Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Start Puerto Natales
Arrive in Puerto Natales, the gateway to Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Day 2: Puerto Natales
After breakfast, board a catamaran to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Sail across the fjords, with stops to see penguin colonies, sea lions and waterfalls, then take a short hike at the glaciers.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 3
Day 3: Puerto Natales
Explore Puerto Natales independently. Options include the ship museum, historic centre and Milodon Cave, or a visit to a working estancia to learn about Gaucho life and ride a horse.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Day 4: Puerto Natales
Visit Torres del Paine National Park and hike in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Look out for foxes, condors, deer and possibly pumas.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 5
Day 5: Puerto Natales to El Calafate
After breakfast, cross from Chile to Argentina by public bus, taking in the scenery along the way. Arrive in El Calafate, gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park.
Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 6
Day 6: El Calafate
Visit Los Glaciares National Park and hike in its southern area. Take a boat tour of Perito Moreno Glacier for close-up views of its ice walls.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 7
Day 7: El Calafate to El Chaltén
Travel to El Chaltén, a village in Los Glaciares National Park known as the capital of trekking. Explore the forest trails and mountain scenery.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Day 8: El Chaltén
Trek to the Laguna de los Tres viewpoint, with views of Mount Fitz Roy, the blue lagoon and De los Tres Glacier. Enjoy a final group dinner in El Chaltén.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 9
Day 9: El Chaltén to El Calafate
Share a final group breakfast, then transfer to El Calafate Airport. Travellers staying an extra night in El Calafate can instead be dropped off downtown. The trip concludes here.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Puerto Natales: Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Patagonia. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is going to look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
- Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
- Iguazú Falls: You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
- Iguazú Falls: Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you’ll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
- You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person. The maximum suitcase size is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & weight of 20kg (44lbs). Remember to keep it light as you’ll have to carry and lift your own luggage at times and even walk short distances with it.
- Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it’s common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it’s usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
- Iguazú Falls: Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).
- Buenos Aires: Pack light, but smart. Think: layers for all types of weather, comfy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a daypack, any meds, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and even a circular two-prong power adapter. Don’t worry tho, your Trip Manager will send a full list of things you should pack before your trip starts.
- Puerto Natales: Yes! A 10% tip is standard in restaurants (unless already included). Small tips for hotel porters and service staff are always appreciated.
- Puerto Natales: ATMs are few and far between (especially in Argentina). Some ATMs may not accept foreign cards, and there are withdrawal limits. So just be sure to bring enough cash for the more remote areas.
- Lima: Safety: You’ll stay in expert-picked areas that are safe and convenient. While you’re on your own, it’s best to stick to safe areas, follow your gut & of course, use your common sense (avoid dark alleys, don’t leave valuables unattended, use crosswalks). Water & Food: It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in any of these countries. Stick to bottled water (even for brushing your teeth!). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase them on your trip. Toilets: We’ll make a service stop along the way where you can use a toilet. But remember to toss used toilet paper in the trash, not the toilet (don’t wanna clog it up!) WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available at most accommodations and restaurants, but it can be slow. It’s best to check with your phone provider about international plans.
- Puerto Natales: Unpredictable. Expect sun, wind, and rain all in one day. Remember to dress in layers and be ready for quick weather changes.
- Iguazú Falls: Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
Included Experience
- Puerto Natales: We’ll jump on a catamaran and sail through fjords. Spotting penguins and sea lions on our quest to see the famous glaciers.
- Torres del Paine National Park: If you’re looking for iconic views of mountains, glaciers and lakes to fill your memory and Insta page, this is the place.
- El Calafate: Breathe in that pristine air. Immerse yourself in nature. And get the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- El Chaltén: A trek to the ultimate viewpoint. See the icy blue lagoon. The sparkling glacier. And the jagged peaks that pierce the Patagonian skies.
Operated By
Contiki
Torres del Paine National Park Hike
Hike in Torres del Paine National Park, where granite peaks rise above glacial lakes, rivers and forest. Take in views of the park’s distinctive mountain formations while keeping watch for condors overhead and wildlife such as foxes and deer.
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects some of Chilean Patagonia’s most recognisable landscapes. Changing light brings out the colours of the rock and water, while the possibility of a puma sighting adds to the sense of wildness.
Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Catamaran Cruise
Sail through the fjords near Puerto Natales by catamaran towards the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Watch for penguins and sea lions along the shore, and take in waterfalls spilling down the steep, forested slopes.
Enjoy a short walk near the glaciers for views of their fractured ice and the waterways they help feed. The sheltered channels and glacial scenery reveal a side of Patagonia shaped as much by water as by mountains.
Los Glaciares National Park Hike & Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour
Explore the southern reaches of Los Glaciares National Park on foot, surrounded by Andean mountains, woodland and the open Patagonian steppe. A boat tour beside Perito Moreno Glacier brings you close enough to appreciate the scale and blue tones of its towering ice walls.
The glacier descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field towards Lago Argentino. From the water, its ridges and crevasses offer a striking view of the forces that continue to shape this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Laguna de los Tres Trek
Trek to Laguna de los Tres from the El Chaltén area for a close view of Mount Fitz Roy’s jagged granite skyline. The viewpoint looks across a blue lagoon towards the De los Tres glacier, with mountain scenery throughout the walk.
El Chaltén is known as Argentina’s trekking capital, and this route leads to one of its most celebrated panoramas. The contrast between pale ice, dark rock and clear water makes the viewpoint a highlight of the Argentine Andes.
Patagonian Estancia Visit & Horse Riding
Visit a working Patagonian estancia near Puerto Natales to learn about rural life and the traditions of the gauchos who work on the region’s ranches. An optional horse ride through the countryside offers a different perspective on its wide-open scenery.
Estancias have long been part of Patagonia’s pastoral history, where riding skills remain closely tied to daily work. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; ask your Trip Manager about availability and the riding arrangements.
Patagonia Kayaking
Paddle through Patagonia’s clear waters on an optional kayaking experience, taking in the surrounding scenery from water level. The slower pace offers a chance to notice the colours of the water and the scale of the landscape without the bustle of a larger vessel.
Kayaking is presented as an option on this tour, but the route and location are not specified. It is at additional cost and bookable on tour; check with your Trip Manager for availability, conditions and what is included.