Patagonia Trail
From CAD $4,654
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
Experience Overview
Jagged glaciers, snow-topped peaks, glittering turquoise lakes and lively beech forests make Patagonia one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world. This one explores the Chilean & Argentine sides of this region, where you'll be exploring spectacular national parks, sailing up close to glittering glaciers, spotting flamingos, hiking past blue lagoons and exploring options such as riding horses like a Gaucho and kayaking through crystal clear waters. You've never seen our planet look quite this beautiful.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Puerto Natales: What can I expect when travelling in Patagonia? 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.
- Iguassu Falls: Which currency should I bring? 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).
- Iguassu Falls: What is the role of the Trip Manager? 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.
- How much luggage can I bring? 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.
- Should I be worried about altitude sickness? 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.
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:
- El Calafate: Breathe in that pristine air. Immerse yourself in nature. And get the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- El Chaltén:
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 16967
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 330.938A
Starts: Puerto Natales, Chile
Finishes: El Calafate, Argentina
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,654 ($517 /day)
Itinerary
Puerto Natales is known as the gateway to Patagonia and the iconic Torres Del Paine National Park. Formerly a modest fishing port, this will be our home for the next few days, as we admire the towering granite rocks, bright blue glacial waters and frosted snowy peaks.
Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Today we'll kickstart our Puerto Natales adventures. After breakfast we'll board a catamaran and head to the Balmacede and Serrano glaciers. Along the way to the glaciers we'll glide over the bright azure waters, stopping for views of penguin colonies, sea-lions and rushing waterfalls before we finally reach the glittering glaciers. Here, we'll take a short hike and soak up some jaw-dropping vistas.
Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's your opportunity to explore Puerto Natales for yourself. Check out the ship museum, explore the historic centre, spot condors soaring overhead, discover the Milodon cave or just admire the vibrant colours that paint the sky at sunrise and sunset. There's also an option to enjoy some authentic, rustic Patagonian culture with a visit to an Estancia (working farm) where you can learn about the Gaucho way of life and soak up some scenery atop your very own horse.
Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today it's time for the headline event, Torres Del Paine National Park. Encompassing lakes, rivers, mountains and glaciers, the Chilean Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the most recognisable symbols of Patagonia’s natural beauty, and today we'll hike deep into this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. With 17 hours of daylight during the summer months, watching the Torres Del Paine horns reach into the sky, glowing furious violets and reds as the sun sets, is an experience that has no comparison. Keep a look out for foxes, condors, deer and maybe even the elusive puma.
Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, after breakfast, we'll make the crossing from Chile to Argentina as the locals do - by public bus, with plenty of opportunity to marvel at the staggering scenery all around us. Named after a berry that, according to legend, once eaten guarantees your return to the Patagonian region, El Calafate is the gateway to even more spectacular beauty, namely the gargantuan Perito Moreno Glacier and the Los Glaciares National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Kapenke (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll visit the Los Glaciares National Park. Known as the 'Austral Andes', this is a bonafide natural wonder of the world, with mountains, lakes, woods, glaciers and the arid Patagonia steppe. We'll hike in the southern area of the park, before taking a tour of the Perito Moreno glacier on a boat, getting up close to the epic walls of ice and watching how its blueish tint dyes the sparkling lake below. This is an experience we'll never forget.
Accommodation: Hotel Kapenke (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll head to El Chaltén, a small village in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. Known as the 'capital of trekking' El Chaltén is the perfect place to be immersed in unspoiled nature. Simply walk the magical forest trails and breath the pure mountain air.
Accommodation: Lunajuim Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today is a full day to make the most of El Chaltén. Checking out the rugged, sky-puncturing peaks of Mount Fitz Roy -the most iconic symbols of Patagonia- is a must, and we'll trek to the famous viewpoint of Laguana De los Tres, with the sparkling blue lagoon, granite walls and pure white De los Tres glacier giving us a feast for the eyes unmatched anywhere in the world. We'll have our final group dinner in El Chaltén tonight, still giddy from all that natural beauty.
Accommodation: Lunajuim Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll show each other our favourite photos and say our sad farewells over a final group breakfast together, but we won't forget those Patagonian peaks in a hurry. We complete our journey with a transfer back to the hotel in El Calafate, where our trip ends on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
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