Active Patagonia 2024/2025 (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay)

Flight to Buenos Aires

Our Patagonia adventure begins with baggage check-in and a flight to Buenos Aires. Get ready to explore this awe-inspiring region of South America.

Buenos Aires

Today’s itinerary unfolds as we embark on an exploration of Buenos Aires. Our journey takes us through the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca and the picturesque streets of San Telmo. A visit to the iconic Cathedral and Plaza de Mayo will offer cultural insights.

Continuing our exploration, we will venture into the Recoleta district, where we’ll discover the renowned cemetery, the final resting place of notable figures such as Evita Peron.

Following this comprehensive tour, we will retreat to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.

Colonia Del Sacramento

On this day, we will embark on a ferry journey to a quaint colonial town situated in the southern region of Uruguay, approximately 175 km south of the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.

Colonia del Sacramento, a veritable gem of Uruguay, boasts a historical center adorned with cobbled streets, founded by the Portuguese in 1680.

Upon concluding our exploration of this historical town, we will return to Buenos Aires via passenger ferry for a comfortable overnight stay.

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Today marks our departure from Buenos Aires as we board a flight to Ushuaia, renowned as the ‘End of the World’ city, situated at the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego.

Upon arrival, our journey continues with an exploration of Tierra del Fuego National Park, revealing a landscape adorned with snow-capped peaks, peat bogs, verdant valleys, meandering rivers, and pristine lakes.

The itinerary includes a visit to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Beagle Channel. Throughout the tour, short walks will offer glimpses of Lapataia Bay, Ensenada Bay, and Acigami Lake, enhancing our appreciation of this remarkable natural environment.

Boat Trip on the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chaltén

In the morning, our day begins with a captivating boat excursion on the Beagle Channel. This maritime journey encompasses a passage by the renowned Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, affording opportunities to observe various bird species, including cormorants, and witness resting sea lions. After an enriching four-hour experience, we return to Ushuaia.

In the afternoon, we bid adieu to Tierra del Fuego, proceeding to the airport for a flight to El Calafate. Upon landing, a seamless transfer takes us to El Chaltén. Nestled at the base of Cerro Fitz Roy and surrounded by glaciers, lakes, and forests, this town stands as a natural gem within the Patagonian landscape.

Our route along the legendary Ruta 40 leads us through the terrain where infamous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid sought refuge during their escapades. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the hotel, promising both comfort and immersion in the stunning Patagonian surroundings.

Cerro Fitz Roy

Following breakfast, our day unfolds with a journey along one of the most remarkable and indelible mountain trails in Patagonia. Winding through breathtaking landscapes and verdant forests, the trail culminates at a vantage point situated at the base of Cerro Fitz Roy.

Although boasting a relatively moderate absolute height, Cerro Fitz Roy’s walls soar to heights of 2300 meters, rendering it a challenging ascent requiring significant technical expertise, exacerbated by unpredictable weather conditions.

For those who prefer an alternative to extensive hiking, an option for a boat trip on Laguna Desierto is available. Kindly inform the office in advance if you wish to avail of this alternative.

Trail Details:

• Difficulty Level: 3/5
• Distance: 17 km
• Estimated Time: 8-9 hours

El Chaltén, El Calafate

Following breakfast, we take our leave of El Chaltén and journey towards El Calafate, situated on the shores of Lake Argentino. Renowned for its sheep farming and serving as a prominent tourist hub, El Calafate attracts numerous visitors eager to explore the wonders of Los Glaciares National Park, which features three notable glaciers, including the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.

Upon arrival in El Calafate, we transfer to the hotel, affording some leisure time for relaxation. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Perito Moreno

In the morning, our journey takes us to Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park, where we will encounter the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. This awe-inspiring natural wonder offers a captivating spectacle as ice chunks break off, showcasing the glacier’s perpetual movement.

In the afternoon, we return to El Calafate for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel. For those seeking additional experiences, an optional boat trip to the face of the glacier is available at an approximate cost of $30 per person.

Moreover, for the adventurous and resilient, the option of Mini Trekking or Big Ice Trekking on the glacier is presented, guided by qualified instructors. Interest in participation should be communicated prior to departure, and the associated cost will be confirmed accordingly.

El Calafate, Puerto Natales

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to the Argentine sector of Patagonia, crossing the border into Chile as we make our way to Puerto Natales—a picturesque town situated alongside the renowned Last Hope Sound, known as “Ultima Esperanza.”

Upon arrival, there is an opportunity to unwind and explore the charms of the town. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Torres Del Paine National Park

Following breakfast, we commence a full-day exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, captivating every visitor with its breathtaking beauty.

Throughout the excursion, we will visit notable landmarks, including Cueva del Milodon, renowned for the discovery of remains belonging to the extinct giant sloth, Mylodon Darwini.

Our journey continues to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Lake Nordenskjold, the ice-filled Lago Grey, and a trek to a vantage point overlooking the impressive Grey Glacier.

En route, we pause at a viewpoint showcasing Lago Pehoe with a stunning backdrop of the majestic Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande.

Concluding our visit to the park, we stop at the Cascada Paine waterfall before returning to Puerto Natales. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Base las Torres

Today, we embark on a challenging trail renowned for its significance within Torres del Paine National Park – the journey to Base las Torres.

Commencing our ascent from Hosteria las Torres, we navigate through Valle Ascencio, crossing the Ascencio River.

Descending to Refugio El Chileno, the terrain transitions from pre-Andean matorral vegetation to a dense forest cover.

The final segment proves to be the most demanding, covering 0.8 km in approximately 45 minutes, leading to the Las Torres viewpoint, offering a stunning perspective of three colossal granite towers.

Following a well-deserved rest, we retrace our steps toward Hosteria Las Torres, culminating our day’s adventure. The return journey concludes in Puerto Natales.

Trail Details:

• Difficulty Level: 4/5
• Distance: 20 km
• Estimated Time: 8-9 hours

Cruise to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

In the morning, we will embark on a cruise to the Ultima Esperanza fjords at the foot of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

First, we will reach Monte Balmaceda and the glacier, and then continue the journey to Puerto Toro. Upon returning to the boat, we will enjoy a unique aperitif made from glacier ice. Afterward, we will return to Puerto Natales.

We will then travel to the capital of Chilean Patagonia, Punta Arenas. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Sailing to Isla Magdalena, Punta Arenas, Santiago de Chile

After an early breakfast, we will embark on a cruise through the Magellan Strait. During the cruise, we will also circumnavigate Marta Island, which is home to sea lions.

After these exciting moments and returning to the shore, we will head to Punta Arenas for lunch and some final souvenir shopping. Then, we have a flight to Santiago de Chile. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Santiago de Chile

Following the morning exploration of Santiago de Chile, a seamless transfer to the airport is arranged, facilitating your departure for a late evening flight homeward.

Departure from Santiago de Chile

Arrival in Chicago and farewell to the group. We invite you to join us on future adventures with Rek Travel Adventure. Perhaps Kilimanjaro next time?

Active Patagonia 2024 (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay)