Chile and Argentina | Frontiers of Patagonia: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, and Beyond

with Grand Valley Audubon
Date:
Nov 3 - Nov 17, 2027
Activity Level:
Duration:
15 Days
Price:
From $10,395
Interests:

About this trip

Grand Valley Audubon logo.Knife-edged Andean peaks, electric-blue fjords, teeming rookeries, and vast steppes: Patagonia promises adventure on a grand scale. Join Grand Valley Audubon on this 15-day expedition to experience it, by land and by sea. Spend several days amid the awe-inspiring landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. With its glacial lakes, granite towers, and herds of guanaco, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is often listed among the most stunning national parks in the Western Hemisphere. Then, board the comfortable and stylish, state-of-the-art M/V Stella Australis and cruise the coast at the "End of the Earth," served by a multidisciplinary team who will explain the science and history behind the beauty. Discover the storied seas of Drake Passage and Cape Horn National Park, where whalers and adventurers sailed in the wake of Magellan and Darwin. A Chilean winery in Santiago and a tango show in Buenos Aires add color and contrast to your wilderness adventure.

Highlights

  • Marvel at Torres del Paine’s dramatic lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls, as well as the distinctive granite peaks for which the park is named.
  • Keep an eye out for southern South American birds like the Austral Thrush, Fire-eyed Diucon, Patagonian Sierra Finch, White-crested Elaenia, and Magellanic Woodpecker.
  • Cruise in comfort aboard M/V Stella Australis through the fjords, bays, and open seas from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world's southernmost city.
  • Take a boat trip to Magdalena Island to view a colony of Magellanic Penguins numbering in the tens of thousands, as well as sea lions, Imperial Cormorant, Chilean Skua, and other seabirds.
  • Learn about the Indigenous Yámana people and their interactions over the centuries with international missionaries, explorers, and scientists.
  • Sample the sophisticated pleasures of Santiago and the Chilean wine country, taste Fuegian specialties with a local chef during a private dinner, and experience a sultry tango show in Buenos Aires.

Activity Level 3: Moderate

This multifaceted adventure combines natural exploration by land and sea, with urban discovery in two iconic South American capitals. The 5-day expedition cruise portion of your journey brings you to Patagonian fjords, inlets, islands and shores for daily hikes, often with varying options for level of challenge. You’ll hike flat forest paths, sandy and rocky beaches, and more intense trails through rugged glacial landscapes. Onboard your comfortable expedition ship you can expect mainly smooth sailing, but in Cape Horn National Park there can be high winds and rough seas. Some excursions use Zodiac landing craft. Other activities include visits to a penguin colony and a winery, and touring in Buenos Aires. The highest altitudes are less than 3,600 feet, in Torres del Paine National Park. There are two internal flights (Santiago to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, depending on flight schedules, and Ushuaia to Buenos Aires) plus overland transfers in private motorcoaches.

