The Land of Explorers
In Patagonia, an honest connection with nature becomes an honest connection with your inner self. Hike and sail through the best tours in Patagonia and redefine adventure travel.
Your result includes travel itineraries in Patagonia
Chaltén - Calafate - Torres del Paine - Puerto Natales
Calafate - Chaltén - Torres del Paine - Ushuaia
Chaltén -Calafate -Torres del Paine - Ushuaia
Torres del Paine
El Calafate - Torres del Paine - Bariloche - Ushuaia - Buenos Aires - Puerto Varas
El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier
Buenos Aires - Perito Moreno Glacier - Chaltén - Ushuaia
Puerto Madryn - Península Valdés - Bahía Bustamante
Buenos Aires - El Calafate - Ushuaia
El Calafate - El Chaltén - Torres del Paine - Punta Arenas - Río Grande - Ushuaia
El Calafate - El Chaltén
Bariloche
Buenos Aires - Calafate - Iguazú
Puerto Madryn
Buenos Aires - Calafate - Bariloche
El Calafate - Torres del Paine
Ushuaia - Beagle Channel
Buenos Aires - Calafate - Chaltén - Ushuaia - Torres del Paine
Buenos Aires - Calafate - Mendoza - Iguazú - Ushuaia
Buenos Aires - Puerto Madryn - Ushuaia - Calafate - Chaltén - Torres del Paine - Iguazú
You can take direct flights to Patagonia Argentina from Buenos Aires or to Chilean Patagonia from Santiago de Chile. There are also international flights and ground transportation to travel between Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.
The best time is from October to April (our summer). The weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities. However, Patagonia has a variety of activities available all year round!
From north to south, the highlights are Bariloche, the capital of the Lake District, Península Valdés, the most important wildlife reserve of Argentine Patagonia where whales come every year to breed their calves, El Calafate, where people go to visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén, the Argentine capital of trekking and, finally, Ushuaia, best known as the city “at the end of the world”.
Regardless of when you travel, bring warm clothes! Even if you travel during the Argentine summer and are blessed with a beautiful, warm day of sunshine, the winds can come out of nowhere and virtually blow you away in no time. So make sure you wear windproof/north-facing jackets, a hat, gloves, long pants, and scarves. Basically, warm clothes.
Yes, it is important to have the right clothes to enjoy Patagonian nature. The weather can vary a lot on the same day and you can have the four seasons in 24 hours!
The best is to dress in layers, the weather changes a lot and it can be sunny and warm like a summer day, or it can rain, be windy, and even snow all on the same day! Wear shoes suitable for trekking, waterproof shoes are better. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a small backpack, and a water bottle that you can recharge.
When you hear the word “Patagonia” you think of a vast, virgin, and distant territory in the southern tip of South America. Shared by two countries, Chile and Argentina, Patagonia offers beautiful and spectacular landscapes. Although this region shares its name between these two countries, the landscapes are completely different.
Patagonia hosts stunning glaciers, and incredibly diverse wildlife, especially in Península Valdés. The Perito Moreno Glacier, the penguins of Ushuaia, and the most reputed hiking trails of El Chaltén add to the highlights Patagonia charms travelers.
Chile on the other hand is known by the fjords who many have sailed. From Puerto Montt to the archipelagos of Chiloe, Chonos and Aysen, and the mythical city of Castro, Chilean Patagonia offers different landscapes from Argentina. However, there is one place in Chilean Patagonia that overshadows any other destination, Chile’s most famous national park, Torres del Paine. With its three majestic pink and white granite towers guard, the park welcomes hundreds of hikers every day during summer.
To sum up, weather permitting, Patagonia is an all-in-one destination that offers something for everyone! You can choose between active trips, hiking journeys, or even family vacations to discover the best of Patagonia.
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Patagonia features different regions and natural attractions. It is divided into the lake district, the coastline of Península Valdés where most of the Patagonian wildlife can be found, and the southernmost Patagonia which comprises Ushuaia, El Calafate, and Torres del Paine National Park.
