Patagonia Discovery Tour

PATAGONIA DISCOVERY TOUR (17-DAYS)

Embark on a 17-day journey through the legendary landscapes of Patagonia, where the wild beauty of South America unfolds across two countries—Argentina and Chile. Begin in Argentine Patagonia, where the vast steppe gives way to dramatic peaks and ancient glaciers. In El Calafate, witness the thunderous spectacle of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Then head to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mount Fitz Roy. Hike through pristine valleys carved by ice and wind, with endless views of rugged granite, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows. Along the way, encounter guanacos, condors, and other wildlife that call this windswept region home.

Cross into Chilean Patagonia and explore the iconic Torres del Paine National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a true crown jewel of South America. Here, jagged peaks pierce the sky, glaciers cascade into emerald lakes, and herds of wild guanaco roam the open steppe. Spend several days immersed in the park, hiking scenic trails that offer unforgettable views of the famed granite towers, shimmering lakes, and ice fields stretching to the horizon. From there, the adventure continues south to Punta Arenas, where you’ll board the Australis expedition cruise for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through the remote and untouched fjords of southern Chile. This exclusive cruise navigates the narrow waterways of Tierra del Fuego, taking you to the very edge of the continent—Cape Horn.

Sailing through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, the Australis cruise offers a front-row seat to some of the most remote and majestic corners of the planet. Step ashore at Cape Horn, weather permitting, and stand at the southernmost tip of South America where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. Navigate past tidewater glaciers, through icy fjords and channels lined with steep cliffs, waterfalls, and dense sub-Antarctic forests. Disembark on daily Zodiac excursions to explore isolated bays, wildlife-rich islands, and historic sites once visited by early explorers. Keep your eyes open for sea lions, dolphins, penguins, and perhaps even a passing whale. Each evening, return to the comfort of your expedition ship, where expert naturalists share insights into the geology, history, and ecology of this awe-inspiring region. This 17-day Patagonia adventure delivers the perfect blend of wild nature, cultural discovery, and unforgettable exploration across one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.

Expedition Highlights

• 8 nights accommodations aboard our expedition vessel.

• Use Zodiacs to cruise around for exploring and close-up photography of wildlife.

• Explore Arctic landscapes that include majestic glaciers, mountains, and fjords.

• Opportunities to view animals, such as walrus, seals, birds, and when on land, arctic fox and reindeer.

• Encounter polar bears, walruses, and seals in attractive lighting conditions during this great time of year.

• Enjoy a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with a small, intimate group size of just 12 like-minded explorers.

• Tour led by world-class expedition leaders. 

PATAGONIA DISCOVERY TOUR (17-DAYS)

DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES

Transfer International Airport Ministro Pistarini (EZE) / Buenos Aires Hotel, private service with English-speaking guide

Welcome to Argentina! Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy at your own pace. Buenos Aires is a marvelous and furious cosmopolitan city, full of colors and different kinds of architecture. Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as showing off plenty of its own culture!

Argentines are usually eager to host visitors: if you walk the streets with a map, someone will surely stop and ask if you need directions. That’s our spirit! So, for this first day, feel free to wander the cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes, enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open “parrilla” (barbecue) and browse the local antique and artisan markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping. And to travel deeper and have a firm grip of the Argentine spirit, find the perfect leather jacket or handbag (Buenos Aires is home to some excellent local designers) and explore the colorful Palermo Soho neighborhoods.

DAY 2 | DAY OF LEISURE IN BUENOS AIRES - DINNER & TANGO SHOW

Day at leisure in Buenos Aires. Our suggestion is to explore the Pampas, with a visit to a working ranch in San Antonio de Areco, El Ombu, about 1h45 minutes from Buenos Aires. This quaint town is considered "the birthplace" of the gauchos, the Argentine cowboys.

