Patagonia's Glaciers & Wildlife - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas

Welcome to Punta Arenas! Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to take you on the short drive to your hotel in the city center. You're now in the major transport hub in one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. Founded in 1848 on the eastern shore of the Brunswick Peninsula, Punta Arenas was home to the wealthiest of Patagonian society. Today, it's a popular tourist destination that provides easy access to some of the most impressive natural attractions in Patagonia, like Torres del Paine National Park and Isla Magdalena. There are also several sites in and around town to visit.

Stroll the Plaza Muñoz Guerrero, the perfect starting point for a walk around the city. Not only is this leafy central plaza a gem but it's also surrounded by impressive architecture, like grand neoclassical mansions once owned by the monied sheep-ranching families of the 19th century. Tour the Palacio Sara Braun, one of the imposing mansions fronting the plaza. Take a seaside walk along the town's revitalized waterfront area, and watch the sun go down at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This viewpoint overlooks the city all the way out to the Strait of Magellan. 

Day 2: Discover the Strait of Magellan's Wildlife

Leave early from Punta Arenas this morning, as a one-hour transfer takes you to the launch point for today's adventure—navigating the Strait of Magellan in a Zodiac. After enjoying breakfast and gearing up in a semi-dry suit, you'll journey to the San Isidro area in search of the beautiful Peale's dolphin, a species native to the waters around southern Chile that is known for its unusual black and gray coloring.

It's common to find groups of up to 12 adults and see them swim alongside the boat or soar in their acrobatic jumps. Keep an eye out for sea lion colonies, as well as a variety of sea birds, such as albatrosses, petrels, and penguins, as you hold tight and navigate the choppy seas on this exhilarating excursion. You'll break for lunch (including some good Chilean wine) before heading back to Punta Arenas in the afternoon.

Day 4: Cruise Seno Última Esperanza Fjord & Río Serrano to Torres del Paine

After breakfast, it's time for another boat tour, this time on the stunning Seno Última Esperanza, a fjord adjacent to Puerto Natales. During the voyage, there will be opportunities to stop at many viewpoints for a chance to see glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs. If you keep an eye skyward, you'll likely spot condors, too. Eventually, you'll arrive at Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile's largest national park, where you'll disembark for a short walk through the native forest of Coigues, Ñirres, and Ciruelillos until reaching the impressive Serrano Glacier.

After your hike, hop on a Zodiac and journey up the Río Serrano, enjoying the natural beauty of the region as you go. You'll reach Pueblo Serrano, a village known as the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, where a delicious meal and your luggage will be waiting for you. Head into the park and check into your lodging for the night.

Day 5: Torres del Paine Wildlife Tour

Be sure to have a hearty breakfast this morning, as you'll be picked up by your guide for a full-day private wildlife tour of Torres del Paine National Park. Throughout the day, you'll be transported to different areas that boast the best viewing of guanacos (the native camelid), as well as flamingoes, rabbits, ñandus, condors, foxes, and owls. You'll also have the chance to explore the park's unrivaled flora and fauna at your own pace. When the tour has wrapped, you'll be dropped off at your hotel to relax a bit before dinner.

Day 6: Grey Glacier Boat Tour, Return to Puerto Natales

Board the Grey III Catamaran for a tour of Grey Glacier, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that feeds the lake of the same name, Lago Grey. The boat travels across the lake and stops close to the glacier, which will give you a prime vantage point to snap photos of its massive ice walls. Upon return, you'll take a short hike across the windswept beach and through the forest before returning to your hotel.

You will have the afternoon to either relax or hike the nearby Mirador Ferrier, which boasts unbelievable views of the park's many colored lakes. Later in the day, a private transfer will take you on a two-hour ride back to Puerto Natales. This stunning drive takes you along Lago Toro most of the way, which promises splendid vistas and ever-changing scenery.

Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate, Explore

In the morning, take a bus bound for El Calafate, crossing the border into Argentina and checking into your hotel near the center of town. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy. This small town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. A base for Argentina's glaciers, its sits on the tranquil shores of Lago Argentina, the country's largest freshwater lake. Spend the evening strolling through town, checking out the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve, visiting the Glaciarium Museum, or simply resting up for tomorrow's adventure.

Aside from relaxing, you could also venture out and enjoy the quaint cafés and shops around town. Maybe prime yourself with information on the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This multimedia center has an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational information regarding glaciers. For fun, it even has a bar made totally of ice!

Day 9: Perito Moreno Boat & Walking Tour

An exciting all-day excursion takes you back into Los Glaciares National Park today. As you enter the park, you'll enjoy another glacier viewing and learn more about the majestic Perito Moreno. This expansive glacier flows down from the Andes out over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall that curves around the lake. Wait a bit, and you'll witness "calving," the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the tranquil waters below.

While not the only glacier in the area, Perito Moreno is definitely the star of the show. It's unique in that it is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, which results in the calving mentioned above. Upon arrival, you'll be able to admire Perito Moreno from several different vantage points via the network of wooden walkways strategically situated in front of the glacier. Even better, you'll also get up close to its massive ice wall on the boat tour. After a day spent discovering the glacier and wandering the numerous trails, you'll head back to El Calafate.

Day 10: Depart El Calafate

It's time to say goodbye to Patagonia this morning. After breakfast, you'll pack up and take the 30-minute transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your return flight. Safe travels!