Known as “the capital of glaciers”, El Calafate, is one of the most popular destinations in Patagonia. It was named after a typical blueberry that grows in the area (the legend says whoever eats a Calafate blueberry will always return to the city). It features the best of Patagonia in Argentina, giant glaciers, icy lakes, remote estancias, and no shortage of breathtaking views accompanying outdoor excursions such as trekking, kayaking, and horse riding. This is a small city, really easy to get around on foot, with beautiful views of Argentino Lake. The nearest airport has good flight frequency, this is the easiest way to reach El Calafate. The city and its glaciers (around 47 in the park) were discovered at the end of the XIX century. Today, El Calafate offers the famous Perito Moreno Glacier boat trips in Argentino Lake, day tours to Patagonia ranches to learn about the rural culture, visits to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy to enjoy amazing views and adventure hikes and other activities.
Founded in 1985, El Chaltén is a little mountaineering village located inside the Glaciers National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Argentine Patagonia. For many years this secluded place remains the unexplored spot for intrepid travelers. Today, though it manages to preserve its little-town ambiance, El Chaltén is visited by many people every year who enjoy hikes of different lengths and difficulty levels. Is in this isolated corner of Patagonia where the famous Mount Fitz Roy can be admired.
Mount Chaltén is another highlight near the village which was named after this colossal and sacred mountain for the Tehuelches, the natives of the region. Its summit, frequently covered by clouds, was called by the Tehuelches “Chaltén” which means “smoking mountain” in their language. In 2015, Chaltén was declared “National Capital of Trekking”, but travelers can also enjoy other adventure activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and sailing.
Puerto Madryn was founded in 1865 by a 150 group of Welsh that established on the area in 1886. Welsh, Spanish and Italian immigrants worked together to build the railway that would connect Puerto Madryn to the city of Trelew. Is in Trelew where today the nearest airport is located.
Nowadays, the railway it’s no longer used, and many travelers fly to Trelew and stay in Puerto Madryn to visit the incredible natural reserve of Península Valdés, the most important wildlife hub of Patagonia. The Southern Right Whale arrives at the coast of the Península (but can also be seen from the very coastline of Puerto Madryn!) once a year, between June and December. On the other hand, from October to April, large colonies of Magellan Penguins can be seen too, making this coastal region a favorite among both wildlife enthusiasts and those in search of a truly once-in-a-lifetime Argentine experience.
San Carlos de Bariloche locates in the Argentine province of Río Negro at the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. In 1903, Francisco Moreno, an intrepid explorer, and scientist donated these lands to create the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first in Argentina, and thus, Bariloche started to flourish. Few people know that the city is entirely located inside the park, famous today for its stunning lakes and mountains. Plus, Bariloche neighbors the Andes Mountain Range and features some spectacular mountains to be climbed like the Tronador, actually, a non-active volcano.
Therefore, Bariloche is nowadays one of the most populated cities in Patagonia. It is the tourist hub for hiking or skiing, but also to taste the best artisanal chocolate and craft beer. In addition, the city is one of the most essential scientific poles in America. Students come to Balseiro Atomic Center and Institute to follow Physics and Nuclear Engineering studies.
Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, best known as “the destination at the end of the world”. It is the southernmost tip of land in Argentina and a favorite destination for adventure traveling. To clarify, actually Tierra de Fuego is an island, separated from the American continent by the Strait of Magellan. From Ushuaia, you can sail through the legendary Beagle Channel too, and visit Les Eclereurs lighthouse. This is a popular outing because on the way travelers can spot islands covered by sea lions and cormorants. Moreover, you can hike in go kayaking in Tierra del Fuego National Park to enjoy a close encounter with the particular vegetation and wildlife of the region.
Torres del Paine National Park, created in 1959, is one of the most visited destinations in Chilean Patagonia. Its first inhabitants were the Tehuelches, a native community of skilled hunters. With its 227,298 hectares, extended hiking trails, glaciers, lakes, and stunning mountains, the park hosts thousands of travelers each year. In 1978, the park was declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and the 8th wonder of the world in 2013. The “Torres del Paine” name refers to the three distinctive granite peaks of the Paine Mountain Range that soar more than 6,500 feet (nearly 2,000 meters) into the sky. The park welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year and the 5-day “W” trek is the most famous hiking circuit inside the reserve.
