Compare Patagonian Highlights by Exodus Travels vs Patagonia: Journey to the End of the World with Easter Island by Globus

Day 1 Start Buenos Aires; walking tour

Our local leader will meet us today for a welcome briefing and to take us on an introductory walking tour of the city. The evening is free for you to visit one of the many excellent restaurants in the capital, many serving the much-revered Argentine steaks. Accommodation: Argenta Tower (or similar)

Day 2 Fly to El Calafate; dive to El Chaltén

This morning, we fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and transfer (approximately three to four hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town has a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breath-taking views of Mount Fitzroy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 3 Los Glaciares National Park; trek to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp

Today we set off for a day of trekking amid incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park. We start with a hike to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp with views of the massif ahead. In the afternoon,  we come out of the forest to trek up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. This is a full day challenging trek over fairly rough terrain with impressive, rugged scenery along the way. Note - We also offer a moderate trek option to take in these storied mountain peaks and scenic beauty of the  parks flora and fauna at a more leisurely pace. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 4 Optional activities; to El Calafate

Today has been left free to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion in the area. In the late afternoon, we transfer (approximately three to four hours) back to El Calafate. Trekking option: 9mi (14km), six hours Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 5 Visit Perito Moreno Glacier; optional boat trip

Today we visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This jagged ice sheet stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation. Every so often, an office block-sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as an iceberg. An optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder. Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 6 Free day in El Calafate

We spend a second day here to explore. We can take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for fantastic views over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) or to Todo Glaciares – this navigation includes Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where glacier pieces float in the water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it. Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)

Day 7 To Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast, we have a long drive (approximately eight to nine hours) across the border into Chile before we arrive in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Torres del Paine (due to local regulations we must change buses at the border). From here, we meet our Chilean guide and drive around some of the park. We may have time after check-in for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine. Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe (or similar)

Day 8 Day hike to the Torres del Paine

Without a doubt, one of the park highlights is the hike up to the base of the Torres del Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking primarily through forests along the Ascencio River valley. This is a full day challenging trek and the last section is steep with rocky terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence.  It is important to recognize that adverse weather conditions can make this walk much harder; your tour leader will give a briefing regarding the trek and answer any questions you may have. Note - We also offer a moderate trek option to take in the majesty of Torres del Paine National Park views, flora and fauna at a more leisurely pace.  Once we finish the treks, we take a transfer (approximately two hours) to Puerto Natales. Accommodation: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie or Hotel Baquedano

Day 9 To Tierra del Fuego

After breakfast, we have free time before a fairly long transfer in the afternoon, through dramatic scenery to Cerro Sombrero. This journey involves a short ferry crossing over the Magellan Straits. We advise you take plenty of water and snacks for the journey (approximately seven to eight hours). In the evening, we'll have dinner together at the hotel in the small town of Cerro Sombrero. Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen (or similar)

Day 10 To Ushuaia, the end of the world

Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) is named after the original inhabitants who lit bonfires to ward off the winter chill. Crossing the island, we'll have views of the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia – the end of the world! This is a long driving day (approximately seven to eight hours) but we use a private bus to make the journey more comfortable. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon depending on weather conditions and traffic. Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 11 Walk in Tierra del Fuego National Park; optional visit to penguin colony

We'll spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking among varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon, there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, sea lions and many species of water bird including a flightless duck. We also enjoy fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it. For those wanting more adventure or not wishing to trek, an optional half-day 4WD excursion is on offer, which takes us deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego, where conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote lakes of Fagnano and Escondido (please note, it is not possible to see penguins on this tour). Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)

Day 12 Fly to Buenos Aires

Depending upon the flight schedule, we may have free time this morning in Ushuaia. There are magnificent views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) or enjoy a last group meal together. Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 End Buenos Aires

Depending on the time of your flight home, you may have another chance to see more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After last night's tango show, you might be tempted to learn a few steps or watch it in the streets and plazas. A visit to the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world, is also possible.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO, CHILE

Welcome to Chile!
Be met by a Globus representative.

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Day 2: SANTIAGO–EASTER ISLAND

Island Intrigue
Fly from Santiago to Easter Island, considered the world’s largest open-air museum, boasting over 400 moai, ruins, and temples. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Check off this bucket list destination when you travel to the most remote island in the world. Located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile, this island is a territory of Chile but, feels more like Polynesia. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans in the 18th Century, the island had been completely decimated of all resources, the population was no larger than 700 people, the now famous moai toppled, and history forgotten. Many mysteries endure around the island’s history.

