Chile & Argentina - Patagonia and Lakes District - 21 Days
Santiago, Torres del Paine National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chalten, Ushuaia, Bariloche, Andean Lakes Crossing, Puerto Varas, Chiloe Island
If you are after an in depth trip into the skinny southern tip of South America, with jaw dropping scenery at every turn, if you love the outdoors, taking pictures and feeling dwarfed by your surroundings, then this itinerary is for you. You can take in some of the biggest highlights of Patagonia and the Lakes District in Chile and Argentina, such as Torres del Paine National Park, Perito Moreno Glacier, the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Lakes District and Chiloe Island. Feel encompassed by mountains, lakes and glaciers. Explore the sights by foot, horseback, by boat, rail and car. Each day will bring you truly unbelievable experiences in nature and put you in touch with the people, flora and fauna that call the areas home. This is a bucket list tour that you will be talking about for years to come.
In Brief
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago and Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 2: Santiago Locals Tour Including City Highlights
Day 3: Transfer to Santiago Airport – Flight Santiago to Punta Arenas – Transfer to Hotel in Torres del Paine National Park
Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park Activities
Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park Activities
Day 6: Transfer Torres del Paine National Park to El Calafate
Day 7: Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 8: Tour of El Calafate
Day 9: Travel to El Chalten
Day 10: Hike Around El Chalten, Free or Guided
Day 11: Travel to El Calafate Airport – Flight El Calafate to Ushuaia – Transfer to Your Ushuaia Hotel
Day 12: Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park Including Travel on the ‘End of the World’ Train
Day 13: Boat Trip on the Beagle Channel to See Islands and the Lighthouse
Day 14: Transfer to Ushuaia Airport – Flight Ushuaia to Bariloche – Transfer to Your Bariloche Hotel
Day 15: Circuito Chico Tour of Bariloche Including a Chairlift Ride
Day 16: Tour Bariloche with a Local, Including Local Tastings
Day 17 and 18: Andean Lakes Crossing, Travel to Puerto Varas by Boat and Vehicle to Visit the Lakes of the Area
Day 19: Visit Frutillar and the Salzburg Brewery
Day 20: Visit Chiloe Island
Day 21: Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport – Departure from Puerto Montt
- 11 Days / 10 Nights
- Group Size: Customised Itinerary for You
- Accommodation: Hand-Picked Hotels
- Start: Santiago, Chile
Finish: Puerto Montt, Chile
Included
- 20 Nights Accommodation
- All Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
- Domestic Flights as Mentioned
- Entrance Fees (as Described in the Itinerary)
- English and Spanish Speaking Guides
- Private and Shared Tours
- Private Transfers
- In Country English or Spanish Speaking 24 Hour Assistance
- Local Experiences
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Meals Not Mentioned in the Itinerary
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Additional Entrances Not Specified in the Itinerary
- Visas
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival in Santiago and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Chile and welcome to Santiago!
On arrival in Santiago, an English speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. They will be able to assist you in anything you may need.
Overnight in Santiago.
Day 2 - Tour Santiago with Insider Knowledge
Discover the modern and sophisticated capital of Chile through the eyes of one of its inhabitants. A local will take you through some of the neighbourhoods of their city to show you what it is like to live there, and how it has developed into the energetic and worldly city it is today. During this trip you will be given insight into the Chilean culture which shines through strongly, through their food and traditions.
Along the way, you will stop for lunch where you could try possibly the most famous of Santiago’s tastes on the go, and favourite of the locals, the ‘completo’, a hotdog with toppings.
Should you wish, a cable car will whisk you up to the top of San Cristóbal Hill for complete views of Santiago city and the background of the Andes Mountains. If you prefer your views with a drink the Sky Costanera is for you, a must for any visit to Santiago.
Overnight in Santiago
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 - Transfer to Santiago Airport - Flight to Punta Arenas - Travel to Your Hotel in Torres del Paine National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Santiago Airport for your domestic flight to Punta Arenas.
