Journeys: Discover Patagonia
Experience Overview
Amid the pristine landscapes of southern Argentina and Chile, snowcapped volcanoes and sparkling lakes set the backdrop for an exhilarating adventure. Experience Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty by foot, boat, and private vehicle, journeying from the idyllic town of Bariloche to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Come face-to-face with the Perito Moreno Glacier, part of the world’s third largest ice cap; visit a penguin rookery in the Beagle Channel, looking out for seabirds and sea lions; and round off your trip with a tango lesson in bustling Buenos Aires.
Highlights
- Take part in a tango lesson taught by dancers at a venue popular with locals
- Enjoy a lecture on the Perito Moreno Glacier from an expert
- Walk with penguins on Martillo Island
- Visit the Museum at the End of the World and learn about Indigenous history in the region
- Explore Ushuaia (the earth's southernmost city)
Trip Details
Product Code: 2735
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus/van, plane, boat, ferry, hiking, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
National Geographic Journey, Extreme Adventures
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: SAPNG
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finishes: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Glacier Talk, El Calafate Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Indigenous History Lecture, Ushuaia Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Tango Lesson, Buenos Aires Your Discover Moment: San Carlos de Bariloche
- Arrival transfer
- Bariloche Circuito Chico tour
- Scenic lake crossing aboard the "Cruce de Lagos"
- Excursion into Torres del Paine National Park
- Guided tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Buenos Aires city tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (13 nts).
- 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
- Bus/van, plane, boat, ferry, hiking, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,999 ($643 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities, so check in and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Buenos Aires/San Carlos de Bariloche
Catch a flight to San Carlos de Bariloche in northern Patagonia, known as Argentina's Lake District. Enjoy the highlights of this picturesque town on a half-day tour, driving along the edge of sapphire-hued Nahuel Huapi Lake, visiting scenic Bahía López, or López Bay, and ascending Cerro Campanario for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and snowcapped peaks.
Day 3: San Carlos de Bariloche
Spend the day on your own in Bariloche, choosing from a range of outdoor activities. Set out on a hike amid luxuriant forests and glacial lakes or opt to navigate Nahuel Huapi Lake and Cantaros Waterfall on an all-day adventure. You can also choose to relax and explore charming Bariloche, sampling some of the delicious chocolate for which the town is known.
Bariloche in many ways resembles the alpine resorts of Europe. Sample a beef parrillada, or a variety of fresh salmon or lake trout, then take a day hike around Cerro Catedral or enjoy some shopping. It's also important to know that Bariloche is famous for its quality and quantity of chocolate!
Day 4: San Carlos de Bariloche/Puerto Varas
Embark upon the famed Andean Lakes Crossing, connecting Argentina and Chile through a network of volcano-lined, crystal-clear lakes. Board a catamaran from Bariloche and sail across the waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lake Frías, and Todos los Santos Lake, experiencing one of the most breathtaking border crossings in the world. Arrive on the shores of Chile and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Varas.
There are few areas in the world that can match the Chilean Lake District for scenic grandeur. Enjoy picture-perfect views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, emerald lakes, smoking volcanoes, forests, and glaciers.
Day 5: Puerto Varas
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town. Opt to take a ferry to Chiloé Island, a fishing village with a handcraft market, and pay a visit to the nearby penguin colony. Or choose to venture into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park—the oldest national park in Chile—to hike the Desolation Pass trail, climbing up the ice-clad slopes of Osorno Volcano.
Day 6: Puerto Varas/Torres del Paine National Park
Catch a flight to Puerto Natales and transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. One of the most spectacular parks in the Americas, Torres del Paine covers a sweeping expanse of glaciers, forests, and gem-coloured lagoons, crowned by the jagged pinnacles of the Torres del Paine mountains. Settle into your hotel and relax this evening.
Words cannot describe the majesty and beauty of this national park in Chilean Patagonia. The lucky people have the opportunity to see this area and those who do will find it difficult to forget its vivid colours and tranquility. Once a large sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959 as the Parque Nacional Lago Grey. Prior to this, “baqueanos” (cowboys) grazed their flocks here and fires occasionally burnt out of control. More land was added to the park in 1962 and the name was changed to its present one. The “Torre” (Tower) Sur rises 2,900m (9,512 ft) above sea level, the Torre Central is 2,850m (9,348 ft) high, and the Torre Norte measures 2,600m (8,528 ft). The “Cuernos” (Horns) del Paine, massive blocks of various rock layers visible from great distances, are as spectacular as the towers themselves.
