Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea
Santiago, Torres del Paine, a 4-night cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, then El Calafate & Buenos Aires; optional Iguazu Falls extension
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | March – April 2024 | Group Size | 8 travelers max |
Themes | Active, Grand Tours, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruises | ||
Activity Level | Advanced | ||
What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, and climbing into and out of Zodiac boats and their landings. Because of this, and the cruise ship has no elevators requiring being able to climb up and down several flights of stairs, a high level of physical fitness is necessary to enjoy the trip entirely. The Patagonia cruise portion of the tour may have up to 210 passengers. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
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Explore amazingly diverse and fascinating Patagonia, a magnificent "off-the-beaten-path" region spanning portions of Chile and Argentina, where you'll find soaring mountains, windy plains that stretch endlessly toward the distant horizon, lush forests filled with ancient flora and fauna, and pristine glaciers. It is an enchanted voyage filled with contrast and beauty, excitement and adventure, and one that you will never forget.
Begin in Santiago, Chile's bustling capital, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Andes Mountains. After touring the city's highlights and tasting renowned Chilean wine at a vineyard, explore the snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls that call Torres del Paine National Park home.
Board your Patagonia cruise ship, the M/V Ventas Australis, at Punta Arenas and sail around the inlets and waterways of Tierra del Fuego and through the Strait of Magellan. The ship's fleet of Zodiac boats will whisk you to shore at various points along the way, and en route, enjoy fascinating presentations by the ship's naturalist-guides, all of whom are involved in the study of Patagonia and its natural treasures as well as its preservation.
After admiring the slow-moving Perito Moreno Glacier and exploring El Calafate, your journey comes to an end in Buenos Aires, the beautiful and diverse capital city of Argentina, where a rich history and culture, world-class cuisine, and spirited nightlife make this one of the world's most exciting destinations.
You don't want to miss this extraordinary opportunity! Your ship provides all the modern comforts you'll need or want during your expedition. Delicious and bountiful meals are served three times daily in the ship's dining room, encircled by huge picture windows so you don't miss a single view. Hot beverages, snacks, and even wine and other alcoholic beverages are served, free of charge, each day.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip Flights from Miami to Santiago and Buenos Aires to Miami, including taxes & fees
- All intra-South America flights
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights accommodation in first class hotels
- 4 nights cruise aboard M/V Ventus Australis
- 27 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- English-speaking local guides
- Expedition specialist on board the cruise
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional post-tour extension to Iguazu
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy 4 nights cruise through one of the most remote corners of planet Earth aboard the M/V Ventus Australis.
- Explore Santiago on a guided tour, including San Cristobal Hill, Plaza Constitución, the Palacio de la Moneda, and Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina.
- Visit a well-known Chilean winery and discover the art of winemaking as you indulge in tastings.
- Wander Torres del Paine National Park and its snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls.
- Pass through "Silla del Diablo" and explore Milodón Caves, a natural monument composed of several caves.
- Hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest.
- Visit the Tuckers Islets and see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs.
- Admire the breathtaking views of Pía Glacier before navigating under the "Glacier Alley".
- Enjoy the unique diversity of Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city that was once a penal colony.
- Embark on a Perito Moreno glacier tour and admire the slow-moving ice mass.
- Discover Patagonia's natural history and geology at El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center.
- Explore the ancient Walichu Caves and marvel at the intricate cave paintings.
- Tour Buenos Aires, including the historic Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada, Avenue 9 de Julio, and more.
- Indulge in a dinner paired with an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance.
Itinerary at a Glance
![Patagonian Explorer by Land & Sea map](https://res.cloudinary.com/friendly-planet/image/fetch/q_auto,f_auto,w_520,c_limit/https://www.friendlyplanet.com/media/gallery/maps/patagonian-explorer-land-sea-2024.png)
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- 3 Santiago, Chile
- 4 Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine
- 5 Torres del Paine
- 6 Torres de Paine & Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia, & El Calafate
- 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
- 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires
- 13 Buenos Aires
- 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $100
Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension
- 14 Buenos Aires
- Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $100
- 15 Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú
- 16 Iguazú Falls
- 17 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your flight bound for Santiago, Chile
Day 2 Arrive Santiago, Chile
- Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
- Take a cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill to see the Santiago skyline
- See the urban area of Vitacura and visit Bicentenario Park
- Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
Pullman Santiago Vitacura or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Santiago, the bustling capital of Chile, where after completing immigration and customs formalities, you will meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago de Chile as you ascend San Cristobal Hill on a captivating cable car ride, immersing yourself in the city's stunning skyline and surrounding natural beauty. Feel the gentle sway of the cable car and marvel at the vibrant cityscape below.