Known as the ‘City of the Roses’, Puerto Varas locates is in the Lake District in southern Chile. It is located on the southwestern shore of the extensive Lake Llanquihue, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped and still active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Traditional German-style architecture characterizes the city. Puerto Varas is a great choice for open-air adventures, excellent kayaking and angling are among the many activities this city offers. Renting a bike in Puerto Varas and riding to the beautiful Petrohué waterfalls while enjoying the many lakeside beaches on the way is one of the unique experiences we recommend.
Puerto Natales is the nearest city to Torres del Paine National Park and features a nearby airport. Some of the highlights of Puerto Natales are the Milodón Cave, an archaeological visit that will make you travel 10,000 years into the past. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Ultima Esperanza fjord. In Puerto Natales, you can navigate to see the largest glaciers in Patagonia!
Besides the great landscapes, another best thing about Patagonia it’s the native wildlife. On the Chilean side, the national park Torres del Paine is home to deer, foxes, swans, and solitary but still dangerous pumas that can be found chasing one of the funny-looking “cousins” of the llamas: the guanacos. Also, if you pay enough attention, you might see the Andean condor, known for being the largest bird on the continent.
Meanwhile, don’t think that the unstable weather and freezing temperatures of the end of the world have made it impossible for animals to survive: guanacos, rabbits, and aggressive beavers are all over Tierra del Fuego. The province is also one of the many penguin colonies of the region and if you jump on a boat, you may also get to see some Humpback whales.
Those who can’t stay still for a long time and enjoy playing sports even during their vacations can find great opportunities for enjoying adventure tours in Patagonia. Kayaking through the amazing fjords, rivers, and lagoons of the Lake District, skiing at the end of the world or the breathtaking Chilean volcanoes, horseback riding on the Patagonian steppe, climbing, mountain biking, rafting… the possibilities are endless.
The region is also perfect for calm visitors who enjoy watching and listening to nature for hours without having to undergo a great physical effort. Besides, one of the most amazing points of Patagonia is standing still, waiting for you, and being approachable by boat. Yes, I’m talking about Perito Moreno. Just watching the five kilometers of width and 60 meters over sea level that features this breathtaking ice mass is a once-in-a-lifetime experience impossible to forget.
The region is also perfect to take cruises that cross the fjords and glaciers of both countries. Another interesting option is to grab a car in Chile and jump on the Austral road that ends in the idyllic Lake O’Higgins after getting the most out of the beautiful region of Aysen. Meanwhile, on the Argentine side, one of the best drives is through the Lake District, where the stunning setting will make it impossible to resist not jumping out of the car a thousand times…
For those who are sensitive to cold, looking at the weather forecast can make them want to draw back from their adventure in Patagonia. It’s a huge mistake. It’s true that even if you arrive during the summer months (December-March), the temperatures will still be low and you’ll have to face fierce winds, but it’s worth it because it’s thanks to this unstable and harsh weather that this corner of the world has breathtaking scenery to offer. Besides, there are plenty of places to take shelter and interesting indoor activities, like the Paleontology museum in the city of Trelew, where the dinosaurs will help you warm up. Still, you MUST stay outside as long as you can. Put on your best winter clothes, and don’t forget to cover your feet, hands, and head. I guarantee you: it’ll be worth it.
In these hand-picked articles from our blog and our Covid-19 news section, you will find useful information for your next trip to Patagonia.
