Patagonia: Argentina & Chile

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Buenos Aires, Bariloche, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Santiago

This itinerary is perfect for those who desire an in-depth tour of Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia, combined with the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago.

Begin in exciting Buenos Aires. With your own private guide and driver, visit the city’s most evocative neighborhoods filled with elegant architecture, historic attractions, excellent museums and other highlights. Also enjoy time to take advantage of the exciting contemporary art and design scene, world-class restaurants and great shopping. Browse lively markets. Wander the cobbled backstreets, and enjoy a tango performance at an intimate, upscale dinner theater. One day, take a private excursion to an estancia in the pampas to learn about gaucho culture and experience the traditional estancia lifestyle.

Alternatively, visit charming Colonia del Sacramento and tour the historic center of this former Portuguese colony and the oldest town in Uruguay. Or, take a private excursion to Tigre and the Parana River Delta to enjoy a relaxing private cruise on the canals of this “rural Venice,” passing gardens and upscale vacation houses.

Next, transfer to Bariloche, a resort town in the beautiful Lake District of northern Patagonia. Stay in the legendary Llao Llao Hotel, and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and lakes in the surrounding national park. With your guide, enjoy a private cruise on the deep blue waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, learn about the indigenous history of the area, and dine on a gourmet meal of local food and wine on a private, secluded beach.

Then, fly to El Calafate to experience southern Patagonia’s vast open steppe and the impressive peaks, glaciers and pale blue lakes of Los Glaciares National Park. One day, visit magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the few advancing glaciers in the world—to see (and hear!) icebergs calving from it, and perhaps opt to take a guided trek on top of the glacier itself.

Continue to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most spectacular national parks in South America. Best known for the iconic sharp summits of the Paine mountain range, the park is a wonderland of mountains, green forest, roaring rivers, sapphire lakes and vivid blue glaciers. Choose from a number of daily excursions according to your interests, such as introductory, moderate or advanced trekking, wildlife viewing and bird watching, photography safaris, boating, trail walking, visiting Patagonian ranches, gourmet BBQs and picnics near glaciers, and horseback riding through the forest of the Blue Lake area.

Conclude in Santiago, one of our favorite cities in South America with its breathtaking location framed by the Andes mountains. The city offers wonderful museums, colorful colonial architecture, appealing day trips, and delicious food and wine. Tour the city’s highlights with your own private guide who will provide an insider’s perspective on the city’s most recommended attractions, neighborhoods and activities, including La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s house), the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, our favorite neighborhoods filled with beautiful colonial architecture and well-preserved residences formerly occupied by Santiago’s aristocracy, bustling markets and exclusive shops, and much more. One day, take an excursion to Valparaiso, one of the most unique cities in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the steep, labyrinthine streets of the most interesting and colorful cerros (hills), visit one of Valparaiso’s notable museums, and perhaps take one of the many funicular elevators that the city is famous for.

Throughout the tour, sightseeing is very flexible and tailored to your interests, and accommodation is in top rooms at Chile’s leading luxury properties. All touring is flexible and can be customized to incorporate special interests such as art, tango, polo, Jewish history, family activities, adventure, gastronomy and more.