Overview
NEW — Wild Patagonia
South America
12 days
11 nights
12 people
Moderate
Wildlife & Nature
Discover one of the most beautiful regions on earth during an action-packed adventure through Patagonia. Traverse epic landscapes full of ravishing blue lakes, gushing waterfalls, magnificent glaciers and grandiose mountains. From Buenos Aires to Santiago, via El Calafate and Puerto Natales, meet local wildlife, get to know the local cuisine and learn how to dance the tango.
Highlights
- Explore the spectacular Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks .
- Learn to tango like a local during a lively dance class.
- Eat the best steak of your life and other local delicacies such as grilled lamb and Argentinian Asado (BBQ).
- Kayak around the beautiful Bahía Agua Fresca Bay.
- Immerse yourself in classic Gaucho culture at an authentic Patagonian ranch.
Explore breathtaking Patagonia: lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and more!
Day 1
Welcome to Argentina!
Hola! Welcome to Buenos Aires. A private transfer will take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time exploring the city before meeting up with your group in the early evening. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering dinner in a typical ‘Parrilla’ in the trendy Puerto Madero waterfront neighborhood. These Argentine steakhouse restaurants are very local and the most authentic style of eatery in the country.
Welcome to Argentina!
Hola! Welcome to Buenos Aires. A private transfer will take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time exploring the city before meeting up with your group in the early evening. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering dinner in a typical ‘Parrilla’ in the trendy Puerto Madero waterfront neighborhood. These Argentine steakhouse restaurants are very local and the most authentic style of eatery in the country.
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Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar, Buenos Aires
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Welcome Dinner
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Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar, Buenos Aires
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Buzzing Barrios & Tantalizing Tango
Tap into the vibrant spirit of Buenos Aires today as you explore its diverse barrios (neighborhoods). Wander around multicolored La Boca and Caminito, and feel the local’s passion for football. Pass by the Bombonera Stadium and head towards the bohemian San Telmo barrio, where the sensual Tango dance originated. Chat with locals in the Palermo barrio, and see the spectacular Floralis Generica and Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Argentina’s most famous VIPs. Take a look at El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, housed in the former Gran Splendid Theatre/Cinema, which opened in 1919 and immediately became a beacon of Argentine culture, hosting ballet, opera, and the first ‘talkies.’ After a delicious lunch, enjoy some free time before joining a lively tango lesson with a professional dancer.
Buzzing Barrios & Tantalizing Tango
Tap into the vibrant spirit of Buenos Aires today as you explore its diverse barrios (neighborhoods). Wander around multicolored La Boca and Caminito, and feel the local’s passion for football. Pass by the Bombonera Stadium and head towards the bohemian San Telmo barrio, where the sensual Tango dance originated. Chat with locals in the Palermo barrio, and see the spectacular Floralis Generica and Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Argentina’s most famous VIPs. Take a look at El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, housed in the former Gran Splendid Theatre/Cinema, which opened in 1919 and immediately became a beacon of Argentine culture, hosting ballet, opera, and the first ‘talkies.’ After a delicious lunch, enjoy some free time before joining a lively tango lesson with a professional dancer.
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Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar, Buenos Aires
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Tango de Mayo Hotel, or similar, Buenos Aires
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
El Calafate
Board a short flight to El Calafate this morning, a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today it has developed into a bustling tourist town, due to its proximity to the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia. The rest of the day is yours to relax or continue exploring.
El Calafate
Board a short flight to El Calafate this morning, a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today it has developed into a bustling tourist town, due to its proximity to the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia. The rest of the day is yours to relax or continue exploring.
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast
Day 4
Gauchos & Glaciers
Saddle up for some authentic gaucho culture and extraordinary views today, as you visit an authentic Patagonian ranch, the only one located inside the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park, close to the sparkling Roca Lake. Experience rural life, take a tour around the old historic farmstead, see sheep milking, herding and shearing demonstrations and a horse reins test and eat fried cakes (traditional Argentinian thin dough, made with flour, oil and water) or homemade pound cakes. Take a hike to the shores of the lake for incredible views of the Perito Moreno glacier. Enjoy an exquisite lunch of lamb grilled on a traditional Patagonian cross stake. Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your own pace.
Gauchos & Glaciers
Saddle up for some authentic gaucho culture and extraordinary views today, as you visit an authentic Patagonian ranch, the only one located inside the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park, close to the sparkling Roca Lake. Experience rural life, take a tour around the old historic farmstead, see sheep milking, herding and shearing demonstrations and a horse reins test and eat fried cakes (traditional Argentinian thin dough, made with flour, oil and water) or homemade pound cakes. Take a hike to the shores of the lake for incredible views of the Perito Moreno glacier. Enjoy an exquisite lunch of lamb grilled on a traditional Patagonian cross stake. Spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your own pace.
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Los Glaciares National Park
See the Perito Moreno Glacier up close today. Take an impossibly scenic drive around the edge of Lake Argentino, an area known for its condor or eagle sightings. Explore the picturesque walkways of the national park, which offer striking views at every turn. Make a stop at the unique Glaciarium Museum, whose aim is to illuminate the world of ice. Finish with a refreshing drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) in the famous Glaciobar, the first ice bar in Argentina. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Los Glaciares National Park
See the Perito Moreno Glacier up close today. Take an impossibly scenic drive around the edge of Lake Argentino, an area known for its condor or eagle sightings. Explore the picturesque walkways of the national park, which offer striking views at every turn. Make a stop at the unique Glaciarium Museum, whose aim is to illuminate the world of ice. Finish with a refreshing drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) in the famous Glaciobar, the first ice bar in Argentina. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast
Day 6
Argentinian BBQ
Take a wander around El Calafate on your own this morning before heading to Estancia 25 de Mayo nature reserve, a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the landscape at the foot of Cerro Calafate. There is a fabulous restaurant here that specializes in regional empanadas, delicious pickles and BBQ meats. Enjoy a traditional Argentinian Asado here for dinner.
Argentinian BBQ
Take a wander around El Calafate on your own this morning before heading to Estancia 25 de Mayo nature reserve, a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the landscape at the foot of Cerro Calafate. There is a fabulous restaurant here that specializes in regional empanadas, delicious pickles and BBQ meats. Enjoy a traditional Argentinian Asado here for dinner.
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Mirador del Lago Hotel, or similar, El Calafate
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Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Welcome to Chile!
Sit back and enjoy the views as you take a 3 hour road trip to Chile today. After arriving in the quirky port town of Puerto Natales, you’ll have the rest of the day to do some solo exploring (or relaxing), before meeting up with your group for dinner this evening.
Welcome to Chile!
Sit back and enjoy the views as you take a 3 hour road trip to Chile today. After arriving in the quirky port town of Puerto Natales, you’ll have the rest of the day to do some solo exploring (or relaxing), before meeting up with your group for dinner this evening.
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
Day 8
Torres del Paine National Park
Spend today exploring the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. See the Milodon Cave, made famous by the discovery of the remains of a prehistoric giant sloth known as a Milodon. In the same cave the remains of other extinct animals were also found, including a prehistoric cave bear, the Patagonian panther, and the saber-toothed tiger. Travel through sprawling grassland plains towards lush forests and teal-colored lakes. Along the you might see guanacos (similar to llamas). Marvel at mountains covered in ice, and try to spot condors, south Andean deer and Magellanic woodpeckers. After lunch, continue to Lago Grey, where you’ll hike to a panoramic viewpoint to gaze in wonder at the glacier of the same name. Return to Puerto Natales for a brief rest before dinner.
Torres del Paine National Park
Spend today exploring the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. See the Milodon Cave, made famous by the discovery of the remains of a prehistoric giant sloth known as a Milodon. In the same cave the remains of other extinct animals were also found, including a prehistoric cave bear, the Patagonian panther, and the saber-toothed tiger. Travel through sprawling grassland plains towards lush forests and teal-colored lakes. Along the you might see guanacos (similar to llamas). Marvel at mountains covered in ice, and try to spot condors, south Andean deer and Magellanic woodpeckers. After lunch, continue to Lago Grey, where you’ll hike to a panoramic viewpoint to gaze in wonder at the glacier of the same name. Return to Puerto Natales for a brief rest before dinner.
