Patagonian Magic (An "active" trip with day hikes and walks)
15 Days / 14 Nights: Argentina & Chile
21st November - 05th December 2027
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Experience the ultimate 14-day South American adventure with Patagonian Magic 2027. This cross-border journey takes you through the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, and deep into the breathtaking glacial landscapes, majestic mountains, and world-class trekking capitals of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia—culminating in the vibrant capital of Santiago.
It is 8 years since OTS last went to Patagonia and it's so exciting to be able to return to one of the great landscapes of the world.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an ACTIVE tour, and will appeal to active good walkers (you know who you are). No technical ability needed, but this is not a coach tour. Unless you are an active walker able to walk 3-4 hours, we suggest choosing an alternative tour over this one. You will need good boots and warm layers for the conditions in Patagonia.

Day 1 – Arrival day: Buenos Aires – Nov 21st

• Arrival & Transfer: Land at Ezeiza (EZE) or AEP International Airport and take an airport taxi or Uber to our hotel in downtown, where we will be ready to greet you. Most long-haul flights into Argentina are overnight, and most of you will arrive in the early morning—time to stow your bags and head out for a walk and coffee until check-in.
• Afternoon Rest: Head back to the hotel. In Buenos Aires, the night doesn't truly begin until late. A 2-hour nap or quiet time is essential to stay awake for the evening tango dinner show.
• Accommodation: Hotel Huinid Obelisco or similar
• Meals: Welcome Dinner and Tango show

Day 2 – Buenos Aires 
Full-Day City Tour: An immersive journey through the capital's rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant culture:

• Plaza de Mayo: Start at the historic square to see the presidential Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• San Telmo & La Boca: Wander through the cobblestone streets of bohemian San Telmo and into the colorful, tango-filled enclave of Caminito.
• Midday Lunch: Enjoy a traditional sit-down lunch at a local steakhouse (parrilla), savoring world-renowned Argentine beef paired with regional wine.
• Afternoon Sights: Drive along the sleek waterfront of Puerto Madero, through the lush parks of Palermo, and culminate in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, famed for its French classical architecture and the iconic Recoleta Cemetery.
• Accommodation: Hotel Huinid Obelisco or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Ushuaia
Morning Flight: Take an early morning flight to Ushuaia (approx. 3 hours 40 minutes). Transfer to the hotel to drop your bags, grab a quick lunch, and layer up (park weather is significantly cooler and windier than the city).

Tierra del Fuego National Park & Tren del Fin del Mundo:
Southern Fuegian Railway: Board the train at the "End of the World" Station for the final 7 km of the historic route used by prisoners a century ago. Pass through the "Tree Cemetery" and stop at La Macarena Station for a view of the Pipo River valley.
National Park Exploration (by road):

• Ensenada Zaratiegui: Home to the southernmost post office.
• Acigami Lake: A stunning glacial lake framed by the Andes.
• Lapataia Bay: The literal end of National Route 3 and the Pan-American Highway.
• Accommodation: Hotel Albatros or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Ushuaia
Morning Navigation: Depart from the Tourist Dock, crossing the Bay of Ushuaia and entering the Beagle Channel through Paso Chico.

• Bird Island: View Skuas, Black-browed Albatross, Steamer Ducks, Cauquenes, Grey Gulls, and Cook Gulls.
• Sea Lion Island: Spot single- and double-haired sea lions.
• Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse: See colonies of Imperial and Rock Shags (Cormorants).
• Martillo Island: View the Magellanic penguin colony from the shore of the catamaran as they nest and raise their young.
• Afternoon: Return to Ushuaia for a free afternoon surrounded by mountain ranges.
• Accommodation: Hotel Albatros
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Ushuaia to El Chaltén

• Morning Transfer: Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, the gateway to the spectacular region of Patagonia.
• Journey to El Chaltén: Board a comfortable shuttle for a scenic 3-hour journey across the Patagonian steppe. Enjoy breathtaking views of pristine landscapes, crystal rivers, and the iconic silhouettes of the Fitz Roy Massif as you approach Argentina’s trekking capital.
• Accommodation: Hostería Paraíso or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – El Chaltén
Recommended Activity: Self-guided hike to Laguna Torre.

