Lapwing: Patagonian Odyssey

UK clients depart, arriving Santiago the following morning.

Day 1

Walking tour of Chile’s capital city.

Those arriving on an international flight will be met at the airport by the tour leader or a local representative. There will be time to relax before exploring the city and visiting a few of the many museums, markets and parks of this cosmopolitan capital. Santiago is laid out in a broad valley below the snow-capped Andes.

In the afternoon your guided city tour takes you to all the major sites of this fascinating city concentrating on Santiago’s bustling historic centre, which in recent years has taken on a new lease of life. Awakening from years of neglect, the traditional residential neighbourhood of Lastarria is a delight to explore, replete with shops, arty cafés and characterful hotels. Nearby, leafy Parque Forestal was inaugurated in the early twentieth century to celebrate the first 100 years of the republic. It is just a few blocks from the beating heart of old Santiago, the Plaza de Armas, the capital’s main square which is graced by elegant Chilean wine palms with their characteristic bottle-shaped trunks. Grouped around the plaza are Santiago’s Cathedral, the main post office, the National Historic Museum and the Municipalidad de Santiago (city hall). From here, if time, visit San Cristóbal Hill by riding the cable car to the top. On clear days there are spectacular panoramic views across the city towards the Andes.

Day 2

Optional visit to a vineyard, or the Pacific port town Valparaíso.

Today there is an optional visit to Chile’s second city, Valparaíso (2 hours by bus). This lively seaport is built on a series of hills which form a backdrop to the wide bay, with views over the seaside resort of Viña del Mar. You can wander through the steep, winding streets and among the brightly-coloured colonial homes built for 19th century British and German merchants, or take a ride in one of the creaky wooden funiculars which link the cliff-top communities.

Time permitting, you may wish to visit one of the vineyards close to Santiago, to sample some highly respected Chilean wine.

Day 3

Fly to Punta Arenas, southern Patagonia.

A 4 hour flight takes you south to Punta Arenas. On a clear day you have views of the southern icecap, its fjords, volcanoes and glaciers. Approaching the city you see the rust brown Patagonian steppes, pitted with small lagoons, stretching out towards the Straits of Magellan. On the other side of the water rise the mountains of the windswept island of Tierra del Fuego.

Punta Arenas was an important, British-influenced trading centre before the opening of the Panama Canal turned it into a backwater; the region’s fortunes were only briefly revived during a short-lived gold rush. To add to its woes, the sheep-rearing business has never recovered from the catastrophic collapse of the price of meat and wool. It’s now a gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the nearby National parks.

Day 4

By road to Torres del Paine National Park.

Begin your day with an early morning departure in a private vehicle to Estancia Cerro Guido, a living testament to Patagonia’s pioneering spirit. Nestled on the largest remaining working sheep farm in Chilean Patagonia, this historic property dates back to the 1920s and exudes authentic charm.

Here, you’ll experience life on a traditional estancia surrounded by sweeping landscapes and rich heritage. Just a short 35-minute (40 km) drive from the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park, Cerro Guido offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Day 5

Excursions in or around Torres del Paine

A carefully designed program of excursions offers guests an unforgettable immersion into the authentic spirit of Patagonia. Explore the vast 100,000-hectare expanse of the estancia and venture into remote regions beyond the boundaries of Torres del Paine National Park, including the dramatic Sierra Baguales.

These lesser-visited areas reveal Patagonia as it once was—untamed, pristine, and far from the influence of mainstream tourism. Whether within the National Park or beyond, the scenery is spectacular and alive with wildlife.

Guests can experience Patagonia on foot, in 4×4 vehicles, or on horseback, with options ranging from half-day to full-day adventures and difficulty levels from easy to challenging. Upon arrival, expert guides will discuss possibilities and tailor each excursion to your interests and fitness level, ensuring a truly personal and memorable journey.

Day 6

Excursions in or around Torres del Paine

For hikers, a variety of scenic routes are available, ranging from gentle walks to more challenging treks. Many lead to rarely visited areas where the trails remain quiet and untouched, offering a refreshing alternative to the well-known paths of Torres del Paine National Park.

Guests seeking a different perspective can opt for 4×4 excursions into the National Park, with visits to its most iconic sights: the shimmering lakes of Grey, Pehoé, and Sarmiento, as well as the dramatic Salto Grande waterfalls. (Please note: glacier navigation on Lago Grey is not included.)

