Trip Highlights

  • Witness southern right whales glide just metres from the shoreline in the Peninsula Valdes
  • Visit Ushuaia- the world’s southernmost city and home to dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventure
  • Stay in a historic Patagonian Estancia in Torres del Paine and learn about its rewilding initiative
Our South America expert, Scarlett

Our Expert Tip

”Southern right whales can be seen in the Peninsula Valdes from August through to December. For the stunning landscapes of Ushuaia, El Calafate and Torres del Paine, the best time to visit is from late September onwards. To maximise your chances of both, consider travelling in late September/October.”

Scarlett, Patagonia Expert


Day 1: Buenos aires

Begin your Patagonia wilderness and wildlife holiday in Buenos Aires, relaxing after your long haul flight in one of our favourite boutique hotels. Choose to explore the city independently, taking in Palermo, Recoleta and La Boca. We can include a private guide here, or if you prefer to amble at your pace, there is always something exciting to discover in Buenos Aires.

Explore vibrant Buenos Aires
San Lorenzo Penguin watching, Patagonia

Day 2-4: Puerto Madryn

Leave the city and head out into the wilderness, flying south to the rugged shores of Puerto Madryn. The gateway to Argentine Patagonia, this vibrant little seaside town is a great base for your upcoming wildlife excursions. Journey into UNESCO protected Heritage Site of Peninsula Valdes with your expert guide, and soon discover why this region is known to be one of the world’s best wildlife destinations.

The wildlife you will see will depend on the season you travel, ask our experts the best time to see your wildlife-wish list. Teeming with wildlife, observe colonies of elephant seals, look out for wandering guancos and armadillos, walk through the worlds largest Magellanic penguin reserve and marvel at southern right whales.

Day 5-7: Ushuaia

As you get deeper into Patagonia, fly onwards to Ushuaia, known as the end of the world. Base here for three nights in comfortable accommodation close to daily excursions. Ushuaia is sandwiched between ice-capped mountains and the famous Beagle Channel and is a haven for wilderness and adventure holidays. There is so much to do, see and explore from here. Head out onto the Beagle Channel to seek out the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, observe a huge colony of South America sea lions and take in some local history, learning about the Yamanas, the native inhabitants of the region.

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, In Ushuaia, Patagonia
Trekking in the awe-inspiring El Chalten, Patagonia

Day 8-10: El Chaltén

Ensuring this epic Patagonia wilderness holiday is as environmentally conscious as possible, take a scenic bus north to El Calafate and onwards to the scenic village of El Chalten. Famed as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chalten is the entry point to stark and remote wilderness. There are a number of established trails for you to choose from here, varying from gentle scenic strolls to challenging hikes for those with good fitness levels. You can expect breathtaking views of lakes, glaciers thick forests and imposing peaks.

Day 11-13: El Calafate

Sticking with easy and reliable busses, continue to El Calafate where you will spend three nights in comfortable cosy lodges. El Calafate is the entry point to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field and your time here will be teeming with awe-inspiring natural beauty. Mix in some history and culture in your holiday by learning more about the native Tehueleche people and their experiences with early explorers.

Set sail across Lago Argentina as you come close to huge bergs and floating chunks of broken-off ice. Really get away from crowds on a full day tour to Estancia Cristina where you will witness the other-worldly sight of Upsala Glacier. This is true isolated and beautiful Patagonia

Estancia Cristina, Patagonia
Puma tracking in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Day 14-17: Torres del Paine

One of the highlights of your Patagonia wilderness and wildlife holiday will be Torres del Paine. Crossing the border into Chile, transfer to an estancia lodge in the national park. As a working estancia and the largest in Chile, this is a wonderful option for those who prefer their holiday accommodation to be authentic, unique and memorable. Preservation of wildlife and Patagonian traditions are central to the estancia’s ethos and you can expect delicious home-cooked meals, wonderful activities and cultural immersion during your stay.

Head out on foot, or better still horseback, to discover the estancia’s inspiring and vital conservation initiatives. A Travel Differently signature experience here is a half-day conservation safari with Cerro Guido Foundation where you can see first hand the pioneering efforts to protect Patagonia’s delicate ecosystem. If you are really lucky, spot the elusive Puma roaming free.

Day 18-19: Santiago

As your time in Patagonia comes to an end, fly to the Chilean capital Santiago. Explore the colourful streets, include a visit to the sobering Museum of Memory and Human Rights, visit some local markets and try some delicious Chilean cuisine with a rooftop cocktail. Want to add on more days? Read more about our best things to do in Chile.

Explore the capital city of Chile, Santiago

When to Go

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec