Patagonia Explorer – Small Group – Max 8 Guests

Patagonia Explorer – Small Group – Max 8 Guests

Prices From £6,330pp
January, October | 9 nights

Patagonia Explorer – Small Group – Max 8 Guests

Discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on an unforgettable small-group journey through southern Chile and Argentina. Travelling with a maximum of just eight guests, you will explore some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes in the company of an experienced naturalist guide, with excellent opportunities for wildlife watching and photography throughout.

From the penguin colonies of the Strait of Magellan and the vast wilderness of Tierra del Fuego to the soaring peaks of Torres del Paine and the immense glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, each day reveals another side of this remarkable region. Track wild pumas, cruise towards towering walls of blue ice, visit traditional Patagonian estancias and encounter an extraordinary variety of wildlife amid some of South America’s most dramatic scenery.

Operating with a minimum of three and maximum of eight guests.

Upcoming set group dates:

January 10th, 2027
October 3rd, 2027
January 10th, 2028
October 3rd, 2028

Low single supplement rates available.

This program can also operate as a customised private trip. Please enquire for details.

Highlights

  • Travel through magnificent Patagonia in an intimate small group of no more than eight guests
  • Explore Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares and the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego
  • Track wild pumas during dedicated morning and evening wildlife sessions
  • Visit spectacular Magellanic and King Penguin colonies
  • Fly over the mythical Straits of Magellan
  • Cruise towards the immense Grey and Perito Moreno glaciers
  • Watch Andean Condors soar above the dramatic Patagonian landscape
  • Encounter guanacos, flamingos, dolphins, sea lions, abundant birdlife, and more
  • Experience traditional Patagonian culture at historic working estancias

What's Included

  • Accommodation throughout with meals as shown
  • Domestic flights: Santiago to Punta Arenas | Porvenir to Punta Arenas | El Calafate to Buenos Aires (subject to availability at time of booking)
  • Guided services as per itinerary
  • Private ground transportation
  • Boat trips, ferry rides and excursions as per itinerary
  • Park entrance fees




Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Santiago to Punta Arenas - Magdalena Boat Trip
1Day

Santiago to Punta Arenas - Magdalena Boat Trip

Your Patagonian adventure begins with an included flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, before joining your transfer and taking a memorable boat ride across the Strait of Magellan to the Marta and Magdalena islands. Sail around Marta Island to observe its large colony of South American sea lions before continuing to protected Magdalena Island, home to more than 20,000 Magellanic penguins. Follow the trail towards the lighthouse, passing busy nesting burrows and watching penguins return from feeding trips, preen along the shoreline and waddle across the island. Imperial and Rock Cormorants, Chilean Skuas, gulls and South American Terns may also be seen, while sea lions patrol the surrounding waters.

Later, you’ll travel to Río Verde for an unforgettable condor-watching experience at Palomares Hill. This dramatic rocky promontory overlooks the Fitz Roy Channel and Riesco Island and is home to a roost often visited by more than 100 Andean Condors. Enjoy superb photographic opportunities as these immense birds soar across the Patagonian landscape before returning to Punta Arenas for a welcome dinner accompanied by fine Chilean wines.

1 night at Hotel Cabo de Hornos, or similar. Lunch, dinner, breakfast, guide and boat ride included.

Strait of Magellan - Tierra del Fuego - Porvenir
2Day

Strait of Magellan - Tierra del Fuego - Porvenir

Today you will cross the legendary Strait of Magellan by ferry, following a route once navigated by explorers including Magellan, Drake, FitzRoy and Darwin. During the two-hour sailing to Tierra del Fuego, keep watch for seabirds such as penguins, albatrosses and petrels, along with marine mammals including Peale’s Dolphins and, with luck, Sei Whales.

On arrival in Porvenir, explore the alkaline lagoons surrounding this remote island town, where Chilean Flamingos, Black-necked Swans, waterfowl and wading birds gather. A visit to the local museum offers a fascinating introduction to the history and prehistory of Tierra del Fuego, including the enduring cultural legacy of the Selk’nam people.

2 nights at Yendegaia House, or similar. Lunches, dinners, breakfasts, guide and ferry to Tierra del Fuego included.

Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin Reserve
3Day

Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin Reserve

This morning you will travel along the shores of Useless Bay, passing vast open landscapes of rolling hills, sheltered coves, colourful farms and fishing boats. Guanacos and Southern Grey Foxes may be seen along the way before arriving at Reserva Pingüino Rey, the only breeding colony of King Penguins in South America. From carefully positioned viewing areas, enjoy excellent opportunities to observe and photograph these remarkable birds while supporting the reserve’s important conservation work.