Pass through the modern residential areas of the city with their daring architecture and, finally, the bustling Providencia shopping zone. Then, continue to the Vitacura neighborhood and visit Bicentenario Park, where lush green spaces, serene lakes, and captivating sculptures create an idyllic urban oasis.
In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.Day 3 Santiago, Chile
- Explore the colonial district of Santiago
- Visit the bustling Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina
- Sip local wines during a tasting at local vineyard
Pullman Santiago Vitacura or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryExplore Santiago, located between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. Begin with a visit to the colonial district and Plaza Constitución. Later, visit the Palacio de la Moneda, built toward the end of the colonial period to house the Royal Mint and is now the seat of the Chilean government.
Lastly, visit Mercado de Abasto Tirso de Molina, better known as La Vega, for a glimpse of exotic fruits, local vegetables, and artisan cheeses. Wander the market's second floor to witness a blending of traditional Chilean ingredients and culture through the various ethnic restaurants serving up Chilean, Peruvian, and Colombian dishes.
This afternoon, journey through Chile's wine heritage with a visit to a local winery to explore vineyards, indulge in wine tastings, and discover the secrets behind the art of winemaking. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes as you savor exquisite wines surrounded by the charming ambiance of one of Chile's most renowned wineries. Finally, visit the Andean Museum, a modern construction that houses a collection of around 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic pieces from pre-Columbian peoples.Day 4 Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine
- Board your flight to Punta Arenas
- Upon arrival, transfer to Torres del Paine
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas, followed by a transfer to Torres del Paine. Later this afternoon, check-in at your hotel in Torres del Paine.
Note: Nov 23, 2023, Jan 18, 2024 and March 14, 2024 departures will stay at Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa. All other dates will stay at Hotel Las Torres PatagoniaDay 5 Torres del Paine
- Enjoy a full day tour of Torres de Paine
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia, Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit Torres del Paine National Park, encompassing snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, and cascading rivers and waterfalls. The centerpiece of the park is the Cordillera del Paine.
Visit the Lago Grey area and enjoy a pleasant walk along the shore of Gray Lake and, weather permitting, access the viewpoint of Grey Peninsula. Next, admire the beautiful surrounding landscape from the Mirador del Lago Gray (the view towards the Grey Glacier and the Macizo del Paine) before observing the Cuernos del Paine.
Later, make your way to the Salto Grande sector. Visit Lake Nordenskjold's viewpoint and enjoy diverse views on the undulating route that takes you little by little to the sector of Laguna Amarga. After admiring this pleasant spectacle, return to the hotel, passing by the Mirador del Lago Sarmiento.Note: Nov 23, 2023, Jan 18, 2024 and March 14, 2024 departures will stay at Rio Serrano Hotel + Spa. All other dates will stay at Hotel Las Torres Patagonia
Day 6 Torres de Paine & Punta Arenas & Embark Ship
- Explore the natural Milodón Caves
- Transfer to Punta Arenas pier
- Embark on the M/V Ventas Australis cruise ship
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner
- Sail through the mythical Straits of Magellan
M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, depart for Milodón Caves, a natural monument composed of several caves, including one cave notable for discovering skin, bones, and other parts of a giant ground sloth called Mylodon darwini. To reach the caves, pass through a rock formation called "Silla del Diablo," a name given for its armchair appearance, which is said to have been the "seat" of the Milodón and that the legend transformed into "devil."
Transfer to the Punta Arenas port and board your expedition cruise ship. The captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception on board. After the captain and crew's welcoming toast and introduction, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night, traverse the mythical Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, and travel through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.Day 7 Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
- Discover the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay
- Visit the Tuckers Islets, home to Magellanic penguins
M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive near the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay and learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted. Then, hike through the beautiful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. Visit the Tuckers Islets and see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs.
