Sprawling over the southern tips of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is an icon of adventure travel, a vast playground for hikers and nature lovers to experience the wild world on a grand scale. On this classic trip, we explore its most beautiful landscapes, from the majestic Torres del Paine National Park to the granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. Leading the way is an expert tour leader, who knows the routes inside-out and takes care of all the planning – allowing you to concentrate on the trails and fully enjoy the company of your new-found friends and awe-inspiring views.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Torres Del Paine
Buenos Aires, Torres Del Paine, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park, Glaciar Cagliero, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine National Park
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If you love big landscapes, deserts, rock formations, volcanoes, geysers, remoteness and views that go on forever, then this is the trip for you. This was combined with very friendly people, local culture and good wine, making for one of the best trips I've ever had.
This was my first trip with Explore. (All the other members of the group had travelled multiple times with them). I would say the trip exceeded my expectations in every respect. Judging by the comments of the rest of the group, it was one of the best many of them had been on too. I have taken away memories that will last forever and met some wonderful people along the way.
There were six travellers in the group (all solo travellers) as well as Andres our guide, local guides and drivers. This was the first trip run on a new itinerary or at least one which Explore has not sold for a number of years. So in that respect our group were the guinea-pigs for the trip. I felt the group got on very well. I would say six was a good group size for the minibuses. It gave us room to spread out with our bags and snooze if needed on the longer journeys.
Itinerary:
The itinerary covers a lot of ground in a short space of time so is definitely full-on. However, overall, I thought it was well-paced with well-timed rest periods. Given that this was a new itinerary, there are a couple of "tweaks" I would make (mentioned below). However, they are minor changes only to what I found to be a well-rounded and balanced trip.
HIghlights for me included the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. I loved the desert, lagoons, volcanoes, flamingoes, the salt hotel and of course, our meal with our wonderful Bolivian guides - which I'll never forget. Another highlight was the sunset and moonrise over the Atacama Desert near San Pedro. I felt the trip was a gift that kept on giving. Just when you had one experience which you thought could not be topped, along came another one. The trip was cleverly planned in that sense.
In terms of amendments, I would suggest the following:
HIgh altitude is a feature of this trip and perhaps needs to be emphasised and explained a little more fully in the trip notes so that travellers can take a view. However, for me, any discomfort was more than compensated for by the remoteness and beauty of the landscapes we saw.
I particularly loved Bolivia and perhaps Explore could consider adding that another day to this leg of the trip. This would allow more time to get to know this fantastic country and its people but would also allow more time to acclimatise.
We had a wonderful day in the wine region of Cafayate. Both wine and food were delicious and plentiful. However, I think we all felt the number of tours and tastings should be reduced a little to allow us to relax into one wine tour and the meal without worrying about time.
Guiding:
Andres was our Explore guide and I cannot speak highly enough of him. Most of the group had travelled extensively over the years with Explore and said that he was one of the best guides they had ever had. Andres was excellent in every respect - professional, knowledgeable, organised but relaxed and very person-centred, attending well to the different needs of the group. The trip ran very smoothly and to time. Andres paid close attention to detail, making small changes to the itinerary as needed, He found good places to eat, and timed visits to avoid any crowds in particularly popular places. As far as I am aware, there was one small logistical glitch during the whole trip. This was beyond Andres' control but he took it in his stride, dealt with it and it did not affect the group. Definitely 5* for Andres.
The local guides and drivers in each country were very friendly and efficient. I would say the guides in Argentina and Bolivia were particularly knowledgeable. The warmth and kindness shown to us was lovely. I would single out Wilbur in Bolivia for particular praise.
Accommodation:
Before the trip, I did not have particularly high expectations of the hotels, thinking that location would take priority over hotel standard and that budget hotels would be used to keep costs down. To a certain extent this proved to be the case. I would say in most places the standard was 3*. I found all of them were perfectly acceptable although some had variable hot water and wifi which is only to be expected really given the region. All hotels were very friendly and in a very good location. Some hotels stood out as having more character and better service than others. The Salt Hotel (Laguna Salada) on the Uyuni flats was something truly special. The stunning location, the hotel design and the friendliness of the staff there were something I will never forget. The Hotel Los Flamencos at the Laguna Hedionda was graded as "simple" and we warned to take warm sleepwear as it can get cold at night. However, I found the hotel to be warm and characterful and again, the location was stunning. Standing outside the hotel (albeit at about -5 degrees Celsius), watching the flamingos on the lagoon and the sun come up over the volcanoes behind was something truly memorable.
