Wonders of Patagonia

It's time to Tango your way through beautiful Buenos Aires - your launch pad to the other-worldly southern frontier of Patagonia.

On arrival, your local host will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax or explore the grand boulevards and colourful barrios of Argentina's vibrant capital on your own.

This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for dinner. (D) Stay: Intercontinental

Explore Buenos Aires with your Travel Director, beginning along 9 de Julio Avenue, often called the widest street in the world. See the ornate Colon Theatre before arriving at Plaza de Mayo, the city's historic heart, framed by the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. Step inside the cathedral to view its neoclassical interior.

Continue to the lively district of La Boca, known for its brightly painted houses and the famous Caminito Street. Travel through Palermo's green spaces, lined with lakes and gardens, then head to Recoleta to visit the cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. (B)

An expedition through the extraordinary landscapes of Patagonia begins today as you fly to the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia.

On arrival, explore the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina's southernmost national park on the border of Chile. Join a Local Specialist to delve deep into its natural splendour. Admire its beautiful waterfalls, forests and snow-capped mountains in which the wildlife of this area find sanctuary. Keep a keen eye out for red foxes, condors, eagles and beavers. Come face to face with the biological richness of Tierra del Fuego Island and its incredible scenic beauty, enjoying views over the Beagle Channel at Ensenada Bay, the glacial waters of Roca Lake and the deep waters of Lapataia Bay.

This evening, dinner is served at your hotel on the Beagle Channel, so named for the famous HMS Beagle on which Charles Darwin once sailed the southern seas and saw glaciers for the first time. (B/D) Stay: Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel

This morning, join a Local Specialist and your fellow travellers for a tour of Ushuaia including a visit to the Museo Marítimo y del Presidio, where you'll explore the history of the Prison at the End of the World and learn about the famous prisoners who were incarcerated there.

Later, delve into its history as a former penal colony and missionary base on your own, or consider joining an optional cruise excursion on the Beagle Channel focusing on the scenic archipelago, wildlife and history. Learn about the great shipwrecks of the region, as well as the dogged determination of the first European explorers, who in the 19th century navigated this inhospitable region which has since had a turbulent history.

Consider taking a longer excursion that includes views of lazy colonies of sea lions and Magellanic penguins, which Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first saw in the early 16th century. (B)

Leave the 'End of the World' and fly to El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park with its spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll have a rare opportunity to explore the otherworldly landscape of massive glaciers, interconnected fjords and mountainside glacial lakes over the next few days, but not before perhaps tucking into the Calafate berry after which the town is named to secure your return to this mystical region. (B/D) Stay: Kosten Aike

The day is dedicated to a deep exploration of the striking UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Touring with a Local Specialist, you'll come face-to-face with its arctic-blue and white glaciers that are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field. Discover the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which towers above the icy waters of Lake Argentino. You could perhaps witness massive igloo icebergs plunging into the lake with thunderous force.

Experience the rugged solitude of the windswept steppe and the quiet southern beech forests before heading back to El Calafate for an evening spent at leisure. Consider indulging all your senses savouring the town's famous Patagonian lamb paired with a delectable glass of Argentina's Malbec, or pop into the Glaciarium for a chilly encounter that will warm your polar heart. (B)

After breakfast, embark on an adventure to Puerto Natales, a charming gateway to the stunning landscapes of southern Chilean Patagonia. Your journey begins with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Pingo Salvaje, where you'll learn about the ranch owners' holistic grazing efforts. You'll also be led on a walk to an on-site waterfall, which the farm uses to produce hydraulic energy.

Next, it's off to to the fascinating Milodon Cave with your Local Specialist. Here, German explorer Herman Eberhard discovered evidence of a giant prehistoric ground sloth, along with traces of human habitation dating back to 6000 BC, offering a unique window into ancient life.

Next, explore Rupestre Patagonia Park, which showcases Patagonia's natural and cultural riches. Just a stone's throw from Milodon Cave, this family-owned park features native Patagonian forests and diverse sedimentary rock formations. Alongside a Local Specialist, marvel at stunning eaves and caverns sculpted by glaciers 18,000 years ago. Pause at the Laguna Sofia viewpoint for breathtaking vistas and condor sightings.

Along the way, uncover ancient cave paintings, each inviting your personal interpretation. This enriching day deepens your connection to Patagonia's unique heritage and beauty. (B) Stay: Best Western Patagonia

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This stunning region spans 113,000 hectares and is known for its cascading waterfalls, roaring creeks, shimmering lakes, and jagged mountain spires. Guided by a local specialist, you'll visit Los Cuernos, Lago Pehoe, Salto Grande, the Park Administration (Conaf), and the Lago Grey viewpoint to marvel at the Grey Glacier. Wildlife sightings may include guanacos, foxes, swans, and other fascinating fauna. Then, explore the serene beauty of the must-see Laguna Amarga region.

In the afternoon, observe the Torres towers from the east and discover unique cyanobacteria with stromatolites at the Laguna Amarga caldera. End your day at the Blue Lagoon, known for its striking cerulean waters, encapsulating the untouched beauty of this wilderness. (B/L)

Enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Estancia Tierra de Overjeros, a working ranch in Cerro Castillo owned by Raúl and América. Surrounded by sheep pastures and fruit trees planted by América herself, you'll learn how generations of hard work have shaped life in this remote part of Patagonia. Watch Raúl and his skilled sheepdogs demonstrate how flocks are guided using voice and whistle commands, then see how the wool is prepared for export.

Afterwards, sit down with your hosts for a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue. A welcome drink, regional dishes, homemade dessert and fresh bread with Pebre sauce complete this warm and authentic taste of Chilean country life. (B/L)

Today's exploration takes you by boat up the Rio Serrano, passing the Southern Icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) toward the icy turquoise sheets of the Serrano Glacier. Take some time with a Local Specialist to explore the impressive glacier with a hike through unspoiled, cool rainforest landscapes to Seno Última Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope) where you will see the rest of the Southern Patagonian Icefield. Continue through the fjord by boat with views of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers in the background.

This evening, join your Travel Director and new friends for dinner and toast to an unforgettable expedition to the ends of the earth. (B/L/D)

Depart this morning for the peninsula town of Punta Arenas to board your flight to Santiago International Airport, where your Patagonia adventure ends. Airport arrival will be at 8 p.m., please be aware when booking your onward flights. (B)