Deserts & Glaciers

Welcome to Buenos Aires. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Alvear Art Hotel 

Squeeze all of Buenos Aires' most visited sights in with an optional morning city tour exploring the cobblestone streets or you may wish to explore the city at your own leisure. 

This evening, enjoy a memorable night out and experience the passion of the Argentine tango! 

Alvear Art Hotel (B/D)

Spend the day at leisure exploring this city steeped in culture and history.

Alvear Art Hotel (B)

Upon hotel check out, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Ushuaia, nicknamed the "End of the World". The Arakur Resort & Spa extends along a spectacular natural balcony situated 800 feet above sea level, surrounded by panoramic views, native forests and natural terraces harmoniously integrated into the environment.

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (B)

Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park and its spectacular scenery on a half-day excursion. The world's southernmost national park features glaciers, lakes, mountains and abundant wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day at leisure. 

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa (B)

Today we transfer to the port and embark M/V Ventus Australis. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. Watch the lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands. 

M/V Ventus Australis (B/D)

Follow in the footsteps of Magellan, Drake and Darwin as you hike secluded beaches, listen to groaning glaciers, explore the lush sub-polar forest, discover elephant seals, penguins and other native creatures, and glimpse what the earth must have been like before human beings. 

M/V Ventus Australis (B/L/D)

This morning we will be entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier.

M/V Ventus Australis (B/L/D)

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound.  From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier.  We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.  In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

M/V Ventus Australis (B/L/D)

This morning we ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions before docking at Punta Arenas. Upon disembarkation, we transfer to explora Patagonia for your extended stay (approx. 4.5hrs). There will be a stop for rest and light lunch along the way. 

explora Patagonia (B/L/D)

Anchored like a white ship on the shores of turquoise Lake Pehoe, explora Patagonia is the only luxury lodge located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park. 

explora Patagonia (B/L/D)

There are many different exploration possibilities within the Park. Each itinerary is a unique experience and adventure, where every detail has its own charm. With over 40 explorations, explora cover all areas in the Park either on foot, horseback, or by van.

explora Patagonia (B/L/D)

Along with its pristine landscapes, Patagonia is home to the peculiar and legendary gaucho culture. 53 km from the hotel, at the 2 de Enero Ranch, you can share a mate with them; the driving of the livestock, horse breaking and other traditional activities on this 6,000-hectare ranch.

explora Patagonia (B/L/D)

explora Patagonia is the only hotel in the area with its own horses, bred and trained especially for horse expeditions. There are 26 horses of different breeds and crosses, raised in the Ibáñez family estate in the central valley of Chile.

explora Patagonia (B/L/D)

We bid farewell to Patagonia as we transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Santiago. On arrival in Santiago, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Cumbres Lastarria (B)

Pleasure your palate with the robust flavors of Chilean wines on a full-day wine-tasting tour of the Casablanca Valley from Santiago. Famed for its agricultural perfection, the splendid scenery and smooth wines of the Casablanca Valley are sure to impress during our visit.

Cumbres Lastarria (B/L)

There's an opportunity to join a guide city tour, or you may wish to explore the city at your leisure. Tonight, we get together for dinner at one of Santiago's local restaurants. 

Cumbres Lastarria (B/D)

At the scheduled time, we transfer to airport for our onward flight to Calama where just an hour's drive away lies explora Atacama. The oasis, the highlands and the desert will surprise you with landscapes that seem to be taken from other worlds, offering endless exploration prospects. 

explora Atacama  (B/D)

The Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is located 2,500 meters above sea level in Chile’s Atacama Desert, which rises from the Pacific Ocean up to the Altiplano, the foothills of the Andes. Atacama is known as the driest place on Earth.

The diversity of the landscape is one of the most popular attractions. The altitude of explorations ranges between 2,800 and over 5,000 meters above sea level; consequently, some activities need prior acclimatization. 

explora Atacama  (B/L/D)

Ride horses through the red land plains and huge sand dunes, visit turquoise lagoons that are located over 4,000 meters above sea level in the highlands, walk through geysers, and follow green riverbeds in an area where water is a limited resource.

explora Atacama  (B/L/D)

After each exploration day you will want to extend your stay to explore more of this wonderful place, hence why we have included five nights at this wonderful destination. 

explora Atacama  (B/L/D)

At schedule time, we transfer back to Calama airport for our onward flight to Santiago. On arrival we will transfer to our accommodation in Santiago.

Cumbres Lastarria (B)

Today at the scheduled time transfer to the airport for your onward flight home. Alternatively you may choose to extend your stay in South America further with an extension to Easter Island.

(B)