CHILE, ARGENTINA AND ANTARCTICA
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33 DAYS
To discover the many wonders of many South American countries takes time. Here we take time to have an in-depth look at southern Chile (Chiloe island and Chilean Patagonia) before crossing into Argentina to explore Los Glaciares National Park.
A flight south to Ushuaia – the start point for many Antarctic voyages.
A few nights in Buenos Aires and a Tango show top off this amazing trip.
South America Travel Centre will customise this itinerary to suit YOUR travel needs. Below is an amazing itinerary that should you consider we’re very confident it will be the trip of a lifetime.
Contact us to create your own personalised private tour of Chile, Argentina and Antarctica.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Days 1-2 SANTIAGO
Arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile. A couple of nights here provides for a relaxed introduction to South America. The are several walking tours as well as some wonderful restaurants to savour. Borago currently sits at #10 in South America’s best restaurant list.
Featured Accommodation
The Singular Santiago
Located at the heart of the artistic and urban area of the city, The Singular Santiago Lastarria Hotel has a neo classic architectural style and was designed as a tribute to the cultural and historical surroundings. Singular luxury is made up of excellent service in an elegant atmosphere. Its restaurant is well-known both locally and internationally. The roof top bar offers wonderful views of San Cristobal hill.
Days 3-5 CHILOE
The ideal is to take a flight from Santiago to Castro on Chiloe Island. The services are not daily so we’ll create your itinerary with the flight schedule in mind.
The Island of Chiloe is a gem. Unknown to many travellers it is a perfect place to step back in time, to relax and to enjoy a less changed part of South America. The island offers a wide range of experiences; boat trips, walks, mountain biking as well as tours of the markets and the churches of Chiloe (UNESCO World Heritage Sites; churches made entirely of wood and covered in wooden shingles). In the local markets of Castro and Delcahue you can find locally made traditional garments and wooden items.
Tierra Chiloe provides a beautiful, architecturally stunning, place from which to explore the Island(s) tailoring your experience to your interests.
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Tierra Chiloe
Located in a hilltop setting at the edge of the sea, Tierra Chiloe is the perfect retreat, an all-inclusive lodge that has been inspired by Chiloé’s iconic palafito stilt houses – elevated on a glass-and-concrete base, with exterior larch-wood shingles and inside walls lined with native cypress paying tribute to the local mastery of woodcraft.
The contemporary hotel comprises 24 rooms, a cosy living room with fireplace, dining room, bar and a terrace, as well as a spa. From every room and all communal areas and terraces, there are magnificent views of the sea, as well as some of the islands and the imposing Andes mountains.
Day 6 PUERTO VARAS
Puerto Varas sits on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, which offers commanding views of snow-capped Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano, both still active. Traditional German-style architecture characterizes the town, reflecting its colonial past. Whilst in this itinerary we only spent one night a couple of days could easily be added to enjoy Puerto Varas and the surrounding region. Puerto Montt airport is approximately 30 minutes drive away.
Featured Accommodation
Cumbres
The Cumbres Hotel is a comfortable property with stunning views over Lake Llanquihue. It’s perfectly located to explore the town of Puerto Varas. The Cumbres also has a very good restaurant providing many locally inspired dishes.
Days 7 – 9 TORRES DEL PAINE
A short drive from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt airport and a two hour flight to Puerto Natales (the closest airport to Torres del Paine – as with flights to Castro we’ll need to create the itinerary with flights schedules in mind) followed by a transfer to Tierra Patagonia avoids an overnight in Punta Arenas and a 3 hour drive to the edge of the park.
Torres del Paine National Park is in Chile’s southern region Patagonia. The park itself is some 1,800km² and the highest point reaches 2,884 metres above sea level.
There are so many ways to discover this beautiful area of Patagonia. There are many walks and treks. Altitude is not an issue on any of the options; please don’t think Patagonia or Torres del Paine is just for trekkers. You can take shorter easy walks that most people of average mobility and fitness would enjoy. For those who wish to challenge themselves there are several 15-30km trails. The treks to the Base of the Towers is one such trek. French Valley is another.
Photography and wildlife are two more aspects of any time spent in this region. Vehicles based ‘safaris’ offer great opportunities to view the wildlife (Rhea, Puma, Guanaco, Andean Condor, Flamingos to name a few) and incredible landscapes.
