Complete Patagonia from Atlantic to Pacific

Arrive in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires and transfer to LOI Suites Recoleta, Buenos Aries for two nights on B&B basis.  Enjoy an afternoon private guided walking tour of the Recoleta area, including a visit to the tomb of the iconic Eva Peron.

Half day guided city tour to see the best of the sights. Optional afternoon visit to the colourful La Boca area. This evening, try out one of the superb meat restaurants, where succulent cuts are cooked on open grills.

Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Trelew, gateway to Patagonia and the Valdes Peninsula. Drive to Puerto Madryn for three nights B&B at Territorio Hotel.

Full day wildlife tour to Valdes Peninsula. Drive into the World Heritage national park and visit San Jose Fort Museum Then see elephant seals in the creek at Caleta Valdes. Look out for storks, guanaco, armadillos, hares, foxes, rhea and eagles.  Opportunity to take a boat trip out to the bay of Puerto Piramides where southern right whales come to feed from July/August to December.  Penguins nest between September and March and orca are around during the same period; they are particularly active in April. Birds, dolphins, sea lions and elephant seals can be seen all year round.

Full day tour south to Punta Tombo to visit the largest colony of Magellenic penguins on the continent. Here, you can walk amongst the birds, which have no fear of humans. Look out for orca and seals close to the shore.

Transfer to Trelew and fly to El Calafate. Met and driven to Torres del Paine National Park. Four nights at Tierra Patagonia Hotel on full board basis, including non-premium drinks. Depending on time, take a two hour scenic and wildlife walk from the hotel before dinner. One full day or two half day excursions included, with others optional.

Drive out in the morning for a 2.5-3 hour scenic walk to see ancient cave paintings and look out for guanacos, foxes and condors. Afternoon, take a horse ride to Segunda Barranca where sheep shearing may be in progress. Alternative half day options are available.

A strenuous full day walk of 18km with immense scenic rewards. Climb for about 90 minutes to Campamento Chileano and then for about the same time up through forest and across loose moraine to a classic lookout towards the Torres del Paine. Lunch, then careful, four-hour return. Evening relaxation in luxury and comfort.

A full day scenic trip into the park including an optional (extra charge) boat excursion on Lake Grey and sail towards Grey Glacier. See ice floes and feathery nothofagus woods and maybe the endangered huemul deer. A great trip to see lots of the park in one day.

After breakfast an early road transfer to Punta Arenas. Check-in  & embarkation on MV Stella Australis for your five night Patagonia & Cape Horn expedition. Full expedition programme including Zodiac landings lead by expert guides guarantee close encounters to wildlife, glaciers and scenery. Informal topical lectures, full board basis including open bar on board ship.

Cross the Magellen Strait to Porvenir on Tierra del Fuego. Visit the interesting museum and then travel to see theonly king penguin colony on South America. On over the border into Argentina to the Atlantic coastal town of Rio Grande for overnight stay.

We arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina this morning and disembark for a land tour south for a gaucho experience and Patagonian ‘asado’ BBQ at Estancia Las Hijas. Then through Magellenic Forest and backdrop of lakes and snow-capped mountains to the port of Ushuaia. Look out for birds and flocks of guanco on the way. Board Stella Australis and set sail with a farewell to Ushuaia.

Sailing across Nassau Bay to the southernmost island in the archipelago and Cape Horn. Disembark and visit the end of the earth. Sail back into the beautiful Wulaia Bay, site of Darwin’s and Fitzroy’s endeavours. Land and walk in the forested landscape and enjoy amazing views.

Re-enter the Beagle Channel into the Alberto de Agostini National Park. Sail into the spectacular Glacier Alley, flanked by sheer, saw-toothed mountains. Land near Aguila Glacier and spend time exploring, with condors soaring above and lots of other birdlife to spot amongst the amazing scenery.

Awake in the Magellan Strait and anchor off Magdelena Island. Walk through a massive Magellenic penguin colony to the museum housed within a historic 1902 lighthouse. Many bird species are found on the island and spotted from your walk. Disembark and transfer to airport for flight to Santiago. Transfer to Singular Hotel for a three night stay bed & breakfast.

Full day excursion to Isla Negra on the Pacific coast, then to the World Heritage site of Valparaiso, where brightly coloured buildings overlook the famous port. Onwards to the garden city of Vina del Mar and return to Santiago through the vineyard valley of Casablanca. Lots of options for dinner tonight.

A half hour drive from the city leads to Yerba Loca, from which you can take a day’s guided walk (pack lunch included) along a well-marked trail to a spectacular glacier, enjoying amazing views of the central Andes and viewing local fauna and flora.

After breakfast a transfer to Santiago airport for your onward independent or return travel.