Best of Patagonia on a Budget
In the heart of Patagonia, granite and ice giants draw one of the most beautiful natural theaters in the world.
Duration
9 days
From
€2,030/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the emblematic landscapes of Patagonia, between glaciers, turquoise waters lakes and granite peaks. This circuit takes you to meet the impressive ice tongues of Perito Moreno and Grey glaciers, as well as the majestic reliefs of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and Torres del Paine, true symbols of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Throughout your journey, you discover contrasting panoramas, between vast glacial expanses, steep mountains and wild landscapes. Designed to make the most of each stage, this itinerary combines regular bus transport and accommodation in simple and comfortable hostels. A careful organization that allows you to explore the must-see sites of Patagonia, at the pace of hikes and discoveries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of Buenos Aires, the Pearl of Argentina
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, nicknamed the "Paris of South America", your driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. You will then embark on a group tour of the must-sees of Buenos Aires, discovering the history, architecture and atmosphere of the Argentine capital.
Your route takes you to the Plaza de Mayo (Plaza de Mayo), surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Casa Rosada, as well as discovering the National Congress. You continue towards the impressive Avenida 9 de Julio, before heading to La Boca, a district renowned for its colorful facades and cultural identity.
Heading to El Calafate, at the Gates of Frozen Patagonia
You leave Buenos Aires to reach El Calafate, a charming Argentine town located near the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, in the heart of the landscapes of Argentine Patagonie. From your hotel, a transfer is organized to Buenos Aires airport, where you take your domestic flight to El Calafate.
Upon arrival, your driver welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel.
Perito Moreno Glacier and scenic route to El Chaltén
This morning, you take the road along Lago Argentino towards the Magallanes peninsula, before entering the Los Glaciares National Park. You set off to discover the Perito Moreno glacier, a vast glacial tongue from the Patagonia continental ice field. A walk facing its imposing ice front allows you to admire its glacial formations and observe the falls of seracs in the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino.
Optionally, you can also enjoy a boat ride facing the southern part of the Perito Moreno glacier, to discover this ice giant from another perspective. In late afternoon, you return to El Calafate, before continuing your itinerary towards El Chaltén, nicknamed Argentina's trekking capital. You follow Lago Argentino again, then take the famous Ruta 40 and cross the Río Santa Cruz. The road continues along the vast Lago Viedma, with, on clear days, a panorama of the emblematic granite peaks of Patagonia: Cerro Torre, Saint-Exupéry, Fitz Roy and Guillaumet.
Hiking to Fitz Roy and high mountain lagoons
Today, you set out for a hike in the heart of the Fitz Roy massif, in the mountainous landscapes of Patagonia in Argentina. Your itinerary begins at the heights of the Río de las Vueltas, before following the Chorrillo del Salto, with first viewpoints of the surrounding granite spires. You continue your hike until you catch sight of the Piedras Blancas glacier, which descends toward the valley. You then reach the Poincenot camp, located at the foot of the moraine leading to the Laguna de los Tres. After approximately one hour of steady climbing, you reach the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, surrounded by the granite spires of Mermoz, Guillaumet and Saint-Exupéry. From the Laguna de los Tres, you admire these imposing rocky peaks reflected in the waters of the lake.
On your left, the Laguna Sucia, recognizable by the particular color of its waters, is also worth a short detour.
You then take the same trail back to El Chaltén, at the end of this day's hike.
El Chaltén - El Calafate
Today, you set off on a hike towards the Cerro Torre, one of the emblematic peaks of Argentine Patagonia. From El Chaltén, you take a trail that gradually rises above the village, before reaching a valley offering first panoramic views of the Cerro Torre mountain range and the needles of Las Adelas. Your hike continues along the Río Fitz Roy, through a valley punctuated by several glacial cirques. After approximately three hours of hiking, you reach the Lago Torre, at the foot of Cerro Torre. Before you stands this impressive granite needle, recognizable by its peak topped with a snow mushroom.
At the end of this hike, you take the bus to El Calafate, where you finish your day.
Crossing to Chile
This morning, you leave early by bus heading towards Chile and the Torres del Paine national park, in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.
You leave the shores of Lake Argentino, then follow the turquoise waters of the Río Santa Cruz before embarking on a long crossing of the Patagonian pampas. Your route takes you to the border posts of Cancha Carrera and Cerro Castillo, where you cross the border between Argentina and Chile. You continue your journey passing by Lake Sarmiento and Laguna Amarga, before entering Torres del Paine national park, renowned for its landscapes of mountains, lakes and glaciers.