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We had an incredible experience. The only hiccup we had were the flights being overbooked and having to spend more time than needed at the airport. Overall, we loved all the excursions. We would 100% recommend Say Hueque. - At Iguazu, we enjoyed having the private guided tour to learn more about the falls and Rodrigo was great. It would have been nice to have an extra hour or so at the end to walk around ourselves and revisit some of the falls- they were so beautiful and could have spent the whole day there watching them! - For the hike at Torres del Paine, the guides were fantastic. We are just faster hikers and don’t typically hike in a group. I think for that excursion, having the option to take the bus there and do a hike on our own and bus back would have been nice. - The museum was closed in Ushuaia for the penguin rookery tour. Would recommend scheduling that tour on the days the museum is open if possible. Either way, seeing those penguins so close was so much fun! They’re so cute! - Wish we could have been there one extra day to watch Argentina win the World Cup while in Argentina! What a fantastic game!!! Thanks again for all your assistance with this. We had a wonderful time and hopefully one day we can go back (we really want to combine the O and the W for a backpacking trip in Torres del Paine!) All the guides and hotels were fantastic and we wish we had more time there, we really had the best honeymoon we could have asked for! Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
First, thank you so much for all the arrangements, the trip overall was wonderful, and we feel like we did manage to see the highlights of Southern Patagonia in the time we had available. We were extremely pleased with all of the transfers, with only one exception, they were all on time, professional and courteous. The exception was in Ushuaia when we were waiting to be taken to the airport. We had received a message saying they would pick us up at 9:15 instead of 9:00, but when they hadn’t shown up, or we hadn’t heard from them by 9:30 we called a taxi. We were worried we might miss our flight. We did eventually hear from them, and they were apologetic, but even a message to the hotel earlier would have reassured us. As it was, we had no time to spare at the airport. All of the tours you had arranged went as planned, again with one exception, but the error was caused by the hotel in Ushuaia, not your company or the tour company. We expected to go to the tour company’s office for the start of the tour, hike to Emerald Lake, but Altos Ushuaia gave us a message saying we would be picked up at the hotel. After waiting, texting, and two taxi rides we finally caught up with the shared tour, and felt badly about the inconvenience we caused to the other two people. It all worked out in the end, but it left us with a bad feeling about the hotel. The only other tour I would say anything negative about was the day trip to Torres del Paine from El Calafate. While the scenery was absolutely beautiful, and we are glad we were able to see it, I wouldn’t recommend that tour. It took 16 hours: we were picked up at 6:30 and returned at 10:30pm. The red tape involved in the border crossings took up about three hours, and then again at the National Park headquarters. We knew the entrance fee was not included, and we were ready to pay, but even though they ask for the fee in US $, they will not accept cash, and our credit card was rejected, along with several of the others on the bus. In the end the tour guide paid for several of us with her credit card and we gave her the cash, but all that took more than an hour. The total amount of time we were allowed in the park was only about 2- 2 1/2 hours, which doesn’t justify the long, uncomfortable trip to get there and back. Several of the tours were just spectacular, and we give very positive recommendations to the tour companies and the guides. The hotels that were chosen for us were all comfortable and we enjoyed our stays. My only comment would be about Altos Ushuaia, which is very remote, and has a restaurant which is not open after breakfast until dinner at 7pm. It required taxi rides, which is fine, but a more centrally located hotel would have been more convenient. Overall, we loved it, and have created some very special memories. I would not hesitate to recommend your company for anyone looking for a similar package!
The trip was bucket list dream come true for Yukiko and became mine as well after discovering Patagonia with my own eyes! We are glad to rest in between and enjoyed the main experiences like gentle horse back riding with amazing view, mini hike on Perito Moreno Glacier, and hike at near Torres del Paine (we could not make to the main hike due to decided to rest). Even more, all the hotel, Frances Drake Hostel, Los Canelos Hotel, and Rio Serrano hotel had such a breath taking views and we want to thank you so very much for making our trip possible and wonderful. If it wasn't for your bright suggestions and help with changing our bus time, we would not have been able to complete our bucket list on our honeymoon. Happy holidays and best wishes!