Land Cost

$10,395

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2650

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Santiago.
Santiago, Chile
Arrive at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and meet your Holbrook representative in the arrivals hall. You will be taken to the hotel with the morning free to rest. Attend a program orientation at the hotel in the early afternoon, followed by a welcome lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit a winery and vineyard just outside of Santiago. Led by a local expert, learn about the area's viniculture before taking part in a wine tasting. Chilean wines are becoming more and more popular around the world as they continue to win prizes at prestigious international wine tasting competitions. Return to the hotel, driving through downtown Santiago along the way. Have dinner at the hotel this evening.
Lunch-Dinner included
Pullman Vittacura
Torres del Paine, Chile
Head to the airport for your flight to Puerto Natales. Upon arrival, receive a boxed lunch to enjoy en route. Begin your drive toward Torres del Paine National Park, admiring Patagonia's breathtaking vistas, snow-capped mountains, and rolling plains dotted with guanacos. Arrive at the hotel on the southern border of Torres del Paine National Park and check in. Have dinner and an orientation. PLEASE NOTE: The location we are flying into is based on the flight schedule. If Puerto Natales is not operating, we will fly into Punta Arenas.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel del Paine
Torres del Paine, Chile
This morning, drive across Torres del Paine National Park with views of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks as well as Los Cuernos, the famous mountain with black granite, horn-like spires. Walk along the shores of stunning Lake Pehoé and visit the furious Salto Grande Falls, which pour the waters of Lake Nordenskjöld into Pehoé. Continue over the gentle Nordenskjöld Trail until reaching its picture-perfect lookout point. After returning to the vehicle back at Lake Pehoé, drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey to have a boxed lunch. Continue with a walk around Lake Grey for a better view of the glacier. Return to the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel del Paine
Torres del Paine
After breakfast, explore the scenery along the route to Laguna Azul on the northeastern side of the park. Observe the area's flora and fauna, keeping an eye out for guanacos, Austral Thrush, Crested and Chimango Caracaras, and Southern Lapwing, to name a few. Also admire the picturesque landscapes, including the beautiful Paine Waterfall. Upon arrival at Laguna Azul, hike to a lookout point for a breathtaking view of the lagoon and the granite towers that give the park its name. Continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento, notable for the calcium carbonate formations on its shores. Guanacos are also sometimes seen here.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel del Paine
Punta Arenas, Chile
Say farewell to Torres del Paine during a final breakfast at the camp, and then depart toward Punta Arenas via Puerto Natales with a boxed lunch from Ruben's. Stop en route to visit the massive prehistoric Milodón Cave, where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890s. The site is located in a transition zone where forests and arid plains meet, and is home to a large number of bird species, such as Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Austral Parakeet, White-crested Elaenia, Fire-eyed Diucon, Rufous-collared Sparrow, and Patagonian Sierra Finch. Continue to Punta Arenas. The trip takes about 5 hours. Arrive at the hotel and check in, with time to relax before dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Patagonia
Early this morning, take a short two block walk from the hotel to the pick up point for your visit to Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Other bird species that can be seen on the island include Upland Goose, Kelp Gull, Chilean Skua, South American Tern, and Black-faced Ibis. Return to Punta Arenas and head back to the hotel for check-out and lunch. Enjoy some free time before transferring to the port to begin embarkation procedures on the boat. Once on board, gather for a welcome toast and meet the captain. Begin the journey through the mythical Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, traveling through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Stella Australis
Cruising
Today you will learn how life resurfaces after the ice retreats. Embark on a walk to discover a beaver dam and the wonderful subantarctic Magellanic forest that surrounds it. On the beach or on the island, you will try to spot South American elephant seals. (It is not possible to guarantee said sighting because the colony is constantly migrating its location.) Continuing the navigation, this afternoon visit the Tuckers Islets where you can see species like the Magellanic Penguin and Magellanic and Imperial Cormorants from the Zodiac boats.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Stella Australis
Cruising
Navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel today to enter and disembark in the Pía fjord. Take an excursion to the viewpoint. From here, you can see the glacier of the same name, whose main tongue extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, continue your navigation under the majestic gaze of the "Avenue of the Glaciers."
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Stella Australis
Cruising
Sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach the remote archipelago of Cape Horn National Park, where you will disembark if weather conditions permit. Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition, Cape Horn is an almost vertical, 1,394-foot-high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years, this was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. In the afternoon, disembark in Wulaia Bay, a historical site that was once home to one of the region's largest settlements of Indigenous Yámana people.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Stella Australis
Ushuaia, Argentina
This morning, sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Australis is scheduled to arrive at 8:30. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and have time to freshen up. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park with coastal trails and views of the Beagle Channel. Lunch at a local Resturant. Afternoon visit to the Maritime Museum located in the former Ushuaia prison or take this time to rest. This evening, have a special dinner at the hotel with a local chef to learn about Fuegian cuisine.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ciline del Faro
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires, arriving in the early afternoon. Check in at your centrally located hotel, and then walk a few blocks to the Plaza de Mayo, the city's historical main square. From here, you will have an opportunity to see several important historical monuments and buildings, including La Casa Rosada, or "Pink House," which contains the presidential offices, and the Neoclassical-style Metropolitan Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to rest or explore. Have dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
725 Continental
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Venture around the city by bus while a local expert provides commentary along the way. In addition to the Plaza de Mayo, make stops in the neighborhoods of Recoleta, La Boca, and San Telmo. The Recoleta neighborhood is well-known for the undeniable European influence in architecture and its impressive mansions. It is also famous for La Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place for some of the country's wealthiest and most influential families, including the controversial former President and First Lady Juan and Eva Perón. Next visit the vibrant La Boca neighborhood, a working-class barrio rich with culture thanks to its central role in the city's immigration story. This neighborhood is characterized by its distinctive, colorful buildings. San Telmo, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, maintains the charm of its past with cobbled streets and original architecture from as early as the 17th century. Have lunch and then this afternoon return to the hotel for time at leisure. This evening, meet in a hotel meeting room for a lecture on tango. Originating in the 1890s on the border of Argentina and Uruguay, tango is a partner dance that is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. Cap off the evening at a local restaurant with dinner and a tango show.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
725 Continental
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You'll have time this morning to explore independently. Later this morning, join your guide for a final briefing, and then visit a local cellar/bar for a wine tasting activity and farewell lunch while learning about some of Argentina's famed regional wines. Return to the hotel with time to rest, do some last-minute packing, and get ready for the flight home. The day room is available until 6 pm. Late afternoon refreshments will be provided at the hotel before you head out to the airport to catch your international flights to the U.S.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
725 Continental - day room
Arrive
Arrive home.
Land Cost

