Patagonia Trail

Patagonia Trail

149 Views
9 Days From

$3589

$3410

Patagonia Trail

9 Days Starting in Puerto Natales, Chile and ending in El Calafate, Argentina

Visiting: Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine National Park, El Calafate, El Chaltén

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

PATA19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3589 $3410 Operator discount: -$179

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia with the "Patagonia Trail" tour. This adventure takes you through the stunning terrains of Chile and Argentina, starting in Puerto Natales, the gateway to the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. Sail on a catamaran to witness the majestic Balmacede and Serrano glaciers, and explore the vibrant wildlife, including penguins and sea lions. Discover the historic charm of Puerto Natales and the natural wonders of Torres del Paine. Cross into Argentina to marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and trek the magical trails of El Chaltén, the 'capital of trekking'. Experience the awe-inspiring views of Mount Fitz Roy and the sparkling Laguna De los Tres. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and included meals, this tour promises an immersive experience in one of the world's most pristine natural environments.

Highlights

  • Puerto Natales: Sail through fjords on a catamaran, spotting penguins and sea lions, and visit the famous glaciers.

  • Torres del Paine National Park: Experience iconic views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes.

  • El Calafate: Enjoy pristine air and stunning views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Los Glaciares National Park: Hike and take a boat tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • El Chaltén: Explore the 'capital of trekking' with magical forest trails and pure mountain air.

  • Mount Fitz Roy: Trek to the famous viewpoint of Laguna De los Tres with its sparkling blue lagoon and granite walls.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Puerto Natales

Location: Puerto Natales

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 2: Puerto Natales

Location: Puerto Natales

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 3: Puerto Natales

Location: Puerto Natales

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's your opportunity to explore Puerto Natales for yourself. Check out the ship museum, explore the historic center, spot condors soaring overhead, discover the Milodon cave or just admire the vibrant colors 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.

Day 4: Puerto Natales

Location: Torres Del Paine National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vendaval (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 5: Puerto Natales To El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kapenke (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 6: El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kapenke (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 7: El Calafate To El Chaltén

Location: El Chaltén

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lunajuim Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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, or opt for an ice climbing lesson for an adventure like no other.

Day 8: El Chaltén

Location: El Chaltén

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lunajuim Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 9: El Chaltén To El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll show each other our favorite 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.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Meals included as per the itinerary: breakfast daily, some lunches, and some dinners.

  • Transportation

    Transportation by public bus from Puerto Natales to El Calafate.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours and hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, and El Chaltén.

  • Catamaran Excursion

    Catamaran excursion to Balmacede and Serrano glaciers, including views of penguin colonies, sea lions, and waterfalls.

  • Boat Tour

    Boat tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation at Hotel Vendaval (or similar) in Puerto Natales, Hotel Cyan Calafate (or similar) in El Calafate, and Lunajuim Hotel (or similar) in El Chaltén.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as ice climbing lessons in El Chaltén and visits to an Estancia in Puerto Natales are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)

Active

  • El Calafate:

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.

Nature

  • 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: Breathe in that pristine air. Immerse yourself in nature. And get the best views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Check out our Q&As

  • What wildlife can I expect to see during the Patagonia Trail tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including penguins, sea lions, condors, foxes, deer, and possibly even the elusive puma. The catamaran excursion offers views of penguin colonies and sea lions, while Torres del Paine National Park is home to condors, foxes, and deer.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation during the tour includes a public bus from Puerto Natales to El Calafate. Additionally, there is a catamaran excursion to the Balmacede and Serrano glaciers and a boat tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Are meals included in the Patagonia Trail tour?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. You will have breakfast daily, some lunches, and some dinners included in the tour package.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at Hotel Vendaval (or similar) in Puerto Natales, Hotel Cyan Calafate (or similar) in El Calafate, and Lunajuim Hotel (or similar) in El Chaltén.

  • What activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes guided tours and hikes in Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park, and El Chaltén. There is also a catamaran excursion to the Balmacede and Serrano glaciers and a boat tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as ice climbing lessons in El Chaltén and visits to an Estancia in Puerto Natales, which are not included in the tour package.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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