Frequently asked questions relating to this tour or destination.
How much hiking is there on this trip? Is it hiking on difficult terrain?
I am active and fit, but I am an older adult and can't keep up with young adults. Is this trip suitable for older adults?
Itinerary
Patagonia calls the adventurous spirit with its windswept steppes, towering Andes, and glacial lakes—Wonders of Patagonia is a moderate-activity, 11-day guided trip for experienced travelers eager for unspoiled nature and cultural depth. From Buenos Aires’ vibrant streets to the rugged beauty of Los Glaciares National Park and on to the wilds of Torres del Paine, every day promises new marvels.
Enrich your journey with insider experiences: dine with a local family in Buenos Aires, witness Patagonian cowboy culture in Torres del Paine, and witness glaciers calving into turquoise lakes. This tour’s USP is the unique blend of natural spectacle and genuine local interaction, ensuring Patagonia’s wonders come alive in both landscape and people.
day 1Welcome to Buenos Aires
It's time to Tango your way through beautiful Buenos Aires - your launch pad to the other-worldly southern frontier of Patagonia. On arrival, your local host will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax or explore the grand boulevards and colourful barrios of Argentina's vibrant capital on your own. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for dinner.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Buenos Aires
Accommodation
Intercontinental
day 2Buenos Aires Sightseeing
day 3Admire Tierra del Fuego National Park and Continue to Ushuaia
day 4Uncover Ushuaia
day 5Off to El Calafate
day 6Los Glaciares National Park Excursion
day 7Adventure to Puerto Natales
day 8Torres Del Paine National Park Sightseeing
day 9Local culture of Puerto Natales
day 10Puerto Natales, Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Excursion
day 11Depart Santiago
Highlights
Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia, Los Glaciares National Park, Milodon Cave, Rupestre Patagonia Park, Torres del Paine National Park
Visit Recoleta Cemetery, Perito Moreno Glacier, Laguna Amarga
Scenic Cruise Cruise to the Balmaceda Glacier and Serrano Glacier
Scenic Cruise upon a boat ride up the Rio Serrano toward the Serrano Glacier
Scenic Drive from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park and from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
Standard regional accommodation
Deluxe coach and cruise travel, and select flights
Buenos Aires: Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. See the pink palace, the seat of the Argentine national government and president's office whose balcony Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the people in the 1940s and 1950s. Visit the cathedral and wander through the lively and colourful La Boca neighbourhood lined with restaurants, street artists and local art around every corner.
Tierra del Fuego National Park: Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park with a Local Specialist and discover forests, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks at the edge of the world. Watch for native wildlife including red foxes, condors, eagles and beavers, then take in the views over the Beagle Channel, Roca Lake and the Bay of Lapataia in this striking southern landscape.
Ushuaia: Tour Ushuaia including a visit to the Museo Marítimo y del Presido, where you'll explore the history of the Prison at the End of the World and learn about the famous prisoners who were incarcerated there.
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares: Join a Local Specialist for a deep exploration of the striking UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Within Argentina’s largest and most famous national park, you'll come face-to-face with its arctic blue and white glaciers that are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field, milky coloured glacial lakes and towering snowcapped peaks. Be amazed at this landscape of 356 glaciers starting at 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level that reach into icy blue lakes. Discover the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which towers above the icy waters of Lake Argentino, accessible by a short hike.
Puerto Natales: With your Local Specialist, visit Milodon Cave, a fascinating site where evidence of a giant prehistoric ground sloth, the Milodon, was discovered by German explorer Herman Eberhard. Shedding light on Patagonia's ancient past, the cave also holds evidence of prehistoric human habitation dating back to 6,000 BC, offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants. Explore this intriguing site, marvel at the well-preserved remains, and imagine the prehistoric world that once existed here. Milodon Cave is a captivating destination for those interested in archaeology and the natural history of Patagonia.
Puerto Natales: Rupestre Patagonia Park is a family-run business dedicated to educating visitors about the region's environmental issues, archaeology, history, culture, and biodiversity, With your Local Specialist, you can discover the enduring legacies of the indigenous cultures that once thrived in Patagonia, while gaining insight into the pressing environmental challenges the area faces. Explore diverse ecosystems, from verdant forests to rugged mountains, each teeming with unique wildlife. The park ensures a personalised and enriching experience, making Rupestre Patagonia a must-visit for those seeking to connect with Patagonia's profound natural beauty and cultural richness.
Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Torres Del Paine, venturing deep into the heart of the park with a Local Specialist. Embark on a short hike to see natural landmarks up close and view stunning landscapes from scenic outlooks especially chosen to showcase the surrounding beauty of the area.
Torres del Paine National Park: Connect with the inspiring natural landscape in one of the world's last true wildernesses. Embark on this unforgettable journey with a Local Specialist, who will bring the landscape to life with their rich knowledge and passion for the region. The lagoon's name, meaning "Bitter Lake," hints at its high mineral content, giving the water an almost mystical quality. Your Local Specialist will guide you through the area's unique flora and fauna, offering insights into the natural history and ecological significance of this pristine environment. Witness beautiful fauna, such as flamingos wading in the shallow waters, or elusive Andean condor soaring above. The immersive experience at Laguna Amarga will leave you with lasting memories of Patagonia's raw and untouched beauty.
Mirador Serrano Glacier: Travel by boat up the Rio Serrano, passing the Southern icefield (campo de Hielo sur) toward the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier. With your Travel Director, explore the impressive glacier with a hike through unspoiled, cool rainforest landscapes to Seno Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope) where you will see the rest of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. Mostly untouched by people, the unspoiled nature is home to colonies of cormorants, sea lions and condors.
Puerto Natales: Explore Pingo Salvaje ranch in the heart of Patagonia with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Discover the sustainable practices of the ranch owners, who have implemented holistic grazing to maintain ecological balance. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Protection.
Torres del Paine National Park: Spend time with Raúl and América at their working ranch in Cerro Castillo. See a live sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstration, then sit down to a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue and a classic South American cocktail, all served with warm southern Chilean hospitality.
Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
Standard regional accommodation
Deluxe coach and cruise travel, and select flights
Buenos Aires: Embark on a Buenos Aires City Tour with a Local Specialist. Walk through the wide boulevards of this beautiful capital admiring the spirit of a city whose European and Latin American influences can be seen around every turn. See the pink palace, the seat of the Argentine national government and president's office whose balcony Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the people in the 1940s and 1950s. Visit the cathedral and wander through the lively and colourful La Boca neighbourhood lined with restaurants, street artists and local art around every corner.
Tierra del Fuego National Park: Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park with a Local Specialist and discover forests, waterfalls and snow-capped peaks at the edge of the world. Watch for native wildlife including red foxes, condors, eagles and beavers, then take in the views over the Beagle Channel, Roca Lake and the Bay of Lapataia in this striking southern landscape.
Ushuaia: Tour Ushuaia including a visit to the Museo Marítimo y del Presido, where you'll explore the history of the Prison at the End of the World and learn about the famous prisoners who were incarcerated there.
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares: Join a Local Specialist for a deep exploration of the striking UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Within Argentina’s largest and most famous national park, you'll come face-to-face with its arctic blue and white glaciers that are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field, milky coloured glacial lakes and towering snowcapped peaks. Be amazed at this landscape of 356 glaciers starting at 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level that reach into icy blue lakes. Discover the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which towers above the icy waters of Lake Argentino, accessible by a short hike.
Puerto Natales: With your Local Specialist, visit Milodon Cave, a fascinating site where evidence of a giant prehistoric ground sloth, the Milodon, was discovered by German explorer Herman Eberhard. Shedding light on Patagonia's ancient past, the cave also holds evidence of prehistoric human habitation dating back to 6,000 BC, offering a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants. Explore this intriguing site, marvel at the well-preserved remains, and imagine the prehistoric world that once existed here. Milodon Cave is a captivating destination for those interested in archaeology and the natural history of Patagonia.
