Patagonia Glaciers

I’m never tired of Patagonia’s glaciers. For me, they are this region’s most dramatic testaments to the power of nature. They are like living things, endless flowing in frozen rivers down from the Andes. For millions of years, ice age had carved the Patagonia area to have interesting landscape like lakes, glaciers, mountain, desert, fiords, bays and water channels.

This Perito Morino glacier is still growing while most in the world are declining due to global warming. Perito Moreno Glacier, is the third-largest reserve of fresh water on the planet, after Antarctica and Greenland.

Fall is the shoulder season in Patagonia, less tourists and hikers. This is the typical desert landscape east of Patagonia where most of the moisture from Pacific Ocean being blocked by the Andes range on the West. Top-snow Andes range on the background giving a breath taking scenery. 🏔️🌸🌺

Travel Destinations

Below are some wonderful locations to check out and explore while in near Patagonia. Follow us on an exciting 19 day journey:

Day 1:

Let us introduce you to the classic city we know and love on this 6 hour tour exploring the city’s most popular sights along with some of our personal favourites. Chile´s rich cultural heritage comes to life as we visit the iconic symbols of the city, including La Plaza de Armas (the main square), La Moneda (the government palace), the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the spectacular Cerro Santa Lucia, where the city was founded in 1541. We continue to the bohemian area of Bellavista and climb the San Cristobal hill for a panoramic view ofSantiago with the Andes Mountains in the background. We’ll also visit the Orient Sector, the most modern area of the city, with its impressive high rise buildings and classy boulevards before we offer you a choice of the activities designed to enhance your Santiago experience. You’ll be given the option (you can decide on the day) to visit the picturesque Los Dominicos craft market where we can walk through the artisan village and enjoy a tasty empanada at one of the outdoor cafés, discover Santiago’s impressive pre-Columbian museum, explore the historic Lastarria Neighbourhood or take a walking tour through the Mercado Central, Chile’s largest fresh seafood market where you can try some of the local cuisine on offer.

Day 2:

Today we will head over to the coast and explore one of the most fascinating cities in Chile; Valparaiso.‘Valpo’, as it is fondly known by locals, was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, and it is not difficult to see why. Picturesque architecture and multi-coloured urban housing spread out over more than forty hills, creating one of the world’s most eclectic, unique cities. We will visit the downtown area with its new government house, the Plaza Sotomayor, the Plaza Victoria,the cathedral and the harbour area. Afterwards we take a funicular up into the hills where there is a fantastic collection of brightly painted houses and a fantastic view over the city (funicular not included). We enjoy coffee in one of the many cosy restaurants before we enjoy a stroll through the labyrinth of colourful streets lined with impressive street-art. You can also visit the former home of Pablo Neruda (entrance fee not included) and learn a little more about this famous Chilean poet. From Valparaiso we’ll head to the fashionable coastal resort city of Viña del Mar where we can admire the famous city ‘flower clock’ and visit the MainSquare, which offers an amphitheater that hosts the Viña del Mar International Song Festival every summer. We include time for lunch and on the way back to Santiago we will explore the Casablanca valley with its famous orchards, citrus groves, grape plantations and wonderful mountain backdrops. For those interested in tasting some of the local produce a visit to a local vineyard can be arranged(any wine tasting will be paid for locally). We return you back to your hotel in Santiago where you have the evening at your leisure.

Wine tasting! 🍷 Discover the Moai Ahu One Makihi at the Museo Conck in Viña del Mar!

Day 3:

Travel day to Puerto Varas.

Day 4:

After being picked up from the hotel we will drive to the island of Chiloé that will include a scenic 30 minute ferry crossing in which we will have the opportunity to possibly spot sea lions and dolphins. Once on the island we will continue south to the fishing village of Dalcahue. Here, we will take our time to explore our surroundings and this small charming village. Rustic homes, traditional fishing boats and the friendly people make Dalcahue a memorable experience. On Sundays there is also a local hand craft market available full of culture and traditional keepsakes. Afterwards we will continue our journey toCastro, the capital of Chiloe, and home to the traditional palafitos (stilt houses) built along the shore.There we will visit the famous town church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and then stroll through town and the local market featuring different regional products. In the late afternoon we will return to Puerto Varas driving along the eastern coastal road passing by several small settlements.

Sunset at Lake Llanquihue. Traditional palafitos (stilt houses). A delicious plate of sea food.

