Historic metropolitans, age-old glaciers, otherworldly fjords, raw plains & remote islands teaming with animals– this luxurious yet adventurous journey highlights Argentina & Chile’s legendary capital cities & the spellbinding wilds, natural magic & marvels of Patagonia. Experience culturally vibrant Buenos Aires, the southernmost city in the world Ushuaia, the magnificence glaciers of El Calafate, a prestigious yet unpretentious eco-camp at Lago Toro & the sensuous cosmopolitan city of Santiago on this enchanting voyage led by expert private guide & driver. Travelers will enjoy panoramic city tours, sailing stunning lakes, visiting penguin colonies, hiking remote glaciers, horseback riding, a captivating tango show, a delicious fusion of gourmet Argentinean & Chilean delicacies & palate pleasing regional wines. Featuring elegant hotels, private guide, private transfers, internal flights & more - there is no finer way to experience the enthralling wonders located at the tip of South America.

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Upon arrival by air in to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), Americans and Canadians are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $131 USD for Americans and $70 USD for Canadians. Other nationalities will vary. Upon payment for Americans, cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks, a receipt will be stapled at the back of your passport and is valid for the duration of the passport. Subject to change without notice. For Canadians, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details.

Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Hotel Madero is placed in the wistful and scenic Puerto Madero area, and is a beautiful hotel to stay in while getting to know the fiery city of Buenos Aires. The 197 rooms offer a vast space in which one can relax and unwind, with great views. The culinary skills of the French chef at Madero's Red Resto & Lounge, are showcased via French specialties fused with international. Spend time at the bars, sipping on cocktails, or drop by the pool for a refreshing swim.

Overnight at Hotel Madero.

Ushuaia is the world's second-southernmost city and is located on the southern tip of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Guarded on the north by the Martial mountain range and on the south by the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a key access point to the southern regions. The city and nearby national park is a popular vacation spot for Buenos Aires. Ushuaia is one of the departure points for Antarctic expeditions and for visiting the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver and English speaking Guide.

Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to Ushuaia. Note flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hour.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver.

Los Acebos Hotel in Ushuaia is a modern hotel surrounded by forests and mountains with a view from most areas of the hotel of the Beagle Channel. All 56 rooms are well equipped with modern facilities and room service is available. The on site restaurant serves great international dishes in beautiful surroundings and in a warm friendly atmosphere. The bar serves a variety of drinks, regional and international. Guests can enjoy a drink either in the lounge which has a fireplace or in the games room.

Overnight at Los Acebos Hotel.

We will set off from the tourist pier heading southeast, sailing along Bahía de Ushuaia, with the beautiful view of the capital of Tierra del Fuego behind us. Once in the center of the Beagle Channel, we face the archipelago where Alice Island lies, inhabited by an important colony of imperial cormorants. During the tour, we will have the chance to watch the majestic ‘Ceja Negra Albatrosses’, Scuas and different varieties of seagulls, not to leave aside the beautiful Vapor or Alakush ducks. We sail on through the channel to the east in the direction of the Eclaireus archipelago where Isla de Los Lobos (Seals’ Island) is. At this island, we will watch the two different species of seals: single or double haired. On another island, the lighthouse named after the archipelago was built, and it was precisely in this area where the ‘Buque Crucero Mte. Cervantes’ was shipwrecked in 1930. Continuing east, we will sail between Almanza Port (Argentina) and Williams Port (Chile) to enter the area of Paso Mackinlay and then directly to Martillo Island where the Magellanic smart penguins will be waiting for us. From here, we will start to make our way back to Ushuaia, while having a look at Remolino Island’s coast where Mte. Sarmiento, the passenger and freight vessel lies.

Overnight at Los Acebos Hotel.

Partake in a half day private tour with your own vehicle, driver and guide to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, situated 11 km from Ushuaia. The park was established in 1960 with the intention of protecting the southernmost portion of the sub Antarctic forest and is made up of 63000 hectares. Unlike many other parks, it combines the ocean, forests and mountains. The biological richness of the Tierra del Fuego Island with its beautiful scenery is simply stunning. You can find animals such as red foxes, cauquenes, ducks, Patagonian wood peckers and more than 90 species of birds that are part of the Fuegian fauna, as well as beavers and rabbits, which were introduced to the island by colonizers. The forest is formed by lengas, guindos, ñires and valleys of peat and lichens. Ensenada Bay, Lake Roca and Lapataia Bay (the end of the Pan-American Highway that connects Alaska and Tierra del Fuego) give color to this unique place where we can still find reminders of the ancestral inhabitants: the yámanas. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Los Acebos Hotel.