Flight: Santiago -> Punta Arenas
On arrival in Punta Arenas you will be met by a representative of Hotel Las Torres, they will transfer you to the hotel in Torres del Paine National Park. During the scenic trip to the National Park, your Torres del Paine visit will include a stop at the family owned Cerro Negro Estancia for an authentic Patagonian welcome and traditional barbecue lunch.
Hotel Las Torres all-inclusive Patagonian programs, you will experience the beauty of Torres del Paine’s mountains, glaciers, and lakes while diving deep into a unique culture at the end of the world. You can opt for active days hiking in the park and cosy nights enjoying drinks and dinner in our hotel. The hotel’s location is in the heart of Torres del Paine, at the base of the park’s most famous hiking circuits. This is an adventure to remember.
Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 & 5 - Torres del Paine National Park Activities
Choose from a range of full or half day tours during your days here. The hotel offers short and long hikes, road trips, boat cruises, horse rides, cultural, historical and gardening activities. You can choose what you would like to do each day, the hotel staff will be there to guide your decisions and the activities themselves.
Overnight in Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Depart Torres del Paine National Park and Travel to El Calafate
Today you will depart Torres del Paine National Park and head through the often barren yet strikingly beautiful landscapes on your way to the Chile/Argentina border. After border formalities you will cross into Argentina and continue your travel to El Calafate.
Though not an active day you will likely find it tiring, so once you’ve checked into your hotel take some time this evening to rest and relax in preparation for tomorrow.
Overnight in El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Depart Torres del Paine National Park and Travel to El Calafate
Today you will depart Torres del Paine National Park and head through the often barren yet strikingly beautiful landscapes on your way to the Chile/Argentina border. After border formalities you will cross into Argentina and continue your travel to El Calafate.
Though not an active day you will likely find it tiring, so once you’ve checked into your hotel take some time this evening to rest and relax in preparation for tomorrow.
Overnight in El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and drive for about 1 hour along to Los Glaciares National Park. During the scenic drive, your guide will point out beautiful spots and give you information about the plan for your day, including the different walkway options.
Los Glaciares National Park has developed a walkway system that allows visitors access to different viewpoints along the way. These viewpoints show the glacier from many different angles and you have the chance to see the faces and crevices of the glacier. Following the nearly 3 hours of walkways you can take gives you the best views and the highest probability of witnessing the spectacular natural show the glacier often puts on when a chunk of ice breaks off. The sound and sights are a wonder to behold. Apart from seeing the glacier, the vegetation of the area is interesting along with the bird life around the area.
To get up close to the glacier you will take a boat trip. Feel dwarfed by the glacier’s looming presence whilst seeing the different colours of blue in the folds and crevices, and you may even get the chance to feel the waves after a slab of ice detaches from this ever growing glacier.
At the end of the day, sit back in your comfortable vehicle for the trip back to El Calafate
Overnight in El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 8 - Locals Tour in El Calafate
There are a few very interesting places to visit around El Calafate that many people miss out on in their quest to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier only. Today you can speak with your guide and decide what is most interesting for you.
There is La Leona Petrified Forest, a stroll around Laguna Nimez, visit a local brewery or an ice bar. Then there are many shops in town along with artisanal products to shop for. The food in El Calafate is quite talked about, the “Patagonian cuisine” of asado (barbeque) and the dairy products. The ice cream and chocolate in El Calafate are sure to tingle your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Overnight in El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9 - Travel to El Chalten
After breakfast you will be transferred to El Chalten, about 2.5 hours drive. Along the way you will see astonishing views of lakes and mountains, it is a trip that will keep your head turning and your mouth open in wonder. Each bend will transport your eyes to yet another breathtaking view.
On arrival in El Chalten the choice is yours, relax around your hotel and town or take a half day hike to one of the nearby viewpoints.
The closest and best for an overview of the area is the Los Condores hike. It is just out of town and will give you a spectacular view over the whole town of El Chalten and onto the imposing peaks in the distance.
Overnight in El Chalten
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Full Day in El Chalten
El Chalten is a hikers paradise. There are treks ranging from beginner to expert, with durations of hours or days. If you would like to explore one of the treks please let us know, you can do most treks in the area without a guide, however we will ensure you have one if you prefer to have someone show you the way.
