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Peaks and Glaciers of Patagonia
11 days from $5,700 Explore the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia from both the Chilean and Argentinian sides, discovering Torres del Paine National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier with naturalist guides.
HIGHLIGHTS
� Go hiking and horseback riding in Chile’s glorious Torres del Paine National Park.
� Ride a boat to the edge of the Perito Moreno
Glacier and go trekking on the ice itself.
� Experience the timeless culture of the
gauchos when visiting a traditional estancia, or ranch. � Explore Buenos Aires with a local guide, and see a live tango show.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago and head out on a city tour with your guide, visiting its bustling pedestrian streets and the historic Plaza de Armas. Ascend Cerro Santa Lucía for a panoramic view of Santiago and the Andes.
Days 2–4 – Torres del Paine National Park
Fly to Punta Arenas, where a guide from your lodge meets you for the drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Settle into the lodge at the foot of the Paine massif. You’ll have two full days to discover the majestic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park on a variety of guided excursions that suit your pace and interests. Go horseback riding, hiking, or fishing, or explore by 4x4. The next day, consider a boat ride among the icebergs on Lago Grey that will get you up close to the edge of Grey Glacier.
Day 5 – El Calafate, Argentina
Travel by coach into Argentina, arriving in the frontier town of El Calafate. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore the town’s lively main street.
Day 6 – Los Glaciares National Park
Set out on a full-day excursion into Los Glaciares National Park to witness the incomparable Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy a shared boat ride to the glacier face, a vertical ice wall that stretches nearly 15,000 feet across and almost 200 feet high. Later, opt for a guided glacier trek.
Day 7 – El Calafate
This morning, visit an estancia, or ranch, and learn about the culture of the gauchos, Argentina’s cowboys. Go horseback riding and experience life on the Patagonian frontier, then enjoy a traditional barbecue. Return to El Calafate for free time in the afternoon.
Days 8–11 – Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires and discover the historic sites of the Argentinian capital during a shared guided tour the next morning. Venture into lively neighborhoods to get a sense of contemporary life, and soak up the ambiance of San Telmo, the city’s tango district. Your final day is free to spend as you wish, and in the evening, you’ll share a ride to the Carlos Gardel Tango show.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Orly – An
intimate boutique hotel set within a French-style mansion in the heart of Santiago.
Reserva Las
Torres – A warm and comfortable hotel stretched out at the foot of Torres del Paine National Park’s granite towers.
Esplendor by Wyndham El
Calafate – A stylish hotel situated in the center of El Calafate with views over Lake Argentino and the town.
Hotel Pulitzer
A contemporary hotel in the Microcentro district of Buenos Aires with a rooftop bar and pool.
