Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available
Basic Patagonia is a great combination of two highlights in Patagonia: El Calafate, the gate to visit Perito Moreno Glacier and many other glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. There are many adventure activities like horseback ridings, trekkings and the incredible minitrekking to walk over the ice of the Moreno Glacier. It`s an amazing and unforgettable experience to walk with crampons. Enjoy a typical estancia in the patagonian steppe, and taste the exquisite Patagonian Lamb. Then, we cross to Puerto Natales in Chile, located on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Sound. From there, we will visit Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, the Milodon Cave, and the unique Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight in Patagonia.
Are you ready to enjoy the Basic Patagonia tour?
Arrive in El Calafate, a key gateway to explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier and other magnificent glaciers in the region. After checking in to your accommodation, you have some free time to relax. For those eager to explore, various optional activities are available on your arrival day. See the options below.
After breakfast, embark on a visit to one of Patagonia’s highlights: the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier.
El Calafate is situated 80 km from the glacier, with the journey taking you along a 50 km paved road. The final 30 km are within Los Glaciares National Park.
During the first 40 km, you’ll traverse the Patagonian steppe, a typical feature of the region. Once inside the National Park, you’ll notice a dramatic change in vegetation, with ñires (Nothofagus antarctica), guindos (Nothofagus betuloides), and lengas (Nothofagus pumilio) becoming prominent. You may also see some isolated canelos (Drimys winteri) and vibrant flowers, such as the intense red notro (Embothrium coccineum), the iconic flower of the Andean Patagonian forest.
Upon reaching the glacier, you’ll be awestruck by its grandeur and can enjoy unforgettable views from the walking paths. There will be free time to experience the glacier’s splendor, including watching massive ice blocks tumble into the lake with a thunderous roar—an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Facilities at the glacier include a restaurant, snack bar, restrooms, and a pay campsite.
Optional activities include the Mini Trekking, where you can walk on the glacier’s ice, or the Nautical Safari, a boat tour offering views of the glacier from the lake. Details of these options are available below.
This is a full-day excursion, with return to the hotel expected in the late afternoon.
After breakfast, the day is free for you to choose from various full-day boat navigation tours, each offering unique views of different glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park. Check out the available options below.
After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to the airport or bus station for the next leg of your journey. If your departure is in the afternoon, you may select an engaging optional activity from our list below.
Goodbye, El Calafate!
Arrival at the Puerto Natales bus station or Punta Arenas Airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Puerto Natales. This charming city is situated at the opening of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, providing a perfect gateway to explore stunning destinations like Torres del Paine National Park and the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. After check-in, you’ll have free time to stroll around the city or simply relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
After breakfast, get ready for one of the best excursions Patagonia has to offer – a visit to Torres del Paine National Park!
We’ll begin by picking up all passengers from their accommodations at around 8:00 am, ready to capture the first stunning photos of the day.
Our first stop is Milodon’s Cave, where the remains of a prehistoric animal were discovered in 1895. Today, you’ll find a replica of this ancient mammal, along with fascinating information about the glaciological processes that shaped the cave.
Next, we head to Cerro Castillo, where you’ll enjoy a short break to grab a snack, sip some coffee, or browse the souvenir shops.
Then, it’s on to the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park! Highlights include the Sarmiento Lake Lookout, views of the Paine Towers, Paine’s Horns, and Almirante Nieto Hill. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife – you’re likely to spot guanacos, lesser rhea, and condors. The park is also home to foxes, hares, and the elusive mountain lion, also known as the “lion of America.”
Within the park, you’ll encounter the striking turquoise lakes of Pehoé and Nordenskjold, as well as scenic waterfalls and ice-covered mountains. A short 15-minute walk will bring you close to the impressive Salto Grande Waterfall.
After lunch, we’ll continue with a walk along the shores of Grey Lake, where you can admire floating icebergs and, in the distance, the mighty Grey Glacier. Depending on the group’s preferences, we’ll either return via the same route or take a new road before dropping you off at your accommodation. Free time and overnight.
After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy. Feel free to explore or select from a variety of optional activities listed below.
Enjoy your final breakfast in Puerto Natales, followed by some free time before your transfer to the bus station or Punta Arenas Airport to continue your journey.
Tip: Don’t miss out on adding a Cruise Expedition aboard the Skorpios III! This unforgettable adventure will take you through southern glaciers and fjords in Chilean Patagonia.
USHUAIA EXTENSION PROGRAM!
Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Add this extension and enjoy a 3-night package to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Train of the End of the World, navigate the Beagle Channel, visit the mythical Museo del Presidio, see penguins, visit Fagnano and Escondido Lakes, and much more:
DAY 1 – Arrival to Ushuaia
DAY 2 – Visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park + Train of the End of the World + Beagle Channel Navigation.
DAY 3 – Choose from visit to Fagnano and Escondido, 4×4 ride in Tierra del Fuego Island, Trekking to Laguna Esmeralda and more
DAY 4 – Transfer out. Good bye Ushuaia
SANTIAGO DE CHILE EXTENSION
Enjoy the best of Santiago de Chile, the capital city with a wide variety of international attractions. Enjoy a wonderful city tour, take a journey to Viña del Mar and Valpariso, and enjoy wineries and vineyards in the area of Maipo Canyon!
DAY 1 – Arrival to the capital city!
DAY 2 – City Tour visiting the best of Santiago
DAY 3 – We visit Viña del Mar and Valparaiso!
DAY 4 – Good bye Santiago de Chile
It`s just an starting point, we can quote any special program for you
