New Year Discovery in Patagonia - 14 Days

Highlights

• See the highlights of capital cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago
• Visit rural ranches and experience cowboy life for a day
• Hike around mountains and lakes in Argentina's Lake District
• Tour highlights of Patagonia like Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner & Tango Show

Welcome to Argentina! South America's second-largest country is filled with natural wonders and the great global city of Buenos Aires. This grand metropolis of around 15 million people (colloquially known as Porteños) is a rich tapestry of historic neighborhoods, sprawling parks, and waterfront and downtown areas filled with romantic Baroque and neoclassical architecture. The buildings throughout the city have such a distinctly European flare that BA has been nicknamed the "Paris of the South."

Upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you into the city and the fashionable Recoleta neighborhood. There, you'll check into your hotel, the Hub Porteño. This five-star boutique hotel in a 1950s, French-inspired mansion is known for its refined luxury and staff dedicated to personal service and attention. It's also centrally located to some of the city's most famous attractions and landmarks, including Recoleta Cemetery and the Teatro Colón. After settling in, feel free to take the edge of the long flight with a massage or private Jacuzzi session.

Later, get dressed up for a night out on the town—Porteño style. You'll transfer to San Telmo, the city's oldest neighborhood, and visit Gala Tango. The opulent design of this famous dinner theater venue is steeped in French decor, with crystal chandeliers, red velvet curtains, and brass fixtures. It's like stepping back into 1930s Buenos Aires. Enjoy a gourmet meal and selections from the extensive wine list as the lights dim and you enjoy a sultry tango show—the most quintessentially Argentine of dances. Before returning to the hotel, you can even participate in a tango lesson!

Day 2: City Tour & Palermo Food Walk

Wake up early and meet your guide for a city tour of Buenos Aires. This half-day excursion will take you to famous landmarks like 9 de Julio (the widest avenue in the world), the soaring Obelisco monument, and the Teatro Colón, which has consistently been ranked one of the great opera houses in the world since its opening in 1908.

You'll also visit historic Plaza de Mayo, home to the iconic Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace), and return to San Telmo to stroll its cobbled streets. Another highlight is a visit to La Boca, an old port area known for its zinc houses and colorful Camininto Street. It's also the home of La Bombonera, the country's most famous fútbol (soccer) stadium. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel for a few hours of relaxation.

Later in the day, you'll transfer to Palermo, another historic neighborhood and also one of the trendiest enclaves in the city. Filled with cool bars and restaurants, you'll embark on a four-hour food walk to visit four local eateries. It's a great excuse to try Argentina's culinary staples (like its succulent beef) and sample its fine wines (like the famous malbec). Even better, throughout the walk, your guide will point out colorful street art and other cultural highlights the neighborhood is known for.

Day 3: Estancia Visit & Gaúcho Experience 

More than any other country in South America, Argentina began as a frontier culture. The most enduring icons of this history are the nation's gaúchos. You can find these cowboys at estancias (ranches) throughout Argentina's famous pampas flatlands, and they're renowned for their horsemanship. Today you'll immerse yourself in this rich culture on a full-day visit to Estancia La Bandada, a 19th-century colonial-style ranch.

A driver will pick you up in the morning for the two-hour drive south of the city to the ranch. There, you'll be greeted with empanadas and a welcome drink. While the cooks prepare the traditional Argentine asado (bbq), you'll hop on a horse for a ride around the estate.

When you return to the main house, lunch will be ready, and you can sit down to enjoy various types of Argentina's famous grilled meats. Later in the afternoon, you can watch some of the estancia's gaúchos perform horse tricks or saddle up again for another ride. The experience ends with an afternoon snack of local pastries washed down with some maté (a traditional herbal drink). Afterward, you'll return to Buenos Aires.

Day 4: Fly to Bariloche, Circuito Chico Trek

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the ride to the airport for the two-hour flight south to San Carlos de Bariloche. This mountain resort destination is the largest city in Argentina's Lake District. It was founded in 1902 on the southeastern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi, part of the larger Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. The name's etymology comes from the Mapuche native people who once inhabited the area ("Nahuel Huapi" means "Jaguar Island").

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you just west of the city along the lakeshore to Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa. This five-star hotel delivers on its name. Besides featuring luxurious villas and suites overlooking the lake, it boasts world-class spa facilities. Some of the many treatments here include facials, reflexology, thermal mud masks, and a wide array of massages, including hot stone and antistress.

