Giants of land and sea
in the Kingdom of Fjords and Fire
Let yourself be transported for 18 days in the intimacy of the landscapes of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia: from the icy fjords of the south to the traditional estancias and unspoiled national parks. Through several sailings on the southern waters, explore the wild shores to Tierra del Fuego and observe marine fauna, including whales. Each step has been meticulously orchestrated to offer you an authentic Patagonian experience, at the edge of the world.
You will love
Exploring the Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the footsteps of humpback whales
Stroll to the Estancia Cerro Guido, an authentic traditional Patagonian farmhouse founded at the end of the 19th century
Meet the Magellanic penguins that live in a colony near Ushuaia
An expert behind every idea
Itinerary
Recommendation: fully customizable to your preferences
Welcome to Chile! As soon as you arrive at Santiago airport, a private driver is waiting to take you to your hotel. Once settled, an English-speaking guide opens the doors of the Chilean capital, nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains.
Your visit begins with the historic heart: the Plaza de Armas, where the city's emblematic buildings stand. Admire the La Moneda Presidential Palace with its neoclassical façade, the earth-toned Casa Colorada and the San Francisco Church, the oldest religious building in Santiago. Santa Lucía Park, from its heights, provides a superb panorama of the city and the surrounding mountains.
To end this first day, choose between the effervescence of the Bellavista district, the gastronomic sophistication of Lastarria or the bohemian atmosphere of the Italia district.
A private drive takes you this morning to the Pacific coast to reach Valparaíso. This port city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals its charms to you thanks to a local English-speaking expert.
The Plaza Sotomayor opens up before you with its imposing monument to the heroes of the Pacific War. The Naval Museum immerses you in Chile's maritime history, while the historic Reina Victoria Elevator transports you to the heights of the city. The steep streets of Valparaíso are a real open-air museum where frescoes and graffiti colour the facades.
In the afternoon, soak up the bohemian and artistic atmosphere that the city is famous for, before heading back to your hotel for an evening lulled by the murmur of the ocean.
The morning begins with a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, a private driver awaits you to take you to your hotel in the heart of this southern city.
Enjoy your free afternoon to explore Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world. Its European-inspired architecture is a testament to its rich trading past and the influence of early settlers. The central square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero, is home to the monument to Magellan, while the Palacio Sara Braun illustrates the opulence of the time of the great landowners. The docks offer breathtaking views of the Strait of Magellan, the legendary seaway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.
The Regional Museum of Magallanes traces the history of this region marked by gold mining and sheep farming, activities that have created its unique identity, between land and sea.
A three-day maritime adventure begins today.
Your driver takes you to the port where your navigation through the legendary Strait of Magellan begins. The cold waters of this region are home to exceptional marine fauna, including the elegant southern dolphins that you will surely have the chance to observe.
Your boat passes by several historical sites: Fuerte Bulnes, a fortress dating back to 1843 that marks the first Chilean settlement in the region, the San Isidro lighthouse guiding ships for more than a century, and Cape Froward, the southernmost continental point of the Americas. The journey continues to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a sanctuary for humpback whales.
At the end of the day, you will disembark on Carlos III Island. Its base camp welcomes you for the night, nestled in the heart of a unique ecosystem where sub-Antarctic flora flourishes despite the extreme conditions.
After an invigorating breakfast facing the strait, you will board the Esturion II motorboat for another day of marine exploration. As you sail, the landscapes pass before your eyes: steep cliffs, rocky islets and distant glaciers.
A tasty lunch is served on board as you glide across the calm waters of the marine park. The afternoon is spent watching the area's iconic wildlife: towering humpback whales move majestically through their natural habitat, while a noisy colony of sea lions bask on the rocks. In the Barbara Channel, Magellanic penguins, recognizable by their characteristic black stripe, dive with agility in search of food.
The morning is devoted to a last navigation in the marine park. This final excursion gives you another chance to observe humpback whales, the giants of the seas that come to feed in these krill-rich waters.
Their spectacular jumps and the powerful blast gushing from their blowhole create an unforgettable sight. Magellanic penguins, faithful inhabitants of these southern coasts, also accompany you, parading in organized groups on the surface of the water or parading on the rocky shores.
Upon your return to Punta Arenas, a private transfer takes you to your hotel. The evening is free to rest or take a more stroll through this historic city, gateway to Antarctica.
This morning, a vehicle takes you to the Estancia Cerro Guido, an authentic traditional Patagonian farmhouse. Founded in the late 19th century by European pioneers, this property once spanned more than 100,000 hectares, making it the largest estancia in Chile.
The estancia has preserved its livestock activity and preserved its original facilities, showing the century-old pastoral lifestyle. You discover the small school that welcomed the children of the workers, maintaining the social link within this isolated community. The Casa Patronale, the main residence classified as a cultural heritage, opens its doors to you for a dive into the history of these southern lands.