You then head out for a trip to Salto Grande, a waterfall located between Lake Nordenskjöld and the Lake Pehoé. You enjoy this natural setting before heading to Lake Pehoé for a catamaran crossing, in the midst of the national park's landscapes.
Trekking to Grey Glacier at Torres del Paine
Today, you set off on a hike towards Grey Glacier, in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia. You leave the turquoise waters of Pehoé Lake and continue your walk by skirting Bariloche Point, through the park's landscapes. Halfway through, you discover a panorama over the immense Grey Lake, where icebergs drift on the water's surface. In the distance, Grey Glacier emerges, its imposing mass of ice dominating the landscape.
Grey Glacier Navigation
This morning, you enjoy a free morning on the shores of Glacier Grey. Depending on your preferences, you can take a walk near the glacier, continue your hike further upstream or choose an activity such as a walk on the glacier or a kayaking trip between the blocks of ice. In the early afternoon, you board for a navigation facing Glacier Grey, discovering its imposing seracs and shades of blue. You take this opportunity to enjoy a whisky on the rocks, in the middle of the glacial landscapes of Patagonie.
The navigation continues south of Lake Grey, where you disembark on Grey Beach. You discover a singular landscape, marked by bluish blocks of ice washed up on the black sand.
After a short walk through a forest of lengas, southern beeches characteristic of the region, you return to your vehicle for a transfer to your hotel in Puerto.
Puerto Natales - Santiago
Today, you leave Puerto Natales, in Patagonie, to reach Santiago, the capital of Chile. A driver picks you up at your hotel and takes you to Puerto Natales airport, where you board your flight to Santiago.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Meals
- Domestic flights
- Park entries
- The possible transfer to Buenos Aires
Included
- Hotel nights with breakfast
- Camping nights with equipment provided and breakfast
- Regular bus transport
- The excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
- Navigation Facing Glacier Grey
- The catamaran crossing on Lake Pehoe
- The transfer In to El Calafate and the transfer Out to Puerto Natales
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Patagonie (Argentine et Chili) dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Argentine et au Chili, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée de votre séjour. Il est toutefois fortement recommandé qu'il reste valide au moins six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays, et qu'il comporte au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Argentine et au Chili.
En Argentine, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours, renouvelable une fois sur place pour une durée équivalente. Au Chili, l'exemption autorise également un séjour jusqu'à 90 jours, non renouvelable sans quitter le territoire.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement sur le territoire.
Passage de frontière entre l'Argentine et le Chili
La Patagonie s'étendant sur les deux pays, de nombreux voyageurs sont amenés à franchir plusieurs fois la frontière terrestre entre l'Argentine et le Chili au cours de leur séjour. Chaque entrée sur l'un ou l'autre territoire donne lieu à un nouveau contrôle d'immigration et à l'attribution d'un nouveau délai de séjour autorisé.
Certains postes-frontières terrestres sont situés dans des zones reculées et peuvent avoir des horaires d'ouverture limités. Il est conseillé de vérifier les conditions de passage avant votre départ.
Il est strictement interdit d'importer des produits alimentaires frais (fruits, légumes, viande, produits laitiers) d'un pays à l'autre, sous peine de confiscation et d'amende.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Argentine ou au Chili. Cependant, certaines recommandations sanitaires sont à prendre en compte :
La mise à jour des vaccins de routine (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole) est recommandée.
La vaccination contre l'hépatite A peut être conseillée selon votre profil et votre itinéraire.
En Patagonie, les conditions climatiques peuvent être extrêmes (froid, vent, UV intenses) : une préparation physique et un équipement adapté sont indispensables.
Nous vous recommandons de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination avant votre départ pour un avis personnalisé.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un ou les deux parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence, ainsi qu'une autorisation parentale notariée traduite en espagnol pour certains contrôles aux frontières argentines ou chiliennes.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Argentine et du Chili de leur pays de résidence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Patagonia spans across Argentina and Chile. In both cases, no visa is required for tourist stays. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Before booking your itinerary, check the specific rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of each country.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 220 and 380 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (1000-1500 euros return) are additional. Patagonia is expensive (remote lodges, domestic flights, nature excursions) but unforgettable.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to travellers' profiles. For families, we prioritise relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget, and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Argentine Patagonia
Guide to Patagonia's Great Horizons, based in Santiago
Patagonia gives a rare sense of freedom. We travel there as much for the landscapes as for what they awaken within us.
— Sarah
