Duration:11 day(s) Price: From AU $3795 Countries Visited: Argentina, Chile

Ultimate Patagonia

This "Ultimate Patagonia" Suggested Holiday starts in Buenos Aires and moves over to Patagonia covering both Argentina and Chile and includes some of the most beautiful glaciers and breathtaking scenery you will find in the world.  Torres del Paine National Park, Terra del Fuego, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Glacier Grey just to name a view, there is so much to see and experience.  There is a stay in the pretty town of El Calafate and the tour ends in the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile.   This independent Argentina travel itinerary is a must do for all travellers, the beauty of the landscapes will seriously overwhelm you and give you the opportunity to reflect in one of the most beautiful natural locations in the world!

Holiday type
Adventure
Culture

Itinerary

Overview: Ultimate Patagonia (Suggested Holidays)

Day 1 - 2      Arrive in Buenos Aires, sightseeing tour and tango show
Day 3 - 4      Journey to Patagonia to Punta Arenas & Puerto Natalies for sightseeing tours
Day 5 - 6      Patagonia sightseeing tour of Torres del Paine (Chile)
Day 7            Travel to the pretty town of El Calafate (Argentina)
Day 8           Walk to the spectacular photogenic Perito Moreno Glacier & sightseeing tour
Day 9 - 10    Arrive in Santiago, Chile & enjoy a sightseeing tour
Day 11           Depart Santiago for your onward journey / next adventure!

Days 1-2 : Buenos Aires

Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires

Upon your arrival into Buenos Aires you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.  During the short drive you will be able to see the mix of traditional colonial architecture along with a strong European influence.  Buenos Aires is laced with great restaurants boasting its renowned prime Argentinean meat with local Mendoza wine, nightclubs, theatre, shopping precincts and easy to navigate streets.

When you arrive at your hotel you will have the remainder of the day to explore Buenos Aires.  It’s a city, which you need at least one afternoon to just walk through these streets and get a real feel for the Argentinean culture and of course, there is the shopping!  Argentineans are renowned in the Americas for being incredibly fashionable and edgy with their fashion trends.

Day 2: Sightseeing Buenos Aires and Show

Included in your packages is a local half-day city tour.  Your city tour is 3.5hours and you will be able to visit the main points in the city; these sights include the famous Opera House, the Colon Theatre and the Obelisk, which is a symbol of Buenos Aires.  In the Congress district, you can admire the Legislative Palace, built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Plaza de Mayo (May Square), in the historic heart of Buenos Aires and surrounded by some of the oldest and most important buildings:  The Casa Rosada (Pink House), where the government's executive branch is housed, the historical Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where, inside, lies the remains of the General José de San Martín.  You will also visit La Boca, a typically Italian migrant neighbourhood, with its colourful houses and the famous Caminito walkway, and a museum of Arts in the open air.  Afterwards, there's a visit to Palermo, the residential district, with its magnificent houses and huge Botanical Park.  Afterwards you will visit the wealthy Recoleta district, famous for its cemetery, nightlife, elegant shops and residences in the northern area of Buenos Aires.

You will then have the remainder of the day free and to prepare for your dinner and Tango show later this evening. 

Argentine Tango is a musical genre with a fantastic social and embracing dance to accompany it.  Originating in the 19th century in Buenos Aires, it quickly grew in popularity and spread internationally.   Tonight we have included a spectacular evening dinner and tango show at one of the leading tango venues. Here you will be able to Taste Argentine cuisine specialties accompanied by excellent wines and finish the evening enjoying a Tango and folklore show.

Days 3-4 : Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales

Day 3: Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas

Today you can depart Buenos Aires for the next part of your Argentinean adventure. You will be transferred  from your hotel to the airport to board your flight from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas (flight not included in package price and will be quoted separately) 

When you fly into Patagonia you are instantly rewarded with the sheer beauty of this region and friendly locals.  Snow capped mountain ranges, ice fields, lakes and rivers are only a few elements of this stunning backdrop. Once you have landed you are transferred to your hotel in Punta Arenas. 

