Chile and Argentina's Patagonia Essentials

Trip Highlights

Patagonia is nothing short of magical: iconic granite towers, blue glaciers, condors, guanacos and rivers that glow. Amongst many other natural phenomenons found, at Craft Travel we believe every traveler merits visiting Patagonia, yet not everyone has several days to explore this massive region. That is where we have come to display the region's full majesty just over the course of a week, on a South American journey from Buenos Aires to the southern tip of the continent and back up again to Santiago, Chile. 

Along the streets of Buenos Aires, find yourself exploring the magnificent European architecture and the traditional neighborhoods with murals painted by street artists. Spend one of your nights at the best venue witnessing the sensual dance of tango. Head south to the ice field and gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, popular for ice-trekking, kayaking, lake navigation, or merely sightseeing this irresistible attraction. Cross the border to the Chilean Patagonia, lodging near the three granite towers of Torres del Paine at Patagonia Camp, an all inclusive eco lodge known for its deluxe yurts (tent domes) created for a deep connection with nature. After a day of hiking, return to Patagonia Camp for an excellent meal and a glass of wine while enjoying views of Lake Toro and the famous Cuernos del Paine.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon or evening at leisure exploring the hotel’s area in Palermo Soho, known for some of the city’s best restaurants and vibrant art scene. Get some rest for a busy week ahead!

Overnight at Home Hotel (no meals)

In the morning your guide will meet you at the hotel for your half-day private city tour. This tour begins in Plaza de Mayo, the historical, political and cultural center of the city. In its surrounding areas you will see Casa Rosada, the actual seat of Presidential Palace, the Cabinet and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to the famous neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest in the city, settled at the end of the nineteenth century by aristocratic families and currently home to a lively nightlife and a weekly Sunday antiques fair. Going further south, you will arrive at the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca (with its famous street “Caminito”) before moving onto the trendy modern neighborhood of Puerto Madero, the seaside neighborhood set on Rio de la Plata. After the tour, feel free to explore the city´s two most upscale and European-esque neighborhoods of Palermo and La Recoleta.

In the evening, dress up for Argentina's Rojo Tango show, known as Argentina's best dancers, singers and musicians. Tango is the musical art form in Buenos Aires, originating in the 1880 ghettos, then populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and gauchos. Each song has a story to tell about the city, its history and its people. In spite of its growing popularity in ghettos and brothels of the 1920s, tango rose to the salons of the upper class. In the spirit of its history,  you will be transferred to the chic Faena Hotel to witness the sultry musical art form of Argentina. Dinner at the show can be included, but we do recommend dining at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in the area of Puerto Madero for a more local and authentic experience. Transfers can be rearranged accordingly. 

Overnight at Home Hotel (no meals)

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and meet your driver for an airport transfer for your flight to El Calafate. You will be greeted upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you will enjoy an off-road safari experience witnessing the grand landscapes and natural richness of this region by hopping on your privately guided 4x4 expedition. Learn about the Patagonian history beyond the glaciers and discover the traces of the first settlers, while surrounded by the native fauna and flora of this special corner providing excellent possibilities to see guanacos, condors and foxes.

Overnight at Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

Following breakfast, depart from the hotel for an unforgettable trip. Your driver will take you towards Perito Moreno Glacier which is situated within the breathtaking Los Glaciares National Park. Because of its beauty, it was officially declared a Mankind Heritage by UNESCO and is the only glacier that is still growing. There are many activities to enjoy at Perito Moreno, such as walking on the sidewalks mesmerized by the walls of ice, or kayaking near the glaciers for a closer view and thrilling experience. Another unique experience is boarding an elegant cruiser for a full day to explore the vastness of this area as well as the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, a perfect combination of nature and gourmet cuisine.

One of Craft Travel’s favorite excursion is ice-trekking, which can be either a soft adventure or more adventurous for the physically active traveler. Starting at Bajo las Sombras Bay port, we will sail for 20 minutes to reach Los Témpanos canal and the southern wall of the glacier. In small groups, conducted by experienced guides, we will walk by the lake shore to reach the glacier itself. Here we will put on crampons that will allow us to walk over the glacier. In an unforgettable 1-hour route (longer routes are available) we will appreciate different ice formations, cracks, seracs, drains, and small pools. On our way back, we will cross the heavy Magellan forest, visit Canal de los Tempanos, and to stop at a glacier viewpoint.

Restrictions: ice trekking is a physically demanding excursion and is restricted for travelers suffering from any physical condition that may impede their ability to complete the trek. The Argentinean government does not allow travelers older than 65 to participate in ice trekking, regardless of physical condition.

Overnight at Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel (Breakfast & Boxed Lunch)

After breakfast, you will begin your road transfer to the border of Argentina, Cerro Cancha. At this point, you will be directed to change vehicles to continue your journey to your lodge, Patagonia Camp, for check-in. Before dinner, you will meet with one of the guides to map out your preferred activities over the next few days, to best meet your expectations of this spectacular region!

Overnight at Patagonia Camp (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner)

Discover the majestic landscape of Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia through the various small-group excursions, always led by an expert guide. Patagonia Camp’s experienced guides will help you find the best way to enjoy your days while meeting the requirements of each group and according to their interests and the changing climate of Patagonia.

Refer to the Excursions Menu for a complete list of the experiences included during your stay at Patagonia Camp.

Overnight at Patagonia Camp (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner)

You will be transferred to either Puerto Natales airport (drive time of approximately 2h30m) or Punta Arenas (drive time of approximately 4h) for your departing flight to Santiago. Upon arrival at Santiago, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure exploring the vibrant nightlife that is right at the foot of the hotel.

Overnight at Singular Lastarria Hotel (Breakfast & Boxed Lunch)

Enjoy a Chilean breakfast before departing on a fascinating half-day panoramic city tour of Santiago’s main attractions, rich history and modern, impressive buildings. La Moneda presidential palace, Plaza de Armas main square, Santa Lucía Hill, the Metropolitan Park, and the affluent residential districts of Vitacura and Las Condes are part of this unforgettable ride.

In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 8 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Patagonia Camp

• All lodge-based activities at Patagonia Camp

• Scheduled guided excursions as specified in the itinerary

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The best time to visit the Patagonian region is in late September through mid-March. We at Craft Travel Group are huge fans of the early season in late September and early to mid October, as the parks are less crowded. While temperatures do rise during high season and the summer months, sometimes reaching the low to mid 70s, weather in southern Patagonia is highly unpredictable.

• For the active traveler, consider an extension trip to El Chalten, the National Capital of Trekking in Argentina. Only 3 hours and 30 minutes away from El Calafate, you will be offered rewarding views of Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy on world-class trails. Alternatively, discover the iconic Northern Patagonia in Chile, known for its untamed landscapes of volcanoes, mountains, glaciers and lakes, creating an incredible natural site and offering both active or soft adventure.