Day 5:

Day 5 at a glance:

08.00 hrs. After departing from Puerto Varas you will follow on to Petrohue which borders Llanquihue Lake. Throughout the journey you will be able to enjoy imposing sights of Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. You will enter Vicente Perez National Park where you will visit the Petrohue Falls (tickets not included), impressive volcanic rock shapes in which the emerald green water covers.

10.30 hrs. Set sail to Peulla, navigating Todos los Santos Lake. If the weather permits, you will be able to keep on enjoying the scenery of Osorno and Puntiagudo Volcanoes and Tronador Hill.

12.15 hrs. Arrival at Peulla Ecological Village, paradise for nature lovers. Here you will have lunch (not included).

14.00 hrs. We will board a bus to Puerto Frias. You will have to go through customs as you exit Chile and enter Argentina. Continuing on and we will cross the Andes Mountains at 976m above sea level then start the trip downhill to Puerto Frias and navigate through the lake that receives the same name: Lago Frias. You journey on to Puerto Alegre where you will board a bus to Puerto Blest.

17.15 hrs. Departing from Puerto Blest, this will be our last navigation which will take you through Nahuel Huapi Lake with Puerto Pañuelo as the goal.

18.15 hrs. Arriving in Puerto Pañuelo, we will take a bus to do the last portion and destination to “The Argentinean city of Tourism”, San Carlos de Bariloche. Throughout the year this city fascinates tourists with its Ski centre, commerce, hotels, restaurants and night life.

20.45 hrs. Arrival into Bariloche.

A clear view of Todos los Santos lake in Chile & Osorno volcano.

Day 6:

Begin your half day morning adventure with a drive along the Nahuel Huapi lakeshore on the SanPedro Peninsula. At Playa Bonita, you’ll enjoy views of Huemul Island before continuing your journey. You’ll hop aboard a chair lift at Campanario Hill and ride to the top for impressive views of the region—Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, El Trébol lagoon, San Pedro, Victoria Island, Otto, López, Goye and the Catedral hills, and the town of San Carlos de Bariloche. You’ll resume your journey to Llao Llao Peninsula, with its hilltop hotel and San Eduardo Chapel—architectural jewels of the region. The lakeside Pañuelo Port is the starting point for many lake excursions. Cross the bridge over Angostura River, which joins Nahuel Huapi Lake with Moreno Lake, and enjoy views of López Bay at the base of López Hill. At Panoramic Point, take time to view MorenoLake and Llao Llao Peninsula before crossing the bridge over Moreno Lake and beginning your return to Bariloche. This afternoon will be at your leisure. Bariloche is a chocolate-lover’s heaven, so we recommend heading to Calle Mitre where dozens of chocolate shops offer tasty little morsels of artisan chocolate.

Mirror Lake along route 40. A beautiful town in northwest Patagonia, Argentia.

Day 7:

Rapanui chocolate in Bariloche.

We travel the RN 40 to 21km from San Carlos de Bariloche until it is connected with the RN231 and we take it towards the west. Some stretches of the road skirts the unique Lake Nahuel Huapi, revealing the Cerro Cathedral in the background. After passing Puerto Manzano, Villa La Angostura is crossed, a true mountain village, characterized by its meticulous and clean architecture. A few miles later the 7 lakes road begins, walking the Drafty, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner , Hermoso andMachonico lakes. Each attraction has a unique landscape, surrounded by olive and lush forests. Once inSan Martin de los Andes, on the shore of Lake Lacar, passengers can explore the city and the main street. We return along the same path, or Junin de los Andes road, according to the state of the roads.

Famous roasted lamb.

Day 8:

Travel to El Calafate, located on Lake Argentino, a green glacial lake covering over 1,600 square kilometres, hooks you with its irresistible attractions including the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier and is a great option to access both Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks. Spend the night at: Mirador del Lago, El Calafate, Argentina.

A must have lamb dish at La Candelaraia on Ave del Libertador. There are friendly dogs everywhere.

Day 9:

Discover the Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) on a full day excursion, considered one of the eighth wonders of the world. Located in the heart of Southern Patagonia, 300 km south of El Calafate, it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the world due to its curious and unique conformation of mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, flora and fauna. Crossing the Patagonian steppe from north to south we will arrive at the Cancha Carrera border crossing (approximately 2.30 hrs), from where we will begin to travel through the beautiful south of Chile until we enter the Torres del Paine National Park,which means Blue in the Tehuelche language, in reference to the predominant color. Once in the Park, we will make various stops with and without lowering the vehicle to contemplate lakes, waterfalls, and we will even be able to watch foxes and guanacos, and perhaps pumas, among other native animals. On board our 4X4 OVERLANDS we will visit strategic points, from where we will undertake walks that allow us to access the panoramic viewpoints of the most important natural attractions of the Park. Leaving the border of Cerro Castillo we will take the road to LagunaAmarga, panoramic point of Las Torres del Paine.

