Patagonian Panorama - 12 days

Tuesday. Upon arrival at Santiago Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon there is a walking tour of the capital, visiting a few of the many museums, markets and parks of Chile's cosmopolitan capital.

Today is free for you to independently explore Santiago at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Valaparaiso, which is a lively seaport built on a series of hills, overlooking the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. In Chile’s second city you can explore the steep, winding streets and see the brightly coloured colonial homes or take a ride in one of the wooden funiculars to one of the cliff-top communities.

Time permitting you may wish to visit one of the local vineyards situated just outside of Santiago to learn about the process of making wine and sample some Chilean favourites.

Santiago – Puerto Varas. This morning we travel to the lakeside town of Puerto Varas in the Chilean Lake District. After a short 2-hour flight we arrive at the ‘City of Roses’ where we marvel at the two snow-capped volcanoes overlooking this picturesque town. We have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to wander along the lakeside promenade and appreciate the Chilean-German architecture and traditions that still run deep through the town or take a trip to Coastal Street to sample some amazing local delicacies.

Today we visit the mystical island of Chiloe which is just a short ferry ride from the mainland but feels worlds apart. We take the ferry across to Chacao where we meet our local guide to explore the island. We visit the plaza in Chacao, taking in the traditional architecture, which includes the famous stilted houses and wooden churches the island is famous for. We then continue to the Bay of Caulin which boasts a huge array of birdlife and here we taste oysters before continuing to Ancud for lunch.

After lunch we travel through the ‘campo’ until we reach the desolate beaches on the Pacific Coast of the island, the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magallanic penguins live together. In the late afternoon we make our way back to Puerto Varas after stopping at a family farmhouse in Ancud for a traditional curanto, a local pitbake and uniquely authentic Chilote experience.

Puerto Varas - Puerto Natales. We return to Puerto Montt for a flight to the port city of Punta Arenas, Chile’s most southerly town. The city is rich in history and culture and was once an important British-influenced trading port before the Panama Canal turned it to a backwater. From here we continue by bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park and home to pelicans, black-necked swans and cormorants. We have the rest of the evening to walk around the town at our own leisure.

For two full days, the group will explore Torres del Paine National Park, traveling by private vehicle and on foot. Departing early each morning and returning to the comfort of Puerto Natales by evening, the adventure includes stops at some of the park's most breath-taking viewpoints, such as Lago Nordenskjöld and Salto Grande. The landscape is truly awe-inspiring, featuring the granite peaks of the Cuernos, milky lakes dotted with icebergs, and condors soaring high against the persistent winds. The rest of the days will be spent hiking through the national park, following various trails that meander along glacial lakes and rivers, offering close-up views of jagged rock formations and towering spires that reach 3,000 meters into the turbulent sky.

The park offers a range of hiking trails, varying greatly in difficulty and length, with some routes not suitable for all participants. The most renowned hike leads to the 'Base of the Towers,' but it is also the most challenging, taking at least eight hours to complete. However, there are options for everyone, so it is recommended to consult your tour leader for advice on the best-suited hikes or alternatives like horse riding.

It's essential to bring water and windproof clothing, along with appropriate footwear, as the weather in the park can be highly unpredictable.

Puerto Natales - El Calafate (Argentina). Today we travel by coach into Argentina, across the Patagonian steppe. Keep an eye out for the spectacular views of Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country and for guanacos, rheas and flamingos. This afternoon we reach the town of El Calafate, which is situated on the shores of the lake. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town and there should be time to visit the Glaciarium Museum to get an insight into all things glacial or opt to sit back and relax in the ice bar on the premises.

Today we visit the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Our morning begins with a drive through Los Glaciers National Park, along the shores of Lake Argentino until we reach Patagonia’s most famous attraction. We then have some time to walk across the wooden walk ways which lead to perfect sightseeing spots to see the front edge of the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier which is 5kms wide and towers 60 meters above the water surface.

El Calafate - Buenos Aires. On day 10 we fly to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, known as the "Paris of South America" due to its lovely green parks, plazas and wide boulevards. After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to do with as we wish.

The following morning we explore the lanes and boulevards on a guided city tour, taking in the quirky neighbourhoods of the city, where European and Latin American influences have blended to create a city like no other. Whether you're a culture lover, bargain hunter or night owl, Argentina's capital city has plenty to keep you entertained. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango and during our stay there will be an optional evening visit to one of the many nightly Tango shows.

Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or we can book post tour accommodation if you'd like to extend your stay.