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Day 3: EASTER ISLAND

Curious Quarries
Your first stop on your private tour will be Ahu Vaihu, where eight large moai lie in ruins. Continue on to Ahu Akahanga. According to legend, this is the burial site of the first king of Easter Island (Hotu Matu’a). Next, at the Rano Raraku quarry, you’ll find 394 statues in various stages of completion. It appears that the moai production was abruptly abandoned, leaving us a frozen snapshot that reveals how the moai were carved out of volcanic rocks. At Ahu Tongariki, see 15 beautifully restored moai, and at Ahu Te Pito Kura, see the largest moai ever transported and erected. Last stop is the beach of Anakena, where King Hotu Matu’a first landed on Rapa Nui. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Over 600 of these massive volcanic rock sculptures pepper the island and many date back to 700 AD. Each of these structures, some close to 40 feet tall and 80 tons, were carved from one single rock. If an imperfection was found, it was abandoned. It remains an enigma how these massive moai were transported from there quarries. Now you get the opportunity to stand next to one and arrive at your own theory!

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Day 4: EASTER ISLAND

Cauldrons & Cryptic Carvings
This morning, your private tour visits the Rano Kau Volcano, with a caldera that contains one of the island’s freshwater lakes. At the nearby ceremonial village of Orongo, see the restored houses and remains of an ancient Ahu. Head to Ana Kai Tagata, an ancient cave with wall paintings on the rock. This afternoon, visit Ahu Akivi, with seven restored moais in the middle of the island. According to legend, the statues represent the seven scouts sent to Easter Island by King Hotu Matu’a. Finally, visit the Puna Pau topknot quarry with its red scoria stone, where the Pukaos on top of the moai were made. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Hear the legend of The Birdman Competition on an excursion to the sacred site of Orongo, where an ancient annual competition began at the sacred site of Orongo and was used to determine the Birdman, a sacred position, for the year. The challenge required contestants (appointed by a sponsor) to descend the steep cliffs from Orongo, swim offshore to an islet, and wait for the first tern egg of the season, and then return it safely to their sponsor at Orongo. Upon delivery of the egg, the sponsor became a leader of the island for the year.

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Day 5: EASTER ISLAND–SANTIAGO

Return to Santiago. (Breakfast)

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Day 6: SANTIAGO

On the Town in Santiago
Today is free for exploring on your own. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Stroll the vibrant streets of Santiago to explore art galleries, museums, shops, and restaurants. Browse the Central Market for traditional Chilean cuisine or take in the views with a hike through the surrounding hillsides. Later, enjoy a night out in any one of the city’s exciting spots in Barrio Bellavista.

Day 7: SANTIAGO

Toasts of the Town
After breakfast, embark on a city tour with a Local Guide who will show you the highlights of this great city of colonial and contemporary contrasts. See the famous Government Palace, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and Santa Lucia Hill. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit La Vega Central Market to learn about traditional Chilean food including steaming pots of cazuela and humitas, similar to tamales! Enjoy a terremoto cocktail (meaning ‘earthquake’ and made of Chilean wine, liqueur, and sorbet) at a local pub before a visit to Cerro San Cristobal for stunning views of Santiago and the Andes. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Visit La Vega Central Market, the area’s largest local market housing more than 2,000 traders selling the most local produce, where. A majority of local restauranteurs source their ingredients. During your visit, discover not only typical Chilean foods but also food from neighbouring countries as well.

Day 8: SANTIAGO–PUNTA ARENAS–PUERTO NATALES

Patagonia Pleasures
Depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan, gateway to Chile's Patagonia. Head to Puerto Natales on a scenic drive through the Patagonian steppe passing rivers, forests, mountains, and ranches. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Your drive today takes you through the Patagonian steppe or desert. Keep an eye out for guanacos (a type of camelid) commonly found in this region, along with condors, fox, chinchilla, and, for the very lucky, the more elusive puma.

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Day 9: PUERTO NATALES–TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Fossils, Flora & Fauna
Visit the legendary Milódon Cave, where prehistoric fossils dating back 14,000 years ago, including those of a saber-toothed tiger and a gigantic sloth weighing over a ton, have been found. Venture into Torres del Paine, one of the most spectacularly scenic regions in the world. During your visits to see the famous sites, including Los Cuernos, Lago Pehoe, and Salto Grande, you are guaranteed to get a glimpse of some of the park’s fauna, such as herds of guanacos, foxes, swans, and birds. Also stop at Lago Grey to see the imposing Grey Glacier, floating icebergs, and the beautiful views and rugged landscapes! Arrive at your hotel for some free time before dinner featuring a season menu including fresh ingredients from the onsite garden. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Spanning a massive area, this park was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes, and jagged mountains are just a part of what Paine offers.

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Day 10: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Peak Perfection
Today, enjoy a full day exploring the park. See Los Cuernos, or “the horns,” the iconic jagged granite peaks that loom over the windswept plains. Next, view the spectacular waterfall, Salto Grande in the park’s lake district. After lunch at the hotel, head to the Laguna Azul where you have a good chance of seeing some of the park’s wildlife, including guanacos and condors. End the day at Cascada Paine, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by rugged vistas. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Discover the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine, considered by many who visit to be the world's most spectacular national park. From its dramatic and jagged peaks to the deep blue lakes and vast grasslands, its glacial lakes and rivers will sweep you away into a world unlike any other.