In the evening, we will pick you up from your hotel to visit the most famous and emblematic tango house in the world. Michelangelo, opened in 1967 and reopened in 2022, has a unique architectural and cultural heritage in the San Telmo neighborhood. Enjoy a memorable night out in Buenos Aires and experience the passion of the Argentine tango. Tango is much more than our national dance. It symbolizes our immigrant origins, the talent of our local artists, the sensuality of the Argentine woman and our way of dealing with a broken heart, dancing through tragic but eternal love stories. Tonight, you will enjoy a professional display of tango and folkloric music with a group of local artists onstage immersed in an elegant and alluring place. The manners, ambience, clothes and dance steps which tango lovers used to practice 100 years ago will come to life again and you will travel in time for a night. This spectacular demonstration of the finest local dancing will be accompanied by delicious Argentine and international cuisine. Dinner will be à la carte, with drinks included so you can lose yourself in the taste of Malbec wine. At the end of the night, we will take you back to your hotel, completely in love with the bohemian spirit of our beloved Buenos Aires.

DAY 3 | BUENOS AIRES - TRANSFER TO EL CALAFATE

Transfer Buenos Aires Hotel to Buenos Aires International Airport Jorge Newbery (AEP), private service. Transfer El Calafate Airport

Welcome to Southern Patagonia! The town of El Calafate is located in the Patagonian steppe, an extreme and deserted place with an amazing landscape. It is on the border of Lago Argentino (Argentina’s biggest lake) and it is considered the capital of the glaciers. It is the gateway to visit the world-renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Upon your arrival in El Calafate, you will be received at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 4 | PERITO MORENO GLACIER

The Safari Azul tour has been thought for people willing to navigate in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier and enjoy being very close to the ice. The tour will start in the city of El Calafate when the bus picks you up at your hotel and departs towards Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Once you arrive at the “Bajo de las Sombras” port (at only 7 Km from the walkways), you will board a ship to cross Lago Rico and descend on the opposite coast after 20-minute navigation.

After walking for about 30 minutes, always with a view of the southern side of the glacier just in case there were thunderous ice calvings, and after reaching the ice, you will have an unforgettable experience. At that point, you will also enjoy different and intense shades of blue and white colors, with capricious forms. You will have enough time to take pictures and afterward return to the embarking point accompanied by our experienced guide. You will enjoy an hour-and-a-half walk along a natural surface of sand and stones, with some slopes and stairs. You will walk about 1.5 kilometers by the coast of the lake and through a greenwood with a view to the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Finally, you will embark on the ship to enjoy, from the water and at only some meters away, every detail of the marbled side of the glacier. Upon arriving at the port, you will take the bus towards the walkways where you will have two hours to enjoy an incredible panoramic view. You will also have time to have the lunch you brought from El Calafate. After visiting the Patagonian Steppe, you will arrive at your hotel in El Calafate, with your heart full of the natural energy of this unique glacier.

DAY 5 | DAY OF LEISURE IN EL CALAFATE

Today you will have a free day in the city.

DAY 6 | XXX

Transfer El Calafate Hotel / El Calafate Airport

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to El Calafate Airport.

Transfer Ushuaia Airport / Ushuaia Hotel

Welcome to Ushuaia! Ushuaia is a small town, really easy to get around on foot. The Yamanas, its first inhabitants, called it Ushuaia which means 'protected bay' in their language. It was officially incorporated into the Republic of Argentina in 1884, and it soon became a penal colony, in order to establish a permanent Argentine settlement. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

According on your arrival time, you can explore the town or visit one of its curious museums, like the Thematic Gallery of the Historia Fueguina, to see the more than 120 character life-size figures that will tell you all about the history of Ushuaia, or unearth the story of the scariest and dangerous criminals at the Prison Museum. And please, don't forget the local gastronomy! Ushuaia is the best place to eat seafood. We suggest you try the finger-licking Blake Hake.

