Adventures in Patagonia + Iguazu Extension

Small Groups

Chile · Argentina · South America

Trip code: PAI

Adventures in Patagonia + Iguazu Extension

17 daysDiscoveryTrip pace: Full OnMinimum age 16

From

$9,270

Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.

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Your adventure

Adventures in Patagonia + Iguazu Extension

Discover the rugged beauty of the most southerly tip of the Americas on this two-week tour of Patagonia. Journey through Argentina and Chile, witnessing natural wonders from emerald lakes to icy glaciers, and towering mountain ranges. This tour ticks off the colourful capital, Buenos Aires, as well as bucket-list sites such as Torres del Paine, the Beagle Channel, and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Trip highlights

Why we love this trip

Buenos AiresExplore the birthplace of the tango with a tour of Buenos Aires' kaleidoscopic neighbourhoods.

Torres del PaineStay within Chile's stunning national park in the shadow of the stunning Torres del Paine.

Perito Moreno GlacierDon a pair of crampons and take a hike on the ice of this magnificent glacier.

Day by day

Itinerary

Itinerary option2026

Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.

Print Trip Notes for 2026

Today, we'll experience the city as Portenos (Buenos Aires natives), exploring by local bus and on foot. Each neighbourhood of Buenos Aires has its own distinct character, with grand Italianate architecture sitting alongside winding cobbled streets or tree-lined avenues. To get a feel for the heart of the city, we'll walk towards its founding point at the Plaza de Mayo, where the President's dusty-pink mansion is located. Every big event in Buenos Aires's history has been witnessed by the Plaza, from the continued protests of the 'Madres de la Plaza de Mayo', going back to Eva Peron's mass demonstrations in 1945. From here, we'll hop on a bus towards the vibrant neighbourhood of La Boca. Originally settled by Italian migrants, the area is famed for its bright houses, a ramshackle affair of corrugated iron, and the tango dancers who perform in the streets. We'll visit a local 'cafecito' during our tour, taking a traditional Porteno snack of coffee and pastries. We'll end our morning in bohemian San Telmo, with its small one-way streets, historic mansions and walls adorned with street art. Our tour leader will suggest lunch at a traditional restaurant here, for those who wish. It's worth noting that our city tour will last around five hours and will involve several hours of walking to see the city's highlights. This afternoon, you're free to explore more at your own pace. You could stay and explore San Telmo, which is particularly interesting when the antique market takes over the cobbled streets. Or visit Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Argentine luminaries, including Eva Peron. For book lovers, the Ateneo Grand Splendid, set in a converted theatre, is one of the most impressive bookstores in the world. This evening, we'll have an opportunity to enjoy something of Buenos Aires' nightlife, perhaps going to a tango show and soaking up the pulsating rhythms of the Latin dance.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel Principado (or similar) · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

Today we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, located on the Island of Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of the South American continent. Beyond this remote port lies the Beagle Channel and then the open waters of The Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge. This afternoon is free to explore the city as you choose. You may wish to stay on land, visiting the old prison of Ushuaia, now the Maritime Museum and an excellent portrait of the harsh realities of life on these unforgiving oceans. Alternatively, there are two different trips around the coast that allow you to get closer to the awesome nature in this part of the world: 1. Beagle Channel catamaran and penguin spotting. This five-hour excursion sees you taking a catamaran boat from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel, cruising around Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Martillo Island. During the trip, we'll try to spot sea lions, cormorants and other diverse wildlife. At Isla Martillo the catamaran approaches the beach to see the Magellanic Penguin colony. Please note that on this trip there are no landings, but it's a great overview of the incredible scenery in the Beagle Channel. 2. Beagle Channel boat to Sea Lion Island and Bird Island. This last boat trip doesn't take you out to see the penguins, sailing just around the sea lion island and bird island. For those on a budget who may have seen penguins in other places, this is a great option to witness the area's wildlife and the bleak scenery of the Beagle Channel. All excursions here in Ushuaia should be pre-booked before departure, preferably a minimum of three months prior to your trip. We cannot guarantee the availability of any of these excursions at any point. Important note: flight schedules in Argentina change constantly. You may depart in the very early hours for your internal flight, and if so, breakfast will be taken in-flight rather than at the hotel. Alternatively, you may have a longer morning in Buenos Aires and depart in the late afternoon. Due to the changing nature of the flights, boat excursions may take place either on today's free afternoon, or on tomorrow's free afternoon on Day 4 of the trip.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Los Naranjos Hotel (or similar) · Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