San Pedro de Atacama was the most touristy place we visited and I would say the hotel there reflected that. It felt a bit more generic than the others, although the barman was excellent and served some knockout Pisco sours.
Overall, I would give this trip 5* without hesitation. Unforgettable - in the best possible way. Any quibbles are very minor ones to me. I would highly recommend.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiag
Buenos Aires, San Pedro, Santiago, Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, Tilcara, Tupiza, Uyuni, Incahuasi, San Pedro De Atacama
I just returned from an incredible trip to Argentina and Brazil with Contiki, and I can’t recommend it enough! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the stunning landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. Every activity was amazing, whether we were exploring the iconic landmarks or enjoying exhilarating adventures.
The food was a highlight, with delicious local dishes that truly showcased the culture. The blend of rich traditions and friendly locals made the experience even more special. I made some great friends along the way, and our tour guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready to ensure we had the best time possible.
Overall, this trip was an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and great company. If you’re looking for a memorable travel experience, I highly recommend traveling with Contiki!
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu National Park
Welcome to an unforgettable journey through South America! Your adventure begins in Montevideo, Uruguay. Explore the city's architectural marvels, historic plazas, and vibrant neighborhoods on a guided tour. Experience the local wine heritage with a visit to the picturesque Pizzorno Winery.
Next, immerse yourself in the glamor of Punta del Este, followed by a historical tour of Colonia del Sacramento. Continue your journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a captivating city tour that includes iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots. Enjoy a mesmerizing Tango show and a scenic cruise to Tigre Delta.
Travel to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, experiencing both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of this natural wonder. Conclude your trip in Rio de Janeiro, with visits to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the Botanical Garden. Enjoy free days to explore Rio's vibrant atmosphere before departing. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
1-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Montevideo, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu
Montevideo, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Colonia, Buenos Aires
Join us on an unforgettable journey through South America's vibrant cities and scenic landscapes. Begin your 12-day adventure from Montevideo, Uruguay, exploring the city's highlights, including its historic center, Independence Square, and the vibrant Prado neighborhood. Enjoy scenic views from Plaza Virgilio before a delightful dinner and tango show at Primuseum.
Next, visit the Canelones wine region for a winery tour and tasting of Uruguay's famed Tannat wine. In Colonia del Sacramento, walk through its Unesco-listed historic district, immersing in its Portuguese heritage.
Travel to Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, to experience its dynamic culture, from historic Plaza de Mayo to colorful La Boca and elegant Recoleta. End with an enchanting dinner and tango show. A day in the Pampas reveals gaucho traditions and a traditional Argentine asado.
Conclude your trip in Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, exploring colonial landmarks and vibrant local markets, ensuring a memorable end to your South American adventure.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Coloni
Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Colonia Del Sacramento, Asuncion, Colonia
In this 16 day tour in Argentina you will discovery the most amazing destination of Argentina.
You travel from the Jungle and north of Argentina to El Calafate and its Perito Moreno Glacier and Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. On this trip, you’ll see the highlights of one of South America’s most beautiful countries.
We know that Argentina is a very big country and sometimes it is difficult to select which destination to visit. On this tour the group of our travel experts selected those places that you can not miss if you are travelling to Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta and Purmamarca, El Calafate and Ushuaia.