DAY 7 | HALF-DAY TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

Today we will pick you up at your hotel to start the trip to the End of the World through the National Park! You will experience the unique and impressive landscape of Tierra del Fuego by vehicle and also on foot. You will have walks of easy to moderate difficulty through the green and dense forest with the vision and support of an expert guide in the area. We will take National Route 3 from Ushuaia and we will arrive at the slope of Monte Susana, witness of the forestry activity that was carried out mainly in the time of the prison, until we reach the Valley of the Pipo River, where we will enter the protected area. Here, we will find three types of trees: Lenga, Ñire and Guindo. Within the mammals we can find the Red Fox, as we can also see introduced species of great environmental impact, such as the rabbit and the beaver.

You will also visit Lake Acigami (ex Lake Roca) from where you can see the emblematic Cerro Cóndor and the Darwin Mountain Range. The coastal sector presents Ensenada Bay, which has the famous post office, and Lapataia Bay, which in addition to captivating for its beauty, has great symbolic value as it represents the end of National Route No. 3. Within the Park there are a large number of marked trails, of different difficulties and duration, such as the trails of the Island, Laguna Negra, Costera, among others.

Type of service: private. Duration: 4/4.3 hours

Includes: transportation mentioned above, bilingual guide (Spanish / English). Does not include: entrance to the National Park, meals.

DAY 8 | AUSTRALIS CRUISE THROUGH THE FJORDS & TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Australis Cruise - Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Ushuaia (5 Days / 4 Nights) Welcome to Australis Cruise

Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure.

Board the Australis Cruise at 18:00 (6 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 9 | CAPE HORN & WULAIA BAY

Around the break of dawn, the Australis cruise crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the ""End of the Earth."" The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 10 | GARIBALDI GLACIER

Overnight we continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding -- very steep, negligible trail, rough footing -- and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11 | AGOSTINI SOUND - AGUILA GLACIER & CONDOR GLACIER

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 12 | MAGDALENA ISLAND & PUNTA ARENAS

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins.

At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

Meals included: Breakfast

Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Hotel in Punta Arenas

At the scheduled time, we will be taking you from Punta Arenas port to your hotel in Punta Arenas.

Type of service: Private Duration: 30 min approx. Distance: 2 km / 1 mile approx.

Included: Transportation mentioned above

DAY 13 | PUNTA ARENAS & TORRES DEL PAINE

You will be picked up in Punta Arenas by a shuttle to be taken to Torres del Paine.

Programa Las Torres Clasico All Inc (03D

Las Torres Program (3 Days / 2 Nights) Welcome to Hosteria Las Torres

Upon arrival at Hosteria Las Torres you will be contacted by the hosts; he/she will explain you the activities available for the next couple of days. Depending on your arrival time, you will be able to do a half day excursion, such as rock climbing, a short trekking through the lenga forest or visit our organic garden.

All activities of the menu and meals will be included during your stay, bear in mind that the activities don't operate daily, please check on arrival the best plan according to your stay.

DAY 14 | LAS TORRES DEL PAINE

Choose from Las Torres' activities

Have you decided what to do today?

We recommend: Trekking to Base Torres Viewpoint

Walk the park’s main trail to a famous viewpoint, from where you can observe the slender, granite peaks that give the national park its name. The excursion begins in Hotel las Torres, where we will begin a hike through Ascencio Valley, crossing a beautiful forest of Lengas and later arriving to a rocky area (La Morrena), the most difficult section of the trail, and finishing at the spectacular Torres Base Viewpoint. After a snack and allotted time for photography, we will follow the same trail back to the hotel.

Duration: 8 hs Difficulty: High

DAY 15 | LAS TORRES DEL PAINE

Farewell Las Torres

Time to say goodbye to Torres del Paine! Depending on your departure time, you can do a half day excursion, such as a horseback riding to different areas of the park or learn about the Patagonian ranch culture spending some time with our baqueanos.

Transfer Torres del Paine / Puerto Natales

At the appropriate time you will take a shuttle transfer from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales.