Once settled, we have arranged a Punta Arenas city tour which includes passing the Muñoz Gamero Square.  This is followed by a visit to the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, home to a permanent and comprehensive exhibit on the local indigenous population.  Next is a visit the Patagonian Institute (open-air museum) and the botanical gardens, featuring examples of the region's sparse vegetation.  Finally we will travel to the top "Cerro de la Cruz," for the most spectacular landscape view of the city backed by the Strait of Magellan.   You will then be taken back to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Journey from  Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales and Sightseeing Tour

It’s an early start today as you check out of your hotel and transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales by coach.  Once you arrive into Puerto Natales and have checked into your hotel we have included another half day tour to get you better acquainted with this area.

The half day tour includes a journey to Milodon Cave where the remains of a prehistoric animal were found in the last century.  The impressive Andean Massif whose peaks impress all those who visit the park, is surrounded by glaciers such as the Grey glacier, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons such as Pehoe which together with a wide variety of flora and fauna make this one of the best known places in the world for its rich natural beauty.  Upon arrival back to your hotel you have the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Days 5-6 : Torres del Paine

Day 5: Journey from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine

This morning you will be transferred from Puerto Natales to the well known Torres del Paine, a journey of approximately 115kms.   After two days of travel and sightseeing, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and soak up the atmosphere and friendly locals Patagonia has to offer.  Tomorrow the real adventure begins!

Day 6: Sightseeing Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine is with no doubt one of the most spectacular National Parks in the country and one of the primary destinations of choice when visiting Patagonia.  With its populous variety of plants and animals, the National Park was appointed by UNESCO as a world Biosphere reserve in 1978.  To show you just how magical this area is we have included a full day tour of Torres del Paine.  The tour will give you the opportunity to be able to admire the beautiful scenery reflected on the colorful water of Figueroa and Sarmiento Lakes and the typical mountains and heights of the Paine Mountain range formed by Paine Towers, Big Paine, Almirante Nieto Mountain, Indian Head and others. You will also arrive at Hosteria Pehoé located on an island in the middle of Lake Pehoe for lunch.  After lunch, we take an excursion to the Grey lake area, visiting waterfalls, the Paine River, Toro Lake, Sarmiento and Grey Lakes.  Once at Grey Lake you will be able to sight huge detached glacier blocks of ice floating aimlessly on the lake.  The colors of the floating ice blocks will provide the masterly touch to the beautiful scenery created by nature.  Once you have returned back to your hotel the remainder of the evening is at your own leisure.

Days 7-8 : El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier

Day 7: Journey to El Calafate

This morning your journey continues back to Argentina with a transfer to the remote town of El Calafate.  This journey is approximately 3.5 hours and a private transfer allows the journey provides extra comfort and allows you to be able to stop more frequently as there are some spectacular photographic opportunities en route to El Calafate.  Once you arrive into El Calafate you will have the remainder of the day at leisure.  While this town is renowned for its proximity to the impressive grand Moreno glacier it is also the quaint fresh feel about the town that has you captivated.  Take a stroll down the streets and take in some breathtaking scenery and cultural settings. 

Day 8: Walk to Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno glacier is the most fascinating glacier you will ever come across, we have included a full day tour which takes you out to this enormous glacier where you can just stand meters away and hear the ice cracking.   Travelling down to the Perito Moreno glacier we travel into the Patagonian range bordering the southern arm of the Argentinean Lake, covering a distance of 80km between El Calafate and the Glacier. 

We then start travelling down the paths, over the slopes to the face of the glacier and be confronted with one of the most photographed and spectacular glaciers you will ever see.

The sheer size of this glacier will take your breath away and if nature has its way, you may be able to see a section of the ice shelf fall down with bellowing spray as it hits the water below and leaving massive ripples. 

