Patagonia 8-day Explorer Tour

We visit glaciers, pampas, and beautiful lakes, on both sides of the Andes, on this trip to spectacular Patagonia. Our journey takes us through two countries, Chile and Argentina, where we can hike, photograph wildlife, and relax in this untouched land at the bottom of the world. You can also extend your trip by adding a visit to the Atacama Desert, Iguazú Falls, or a visit to mysterious Easter Island.

1st Day: Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is open for relaxation and sight-seeing.

2nd Day: We fly to El Calafate, where we spend the next two nights. Located on Lago Argentino, El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

3rd Day: Today we spend the day visiting Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier, the largest glacier in Patagonia. After a boat ride past towering ice walls, we land and approach the glacier by foot.

4th Day: Leaving Argentina, we cross the border into Chile and drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978, the park is famous for its spectacular granite spires, beautiful lakes and incredible glaciers. We spend the next three nights at the ecologically sensitive Ecocamp Las Torres, which offers “luxury camping” similar to the grand lodges of Africa. We sleep in six-foot-high, wooden-floored dome tents, each with two beds and a gas heater.

5th Day: We drive to Lake Grey, home to floating icebergs, and take a leisurely hike to view the Grey Glacier. We then hike to Mirador Pehoe for a breathtaking view of the Paine massif. From the shores of Lake Pehoe, we walk to the Salto Grande, a giant waterfall.

6th Day: Today we visit the eastern side of the park and Laguna Azul, where we walk through an ancient beech forest and have the opportunity to spot many species of birds. As an alternative, we may choose to spend the day hiking to the foot of the Paine Towers, the dramatic symbol of the park.

7th Day: We travel back to El Calafate, where we spend the night.

8th Day: We transfer from our hotel in El Calafate to the airport for our flight home, via Buenos Aires, or continue our vacation to the Atacama Desert, Iguazú Falls, or Easter Island.

What’s included: Domestic air, land transportation, accommodations (4 nights in hotels, 3 nights at the Ecocamp), guided tours, boat trips, 10 meals. The maximum group size is 18. Minimum: two persons.

2010 Price:

Per person, double occupancy

$2970*

Departures: Every Friday

Minimum Number of Persons: Two

*Note: Prices subject to change without notice.

Patagonia Tours

8-day Explorer