We will continue aboard the vehicle to make stops at various view points such as Laguna de losCisnes and Mirador Superior del Nordenskjold until we reach Puerto Pudeto, the starting point that leads to Salto Grande. If the weather allows it, we will walk along the coast of Lake Pehoe to the lower viewpoint of the Cuernos del Paine. The walk is of low technical difficulty and minimal physical demand, it is done in the company of our trekking guide authorized by CONAF Chile. After this walk, continue in the vehicle to a new viewpoint, this time near Lake Pehoe, from where you will have one of the most famous views of the National Park, with the Cuernos del Paine and the Valle del Francés in the background, framed by the Pehoe and Nordenskjold lakes. From there you will also see Mount Paine Grande and Almirante Nieto. From this point the return to El Calafate is undertaken, arriving at the hotels around 9:00 p.m. According to the guide’s criteria, the order of the stops may vary. The arrival time in El Calafate will depend on the border formalities.

Day 10:

Explore El Calafate during this day.

Day 11:

A gorgeous view of El Chalten peak and the city. This is the mecca for hikers!

11th day is for traveling to Chalten Suites Hotel, El Chalten, Argentina. This is the day we visited the Perito Moreno glacier.

Overlooking the glaciers at Lake Perito Morino.

Day 12:

A day to free roam and explore El Chalten and its wonders!

Looking back, we see the El Chalten town as we travel closer towards the mountains. We're hiking on this trail with a beauitful view of El Chalten peak in the background. Another view of El Chalten peak with the glacier peeking through. As the day settles down, we capture a cozy sunset view of El Chalten peak.

Day 13:

Drive back to El Calafate Car Hire, El Calafate, Argentina.

Day 14:

Day 14, we travel to Ushuaia. Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park and its spectacular scenery on this half-day excursion from Ushuaia. The world’s southernmost national park features glaciers, lakes, mountains and abundant wildlife. Choose one of two Tierra del Fuego tours: explore by vehicle or via the End of the World Train. Highlights Tierra del Fuego half-day tour from Ushuaia Explore Tierra del Fuego either by train or by vehicle. There is plenty of breathtaking Patagonian scenery in the area. The hotels offer complimentary pickup and drop-off from the near by o=tourist destinations. A worthwhile perk!

Here is a nice view of Usuaia's bay.

Day 15:

Mirador del Valie Carbajal, Tierra del Fuego Privince

We begin the navigation from the Touristic Pier of our city, towards the Beagle Channel, enjoying as we move away from the coast, a panoramic view of Ushuaia’s coast, sightseeing the most important buildings, such as the Maritime Museum (Old Prison), the End of the World Museum, the industrial area, and Mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos. We sail Southwest, approaching the Sea lions’ Island, where, from the ship, we will be able to enjoy the sight of sea lions specimens, watching them interact with their permanent environment in a wonderful scenery. We continue the navigation towards the Bird Island, habitat of the Magellanic Cormorants andImperial Cormorants, and also a privileged area to spot specimens of the marine fauna. Then we sailed towards the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago with the same name, where the Mount Cervantes vessel wrecked in the year 1930. The return will be through Paso Chico, sighting EstanciasTunnel and Fique (Farmhouses), heading back to Ushuaia while enjoying the view of the imposing frame that Mount Martial, its glacier, gives to the city.

The "End of the World" sign. Look at all that smoke from the "End of the World" train! We visited inside the amazing Raíces Fueguinas Museo Resto-Bar. They have an interesting gift shop here. Make sure to check it out. Here is a beautiful view of Ushuaia City from Las Cachanas look-out point.

Day 16:

Day 16 is for traveling to Buenos Aires, capital of the Republic of Argentina and the country’s largest city. It is undeniably one of Latin America’s hottest destinations. Located on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the city’s combination of European architecture and the passion of its people – the porteños (people of the port) –work together to create a colourful and dynamic modern city.

There was a heartfelt memorial for Covid victims in Buenos Aires.

