Epic South America: 14 days in Argentinian & Chilean Patagonia

Buenos Aires

Day 1: Welcome to Buenos Aires

The first day of your epic South American adventure has begun! Arrive at the international airport in Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel, where you'll get to relax after your journey.

From then, you can either stay in and rest or head out for a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, getting yourself acquainted with the area. A welcome dinner is on the menu: you'll tuck into delicious fare at a traditional Argentine restaurant, before heading back to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Buenos Aires

Day 2: Explore the highlights of Buenos Aires

Today, take a half-day city tour to discover the many highlights of Argentina's capital. First, find your way around the historic neighborhood of San Telmo, where you can explore antique shops and street markets bursting with character and color.

Dive into the famous neighborhood of La Recoleta, an affluent area known for its boutiques and former palaces, before strolling through the lush greenery of Palermo. Make yourself at ease - Buenos Aires and its locals are filled with warm welcomes!

Once the tour has come to an end, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy and relax at your own pace, before another overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires - Tigre - Buenos Aires

Day 3: The riverside wonders of Tigre

Today, it's time to tour the peaceful city of Tigre, located just north of Buenos Aires and overflowing with natural charms. Explore its beautiful landscape (it's the gateway to the wetlands of the Paraná Delta), and spend some time learning about the local customs and culture. The views over the Rio de la Plata are particularly striking, while a visit to the traditional Puerto de Frutos market is a must while you're here.

If you're in the mood for an overwater adventure, you've the option of taking a boat tour departing from Tigre to explore the intricate channels and islands of the Paraná Delta. Later on, you'll end the day with an evening tango show with dinner, before an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires - El Calafate

Day 4: Journey to El Calafate

This morning, board a flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, where you'll proceed to check into your hotel and enjoy a light lunch. After some rest time, set out to explore the charming city sights and sounds that surround you, visiting the Glaciarium Patagonian Ice Museum and spending the afternoon at leisure before a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in El Calafate.

El Calafate

Day 5: Witness the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the highlights of your trip is on the cards today! Set out for a guided tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, at the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. A massive natural spectacle, it's best witnessed on a boat ride affording close-up views - you could opt to enjoy this as part of your tour. Walk along the various viewing platforms to see the glacier from different angles, before returning to El Calafate to enjoy a grilled feast for dinner at a local parrilla restaurant.

El Calafate

Day 6: Learn about the gaucho way of life

Today you'll pay a visit to the Estancia Nibepo Aike, to learn about day-to-day life on a working farm. As the only ranch with livestock production in Los Glaciares National Park, it offers a real and intriguing glimpse into the gaucho way of life. During your visit, you could choose to partake in a range of activities, such as horseback rides and hikes through the stunning landscape.

Soak up Patagonia's enchanting natural beauty and savor each moment, both figuratively and literally - as tender Patagonian lamb is on the menu for lunch! Make the most of it before returning to El Calafate to spend the rest of the day relaxing at your own pace.

El Calafate - Torres Del Paine

Day 7: Welcome to Chile!

In the early morning, say goodbye to El Calafate and end the Argentinian portion of your trip, as you take a shuttle into the heart of Chile's Torres del Paine National Park.

Welcome to a world of mountainous wonder, filled with some of Chile's most stunning landscapes! Enjoy a free afternoon at leisure; after checking into your accommodation near the National Park, perhaps head out for a leisurely walk and a dinner of local dishes.

Torres Del Paine

Day 8: Explore surreal mountainous landscapes

You'll want to fuel up at breakfast, as today you'll be taking a full-day tour of the Torres del Paine National Park! A road trip into the park's heart will see you crossing scenic routes, with stops along the way at impressive lookout points. You'll also pause en-route to take short hikes to natural landmarks, as well as enjoy a lake cruise to the Grey Glacier - a truly breathtaking sight in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, measuring 6km wide and about 30m high.

If you're looking for an adventure and that wind-in-your-hair feeling, you've also the option to take a horseback ride to El Chileno Lodge as part of the day's activities, riding across a surreal landscape for a truly unforgettable experience. Return to your accommodation afterwards, for an overnight stay near the Torres del Paine National Park.

Torres Del Paine

Day 9: A day of scenic outdoor pursuits

Today, a handful of optional activities are on hand to help you further explore the great Chilean outdoors. So again, be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast before you set out!

You could choose to embark on the Sendero de los Lagos trek to marvel at a lush landscape of mountains and lakes which seems to stretch out endlessly before you, taking this opportunity to spot wildlife as you go. Do keep in mind that a good fitness level is best to tackle this trail.

Alternatively, you could slow your pace and keep things more relaxed with a half-day tour of the Azul Lagoon, where the trekking is easier and the vistas are just as wonderful.

You'll then have the rest of the day to kick back at your own pace, before another overnight stay near the Torres del Paine National Park.

Torres Del Paine - Punta Arenas

Day 10: Journey to southernmost Patagonia

Saying goodbye to the landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park, you'll begin your journey towards Punta Arenas - gateway to Antarctica, and a cosmopolitan Chilean city in the southernmost reaches of Patagonia.

Upon your arrival, drop off your belongings and begin exploring with a leisurely stroll. There's much to see and enjoy, whether you're digging into the city's storied past or simply soaking up the views of the Strait of Magellan. Sit down to savor local cuisine for dinner, before returning to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Punta Arenas - Santiago De Chile

Day 11: Explore the Chilean capital's many attractions

Today, you'll leave Punta Arenas behind and board a flight to your next port of call: Santiago de Chile, the bright and bold capital that bursts with energy and spirit!

There, take time to relax after your journey, then set out to sink your teeth into its big-city draws - from the historic Plaza de Armas to the Metropolitan Cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Chile. You wouldn't want to miss taking a funicular ride up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic city views. Overnight in Santiago de Chile.

Santiago De Chile

Day 12: Good morning, Santiago de Chile!

Another day of exploration awaits in the buzzing capital. Join a tour around the fruit, vegetable, and seafood markets to soak up their lively atmospheres, and set out to marvel at colorful graffiti murals - keep your eyes peeled for the striking works of local muralist, Pigüan. Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista, known for its vibrant street art and nightlife, or tick off the top sights on your own bucket list. You'll later dine at a restaurant specializing in Chilean cuisine, for an authentic taste of local flavors. Overnight stay in Santiago de Chile.

Santiago De Chile

Day 13: A final day of city sightseeing

From your base in Santiago de Chile, you'll spend time today journeying towards the central coast, to see the famous Reloj de Flores (Flower Clock) in Viña del Mar - a coastal resort city located northwest of the capital.

From there, you'll make tracks alongside your guide to visit Valparaíso and its old quarters, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its many hills crowned with picturesque houses and warehouses, its steep narrow streets, its cable cars and street singers, the city has a particular identity and a very special atmosphere. Seize the opportunity to have lunch in a typical seafood restaurant before visiting La Sebastiana, the hilltop house museum of world-famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (do note that this museum is closed on Mondays, but worry not - your guide will be happy to recommend other incredible sights, instead). Overnight stay in Santiago de Chile.

Santiago De Chile

Day 14: Goodbye, Chile!

It's sadly time to say goodbye to Chile! Your South American journey has come to its end, but you'll hopefully be filled with happy memories and eagerness to plan another visit soon. After checking out of your hotel, transfer to the international airport in time for your departure flight home.