Itinerary

Day 1       Arrive to Santiago

Upon arrival to Santiago you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. If time allows and you are interested, we can arrange a private tour of Santiago either on your arrival day or as a 1 day extension. Day trips to the nearby wine country and Valparaiso are also an option either as a day trip or overnight.  Please inquire if interested.
Meridiano Sur Petit Hotel (B)

Day 2       Punta Arenas / Strait of Magellan / Puerto Natales

Fly to Punta Arenas, located on the Strait of Magellan.  Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred north to the small fishing town of Puerto Natales (3 hour drive).   Located on the beautiful Last Hope Sound, Puerto Natales is where you will start your trip the following morning into Torres del Paine National Park.   
Hotel Weskar (B)

Day 3       Catamaran to Balmaceda Glacier / Zodiac into Torres del Paine

You start the day with a catamaran trip across the Last Hope Sound to Balmaceda glacier, where you will disembark and have the chance explore the area on foot. Afterwards, you will continue by zodiac into Torres del Paine. This is an exceptional and much less commonly traveled way into the Park. Upon arrival in the Park you will be met for transfer to your lodge for overnight, the unique Ecocamp (first class individual domes with private baths and heat, all the comforts of a hotel but smaller, and with the feel of being closer to the wilderness).
Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 4       Torres del Paine National Park

Your stay at the Ecocamp includes guided excursions each day.  Each day there is an option between the active (generally trekking) option and an easier going, less active option.  On the easier going option, there will be opportunities for walking in highlight areas of the Park, but nothing strenuous.  On the active excursions, you will be able to trek for many hours.  You will be able to discuss the options with the guides and staff at the Ecocamp so that you can plan your trip according to your interests.  The excursions run on a fixed schedule every week, so if you want to see as much of the Park as possible, you can also add another night or nights.
Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 5       Torres del Paine National Park

This is another day for excursions from the Ecocamp.
Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 6       Transfer to El Calafate

Today you will cross the border from Torres del Paine National Park into Argentina where you will be dropped off at your estancia.  Bordering Glaciares National Park, this estancia offers a view into traditional Patagonian ranch life and access to some beautiful and less visited areas of Argentine Patagonia.
Nibepo Aike (B,L,D)

Day 7       Perito Moreno Glacier

In the morning you will be picked up for your excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier.  Rather than just view the glacier from a distance, you’ll have a “mini-trekking” on the glacier itself; crampons will be provided (this is a non-technical and non-strenuous walking excursion on the glacier).  Afterwords you will visit the traditional viewing spots before returning back to your estancia for a traditional Patagonian asado dinner.  (More challenging and strenuous hiking options exist on the Perito Moreno Glacier; if interested please let us know.)
Nibepo Aike (B,L,D)

Day 8       Free day on the Estancia

Free day at the estancia.  This is an outstanding area for hiking and horseback riding, and the staff at the estancia will take you riding or help you find the best trails to hike. This extra day here is a way to get a deeper perspective on this part of Patagonia and see areas few others have explored, and also provides some downtime during your trip.  If you are interested in another full day excursion, we can arrange a trip out to Estancia Cristina by boat, to see the massive Upsala Glacier.
Nibepo Aike (B,L,D)

Day 9       Transfer to El Chalten

In the morning you will have a private transfer to El Chalten (about a 4 hour drive), located on the northern end of Los Glaciares National Park. This is the home of the legendary climbing peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.  A visit to this part of Patagonia is a chance to hike and explore in the midst of some of the most extraordinary mountain scenery on earth.
Los Senderos (B)

Day 10       El Chalten / Los Glaciares National Park

Today you have a full day privately guided excursion into Glaciares National Park.  You can select from the strenuous and rewarding hikes to Fitzroy and Cerro Torre (you can go all or part of the way to the base of these peaks) or from shorter hikes like the 2.5 hour trek to Lake Capri.  You will be able to discuss the different options with your guide in the morning so that you can make the most of your time.
Los Senderos (B)

Day 11       Free Day in El Chalten

Optional excursions and activities around El Chalten.  The trails up to the base of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre are easy to follow and well marked (they vary from 6-8 hours in length for round trip hikes; shorter options also exist that give excellent views of the area and these peaks).  You can take self guided hikes on these days or we can again arrange for a guide to accompany you.
Los Senderos (B)

Day 12       Fly to Buenos Aires

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in El Calafate for your flight to Buenos Aires.  Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel, a first class small boutique hotel located in the Palermo district, one of the best neighborhoods in Buenos Aires for walking around.
Hotel Krista (B)

Day 13       City tour of Buenos Aires

Today you have a privately guided tour of Buenos Aires, visiting the historical monuments and getting the lay of the land in this sprawling, fascinating city.   Areas visited include Palermo, the Recoleta, the Plaza de Mayo, the Teatro Colon, San Telmo, and La Boca.  You will have the end of the day free to explore on your own and eat out at one of the city’s restaurants.
Hotel Krista (B)

Day 14       Depart for Home

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight home.  (Most flights depart in the evening, so this would be most of another day in Buenos Aires; if you want to arrange any excursions, please just let us know.) (B)

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