Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, and Santiago
12 Days/10 Nights
From $4,409 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Overview
Discover the breathtaking natural attractions and wildlife of Patagonia on this fantastic journey. Beginning in Buenos Aires, experience the country’s culture and sample its tasty cuisine. Then, venture to the southern part of Los Glaciers National Park, to marvel at the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only advancing glaciers in the world. From there, cross into Chile to explore the impressive Torres del Paine National Park, where you can hike, ride horseback, or partake in other outdoor activities. The last part of the trip takes you to Isla Magdalena, home to a colony of 120,000 Magellanic penguins.
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 10 nights (2 nights in Buenos Aires, 3 nights in El Calafate, 3 nights in Torres del Paine, and 1 night in Santiago), and 17 meals (10 breakfasts, 4 lunch, and 3 dinners).
Best Time to Go: October-March.
Destinations: South America, Argentina, Chile, and Patagonia.
Interests: Adventure, All-Inclusive Properties, Culture & History, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Buenos Aires, El Calafate & Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine National Park, and Santiago.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Buenos Aires.
Note: Check in time in Buenos Aires is typically 2:00pm. We can request early check-in for you but cannot guarantee it.
Day 3: Buenos Aires-City Tour-Tango Dinner Show.
In the evening, you will enjoy typical Argentine dinner and wine, and a Tango show with a re-creation of the original style and melancholic rhythms of the 1940’s. The impressive lyrics will be interpreted by some of the best singers in the city. You will also hear some folk music from the Altiplano region of the country. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,D)
Day 4: Buenos Aires-El Calafate.
Day 5: El Calafate-Perito Moreno Glacier.
Day 6: El Calafate-Boat Tour of Lago Argentino.
After lunch, the boat continues on to Puesto de Las Vacas, a quiet bay in the Spegazzini Canal, for a landing and guided hike to enjoy the panoramic views of the glacier. After re-boarding, the boat returns along the Brazo Norte to the dock for disembarkation. Overnight in El Calafate. (B,L)
Day 7: El Calafate-Torres del Paine.
When you arrive at the hotel, you will have time for lunch and an afternoon excursion. Overnight in Torres del Paine. (B,L)
Day 8: Torres del Paine.
Day 9: Torres del Paine.
Day 10: Torres del Paine-Punta Arenas.
Day 11: Punta Arenas-Magdalena Island Penguin Tour-Santiago.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Santiago. (B)
Note: This tour is only offered from October to February. During March, other options will be considered.
Day 12: Santiago.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
- Local, English-speaking tour guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Gratuities, gifts, and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Accommodations
Buenos Aires
3 Star – Dazzler Recoleta
4 Star – Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel
5 Star – Hilton Buenos Aires
Deluxe – Alvear Palace Hotel
El Calafate
3 Star – Patagonia Queen Hotel
4 Star – Kosten Aike
5 Star – Xelena Hotel & Suites
Deluxe – Eolo Lodge
Torres del Paine
4 Star – Hotel Las Torres
5 Star – Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Santiago
3 Star – Hotel Plaza San Francisco
4 Star – Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
5 Star – Lastarria Boutique Hotel
Deluxe – The Singular Santiago
Additional Details
Group Private: All airport/hotel transfers are private, except for El Calafate-Torres de Paine, and Torres del Paine-Punta Arenas. In Buenos Aires, the Panoramic City Tour and Tango Dinner Show (transfers) are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. In El Calafate, the excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier and boat tour of Lago Argentino are group tours. In Torres del Paine, all excursions are operated on a small group basis. The Magdalena Island excursion is a group tour.
Elevations: Torres del Paine National Park elevations can reach 4,000 feet or more, depending upon your itinerary, and Santiago is 1,700 feet.
Passport/Visa: For Argentina, U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Australian and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $100 and $75 respectively (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons) online, and must show proof of payment prior to arrival. The reciprocity fee for U.S. citizens has been suspended until further notice. For citizens of Australia, this fee covers unlimited entries to Argentina for 10 years, while citizens of Canada are charged the fee every time they enter the country (or $150 for multiple visits within five years). The fee can be paid online at ProvinciaNet.com.ar. You will need to register in order to make the payment. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the embassy of Argentina in their country before traveling. For Chile, U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens (except Greece) require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Greek citizens can stay for up to 60 days. Australian, and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee (considered a multiple entry visa) of $95 and $132 respectively upon arrival (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons). Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Travel Insurance’s Classic and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $900 (3 & 4 Star) or $1,250 (5 Star & Deluxe) plus the cost of the airfare (if we arrange it for you). The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