Transfer Santiago de Chile Airport / Santiago de Chile Hotel, with guide

Welcome to Santiago! Home of Pisco Sour, seafood, and marvelous Cabernet Sauvignon. Chile's capital is the perfect base to explore the country or enjoy a few days between the mountains and the ocean.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS TOUR: Adventure travel is exactly is as its name implies, an adventure! Although every attempt is made to adhere to these itineraries, participants need to acknowledge and willingly accept the unexpected route and itinerary changes due to factors beyond our control.  Please keep in mind that due to Svalbard’s extreme and fast climate changes, we reserve the right to change/alter the route of our Expedition. Being flexible is important.

WHAT IS INCLUDED & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Transportation, lodging, transfers and baggage handling and meals as indicated on the itinerary. All rates are per person in U.S. dollars based on shared occupancy. Single supplement is extra for this tour. Tour does not include air transportation to and from Longyearbyen from your gateway city or any optional tours, food, drinks and entrance fees to attractions that are not included in the cost of this travel package unless stated otherwise in the detailed itinerary. In cases where dinner or lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are not included and must be paid for separately at the end of your expedition. Please note that this expedition is dependent upon weather & ice conditions, and might be altered if conditions are not favorable. In the event of major changes to the tour, you will be notified and we will do our best to make sure that your experience will not be affected.

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: Expedition participants must understand and willing to accept that weather can affect the planned itinerary. When traveling in the high arctic, travel plans can change in the blink of an eye, and catching a flight is all part of the adventure, no matter your destination. Weather conditions delay or cancel about one in four scheduled flights. Some communities are served by just one regularly scheduled commercial air service, many just a few days a week. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay. Any additional costs which occur due to weather related issues, delays, extra nights lodging or unforeseen circumstances, the tour participant will be responsible for these expenses. You should plan to have some "buffer" days in your itinerary. Planet Earth Adventures will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. We recommend arriving into Longyearbyen at least 2 days prior to the departure of this expedition. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. This is life in the High Arctic!!

VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests with a foreign citizenship must bring their passports or national ID-card. Tour participants are responsible for obtaining any documents required for their participation on this tour such as a valid passport, all visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents. Failure to obtain documents does not negate the terms and conditions, and any extra costs incurred for rerouting due to travel without the necessary documents will be the participant’s responsibility. All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip. We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE: Please note a good degree of mobility is required to get the most out of this tour as there may be a number of walks over rough, hilly ground. Suitable waterproof clothing and boots are also essential. Tour participants must be able to walk a short distances and be able to get in/out of the zodiacs with minimal assistance. Any optional activities taken on this tour will change the difficulty level of this tour. Recommended clothing list will be provided at the time of booking.

SAFETY, DAYLIGHT HOURS & WEATHER CONDITIONS: Svalbard’s nature is astonishingly beautiful but also very unpredictable and full of surprises. The climate is rough, the weather can change rapidly, and polar bears can suddenly show up when you least expect them to. These are some of the risks that are ever-present in Svalbard, and which you should be preparred for when travelling in the Arctic wilderness. Good preparations are key in order to minimize these risks and the likelihood of accidents or dangerous situations.

FLEXIBILITY: You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. While we endeavour to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We strongly suggest purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance on this trip in order to protect your travel investment at the time you sign up for one of our trips. This coverage will offset cancellation charges in the event of illness before or during your trip. Trip cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance is available at a supplemental cost. Click Here to purchase travel protection. Your credit card may offer basic travel insurance or emergency travel assistance if you use it to book travel or accommodation although the coverage is usually very limited. Check with your credit card provider to see if you are covered and what benefits are provided.

CANCELLATION POLICY: We consider the deposit non-refundable at the time of reservation; however, Planet Earth Adventures will try to be flexible in the event of a cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly. A credit card is required to make your reservation online. Your card will be charged when you book your trip. We require at least 90-day written notice for cancellations. Note that different cancellation conditions including higher charges apply to certain types of trips and additional services including most arctic bookings. Again, we strongly advise to purchase cancellation insurance at the time of booking which will cover any cancellation fees. If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made. The above cancellation fees are in addition to fees which may be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents or third party tour and transport operator fees.