El Calafate is a little village in Patagonia, Argentina. It is situated in the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, about 320 km Northwest from Río Gallegos. The city is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited in the world) and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, English speaking guide and driver.

Domestic flight between Ushuaia and El Calafate. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hrs

Includes private airport transfer to/from hotel and airport with private vehicle and driver.

Alto Calafate Hotel is fortunate to have are unbelievable view of sunrises and sunsets as the sky takes over the Patagonia region. The 103 rooms are welcoming, with excellent bedding and contemporary furnishings accompanied by gorgeous views. The hotel's chef is responsible for the succulent grilled meats and other specialties which are enjoyed by guests. One may choose to easily take the shuttle bus into town to sample the local restaurants. Make use of the hotel swimming pool, steam room, and sauna, or simply wander the area. The Perito Moreno glacier lies not far off from the hotel, and it is definitely one of the most interesting sights to catch.

Overnight at Alto Calafate Hotel.

Your private driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby to take you on a full day guided excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier (this excursion is lead by a guide and shared with other visitors aboard the ship).

Perito Moreno is one of Argentina's prime touristic attractions. Located only 2 hours away from El Calafate, the 30 km (19 mi) long glacier, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile, and is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit which allows views of both faces, and the surface of the glacier to be seen. There is also a restaurant at the site, if you feel like stopping and having some lunch (not included). Throughout the day your guide will explain the general features of the glacier and give specific details of Glacier Perito Moreno's flora and fauna, and its particular formation.

The return transfer is with your private vehicle, only with the driver, not a guide. There is the option of including an hour and a half ice trekking on the glacier if you wish. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if this is of interest.

Overnight at Alto Calafate Hotel.

Nestled in the core of the Los Glaciares National Park, estancia Cristina unveils its history and its natural environment. Outdoor activities, high Patagonian cuisine and multiple panoramic vantage points are wisely combined into a stay that is second to none. Its privileged location offers the best land access to the Upsala Glacier and the continental ice fields and turns it into a unique haven.

In order to reach estancia Cristina, it is necessary to get on board a luxurious catamaran which leaves from Paraje de la Cruz, 40 kilometers from El Calafate, at the Punta Bandera harbor at 7:45am. The estancia can only be reached through lake transportation. Before reaching destination, the boat sails amid ice floes and impressive landscapes located off the western shores of the Upsala Glacier. One of the most beautiful views of the glacier is its large ice flows floating adrift to the will of the wind along the Northern Arm and across Lake Argentino. The wind, the sun and the rain give shape to them.

Once at the estancia, visitors' dreams come true as they go on exploration trips on 4 x 4 vehicles, on horseback or hike and climb around the area (guides for activities at an extra cost, to be paid locally).

After an intense tour in the surroundings, where they will discover the history of the estancia and the privileged vantage points will show the best of the glacier, travelers will discover the local flora and fauna and then return to the shelter to have lunch. Chef Lorena Papasergio has wisely created a cuisine style that mingles regional flavors with signature cuisine and her dishes have her unquestionable mark. Ingredients are carefully selected. The best Argentinean meat, the Patagonian lamb and tasty smoked cheese stand out in this unique experience for the palate.

After lunch (not included in tour cost), all activities are resumed in order to discover other nooks of this particular estancia. The scientific base of the Instituto del Hielo Continental Patagónico Argentino, the Upsala, Upsala Glacier, Murallón Glacier, Cono Glacier and Nido de Cóndores refuge is visited. Visitors may access the mountain shelter, where they will see ancient radios. They will be amazed to see the view from the Upsala vantage point with a different perspective of the endless glacier. At sunset, the tour returns to the estancia harbor in order to head for Puerto Bandera once again. A snack is served on the boat and passengers are entertained with chocolates as souvenirs.

This excursion takes all day and finishes about 7:45 pm.

Overnight at Alto Calafate Hotel.

