Signature Patagonia

From Santiago to El Calafate OR From El Calafate to Santiago
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Patagonia
  • Wildlife and Nature
  • Signature Tours
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Tour Description

Discover some of the incredible highlights of Patagonia on this 9 day adventure, from Santiago de Chile, to El Calafate, Argentina.

Experience some of South America's finest national parks including Torres Del Paine National Park, famous for its granite pillars, lakes and mountains offers outstanding vistas, wildlife and hikes. Choose from a horseback ride guided by a traditional gaucho through the Patagonian landscape, hike to the stunning Las Torres Base, a field day to a typical Patagonian Estancia to enjoy an authentic lamb roast, mountain biking to the shore of Balmaceda Lake or a walk to witness cave paintings of the Aonikenk (Tehuelche) culture.

Travel to Los Glaciares National Park, where we listen and watch ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier and take a boat to get up close.  This is a trip of overwhelming natural beauty!

This itinerary is also offered in reverse - Signature Patagonia - El Calafate to Santiago, and combines brilliantly with an expedition cruise to Antarctica!

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You will experience the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, with a range of daily options that allow you an in-depth exploration of the mountains, glaciers and pampas by horseback, motorboat, on foot or by vehicle.

Discover the fascinating town of El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lago Argentino and on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Perito Moreno Glacier. Get up close to watch the glacier calving!

Select from a range of comfortable superior accommodation, enjoy great Patagonia cuisine, and take your pick from a range of activities - this tour will see you enjoying Patagonia in comfort adventure style!

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Santiago

Arrival transfer in Santiago. This service includes a driver and local English speaking guide who will provide you with any useful information needed for your stay.

Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest city, lies in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. Founded in 1541, Santiago has been Chile’s capital since colonial times. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city and although it features many colonial buildings, it has grown into a modern metropolis and the cultural centre of the country.

Overnight in Santiago

Day 2
Santiago City tour

Spend your morning getting to know Santiago on a half-day city tour. You will visit the highlights this cosmopolitan city has to offer. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the local area where your hotel is located. Barrio Lastarria is an upmarket, vibrant, and safe neighbourhood, home to some of Santiago’s best cafes, bars and restaurants with lots of boutique retail stores.

Overnight in Santiago

Day 3
Fly from Santiago to Patagonia Torres del Paine

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred by private transfer to Santiago airport to meet your flight to Patagonia. *either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales

On arrival, you will be collected to begin your journey into one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine national parks, Torres del Paine, where you will spend the next four nights in an all-inclusive lodge of your choice. The transfer time will take approximately 5 hours and you will be offered incredible views of the Patagonian landscape as you watch estancias, lakes and snow-capped mountains pass you by. On arrival at your lodge, check in and the late afternoon and evening is free for you to organise the following day’s excursions.

Day 4
Torres Del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, famous for its spectacular scenery, fauna and adventure activities. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, Torres del Paine is considered to be one of the most magnificent, untouched places on Earth.

Choose from one of the many activities included in your lodge stay. Activities on offer include hiking one of the many world-class trails or to Las Torres base viewpoint, horseback riding, taking a cruise on a lake to view the Grey glacier, or a cultural visit to an estancia and learn about the gaucho culture that is unique to Patagonia. Please note additional charges may apply for some activities depending on certain lodge inclusions.

Day 5
Torres Del Paine National Park

The excitement continues today, wake up and enjoy breakfast at your lodge, before you head out on another hand selected excursion within the incredible Torres del Paine National Park. Whatever you didn't have the opportunity to do yesterday is ready and waiting for you to explore today.

Day 6
Torres Del Paine National Park

Make the most of your final full day here in the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park by partaking in another full or half day excursion with one of the lodges experienced guides. There truly is something for everyone, catering for all activity levels so be sure to make the most of your last day. Enjoy dinner and your surrounds one last night before preparing yourself for tomorrows departure

Sample day:

This morning start your journey to the park’s most spectacular waterfall and an astonishing viewpoint. The adventure starts with a 45-minute drive to Pudeto in the heart of the park’s lake district. The trail leads us through a portion of the park impacted by the great forest fire of 2011- 12. Between the remains of the fire-ravaged trees, new life is already sprouting from the rich Patagonian soul. The path continues to Sendero Mirador Cuernos. Possibly the Park’s most spectacular viewpoint, the panorama features the “Los Cuernos” (Horns), Mount Paine Grande and the French Valley and Glacier rising straight up from the other side of Nordenskjöld Lake: a brethtaking spectacle of rock and water. From this point we continue the trail to Salto Grande, a raging aquamarine cascade that channels water between lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. The roundtrip hike from car park to viewpoint takes about two hours.
Given the open terrain, high winds are possible during this trek. Those who don’t want to undertake the complete hike can opt for a shorter version that features just the brief hike to Salto Grande waterfall (about 30min round trip). Enjoy lunch back at the lodge and get refreshed for your afternoon exploration.

This afternoon, you may choose to go for a leisurely trail ride to the famous Lake, ‘Lago Nordenskjold’, at the base of the Paine Massic named after a famous Swedish-Finnish explorer who dedicated himself to the study of Antarctica, Greenland, Chile and Peru. Leaving from Pesebrera, your excursion follows the famous W Trail, passing the northern shores of the lake and Mount Almirante Nieto. Cross various rivers and forests, having the opportunity to appreciate various viewpoints and Patagonian flora. In addition, you will have the opportunity meet the baqueanos and live a unique and authentic experience in Patagonia.

Day 7
Torres Del Paine National Park El Calafate

Today you say bid farewell to the Chilean Patagonia and say hello to the Argentinian Patagonia. A shared transfer van will help with immigration formalities when crossing from Chile and into Argentina and deliver you safely to El Calafate, Argentina. Travel by road from Torres Del Paine to El Calafate in Argentina (approx. 6 hours).

El Calafate flanks the southern shore of Lago Argentino in the southwest part of Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province. The town is near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and one of the gateways to World Heritage Listed Parque Nacional Los Glaciers. The name El Calafate is derived from the calafate plant common in Patagonia. The town’s main street, Avenida del Libertador General San Martín, is lined with restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops and souvenir shops.

Overnight in El Calafate

Day 8
Perito Moreno Glacier

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred via the beautiful Patagonian and into Los Glaciers National Park, home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Join a boat cruise on the lake where you will get up close to Mayo, Negro and Perito Moreno Glaciers and bear witness to the 74-meter-high glacier calving right in front of your eyes. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the only glaciers left in the world that continues to advance forward. On return to El Calafate, enjoy the rest of the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere in this beautiful village. Note entrance fee and lunch are included.

Day 9
El Calafate

Today you will transfer to El Calafate airport for your onward arrangements.

Perhaps fly to Ushuaia, and take a expedition cruise to Antarctica, or head but to Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls?

Day 1
El Calafate

You will arrive in the quaint tourist town of El Calafate, the gateway to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. As you wander the main street, Avenida del Libertador, you will discover souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, chocolate and ice cream shops. At the latter, be sure to try some ice cream made using the Calafate berry from which the town gets its name. Today is an arrival day, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 2
Perito Moreno Glacier

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred via the beautiful Patagonian and into Los Glaciers National Park, home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Join a boat cruise on the lake where you will get up close to Mayo, Negro and Perito Moreno Glaciers and bear witness to the 74-meter-high glacier calving right in front of your eyes. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the only glaciers left in the world that continues to advance forward. On return to El Calafate, enjoy the rest of the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere in this beautiful village. Note entrance fee and lunch are included.

Day 3
El Calafate Torres Del Paine National Park

Today you bid farewell to the Argentinian Patagonia and say hello to the Chilean Patagonia. A shared transfer van will help with immigration formalities when crossing from Argentina and into Chile and deliver you safely to your lodge in Torres del Paine National Park. Here is where you will spend the next four nights in an all-inclusive lodge of your choice. The transfer time will take approximately 5 hours and you will be offered incredible views of the Patagonian landscape as you watch estancias, lakes and snow-capped mountains pass you by. On arrival at your lodge, check in and the late afternoon and evening is free for you to organise the following day’s excursions with your local guides.

Day 4
Torres Del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, famous for its spectacular scenery, fauna and adventure activities. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, Torres del Paine is considered to be one of the most magnificent, untouched places on Earth.