In the afternoon, a guide will show you the secrets of the property, telling you about the epic of the first settlers and the evolution of livestock farming in this region with extreme conditions.
Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the emblematic landscapes of Patagonia today. This day takes you from the vast glacial expanses to the endless steppes where many animals live.
The tour begins with a departure from the estancia to Lake Toro, the largest body of fresh water in the region. You then enter the Torres del Paine National Park from the south. The panoramas follow one another: mountains with sharp peaks, primary forests, turquoise lakes and thousand-year-old glaciers.
A hike takes you to the shores of Lake Grey, where towering icebergs float from the eponymous glacier. After an invigorating lunch near the crystal clear waters of Lake Pehoe, you will discover the spectacular Salto Grande, a waterfall connecting two emblematic lakes of the park.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the lookouts overlooking Lake Nördenskjold and Lake Sarmiento, with breathtaking views of the famous "Torres" that gave the park its name. Before returning to Cerro Guido via Laguna Amarga, a final stop at the Cascada Paine completes this day of immersion in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
The morning is dedicated to an activity of your choice in the estancia. Horseback riding enthusiasts can opt for a horseback ride in the vast Patagonian plains, an authentic experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of the gauchos of yesteryear.
In the afternoon, a private transfer takes you from the estancia to Puerto Natales. This charming port town is located on the shores of the Ultima Esperanza fjord. Its colourful houses with corrugated iron roofs and cobbled streets give it a unique character, between tradition and modernity.
The peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Natales invites you to stroll along its coastal promenade, from where you can admire the distant mountains reflected in the calm waters of the fjord. To deepen your discovery of the area, the Municipal Historical Museum traces its history, from the first indigenous peoples to European explorations and the establishment of estancias.
In the early morning, a private transfer takes you to El Calafate, crossing the Argentine border. This quiet town, located on the shores of Lake Argentino, is the gateway to the famous Glacier National Park. Its picturesque streets, lined with wooden houses and craft shops, invite you to take a walk.
The afternoon is free to allow you to discover the charms of this Patagonian city at your own pace. Less than a kilometre from the city centre, the Nimez Lagoon is an exceptional ornithological sanctuary. This protected natural site is home to more than sixty species of birds, some sedentary, others migratory.
Chilean flamingos display their pink plumage while caranchos, the region's emblematic birds of prey, fly over the calm waters where the elegant silhouettes of black-necked swans are reflected.
Today, head to Los Glaciares Park for a memorable day. Your exploration takes place aboard a comfortable boat equipped with air-conditioned lounges and four outdoor decks.
Accompanied by a guide, we'll sail through grandiose landscapes: the turquoise waters of Escuadra Bay, the impressive Dome of the Condors, the Spegazzini channel bordered by vertiginous cliffs and the Upsala channel, where the Upsala and Bertacchi glaciers stretch as far as the eye can see. A disembarkation at the site of Las Vacas allows a short walk before resuming navigation.
After lunch served on board, the boat enters the Canal de los Témpanos, taking you to the north face of the legendary Perito Moreno glacier. This colossus of ice, 55 meters high and more than 5 km wide, orchestrates a breathtaking natural spectacle.
This morning, a private driver takes you to the Estancia Bonanza, near El Chaltén. This estate is home to four comfortable and warm chalets, furnished in the purest Patagonian style. From this secluded retreat, a breathtaking view is commanding of the northwest face of Mount Fitz Roy, a mythical summit whose jagged peaks majestically dominate the landscape.
The estancia covers 8,000 hectares of unspoiled land. These are an ideal playground for adventure and nature lovers. The activities offered are planned the day before according to the weather conditions and your desires, in consultation with your guide.
The day opens up to a horizon of possibilities in the heart of the vast expanses of the estancia. Let yourself be tempted by the call of adventure and choose the activity that makes your explorer soul vibrate.
Horse riding enthusiasts set off on the ancestral trails, following the steps of the gauchos of yesteryear, while hikers contemplate nature on the paths winding through valleys and hills.
For a unique vertical experience, the via ferrata invites you to defy gravity: zip line and a secure course over 600 meters with 200 meters of vertical drop promise memories engraved in your memory as durably as in the Patagonian rock.
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to El Calafate Airport. Head to the end of the world for a flight that takes you directly to the gates of Ushuaia, a legendary city nestled in the hollow of Tierra del Fuego. Here, Argentina touches its final frontier, wedged between the snow-capped peaks and the waters of the Beagle Channel.
A private driver welcomes you and takes you to your hotel. You settle in, letting go of the fatigue of the journey. The day is at leisure, inviting you to explore: the lively city centre, Avenida Maipú with its souvenir shops, the bay where sailboats on their way to Antarctica moor and the historic port.