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Day 11: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK–EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA

Earthly Treasures
After breakfast, take an easy guided hike to Laguna Ines in search of an array of birds and other wildlife that can be found here. Next, depart for El Calafate, a lovely village on the southern shores of Lake Argentino. Originally a simple sheltering destination for wool traders, today El Calafate serves as the entry point for the UNESCO Natural Heritage Site of Los Glaciares National Park. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Leave Chile today for Argentina and its breathtaking Patagonian landscapes. Sit back and relax today as you cross the border while admiring the rugged landscape, glacial lakes, and maybe even some Patagonian wildlife.

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Day 12: EL CALAFATE. CRUISE TO UPSALA AND SPEGAZZINI GLACIERS

Ice Sculpture & Lake Shores
Today, a cruise on Lago Argentino takes you up close for views of icebergs and Upsala Glacier, one of the longest in South America at over 35 miles long. Continue cruising through Northern and Spegazzini Canals to the base of the Spegazzini Glacier. Disembark for a leisurely trek along the lakeshore, to a backcountry Refugio (backcountry mountain hut) for a lunch amongst the towering peaks and hanging glaciers. Later, return to El Calafate for an evening at leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ADVENTURE AWAITS Explore the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers (the tallest in the national park) up close, as well as the Seco, Heim, and Peineta glaciers, as you cruise through the Bay of Glaciers. Located on the majestic Lago Argentino, with water so placid it reflects the large Southern Patagonian Ice Field glaciers and surrounding Andes Mountain Range. Learn about glaciology, the history, and the fauna of this remote area. Disembark for a short trek to the Spegazzini Refugio for a backcountry lunch. Take in the awe-inspiring views as you enjoy the exquisite 3-course regional lunch.

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Day 13: EL CALAFATE. EXCURSION TO PERITO MORENO GLACIER

Ice Breakers
A must for all visitors to Argentina is a visit to Perito Moreno Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Los Glaciares National Park. During your walking tour along the catwalks, marvel at the breathtaking glacier views and, with some luck, see the ice calve and break into the waters below. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS Explore Perito Moreno Glacier, which forms part of the Patagonian Continental Ice Field. From here, 13 glaciers descend on the Atlantic side to flow into the Viedma and Argentino Lakes with one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing.

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Day 14: EL CALAFATE–USHUAIA

A Wilderness at the End of the World
After breakfast, fly to Ushuaia, Argentina—the end of the world! You’ll have the opportunity to see the Andes Mountains from a [LF] cruise along Beagle Channel. Bask in the feeling of being in the southernmost city in the world, and watch for sea lions, albatrosses, skuas, and other interesting Patagonian fauna. Arrive at Martillo Island, where you have the chance to see a colony of Magellan penguins! (Breakfast)

LOCAL FAVORITE
WILD WONDERS Visit Martillo Island, home to a colony of Magellanic penguins on an island in Tierra del Fuego. Discover the burrows and nests in the ground and learn about the different types of penguins found in this remote part of the world.

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Day 15: USHUAIA. TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION

A Fragile Land of Fire
Today, discover Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost national park in the world. Hike around the park, escorted by an expert Naturalist. With stops at Bahia Lapataia, Lago Roca, and Bahia Ensenada, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems here. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the southernmost national park in the world and all its wonders in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Look skyward to spot any of the 50 fascinating bird species who call this paradise home, including Magellanic woodpecker, Andean condor, and austral parakeet. Closer to earth, you’ll watch for other inhabitants like red foxes, muskrats, and guanaco.

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Day 16: USHUAIA–BUENOS AIRES

The Boulevards of Buenos Aires
Fly to Buenos Aires today, the “Paris of South America” and capital of Argentina. Fabulous food, shopping, and architecture all converge here to create a distinctly Latin vibe. Tonight, enjoy [LF] Argentinian dinner party with local specialties and wine. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Tonight’s dinner is an Argentine Experience! Enjoy a five-course dinner of Argentina’s most famous food (including steak) paired with a variety of the region’s wines. You will also learn how to make your own empanada along with the different folding techniques as well.

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Day 17: BUENOS AIRES

Dinner, Dancing & Dazzling
Your included sightseeing this morning starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave at the mouth of the river and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and as a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. Start with a [LF] dance lesson, followed by a farewell dinner of Argentine steaks and other local specialties, and end with a show featuring flawless performances of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEMS The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand and tonight you will visit a local milonga, or tango house, where professional tango dancers teach the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After learning some of the key dance moves, the professionals will delight you in Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages. Plus, dine on Argentine specialties and wine too!

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Day 18: BUENOS AIRES

Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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