Continue exploring northern Tierra del Fuego in the afternoon, before returning to Porvenir via the scenic Baquedano Hills. Look out for large herds of guanaco and stands of Chilean Firebush amid the dramatic moorland scenery. This historic area was once at the centre of Patagonia’s gold rush, which attracted settlers from around the world more than a century ago.

Fly to Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales
4Day

Fly to Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales

This morning’s adventure begins with a short but wonderfully scenic flight back to Punta Arenas. During the 15-minute journey, look down across the legendary Strait of Magellan and the dramatic coastline shaped by immense glacial forces over thousands of years, with distant views towards the Andes of southern Tierra del Fuego.

Back on the mainland, visit Estancia Cerro Negro, a traditional working sheep farm, to watch sheep shearing and skilled sheepdog demonstrations before enjoying a hearty Patagonian barbecue. Afterwards, continue to the coastal town of Puerto Natales, where beautiful views stretch across Última Esperanza Fjord and Black-necked Swans can often be seen feeding along the shore.

1 night at Hotel Costa Australis, or similar, Puerto Natales. Lunches, dinners, breakfasts, guide and flight to Punta Arenas included.

Mylodon Cave, Torres del Paine & Nordenskjöld Lake
5Day

Mylodon Cave, Torres del Paine & Nordenskjöld Lake

Today it’s time to journey deeper into Patagonia, beginning with a visit to Mylodon Cave Nature Reserve. Explore this immense natural cavern where the remains of prehistoric animals, including the giant ground sloth, were discovered. Around 12,000 years ago, these now-extinct mammals inhabited a landscape still heavily shaped by glaciers.

Continue into Torres del Paine National Park, one of Patagonia’s most celebrated wilderness areas, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Paine Massif. Guanacos and Darwin’s Rheas may be seen along the way before a gentle walk between Pehoé and Nordenskjöld lakes reveals tumbling waterfalls, dense vegetation and superb views of the iconic Cuernos del Paine.

3 nights at Hotel Las Torres, or similar. Lunches, dinners, breakfasts, guide and excursions included.

Boat trip to Grey Glacier
6Day

Boat trip to Grey Glacier

This morning’s explorations take you into the western reaches of Torres del Paine, where southern beech forests shelter a rich variety of plants and wildlife. Keep watch for Magellanic Woodpeckers, Austral Parakeets and, with luck, the elusive Huemul, as you travel through a striking landscape of mountains, forests, lakes and glaciers.

At Lake Grey, see immense icebergs gathered along the shoreline before boarding a boat for a three-hour journey towards the glacier’s active face. Admire the deep blue crevasses, towering walls of ice and dramatic peaks of the Paine Massif, with excellent opportunities for photography throughout. The experience is completed with a drink served over ancient glacier ice.

Puma Tracking
7Day

Puma Tracking

Today’s wildlife adventures begin early with a dedicated puma-tracking session in the eastern reaches of Torres del Paine. With special access to Estancia Laguna Amarga, explore the shores of Sarmiento Lake, Laguna Amarga and Laguna Azul, an area known for supporting one of the highest concentrations of wild pumas in Patagonia. Travel by 4×4 and on foot with expert guidance, moving at a gentle pace across the open landscape.

A second tracking session takes place later in the day, when pumas are often most active. With luck, you may see these elusive cats patrolling their territory, hunting guanacos, travelling with their young or returning towards their resting areas. The middle of the day is kept free to avoid disturbing the animals during their natural resting period.

Drive to El Calafate, Argentina
8Day

Drive to El Calafate, Argentina

This morning begins with an early opportunity to photograph the Towers or the Cuernos del Paine at dawn, when the first light can transform the mountains with rich orange tones and dramatic lenticular clouds gather above the peaks. After breakfast, you’ll leave Torres del Paine behind and travel via Cerro Castillo towards El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia.

On arrival, settle into your hotel and relax after the journey. Those wishing to explore further can visit Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve, a small but wildlife-rich wetland beside Lake Argentino. Look out for swans, geese, ducks, Cinereous Harriers and colourful Chilean Flamingos from the reserve’s trails and viewing hides. Please note this excursion is optional and may incur an additional fee.

2 nights at Hotel Kau Yatun, or similar, El Calafate. Lunches, dinners, breakfasts, guide and excursions included.

Estancia Nibepo - Perito Moreno Glacier
9Day

Estancia Nibepo - Perito Moreno Glacier

Your last full day will see you explore one of Argentine Patagonia’s most scenic routes, travelling past historic estancias towards Estancia Nibepo. Here, learn about traditional ranch life, watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and enjoy a typical Patagonian lunch overlooking the southern arm of Lake Argentino.