Day 7: Torres del Paine National Park
Embark on a full-day exploration of Torres del Paine National Park with an expert guide. Travel by van across the rugged, windswept landscape and set out on short walks to discover some of the park's most majestic features, including Grey Lake, Grey Glacier, Lake Sarmiento, Azul Lagoon, and more. Along the way, keep a lookout for the park's resident creatures—eagles, condors, foxes, armadillos, as well as an indigenous type of ostrich.
Day 8: Torres del Paine National Park/El Calafate
Enjoy a scenic drive to El Calafate, Argentina, your base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site makes up part of South America's largest ice field; it is also home to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.
Drive towards lofty peaks to the dynamic Moreno Glacier in Glacier National Park. Spot condors, rheas, eagles or flamingos en route, but the real star of the day is the glacier itself, located at the southern terminus of Glacier National Park.
Day 9: El Calafate
This morning, hear a talk by a local glacier expert before venturing into Los Glaciares National Park to view the Perito Moreno Glacier, an active glacier on the southern arm of Lake Argentino. Witness this continually advancing mass calve great chunks of ice into the lake; and opt to take a boat ride along the glacier's front wall, where most of the calving takes place.
Day 10: El Calafate/Ushuaia
Fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, soaring above the jaw-dropping landscapes of Patagonia. Upon arrival, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Austral Center for Scientific Research and attend a lecture from one of the on-site anthropologists and learn more about the indigenous history of the entire region of Tierra del Fuego and of Patagonia.
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is located on the shores of the Beagle Channel.
Day 11: Ushuaia
Travel to Martillo Island to get up close with the gentoo and Magellanic penguins that reside here part of the year, and learn about their habits and behaviour from a naturalist guide.
Day 12: Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
Fly back to Buenos Aires and take time to explore this vibrant metropolis on your own, visiting some of the city's galleries, museums, and cafés. This evening, enjoy a private tango lesson at a personal studio; then practice your moves alongside other students and teachers during a milonga, a social dancing event.
Fly north to the buzzing metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Known as the “Paris of the Americas”, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life.
When you're finished exploring, rest your feet and enjoy a drink at one of the many sidewalk cafés, ideal places to get a feel for the contemplative Argentine way of life. Since Buenos Aires will be the last chance to try the succulent beef, chicken, and chorizo parrilladas, dig in and enjoy!
Day 13: Buenos Aires
Discover the charms of Buenos Aires on a city tour. Visit key landmarks such as Plaza de Mayo and the pink balcony made famous by Argentina's iconic first lady Eva Perón; and see the Recoleta Cemetery, where Perón is buried. Explore the city's most interesting neighbourhoods, including San Telmo and the colourful artist's quarter of La Boca. This evening, consider catching a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías in the area, or wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets as you search for places to try the succulent and deliciously tender steak that Argentina is known for.
Known as the “Paris of the Americas”, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city full of life. Visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo. Consider catching a tango show at one of the many famous tanguerías or wander the pedestrian walkways and see some dancing in the streets.
Day 14: Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
- Traveled, August 2019
Perfect holiday 1 We took a trip to Patagonia with Global Journeys/G Adventures and it was the best we could ever have had. Everything was taken care of, the guides were great and went the distance to add on extras so we could experience what the locals did. Response was quick as well, thanks Jemma for the wonderful trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2019
Frances - Traveled, January 2025
This was my 4th G Adventures trip ... and it certainly will not be my last. I love the active and varied itineraries of G Adventures -- including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, boating, and more. I love the mix of organized activities, optional activities, and free time. I love the kinds of people that G Adventures attracts -- folks who like to travel enjoy adventure, and have great curiosity about the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2025
Rakesh - Traveled, January 2025
Will do more with G Adventures. - that is my take away from this first experience with this group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2025
Margaret - Traveled, December 2024
The tour is outstanding, beyond expectations. There are glitches with the the way the tour is organized over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2025
David - Traveled, October 2024
Excellent trip just a bit too much travel And not enough physical activity
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2024
Paul - Traveled, March 2024
It is a lifetime experience. I enjoyed the group and excursions. It was little bit pricey for me but worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Albert - Traveled, February 2024
Fabulous experience, overall.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
The individual destinations throughout the tour offered a wide variety of experiences. For me, Torres Del Pinne and Ushuaia and the penguins were the best but the complete tour was great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Banafsheh - Traveled, December 2023
