Wonders of Argentina & Chile

Upon arrival to the international airport of Buenos Aires, please collect your baggage and proceed through Customs. Make your way to the Arrivals hall, and here you will find a guide holding a sign with your name on it. This guide will welcome you to Argentina and direct you to your awaiting vehicle, which will then transfer you and fellow travellers to your hotel.

Following breakfast at your hotel, set out on a quintessential exploration of fabulous Buenos Aires. This is the perfect tour to discover the charm of Argentina's capital, from the chic districts of Recoleta and Palermo, to historic Plaza de Mayo, and architectural icons such as the Colon Opera House, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the palace of Congress. The tour finishes in old town San Telmo, home of the city's aristocracy until the late 19th century and after visiting vibrant Caminito Street in La Boca, the colorful shelter for Italian immigrants by the Riachuelo, and the young thriving restaurant scene at the Puerto Madero waterfront. After this tour, enjoy a bit of free time in the city on your own before your evening activity. Famous for its amazing nightlife and for being the land of Carlos Gardel, Buenos Aires is a joy for those seeking top-notch gastronomy and Tango. Tonight, you will enjoy an unforgettable evening capturing the magic of this city while enjoying the best of its varied cuisine. After transferring to a typical early 20th century house, settle in for a performance featuring 15 artists, a tango orchestra, a folk music group, dancers and a singer while enjoying a delicious meal paired with wine and drinks.

Aligned with your onward flight, you will be transferred to the domestic airport of Buenos Aires ahead of your flight to El Calafate (flight is not included). Once you have landed in El Calafate, you and fellow travellers will be transferred to your hotel.

The Perito Moreno Glacier rises majestically 80 km (50 miles) away from El Calafate. One of the largest glaciers of its kind, it is believed to be the only advancing glacier in the world. Serving as the the biggest attraction at Los Glaciares National Park, a 600,000-hectare protected area covered by an ice mantle, you will start the day's activities by penetrating the Patagonian Andean forest and making a stop at the "Curva de los Suspiros" (Curve of Sighs), where you will catch your first glimpse of this incredible natural wonder. You will then approach the glacier by passing along catwalks to approach the glacier, admiring the views from different panoramic points. With luck, a variety of ice blocks will loosen and fall into the water with a great thunder, transforming into beautiful ice floes in the deep waters of the Lago Argentino before your eyes. Later, set out on a 1-hour navigation that allows you to appreciate this wonder of nature up close and personal. Sailing out of Bajo de las Sombras Bay port, 7 km (4 miles) away from the glacier's catwalks, down to the southern side of the glacier, watch sheering ice cascade until reaching the southern point of Los Tempanos canal. Resting just 300 meters from the southern wall of the glacier, the boat will stop to provide you and fellow guests with some time to admire its greatness.

Today is yours to enjoy as you see fit in the natural paradise that is El Calafate. Explore the grounds in and around your hotel, relax with a drink overlooking beautiful vistas, or consider joining an optional activity (not included). On offer today are two exciting adventures: 4x4 Off-Road Adventure at Mount Frias, or a Glacier Navigation cruise. For more information, or to pre-book an optional activity, please speak with your Destination Specialist.

Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, you and fellow travellers will meet your local guide and transfer to the Calafate bus station. Here, you will board a bus with service from El Calafate, Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile. This scenic ride takes approximately 5 hours, and upon arrival to Puerto Natales - gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park - you will be greet by an awaiting driver who will then transfer you to your hotel.

Depart from your hotel in the morning to start a full-day, shared excursion to the Torres del Paine National Park. Among the most spectacular parks the world over, you will visit Silla del Diablo, Milodon Cave, Laguna Sofia, Cordillera Prat, Lake Porteno, Lake and Sierra del Toro, Sierra Ballena, Cuernos del Paine, Lake Gray, Paine River, Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Viewpoint, Sarmiento Lake, Amarga Lagoon, and Paine Waterfall among an embarrassment of natural wonders. Enjoy lunch during the day, and after a day of sweeping landscapes, you will be returned to your hotel in Puerto Natales. If you would prefer to set out on a difficult and challenging hike of Torres del Paine, consider heading out on the shared Base Torres hike today in place of the scenic tour mentioned above. The Base Torres hike is very challenging and is only recommended for experienced and capable hikers; to arrange the Base Torres hike, please speak to your Destination Specialist.

Today you will discover the incredible world of the fjords on a shared excursion. Along the way you can observe native wildlife, visit the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers and enjoy a delicious whiskey with millennial ice. Alternatively, an optional excursion (not included) to spend a day on a local estancia is possible; learn about life on a Patagonia ranch while meeting lovely locals, intelligent sheepdogs and come to understand how holistic livestock management is integrated into daily life.

After a morning and early afternoon at leisure, you and fellow travellers will be transferred to the bus station, then board a bus with service from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport. Upon arrival to the airport, proceed to board a domestic flight with service to Santiago (flight is not included). Once you have landed in Santiago and collected your luggage, you will be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

Following breakfast at your hotel, get set to explore cosmopolitan Santiago. Often described by the as a surprising destination, Santiago stands out for being a modern city that perfectly combines its traditions with a modern outlook. This shared tour will take you to visit the heart of the city and its emblematic sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Santiago's Central Postal Office. You will also visit Moneda Palace, which is the government's headquarters as well as the traditional neighborhoods of the historic city center. The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Lucia hill, named Huelen by the natives. It is a real urban oasis in the center of the city. There you will learn more about Chile's history and enjoy some of the best views in the city. After exploring much of Santiago, you will soon arrive to Barrio Lastarria, famous for cultural and gastronomic delights. The second part of the tour will take you to the eastern side of the city, to the financial heart of Santiago, known for its modern buildings, impressive glass skyscrapers and its impressive sculptures designed by prominent national architects. There, you will see exactly why this area is known as "Sanhattan" among the locals. Alternatively, you may wish to instead participate on an optional shared tour of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso (not included); for more information, please speak with your Destination Specialist.

After breakfast, and coinciding with your onward travels, you will be transferred to the international airport of Santiago for check-in.