Afterwards, cruise across the lake into Los Glaciares National Park, with time to walk through a peaceful lenga forest before approaching the immense southern face of Perito Moreno Glacier. Continue to the network of viewing platforms for superb afternoon views of its towering ice walls, while keeping watch for Andean Condors, Magellanic Woodpeckers and other woodland birds. This memorable final day concludes with a farewell dinner.

El Calafate to Buenos Aires
10Day

El Calafate to Buenos Aires

Today it’s time to bid farewell to Patagonia. After breakfast, transfer to El Calafate Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires, where you can connect with your onward or homeward journey.

Your adventure comes to an end with lasting memories of Patagonia’s glaciers, wildlife, dramatic landscapes and remote wilderness.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas

Located in the heart of the historical town of Punta Arenas this luxurious recently renovated hotel offers superb accommodation and first class service. A converted, Parisian-styled house the hotel emits a regal air with a stunning contemporary lobby and stylish yet quaint bedrooms which have kept their traditional feel.

Overlooking the straits of Magellan the hotel offers tremendous views of the city and the sea, and being conveniently located on the main square this is an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful area.

After a day of adventures guests can return to the hotel for a delicious meal in the a la carte restaurant or enjoy a Chilean wine by the fireplace in the warm and cosy lounge before settling down in their spacious and comfortable guest room.

Hotel Cabo de Hornos features 110 rooms, each of which has been decorated and furnished to a very high standard. Many offer superb views of the city or the sea and all have private bathrooms, free WiFi and cable television. Large comfortable beds and luxurious carpets add to the warmth and style of the rooms and guests can be assured of a great night's sleep in preparation for another day of adventures.

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

A former cattle ranch, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is a beautiful property located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. Featuring wood panelled walls and unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains, this hotel offers warm hospitality and rustic chic. Guests will enjoy a unique close-to-nature travel experience.

The hotel's 84 cozy and warmly decorated rooms, some with mountain views, offer free wi-fi, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, in-room safe and minibar.

The hotel's facilities include a 24-hour front desk, bar, coffee shop, laundry service and spa offering massage, facials and body scrubs. Stays at the hotel are on an all-inclusive basis including all meals and drinks (excluding wines and premium liquors)

Yendegaia House, Porvenir

Yendegaia House is a small, comfortable hotel in Porvenir, offering a simple and convenient base for exploring this remote corner of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. Located within easy reach of Plaza Selknam, Parque Croata and the town centre, it works well as a practical stopover for travellers journeying through the far south.

With just six rooms, the hotel has an intimate feel, with double, twin and quadruple options available. Rooms are simply furnished and include private bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers and sea views in selected categories. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and nearby restaurants are within easy walking distance. Straightforward, welcoming and well placed, Yendegaia House offers a restful overnight stay in Porvenir before continuing deeper into Patagonia or Tierra del Fuego.

Hotel Costa Australis, Puerto Natales

Hotel Costa Australis is a beautiful and very welcoming waterfront hotel in the heart of Puerto Natales, set on the shores of the Última Esperanza Fjord with wonderful views towards the mountains and southern horizon. Known as a gateway to Chilean Patagonia, it makes a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Torres del Paine, nearby glaciers, estancias and the dramatic landscapes of the far south.

Rooms are spacious, bright and warmly styled, with double, triple, quadruple and suite options available. Many feature large windows and views across the fjord, waterfront or Paine mountains, while all include WiFi, heating, LED TV, safe, desk and ensuite bathroom. A generous buffet breakfast helps prepare guests for days of adventure, while Café Costa and the dining room offer relaxed Patagonian hospitality, from speciality coffee, native infusions and light lunches to evening dishes showcasing local ingredients. With its central location, fjord views and easy access to excursions, Hotel Costa Australis is a relaxed starting point for discovering Patagonia.

Hotel Kau Yatun, El Calafate

This warm and characterful boutique hotel is located on the edge of El Calafate, set among aspen and pine trees within the Patagonian steppe of Estancia 25 de Mayo. Just 600 metres from the town centre, it offers the atmosphere of a traditional estancia stay while still keeping restaurants, shops and local amenities within easy reach.

The hotel’s ranch-style architecture, cosy interiors and fireside bar create a welcoming place to unwind after exploring the landscapes of southern Patagonia. Spacious rooms feature large picture windows, ensuite bathrooms with separate bath and shower, WiFi and 24-hour room service, while the restaurant serves buffet breakfasts and regional cuisine. The team can help arrange horseback riding and mountain biking excursions through the surrounding wilderness, and the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park are around 80 km away, making Kau Yatun a peaceful and convenient base for discovering El Calafate.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Argentina, Chile adventure for you.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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