Patagonian Highlights

13 Days Starting and ending in Buenos Aires

Visiting: Buenos Aires, El Chaltén, Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, Cerro Sombrero, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AAA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $7350 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 20-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Sprawling over the southern tips of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is an icon of adventure travel, a vast playground for hikers and nature lovers to experience the wild world on a grand scale. On this classic trip, we explore its most beautiful landscapes, from the majestic Torres del Paine National Park to the granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Leading the way is an expert tour leader, who knows the routes inside-out and takes care of all the planning – allowing you to concentrate on the trails and fully enjoy the company of your new-found friends and awe-inspiring views.

Highlights

  • Experience the most beautiful landscapes in Patagonia, visiting Argentina and Chile

  • Hike to the base of the Torres del Paine amid majestic scenery

  • See amazing glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park

  • Marvel at the stunning granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

  • Discover mountain-backed Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world

  • Explore Buenos Aires, the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Buenos Aires; Walking Tour

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Argenta Tower (or similar)

Say hola to Buenos Aires, where our adventure kicks off.The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little, discuss important information about the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception.After, we join the tour leader for an introductory walking tour of the city. The evening is free for you to visit one of the many excellent restaurants in the capital.Want more time to explore? Extend your adventure in Buenos Aires by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative.Accommodation: Argenta Tower (or similar)

Day 2 : Fly To El Calafate; Dive To El Chaltén

Location: El Chaltén

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate this morning and transfer (approximately three to four hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town has a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breath-taking views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 3 : Los Glaciares National Park; Trek To Mount Fitz Roy Base Camp

Location: Los Glaciares National Park

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Set off for a day of trekking amid the incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park. We start with a hike to Mount Fitz Roy Base Camp with views of the massif ahead.In the afternoon, we come out of the forest to trek up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. This is a challenging full-day trek over fairly rough terrain with impressive, rugged scenery along the way.Please note: We also offer a moderate trek option, which takes in the scenic beauty of the park at a more leisurely pace.Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 4 : Optional Activities; To El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today has been left free for you to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion in the area. In the late afternoon, we transfer (approximately three to four hours) back to El Calafate.Trekking option: 9mi (14km), six hoursAccommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 5 : Visit Perito Moreno Glacier; Optional Boat Trip

Location: Perito Moreno Glacier

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit Perito Moreno Glacier today, a jagged ice sheet that stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation.Every so often, an office block-sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as an iceberg. An optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder.Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 6 : Free Day In El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend a second day here to explore. Take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for fantastic views over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile.Alternatively, join an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) or to Todo Glaciares – this navigation includes Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where glacier pieces float in the water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 7 : Into Chile; To Torres Del Paine National Park

Location: Torres del Paine

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Pehoe (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive (approximately eight to nine hours) across the border into Chile before arriving at Torres del Paine, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Please note, due to local regulations we must change buses at the border.We may have time after check-in for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe (or similar)

Day Hike To The Torres Del Paine

Location: Torres del Paine

Accommodation Name: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie or Hotel Baquedano

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Without a doubt, one of the park highlights is the hike up to the base of the Torres del Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking primarily through forests along the Ascencio River valley. This is a challenging full-day trek and the last section is steep with rocky terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence. Adverse weather conditions can make this walk much harder; however, your tour leader will give a trek briefing and answer any questions you may have.Please note: We also offer a moderate trek option to take in the majesty of Torres del Paine National Park at a more leisurely pace.Once we finish the trek, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Puerto Natales.Accommodation: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie/Hotel Baquedano (or similar)

Day 9 : To Tierra Del Fuego

Location: Cerro Sombrero

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Tunkelen (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy free time this morning before we transfer to the small town of Cerro Sombrero, in the northern reaches of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.The journey (seven to eight hours) takes us through dramatic scenery and includes a short ferry crossing over the Strait of Magellan – take plenty of snacks and drinks.In the evening, enjoy dinner together at the hotel and relax before we visit the end of the world tomorrow!Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen (or similar)

Day 10 : To Ushuaia

Location: Ushuaia

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hop into our private bus for the journey (approximately seven to eight hours) to Ushuaia, which (as the southernmost city on the planet) is often called ‘the end of the world’!Heading south, we see the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon, depending on weather conditions and traffic.Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 11 : Walk In Tierra Del Fuego National Park; Optional Visit To Penguin Colony

Location: Tierra del Fuego National Park

Accommodation Name: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking among varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon, there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, sea lions and many species of water bird. We also enjoy fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.If you want more adventure, or prefer not to trek, you can join an optional half-day 4X4 excursion, which takes you deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego, where conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote lakes of Fagnano and Escondido (please note, it is not possible to see penguins on this tour).Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 12 : Fly To Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending upon the flight schedule, we may have free time this morning in Ushuaia. There are magnificent views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) or enjoy a last group meal together.



Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 : End Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Meals Included: Breakfast

The main adventure comes to an end today. Bid chau to each other and begin your return journey home. Alternatively, extend your exploration by joining our extension to the majestic Iguazu Falls or otherworldly landscapes of Salta. Speak to your sales representative to book.

