Patagonia Highlights: Torres & El Calafate

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Categories: Argentina, Chile, Latam, Multi Country Circuits, Patagonia, South America, South America Circuits

Duration: 6 days

from A$2546

Travel in style through the best of Patagonia, an area boasting some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth and sure to be the highlight of any trip. We take you to a lodge where for 4 days you’ll explore Torres del Paine National Park, an unrivalled landscape of jagged peaks, clear blue lakes, spectacular waterfalls and rivers, thick Magellanic forests, and, no matter where you look, fantastic scenery. Later we cross the border into Argentina to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, with its huge walls of blue ice which dramatically collapse into the lake as it advances

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Spend four days exploring the mighty Torres del Paine National Park whilst staying in a luxury camp, where every detail has been taken care of for you so you can admire the magnificent and wild nature of this region.
- Visit the best of South America’s glaciers, the spectacular Perito Moreno.
- Try local cuisine, including the famous Patagonian lamb.
Itinerary in brief
- Day 1: Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine.
- Day 2 & 3: Torres del Paine activities included.
- Day 4: Torres del Paine – El Calafate.
- Day 5: Perito Moreno glacier tour & Nautical Safari.
- Day 6: El Calafate departure transfer.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Add on a side trip to the trekking mecca of El Chalten with its spectacular mountains.
- Visit Peninsula Valdes, one of the wildlife highlights of Argentina where you can see whales, seals, penguins, orcas and much more.
- Get off the beaten track and consider a self-drive through the mystical Carretera Austral in northern Patagonia.
- If you are after something more active then consider taking on the iconic W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Consult us for our range of options.
Day 1: Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine

From the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas you’ll be transferred to your luxury tented lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll spend the next four days immersing yourself in the extraordinary natural landscapes of Patagonia.

Along the way we pass through the Patagonian steppe, a wide, open, vast territory, before arriving to the lodge in the afternoon.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the spectacular surroundings of your lodge before enjoying a fine barbecue dinner.

Dinner included.

Day 2 & 3: Torres del Paine

Enjoy the next two days with excursions of Torres del Paine that offer some of the most important viewpoints and attractions of this world famous national park.

Your stay includes all meals and activities with several walking excursions available, including Torres Base, Laguna Azul, Lake Grey and several others. The walks are suitable for walkers of varying levels and there are also many other activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding and fishing.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 4: Torres del Paine – El Calafate

After breakfast you will travel across the border into Argentina to El Calafate where you will spend the next two nights. El Calafate is located on Lake Argentino, a green glacial lake covering over 1,600 sqkm. Your afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore the town, where we recommend trying the Patagonian lamb at one of the local restaurants.

Breakfast included.

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier & Nautical Safari

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel for your excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in South America and one of Patagonia’s only advancing glaciers. The glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 metres above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino and a total ice depth of 170 metres.

You’ll go first to the glacier’s less frequented north face to marvel at its splendour. You’ll observe and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Your guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park, and then we’ll continue on to the footbridges and take a break to enjoy the surroundings. You’ll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from a closer viewpoint.

After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we’ll drive back to Calafate where you will spend the evening.

**For those after something a little more adventurous, we can offer a ‘Big Ice’ excursion where you hike into the core of Perito Moreno Glacier and experience its surreal beauty. Let us know if you’d like more details on this excursion.

Breakfast included.

Day 6: El Calafate departure

Enjoy the morning at your leisure before we transfer you to the airport or bus station for your departure. In our opinion, three days isn’t enough to properly experience this area. If you have more time, why not consider adding another night or two to further explore the surrounding area? Other options include tours into the Los Glaciares National Park close to El Chalten or into the Balconies of Calafate.

Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily (September - May)
Suggested Hotels

City

Comfort

Superior

Deluxe

Torres del Paine
Eco Camp (Standard dome)
Eco Camp (Suite dome) Tierra Patagonia

El Calafate
Hosteria Sierra Nevada
Alto Calafate
Xelena Suites

EcoCamp Patagonia
Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.

Eco Camp Patagonia Standard Dome (Shared bathroom)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first geodesic dome hotel room. They are resistant to the strongest Patagonian winds, rains, and snow and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), very cozy fleece blankets, feather quilts and organic elements for decoration. There are round windows in the ceiling to look up at the stars. Standard domes have shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

Eco Camp Patagonia Suite Dome

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

Tierra Patagonia

Tierra Patagonia features 3 suites, 34 superior rooms (10 of which can be interconnected to make family apartments) and 3 standard rooms. All rooms at this luxurious hotel have beautiful views across Lake Sarmiento to the peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The rooms are decorated with authentic Patagonian details and styled to capture the warmth and coziness of being indoors in this wild faraway place.
What's included?
- Accommodation
- Hotel taxes
- Entrance fees
- English-speaking guided tours
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What's not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. Lead in prices are based on the shoulder season whereas during peak season from November to March surcharges apply.
Standard domes at the Eco Camp have shared bathroom facilities.