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Chile, Argentina and Patagonia

13 Day Escorted Tour

Chile, Latin America
15 Meals Included
7 Excursions
Active Pace

Our fascinating tour offers a fabulous insight to Patagonia, combining two of South Americas most famous cities, cosmopolitan Santiago with the elegant and vibrant Buenos Aires. Travel through the delightful colonial city of Valparaiso and the contrasting city of 'the Garden city' Vina del Mar. Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of sailing through magnificent glaciers, possibly spotting dolphins and seals and delight at the dominance of the stunning icebergs.

Highlights

  • Enjoy city tours of Santiago and Buenos Aires
  • Visit the colourful Valparaiso and the 'Garden City' of Vina del Mar, with a cable car ride
  • Breath-taking walks through Torres del Paine National Park
  • Sail the Channel of Last Hope
  • Marvel at the glacier-studded expanse of Grey Lake and the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier
Chile, Argentina and Patagonia Map

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Santiago

Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Santiago.

Day 2
Santiago

Dinner

Upon arrival in Chile, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, explore vibrant Santiago, set against the stunning Andes. Visit the city's historic heart, featuring beautiful baroque buildings and Santa Lucia Hill, where Spanish conquistadors founded the city in the 16th century.

Day 3
Santiago

Breakfast

Following breakfast, today is a tale of two cities. Valparaiso is a colonial city presenting an excellent example of late 19th century urban and architectural development in Latin America, considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Enjoy a ride on a traditional cable car and delight in the outstanding colours of the cliff top homes, bohemian culture and outstanding sea views. Continue to the coastal city of Vina Del Mar, a sharp contrast to neighbouring Valparaiso, known as the 'Garden City', a fascinating and beautiful location where you will enjoy delightfully expansive parks, fabulous architecture and the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. There will be an opportunity to visit La Sebastiana museum at an additional fee, famous for inspiring the Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda.

Day 4
Santiago

Breakfast

Today is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and dynamic atmosphere of Santiago at your own pace. Wander through the bustling streets, explore local markets, or visit the city's many museums and galleries. You might choose to stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Santiago.

For those interested in Chilean wine, an optional excursion to the renowned Santa Rita vineyard is available. Here, you can learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting of some of the region's finest wines *At a fee. Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Day 5
Santiago to Puerto Natales

Breakfast

Following breakfast transfer to Santiago airport for your flight to Punta Arenas. On arrival, you will be met and enjoy a tour of the small isolated city of Punta Arenas. Continue to Puerto Natales, gateway to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. This charming town lies on the shores of the Sound of Ultima Esperanza. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 6
Puerto Natales

Breakfast & Lunch

Today you will board a ship to sail the Channel of Last Hope, marvel at the awe-inspiring glaciers which sharply pierce the ocean from the southern continental ice field. Enjoy the stunning views as you sail past the famous Heritage Building, a slaughterhouse dating back to 1913 before continuing through the Senorat canal. Hopefully, you will catch sight of the Magellan Dolphins, frequent visitors to this area and possibly as a graceful sea lion whilst admiring the Condor birds by a stunning waterfall.

Disembark for a walk towards the Serrano glacier along the shores of Tempanos Lagoon and through a native forest. The massive icebergs and breathtaking landscapes make for an unforgettable experience. Your guide will share insights into the region's natural wonders, enhancing your appreciation of this unique environment.

Day 7
Torres del Paine

Breakfast & Lunch

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Torres del Paine National Park, a place of unparalleled natural beauty. Start your day with a scenic drive into the park, where you'll be greeted by the sight of the iconic three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range, soaring up to 2,500 meters above sea level. Your exploration begins with a visit to the park's stunning lakes and waterfalls. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé and the powerful Salto Grande waterfall. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes and the diverse wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

Enjoy a prepared box lunch before embarking on a short hike to Grey Lake. This hike offers spectacular views of the lake's many icebergs, which have calved from the impressive Grey Glacier. As you walk along the shores of the lake, you'll be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Throughout the day, your guide will share fascinating insights into the park's geology, flora, and fauna, enhancing your appreciation of this unique environment.

Day 8
Puerto Natales to El Calafate

Breakfast

After breakfast, begin your journey to Argentina, stopping for lunch en route. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your local representative and check in at your hotel in El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Day 9
El Calafate

Breakfast & Dinner

Set off from your hotel towards the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Glacier National Park, about 80 km from El Calafate. The journey begins with scenic views of Lake Argentino and Redonda Bay, where you can spot a variety of birdlife. As you travel through the Patagonian steppe, the landscape gradually transforms into lush forests filled with ñires, lengas, and cherry trees as you approach the National Park.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a colossal river of ice, covering 257 square kilometers, stretching 30 kilometers in length, and 4 kilometers in width. The glacier's front wall towers 50 to 60 meters above the lake, with ice depths reaching 250 to 350 meters. This constantly moving glacier creates dramatic landslides and thunderous ice calving, making it a spectacular natural wonder. Declared a World Heritage Site, the glacier offers an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

During the excursion, walk along the well-maintained paths that provide various viewpoints of the glacier, allowing you to appreciate its immense size and beauty from different angles. The combination of the glacier's striking blue ice, the surrounding mountains, and the pristine environment makes this a highlight of your trip.

End you day with an included dinner at your hotel tonight.

Day 10
El Calafate

Breakfast

Spend the day exploring El Calafate at your own pace. You can choose to visit the Glaciarium, a museum dedicated to the geology of glaciers, explore the Laguna Nimez Nature Reserve for birdwatching, learn about Patagonia's history at the El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center, or stroll along Avenida Libertador to enjoy the local atmosphere.

Day 11
El Calafate to Buenos Aires

Breakfast

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Flight times vary. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind after your journey.

Day 12
Buenos Aires

Breakfast

Enjoy a half day city tour commencing in the historic Plaza de Mayo, the site of the 1810 revolution and now a hub of political life. From here you will see the Casa Rosada government palace and its famous balcony where Eva Peron used to address the people. Continue to the picturesque and colourful neighbourhood of La Boca with its famous street 'Caminito' whose architecture reflects the European influence of the late 19th century. In the evening marvel at a traditional tango, show whilst enjoying dinner. Tango originated in the 1880 ghettos which were populated by Italian and Spanish immigrants, Africans and Gauchos. From this intersection rose the 'Comrpraditos', whose songs, lyrics, and dances reflect 'el duelo de cuchilleros', or knife fights characteristic of the social ambience. The tango rose from a mix of Cuban and Spanish rhythms, some polka, and according to some, also a bit of African music.

Day 13
Buenos Aires to UK

Breakfast

Transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires Airport in time for your flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

What's Included

Hand-picked Accommodation

15 Meals

7 Excursions

Expert Local Guides

All entrance fees

International Return Flights

Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)

Hold Luggage for all flights

ABTA & ATOL Protection

Special Offers

Use discount code TOUR232 at the checkout to save £232 per person on selected tours departing in October 2025, January 2026, February 2026 and March 2026

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Almasur Providencia
3 nights
Santiago, Chile
Hotel Costaustralis
3 nights
Puerto Natales, Chile

Extend Your Tour

Chile, Argentina and Patagonia with Sao Paulo City Stay

3 Day Extension
from

€4,645

pp

Chile, Argentina and Patagonia with Highlights of Peru Extension

5 Day Extension
from

€5,773

pp

Chile, Argentina and Patagonia with Wildlife of the Pantanal Extension

5 Day Extension
from

€6,567

pp

Chile, Argentina and Patagonia with Iguazu Falls Extension

5 Day Extension
from

€5,214

pp

Chile, Argentina and Patagonia with Buenos Aires City Stay

3 Day Extension
from

€4,351

pp

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

British citizens currently do not need a tourist visa to enter Chile and Argentina. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.

If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0333 188 0407 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in Chile is the (Chilean Peso (CLP). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. The currency in Argentina is the (Argentinian Peso (ARS). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately (£500-£600) per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour. Tipping is at your discretion; however we would recommend approximately ($3.00-5.00) per day. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This is an escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English-speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.

On arrival in Chile you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Southbound Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Southbound Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you cannot see your representative, please proceed to the "La Pica restaurant" located just in front of the main exit, between gates number 3 and 4, where your guide will meet you.

There are many illegal taxis operating around Santiago Airport and they have been known to steal from tourists. Official taxis are dark blue in colour.

Your guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.

If you need to contact your representative during you stay the details are:

Chile (Southbound Travel) Address: Cowork Latam Apoquindo Avenue 2930, Las Condes - Santiago-Chile Telephone 24 hour: 00 569 9639 1191 E-mail: emergency@southbound.travel

Argentina (Eurotur) Address: Viamonte 486, Buenos Aire, Argentina Contact number: 0054 11 4312-6077 Email: patricia.parra@eurotur.tur.ar

Argentina: When calling from a UK number: 0054 911 6878 1562

When calling from a local number in Argentina: 11 6878-1562 / 11 4992-136 E-mail: 247@eurotur.tur.ar