Choose from one of the many activities included in your lodge stay. Activities on offer include hiking one of the many world-class trails or to Las Torres base viewpoint, horseback riding, taking a cruise on a lake to view the Grey glacier, or a cultural visit to an estancia and learn about the gaucho culture that is unique to Patagonia. Please note additional charges may apply for some activities depending on certain lodge inclusions.

Day 5
Torres Del Paine National Park

The excitement continues today, wake up and enjoy breakfast at your lodge, before you head out on another hand selected excursion within the incredible Torres del Paine National Park. Whatever you didn't have the opportunity to do yesterday is ready and waiting for you to explore today.

Day 6
Torres Del Paine National Park

Make the most of your final full day here in the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park by partaking in another full or half day excursion with one of the lodges experienced guides. There truly is something for everyone, catering for all activity levels so be sure to make the most of your last day. Enjoy dinner and your surrounds one last night before preparing yourself for tomorrows departure

Sample day:

This morning start your journey to the park’s most spectacular waterfall and an astonishing viewpoint. The adventure starts with a 45-minute drive to Pudeto in the heart of the park’s lake district. The trail leads us through a portion of the park impacted by the great forest fire of 2011- 12. Between the remains of the fire-ravaged trees, new life is already sprouting from the rich Patagonian soul. The path continues to Sendero Mirador Cuernos. Possibly the Park’s most spectacular viewpoint, the panorama features the “Los Cuernos” (Horns), Mount Paine Grande and the French Valley and Glacier rising straight up from the other side of Nordenskjöld Lake: a brethtaking spectacle of rock and water. From this point we continue the trail to Salto Grande, a raging aquamarine cascade that channels water between lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. The roundtrip hike from car park to viewpoint takes about two hours.
Given the open terrain, high winds are possible during this trek. Those who don’t want to undertake the complete hike can opt for a shorter version that features just the brief hike to Salto Grande waterfall (about 30min round trip). Enjoy lunch back at the lodge and get refreshed for your afternoon exploration.

This afternoon, you may choose to go for a leisurely trail ride to the famous Lake, ‘Lago Nordenskjold’, at the base of the Paine Massic named after a famous Swedish-Finnish explorer who dedicated himself to the study of Antarctica, Greenland, Chile and Peru. Leaving from Pesebrera, your excursion follows the famous W Trail, passing the northern shores of the lake and Mount Almirante Nieto. Cross various rivers and forests, having the opportunity to appreciate various viewpoints and Patagonian flora. In addition, you will have the opportunity meet the baqueanos and live a unique and authentic experience in Patagonia.

Day 7
Torres del Paine Fly to Santiago

Today you bid farewell to Patagonia and transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. On arrival in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car transfer. The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight.

Day 8
Santiago City tour

Spend your morning getting to know Santiago on a half-day city tour. You will visit the highlights this cosmopolitan city has to offer. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the local area where your hotel is located. Barrio Lastarria is an upmarket, vibrant, and safe neighbourhood, home to some of Santiago’s best cafes, bars and restaurants with lots of boutique retail stores.

Overnight in Santiago

Day 9
Depart Santiago

There are no activities planned for today and a private airport transfer will collect you from your hotel and deliver you to Santiago airport for your departing flight.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Accommodation in superior hotels
  • Included Copy 31 Upgrade to deluxe accommodation
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Breakfast daily, Lunch on Perito Moreno tour
  • Included Copy 20 All meals while at Torres del Paine accomodation
  • Included Copy 20 Open bar, except premium beer, wine, and spirits in Torres del Paine
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Internal flight as part of this itinerary*
  • Included Copy 20 Sightseeing on a shared basis as outlined in the tour itinerary with English speaking guides
  • Included Copy 20 All transfers
  • Included Copy 20 Entry fees to Torres del Paine National Park
  • Included Copy 7 International Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance
  • Included Copy 31 Tour can be done in reverse. Or add more; El Chalten, Antarctica...

Activities

  • Included Discover Torres del Paine, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world
  • Included Witness snow-capped peaks, glaciers, icebergs, fjords, lakes and windswept pampas.
  • Included Explore Santiago de Chile
  • Included Sail towards the north face of the massive Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Included There are walks, hikes, climbs, horse-rides, and tours by van or vehicle to choose from - suit yours
  • Included Perhaps horseback ride with a traditional gaucho through the Patagonian landscapes
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

9 days

Price from

$6,063 USD

Per person, sharing

Daily departures, late September - April