Lago del Toro is a lake located in the Magallanes Region in southern Chile. Also known as Lago del Toro or Lago Toro, its etymology comes from the lake's ability to generate 4 m swells due to a long (30 km) fetch and high winds aligned with the long axis of the lake. Locals say that the lake and the nearby mountain Sierra del Toro is named thus because the lake 'is angry a lot' ("porque se enoja mucho!"). Services on the lake include camping and fishing.

Sit back and relax while taking in the stunning scenery as you are transferred from El Calafate to the Eco Camp located in Torres del Paine in shared service, air conditioned coach. The duration is approximately 8 1/2 hours.

Located on the shore of Lake Toro, close to Torres del Paine, in a region of extraordinary beauty, Patagonia Camp is the first luxury camp in Chile. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, ancient forrests, lakes, and turquoise-colored rivers, Patagonia Camp is the ideal place to experience the rugged and wild Patagonian region by combining nature and adventure with comfort and luxury.

Season runs Sept 3, '11 - Apr 30, '12.

Overnight at Patagonia Camp.

The selection of daily excursions offered:

BASE TORRES

Duration 9 hours

Difficulty: High

The van takes an hour and a half driver to where this famous trail starts. The hike begins up hill until we enter the Valle Asencio, where, after a short break, we continue to the second part of the trail where we walk through a native Nothofagus forest. The last part of the trail takes us up a steep moraine that ends at the spectacular base of the towers.

LAGUNA VERDE

Duration 6 hours

Difficulty: Medium

The van takes us to the Estancia Lazo, an excellent example of a typical Patagonian ranch, where we star our hike towards the Paine River. Going through the edge of the beautiful Laguna Verde we continue the trail towards the Mirador Toro, a spectacular lookout point from where we have a stunning view of the Toro Lake and the Patagonian mountain range. Our hike ends downhill where the River Paine and the Toro Lake converges showing an amazing mixture of blue and green colors.

LA PENINSULA

Duration 6 hours

Difficulty: Medium

This hike starts where the Lago Toro converges with Laguna Maravilla. Hiking through a typical puesto Gaucho we start our hike with a great view of the Laguna Maravilla and Salto Maravilla. In the second half of the trail, we walk bordering Bahia Maitenes, where we can observe the different species of flora present in Patagonia. This hike ends, walking through the edge of the Lago Porteño ending up at the Patagonia Camp.

MIRADOR CONDOR

Duration 2 ½ hours

Difficulty: Medium

We take the van to Torres del Paine National Park towards Lago Pehoe. This hike starts in the edge of the lake where the trail goes uphill towards the famous Mirador Condor. During the hike we can observe different species of flora present in the park and if we are lucky we can see the elegant soaring of the Andean Condor. Once in the top of the lookout point, we can observe the magnificence of the Paine Massive and the amazing contrast with the turquoise color of Lago Pehoe.

LAGO SARMIENTO

Duration 2 ½ hours

Difficulty: Medium

This hike starts on a trail that leads to the interesting shores of the Lago Sarmiento. Once we get to the lake we can observe the calcium carbonate formations all along the shoreline making the Lago Sarmiento unique to the park. This is a nice hike where we can observe a few of the different species of birds present in the park. If we are lucky - on the way back we can walk through a herd of Guanacos.

PLAYA GREY

Duration 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

This excursion leads us to one of Torres del Paine National Park's main attractions - the Lago Grey beach and Grey Glacier. First we arrive at the Lago Grey area where, after crossing a hanging bridge over the Pingo River, we will get into a dark Patagonian forest. We will arrive to Lago Grey beach and view the electric blue icebergs that have broken off of Glacier Grey. From here we can see the Grey Glacier in the distance, an enormous, 6km-wide wall of ice.

MIRADOR CUERNOS & SALTO GRANDE

Duration 2 ½ hours

Difficulty: Easy

This excursion takes us to the Salto Grande, a beautiful waterfall that demonstrates all the power and magic of Chilean Patagonia. After a short trek we will arrive to the Mirador Cuernos, a spectacular lookout point with up-close and direct views of the Paine Massif.

