey Glacier (approximately 4-5 hours, 12km and a 290-metre elevation).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 4
Torres del Paine National Park – French Valley
Today consists of a full-day trek out to the stunning French Valley (approximately 8-9 hours, 24km and a 420-metre elevation).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 5
Torres del Paine National Park – Mirador las Torres
It’s another long trekking today, as you head to one of the parks most spectacular lookout points, Mirador las Torres (approximately 8-9 hours, 18km and a 750-metre elevation).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 6
Torres del Paine National Park – Las Torres
Travel from the west side of the national park all the way across to the east today, and then board a catamaran to cross the Peohe Lake for the second time. Continue by local bus to Laguna Amarga, from where you’ll take a minibus to the next campsite. Afterwards, there will be an optional hike to Los Cuernos Lookout trail (approximately 4 hours, 9.5km).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 7
El Calafate
After breakfast, you’ll board a private vehicle for a full day of travel. Cross the international border from Chile to Argentina, and head to El Calafate city (310km, 5-6 hours); this is your gateway to the Glaciers National Park.
A major hub for adventurers headed for Perito Moreno, the city had undergone a lot of development in recent years, but still retains its characterful charm. Located on the shores of the Argentino Lake, surrounded by the majestic Andes and stunning scenery, this is a wonderful spot to spend the next two nights. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to try some world-famous Argentinian Steak partnered with fine local wines.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 8
El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
Aboard a private minivan, you’ll cross spectacular mountain scenery as you head to Glaciers National Park (2.5-hour journey). On arrival, take some time to encounter the magnificence of Perito Moreno Glacier from unique perspectives as you explore the various walking trails. 3km wide and 35km long, it’s an incredibly expansive landscape, and this is one of the few glaciers in the world which isn’t melting away. In the evening, return to El Calafate for some time at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Optional Activities
Mini Trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier, including a short cruise to the glacier base (Please Note: the maximum age limit for this activity is 65 years).
Day 9
Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires today, and depending on arrival time, enjoy exploring this wonderful city, and delight in a final night out to celebrate your Patagonian adventure. Your hotel is situated very close to the city’s main square, Plaza de Mayo, so you’ll be in the perfect area to discover Buenos Aires’ highlights and beautiful architecture.
If everything goes to plan, you’ll arrive in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy an included Orientation Walk. However, airline schedules in Argentina are known to change without much notice, meaning that you could arrive in Buenos Aires as late as 10pm tonight.
Breakfast included.
Optional Activities
Buenos Aires Football Game
Day 10
Buenos Aires
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. There are no further activities planned, so you are free to depart at any time.
Breakfast included.
Optional Activities
Buenos Aires Malbec Trail of Palermo (Urban Adventures), Buenos Aires Gourmet Food (Urban Adventures)