$10,395

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2650

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Gratuities for activity guides, meals and porters
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Water refill station during transfers
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Gratuities for main guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 10 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $1000 per person is required to reserve your place on the program. Reservations received after the final payment deadline must be accompanied by full payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, the following per person fees will apply: 135 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 134 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $1000 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited. In most cases, any applicable refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $2650


Final payment due date: July 31, 2027

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Chile and Argentina. Passports must have at least 2 fully blank pages (1 per country) for entry and exit stamps, and must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. (As requirements are subject to change at any time without notice, we strongly recommend at least six months' validity.)

Neither country requires a visa for visits up to 90 days.

A tourist card is required for U.S. citizens entering Chile and is issued upon arrival. This card allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days and will allow multiple entries. Keep the tourist card with your passport; it is important not to lose it, as you must present the card to Customs when you leave the country.

You must present proof of mandatory travel medical insurance for entry into Argentina. Your travel insurance policy must be valid for at least the full duration of your time in Argentina and must include coverage for medical and hospital care, accidents or illnesses (including COVID-19), 24/7 emergency assistance, and medical evacuation and repatriation. (Travel protection is available from a variety of providers, and you are encouraged to select the carrier that best meets your needs. Holbrook’s recommended provider is Travel Insured International. Learn more)

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Chilean and Argentine embassies for the requirements based on your nationality.

If your international flights transits through another country, be sure to visit https://travel.state.gov to check that country's entry requirements. Some countries require visas or other authorization for transiting passengers, even for layovers where you don't leave the airport.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Chile or Argentina.

Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Chile and Argentina.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Mosquito-borne Illnesses

While unlikely in Santiago or Patagonia, mosquito-borne illnesses have been known to occur in Buenos Aires, including dengue fever and, to a lesser extent, chikungunya. We advise to check for possible disease outbreaks near the time of your departure and take appropriate precautions as warranted.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

SEA SICKNESS

If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the Stella Australis is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Liability Waivers

Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.

Resources

Print Resources

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a few slightly nicer, "smart casual" outfits for activities like dinners out, winery visits, city tours, and the tango show, especially in Santiago and Buenos Aires. Keep in mind that locals tend to dress conservatively.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at an additional cost. 

Remember that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are reversed from those of the Northern Hemisphere; November falls during late spring. Santiago experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate; average highs in November are in the mid to upper 70s (°F). The weather in Patagonia can be unpredictable. We recommend packing clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Spring in Patagonia is generally characterized by temperate weather with occasional cold, overcast days. Average highs are in the 50s or 60s and lows are generally in the 30s and 40s. Patagonia is also known for its strong winds, which can make the ambient temperature feel dramatically colder. Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate, with average highs also in the 70s, but likely to be more humid than Santiago.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, suitable for layering under a jacket or other outerwear as needed
  • Moisture-wicking or thermal base layer
  • Lightweight to medium-weight long pants, slacks, or jeans; quick-drying long pants
  • Shorts/skirts – Patagonia has cool weather year-round, but you may wish to pack a pair of shorts in case of a warm spell or for your time in Santiago or Buenos Aires.
  • Undergarments and socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Fleece, down, or synthetic-filled jacket/sweater
  • Headgear – Include a hat (preferably with a wide brim) for sun protection. A tie under the chin is helpful in case of windy conditions. Beanie hats are excellent for windy conditions.
  • Bathing suit – Pools are available at some hotels.
  • Shoes – Plan to bring at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe, water-resistant or waterproof walking or hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support, suitable for outdoor hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or a pair of casual flip-flops, sandals, or slip-on tennis shoes for city tours and to wear around the hotel.
  • Water-resistant or waterproof rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
  • Shawl or scarf and waterproof or polar fleece gloves for cold weather

PERSONAL TOILETRIES

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – Most hotels provide basic toiletry amenities, but if you have any specific preferences, you may wish to pack your own. If possible, avoid strong fragrances in consideration of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap – The Stella Australis and most hotels provide a hair dryer.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops

Your local guide(s) will carry a basic first aid kit, but you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, aloe vera gel (to treat sunburn), individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information, including proof of travel health insurance to present upon arrival in Argentina
  • Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable) – We recommend packing medications in their original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling.
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack with waterproof cover for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by, etc.) for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane
  • Collapsible walking stick or trekking poles with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Plug adapter, voltage converter, and chargers for electronics
  • Dry bags for electronics, especially while on the boat and Zodiacs

"The whole trip was fantastic, great guides and group, and the destinations were amazing."

- Mark S.
Chile , 2025
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