Experience Patagonia by land and by sea, exploring the majestic Chilean fjords and the twisted peaks and glaciers of Torres del Paine on a journey that begins and ends in some of South America’s most appealing cities.  

Starting at: $12,382 * Includes airfare, taxes & all fees Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542
 Smithsonian travelers in Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile. Credit: Alex Maureira
Smithsonian travelers in Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile. Credit: Alex Maureira
 Hiking in Patagonia. Credit: Stephanie Wise
Hiking in Patagonia. Credit: Stephanie Wise
 Lake Pehoe at Torres del Paine National Park
Lake Pehoe at Torres del Paine National Park
 Patagonian Fox
Patagonian Fox
 Guanaco in Torres del Paine National Park
Guanaco in Torres del Paine National Park
 Torres del Paine National Park with guanaco
Torres del Paine National Park with guanaco
 Beagle Channel
Beagle Channel
 Cormorants and seals along the Beagle Channel
Cormorants and seals along the Beagle Channel
 Cormorants along the Beagle Channel
Cormorants along the Beagle Channel
 Magellanic penguins
Magellanic penguins
 Travelers admire surreal ice formations. Credit: Peter Kibbee
Travelers admire surreal ice formations. Credit: Peter Kibbee
 Icebergs
Icebergs
 Blazing fall colors of the Andes.  Credit: Diaz Luciano
Blazing fall colors of the Andes. Credit: Diaz Luciano
 Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery

Patagonian Explorer

Argentina and Chile by Land and Sea Featuring a Four-night Cruise

15-16 days from $12,382 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees

Experience Patagonia by land and by sea, exploring the majestic Chilean fjords and the twisted peaks and glaciers of Torres del Paine on a journey that begins and ends in some of South America’s most appealing cities.  

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Patagonia was life-changing; unlike any other place on earth. 

- Jane V.

The Patagonian Explorer was all that we had envisioned and more! Amazing natural beauty, extremely well educated, enlightening lectures. We will travel with Smithsonian Journeys again. 

- Lynn and Tim P.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

See All Journeys Dispatches ››

SPECIAL OFFER

This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.

Overview

Venture to the southernmost tip of South America, exploring the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia by land and sea. Board a comfortable expedition ship to explore the glaciers and wild islands of the Chilean fjords on a four-night cruise. Then spend two days in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, discovering gem-like lakes and stunning mountain vistas on a variety of excursions. Bookend your experience with visits to three wonderful cities: Buenos Aires, Santiago, and the World Heritage site of Valparaiso.

Highlights Include

  • Buenos Aires: Capture the essence of Argentina’s cultural capital during visits to captivating neighborhoods, including La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo. Enjoy an evening in a renowned tango house (excluding Oct. & Nov. 2025 departures), and take a backstage tour of the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s premier opera houses.
  • Cruising the Chilean Fjords: From Ushuaia, Argentina, sail for four nights aboard an Australis expedition ship, cruising legendary places like the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn National Park, as well as remote channels and bays. Watch for sea lions, Antarctic fur seals, and a colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins, and go ashore to explore glaciers and native forests.  
  • Torres del Paine National Park: Enjoy two days immersed in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its iconic mountain peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, rushing rivers, and thunderous waterfalls. Discover the park on a variety of hikes, walks, and excursions.
  • Santiago: Take a city tour of this sophisticated Chilean capital and visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
  • Valparaiso and Chile’s Wine Country: Travel through the rolling hills of Chile’s Casablanca wine country and stop for a private tour and tasting at a renowned winery. Continue to the cultural hub of Valparaiso and explore the historic port, a World Heritage site.

Patagonia was life-changing; unlike any other place on earth. 

- Jane V.

The Patagonian Explorer was all that we had envisioned and more! Amazing natural beauty, extremely well educated, enlightening lectures. We will travel with Smithsonian Journeys again. 

- Lynn and Tim P.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S. for Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly overnight to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. You’ll be able to check in early and enjoy time to relax before this afternoon's welcome briefing. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. (D) 

Day 3 — Buenos Aires

Discover this dynamic city on a tour that includes the captivating neighborhoods of Palermo, La Boca, and San Telmo. In elegant Recoleta, see the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Eva Perón famously addressed the masses, and stroll through the cemetery where she and other prominent Argentinians lie buried. Tonight, head to the legendary Esquina Carlos Gardel, one of the city’s premier tango houses, for dinner and a performance. (B, D)

Day 4 — Buenos Aires

Experience one of the most exquisite opera houses in the world on backstage tour of the Teatro Colón. This seven-story theater opened in its present form in 1908 and has hosted great composers from Arturo Toscanini and Leonard Bernstein to Zubin Mehta. The remainder of the day is yours to discover Buenos Aires as you wish. (B) 

Day 5 — Ushuaia

Fly south to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city, set on the shores of Tierra del Fuego. After lunch at leisure and time to take a walk in the city center, embark your comfortable expedition ship. Set sail on the storied Beagle Channel late this afternoon. (B,D) 

Guests will travel on one of the Australis twin sister ships, Stella or Ventus, with equal amenities onboard.

Day 6 — Cruising: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay, Chile

Sail through the narrow Murray Channel to Nassau Bay, passing snowcapped peaks and remote islands on the way to Cape Horn National Park, a World-Heritage Biosphere Reserve. Keep your eye out for sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and Antarctic fur seals as you cruise. At Wulaia Bay, go ashore for a guided walk through native forests that Charles Darwin once explored. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 — Cruising: Pia Glacier / Garibaldi Glacier

Awaken this morning in Pia Fjord, home of the stunning Pia Glacier. Ride inflatable Zodiacs up close to the glacier for a breathtaking perspective of this wall of ice that extends from the moun­taintops down to sea level.

After lunch on board, drop anchor in a nearby fjord for a shore excursion to Garibaldi Glacier, one of only three glaciers in Patagonia that is gaining mass. Set out on a hike through the Magellanic forest, passing glacial waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking the glacier and fjord. (B,L,D) 

Day 8 — Cruising: Agostini Sound / Aguila Glacier

Cruise through narrow channels to enter the spectacular Agostini Sound, where massive glaciers flow down the mountainside to the water. Land on shore for a walk along the lagoon to Aguila Glacier and learn how glaciers shaped the rugged islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. (B,L,D) 

Day 9 — Cruising: Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas / Torres del Paine

Early this morning, visit Magdalena Island to observe an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. End your cruise at Punta Arenas, and board your motorcoach for the journey to Torres del Paine National Park. (B,L,D)

Days 10 & 11 — Torres del Paine National Park

Immerse yourself in the astonishing scenery of Torres del Paine, a 700-square-mile stretch of craggy peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers that is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful nature preserves on Earth. Discover waterfalls and lush forests as you explore the park, and enjoy lunch at magnificent Lago Grey. The next day, take an excursion to Laguna AmargaLa­guna Azul, and Cascade Rio Paine. Keep your eye out for some of the park’s only permanent residents: 106 species of birds and 26 species of mammals, includ­ing the iconic guanaco, a relative of the llama. (B,L,D) 

Day 12 — Punta Arenas

Travel by coach to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in the city center and have dinner together. (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Santiago

Fly today to Santiago, the sophisticated capital of Chile. This afternoon, take a city tour featuring the Plaza de Armas and the traditional city center. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 14 — Valparaiso

Travel through lovely, vineyard-covered hills to the port city of Valparaiso. En route, stop at a renowned winery for a private tour and tasting. On a tour of Valparaiso’s historic center, now a World Heritage site, meander along narrow streets past colorful wooden houses that recall Chile’s third largest city’s origins as a fishing village. Return to Santiago for a celebratory farewell dinner at a restaurant in town. (B,D)

Days 15 & 16 — Santiago/Return to the U.S.

After a leisurely morning, pay an afternoon visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which showcases indigenous art and artifacts from Chile and across the Americas. After free time, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the U.S. and connect with your flights home the next morning. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

Itinerary (Oct. & Nov. 2025 departures)

Days 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S. for Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly overnight to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. You’ll be able to check in early and enjoy time to relax before this afternoon's welcome briefing. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. (B, D) 

Day 3 — Buenos Aires

Discover this dynamic city on a tour that includes the captivating neighborhoods of Palermo, La Boca, and San Telmo. In elegant Recoleta, see the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Eva Perón famously addressed the masses, and stroll through the cemetery where she and other prominent Argentinians lie buried. Experience one of the most exquisite opera houses in the world on backstage tour of the Teatro Colón. This seven-story theater opened in its present form in 1908 and has hosted great composers from Arturo Toscanini and Leonard Bernstein to Zubin Mehta.  Dinner tonight is on your own in this city known especially for asado – and for late dining hours. (B)

Day 4 — Ushuaia

Fly south to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city, set on the shores of Tierra del Fuego. After lunch at leisure and time to take a walk in the city center, embark your comfortable expedition ship. Set sail on the storied Beagle Channel late this afternoon. (B, D) 

Guests will travel on one of the Australis twin sister ships, Stella or Ventus, with equal amenities onboard.

Day 5 — Cruising: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay, Chile

Sail through the narrow Murray Channel to Nassau Bay, passing snowcapped peaks and remote islands on the way to Cape Horn National Park, a World-Heritage Biosphere Reserve. Keep your eye out for sea lions, Magellanic penguins, and Antarctic fur seals as you cruise. At Wulaia Bay, go ashore for a guided walk through native forests that Charles Darwin once explored. (B, L, D) 

Day 6 — Cruising: Pia Glacier / Garibaldi Glacier

Awaken this morning in Pia Fjord, home of the stunning Pia Glacier. Ride inflatable Zodiacs up close to the glacier for a breathtaking perspective of this wall of ice that extends from the moun­taintops down to sea level.

After lunch on board, drop anchor in a nearby fjord for a shore excursion to Garibaldi Glacier, one of only three glaciers in Patagonia that is gaining mass. Set out on a hike through the Magellanic forest, passing glacial waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking the glacier and fjord. (B, L, D) 

Day 7 — Cruising: Agostini Sound / Aguila Glacier

Cruise through narrow channels to enter the spectacular Agostini Sound, where massive glaciers flow down the mountainside to the water. Land on shore for a walk along the lagoon to Aguila Glacier and learn how glaciers shaped the rugged islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. (B, L, D) 

Day 8 — Cruising: Magdalena Island, Punta Arenas / Torres del Paine

Early this morning, visit Magdalena Island to observe an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. End your cruise at Punta Arenas, and board your motorcoach for the journey to Torres del Paine National Park. (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10 — Torres del Paine National Park

Immerse yourself in the astonishing scenery of Torres del Paine, a 700-square-mile stretch of craggy peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers that is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful nature preserves on Earth. Discover waterfalls and lush forests as you explore the park, and enjoy lunch at magnificent Lago Grey. The next day, take an excursion to Laguna AmargaLa­guna Azul, and Cascade Rio Paine. Keep your eye out for some of the park’s only permanent residents: 106 species of birds and 26 species of mammals, includ­ing the iconic guanaco, a relative of the llama. (B, L, D) 

Day 11 — Punta Arenas

Travel by coach to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in the city center and have dinner together. (B, L, D)

Day 12 — Santiago

Fly today to Santiago, the sophisticated capital of Chile. This afternoon, take a city tour featuring the Plaza de Armas and the traditional city center. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 13 — Valparaiso

Travel through lovely, vineyard-covered hills to the port city of Valparaiso. En route, stop at a renowned winery for a private tour and tasting. On a tour of Valparaiso’s historic center, now a World Heritage site, meander along narrow streets past colorful wooden houses that recall Chile’s third largest city’s origins as a fishing village. Return to Santiago for a celebratory farewell dinner at a restaurant in town. (B, D)

Days 14 & 15 — Santiago/Return to the U.S.

After a leisurely morning, pay an afternoon visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which showcases indigenous art and artifacts from Chile and across the Americas. After free time, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the U.S. and connect with your flights home the next morning. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

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