The activity schedule may vary depending on guest numbers and prevailing conditions, and is subject to change. After a day of adventure, return to the warm ambiance of the estancia and savor authentic Patagonian cuisine. All meals and an open bar (excluding premium wines and spirits) are included throughout your stay, ensuring comfort and indulgence at the end of every journey.

Day 7

Drive to El Calafate in Argentina.

Head out across the Patagonian steppe by comfortable coach (3.5hrs + stops and border crossing), passing guanacos, ñandús (similar to an ostrich) and flamingos, and with a view of translucent Lago Argentino, the largest lake in the country.

It is on these shores that El Calafate, your next port of call, is situated. This is a small town, but it is growing fast, brimming with hotels, cafés, tour agencies, delicatessens, sweet shops and roaming travellers. There’s not a huge amount to do in town, but it’s a nice place to unwind and a convenient base for excursions into the area.

Day 8

Visit Perito Moreno Glacier.

The town is a stopping off point for visitors to the Perito Moreno Glacier, still one of the most dynamic in the world. Driving out towards the glacier on your included excursion follows the lake before turning up a wooded valley, dense with beech and birch trees, and continues alongside shimmering lagoons bordered with bright crimson and heather lichens.

There is a walkway and viewing platform to take in the awe-inspiring cliff-edge of the glacier, which towers 60m above the water surface and is an extraordinary 5km wide. You might even hear the unforgettable sound and see the glacier calving a vast wedge of ice the size of a tower block and sending it smashing it down into the lake, where it divides and floats away as an iceberg.

Later, board a boat for an hour-long cruise on the lake beneath the glacier, with a commentary.

Day 9

Fly to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.

Fly south from El Calafate to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to Antarctica. Here, the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park unfold—a striking contrast to the windswept Patagonian steppes further north. Dense forests, towering mountains, and ancient glaciers create a setting of raw beauty and untamed wilderness.

Ushuaia has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled by government incentives, its status as a Free Port, and its role as a hub for Antarctic expeditions. Yet despite its modern development, the city retains a sense of frontier charm. Hemmed in by jagged peaks that plunge toward the shimmering waters of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia offers a spectacular backdrop for exploration and adventure.

Day 10

Cruise down the Beagle Channel

During your stay in Ushuaia, embark on a memorable boat trip along the legendary Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin’s scientific expedition through these waters. Departing from Ushuaia Bay, the vessel glides past serene bays and scattered islets, offering a unique perspective of this southern frontier.

Along the way, brief stops allow you to observe the rich wildlife that inhabits the channel—colonies of cormorants perched on rocky outcrops, playful sea lions basking in the sun, and, in season, penguins gathering along the shores. With a touch of luck, you may even spot an albatross soaring gracefully above the waves, completing this unforgettable Patagonian experience.

Day 11

Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park; boat trip along the Beagle Channel.

Today’s adventure takes you on a half-day excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a pristine wilderness of bright green deciduous beech forests, shimmering lakes, and fjords alive with water birds and industrious beavers.

Follow winding hillside paths to discover panoramic views over the Beagle Channel, and immerse yourself in the story of this unique region—its natural evolution and the human history that shaped it. The journey culminates at Lapataia Bay, a serene and spectacular corner of the world where the Andes meet the southern seas.

Spend your afternoon exploring Ushuaia. Stroll along Avenida San Martín, browsing local shops and stopping at the historic. Visit the Maritime and Prison Museum, housed in a former penitentiary, and the Museo del Fin del Mundo to uncover the region’s rich cultural and natural history.

Day 12

Fly to Buenos Aires.

Fly to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, an elegant and cosmopolitan city famed for the fascinating port district of La Boca with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. It was here that the tango was born, and Diego Maradona honed his footballing skills.

Evenings can be spent sampling the juicy world renowned steak, tasting the famous local wines or enjoying an evening tango show.

Day 13

Guided city tour.

A guided tour of the city takes you to the most famous spots the city has to offer. Starting in the centre of the city, the historic heartland, where government buildings and churches mingle with chic shopping districts, which have a nostalgic, Parisian feel. The quintessential district La Boca with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses is a must, as is the bohemian district of San Telmo, full of quaint old houses interspersed with antique shops, tango bars and expensive restaurants. Slightly further out of town is the Recoleta district, even more evocative of belle époque French and Italianate architecture. The area is home to the cemetery where Evita is laid to rest, and huge tombs line the alleys.

If you want to visit one of the city’s iconic Tango shows speak to your tour leader who can arrange one for you for the evening.

Day 14

Depart for international flight or extension.

UK clients arrive home the following day.