23-day expedition across Chile & Argentina

Santiago

Day 1: Welcome to Chile!

Welcome to sunny Santiago, where our journey begins. The metropolis will whiz past you as your private transfer takes you to the doorstep of your comfortable hotel. After checking in and relaxing for a quick rest, we will introduce you to the city on an afternoon tour that will show you the must-see sights.

Learn about the historic center as we go downtown to La Moneda, the government palace, and Plaza de Armas and Cerro Santa Lucia. Then we will see the city change as we travel East towards “San-hattan”. When all is said and done, relax and dine out near your hotel with the luxury of a huge variety of restaurants from all over the world.

Santiago - Valparaiso

Day 2: Journey to the Pacific Coast

Today you leave the urban metropolis of Santiago and travel through the Curavaví and Casablanca Valleys towards Santiago’s bohemian neighbor, Valparaiso.

In this colorful port-side city atop a hill, you will ravish in the marvelous views of the Pacific Ocean before exploring the weaving corridors on Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre. In these small hidden streets, among massive, unique and meaningful graffiti, you will discover why the hills are a UNESCO world heritage site.

After your visit to Valparaiso, you will travel up the shoreline towards Viña del Mar. This beach-side city allows for a relaxation. Take a pause and smell the salty, ocean waves before we head out to one of Chile’s famous wineries. We will stop in the Casablanca Valley and top this marvelous day off with a tasting of delectable wines.

Santiago - San Pedro De Atacama - Moon Valley

Day 3: Travel to the Atacama desert

Wake up to a delightful breakfast and get ready for your adventure to the driest desert in the world – the Atacama Desert!

A private transfer will take you to the airport. After a short plane ride, you will find yourself in another world. You will have the chance to explore this new world with a journey to the Moon and Death Valley.

This tour will take you among the hills of sharp rocks and unusual shapes of the Cordillera de la Sal, a true geological spectacle that forms part of the National Reserve Los Flamencos.

During the tour, enjoy the extravagant landscape forms, which will make you feel like walking on the lunar surface. With the arrival of the sunset golden and red tones will appear on the desert, a truly breathtaking panorama. This will be the perfect introductory tour for your upcoming days in the Atacama Desert.

San Pedro De Atacama - Salar De Atacama

Day 4: Another Day in the Desert

Load up on energy at today’s breakfast because we are off on a full-day desert excursion.

You will discover the magical shades of the desert, with the imposing Red Rocks, the beautiful Cordillera lagoons Chaxa, Miscanti and Miñiques, and the great Salar de Atacama, in the Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Today’s journey will begin in Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks), an impressive geological formation located in the Salar de Aguas Calientes. It surprises each visitor with its fascinating and beautiful landscape of reddish color, the result of the oxidation of iron.

Then, we head towards the Altiplano to cross the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, climbing to more than 4,200m above sea level. Surrounded by imposing volcanoes originating by the Cordillera de Los Andes, they are a habitat of a great variety of birds and a really surprising destination.

San Pedro De Atacama - Geysers Del Tatio - Cejar Lagoon

Day 5: Marvel at the Geysers Del Tatio

Rise before the sun to catch a glimpse at one of the most magical phenomena in the desert: the Geysers of Tatio.

On this vibrant excursion, we will get to know the impressive smoke columns of the Tatio, in the high Altiplano where more than 70 geysers from which steam jets emerge and form pools of boiling water. In the midst of this stunning natural setting next to the Andes, we will enjoy a breakfast and later a jump into the hot pools.

Next, we stop in the town of Machuca, of barely twenty houses of adobe, straw and cactus wood, where its inhabitants are dedicated to tourism and offer Andean crafts, and typical gastronomy like llama meat, sopaipillas and empanadas. You will have the chance to see Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar and two freshwater wells in the middle of the desert before enjoying an aperitif at Tebinquinche lagoon at sunset.

San Pedro De Atacama - Punta Arenas

Day 6: From One Extreme to Another

With your mind filled with images of this otherworldly beauty, we will say our final goodbyes to Atacama over a delicious hotel breakfast. Then, your driver will meet you at the front of your hotel to take you to the airport and start the next stretch of our journey.

From one extreme to another, you will travel southward to the land of ice and snow in Punta Arenas. Enjoy the long sunset on this southern end of the globe as you settle in to your hotel. Relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales

Day 7: Visit the Penguins at the Magallan Strait

Earlybirds get the worm on today’s trip to visit the King Penguins!

A transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the port to start your navigation of the Magallanes Strait. All aboard the zodiac boats as we get up-close and personal with the region’s wildlife, including sea lions, article seagulls and, of course, penguins!

We will get a chance to walk amongst these beautiful beasts after skirting the perimeter of Santa Ana and Magdalena Island. There, you will meet 120,000 nicely dressed penguins.

After you’ve made a few new feathered friends, we will head back to Punta Arenas to take a bus ride to Puerto Natales. This small, charming city is filled with delightful colorful houses and boasts a magnificent view onto the ocean. Cuddle up in your warm hotel room as you await your next southern adventure.