I just wanted to tell you how much we appreciated your efforts in making our trip quite memorable. Memories come back every day. Ushuaia warmed my heart by the empanadas from Martinica Bar De Lomos. They were the best empanadas we’d eaten on the trip and the owner is very kind and fun. I would suggest that for anyone going to the end of the world. I also think our hotel may have been a bit too far from restaurants, 3.5kms, but overall, I did warm to the place! I feel like I’m going backwards on our trip starting with Ushuaia! The tours we did there were all very interesting and fun except we could have done without the Beagle Channel boat ride. Having the morning off would have been great but we could have cancelled as well. We loved the atmospheres of Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. The former had a cool, hippy vibe. Punta Arenas was interesting except it was Sunday. Still, we wandered the streets to see all the architecture and ended up at Wake Up, a very cool breakfast and lunch place which I highly recommend as well. A bit limited for dinner on a Sunday but whatever. Hotel room was clean, breakfast was uneventful. Our time in Torres del Paine was amazing. The hostels were fantastic and the hiking and touring were crazy! The weather cooperated with us as well. Transportation was easy and we were confident with everyone getting us, and our luggage, to where we wanted to go. The funny thing was, when I was reading about staying in a hostel I didn’t think much about it because we normally stay with our kids in the hostels so, when I found out that we’d be with strangers the first thing that crossed my mind was, I better get some pajamas!! Turned out to be so great. We had great conversations with whoever we met and the hiking was beautiful. Very impressed with anyone who finished the ‘W’. El Chalten was strangely a really cool place. It makes everyone feel young again! We hiked up to Mt FitzRoy and then to Laguna Torre the next day. So beautiful. That La Lenga scent was encouraging us on! The hotel in El Chalten was just right. El Calfate was cool and we did our best shopping there except for Zoe’s sweater which we found in La Boca with Florencia. It reminded us of a similar town in Alberta, Canada. By the way, all the glaciers we saw were super and mind blowing and sad of course because they are melting so quickly. The refugio was perfect. Our time in the north was wonderful although maybe a bit too much driving. At the same time, that can’t be helped. Salt Flats were neat and I recommend taking the extra time to take the tour. In hindsight, we would have loved to have stayed in Purmamarca for another night. We really enjoyed ourselves in one restaurant where there were three boys playing their guitars and drums for us and singing, what I think were, folk songs. The hotel in Purmamarca was exactly what Jack and I love because it was beautiful and had a separate sitting area. We just might go back for some hiking in the area and then stay there so that we could cook our own meals. If we had done the trip backwards, we would have spent more time there. Gerardo did a fantastic job guiding and driving us safely around. It’s a lot of driving for him too but all very interesting. Lastly, we fell in love with Buenos Aires. Florencia gave us a wonderful tour and we really learned a lot about the city. The following day, we felt quite comfortable getting around and Florencia’s recommendations, the Hyatt for lunch for example, were bang on. Thank you so much for helping us with our trip. We have already recommended you to a friend although he is arriving on Saturday so little time, but you never know. Our many friends on facebook and instagram couldn’t believe what we saw so we will be recommending you to all of our friends. Gracias
In a word, "fantastic" and all due to your great planning, coordination and documentation. "Thank you". All private transportation arrangements were on time, courteous, and clean. Most of the hotels lived up to their 3 star rating. The Torres Del Paine was great for viewing but the dusty pothole roads were an unpleasant necessity. Can't think of anything more to add except the 6 hour boat trip out of Ushuaia to "walk with the penguins" that didn't materialize but on the other hand, the End of the World train ride was an enjoyable highlight. Many thanks again
After all that planning and three years of waiting the trip was AMAZING! Your transports were on time, well documented and very, very much appreciated. All the drivers were great but the person who took us from El Calafate to the Chilean border was fantastic. I’ve crossed a lot of borders but I’m not sure I could have figured that one out without him. Most hotels were great. We loved Los Cerros, Francisco at the front desk was fantastic. The bar, the food, and the views were fab! Of course, I can’t say enough about Camp Patagonia… It was over the top in gracious staff and details. It was TRULY the highlight of the trip. The Esplendor was fine, they upgraded us which was nice! We also loved the Australis, floating through those gorgeous fjords and getting to walk on Cape Horn made it totally worth it. The Australis is a well-run machine and when you arrive they take your luggage and get you on board, a very quick process. Thank you so much, I’ve already told so many people about Say Hueque!