We return to El Calafate late in the afternoon where you can enjoy your last night in El Calafate at your own leisure. 

Days 9-11: Santiago

Day 9: El Calafate to Santiago

This morning your Patagonian adventure concludes.  At the end of this journey you can say "dreams come true".  After El Calfate you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Santiago, Chile.

Arriving into Santiago, Chile you will be amazed at the impressive high-rise architecture and modern city life. Located in the center of the Chile it is a main gateway to many South American attractions. As with any capital city, it is loud and full of bustle but don’t be put off, this is a city of culture and character aplenty, and home to over 5million people so you should be able to find everything you need in this modern day city. The hotels we have selected in this package are centrally located and close to some fantastic Chilean cuisine, don’t forget to try out the wine from this region.

Day 10: Santiago half day tour

To understanding and appreciate this underestimated city we have included a morning city tour of Santiago. The tour includes the Bernardo O Higgins Avenue running east west and dividing the city into two main parts; the providencia district and its commercial center Balmaceda park, San Cristobal hill and the metropolitan park, the forestal park. You will also visit the fine art museum, Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral and Town Hall. Further down is the oldest part of the city with uniquely constructed mansions. On the way we will include the exclusive Union Club, the National Library and the central Santa Lucia hill.

Day 11: Depart Santiago

This morning your insight into Santiago concludes, from here you might be just starting your trip and we suggest going down south to see the amazing Patagonia area or perhaps continue west and see the awe inspiring Iguazu Falls.

Pricing:

3 star from: $ 3795*
4 star from: $ 4145*
5 star from: $ 4595^
*based on Seat in Coach Transfers and Tours (SIC), Private Transfers and Tours available upon request
^based on Private Transfers and Tours where available

Inclusions:

  • Arrival & Departure transfers Buenos Aires
  • 2 nights Buenos Aires in a hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Half day Buenos Aires city tour
  • Buenos Aires Tango show and dinner
  • Breakfast daily
  • Arrival transfer Punta Arenas
  • 1 night Punta Arenas in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Transfer Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
  • 1 night Puerto Natales in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Transfer Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine NP
  • 2 nights Torres del Paine NP in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Full day Torres del Paine NP tour
  • Transfer Torres del Paine NP to El Calafate
  • 2 nights El Calafate in a hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Full day Perito Moreno Glacier tour
  • Arrival & Departure transfer Santiago
  • 2 nights Santiago in a hotel standard of your choice 3 to 5*
  • Half day Santiago city tour

Not included:

  • Flight Buenos Aires – Punta Arenas
  • Flight El Calafate – Santiago  
  • Items of personal nature
  • Drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic
  • Tips to Drivers, guides and Porters 

Airfares

Travel Just 4U has competitive South America Flights to get you to the starting point of your chosen Holiday. Contact one of our travel specialists for a full quotation including airfares, stopovers and any additional travel you wish to organize.

Facts on Argentina:

Population: 39.5million
Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, Guarani, English.
Currency: Argentina Peso (ARS)
Dialling Code: +54
Religion: Roman Catholic (92%), Protestant, Jewish 

Capital City: Buenos Aires
Electricity: Voltage 220V
Time Zone: -3 GMT (daylight saving -2GMT)
Internet: Internet cafes in major cities

 Climate:

Buenos Aires

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Ave Max  C°

29

28

27

22

19

15

16

18

19

22

26

28

Ave Min  C°

19

18

17

13

10

7

8

9

10

12

15

18

Rainy Days

6

5

5

6

6

5

6

7

6

6

6

7


The best time to visit Argentina is in the Spring (September through to November) and in Autumn, (March to May). This is when the jacarandas are in bloom and the temperatures are cool.

Autumn is the best time to visit Mendoza and the lakes districts as the tree leaves are falling, the temperatures are nice and this is also when minimal tourists are around.

The Summer in Buenos Aires is hot and Humid however this is the best time to visit the Patagonia as the weather is mild and more cruises/services are available.