Excellent Fantastic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Jeffrey - Traveled, February 2025
Me and old friend joined the 16-member group. It's the best tour I have checked off from my bucket list. The itinerary is excellent. We travelled from metropolitan Buenos Aires. Along the way, we have seen magnificent mountains, volcano, glaciers, lakes, rivers, ocean, local animals and birds. We have taken ferry boats and caravans. We even had a tango night on the last day in BA. We have tried different local delicacies with lamb, stakes, fishes and fresh vegetables. We have strolled small towns at beautiful nights. I would choose Torres Del Paines tour as my best memory if I can only chose one. My friend and I took a private tour to El Boca and visited the Museum of Fine Art pre- and Tiger Delta post-tour. These are worthwhile extras. The tour would not be so unforgettable without CEO Naty. She is so funny yet organized. She is young and full of energy and passion, a typical Latin woman. She tends to details and individual needs. It's because of her our trip runs smoothly without a hitch. We are SO lucky to have her as our tour CEO. Also, the teammates are all pleasant, friendly and helpful, especially the two couples from Canada whose great sense of humor brought laughter to everyone. The only minor complaint is the hotel we stayed in Barilochi. It is built on the hill. The roads are steep and unpaved. The rooms are small and cramped. It is far away from the town center. We have to call taxi for transportation. The other thing is the lunch prepared by hotel to eat on the road contains salads and fresh fruit. The former gets messy after hours on the road, and the latter are not allowed crossing Chilean boarder. Despite the minor inconveniences,
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2025
Melinda - Traveled, January 2025
The original itinerary was good. However upon our arrival at Iguazu Falls the hotel was changed (called and upgrade) and the cultural Dinner Experience date was changed from 1/26 to 1/25. On 1/25 we toured the Brazil side of the Iguazu Falls in the afternoon. The time to complete the Brazil side tour was quite close to the time for the dinner. At the Brazil to Argentina border crossing there was a 2 hour delay that can often happen when crossing the border. Due to the change in the dinner date we were unable to make the pickup time of 7pm. We did not arrive back to our hotel until 8pm. The change in the hotel the last minute was to The Iguazu Jungle Hotel. Although the accommodations were very nice, we had to walk up and down a cobblestone hill to the building where our room was located to the Lobby and Restaurant facilities. This hill was very steep and we even had to use our iPhone flashlight to negotiate the path to the restaurant and back to our room. We would have liked to have less of a hilly trek to get around the hotel grounds, which was difficult to negotiate even though we are physically fit athletes. Show more
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2025
Wendy - Traveled, January 2020
Very good tour. Covers a lot of territory with little down time makes it somewhat exhausting at times. We had a fantastic guide and she (Sol) arranged some fantastic meals in great restaurants. The lake crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas is spectacular.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2020
Deborah - Traveled, October 2019
we loved Stevie, he made the group experience work so smoothly!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2019
Wendy - Traveled, October 2019
Was overall very well planned, executed and enjoyable. We visited fantastic places, had good weather and wonderful detailed suggestions on what to do in Our free time, thanks to Natali. A couple of hotels were too far out of town.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2019
Wang - Traveled, March 2019
Itinerary was good. Optional choices were not wide enough. Accommodation was good in general, but it was terrible in El Calafate. Guild was excellent. The meal in a local host was overpriced and no good for me
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2019
Haueter - Traveled, November 2018
Think twice before you book this tour, it should be called "rush through Patagonia to tick off the highlights". Look at the long distances travelled by plane. If the tiniest detail goes wrong, it is difficult to fix it. Yes, landsapes are outstanding, but the risk of severe weather is a well. Storm during passage between Bariloche and Puerto Varas. Some substandard Hotels there. Small and overfilled minibuses for long transfers. Strike of airline (Aerolinas Argentinas) lead to a real mess without satisfactory reaction of G headquarters. (Cancellation of the whole Ushuaia section, long 1000 km extra detour in minibus due to strike). G20 summit on top in Buenos Aires lead to a further complication. The National Geographic tours are not worth the extra money, the descriptions are better than reality - go to a normal g-tour and save your money. Even better: travel within your home continent and save some carbon dioxide. Show more National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures commented on this review Thanks for the review Haueter. Journeys: Discover Patagonia National Geographic Journeys
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2019
Katherine - Traveled, October 2017
I really enjoyed my trip overall. The excursions were amazing, our guide was fantastic, and for the most part, the logistics were well planned and executed. I think the accommodations could be improved a bit as well as some of the meal options but otherwise, I had a wonderful time. National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures commented on this review Thanks for the review Katherine!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2017
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