In the morning, the adventure takes to the skies with an unforgettable flight over the city. You board a helicopter and fly over Tierra del Fuego, which unfolds before your eyes in all its wild splendour. The Darwin Cordillera stretches its snow-capped peaks while the Beagle Channel winds between islands and peninsulas.
In the afternoon, meet the famous Magellanic penguins. Head to Estancia Harberton, the first farm established on the island, now transformed into a living museum. From there, zodiacs transport you to Martillo Island through the waters of the Beagle Channel. On the island, a walk with your guide allows you to observe the penguin colonies.
On the way back, discover the Harberton museum and expose you to all the ornithological richness and the diversity of marine mammals inhabiting this southern region, before reaching Ushuaia.
In the morning, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in the Argentine capital, a private driver is waiting to take you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, a driver and an English-speaking guide await you for a tour of this multifaceted cosmopolitan city. The Plaza de Mayo opens up in front of you, surrounded by emblematic historical buildings: the Cabildo Museum, typical of the colonial era, the Casa Rosada with its characteristic pink façade housing the presidency, and the majestic Metropolitana Cathedral.
Your journey continues through the picturesque district of La Boca and its multicolored houses, then through the cobbled streets of San Telmo where elegant colonial residences remain.
The Recoleta district, with its sophisticated European architecture, welcomes you next. You will visit the Nuestra Señora del Pilar church before discovering the famous nearby cemetery, a real city within the city, where the great figures of Argentine history including the popular Eva Perón are buried in sumptuous mausoleums classified as Historic Monuments.
This day is yours to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace. The Teatro Colón opens its doors to you, unveiling one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, recognized for its exceptional acoustics and architecture. A few steps away, the Congreso de la Nación impresses with its monumental neoclassical façade.
For art lovers, the National Museum of Fine Arts in Recoleta presents a remarkable collection of works by European and Latin American masters. Nearby, the Biblioteca Nacional, with its bold, modern architecture, is home to priceless literary treasures.
The green spaces also call you: the groves of Palermo are a green interlude in the heart of the city, while the Jardín Japonés, with its curved bridges and colourful carp, invites you to serenity.
After a last savored porteño breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to this wild and bewitching Patagonia that has welcomed you for several days.
Depending on the time of your return flight, a private driver will take you to the airport for your departure.
You take with you the memories of a land of contrasts and extremes, where thousand-year-old glaciers and sharp mountains seem to touch a sky of rare purity. See you in Patagonia for your next trip, where new adventures await!
Estimated budget
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all price, and everything depends on your wishes, the season and the level of comfort you require.
This initial estimate gives you a rough idea, and the final quote is 100% personalized!
from US$9,730 per person
(check with us for updated price)
- 15 nights hotel accommodation in a double room with breakfast included
- All domestic flights mentioned in the program
- Private service transfers on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18
- The full-day tour of Santiago in private service with English-speaking guide on day 1
- Full-day private tour of Valparaiso with English-speaking guide on day 2
- The 3-day Whalesound sailing from Punta Arenas on day 4, including excursions, outings and activities on board as well as all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- The 2-night stay at the Estancia Cerro Guido from day 7 including different activities to choose from to discover the fauna and flora of the site (guided tour, hiking, horseback riding, etc...)
- The full day tour of Torres del Paine Park on day 8
- Sailing on Lake Argentino in a premium lounge, with lunch on board included, on day 11
- Observation of the Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares Park from the walkways on day 11
- The 2-night stay at Estancia Bonanza from day 12 including different activities to discover the fauna and flora of the site (hiking, cycling, horseback riding, etc...)
- The day trip to discover the Harberton Estancia and get up close and personal with the Magellanic penguin colonies on Martillo Island on day 15
- Half-day private tour of Buenos Aires with English-speaking guide on day 16
- All admissions to national parks and museums mentioned in the program
- A travel guide on your arrival, containing a wealth of useful information (day-by-day program, selection of personalized addresses, etc.).
- Access to your stay on our mobile application, which allows you to geolocate all your hotels, activities and personalized addresses. It also works offline
- 24/7 on-site telephone assistance with a French contact person
- Our on-site concierge service
- Internet access during your trip: an international mini-router or a local SIM card enabling you to connect to your various electronic devices (phone, tablet, computer).
- International flights
- Entrance fees to parks and museums not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals and beverages during and outside the meals mentioned in the tour
- Liability, medical, repatriation, cancellation and baggage loss insurance
Custom Selection
Our wide choice of à la carte experiences means you can put together a stay that’s just right for you.
Flying over Tierra del Fuego in Ushuaia
Tango dinner show in Buenos Aires
Experience an exceptional evening in which a remarkable quartet of piano, double bass, bandoneon and violin sublimates the performance of excellent dancers in a spellbinding celebration.