There are many stunning lodges; on the edge or some within the National Park. Given the location most are all-inclusive and the food and wine add yet another dimension/reason to spend time in this stunning location.
Featured Accommodation
Tierra Patagonia
Tierra Patagonia is situated on a bluff where the pampas meets Lake Sarmiento, on the north-eastern edge of Torres del Paine National Park. This stunning hotel is almost invisible until you arrive, the award winning contemporary design blending so perfectly with the rugged surroundings in its use of the natural materials of the region. Casually luxurious with lovely public spaces and guestrooms boasting handcrafted furniture and uniquely Patagonian details – and everywhere those incredible big-sky views.
Gourmet chefs wine and dine you, and after your excursions into the wilderness, take advantage of the Uma Spa with an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath. Each day is spent out in the park enjoying uniquely designed excursions for all levels of fitness and tastes to ensure everyone will enjoy the National Park is the perfect way for them.
Days 10-12 TORRES DEL PAINE
Torres Del Paine is worthy of at least 4 or more nights, six is definitely not too long. If staying longer it’s worth considering a twin centred trip; the views from the lodge/camp will certainly be different and the accommodation options mean that the change can add to your overall enjoyment in other ways.
On this trip we moved from Tierra Patagonia to Patagonia Camp. Would I recommend this option – absolutely – both were very good. The combination of the two made it all the more enjoyable.
Patagonia Camp is situated on the edge of a lake and has the benefit of being on private lands that offer additional walking experiences (as well as kayaking on the lake if the weather permits). Upon arrival you’ll be given a presentation about the options for activities during your stay. Just as with Tierra Patagonia to options are varied so you don’t have to be a ‘trekker’ to enjoy your time here.
Should you choose a deluxe yurt you’ll have the added benefit of your private jacuzzi right outside your yurt; if you have been trekking it’s a perfect way to soak away a few aches (and even if you haven’t been trekking it’s an awesome way to enjoy the views).
Featured Accommodation
Patagonia Camp
Developed with sustainability as its main design principle, Patagonia Camp perfectly combines luxury with nature, hugged by the rugged mountain ranges of Torres del Paine. Serviced by local residences, a stay at the camp proves to be an authentic and unique cultural experience from those that know the land better than anyone.
Consisting of 20 Mongolian style Yurts connected by wooden walkways weaving through forests of local flora and fauna, Patagonia Camp is a truly special experience allowing you an intimate connection to your surroundings. Lightly coloured and circular in shape for light and heat efficiency all yurts feature central heating, ensuite bathrooms, amenities and handmade furniture and textiles.
Stare up at the mesmerising stars of Patagonia through the circular dome in the centre of the tent, which was originally used by Mongolian nomads as a chimney. Patagonia Camp offers an extensive range of excursions in their All Inclusive package to enable you to explore the beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 13 EL CALAFATE
Today you’ll leave Chile and cross the border into Argentina. It’s a 4-5 hour trip including the border crossing (which is straightforward). The scenery is varied and the roads in good condition.
El Calfate is a small town close to Perito Moreno glacier as well as the Argentine gateway town to Los Glaciares National Park.
This itinerary spends just the one night, to break the journey from Torres del Paine to El Chalten and an extra night would be easily warranted if the glacier was of interest. At 5km wide it’s a stunning spectacle and certainly worth a half day to explore. There are options to trek on the glacier itself as well as kilometres of walkways to view the ever moving/calving glacial wall.
Featured Accommodation
Kosten Aike
Kosten Aike offers a fabulous location in El Calafate being just 2 blocks from the main centre of town.
The hotel takes its name from the voices Kosten (Wind) and Aike (place), but in addition to its name tehuelche, all bedspreads, curtains, folders, fittings and plastic compositions were specially made by prominent Argentine artists recreating the ancestral designs of the town Tehuelche, recognized for its high aesthetic concept and perfect geometry.
Days 14 – 16 EL CHALTEN – LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK
Today you’d complete the road trip to El Chalten, either in a shared minibus or in a private vehicle (both options are safe and comfortable; the 3 hour trip has a stop mid-way). El Chalten is a small town at the foot of the stunning Mt Fitzroy within the Los Glaciares National Park. The views from the town are stunning.