We have an active day ahead of us today, as we take on an eight-kilometre wildlife hike from Lake Sarmiento to the Laguna Amarga - a route which allows us to fully appreciate the majestic beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park. At first glance, the area might seem barren but as we wander on, the wide variety of flora and fauna that call it home come to light. It's not unusual to see large numbers of guanacos here, as well as black-necked swans, upland geese, and pink flamingos. We may even be fortunate enough to spot condors in this vast territory of the elusive puma. As well as an abundance of natural sights, there are also more than 20 ancient cliff paintings, which are approximately 6,000 years old, in a hidden spot along the trail. We'll continue by vehicle to the Cascada Paine, a waterfall backed by the jagged peaks of the Torres. From here, we'll continue to drive to the Blue Lagoon, where we can stroll around the beach to admire the towers from the same view that inspired Lady Florence Dixie to call them 'Cleopatra's needles' in her book Across Patagonia in 1880. The 8.5 km / 5.2 mile hike around Lake Sarmiento will take approximately 3.5hrs, with 230m / 755ft of ascent, and 290m / 950ft descent. For those who'd prefer something more challenging, you'll have the option of undertaking the 22-kilometre trek to the base of the Torres del Paine. The entire hike is full of breath-taking panoramas, as you cross glacial lakes, passing through river valleys and mountain forest, culminating in one of the most impressive lookouts in the park, over the spectacular Torres - imposing pinnacles of sharp granite that rise up over 2,600 metres to pierce the sky. The total ascent and descent of the hike is 950 metres, taking us from a starting altitude of 30 metres to the peak of 980 metres, over approximately ten hours. The terrain is hilly, with small and undulating slopes until the last kilometre, which is a steep push to the top. If you'd like to undertake this trek, your local guide will need to know by day two of the trip, in order to ensure that a guide is in place for you. Please also note that the 22-kilometre Torres hike is not included.

Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Hotel Del Paine (or similar) · Torres del Paine NP, ChileComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

Wild horses in front of the Torres Spires

Today you'll fly (unescorted) to Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, where you'll be met by a local guide. During our time in Iguazu, you'll get the chance to visit the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the Iguazu Falls. Set amidst the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional do Iguazú Reserve, the falls are one of nature's finest masterpieces. A cascade of 275 interconnecting falls hurtle over high cliffs into a curved amphitheatre making up the breathtaking sight that extends three kilometres across the Rio Iguazu. Viewed from the Brazilian side, the falls present themselves in all their majestic and powerful glory and the noise is tremendous, with huge clouds of soaking mist being churned up by the cascade. The park itself was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986 and its trails are a paradise for nature lovers. The surrounding spray-soaked forest provides a rich haven for flora and fauna, with over 2,000 plant species and over 400 different types of birds being recorded here, as well as countless mammals, insects, and reptiles. The canopy is alive with an array of brightly plumaged toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and colourful butterflies, whilst the forest floor boasts jaguars, mountain lions, tapirs and capuchin monkeys. Please note, the days in Iguazu are designed as an extension to our Adventures in Patagonia tour, and some of your fellow group members may leave the tour today in Buenos Aires before you fly to Iguazu. Whilst the extension has been designed to complement the Patagonia trip, it's worth noting that there might not be other Explore customers travelling with you. Your transfers and excursions in Iguazu are not private and might be shared with others who are not booked through Explore. Our flights are normally in the morning, and therefore the plan for arrival is to visit the Brazilian side of the falls today. It's approximately a half day visit, usually stopping for lunch at the Brazilian side. If flight schedules change we may rearrange this visit to Day 16 before your flight back to Buenos Aires.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel Saint George (or similar) · Iguazu, ArgentinaComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available

Route overview

Trip map

Activity information

Trip pace

Trip pace: Full On

Included in your trip

What's included

Meals

16 breakfasts
3 dinners

Staff

Driver(s), Local Guide(s), Explore Tour Leader

Transport

Flight
Ferry
Bus

Accommodation

16 nights Comfortable Hotel

Suitability

Is this the trip for you?

We've graded the pace of this trip as full-on and we'll cover a lot of ground to pack in all of Patagonia's highlights. Expect multiple long stretches of travel with drives of five hours or more.
This tour includes one ten-hour day journeying to and crossing the Chilean border. It's worth noting that the journey includes multiple methods of transport, and we can sometimes incur delays at border patrol.
The best way to soak up the stunning scenery on this tour is on foot, so please be aware that whether we're in the beautiful Argentinian capital or the depths of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, there'll be a fair bit of walking involved each day.
While you don't have to be a pro, it's recommended that you're physically fit in order to get the most out of the walks and hikes on this tour.
Adding to the other-worldly scenery of this part of the globe is the ever-changing weather. Here, blue skies can quickly turn to grey, so you should be prepared for all weather including heat, wind and rain.
There are some optional excursions on this trip that will need to be booked in advance due to their popularity. If interested, we recommend booking these as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Argentina is a country famous for its steaks and meat-based meals. It is possible to cater for vegetarians and vegans on this trip, but the variety of food on offer in some places may be limited.

