Against the magnificent backdrop of the Andes Mountains, journey from Santiago to Buenos Aires, taking in all the history, culture and cuisine in between. This nine-day Premium adventure will show you the heart of Chile and Argentina as you stroll the streets of Santiago with a local guide and sip piscos on a rooftop in the historic centre of Valparaiso. Sample some of the world’s best wine in Mendoza, stroll the stylish neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and discover El Tigre Delta for an adventure to remember. Packed with Exclusive Experiences, historical Feature Stays and with a local leader by your side, you’ll fall for the vibrancy and indulgent atmosphere of this part of the world in no time.
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
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Valparai
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Valparaiso, Mendoza
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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 splendors of southern Patagonia. By coming aboard for this special journey, you will also be among the first guests to experience our pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine. This purpose-built vessel is designed to extend the boundaries of exploration and offer an unmatched experience, including a flightseeing tour you’ll never forget and a range of adventure options more extensive than any other ship in its class. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Please feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers, who are happy to answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Canal De
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Canal De Las Montañas, Tuckers Islets, Marinelli Glacier, Bahia Brookes, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Pia Glacier, Águila Glacier, Chilean Fjords, Torres del Paine National Park
14% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Got a thing for wild places and once-in-a-lifetime views? This 16-day deep dive into Argentina and Chile is the real deal. Kick things off in buzzing Santiago, then head into volcano country, glacier land, and jaw-dropping Patagonia. You’ll hike to epic viewpoints, soak in hot springs, wander city streets, and camp under southern stars in Torres del Paine. From German-influenced towns to glacier-cracked landscapes, this trip is equal parts culture trip and nature fix. Expect adventure, spontaneity, and a whole crew of new travel besties to share it with.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hostel, Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Puerto N
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Puerto Natales, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Pucon, Puerto Varas, Serrano Camp, Laguna Azul
Pack your bags and get ready to bounce through South America on this 12-day ride full of wild nature, epic nights, and laid-back lake vibes. Start in Santiago and hop an overnight bus to Pucón, where volcanoes, hot springs, and endless adventure await. Cruise through Chile’s dreamy Lake District with a chill stop in Puerto Varas, then cross into Argentina to explore the outdoorsy paradise of Bariloche. Hike, bike, or just soak it all in — your pace, your way. Wrap things up in buzzing Buenos Aires with tango, steak, and one last big night out. This is South America in full colour, and you’re living it large.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Pucon, P
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Pucon, Puerto Varas, San Carlos de Bariloche
Discover breathtaking natural wonders and famous cities with this small group tour of Argentina and Chile! Begin your journey in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to explore the bustling neighborhoods of the city and learn about the local history. Visit La Boca and walk around San Telmo, two of the most famous districts in Buenos Aires. Catch a flight to El Calafate as you cross the border into Chile and discover the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the world. Explore the Patagonia Andean Forest and stop at the Curva de Los Suspiros known for its breathtaking views. Take the bus to Puerto Natales, a charming town with beautiful views of the southernmost peaks of the Andes Mountains, and the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Torres del Paine National Park and discover Nordenskjold Lake with its emerald-green color. See the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, travel to Punta Arenas and catch a flight to Santiago, a cosmopolitan city with historic attractions and modern splendors. Visit the Plaza de Armas and other famous attractions in this exhilarating city, where you will end your tour of Argentina and Chile.
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, El Calaf
Buenos Aires, Santiago, El Calafate, Puerto Natales
ABOUT THIS TRIP
This small-group tour of Chile will show you the most exhilarating sites and breathtaking attractions this country has to offer! From cosmopolitan cities to magnificent deserts, you will fall in love with the beauty and magic of Chile. Begin your tour in Santiago, the capital which is famous for its magnificent mountain views. Learn about the history and culture of the city as you visit the Plaza de Armas and Santa Lucia Hill. Catch a flight to Punta Arenas, from where you will travel to Puerto Natales. Discover the extraordinary beauty of the region as you explore Patagonia with its magnificent mountains, fjords, glaciers, forests, and steppes. From there you will fly to the Atacama and discover the driest desert in the world as you explore the Moon Valley. This is a breathtaking geological wonder which will make you feel like you are walking on the moon! Bask in the beauty of the Andes Mountains and the teeming volcanoes in this otherworldly area, where you will end your tour of Chile.