There are many well sign-posted trails that start from El Chalten town. Laguna Los Tres is possibly the most well known. It’s reasonably challenging; that said anyone with a reasonable level of fitness would make the 24km round trip.
El Chalten has developed a lot over the last 10-15 years and now provides a range of accommodation as well as a number of small cafes, gift shops and a micro brewery. Even with quite a lot of development it’s retained its ‘frontier town’ feel.
The Yurt style accommodation of Chalten Camp offers something quite different; off-the-grid accommodation in a quiet location with stunning views across to Mt Fitzroy.
Featured Accommodation
Chalten Camp
Chalten Camp is situated 3km from El Chalten.
The Yurts offer incredible views across the Valley to Mt Fitzroy. They are comfortable, en-suite with hot water and when it’s cold there’s an in-room wood burning heater (even hot water bottles). Meals are wholesome and packed lunches are made to take with you on the trail (lunch is not offered at the Camp).
Days 18 – 19 USHUAIA
Today you’d drive from El Chalten to El Calafate to take an afternoon flight to Ushuaia – the gateway to Antarctica.
Ushuaia is definitely worthy of a couple of nights to explore and to allow the anticipation of what’s next to build. There is a local artisans market, some interesting street art as well as several good restaurants (the King crab is famous here – some restaurants won’t take bookings so our advice is arrive at least 30 minutes before the restaurant opens or you’ll miss out).
We’ll also never have you arriving the day the ship departs as there’s too much risk involved in doing this.
As with all individually tailored itineraries you may choose to not combine with an Antarctic voyage, and if you do the choice of ship is something we’d discuss with you.
For more detailed information on voyages please visit the Antarctica Travel Centre web site.
Featured Accommodation
Arakur Hotel
The place: Arakur, Ushuaia. The location: It’s the end of the world – Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the planet, located on the tip of South America on the island of Tierra del Fuego. The setting is spectacular, with the Martial mountain range to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south. The city is a key departure point for cruises to the Antarctic, passing through the channel and on to the wild Drake Passage on for a two-day journey to the frozen continent. This is the shortest sea route to Antarctica, which makes it highly popular.
Days 19 – 29 ANTARCTIC PENINSULA VOYAGE
Setting sail to the great white continent is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ moments. Boarding the ship in the afternoon and later looking back towards Ushuaia as you cruise down the Beagle Channel is a magical moment. As is seeing the Antarctic continent for the first time.
We are very fortunate to have had this experience and look forward to sharing that knowledge with you in helping select the right ship, cabin and itinerary.
For more details on the range of ships and voyages please visit the Antarctica Travel Centre web site.
South America Travel Centre and Antarctica Travel Centre are all part of the one travel company – Tailor-Made Journeys Pty Ltd.
Call us on 1300 784 794 to speak with a travel specialist.
Featured Accommodation
Greg Mortimer Expedition Luxury Ship
The Greg Mortimer commenced her first season in November 2019, she is purpose built, polar expedition vessel designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption, lower air emissions and virtual anchoring which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Days 30 – 32 BUENOS AIRES
After disembarking your ship an afternoon flight from Ushuaia will have you in the colourful city of Buenos Aires in time for dinner. Argentina’s capital has a lot to offer; many fine restaurants, some excellent street art, several very interesting street markets and of course a Tango show.
Faena Buenos Aires offers an intimate show with a good dinner. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy this experience (and it needs to be booked in advance).
As with all our tailor-made journeys our local partners will meet you upon arrival and introduce you to their home town. Please talk to us about your preferences, the above is just an example of what could be your next journey.
Featured Accommodation
Faena Buenos Aires
Faena Buenos Aires–a colorful, exciting, and eclectic luxury hotel that’s been voted one of the top five hotels in Argentina by Condé Nast readers.
Featured Accommodation
Legado Mitico
The Legado Mitico is a sophisticated, boutique hotel in the trendy neighbourhood of Palermo Soho delights its guests with its unique design and exquisite finishings. Each of their 11 suites honour the legacy of an important Argentinian (hence the name) whilst also paying homage to rustic and chic designs. A stones throw away from designer shops, hip bars and indulgent restaurants, the Legado Mitico is the perfect sanctuary in the busy city of Buenos Aires.