PATAGONIA AND BUENOS AIRES
Experience the breathtaking beauty of mountainous landscapes, crystal blue lakes, and massive glaciers on this Patagonia and Buenos Aires tour, which includes accommodations and airfare. Starting in Chile, begin with some time in Santiago, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales to delve into the culture and enjoy the scenic surroundings. We also visit Magdalena Island to see the adorable Magellanic Penguins. Embark on a full day boat excursion along the picturesque Ultima Esperanza Sound and take a short hike into the Andean rainforest to view the impressive Serrano Glacier. At Torres del Paine National Park—a defining feature of Patagonia—you’ll venture out to admire the towering snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, and incredible wildlife, such as llamas! In Argentina, enjoy the town of El Calafate, a boat voyage to Glaciers National Park, and a Perito Moreno Glacier excursion on Lake Argentino. End this thrilling journey with a colorful exploration of Buenos Aires.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 1 night in Santiago
- 1 night in Punta Arenas
- 3 nights in Puerto Natales
- 3 nights in El Calafate
- 2 nights in Buenos Aires
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- All intra-South America flights & ground transportation
- Accommodations at superior first class hotels
- 15 meals: 10 full buffet breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking tour director in Patagonia and local guides in Santiago and Buenos Aires.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive Santiago (Chile)
Morning arrival in Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes. On arrival, ride up to the top of San Cristobal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city and the Andean mountain range. Later, learn more about Santiago’s charms and history from a local expert that leads you on a tour of the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square and the nearby Cathedral. You’ll also see the Palacio de la Moneda and the Bohemian section of Bellavista. Your tour concludes upon arrival at your upscale hotel where the balance of the…
Santiago/Patagonia/Punta Arenas - Magdalena Island Penguins
This morning board a flight to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city and the gateway to the spectacular region of Patagonia. This port town is located on the Strait of Magellan, and was a major stop for traders sailing around Cape Horn between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. You’ll begin with a visit to see majestic Magellanic Penguins.* This evening your tour director hosts a welcome reception and briefing. Cabo de Hornos Hotel (B)
* Note: Magdalena Island is only accessible by ferry, and the ferry is occasionally subject to last-minute,…
Torres del Paine Park Excursion
Today’s thrilling excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. You’ll venture into majestic Torres del Paine National Park and admire the incredible scenery of shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls and roaring creeks. The park is surrounded by imposing snow capped mountain peaks and is rich with bird life as well as unusual wildlife including the guanaco, a version of the llama, the nandu resembling the ostrich and predators like gray fox and even the elusive puma. Spend your entire day touring the park and savoring the amazing panorama before returning to Puerto…
Puerto Natales/El Calafate (Argentina)
Admire stunning natural landscapes as you travel today through the heart of Patagonia, crossing from Chile into Argentina. Along the way, stop in a typical estancia, and enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch followed by a lively sheep sheering and a demonstration of their dogs working with the sheep. Later this afternoon arrive in El Calafate, a picturesque resort town overlooking beautiful Lake Argentino and characterized by rustic houses with sloping roofs. Your rustic hotel is centrally located near some of the best shops, cafes and restaurants! Kosten Aike…
Glaciers National Park Boat Excursion
Today embark on an unforgettable full-day boat excursion to nearby Glaciers National Park. Your comfortable boat navigates the northern part of Lake Argentino, circling huge, dramatically shaped and beautifully colored floating icebergs. View up-close the amazing Upsala Glacier, the largest glacier in the park and admire the awe-inspiring Spegazzini Glacier that is the tallest of the area’s glaciers and soars as high as 400 feet above the water. Return to El Calafate early this evening. (B)
*2020 Departures Onward: Day 8 and Day 9 touring is switched. On Day 8 we will visit Perito…
Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
Travel today along the shoreline of aqua- green Lago Argentino en route to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. With a wall of ice rising almost 200 feet above the lake, this natural phenomenon is one of the only advancing glaciers in the world. Admire close-up breathtaking views of the massive glacier from a variety of vantage points as you walk along the observation platforms and watch for the thrilling moment when chunks of ice break off and dramatically crash into the water below! Return to El Calafate for a free evening to sample some of Argentina’s culinary delights and renowned…
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Jun 30, 2020 | Reserve after Jun 30, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| October 8 | October 20 | Oct 8 - Oct 20 | $4,499 | $4,599 | $4,899 | Book Now: |
| October 29 | November 10 | Oct 29 - Nov 10 | $4,499 | $4,599 | $4,899 | Book Now: |
| November 26 | December 8 | Nov 26 - Dec 8 | $4,499 | $4,599 | $4,899 | Book Now: |
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| January 7 | January 19 | Jan 7 - Jan 19 | $4,499 | $4,599 | $4,899 | Book Now: |
| February 11 | February 23 | Feb 11 - Feb 23 | $4,499 | $4,599 | $4,899 | Book Now: |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $799
Argentina entry fee is not included.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Pricing is subject to change. Payment (non-refundable) should be made in U.S. Dollars by cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may be canceled if this minimum is not met. Additional optional tours may be added for your enjoyment.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your departure flights from Miami to Chile and back from Argentina to Miami are via LATAM Airlines. You are expected to check-in for your flight at least 3½ hours before the scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
| Departure | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2020: Oct. 8 | LATAM Airlines | 9:45PM | 8:00AM |
| 2020: Oct. 29 | LATAM Airlines | 10:00PM | 5:00AM |
| 2020: Nov. 26 | LATAM Airlines | 9:00PM | 5:00AM |
| 2021: Jan. 7, Feb. 11 | LATAM Airlines | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
LAN Airlines does not accept advance seat assignments. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved in your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land services start with an independent check in at Santiago hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end at Buenos Aires hotel on Day 12 of the itinerary as listed on the tour page. If you wish to join the Santiago sightseeing on Day 2, we recommend that you arrive at the restaurant Divertimento Chileno (address: Av. El Cerro s/n, esquina Pedro de Valdiva Norte, Pargue Metropolitano) between 8:30am and 9:30am.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. passport holders do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries visited on this tour as to the most current visa requirements.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instructions and travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
While immunizations are NOT currently required, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their recommendations.
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Patagonia is located at the southern tip of South America and therefore has reverse seasons to those of the United States. There may be a significant difference in temperatures between the early morning, daytime midday and evening hours. Strong winds and rapidly changeable weather conditions are also possible. October/November are springtime and March is fall with daytime temperatures averaging in the 50’s and low 60’s. December through February is summer with daytime temperatures averaging in the 60’s and low 70’s. On occasion, temperatures will be cooler or warmer. Morning and evening temperatures are normally quite a bit cooler! Buenos Aires temperatures are much milder and average 10-20 degrees higher than Patagonia. Clothing for Patagonia is synonymous with “outdoors.” Please pack comfortable outdoor footwear, a windbreaker, lip balm, sunglasses, hat and gloves in all seasons. It is recommended to dress in layers so that you are comfortable regardless of the possible changes in temperatures and wind conditions.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
You may dine at either of the hotels used on this tour or other nearby restaurants recommended by your guide. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 – $25 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. You will be able to exchange your cash to local currency at exchange bureaus. It is recommended that you bring along cash in various denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage not to exceed 44 pounds and one carry-on piece not to exceed 18”x10”x8”.
Multimedia
Check out photos taken by smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!