Puerto Natales - Torres Del Paine

Day 8: Delve into Torres del Paine National Park

Awake to the sounds of the ocean waves and delight in your breakfast before heading out to Torres del Paine National Park.

We will stop at Lake Nordenskjöld lookout to take some of your first incredible pictures of this park. Then, we will continue our journey until we reach the Salto Grande area, where we can take a short walk to gaze in wonder at the 18m high hidden waterfall. Your eyes won’t want to miss a second as we reach the viewpoint of Lake Pehoé. There, we will stop for lunch in the Río Pingo area. After we’ve had our fill, we will continue to Lago Grey area for a walk through a lenga forest and the beach of the same name. 

Finally, we will return to Puerto Natales making a stop to the interesting Milodón Cave and finish the tour at your hotel to rest and relax.

Puerto Natales - Torres Del Paine

Day 9: Hiking the Most Iconic Trails

On this small-group trek, we will get a chance to explore the Torre del Paine park through its most iconic hike. Once we arrive, we will head straight to the Torres sector. Some essential safety instructions will be given and then we will start the fun part! You will smell the adventure as we cross over an old suspension bridge over the Ascencio River. And that smell will lead to the trail head of our day-long hike: Las Torres Base.

From this point, the trail turns harder and after one hour and ten minutes, we will get to the eastern part of the lake. Here, we will at last be rewarded for our toil with a wonderful view of the three towers - Central, Monzino, and Dagostini. 

After resting and having lunch in this extraordinary and unique place, we will begin our return along the same path. Your driver will be waiting for you to take you back to the hotel.

Puerto Natales - El Calafate

Day 10: Discover the Area of Infinite Ice

Today is the day we wave goodbye to Chile and walk through the glacier gateway to Argentina. A full day tour will take you to the town of El Calafate. Once there, we will continue the trip until arriving in Los Glaciares National Park. It is there that we will take in the massive Perito Moreno Glaciar.

Visitors can stroll for more than 3 kms of walkways in front of one of the most imposing glaciers in the world. Keep your eyes peeled on the ice mass to spot falling icebergs! After we’ve had our fill of marveling at the eternal ice, we will head back to the town of El Calafate so you can warm your toes in your cozy hotel.

El Calafate - Chaltén

Day 11: Adventure to Chaltén

You will travel today from glaciers to mountains.

As we say “Hasta luego” to El Calafate, make sure to try the Calafate berry, legend has it that if you eat the berry, you are certain to return to Patagonia! We will continue our Patagonian adventure to Chaltén.

This small-town-turned-world-famous adventure zone is filled with adventurers. You’ll feel right at home among massive mountains and impressive ice by the days’ end. Relax and get some rest so that we can fully explore this beauty tomorrow.

Chaltén - Fitz Roy

Day 12: Hike Amongst Magical Glaciers

Stock up on energy at your hotel breakfast because you will need it to join us on the classic, spectacular and unforgettable trek of the region.

The Lago de Los Tres Trek takes you through impressive scenery and forests until you arrive at the mystical Mount Fitz Roy; admiring lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers. We will see lots of different glaciers: Marconi, Eléctrico, Cagliero and in the distance, towards Lago del Desierto, the Vespignani glacier.

The area is inhabited by countless varieties of birds, which will accompany us with their song. On arriving at the highest point on the path, we are rewarded with the majestic views of Fitz Roy, the glacier de los Tres and its lagoon.

After a well-earned rest and a bite for lunch, we will start the descent back to El Chaltén.

Chaltén - Ushuaia

Day 13: Journey Further South

After our mountain-top adventure, you will have a rest day to travel to Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world!

Here, you will marvel at the forever-sun - or the never-sun - depending on the season. One thing is for sure, whenever you come, you can expect the unexpected in this mythic and beautiful city.

Ushaia

Day 14: A Day at World's End

When Europeans first encountered this far-off land, they were shocked to see the earth on fire! Small flames emerged in the darkness from the unforeseen islands. Little did they know that these flames came from the people living and thriving in this extreme climate.

Today you will explore the most important places of the Tierra del Fuego.

To avoid large herds of tourists, we will visit the spectacular natural sights early in the morning. We will visit Ensenada Bay and Lapataia Bay, the end of all the roads in America. We will also see the rivers and lagoons within the National Park and Acigami Lake. After this amazing exploration and while we marvel at the panoramic views, we will serve lunch at Archipiélago Cormoranes.

Ushuaia

Day 15: Off the Beaten Track in Patagonia

Take a peek behind the Southern Andes mountain range on this amusing, intense and friendly way to travel.

Far away from the routine of the conventional excursions, our first secret of the trip will be discovered as we rise in altitude above the Andes. From here, we’ll get a view of Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake), a little wonder that hides at the bottom of a valley.