Day 17:

This morning’s excursion will introduce you to the magic of the Argentine capital. After being picked up from your hotel we start with a visit to ‘San Telmo’, the oldest barrio (neighbourhood) of Buenos Aires which is famous for its historic architecture, tango parlours and antique shops. We take our time and wander through the cobblestone streets learning about the history of the area and seeing its sights including its impressive old churches and its abundance of colourful street art. We leave San Telmo and the tour continues past the many architectural highlights of Buenos Aires including the Palace of Justice, the Argentine National Congress building, the ‘Cabildo (old town hall)and the presidential palace ‘Casa Rosada’ (pink house). Next we visit ‘La Boca’, the most picturesque of all neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires and romantic stories tell us that tango was born in this working class area. We wander its famous street “Caminito” where you will have the chance to view the spectacle of impromptu tango dancing, street performers and have the chance to buy some local handicrafts. On our way back to your hotel we pass through the newly restored Puerto Madero area where you can choose to be dropped off at for a nice meal by the waterfront. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with the chance to visit some of Buenos Aires’ many great museums or do some shopping.

Tango expresses the heart and spirit of Argentina and no visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without it. This evening you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Ventana where you will experience the intimacy of this dance in equally intimate surroundings while you indulge in deliciousArgentinean cuisine. At the end of the show you will be taken back to your hotel. *Before the show you have the option of arriving before the others and taking a short tango lesson with a professional dancer or a wine tasting. This comes at an additional cost but if you would like to book either of these please let your consultant know. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken back at the end of the tour along with other passengers. We suggest upgrading to a private transfer as the pick ups and drop offs could take a considerable amount of time.

Day 18:

This morning you will further discover what makes Buenos Aires great as we explore its better known and sophisticated districts; Palermo and Recoleta. We start with a drive through Recoleta with its open green spaces mixed in with elegant boutique shopping, cafés, embassies and impressive architecture.We visit such landmarks as the Pilar Church and Evita Monument before taking a short walk through the Recoleta cemetery where Evita’s tomb can be found. We continue on to Palermo which is Buenos Aires’ largest neighbourhood, and also its trendiest. Here you will walk the streets which are full of beautiful parks, hip boutique hotels, chic restaurants and bars,and high fashion stores. Throughout the morning your knowledgeable guide will give you an insight into local life and excellent local cuisine and on completion of the tour you will have the option of being dropped off at an excellent restaurant for lunch or being taken back to your hotel.

A view from our hote of 16-lane boulvard, the widest road in the world! This is inside the largest bookstore in the world. It was an opera house. Fun fact: Buenos Aires has the highest bookstore density in the world. Bookstores are everywhere!

Day 19:

That concludes this journey…day 19 is dedicated to traveling back home and recharging from all the wonders of Patagonia.

General Itinerary Guide

To summarize the destinations above, here is break down of the itinerary I would suggest for your visit to Patagonia:

• Airport to Hotel w/ guide (Private), Santiago
• Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, Santiago (2 nights)
• Exclusive Santiago Tour (Private), Santiago
• Valparaiso, Vina del Mar & the Vineyards (Private), Santiago
• Hotel to Airport (Private), Santiago
• Airport to Puerto Varas (Private), Puerto Montt
• Cabana del Lago, Puerto Varas (2 nights)
• Full Day Castro & Dalcahue Tour (Shared), Puerto Varas
• Hotel to Lake Crossing Office (Private), Puerto Varas
• Lakes Crossing Puerto Varas to Bariloche (Shared), Puerto Varas
• Port to Hotel (Private) , Bariloche
• Cacique Inacayal, Bariloche (3 nights)
• Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift (Shared), Bariloche
• Full day San Martin de los Andes via 7 Lakes Route (Shared), Bariloche
• Hotel to Airport (Private), Bariloche
• Airport to Hotel w/o guide (Shared), El Calafate
• Mirador del Lago, El Calafate (3 nights)
• Day tour El Calafate to Torres del Paine overland 4 x 4 (Shared), El Calafate
• El Calafate Car Hire, El Calafate
• Chalten Suites Hotel , El Chalten (1 night)
• Mirador del Lago, El Calafate (1 night)
• Hertz Car Rental (Private), Ushuaia
• Cilene del Faro Suites & Spa, Ushuaia (3 nights)
• Half Day Tierra del Fuego National Park Tour with End of the World Train Ride (Shared), Ushuaia
• Half Day Beagle Channel (to Sealion Island) (Shared), Ushuaia
• Airport to Hotel w/ guide (Private), Buenos Aires
• Eurobuilding Hotel, Buenos Aires (2 nights)
• Buenos Aires
• Dinner & Tango Show La Ventana (Shared), Buenos Aires
• Buenos Aires
• Hotel to Airport w/o guide (Private), Buenos Aires