This is a Solo Tour
You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, Atacama Desert, San Pe
Santiago, Atacama Desert, San Pedro De Atacama, Puerto Natales
Outdoor lovers will be in their element on this tour through some of South America's most outstanding landscapes. Chile is a land of extremes, showcasing barren desert moonscapes, dramatic granite spires and verdant farmland peppered with emerald lakes. We'll explore it all on this trip from the Atacama down to the mountains of Torres del Paine.
Atacama Desert - Walk in the Moon Valley and on the Salar de Atacama
Puerto Varas - Hike in Chile's Lake District, in the shadow of the Osorno Volcano
Torres del Paine - Discover the glacial lakes and mountain ranges of one of the most impressive locations on earth
Why not extend your trip? - Take a short stay on the mysterious Easter Island (trip code: EIE)
National parksAdventure
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
Santiago, Torres Del Paine, Puer
Santiago, Torres Del Paine, Puerto Natales, Valparaiso, Atacama Desert, Toconao, El Tatio, Calama, Osorno Volcano, Punta Arenas
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
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with this 38-day journey through five incredible South American countries — a dream for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and nightlife seekers alike. Ride the rails through Peru’s stunning Urubamba Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu, dive into the vibrant culture of Lake Titicaca, and marvel at the surreal landscapes of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni and Chile’s Valley of the Moon in the Atacama Desert. Explore colorful Valparaíso, find thrills in the adventure haven of Pucón, and relax in the lakeside charm of Bariloche. From the tango halls of Buenos Aires to the samba beats of Rio de Janeiro, and the thundering majesty of Iguassu Falls, every moment of this trip will leave you in awe and hungry for more.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, La Paz, Su
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salt Flats, San Pedro De Atacama, Cusco, Santiago, Valparaiso, Pucon, San Carlos de Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Foz Do Iguacu, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Puno
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Ready to dive into the history, culture, and breathtaking wilderness of South America? Spend 11 unforgettable days exploring Bolivia and Chile, uncovering iconic highlights and hidden gems. Marvel at the surreal salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, wander through the otherworldly desert landscapes of the Atacama Plateau, and venture off the beaten path to experience the best of this diverse region. With just the right mix of guided adventures and free time, this journey is the perfect way to truly connect with two extraordinary destinations.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi
Santiago, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salt Flats, San Pedro De Atacama
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, where South America’s most iconic cities and landscapes come alive. Stroll the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and lose yourself in the otherworldly Atacama Desert. Wander the colourful streets of coastal Valparaíso, chase adrenaline in Pucón’s adventure-sport playground, and experience authentic gaucho life on a ranch near charming Bariloche. Cap it all off in the vibrant cosmopolis of Buenos Aires, where tango, culture, and culinary delights await. Fall head over heels for the region’s diverse landscapes, warm people, and mouthwatering cuisine — and leave already dreaming of your next adventure.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, La Paz, Santiago
Buenos Aires, La Paz, Santiago, Valparaiso, Pucon, San Carlos de Bariloche, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salt Flats, San Pedro De Atacama
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience the essence of two South American countries on a comprehensive journey from Santiago, Chile to Argentina’s wine country and vibrant Buenos Aires. Stroll through Santiago’s Central Market, picking up fresh ingredients to incorporate in a seafood lunch. Spend two nights in Mendoza, South America’s famous wine country. Discover the rhythm of Buenos Aires and learn to tango with the best. In the Pampas of Argentina, explore gaucho culture and spend a day on a traditional estancia. Encounter the history and culture of Chile and Argentina in capital cities and the sprawling countryside.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mendoza
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Mendoza
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the natural wonders of wild Patagonia on this nine-day Premium journey. Travel from Santiago through Torres del Paine National Park, take in stunning views of glaciers and icebergs and explore the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier – one of the few glaciers left in the world that isn’t shrinking! Along the way, keep your eyes open for sea lions, penguins, guanacos and pumas. Cruise past icebergs and glaciers and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. This trip takes you into the heart of the drama and the calm of this vast wilderness with unique wildlife opportunities and striking natural landscapes.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Peru and Bolivia trip was absolutely amazing! The Inca trail was a challenge but I am so glad I did it. The salt flats in Bolivia was beautiful this trip really had everything! Mountains, volcanoes, desert. Honestly the best Contiki I have been on. The included meals on the tour did not disappoint
I recommend every one to do it!
our trip manager was honestly the best!
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago, Lima, Avaroa National
Santiago, Lima, Avaroa National Reserve, La Paz, Jungle Lodge, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes