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
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Breakfast, Box-Lunch, Dinner
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
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Breakfast, Box-Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Chilean Patagonia
Sitting at the end of the earth you will find unforgettable Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep ranch, the park here was established in 1959. Embark on the trek of your dreams today, traversing epic landscapes full of sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, sublime glaciers and striking mountains. As you walk, spot nandues, condors and pink flamingos. For the majority of your trek, expect your mouth to be wide open in awe of your surroundings. This is Earth at its absolute best. These treks are classed as moderate to difficult, and will last between 5-8 hours depending on which you choose. Head back to Puerto Natales, full of happy memories, ready for dinner.
Chilean Patagonia
Sitting at the end of the earth you will find unforgettable Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep ranch, the park here was established in 1959. Embark on the trek of your dreams today, traversing epic landscapes full of sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, sublime glaciers and striking mountains. As you walk, spot nandues, condors and pink flamingos. For the majority of your trek, expect your mouth to be wide open in awe of your surroundings. This is Earth at its absolute best. These treks are classed as moderate to difficult, and will last between 5-8 hours depending on which you choose. Head back to Puerto Natales, full of happy memories, ready for dinner.
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
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Breakfast, Boxed-Lunch, Dinner
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Rio Serrano Hotel, or similar, Torres del Paine
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Breakfast, Boxed-Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Kayaking the Magallanes Straight
Today you’ll make your way to Punta Arenas, gateway to the Antarctic. Here you'll visit the Nao Victoria Museum, home to replicas of important vessels that once cruised the world famous Magallanes Straight. Spend your afternoon kayaking on the beautiful Bahía Agua Fresca Bay. If you’re lucky you may run into marine mammals and spot native birds as you go.
Kayaking the Magallanes Straight
Today you’ll make your way to Punta Arenas, gateway to the Antarctic. Here you'll visit the Nao Victoria Museum, home to replicas of important vessels that once cruised the world famous Magallanes Straight. Spend your afternoon kayaking on the beautiful Bahía Agua Fresca Bay. If you’re lucky you may run into marine mammals and spot native birds as you go.
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Cabo de Hornos Hotel, or similar, Punta Arenas
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Breakfast
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Cabo de Hornos Hotel, or similar, Punta Arenas
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Breakfast
Day 11
Welcome to Santiago
Take a short flight to Santiago today. Enjoy some time to yourself to explore before meeting up with your group for one last dinner together, at an award-winning Chilean steak restaurant.
Welcome to Santiago
Take a short flight to Santiago today. Enjoy some time to yourself to explore before meeting up with your group for one last dinner together, at an award-winning Chilean steak restaurant.
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Bidasoa Hotel, or similar, Santiago
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Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
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Bidasoa Hotel, or similar, Santiago
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Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 12
Pre-Columbian Art, City Panoramas & Fare
Pay a visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum this morning, a diverse space that exhibits artworks from over 50 pre-Columbian cultures. Later, visit San Cristóbal Hill, a 863m high summit that’s crowned by a dazzling white statue of the Virgin Mary, and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes. Your Patagonia adventure comes to an end now. A private transfer will take you to the airport. If you plan to extend your trip, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Chile for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
Pre-Columbian Art, City Panoramas & Fare
Pay a visit to the Pre-Columbian Art Museum this morning, a diverse space that exhibits artworks from over 50 pre-Columbian cultures. Later, visit San Cristóbal Hill, a 863m high summit that’s crowned by a dazzling white statue of the Virgin Mary, and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes. Your Patagonia adventure comes to an end now. A private transfer will take you to the airport. If you plan to extend your trip, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Chile for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including internal flights and airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
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All gratuities (not including AO Trip Leader).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing
The listed price of the trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $1820 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost of $1820 USD.
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level
This trip requires four to six miles of walking each day, with much of the time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground.
Activity Level
This trip requires four to six miles of walking each day, with much of the time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart after 6pm on Day 12. Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) connects to a range of flight hubs in Latin America and North America. The best flight connections to Buenos Aires are offered by Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM and American Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart after 6pm on Day 12. Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) connects to a range of flight hubs in Latin America and North America. The best flight connections to Buenos Aires are offered by Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM and American Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip for more details.
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW — Wild Patagonia? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 646-961-4857
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about NEW — Wild Patagonia? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.