Patagonia Tours

Patagonia is a vast landscape of soaring mountains, glistening glaciers and crystalline lakes that spans both Chile and Argentina.

It is a region of natural wonders, from the stunning Lakes District near Bariloche to sprawling ice fields and the soaring granite spires of Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy further south.

Our tailor-made Patagonia tours explore this spectacular destination, taking in such highlights as the Perito Merino Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, the dramatic Torres del Paine National Park, and the southern icefields and Tierra del Fuego. On both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, you can encounter amazing marine wildlife such as sea lions, elephant seals, penguins and whales, whilst herds of guanacos and the flightless rhea can be seen on the plains.

Los Glaciares National Park

Spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares NP
Argentina’s renowned Perito Moreno Glacier is located in the southern part of the majestic Los Glaciares National Park on Lake Argentino.

This dynamic and stunning glacier advances every winter and retreats during the summer, regularly calving huge chunks of ice into the turquoise waters of the lake. It is one of the most visited glaciers in South America and easily reached from the town of El Calafate. It is possible to take a mini trek across the ice, or view the glacier from a boat on the lake or from the shore. We recommend taking a boat trip further north on Lake Argentino to see two other spectacular glaciers – the Upsala and the Spegazzini.
Mount Fitz Roy

Los Glaciares National Parka & Mount Fitz Roy
Los Glaciares National Park (Glaciers National Park) is a definite highlight of any trip to South America.

The park is renowned for its majestic and dynamic glaciers which are actually advancing – few others in the world are! This is a destination of breathtaking vistas, rugged, towering mountains, huge glaciers and turquoise terminal lakes such as the beautiful Lake Argentino. Most of the park is covered by the vast Patagonian icefield which includes a total of 47 glaciers and is the largest of its kind outside of Antarctica. The southern part of the park, home to the Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers, is best accessed from the town of El Calafate. The northern part with the Viedma Glacier and the towering granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy is best accessed from the picturesque town of El Chalten.
Torres Del Paine

Stunning Torres Del Paine
Chile’s Torres del Paine offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in South America.

Giant granite peaks, carved by nature into spires of stone, tower over beautiful lakes such as Lago Sarmiento, Lago Grey and Lago del Toro. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978, the national park is perfect for exploring by road, on foot or on horseback. There are a number of excellent lodges in the area including the Hotel Salto Chico, Awasi, the comfortable EcoCamp and Tierra Patagonia. You can also reach the park by boat along the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, via the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. Keen walkers will love the famous W Trek which explores the valleys, glaciers and lakes beneath the Torres.
Peninsula Valdes

The UNESCO protected Peninsula Valdes
If you love wildlife then Patagonia’s Peninsula Valdes offers the chance to see some of the world’s largest marine animals in one small area.

Situated on the wild Atlantic Coast of eastern Argentina, Peninsula Valdes is full of natural inlets and protected beaches which provide shelter for southern right whales, orcas as well as elephant seals, sea lions and Magellenic penguins. From mid February to mid April, the local orcas hunt sea lions, sometimes lunging out of the water and onto the beach to catch their prey. June to December is the best time to see southern right whales but other wildlife can be seen throughout the year. Indigenous species include guanacos, Darwin’s Rhea (related to the ostrich) Patagonian hares and armadillos.
Patagonia Lakes District

The Breathtaking Lakes District
Renowned for its beauty, the Lakes District of northern Patagonia extends from Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue in Chile, to Bariloche on Lake Nahual Huapi in Argentina.

You can traverse this string of lakes by boat and bus on the famous “Crossing the Lakes” tour. Alternatively, stay in the picturesque town of Bariloche and ramble, cycle or horseback ride through the stunning alpine scenery. Bariloche has been called the “Switzerland of Argentina” and offers some outstanding accommodation, such as the famous Llao Llao Hotel & Resort and the El Casco Art Hotel. Further north on the Chilean side, stay at the Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, or escape to the quaint island of Chiloé with its unique cultural heritage.
Patagonia Cruises

Patagonia Cruises
One of the best ways to experience the wonders of Patagonia is by cruise ship along the fjords and waterways of the west coast.

In the relatively temperate wilds of northern Patagonia, you can voyage aboard Skorpios II through the island-studded Gulf of Corcovado to the San Rafael Glacier and lagoon. Further south, Skorpios III sails from Puerto Natales through a labyrinth of fjords to visit the southern hemisphere’s most spectacular collection of tidewater glaciers. If you want to go even farther south, board the Cruceros Australis, which takes in the Beagle Channel and the Magellan Strait, before rounding legendary Cape Horn.

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Chile Overview

Why Chile: When it comes to awesome scenery and untouched wilderness, Chile is hard to beat. From dry deserts to lush forests, gentle lakes and glimmering icefields, this country has it all.

Culture: Chile’s rich, diverse culture is influenced as much by its indigenous and European peoples, as the varied landscape. Art, literature, folk music, dance and festivals are all central to Chilean society.

When to Go: Chile’s climate varies with latitude. The Atacama is dry and sunny, hot in summer and cold at night in winter. Central Chile has a pleasing Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and wet, mild winters. Southern Patagonia receives plenty or rain, with cool, windy summers and cold winters.

Combine With: Neighbouring Argentina, particularly when visiting the Patagonia region. Chile also combines well with Peru, where you can visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu or experience the Amazon rainforest at a secluded eco-lodge.

Getting There: Qantas and LAN fly from Australia via New Zealand to Santiago.

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