Puerto Natales: Rupestre Patagonia Park is a family-run business dedicated to educating visitors about the region's environmental issues, archaeology, history, culture, and biodiversity, With your Local Specialist, you can discover the enduring legacies of the indigenous cultures that once thrived in Patagonia, while gaining insight into the pressing environmental challenges the area faces. Explore diverse ecosystems, from verdant forests to rugged mountains, each teeming with unique wildlife. The park ensures a personalised and enriching experience, making Rupestre Patagonia a must-visit for those seeking to connect with Patagonia's profound natural beauty and cultural richness.
Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Torres Del Paine, venturing deep into the heart of the park with a Local Specialist. Embark on a short hike to see natural landmarks up close and view stunning landscapes from scenic outlooks especially chosen to showcase the surrounding beauty of the area.
Torres del Paine National Park: Connect with the inspiring natural landscape in one of the world's last true wildernesses. Embark on this unforgettable journey with a Local Specialist, who will bring the landscape to life with their rich knowledge and passion for the region. The lagoon's name, meaning "Bitter Lake," hints at its high mineral content, giving the water an almost mystical quality. Your Local Specialist will guide you through the area's unique flora and fauna, offering insights into the natural history and ecological significance of this pristine environment. Witness beautiful fauna, such as flamingos wading in the shallow waters, or elusive Andean condor soaring above. The immersive experience at Laguna Amarga will leave you with lasting memories of Patagonia's raw and untouched beauty.
Mirador Serrano Glacier: Travel by boat up the Rio Serrano, passing the Southern icefield (campo de Hielo sur) toward the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier. With your Travel Director, explore the impressive glacier with a hike through unspoiled, cool rainforest landscapes to Seno Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope) where you will see the rest of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. Mostly untouched by people, the unspoiled nature is home to colonies of cormorants, sea lions and condors.
Puerto Natales: Explore Pingo Salvaje ranch in the heart of Patagonia with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Discover the sustainable practices of the ranch owners, who have implemented holistic grazing to maintain ecological balance. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Protection.
Torres del Paine National Park: Spend time with Raúl and América at their working ranch in Cerro Castillo. See a live sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstration, then sit down to a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue and a classic South American cocktail, all served with warm southern Chilean hospitality.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
We spent a lot of time -3 days in flying /driving-wonder if this could be reduced as we were already driving for sightseeing.
While most of the Hotel we stayed were good,the Best Western in Puerto Natales was very cramped and had no lift.There was nothing nearby for Food options or shopping and while the view was good and the place quiet,it was far removed from downtown for activities or even just browsing.The hotel's resturant was closed for Easter Sunday and we were forced to go downtown for food.I would certain recommend looking at other options.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
Our tour guide Marcello was very good.
Everything went smoothly
However many years back we used to have a lot of hidden surprises.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
Nice paced and well prepared itinerary. We got to see what we expected and enjoyed the great services of the expert Trafalgar teams. We have a very good experience.
Y
Yuk C.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
The itinerary was well planned. It covered a lot of great natural scenes.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
3.0 | Average
Four out of 11 days on this tour were spent travelling. Two of the hotels were below our expectations. One cannot expect too much when travelling to the southernmost part of Argentina & Chile where tourism infrastructure is in need of a boost. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the Chilean side of the tour more.
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12 days
What's Included
Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedAll hotel tips, charges and local taxesOn occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
Luxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)A Trafalgar bonus all IntraAir Flights: Buenos Aires Ushuaia El Cafate, Punta Arenas Santiago
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
All porterage and restaurant gratuitiesMustsee sightseeing and surprise extrasAudio headsets for flexible sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time
11 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
18 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