Explorer
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El C
Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Salta, Purmamarca, Perito Moreno Glacier, Beagle Channel Cruise, Tierra Del Fuego National Park, Iguazu Falls, Salinas
Take an adventure in diverse South America on this 25-day trip from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro. See amazing natural wonders, walk the streets of busy cities and meet the charming locals with a leader by your side who knows all the best spots. Tour the city of Colonia del Sacramento, discover why Salta is nicknamed ‘La Linda’ (‘the beautiful’) and tick immersive Buenos Aires off your bucket list with your new group of friends. Witness the magic of the Iguazu Falls, journey through the untamed desert scenery of San Pedro de Atacama and see the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore each location, and all the logistics are taken care of for you, so you can concentrate on making new connections and discovering new places.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Buenos A
Rio de Janeiro, La Paz, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Estancia, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Salar De Uyuni, Altiplano, San Pedro De Atacama, Salta
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the full spectrum of South America on this epic 39-day adventure – the perfect way to forge lifelong connections. Follow in the footsteps of ancient people on the Inca Trail in Peru, drive past volcanoes, lakes, llamas and flamingos in the Atacama Desert and marvel at the might of Iguazu Falls. Spend nights on an estancia (farm) in Uruguay and at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, sample Argentinian barbecue in Buenos Aires and roam through the Amazon jungle. With like-minded travel companions and a local leader providing recommendations at every stop, this’ll be a South American expedition like no other.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Home-stay, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Puno, Lake
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Puno, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Salar De Uyuni, Altiplano, San Pedro De Atacama, Puerto Maldonado, Salta, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Estancia, Cusco, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail
Embark on a South American escapade from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro on this 14-day adventure. Soak up the might of Argentina before crossing to the charming city of Colonia del Sacramento, then explore the lively Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo. Spend two nights getting to know the locals on an estancia (farm) in Uruguay, either chipping in with the chores or relaxing in the sun, then marvel at the majesty of Iguazu Falls. Finishing off in the paradise of Ilha Grande and the buzz of Rio de Janeiro, you’ll experience the many sides of South America.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Pa
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Montevideo, Estancia, Iguazu Falls
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking trip. Hike to the clear waters of Laguna de Los Tres and see a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks when you explore Laguna Torre. Spend a few days deep in the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, hiking past glaciers and watching rhea birds and pink flamingos preen in front of a mountain backdrop. Finish with a lagoon hike in Ushuaia and a night in Buenos Aires – the perfect end to an active adventure through the wilderness of South America.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushu
Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, El Chalten, Torres del Paine National Park
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Okay so this Argentina & Chile Patagonia trip? Kind of insane — in the best way. It had everything: big city energy, glaciers, penguins, and so. much. wind.
Started in Buenos Aires which is super cool like, old buildings, crazy traffic, and the best empanadas I’ve ever had. We got to see a tango show (yes, I tried the steps... no, I did not crush it). Food was chef’s kiss honestly the breakfasts everywhere on this trip were solid too.
Then we flew to Ushuaia and it was like BAM totally different world. Cold, dramatic skies, water everywhere. The Beagle Channel boat ride was unreal. Penguins waddling around like they own the place. Also saw sea lions just chilling on rocks. Kinda surreal.
El Calafate was a dream. Perito Moreno Glacier?? Massive. I didn’t think I’d be that impressed by a chunk of ice, but it was majestic af. We did a boat trip and just stared in silence, it was that good. Also: hot chocolate in town = 10/10.
Last stop: Puerto Natales. Honestly such a vibe — super quiet and chill after all the running around. Torres del Paine was stunning but intense. Pack layers, because the weather switches up constantly.
Overall, this trip was packed but manageable. Flights, guides, everything was smooth. Would I go again? Maybe not the same route, but absolutely something similar. It was wild, beautiful, and way more emotional than I expected. Patagonia hits different.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafa
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, El Calafate, Puerto Natales
Get ready to uncover three of South America's most iconic destinations on an unforgettable small-group journey through Brazil and Argentina. This expertly crafted tour blends breathtaking natural wonders, world-class cities, and rich cultural heritage into one seamless experience. Begin in Rio de Janeiro, a city that pulses with energy and beauty. Stroll along its golden beaches, feel the rhythm of samba in the air, and take a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue watching over it all. Next, fly to Iguassu Falls — a truly awe-inspiring natural spectacle and one of the most powerful waterfall systems on the planet. Experience its thunderous might from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, with misty walkways leading you right up to the edge of the jaw-dropping Devil’s Throat. Feel the raw force of nature as you walk among rainbows, tropical birds, and lush rainforest surroundings. The adventure continues in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant and passionate capital. Explore its distinct neighborhoods, from the colorful houses and street art of La Boca to the cobblestone lanes and antique shops of San Telmo. Admire grand colonial architecture at Plaza de Mayo, visit the legendary Recoleta Cemetery, and dive into the vibrant culinary scene. In the evening, be swept away by a soulful tango performance — a dance born on the city’s streets that now captivates the world. From majestic landscapes to dynamic metropolises, this journey offers an immersive taste of South America’s soul — full of adventure, history, rhythm, and unforgettable moments.
Retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on our Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, a comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. Helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along this enchanting stretch of coastline provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American Sea lions and Southern Elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Join us in this enchanting wonderland and experience all the natural splendours of southern Patagonia.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Torres d
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Diego Ramírez Islands, Garibaldi Glacier, Águila Glacier, Puerto Natales
The trip was really good with lots of standout places and experiences. Our trip manager was brilliant. He was friendly and knowledgeable and made everything easy. Some of the accommodation wasn’t the best (poor showers, uncomfortable beds, no safety lock box, no elevator) but for the most part acceptable.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Ai
Cusco, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Puerto Maldonado, Lima