Alternatively if you would prefer an alternative to trekking there are options for you as well. There are kayaking trips, visits to historical sites, car touring, bike touring or horseback riding. Please let us know your interests so we can tailor this day to suit you best.
Overnight in El Chalten
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate Airport - Flight El Calafate to Ushuaia - Transfer to Your Hotel in Ushuaial
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in El Calafate for your domestic flight to Ushuaia.
Flight: El Calafate -> Ushuaia
Welcome to the ‘End of the World’!
On arrival in Ushuaia you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and explore your surroundings.
Overnight in Ushuaia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park and Ride the ‘End of the World Train’
After breakfast you will be collected by your private guide for a journey into Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Tierra del Fuego National Park is a large area that has a bit of everything that makes up Patagonia; lagoons, marshes, mountains, trees, glaciers and much more. The scenery is dramatic and awe-inspiring. On this tour you will get a general overview of the park, with stops for short walks and to take in the sub-Antarctic forest, which is protected.
You will also visit the End of the World Station and take the End of the World Train, a train which once transported prisoners who were housed in the city prison, a museum today.
During your time in Tierra del Fuego National Park you’ll make your way to Lapataia Bay, this is one of the most southerly points of the continent of South America.
Overnight in Ushuaia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Free Morning - Afternoon Boat Trip on the Beagle Channel
This morning take your time, rest and relax. You have free time to wander the streets of Ushuaia or to catch up on things in your hotel.
In the afternoon you will take a boat trip to some of the highlights of the Beagle Channel, including the iconic «Les Eclaireurs» Lighthouse. Travel between various islands to take in both the natural and anthropological histories of the area.
See a colony of sea lions on the Island of Alice, wander around ruins of the Yaghan (aka Yamana) indigenous people’s former settlement on the Bridges Islands. Among the many different birds that can be seen in the area, the most spotted on these islands include albatross, skuas and various types of gulls.
Overnight on Ushuaia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Flight Ushuaia to Bariloche - Transfer to Your Bariloche Hotel
Enjoy a last breakfast looking out over the Beagle Channel and the World’s southernmost city.
You will be collected and transferred to the airport in Ushuaia for your flight to Bariloche.
Flight: Ushuaia -> Bariloche
On arrival in Bariloche you will be met by a guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.
Bariloche, actually named San Carlos de Bariloche, sits on Lake Nahuel Huapi. The lake is a glacial lake and is crystalline, and very photogenic with the Andes Mountains sitting in the background. The town itself is alpine, reminiscent of a Swiss village. You may find huge Saint Bernard dogs around the town, often being paraded by their owners to earn a few tourist dollars for photos. Bariloche is an outdoors lover’s paradise, in winter the skiing is powder packed and in the summer biking, hiking and horse riding are popular for visitors. Don’t forget that you’re in Argentina so a steak and a glass of Malbec are staples of the land which should be savoured. Bariloche is known for its chocolate, the stores are packed with mouth watering morsels for you to taste and take home for your loved ones.
Overnight in Bariloche
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Circuito Chico Tour with Cerro Campanario Visit
On your tour today you will see some of the most impressive and interesting parts of Bariloche. You can have a great overview and take in the stunning views from Cerro Campanario, make sure your device has room for photos!
Continue on to Circuito Chico, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. You will visit natural viewpoints, such as Bahia Lopez and Panoramic Point. Visits will also be made to take in views and recount the history of different areas, the famous Llao Llao Hotel, Puerto Pañuelo and the San Eduardo Chapel.
Be sure to look out the window as the views are constantly changing. Local and regional products may be tasted during the tour.
Overnight in Bariloche
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - Local Knowledge and Tastings Tour of Bariloche
Today you will be taken to areas of Bariloche that only locals know about. You will learn about the seasonal life of Bariloche and perhaps see some views that you would not have seen on more traditional tours.
You will have the chance to experience the gastronomic delights of the area and learn about how the restaurants have adapted Patagonic meals to include some of our favourite dishes from the Alps of Europe, such as fondue.
