Patagonia Family Adventure

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to our hotel, located on Rodríguez Peña Square in front of Pizzurno Palace in the Recoleta, a barrio, or neighborhood, known for its stylish Paris-influenced townhouses. Meet fellow families this evening during a welcome reception and interactive dinner, where we make empanadas, learn to prepare maté, and taste alfajores.

Embark on a city tour to see Plaza de Mayo with its neo-classical cathedral, colonial town-hall, and Casa Rosada, the presidential palace where Eva Perón famously addressed her supporters. Visit the old neighborhood of San Telmo with its narrow, cobbled-stone streets and La Boca with its multicolor tin houses and soccer stadium. Enjoy a special tango class, where we learn the history of this dance that originated here in the 18th century. After lunch on our own, continue to the elegant Barrio Norte and Palermo, filled with lush parks and gardens, monuments, and magnificent mansions.

Journey outside the city to San Antonio de Areco, where we learn about gaucho history and traditions. Visit a famous silversmith workshop, where pieces are created and sought after by kings and collectors worldwide. Then head to a private estancia for a demonstration of gaucho horse skills, an opportunity for horseback riding, and a typical Argentine barbecue overlooking the endless plains.

Head to the airport this morning for our flight to Calafate, gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Stop at the Glaciarium for an introduction to the formation and movements of glaciers. Marvel at the interpretation center’s modern design and the many interactive multimedia exhibits it houses.

This morning, ferry across Argentina Lake to the Upsala Channel before boarding 4x4 vehicles to reach our lookout point. There, take in sweeping views of the imposing Upsala Glacier’s eastern front and the South Patagonian Continental Ice Field. Return to the lake for lunch at Estancia Cristina, founded by the Masters family more than 100 years ago. Visit the ranch’s Costumbrista Museum, formerly an old shearing shed, to learn about the history of this pioneering family. Tour the colonial main house and the chapel, then take a guided walk along the Caterina River.

Return to Los Glaciares National Park for our trekking excursion on the Perito Moreno Glacier. After a short boat ride on Lake Argentina, walk through birch forests along the lake shore to our starting point for the trek. Get fitted with crampons and set out over the seemingly endless ice, viewing crevices, underground rivers, waterfalls, and ice-caves of iridescent and electric blue hues. Return by boat, navigating very close to the Southern Face of the Perito Moreno Glacier, listening for cracking ice and possibly the roar of pieces of the glacier calving into the water.

Depart Calafate this morning for our drive to Puerto Natales, a small fishing town located on the Last Hope Sound on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. Check in to our hotel, an architectural masterpiece whose design was inspired by old Patagonian shearing sheds tilted by the wind, and our home for the next four nights.

Enjoy three full days exploring southern Chile’s most impressive region, Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Grey Lake with its incredibly blue ice sculptures shaped by the elements and Salto Grande, a glacial waterfall set amid stunning views of the majestic Paine Massif. Each day, choose from a variety of activities. Hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; enjoy a horseback ride through the windswept pampas; look for herds of guanacos and rheas, flocks of flamingos, soaring condors, foxes and black-necked swans on a photo safari; and take advantage of Remota’s relaxing amenities while enjoying spectacular views.

Drive from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas to catch our flight to Santiago. Check in to our hotel upon arrival, then gather to toast our journey at a farewell dinner.

Enjoy a morning at leisure, then embark on a city tour in the afternoon, stopping at La Moneda, the neoclassical building and seat of the government that was built as a mint in 1805 and served as the home of Chilean presidents until 1958. Explore Plaza de Armas, see Santiago’s bohemian side with a visit to the neighborhoods of Bellavista and Lastarria, and take in the panoramic views of the city and surrounding Andes Mountinas from San Cristóbal hill. Then head to the airport for overnight flights bound for home.