You may want to wait until after the day's activity to indulge in the spa services, as right after checking in, you'll head out on a scenic half-day hike around the lake region. Starting in the small village of Llao Llao, northwest of Bariloche, you'll follow a guide on a low-difficulty walk along the shore and through native forests. Then it's an easy ascent up to the summit of Cerro Llao Llao, one of the most stunning lookouts in the region. From atop the 3,465-foot (1,056 m) summit, you'll be treated to incredible views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the snowcapped peaks surrounding it. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 5: Full-Day Excursion to Cerro Tronador 

You'll head out on a full-day excursion to Cerro Tronador (Tronador Hill) this morning. The name is a bit of a misnomer since Tronador is less of a hill and more like an extinct volcano and the tallest mountain in the Lake District (11,453 ft/ 3,491 m). Your private guide will pick you up for this full-day excursion that starts with a ride on a scenic gravel road along Lago Mascardi.

From there, you'll continue driving through a native coihue forest, after which you'll head out on foot through the Manso River Valley toward Pampa Linda, where you'll stop for lunch. After passing more forest, you'll arrive at Ventisquero Negro Glacier, named for its striking black color. The route finishes at the base of, Tronador, from which you can take a short final hike to Garganta del Diablo, a massive waterfall plunging over a cliff. The route back follows the same path. 

Day 6: Lago Gutiérrez Kayak Trip

Hit the water on one of the Lake District's famous lakes today with a kayak ride around Lago Gutiérrez. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and transfer you to a campsite on the lake, where, after a safety briefing and equipment overview, you'll hop in your kayak and set off.

During this one-hour ride, you'll paddle along clear and peaceful waters, passing snowcapped mountains and quiet beaches while sighting birds and other wildlife. After a break for a snack and hot drink on a secluded beach, you'll paddle back the way you came. After returning to the campsite and starting point, you'll return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day 7: Fly to El Calafate, Optional Activities 

In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the ride to the airport, where you'll catch a connecting flight to Patagonia and El Calafate. This town sits on the shores of Lago Argentino, at the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Los Glaciares National Park. The most famous landmark in this protected area is Perito Moreno, a massive ice flow and one of the few advancing glaciers in the world.

Upon arrival at El Calafate, a driver will meet you at the bus station and take you to your hotel, Xelena Hotel & Suites. Sitting on the lakeshore, this elegant 5-star hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites that take advantage of the incredible lake views. After checking in, you can relax with massages, aroma therapies, or beauty treatments at the hotel spa. There's also an indoor pool and Jacuzzi to enjoy a nice long soak. For dinner, perhaps try Mora Restaurant, where you can enjoy gourmet takes on traditional Patagonian dishes (like grilled lamb) amid stunning lake views.

Day 8: Estancia Visit & Perito Moreno Glacier

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll leave on a full-day group tour of the highlights around Lago Argentina. First, you'll travel to Lago Roca, located just south of Los Glaciares National Park. Hike along the Patagonian steppe until you reach Estancia Nibepo Aike. You'll spend time at this working ranch and see daily activities like sheep shearing and equestrian demonstrations. Afterward, you'll sit down to a traditional asado (barbecue) of grilled Patagonian lamb followed by pancakes with dulce de leche (Argentine caramelized milk).

After lunch, you'll board a boat and travel up the lake's western arms to Perito Moreno Glacier. The boat will arrive at Playa de las Monedas, and from there, it's an easy 20-minute hike through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the glacier's southern face. You'll then return to the boat and approach the south face of Perito Moreno. While there, you may witness calving, in which sections of the glacier break off and crash into the lake below. As an added treat, you'll enjoy a refreshment of chocolate and a glass of whiskey chilled with glacial ice. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Torres del Paine (Chile)

Wake up early and meet your driver for the four-hour ride south into Chile and Torres del Paine National Park. This legendary protected area covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) in Chilean Patagonia and is renowned for its circuit treks. These day hikes and multi-day excursions take visitors around stunning mountains, lakes, glaciers, valleys, and more.

Upon arrival in the park, you'll check into Hotel Las Torres Patagonia. This 4-star wilderness lodge is set against the backdrop of the iconic Paine Massif and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. While the lodge's 85 rooms are spacious and well-appointed, travelers come here to take advantage of all the excursions, guided hikes, horseback rides, and tours on offer.

After checking in, you can take it easy for the rest of the day. Perhaps visit the lodge's spa for a massage before dining at the world-class restaurant, which offers regional dishes using ingredients fresh from its own garden. If you like, have a signature cocktail from the bar before retiring early. You'll need the rest because you'll embark on active daily adventures for the rest of your time in Torres del Paine.