We are most thankful for the trip you designed for us, it was a real dream come true. Everyone we met, and all the natural scenic points we experienced was beyond our expectations. Such a privilege to explore Argentina/Patagonia 😊 We nearly panicked about our mandatory covid test to return, but fortunately Say Hueque arranged our tests most easily, we thank you. We so appreciate your response! Although it was all great, we must single out our Half-day Safari Experience with Patagonia Profunda for being such a cool, unexpected terrific experience. The guide, food and small group was sensational! All of the guides were so kind to us too. Believe me the entire trip was life altering, I lost my phone on Laguna les Tres trail, and things have changed forever. How fortunate for me. Thank you Daiana, and Say Hueque for being so attentive to our needs and providing such a wonderful package. We wish you all the best, and would love to return!
Now that we are back I just thought to write to you and thank you for the amazing trip and the organisations you did. First of all Argentina is amazing and I wish, really wish you guys know it despite the financial and political incompetence everyone complained about. About the trip: My background is biology, so you can imagine how excited I was seeing all the biological and geographical diversity in Ushuaia and then in Iguazu... Everything about the tours in Ushuaia and Iguazu was well managed and was great (even one day there was a mix up with the tours in Iguazu but at the end it was sorted and even became super special). We had no issue with the luggages etc.,. Thank you. There was only one small thing that I thought to tell you about: the hotel Mil810. It was a bit annoying, there were several issues with it, one was that the walls that are super thin, so I could hear everything happening in the next door (the snoring, the showering and even when they brushed their teeth, I could not sleep due to the snoring of the man next door :D). The internet was super unstable and even one night we did not have any and also their breakfast was super super basic. Yet these could be temporary issues and also maybe there in Ushuaia internet might be an issue in general but I thought to let you know anyways. But again, all and all it was an amazing trip and everything went smoothly and I hope to be back to Argentina one day again....
We thoroughly enjoyed our Argentine Experience. The trip you designed for us fit perfectly and we appreciate your being sensitive to the energy 2 couples over 70 can maintain for 2 weeks. I put a review on TripAdvisor and hope it helps to attract additional interest in Say Hueque. We greatly enjoyed many experiences on the trip, from the tours in Buenos Aires and the El Ateneo book store to El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier; from the view of Mt Fitz Roy in El Chalten to Ushuaia with the penguins, hike and fresh meal; and Mendoza wines, tour to Mt Aconcaqua and Cristina Brino’s cooking class. Many of the guides were exceptional. Some to mention are Tina in Buenos Aires, Nancy at Nibepo Aike, the guides with Piratour and Tierra Turismo in Ushuaia, Lena in Mendoza and Aixa at Corazon del Sol . It was a wonderful time - you have our great thanks and appreciation. Below are some suggestions for you to consider for future experiences. These are from Bonnie and me, Lois and Mark may have some additional observations. - The trip home on the 25th was a long day and the day before was an open day prior to the cooking class. Something that would have helped the travel would be to go to Buenos Aires the morning of the 24th leaving the afternoon of the 24th and morning of the 25th open for additional touring in Buenos Aires - there is always more to see. This would have eliminated much of the long wait at the airport. - The cooking class was wonderful. Cristina and her staff were great, entertaining presented a meal fit for 3 times the number of people. Unfortunately for us the class was on the Day of Remembrance for the disappeared and taxi and Uber service was limited. Villa Mansa staff had trouble finding a ride for us to Finca Adalgisa and Cristina and her staff had a lot of trouble finding a ride back to Villa Mansa. No taxi was to be found and we finally got a ride with Joaquin, an employee at the hotel that serves breakfast, at almost midnight. I’m not sure what to suggest for the class was a lot of fun. It probably is offered limited days of the week. Thank, Antonella and everyone else at Say Hueque for giving us a wonderful time,
Mauricio was a fantastic tour leader! And the trip was amazing. Not for the weak of heart, but if you're in fair shape, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. The yurts were gorgeous, and the cuisine was excellent.
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