Afterward, we will discover the enormous Lake Fagnano. In our Land Rover Defender, we will go through the forest and across rivers defying muddy tracks, and by the shore of lake with unique views. This adventure is accessible to anyone who wishes to have fun and break free from all limitations by getting to know a forest beyond words.

Ushuaia - Buenoa Aires

Day 16: From Nature to City Life in Buenos Aires

From the rugged landscapes of Patagonia to the urban heart of Argentina, today’s travels will take you to a whole other world.

Meet your driver at your hotel and after about a three-hour plane ride, you will find your self in the romantic city of Buenos Aires.

Stroll the century’s old streets and chow down on a “media luna” for tea time before you relax in your comfortable hotel in a beautiful neighborhood.

Buenos Aires

Day 17: A Day in Buenos Aires

Get to know the places where Argentina was created through this tour of the most important and meaningful monuments in Buenos Aires. During the trip, we will get to know places as massive as the Plaza de Mayo, and as famous as San Martin.

The comfortable bus will take you along some of the most famous avenues of Buenos Aires such as Corrientes, Mayo, 9 de Julio, and many more. Through these magnificent arteries of the city, you will explore a variety of historic neighborhoods, from La Boca and San Telmo, to Palermo and Recoleta.

The day will not be complete, of course, without a visit to the Grand Soccer Stadium. After the tour has introduced you to the city, it is up to you to explore what you like best in the afternoon. Which neighborhood will you fall in love with?

Buenos Aires

Day 18: Stroll through the Historic and Cultural Highlights of Buenos Aires

Explore the city by foot or bike and check out one of the many activities and cafés.

Do you love to read? Check out the beautiful and historic El Ateneo, an old opera house turned book shop. Can’t wait to shop? Find the best artisanal goods on Avenida La Florida. Interested in history? Be sure to take a trip to the Recoleta Cemetery.

Don’t forget to stop for lunch and try some of the famous Argentinian beef or scrumptious pizza, and a “media luna” pastry with coffee. The city is your oyster - whereever you go in this portside city you will surely discover something new!

After a day of exploring on your own, visit one of the traditional tango venues in the heart of beautiful San Telmo. Its elegant interior is reminiscent of an early 20th-century bar. Enjoy a quartet of musicians & couples mastering the performance as you watch this impressive show that will guide you through the history of tango.

Buenos Aires - Iguazu

Day 19: Adventure North to Iguazu

City life is great but it’s time to get back to the incredible natural beauty of the Southern Horn.

Today you will say “Goodbye” for now to Buenos Aires and make your way up north to the lush and untamed forest surrounding Iguazu Falls. After a short flight you will step out into this border land between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

This natural meeting point will stun and amaze any visitor who makes the trip. You’ll have time to explore the city and check out the Milestone of the Three Borders before settling into your hotel.

Iguazu

Day 20: Marvel at the Magnitude of Iguazu

Did you hear the roar of the falls over night? You will soon see the vastness of the Iguazu falls on an in-depth tour of the Argentinian side of the waterfalls and the lush paradise of 67,000 hectares of giant trees, vines and ferns. 

We will thoroughly explore this rich local flora and fauna by starting at the museum. After you’ve loaded up on information, you will see it all come to life in the lower level of the falls. We will look up at the “Two sister Falls”, the “Bossetti Fall”, the “Hidden Fall”, the “San Martin Fall”, and top it off with a panoramic view of the Brazilian Falls.

After some free time for lunch, we will take a train ride to our final stop of the day, “Devils Throat", offering breath-taking views of the most beautiful waterfalls while balancing on a kilometer’s worth of catwalks.

Iguazu

Day 21: Daytrip to Brazil for Panoramic Views

Are you ready for a change of perspective? Today’s big event will happen across the border so get ready to practice your Portuguese because we’re heading to Brazil!

This short Brazilian trip will show us a spectacular view of the Iguazu Falls that was not accessible on the Argentinian side. A visit to the Brazilian side waterfalls allows you see the largest panoramic views of the falls.

The visit beings at the visitor centre where we will take one of the colorful buses of the Brazilian National Park to the beginning of the lush and beautiful path. Gazing in wonder at the unbelievable power of these cascades, you will never want to leave. After the tour, relax during the afternoon in town and take some amazing pictures and souvenirs home with you.

Iguazu - Buenos Aires

Day 22: Head back to Buenos Aires

After having your heart washed away by the falls, prepare yourself for heading back to the historic heart of Argentina: the city of Buenos Aires.

After a delightful hotel breakfast, a transfer will meet you and take you to the airport. Flying back to Buenos Aires, make sure to look at all your wonderful photos from all over the Southern Cone. Rest and reflect on these past weeks in your comfortable hotel back in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires

Day 23: Hasta luego!

All good things come to an end, and so must this South American adventure.

Say your final good bye to the beautiful city of Buenos Aires over a delicious breakfast at your hotel and reminisce about the many Chilean and Argentinian adventures you had.

Afterwards, a private transfer will come directly to your hotel and you will take your final ride through the city towards the airport. Adios for now!