Explore South America’s southern frontier, Patagonia, a vast, beautiful and remote land.
With jagged peaks and pristine lakes, you’ll be in awe of the natural beauty. Highlights will be two national parks. See Torres del Paine National Park known for its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs and golden lowlands providing a home to the Guanaco, Puma and South Andean Deer. Followed by Los Glaciares National Park where you can see breathtaking Glaciar Perito Moreno, one of the earth’s most dynamic and accessible ice fields.
Your tour highlights
• Torres del Paine National Park
• El Calafate
• Perito Moreno Glacier
• Los Glaciares National Park
Tour itinerary
Arrive in Puerto Natales where you will be met by your English-speaking assistant and transferred to your hotel.
Embark on a full-day odyssey from your hotel to the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. Your journey commences along the coastal road, leading you to the ancient marvel of “Cueva del Milodon,” a colossal cavern steeped in history, believed to have housed both primitive humans and the milodon. A brief walk unveils its captivating allure and rich narrative. Venture onward to the village of Cerro Castillo, once a sprawling cattle ranch under the esteemed Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Society. As you traverse the Patagonian ranchlands, you will enter the mesmerizing expanse of Torres del Paine National Park. Here, amidst breathtaking vistas, encounter guanacos, condors, and nandues, adding charm to the landscape.
Your expedition includes visits to the Nordenskjold and Pehoe lakes, as well as the enchanting “Salto Grande” waterfall, inviting a leisurely stroll to revel in its magnificence. Throughout this captivating journey, immerse yourself in the diverse tapestry of lakes, rivers, and flourishing flora and fauna. After a delightful pause for lunch, your adventure continues towards the pinnacle experience: Grey Lake and its glacier, a component of the Southern Ice Field. Traverse through lenga forests and arrive at the shoreline, where magnificent icebergs paint a breathtaking canvas with their mesmerizing shapes and hues, offering a spectacle for all to behold.
You will be met by your English-speaking assistant and transferred to the bus station where you travel by shared bus from Puerto Natales, Chile to El Calafate, Argentina. Upon arrival in El Calafate, you will be met by your English-speaking assistant and transferred to your hotel.
Located 80 kilometres from El Calafate, the “Perito Moreno” glacier within “Los Glaciares” National Park offers a unique and captivating experience. En route, the journey unfolds with picturesque surprises. Passing through the village outskirts, you will drive along Argentino Lake and pass Redonda Bay, teeming with diverse birdlife like swans, flamingos, and more, set against yellow fields of Patagonian “coirones” grass, that enchant travellers. The initial 40 kilometres traverses the Patagonian steppe before reaching the National Park gate. The subsequent 26 kilometres reveal a timberline adorned with various tree species, including beech, oak, and cinnamon, accompanied by vibrant flowers like the striking “fire bush,” typical of the Andean-Patagonian Forest.
Upon facing the glacier, its grandeur captivates every observer. The catwalks, divided into three circuits, offer stunning perspectives. Your visit offers multiple glacier viewpoints, time to enjoy an included lunch at Nativos de la Patagonia Restaurant, and a one-hour navigation of the Rico branch of Argentino Lake before returning to El Calafate.
During your navigation, you will behold the awe-inspiring southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Rising approximately 60 meters high and extending 100 meters below lake level, this colossal ice wall is a sight to behold. Your boat cruises to within 200 meters of where the glacier meets the Magallanes Peninsula before tracing a route along the glacier’s expansive southern wall, covering about 3 kilometres. Here, you’ll witness the daily occurrence of mesmerizing landslides and marvel at the enchanting beauty of its seracs, intricate cracks, and striking hues of intense blue. It’s an unforgettable spectacle that unveils the glacier’s dynamic nature and breathtaking features.
The Patagonian ice field stands as the largest concentration of ice outside the Polar Regions, with glaciers cascading from heights of 1500 to 200 meters above sea level. This unique elevation offers an exceptional opportunity to explore these majestic ice formations and relish unparalleled views. Within Los Glaciares National Park lies a breathtaking tapestry of forests, lakes, mountains, ice, and steppes, boasting over 200 glaciers. Among the most renowned are Spegazzini, towering 135 meters above water level, Upsala, sprawling across an entire valley at 765 square kilometres with a length of 52 kilometres, and Perito Moreno, a constantly moving glacier that carves out awe-inspiring spectacles.
Experience the Glaciers Gourmet Expedition, a full-day voyage to one of Southern Patagonia’s most enchanting destinations. Aboard the exclusive Cruise Maraa Turquesa, and indulge in top-notch comfort, ensuring an unforgettable journey. The excursion includes roundtrip transportation to/from the boarding point. The morning sets sail northwest on Lago Argentino, passing Punta Avellaneda, Boca del Diablo, and the impressive Upsala Glacier. Throughout the cruise, savour a gourmet box lunch. By mid-day, the voyage turns southward on Lago Argentino toward Canal Spegazzini and the magnificent Spegazzini glacier. In the afternoon, disembark at Puesto de las Vacas for a guided hike, followed by return navigation through Brazo Norte. It’s an expedition designed to immerse you in the grandeur of Patagonia’s icy wonders while enjoying stunning vistas.
You will be met by your English-speaking assistant and transferred to the airport for your onward arrangements.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $4270
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
- Tailor-made journey
- 5 nights’ accommodation
- 5 breakfasts and 3 lunches
- Meet & Greet at Puerto Natales Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport
- Private arrival and departure transfers with English-speaking assistants
- Shared tours with English/Spanish-speaking guides
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Shared bus service Puerto Natales > El Calafate
- Shared 1-hour Rico Branch Cruise
- Shared full-day Glaciers Experience Cruise
- National Park fees