Ski Season runs from mid-June through to mid-October. July and August are the most popular and crowded months on the ski fields.

Visa:

Australian passport holders do not require a tourist visa to enter Argentina. You will however need to hold a valid Australian passport with a minimum of 6months validity when returning back to Australia, a return ticket and staying no longer than 90days in Argentina.

As of the 28th of December 2009 the Argentinean Immigration Department has enforced a US$ 100 reciprocity fee to all Australian National .The fee is valid for a single entry. This fee does not affect Argentinean citizen holding an Australian passport as they will not have to pay this entry fee.

Other nationalities need to contact the Argentina embassy directly to see if they are required to obtain a visa. 

If you are flying to the USA before or after your South American journey you will need to complete a Visa waiver form prior to departing Australia so you can enter the USA. The form will take up to 15minutes to complete and needs to be approved by the consulate otherwise you can be denied entry into the US. The visa waiver form can be obtained from the following website; https.//esta.cbp.dhs.gov 

Local Currency:

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentina Peso (symbol AR$) = 100centavos. Notes are in denominations of AR$100, 50, 20, 10 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of AR$5,2 and 1 and also in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

US Dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist centres. Prices in US Dollars are typically marked with US$ to avoid confusion. But sometimes both the Peso and US dollar is market with $ so just check to make sure. 

Safety in Argentina

Peru is considered a safe country however be vigilant of your surrounding and use common sense by not going into unsafe areas or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. For the most up to date information on Argentina safety visit Smart Traveller.

Facts on Chile

Population: 5.6Million
Official Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Country phone code: +56

Capital city: Santiago
Electricity: 22ov
Time Zone: -4GMT (-3daylight savings)


Climate:

Santiago J F M A M J J A S O N D
Ave min  C° 12 12 10 8 6 4 3 4 6 8 10 11
Ave max  C° 30 29 27 23 17 14 15 16 19 22 25 28
Rainy days 1 1 1 4 8 10 10 9 8 6 3 1


The high season in Chile is from December through to March. Because Chile is such a long country the climate can vary from each destination.

The Torres del Paine and Lakes district is best visited in summer (December to March). During winter time it is hard if not impossible to get around. During Autumn and Spring this is also nice weather to get around and not as busy as the summer months.

If you are keen on skiing then the best time to travel down the south of Chile is July through to late September where there are some amazing ski fiends.

The Atacama Desert can be explored all year, but summer days sizzle and nights are very cold at higher altitudes throughout the year. In the northern part, summer is the rainy season, which usually means an afternoon downpour.

Easter Island is cooler and quieter outside summer; March is an ideal time to visit.

Visa:

Australian passport holders do not require a tourist visa to enter Chile. You will however need to hold a valid Australian passport with a minimum of 6months validity when returning back to Australia, a return ticket and staying no longer that 90days in Chile.

For all other passport holders you will need to contact the Chilean embassy to check if you are required to have a Chilean visa or not.

If you are flying to the USA before or after your South American journey you will need to complete a Visa waiver form prior to departing Australia so you can enter the USA. The form will take up to 15minutes to complete and needs to be approved by the consulate otherwise you can be denied entry into the US

Local Currency

The local currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP; symbol CH$) = 100 centavos. The local symbol is $. Notes are in denominations of CH$20,000, 10,000, 5,00, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of CH$500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 although the $1 is no longer in circulation.

When receiving local currency, ask for small denominations, in smaller towns it’s hard to change large denominations for small purchases. The best places to exchange currency are the foreign exchange bureaus which generally give better exchange rates than the banks and are open longer hours. Don’t change money on the streets as counterfeits are a problem.

Safety in Chile

Chile is considered a safe country however it is becoming a popular travel destination so it always best to be wary of different situations and use common sense. If you are travelling by land expect delays as there are always road blocks. For the most up to date information on Chile safety visit Smart Traveller.