Patagonia Explorer

Day 1 Bariloche

Welcome to Bariloche. This Argentinian resort town has a picture-perfect setting – on the shores of Nahuel Hapi Lake, flanked by Andean peaks. There will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm; please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Make sure you have your insurance and next of kind details on hand to pass over to your leader during this meeting. While you're here, take a stroll through town and perhaps sample some of the town's famed artisan chocolate. This city is also an excellent chance to try some of Argentina's first-rate steak.

Day 2 Bariloche

This morning you will venture out to do the famous Circuito Chico, a short circuit that takes in the best views of the regio, passing by jewel tones lakes, forest and snow capped peaks. At the end of the circuit, take a chairlift up Cerro Campanario. The scenery here is truly stunning, so it's a must to get out and explore and take in all the amazing views. In the afternoon, the group will visit a brew master who will share with you his knowledge and passion for micro-brewing. Experience firsthand the reason behind the rapid growth of this industry in a culinary landscape normally dominated by chocolate and smoked goods producers.

Day 3 Bariloche

Today is a free day for you to explore more of this stunning landscape.

Day 4 Lake Crossing/Puerto Varas

Cross the Andes via a series of beautiful lakes, finishing in Puerto Varas in Chile. Depart at 8.30 am, enjoying scenes of Swiss architecture and beautiful gardens. Arrive in Puerto Panuelo and board your catamaran. Cruise around Lago Nahuel Huapi (approximately 1 hour). Then set sail for Puerto Blest, taking in green forest scenery and spotting birds. Arrive in Puerto Blest and transfer to a bus, in which you will skirt the border along the Rio Frias for around 3 km. Arrive in Puerto Alegre, then continue on the 'Ciudad de la Fe' ferry in order to navigate Lago Frias and its tranquil waters, headed for Puerto Frias. On this route you will catch sight of Cerro Tronador (3491 m). After a short trip (approximately 20 minutes), arrive at the tiny pier at Puerto Frias which is nestled among gorgeous vegetation. After finishing up at the Argentine Border in Puerto Frias, continue by bus to Peulla. You will be in the midst of Cerro Tronador and its nine glaciers. At around 2pm, enter Parque Nacional Vicente Pérez Rosales where Peulla is located. Soon after you finish your entry to Chile through the Chilean Border located in Peulla, visit the Hotel Peulla and Hotel Natura Patagonia. There's time to get some lunch here. At 4pm, sail to towards Petrohué, navigating Lago Todos los Santos. Weather permitting, take in incredible views of the Osorno Volcano and Puntiagudo Volcano and Cerro Tronador. From Petrohué embark in the last bus of this journey, towards Puerto Varas. Bordering the Llanquihue Lake, breathtaking views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes dominate the landscape. Around 7pm, arrive to Puerto Varas and transfer to hotel Cabaña del Lago.

Day 5 Puerto Varas

Today's included tour will begin shortly after breakfast. You will be picked up in a private vehicle from the hotel and taken to Chiloe. The journey is approximately four hours including time on the ferry. The afternoon will be spent exploring the unique culture of Chiloe. In the morning we will visit a penguin colony on the coast. Later in the afternoon, you will explore the interactive and handicraft museum of Ancud, Municipal Market, downtown and Costanera avenue (promenade). In the evening we will start our drive back to Puerto Montt.

Day 6 Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Founded in 1848, Punta Arenas became the urban, commercial, cultural and social center that spread all over Magallanes. Located on the edge of The Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the perfect base to load-up on any necessary supplies before embarking on a 2 day exploration of Torres del Paine National Park. Your flight into Punta Arenas will arrive at approximately 1:30 pm. Depart at around 3 pm to your Feature Stay Hotel in Puerto Natales, and arrive at dinnertime after a three-hour drive.

Day 7 Torres del Paine NP/Puerto Natales

Enjoy a late breakfast before departing for Lago Grey. As you enter the realm of Chilean Patagonia you will be faced with breathtaking views of the Paine massif! Soon after you will arrive at the hotel just in time for lunch. This afternoon, embark on a cruise to the incredible Grey Glacier. You will set off from the Remota Hotel heading southwest. During the journey you will be able to see Nothofagus forests and wild fauna. On your way, head to the accommodation to check in for the sailing trip. Board your vessel to set off on a your sailing journey (approximately 3 hours return). You will visit the east and west faces of the Grey glacier, with the boat getting as near as possible to the glacier, depending on the ice slides of the glacier. Sometimes icebergs will be seen floating in the lake, and they might even reach the shore. You will return to the Remota hotel at approximately 8 pm this evening.

Day 8 Torres del Paine NP / Puerto Natales

Take a full-day vehicle tour around the national park today (approximately 8 hours). We will stop for views of the Serrano and its winding river. 
Continuing on be struck by the view of Pehoe lake, then arrive at Pudeto shelter, where after a 30-minute walk you will hear the thunderous sound of the famous Salto Grande Waterfall into the Nordenskjold lake. Enjoy amazing views of Cuernos del Paine, then head to Sarmiento Lake. Keep a lookout for condors, guanacos and grey foxes. Arrive at the Amarga Lagoon where flamingoes might be feeding, if the weather is clear, see Torres del Paine above and its reflection in the water. Finally, visit the Paine cascade, then the radiant Azul blue lagoon.

Day 9 El Calafate

Private transfer across the border to Argentina and on to El Calafate (approximately 5 hours). This is your gateway to the Glacier National Park. Being a major hub for adventurers headed for Perito Moreno, El Calafate has undergone a lot of development in recent decades, but retains plenty of charm. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to try some world-famous Argentinian steak or some fresh-caught local trout.

Day 10 El Calafate

Spend some time exploring the awe-inspiring Perito Merino Glacier. This is one of the few glaciers in the world that's actually advancing rather than melting away. At 3 kilometres wide and 35 kilometres long, it's an incredibly massive icescape. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. Interestingly, massive ruptures occur to the glacier every four to five years as part of cyclical ice bridge formations. In the evening, return to El Calafate and relax for the evening.

Day 11 El Calafate

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. You can book a flight to Buenos Aires or to Ushuaia to continue your journey, or for an onward flight home.