Note: This excursion is replaced by a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay in September and April.Day 8 Pía Glacier & Glacier Alley
- Disembark at Pía Glacier via Zodiacs
- Hike to reach a panoramic view of Pía Glacier
- Enjoy an evening sail through Glacier Alley
M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryBy morning, enter Pía Fjord and board the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pía Glacier. After disembarking, take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.
Day 9 Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
- Disembark in Cape Horn National Park
- Explore the fabled Wulaia Bay
M/V Ventus Australis Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryArrive at the Cape Horn National Park, the location of disembarkment, if the weather conditions are suitable, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. In the afternoon, the ship will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. Finally, walk through the Magellanic forest where lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns grow, among other species.
Day 10 Disembarkation, Ushuaia, & El Calafate
- Sail to the port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
- Visit the Ushuaia Maritime Museum
- Board your flight to El Calafate
- Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel
Mirador del Lago Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryArrive at Port of Ushuaia, the most important city on the island of Tierra del Fuego and often called the world's southernmost city. The landscapes range from barren, windswept plains to quiet pine and beech forests, pristine blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Have the opportunity to learn more about Ushuaia's past at the Ushuaia Maritime Museum. The museum shows off much of Tierra Del Fuego's impressive maritime history with few original artifacts. The majority of the displays include scale models of tall ships and merchant's vessels that first plied these waters, maps, and charts used by early explorers, including Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish, and Oliver van Noort, and the first voyage of the HMS Beagle. Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Day 11 El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier
- Enjoy the Perito Moreno glacier tour
- Sail along Lago Argentino for a close-up look at Perito Moreno Glacier
Mirador del Lago Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, travel to the Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of Argentina’s most spectacular areas, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the planet’s few advancing glaciers. You’ll experience this magnificent natural wonder from various vantage points. Begin with views from the footbridges and then sail along the Lago Argentino for a close-up look at the glacier. The Perito Moreno glacier is formed by large blocks of ice in constant motion. Along the way, you’ll hear the ice as it cracks, splits off from the glacier, and dramatically falls splashing into the water below. After lunch inside the park, spend some leisure time exploring the glacier on your own before returning to El Calafate.
Day 12 El Calafate & Buenos Aires
- Visit El Calafate's 20th-century old town
- Venture into the ancient Walichu Caves
- Board your flight to Buenos Aires
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of El Calafate's old town, with its 20th-century settler buildings. Watch for flamingoes, geese, and other birds on the shores of Laguna Nimez. Then, explore Patagonia's natural history and geology at El Calafate Historical Interpretation Center. Step back in time and venture into the ancient Walichu Caves, nestled on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentina. Marvel at the remarkable cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the lives and rituals of indigenous communities that inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere as you explore the caves and connect with this extraordinary archaeological site's profound history and cultural significance. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires.
Day 13 Buenos Aires
- Explore Buenos Aires, including the Plaza de Mayo and La Boca districts
- Enjoy an exciting tango dinner show
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryYour exploration begins with a coffee and pastry stop at a historic Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires. Then, continue to the historic Plaza de Mayo, the city's political center. See the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace from which Juan and Eva Perón spoke to throngs of adoring Argentinians. Next, make your way to Avenue 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, then to Florida Street, a true shopper's paradise. Discover the main Avenues of Buenos Aires: Corrientes Avenue, filled with theatres and nightlife; de Mayo Avenue, with a substantial Spanish influence; and Florida Street, where you might catch a tango demonstration. Later, arrive at La Boca, the mouth of the Rio de la Plata where the Riachuelo flows. Before its relocation further North, it was the historic port of Buenos Aires. This district was the refuge of the immigrants, predominantly Italians, between 1880 and 1930. Today, La Boca owes its popularity to the street "Caminito," where there are heaps of small humble houses made of colored sheet metal. The Argentine painter Quinquela Martin, a native of the district, originates from the first mismatched paintings of the small street, La Recoleta. Here, one knows why Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of Latin America." Exquisite and refined, this place offers a lot of monuments and museums. Finally, visit Evita Perón's burial site. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner and an exciting performance of the tango, Argentina's passionate national dance.
Day 14 Buenos Aires & Return to USA
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration or join an optional tour
- Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning
Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Your tour guide will gladly make suggestions for independent exploration. Later today, transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires for your overnight return flight. Your fantastic wonderous adventure ends as you arrive in the USA the following morning.