Day 10: Optional Activities: Rock Climbing & Waterfall Hike

Today you can choose between a couple of half-day activities/tours. The first is a rock-climbing adventure at Puma Cave, a large rock formation with routes for beginner, experienced, and expert climbers. For aspiring climbers (or those who just want to brush up on their skills), the day starts with an in-depth tutorial followed by some time on one of the many beginner routes. Once you get the hang of things, you can move up in classes of difficulty.

Or, if you can't wait to explore the park, opt for a half-day trek around some of the most stunning landscapes in Torres del Paine. This excursion beings early with a 1.5-hour transfer by van to Pudeto, located in the heart of the park's lake district. From there, it's a short walk to Salto Grande, a raging aquamarine cascade that channels water between lakes Nordenskjöld and Pehoé. The rest of the tour involves a 3.7-mile (6 km) hike around a great panorama of landscapes featuring the peaks of Los Cuernos and Paine Grande with its French Glacier hanging down.

Day 11: Full-Day Lakes Trail Hike

Wake early and strap on your hiking boots because you're off on a 9.3-mile (15 km) trek around the park's famous lakes. It begins with a 2.5-hour transfer by van to Sarmiento, the second-largest lake in Torres del Paine. From there, you'll embark on the full-day hike, during which you'll pass through native lenga forests, walk along shimmering lagoons, and even stop at a local estancia for a break.

As you continue hiking, you'll be amid exotic Patagonian flora and fauna. Be on the lookout for guanacos, orchids, owls, woodpeckers, and other wildlife. The last leg of the hike will take you up to a summit offering panoramic views of the Paine massif to the north and Lago del Toro and prairies to the southwest. At the end of the day, you'll return to the vehicle and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 12: Base Torres Combined Horseback Riding & Hiking

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll embark on a full-day combined horseback riding/trekking adventure. Start the day in the stables at Hotel Las Torres. There, you'll receive a safety briefing, hop in the saddle, and hit the trail. The start of this 5.7-mile (9.2-km ride) ride will take you through the Patagonian flatlands and prairies of the Ascencio Valley. Then you'll follow the trail up the mountain to Refugio & Camping Chileno.

You'll leave the horses behind at the camping lodge and continue on a 6-mile (9.6 km) hike up the mountain. The last leg of this trek is a 45-minute hard scramble to the top and Mirador Base Torres. In this spot, three granite pillars jut out of the ground over a silver lagoon and make for the best view in the park. You'll also see the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre. Here, you'll be able to take a break and enjoy lunch amid the ice-blue lagoon at the base of the towers. Afterward, you'll hike back down the mountain to the hotel.

Day 13: Fly to Santiago, City Tour

Your driver will pick you up in the morning for the one-hour drive south to the airport in Puerto Natales. There, you'll board a three-hour flight north to the capital of Santiago. Upon arrival at the airport, another driver will meet you for the ride to your hotel, The Singular. This 5-star luxury hotel is in the heart of Santiago's historic Lastarria neighborhood, close to the city's major attractions. When you arrive, you can relax in your spacious suite, enjoy a massage at the hotel's spa and wellness center, or perhaps kick back beside the rooftop pool and admire views of the surrounding Andes.

Just don't get too comfortable because soon after checking in, you'll head out on a half-day guided tour of Santiago's highlights. It begins at the hotel, and from there, your guide will lead you along Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins (also known as Alameda), the main road in downtown Santiago. This will take you to Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's opulent presidential palace. Then it's a short walk to Plaza de Armas, the city's main square. It's home to the Palacio de la Real Audiencia (Palace of the Royal Court), built in 1808, which houses the National History Museum of Chile.

Then you'll hike up Cerro Santa Lucía, a lovely park and remnant of an ancient volcano. Conquistadores used this hill as a lookout in the 16th century, and it was here that Pedro de Valdivia officially founded Santiago in 1541. After stopping by other famous landmarks, like the Museum of Fine Arts, you'll continue across the Río Mapocho to the trendy and bohemian Bellavista neighborhood. The tour ends in the new city center, whose highlights include the sprawling Bicentennial Park. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Half-Day Maipo Valley Tour, Depart Santiago

Before departing Chile, spend some time in the fertile wine country just south of Santiago. A driver will pick you up in the morning for the 30-minute drive outside the city to the famous Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most famous viticulture regions.

Once here, you'll stop at Viña Undurraga, a famous winery dating back to 1885. On an hour-long tour, you'll stroll the vineyard, visit the barrel room, and enjoy a tasting. You'll also visit a small Indigenous heritage site called Aliwen to learn about the history of Chile's native Mapuche people. After the half-day tour, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Santiago, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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