What's Included

  • 12 breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.



Named accommodation: The itinerary indicates the typical accommodation used on each day; however, these may need to be changed for alternative accommodation of a similar standard.



Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.



Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we pair solo passengers together in a room. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Food

All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners are included.



Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style and are included. The accommodation arranges packed lunches for trekking days. There is a variety of good-quality food in local restaurants and cafes, usually for relatively low prices (although the refuge we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception as facilities here are limited). Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please advise us before you travel so we can make arrangements on your behalf.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    A good standard of hotels

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 18 years age people can go on this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Patagonian Highlights (AAA) Jan 2015

A great trip. Patagonia is a large area but this trip hits the highlights- Fitzroy, Petito Moreno glacier, Torres del Paines NP, and Ushuaia. The minibus trips from El Calafate to Torres del Paine (1 day) and from TdP and Ushuaia (2 days) are long but there are stops for pictures, short walking, food so not too bad. Our group agreed that hikes should be considered as moderate- both have parts that aren't bad but both have parts that are steep and rocky so more challenging.

Patagonian Highlights

We decided on Patagonia as Sandy had been there 11 years ago and had trekked around most of the Torres Del Paine. Things had changed - the roads were all (mostly) completed and the villages and towns had expanded. The highlights had not changed and we were fortunate to have good weather throughout all the walks. The road journeys were long and dusty but an essential part of conveying the scale and size of the Patagonian Steppe. The reward of arriving at the Torres del Paine and Ushuaia erased the discomfort of the journey! Overall we were hugely impressed by the organisation and the leadership.

Patagonia Highlights - Recommended

We had a great experience in Patagonia.

Very happy with whole experience

Our guide Xavier really brought to life for us the quirks and beauty of Buenos Aires and the Patagonia region. Everyone in the group was having a great time. The region is full of stunning scenery and interesting history and Exodus organised this in such a way as to allow us full enjoyment without any accompanying hassle. Food and accommodations were of a good standard although the plumbing in the Cyan Rocaleta was unreliable and Exodus may want to feed back to the hotel on that (shower unavailable on first stay because the switch between bath and shower not working, and water temperature could not be reduced on the second stay and we had to wait 1/2 hour for maintenance to come and fix it). However, this was a tiny, tiny glitch in a wonderful holiday that fully met and exceeded our expectations.

Go, go, go!!!! The scenery is unbelievable. And if there is any way the Iguazu Falls extension is a MUST.

This is my second trip with Exodus and I could not be more pleased. Already planning my third. The Iguazu Falls extension was over the top fun! The tour leaders that Exodus works with were all exceptional. Pamela with Aqua Grandes in Iguazu. In Patagonia on my lesser hikes, both Mathieus and Jorge were knowledgeable about wildlife - and we saw a lot! Condor (from afar), puma (up close), emus, rheas, guanacos, and plants and flowers and orchids, etc. SUPPORTIVE both literally and figuratively moving at my speed and letting me figure out the terrain.

A brilliant holiday

This has been a successful trip in every sense. We are well travelled with Exodus and this ranks high in our experiences.

Patagonian Highlights

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We were a small group of nine people. Pepe our leader was very good and kept us up to date with all the schedules and where we would be walking to on the day as sometimes due to weather conditions changes needed to be made. I went on the upgraded trip (no camping) and I found all of the hostels and hotels very comfortable and the staff were accommodating. Some of us were lucky to see ice being calved from the glacier - that was amazing.

Recommended but lots of driving

All in all, a good way to get orientated with a highlights reel of southern Patagonia's best bits. Which are surely right up there with the world's most spectacular scenery. Be aware, however, that in an area as huge as Patagonia, there are some seriously long drives required to get between the various scenic hotspots and not a great deal of free time between. Although these journeys never seemed to drag too badly due to the epic scenery passing by outside the bus windows and were offset by the days hiking in various National Parks. All in all, a really good trip.

Patagonian Highlights

Fantastic mountain scenery enjoyed through great walks, accompanied by perfect weather conditions of clear blue skys and warm sunshine in a part of the world where the phrase "four seasons in one day" is often used. If you like red meat you are in for a treat, medium rare cooked stakes to die for and the lamb ain't bad either. I am not used to a what appeared a joint and rake of lamb in the one dish. All washed down with plentiful amounts of exceedingly good Malbec, the good value of the wine only makes you drink more but well it is a holiday afterall. There are some long drives but to see the best of what Patagonia has to offer, it is a great way to travel. You have a long drive on day 10 and, when you get to the ferry strong winds may delay that 2km trip across the water for 2.5 hrs but don't worry, the cafe has plenty of beer. A the end of the trip back in Buenos Aires, which on its own has beautiful architecture and worth a return trip to spend a few more days enjoying the sights, a tango show is a great way to finish the trip with a great stake and more of that Malbec.

Patagonia Highlights

It is a bit of an effort to get to Patagonia but it is worth it. The Andes are majestic and the glaciers mesmerising. A two week tour really is not enough time to do justice to the area.

Read all 50 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.