Optional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $100After breakfast, depart for Buenos Aires' vibrant Palermo district, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area divides into different barrios, each with its own unique identity: Palermo SoHo, the trendy area lined with cafés and designer boutiques; Palermo Hollywood, renowned for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; and Palermo Chico, also called Barrio Parque, lined with beautiful mansions, embassies, and regal avenues, and is home to Bosques de Palermo, the city's largest park. Visit the Bosques de Palermo, a vast wooded area in one of the wealthiest areas in the city. Reflect the urban ideas of the late nineteenth-century political class, liberal, modernist, and scientist.
Note: A minimum of 2 passengers is required.
This tour involves some hiking and walking, and as the ship does not have an elevator aboard, you must be able to walk up and down several flights of stairs. Patagonia is a wild, rugged region, and our tour package is designed to get you up close and personal with the glaciers, terrain, wildlife and people of this area. While the cruise and shore excursions are not particularly strenuous and are suitable for most people, they do involve uphill walking, hiking, and traveling in a zodiac boat. Travelers who have certain physical limitations may find that they cannot fully participate in the tour program aboard the cruise. All passengers boarding the Australis cruise will be required to sign a disclaimer during check-in. Please review this disclaimer in advance to be certain you accept the terms, and contact us if you have any questions.
Iguazu Falls Optional Post-Tour Extension
Why not take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit Iguazu Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
Day 14 Buenos Aires
- Spend the day at leisure for independent exploration or join an optional tour
Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryOptional Excursion: Tour the Palermo district, $100After breakfast, depart for Buenos Aires' vibrant Palermo district, famous for its beautiful mansions, regal avenues, and exclusive buildings. The area divides into different barrios, each with its own unique identity: Palermo SoHo, the trendy area lined with cafés and designer boutiques; Palermo Hollywood, renowned for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs; and Palermo Chico, also called Barrio Parque, lined with beautiful mansions, embassies, and regal avenues, and is home to Bosques de Palermo, the city's largest park. Visit the Bosques de Palermo, a vast wooded area in one of the wealthiest areas in the city. Reflect the urban ideas of the late nineteenth-century political class, liberal, modernist, and scientist.
Note: A minimum of 2 passengers is required.
Day 15 Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazú
- Board your flight to Puerto Iguazú
- Transfer to Foz do Iguazu
- Arrive to your hotel for check-in
Loi Suites Iguazu Falls Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport, and board your flight to Iguazú Falls. Upon seeing Iguazú, Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!" You'll soon discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the world's greatest natural wonders! Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Falls consists of 275 inlets and cataracts that cascade down 250 feet, framed by multiple rainbows and mist that rises to 500 feet in the air. Iguazú is undoubtedly among the most impressive waterfalls in the world.
Depart to the Brazilian side of the falls. These semicircle-shaped falls are 8,858 feet wide, and their waterfalls reach 236 feet. Depending on the river flow, the number of waterfalls can vary between 150 and 300. No one has visited the Falls without being amazed by their beauty! Some twenty separate falls divide Brazil from Argentina, with Brazil's spectacular Floriano fall taking pride in place. The torrents of crystal clear water plunge down 250 feet, and the water's roar can be heard from miles and miles afar.
Return to Argentina and check into your hotel.Day 16 Iguazú Falls
- Tour the Argentinean side of the waterfalls
- Admire the impressive Devil's Throat
- Spend the afternoon at leisure or an optional boat ride on Iguazú River
Loi Suites Iguazu Falls Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, admire a fantastic close-up view of the falls and their dazzling display of power. Travel through the rain forest to the most spectacular sight at Iguazú: Devil's Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract measuring 270' high, 490' wide, and 2300' long. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore further on your own, or take advantage of an optional nautical adventure along the Lower Iguazu River, sailing under the falls.
Day 17 Depart Iguazu & Return to USA
- Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires
- Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your overnight flight to the USA, arriving tomorrow morning
Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryTake the morning to stroll through the laid-back town of Puerto Iguazú on your own, enjoy the lush gardens, or relax and cool off at your beautiful hotel pool. Later transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.
Your fantastic adventure ends as you arrive in the USA the following morning.
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Argentina? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Brazil? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Chile? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Patagonia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.