There will be time to stroll and check out the village at your leisure, and time to stock up on chocolate!
Overnight in Bariloche
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17 - Travel from Bariloche to Peulla on Day 1 of The Lakes Crossing
You will depart from Bariloche by bus to Puerto Pañuelo, passing by Lake Nahuel Huapi.
En route, you will marvel at the beautiful Swiss style architecture that characterises the constructions of the area. Beautiful gardens and flowers colour the landscape all the way.
From Puerto Pañuelo you will sail to Puerto Blest, aboard the Gran Victoria, navigating across Lake Nahuel Huapi. You’ll observe the grandeur of the landscape, the green tones of the forests, the birds that fly close by and you’ll learn more about the destination’s fascinating history
Note: boarding tax is payable direct at the port (US$3 per person, approximately)
Continuing by bus along River Frias to Puerto Alegre, then sailing again across Lake Frias, aboard the Victoria del Sur. Along this stretch of the lake you’ll experience beautiful views of Cerro Tronador. After a short sailing time you’ll arrive at Puerto Frias where you’ll go through border formalities to cross into Chile. Afterwards, continuing on by bus to Peulla, with beautiful views of the Andes Mountains.
In Peulla you’ll stay in an ecolodge which is a paradise for nature lovers. The afternoon is free after check in, you can enjoy a range of excursions including canopy tours, horse riding, 4×4 safari (additional cost).
Overnight in Peulla
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 - Travel from Peulla to Puerto Varas on Day 2 of The Lakes Crossing
After a free morning to enjoy your surroundings, you will sail to Petrohué, navigating across Lake Todos los Santos. If the weather permits, different and breathtaking views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes and Cerro Tronador can be seen.
At Vicente Perez Rosales National Park you’ll visit the Saltos del Petrohue and appreciate the capricious volcanic rock formations, bathed in the emerald green waterfalls.
Passing by Lake Llanquihue, you’ll continue on to Puerto Varas. Impressive views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes dominate the landscape during this last part of the trip.
Overnight in Puerto Varas
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 19 - Visit the German Settlement of Frutillar - Visit the Salzburg Brewery
On a visit to Frutillar you can embrace the relaxed atmosphere full of coloured houses, vibrant gardens, tea rooms and the modern Teatro del Lago.
Discover this charming lakeside destination, with a landscape formed by the Llanquihue Lake and several stunning volcanoes. You can see the influence of the German settlers, in the spectacular old cottages, many converted into guest houses, the delicious Bavarian gastronomy as well as the kuchens and apple strudel sweets.
Located on the eastern bank of Llanquihue Lake, Frutillar charms visitors with its beauty all year round. On your tour, you will take a rural road used by the local farmers, where you can see the agriculture and the cattle which are so common to the region. You will also discover another reason to fall in love with Frutillar – the Teatro del Lago.
Visit a craft brewery of the area, the Salzburg Brewery. Located in the grounds of a hotel with the same name, it not only offers a great tasting of craft beers but also spectacular views of the lake. They brew different varieties of beer here, Bock, Stout & Pale Ale to name a few.
Overnight in Puerto Varas
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 20 - Visit Chiloe Island
Enjoy a full-day tour visiting the northern part of the mythical island of Chiloé with its stilted houses, markets, and the churches declared as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
Begin your day by taking a boat down the Chacao canal for 30 minutes, where you will spot a wide variety of birds, before arriving at the village of Chacao to visit its square and church.
Continue to Castro. Visit the typical stilted houses in the Gamboa district, the main square, and the Nercón Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed around 1890, the church is considered a national monument.
Travel onwards towards Dalcahue, where you will stop on the waterfront to take in the wonderful natural landscape and visit the local artisan market, museum, and the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national monument.
Overnight in Puerto Varas
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 21 - Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport - Departure from Puerto Montt
Enjoy your last morning waking up in this beautiful location, before a private transfer to the airport in Puerto Montt for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Sadly your arrangements with Real Local Experiences, and your time in Chile and Argentina have come to an end.
You will take home with you memories of a lifetime, many photos and perhaps a few great souvenirs!