• Details: Moderate, 7 to 8 hours, 12 miles round trip.
• Highlight: A classic valley trek leading to an overwhelming site of mountains and glaciers, featuring Cerro Torre—one of the most difficult and extraordinary climbs in the world.
• Accommodation: Hostería Paraíso
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – El Chaltén to El Calafate

• Morning: Enjoy a morning at leisure with a self-guided hike on the well-marked trails of Los Glaciares National Park at your own pace.
• Afternoon Transfer: Board a shuttle for the return journey to El Calafate across the vast Patagonian steppe, enjoying final views of the Andes.
• Accommodation: Hotel Kosten Aike or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - El Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier)

• Full-Day Excursion: Travel along scenic routes bordering Lago Argentino across the Patagonian steppe and native forests into Los Glaciares National Park.
• Glacier Exploration: Explore the extensive network of walkways and panoramic viewpoints offering different perspectives of the massive ice formation. Witness the famous ice-calving events where huge blocks break off and crash into the water below.
• Accommodation: Hotel Kosten Aike
• Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

Day 9 – El Calafate to Cerro Castillo (Chile)

• Morning: Free morning (recommended: visit the Glaciarium ice museum).
• Afternoon Border Crossing: Head to the El Calafate bus station for a shared bus to Chile. The 5-hour journey crosses the Patagonian steppe and international border, arriving in Cerro Castillo, the main gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.
• Accommodation: Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Torres del Paine
Key Stops & Highlights:

• Laguna Amarga & Cascada Paine: Salt-trimmed lake where the three granite towers (Las Torres) reflect in the water, paired with a powerful waterfall drop against the mountain backdrop.
• Nordenskjöld Lookout: Expansive views of the Cuernos del Paine (The Horns) highlighting the color contrast between dark sedimentary caps and light granite centers.
• Salto Grande & Mirador Cuernos: Short hike across a windy plateau to a thundering waterfall and direct views of the French Valley and Paine Grande.
• Lake Pehoé & Hosteria Viewpoint: Turquoise waters contrasting sharply with jagged peaks for postcard-perfect photography.
• Lago Grey & The Icebergs: Cross a suspension bridge over the Pingo River through a Lenga forest to Grey Beach, where giant blue icebergs wash ashore.
• Accommodation: Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Torres del Paine
Morning Boat Trip to Grey Glacier (Subject to weather conditions):

• Depart from the Lago Grey Sector (near Hotel Lago Grey).
• Begin with a walk across a wide, windswept volcanic sand beach to reach the boarding point.
• Board the Grey III catamaran and navigate through the lake's gray, silt-heavy waters, maneuvering around sapphire-blue icebergs.
• Enjoy a close-up approach to the glacier's towering ice walls, which stand approximately 30 meters high.
• Lunch Break: Time for lunch (not included).

Afternoon Hike into the Condor Nest Lookout:

• Route Details: A 2.4-km round-trip route near Lazo, Magallanes. Considered a moderate hike, taking an average of 1 hour.
• Trail Info: Ascends to Mirador Cóndor from the Alto Pehoé area (one of the two alternatives to visit this viewpoint within the park).
• Highlights: The summit offers magnificent views of Lake Pehoé, nearby small lagoons, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the Sierra Baguales. With luck, you might even spot a condor flying overhead!
• Accommodation: Hotel El Ovejero Patagónico
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Torres del Paine to Puerto Varas

• Morning Transit: Transfer from Villa Cerro Castillo to Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales (60 km / 45–60 minute scenic pampa drive featuring rheas and sheep).
• Flight & Transfer: Board a 2-hour northbound flight to Puerto Montt. Take a 30-minute highway transfer as the landscape shifts to German-inspired lakeside architecture.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll along the shore of Lake Llanquihue, Chile’s second-largest lake.
• Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Puerto Varas
Trilogy Tour: Depart Puerto Varas along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
Key Experiences:

• Osorno Volcano: Ascend the winding flanks to the mountain center, with an optional chairlift for aerial views of eternal glaciers and volcanic skylines.
• Petrohué Falls: Witness turquoise glacial waters thundering over ancient black basaltic rock.
• All Saints Lake: Visit the emerald-colored lake framed by the Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes, with time for a short navigation or walk along volcanic sand beaches.
• Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 – Puerto Varas to Santiago

• Morning: Final free morning for a lakeside stroll along Lake Llanquihue or a visit to the local handicraft market.
• Afternoon Flight: Transfer to El Tepual Airport (PMC) for your flight to Santiago.
• Arrival in Santiago: Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace (walk through Lastarria, visit Cerro Santa Lucía for sunset views, or enjoy a glass of Chilean Carmenere). Farewell dinner included.
• Accommodation: Hotel Le Méridien Santiago or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & Goodbye Dinner

Day 15 – Departure day – Dec 5th
Santiago Historic Walking City Tour:

• Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía): Start at the Neptuno Fountain where Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in 1541. Climb to the top for panoramic views of red-tiled roofs framed by the Andes.
• Lastarria & Bellas Artes: Stroll through the bohemian neighborhood known for its European-style architecture and street art, passing the National Museum of Fine Arts.
• Plaza de Armas: Visit the social and historic heart of the capital to see the Metropolitan Cathedral, street performers, and portrait painters.
• Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Optional): Explore an incredible collection of pottery, textiles, and Mapuche wooden totems (chemamüll).
• La Moneda Palace & Constitution Square: Conclude at the seat of the Chilean government and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony with a military brass band (timing permitting).
• Departure: Appropriate time transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, or stay on and continue your adventure in South America.

Inclusions & Pricing
Transfers & Logistics

• All airport transfers in private service, from our arrival hotel to our departure hotel.
• Flight tickets: Buenos Aires – Ushuaia – El Calafate / Puerto Natales – Puerto Montt – Santiago
• Ground transfers: El Calafate – El Chaltén – El Calafate
• Shared bus transfer: El Calafate to Cerro Castillo

Buenos Aires

• 2 nights at Huinid Obelisco (or similar) in a Standard Room, including breakfast
• Walking tour of Buenos Aires
• Dinner Tango Show with shared transfers

Ushuaia

• 2 nights at Hotel Lennox (or similar) in a Standard Room, including breakfast
• Private tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park (including shared train transfer)
• Shared boat tour to the Penguin Colony

El Chaltén

• 2 nights at Hostería Paraíso (or similar) in a Standard Room, including breakfast

El Calafate

• 2 nights at Hotel Kosten Aike (or similar) in a Standard Room, including breakfast
• Private tour to Perito Moreno Glacier

Torres del Paine (Cerro Castillo)

• 3 nights at Hostal El Ovejero, including breakfast
• Private tour in Torres del Paine

Puerto Varas

• 2 nights at Hotel Park Inn, including breakfast
• Private tour in Puerto Varas

Santiago

• 1 night at Hotel Le Méridien
• Private city tour
• Farewell dinner

Not Included

• International air tickets
• Travel insurance
• Local gratuities (discretionary) budget $10pd guide/driver and $15-25pd + Local tour host
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• National Park fees (to be paid locally) Budget $150 per person per tour these are government fees and can change. ($35 El Chalten, $35 Perito Moreno, $40 Torres del Paine, $10 Petrohue Falls, $30 Tierra del Fuego National Park)
• Visas (if applicable)

Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before the departure.

Group cost estimate for Patagonia in 2027.
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USD $6695 pp Twin share.
Plus USD $1300 Private room.

Initial deposit to reserve a place for this OTS adventure is U$500 (over 12 months) with the additional $1000 due at the 12 months mark and balance due 60 days before departure.

You can add extra nights by emailing OTS.
Pre or Post trip at $150 per room per night B&B
Of course feel free to book your own choice and join us on the first day.​

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Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure.