Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Santiago - 11 days

Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Santiago - 11 days

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$2795

Buenos Aires, Patagonia & Santiago - 11 days

11 Days Starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina and ending in Santiago, Chile

Visiting: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales, Santiago

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2795

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-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 11-day journey through Argentina and Chile, exploring the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Santiago. Begin your adventure in Buenos Aires with a guided tour of its elegant districts and iconic landmarks, followed by a captivating tango show. Journey to El Calafate to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, and enjoy leisure time or optional excursions. Cross into Chile to explore the stunning Torres del Paine National Park and sail the Senoret Channel, spotting dolphins and glaciers. Conclude your trip in Santiago with a walking tour of its historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods. This small group tour includes comfortable accommodations, expert bilingual guides, and a mix of included meals and leisure time, ensuring a perfect balance of guided exploration and personal discovery.

Highlights

  • Buenos Aires - Take in the highlights of the Argentinian capital on a guided tour and enjoy a tango show with dinner and drinks.

  • El Calafate - Explore at your own pace or join optional tours to the surrounding lakes and mountains.

  • Perito Moreno Glacier - Marvel at the world's only expanding glacier from land and sea, with an included visit and boat tour.

  • Torres del Paine National Park - Explore stunning viewpoints and visit the Cueva del Milodon cave on a full day tour.

  • Puerto Natales - Sail the Senoret Channel, spot Magellanic dolphins, and take in the Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers.

  • Santiago - Enjoy a half-day walking tour of the Chilean capital, taking in grand subway stations, local markets, and the Plaza de Armas.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: hotel

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be transferred from the airport to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Buenos Aires or relax before the start of our tour.





Tour Style: This tour is made up of a selection of excursions and activities, with transportation and a choice of standard or superior accommodation. You will have different bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guides for each excursion. Some excursions are on a shared basis, meaning you will be joined by travellers from outside of the group and the group size may exceed 16. Please note: Internal flights are not included in the cost of the tour but we can book these for you on request.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we will explore the Argentinean capital on a half-day guided tour, starting with the elegant districts of Recoleta and Palermo, known for their tree-lined avenues, boutiques, and grand parks. We'll see Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of the city, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as the impressive Colon Opera House and Palace of Congress.





Next, we’ll visit the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, with its cobbled streets and antique markets, before heading to Caminito Street in La Boca, famous for its colourful houses and artistic vibe. Our tour finishes at the vibrant Puerto Madero waterfront, known for its modern culinary scene. Lunch is included after our tour and the afternoon is at leisure for you to further explore Buenos Aires - you will need to make your own way back to the hotel.





Tonight, we enjoy an included Tango show with dinner and drinks. We'll experience an unforgettable evening, with live tango music, a 15-artist performance, and the finest Argentine cuisine, all set in an early 20th-century house.

Day 3: Buenos Aires

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Buenos Aires - El Calafate. This morning after breakfast, we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport for our domestic flight to El Calafate. This flight is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information.





On arrival in El Calafate airport, there is an included transfer to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we will travel to the Perito Moreno Glacier, located 80 km from El Calafate. It is one of the largest glaciers and the only one in the world still advancing. It is the main attraction of Los Glaciares National Park, a 600,000-hectare protected area covered by an ice sheet.





Our journey begins in the Patagonian Andean forest, with a first stop at "Curva de los Suspiros" (Curve of Sighs) for a breathtaking view of this natural wonder. As we approach, we will walk down the catwalks to admire the glacier from various panoramic viewpoints. Up close, we’ll see ice blocks break off and crash into the water, forming beautiful ice floes in Lago Argentino.





After visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, we enjoy an included boat tour, to get even closer to the glacier. We will depart from the port at Bajo de las Sombras Bay, located 7 km from the glacier’s catwalks, and sail towards the southern side of the glacier. Along the way, we will observe ice blocks breaking off from the main glacier and will stop 300 metres from the southern wall of the glacier to admire its immense beauty.





Tonight is spent at our hotel in El Calafate.











Day 5: El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is at leisure in El Calafate. You could spend the day exploring Laguna Nimez Reserve or browsing the local markets. Alternatively, book one of our optional excursions.





3-hour Nativo Experience with lunch or dinner (requires 2 passengers)


Embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure through the Lake Argentino region. Starting at the lake’s shores, our guide will unveil the secrets of the local flora, glaciology, and geology. Marvel at panoramic views from the Punta Bonita Cliffs, explore ancient rock art at an archaeological site, and finish with a unique cave dining experience.





8-hour All Glaciers Navigation


Starting from Punta Bandera Port, 47 km from El Calafate, this 8-hour adventure begins with a sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino. We’ll pass through the Devil’s Mouth funnel into the Upsala Canal, navigating around icebergs from the Upsala Glacier, and continue to the Spegazzini Canal to view the Dry Glacier, Spegazzini Glacier, and the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers.





At Spegazzini Base, we’ll follow a 300-metre forest path with viewpoints of Los Glaciares Bay, leading to the Spegazzini Refuge for lunch and scenic views. For a more challenging option, a medium-difficulty mountain trail offers a trek through wooded paths with natural viewpoints.





We spend another night at our hotel in El Calafate.



























Day 6: El Calafate

Location: El Calafate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

El Calafate - Puerto Natales (Chile). This morning after breakfast, we will take a transfer from the hotel to the Calafate bus station. From there, we will travel by bus to Puerto Natales, Chile.





Upon arrival, a private transfer will take us from the Puerto Natales bus station to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to explore or relax at your leisure.













Day 7: Puerto Natales

Location: Torres del Paine National Park

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast this morning, we will explore two of the most remarkable natural attractions in Chile: Torres del Paine and Milodon. Setting off from Puerto Natales, we will have the chance to experience forests, glacial valleys, mountain ranges, lakes, and, if the weather is on our side, spot condors along the way.





We will make a stop at the Sarmiento Lake viewpoint, offering a perfect opportunity to capture panoramic photos of the Torres del Paine Mountain range, the southern tip of the Andes, and Sarmiento Lake. Another breathtaking view can be enjoyed at the Laguna Amarga viewpoint, a favourite spot for flamingos.





Once inside Torres del Paine National Park, we’ll visit several viewpoints, including those at Lake Nordenskjold, Salto Grande, Pehoe, Puente Weber, and Rio Paine. At Lago Grey, we’ll have time to explore the area on foot. After leaving the park, we will stop at the Grey viewpoint to take in the grandeur of the mountains, the vast expanse of Lake Toro, and, if the weather allows, we will be able to catch a glimpse of the Grey Glacier.





Our day will conclude with a visit to the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument, where we’ll be captivated by the unique local flora and fauna, as well as the caves and the striking rock formation known as the Silla del Diablo. Our tour ends back in Puerto Natales.

Day 8: Puerto Natales

Location: Puerto Natales

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is spent on a 9-hour excursion to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, beginning with a boat tour. Setting sail, we enter the Senoret Channel as we make our way towards Guanaco Island. We hope to spot Magellanic dolphins, condors and cormorants as we cruise. At each point of interest, the boat will stop, allowing us to take in the scenery and its attractions.





We continue to Mount Balmaceda, standing at 2,035 metres, where we can admire the glacier of the same name. We disembark at Puerto Toro to start a one-hour round trip hike along the shore of the Tempanos Lagoon towards the Serrano Glacier, accompanied by our guide.





Our return journey starts with a visit to an estancia (cattle ranch), where we will enjoy a traditional Creole lunch. Then we complete our journey back to Puerto Natales for a well-earned rest.







Day 9: Puerto Natales

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas - Santiago. Today you will be transferred by bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago. This flight is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.





On arrival in Santiago, there is an included transfer to our hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Santiago

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we embark on a half-day walking tour of Santiago. We begin by boarding the subway and exploring some of the most picturesque stations. For instance, the “Universidad de Chile” station is decorated with a mural by a local artist and is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world.





We visit a local market to appreciate Chile’s coastal bounty, reflected in its fish and shellfish, as well as its diverse array of fruits and vegetables. Continuing our walk through Santiago’s downtown, we will reach the Plaza de Armas main square, home to stunning architecture that adorns every corner of the city. During our tour we will also find time to sample local snacks such as empanadas and drinks made from local fruits.





Finally, we explore the Bellavista neighbourhood, known for its charming and colourful streets. After our tour, you can either further explore the city on your own (we recommend a visit to Cerro San Cristobal) or return to the hotel independently.





Today also offers an optional afternoon excursion to Cousino Macul Vineyards.





Half Day Cousino Macul


Cousino Macul is Santiago’s only vineyard, with a history dating back to 1856. Situated in the scenic Pirque Valley, just 45 minutes from the city, its historic main cellar, built in 1870, features a natural ventilation system maintaining a steady 14°C and 75% humidity. We will tour the old cellars with a guide, explore the evolution from 19th-century techniques to modern sustainable practices, and taste three local red wines: Varietal, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.



Day 11: Santiago

Location: Santiago

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour ends after breakfast with hotel check out and an included transfer to the airport in Santiago.

What's Included

  • 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner

    Enjoy 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner during your tour.

  • 10 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 10 nights, with an option to upgrade to 4-5 star accommodations.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers

    Receive airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 11.

  • Expert bi-lingual local guides

    Benefit from the services of expert bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guides for sightseeing.

  • Transportation in modern vehicles

    Travel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, except for one-way public bus tickets from El Calafate to Puerto Natales and Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas.

  • Guided sightseeing in Buenos Aires & Santiago

    Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Buenos Aires and Santiago, with the possibility of joining travelers from outside the group.

  • Tango show with dinner and drinks

    Experience a Tango show with dinner and drinks in Buenos Aires.

  • Perito Moreno Glacier excursion & boat tour

    Participate in an excursion and boat tour to the Perito Moreno Glacier.

  • Torres del Paine full day tour

    Explore Torres del Paine National Park on a full day tour.

  • Estancia visit and lunch

    Visit an estancia (cattle ranch) and enjoy a lunch.

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions are not included and can be booked separately.

  • Domestic Flights

    Domestic flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and Punta Arenas to Santiago are not included, but assistance with booking is available.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

Mode of Transport

Travel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, with public bus tickets for certain routes, and enjoy included airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

Accommodation

Enjoy 10 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 4-5 star accommodations, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your journey.

Age Policy

minimum age 5 years 

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 10 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with an option to upgrade to 4-5 star accommodations.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 11 are included in the tour package.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.

  • Is the tour guided, and in what languages are the guides available?

    Yes, the tour is guided by expert bi-lingual local guides who speak English and Spanish.

  • What is the group size for the included sightseeing tours?

    For some included sightseeing on this tour, you may join travelers from outside the group, and the group size may exceed 16 passengers.

  • Are domestic flights included in the tour package?

    No, domestic flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and from Punta Arenas to Santiago are not included, but assistance with booking these flights is available.

  • What activities are included in Buenos Aires?

    In Buenos Aires, the tour includes a half-day guided city tour and a tango show with dinner and drinks.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier?

    The visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier includes a journey through the Patagonian Andean forest, a walk down catwalks for panoramic views, and a boat tour to get closer to the glacier.

  • What is the itinerary for the Torres del Paine National Park visit?

    The visit to Torres del Paine National Park includes stops at various viewpoints, exploration of the park's natural attractions, and a visit to the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument.

  • What wildlife might I see during the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers excursion?

    During the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers excursion, you may spot Magellanic dolphins, condors, and cormorants.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

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

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 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 on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.