Plan your departure

Dates & prices

Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.

Month

Departure	Return	Price	Booking
24 Oct 2026	09 Nov 2026	$9,270 Solo room$2,200	Call to book
31 Oct 2026	16 Nov 2026	$9,720 Solo room$2,200	Call to book
07 Nov 2026	23 Nov 2026	$10,090 Solo room$2,200	Call to book
28 Nov 2026	14 Dec 2026	$9,440 Solo room$2,200	Call to book
13 Dec 2026	29 Dec 2026	$9,540 Solo room$2,200	Call to book
16 Dec 2026	01 Jan 2027	$9,380Was $9,650 Solo room$2,200	Call to book

Departure

24 Oct 2026

Return 09 Nov 2026

From

$9,270

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Departure

31 Oct 2026

Return 16 Nov 2026

From

$9,720

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Departure

07 Nov 2026

Return 23 Nov 2026

From

$10,090

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Departure

28 Nov 2026

Return 14 Dec 2026

From

$9,440

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Departure

13 Dec 2026

Return 29 Dec 2026

From

$9,540

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Departure

16 Dec 2026

Return 01 Jan 2027

From

$9,380

Was $9,650

Solo room$2,200

Call to book

Practical information

Your questions answered

A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities. Alternatively, take time to relax; the choice is yours.

Argentina is undeniably an expensive destination to visit, and the costs of these optional excursions do show that. However, please remember that at certain destinations there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in.

Day 2 or Day 13: Buenos Aires - Tango Show/Dinner US$ 130, without dinner US$ 70.
Day 3: Ushuaia - ** Please note that the 2 below boat trips need to be pre-paid and are non-refundable. If wishing to do either of the below boat trips we do recommend adding this at the time of booking your trip. Passport copies are also required in order to book these **
1. Beagle Channel Catamaran inc. Penguins viewing £140
2. Beagle Channel boat to Sea Lion Island and Bird Island £79

Day 3 or 4: Ushuaia - End of the World Museum US$7
Day 7: Torres Del Paine - Base Torres trek US$220
Day 8: Torres Del Paine - Boat trip to visit Serrano River and glacier US$ 280;
Day 10: El Calafate - Perito Moreno Ice Trek (please note health restrictions apply to this trek, including an upper age limit of 65 due to Glaciares National Park regulations - please contact our sales team for more information) £360 including transport - this should be be pre-paid at time of booking and is non-refundable, a passport copy is also required in order to book.
Boat trip to Glacier face US$70

Optional excursions can be paid in either USD cash (not dispensed by ATMs in Argentina or Chile), or Argentinian Pesos, at the daily exchange rate. At Torres del Paine, payment is only accepted in USD, and the hotel charges a 19% interest on the use of Chilean Pesos.

Card payments are also accepted. However, suppliers often charge extra for a card payment, up to approximately 10% of the quoted price above.

Please note we require a photocopy of your passport 3 month pre departure. It is essential that you provide Explore with a photo copy of your passport at the time of booking, as this will be required in order to confirm accommodation.

Argentina: Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens.

Chile: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, US, Australian and Canadian citizens.

Brazil: Visas are not required for UK citizens. They are, however, required for Canadian, Australian and US citizens, and must be obtained before visitiing.

Citizens from Canada, Australia and the US can now get their visa for Brazil online. Applications can be done here https://brazil. vfsevisa. com 0

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

USA: (including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta. cbp. dhs. gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel.

Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel.

Please note for your ESTA application you will be required to supply Point of Contact information. Explore' s USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. If you are leaving for the USA before this, please call the Explore team to get this information.(Not necessary if in transit) For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london. usembassy. gov/niv/apply. html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www. cic. gc. ca/english/visit/eta. asp

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. 2

View full guidance in Trip Notes

Chile

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Argentina

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

View full guidance in Trip Notes

Water informationView water guidance in Trip Notes

Government travel adviceView government travel advice in Trip Notes

Adventures in Patagonia + Iguazu Extension

Adventures in Patagonia + Iguazu Extension

Why we love this trip

Itinerary

Trip map

Trip pace

Trip pace

What's included

Meals

Staff

Transport

Accommodation

Is this the trip for you?

Dates & prices

Your questions answered

Local crew

Tour leader

Chile

Argentina

Luggage on tour

Chile

Argentina

Chile

Argentina

Chile

Argentina