MIRADOR EL ESTRIBO

Duration 3 hours

Difficulty: Medium/High

After a 20 minute drive that takes us to the Estancia Complejo Torres del Paine, we start a hike uphill towards the Mirador El Estribo. At the top of this lookout point you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lago Porteño, a beautiful lake, in which its colors go from deep blue to turquoise. With a little bit of luck small herds of Guanacos can be spotted.

MIRADOR TENERIFE

Duration 3 hours

Difficulty: Medium

After a short drive towards Estancia Complejo Torres del Paine, we start walking up to a lookout point of Cerro Tenerife. At this beautiful area we can enjoy the impressive views of the colorful Lago Porteño, the majestic Cerro Castillo and the emblematic Torres del Paine Massif.

LAGUNA AZUL

Duration 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy

After an hour drive, we will star trekking to Laguna Azul, where we will take part in a fairly easy trek along the northern shore of this beautiful lake. From this vantage point we can enjoy spectacular and direct views of the Towers - granite formations that give the name to this spectacular National Park. This excursion is ideal for enjoying the park’s native forests and regional fauna.

Recomendations

Patagonia is very well known for it’s variable weather so we highly recommend taking with you proper trekking gear. We recommend layered clothing, specially rain and/or wind jacket, trekking shoes, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent and a backpack.

Overnight at Patagonia Camp.

Overnight at Patagonia Camp.

Santiago is the capital of Chile, and its largest city. Two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. Santiago has an excellently preserved city square that is very pleasant for a leisurely walk. It also boasts numerous museums, parks, churches and fine restaurants for dining. For a taste of world renown Chilean wines, visit some of the nearby vineyards for day excursions.

Depart from the Patagonia Camp scheduled to depart at 08:00 am. The shared transfer will take you to Punta Arenas, where you may catch your connecting flight or continue your adventure throughout Chile.

Fly directly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Flights are subject to availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver.

Situated in one of the most prestigious areas of Santiago, Plaza el Bosque Park & Suites is a great choice for families and those who like space. The 179 suites are well-appointed, with a small kitchenette and beautiful views of the city. Breakfast is an array of fresh fruits, dairy, pastries and other morning favorites. Dine at any of the numerous restaurants nearby, which serve everything from Chilean traditional dishes to international specialties. Make use of the abundance of facilities, which include a sauna, fitness room, and a games room with pool tables and chess.

Overnight at Plaza El Bosque Park & Suites.

Today is a day when you will experience life as a true local, otherwise known as a “Santiaguino”. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and together you will board one of the most efficient and clean subways in the world, Santiago’s Metro. In it, you will reach the classic and most important subway station in the city, Universidad de Chile where gigantic murals of local artists are displayed showing a piece of Chile’s rich urban culture. Upon exiting the station you will be in the middle of Santiago’s busy downtown. You will walk about the Stock Exchange and the classic streets, having a Santiago traditional coffee experience, in one of the many cafés called “Café con piernas” translated as coffee with legs…you will see firsthand where the name originates from.  After enjoying coffee (not included) we will walk thorough the Paseo Ahumada, viewing the different shops and shoe shine stands and all sorts of local characters. We will arrive to the main square or Plaza de Armas which is a meeting point for several immigrants from neighboring countries. We will visit the Cathedral and try out some of Chile’s classic street food such as Sopaipillas or any snack that you feel like. We will continue walking through Puente Street which is characterized by the large amount of shoe stores where locals shop. We will reach the Mercado Central (local fish Market) where we will see the different types of fish and shellfish that the Pacific Ocean has to offer. In this market we will have lunch at one of the many restaurants enjoyed by locals and generally unknown to tourists. Your guide will be with you at all times explaining local culture and helping you to translate and interact with shop vendors, waiters and anyone you want to meet.

After lunch at Restaurant El Galleon, walk across the Mapocho river to visit the Vega Central (local food market) here you will see the different fruits and vegetables that the fertile lands of Chile offer. After the visit walk through the Bellavista district, also known as the bohemian district where you will enter a local bar to try out a refreshing local drink called “The Terremoto” which translates to the Earthquake (drink is not included). After this stop we will continue to San Cristobal Hill where we will reach the top in the traditional funicular. From the top enjoy a panoramic view of Santiago from which, with your guide, you can track the places visited during the day. Here, your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel after a day of exploring Santiago and being a true “Santiaguino”.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with your private English speaking guide.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).