DAY 1. SANTIAGO
Start your journey in the charming neighbourhood of Lastarria in Santiago.
Get acquainted with the sights on a panoramic city tour, then perhaps try the gourmet delights in Bellavista, Lastarria or Providencia.
There are very few places in the world where the view seems to mystically stretch beyond the horizon and you can be utterly at peace and at one with nature. But that is Patagonia. This 21 day itinerary takes you to the most iconic experiences in Patagonia… sail across lakes, through fjords, and hike in the remote wilderness. We included a luxury Patagonia lodge in Torres del Paine to culminate the journey in style with an all-inclusive stay surrounded by its beauty.
As with all of our itineraries, this is just a starting point to create unique itinerary tailor-made for you.
Start your journey in the charming neighbourhood of Lastarria in Santiago.
Get acquainted with the sights on a panoramic city tour, then perhaps try the gourmet delights in Bellavista, Lastarria or Providencia.
Take a private tour through Chile’s wine region with tastings at a vineyard in the Colchagua Valley, then continue to Valparaiso, the steep and bustling maze of lanes and alleys hiding fabulous architecture and the finest street art in Valparaiso.
Fly to the beautiful Lakes region and enjoy the dramatic surrounds of Puerto Varas along the shores of Lake Llanqihue, framed by three beautiful volcanoes.
The spectacular 12hr Lakes Crossing transfers you between Chile and Argentina via a series of boats and buses. The trip starts by passing close to the perfectly conical Osorno volcano and a visit to Petrohue falls. Sail across Andean lakes surrounded by snow covered peaks and drive through lush forests with superb views.
Tour along the picturesque ‘Circuito Chico’, probably the world’s most scenic city tour. The view from Campanero Hill over lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes is magnificent; in fact, National Geographic justifiably regards it as one of the finest views on the planet.
From the airport take a shuttle bus direct to El Chalten, Argentina’s prime trekking area and one of the most exquisite corners of the globe. Lakes, forests and glaciers abound, and the soaring peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy and Mt. Torre provide a grand backdrop.
Walks range from half day to multiple days, mostly along well marked trails which are easy to follow. Local guides are available to share knowledge and help you get the most out of your stay.
The small village of El Chalten, founded in 1985, serves as a base for travellers. It is 3hrs by bus north of El Calafate and is very much a frontier town, with only one ATM, and a population of 400 people. Accommodation is in small comfortable hotels and guesthouses.
Meet with a local guide this evening to discuss possible hiking routes.
Set out to hike along your chosen path.
A lovely little town on the shores of Lago Argentina. El Calafate has everything for travellers with a range of experiences and restaurants.
You can stay on an Estancia and experience the Gaucho life on horseback or hiking… and of course get up close to the amazing Perito Moreno glacier.
Tour to the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier. The most accessible advancing glacier in the world, it creaks and groans as it pushes forward.
Stroll along the walkways and take a front row seat to watch and listen as the regular ice calvings thunderously crash into the water below.
Fly to Ushuaia and settle in to the world’s southernmost city on the shores of the Beagle Channel. The end of the road, or the beginning of an epic adventure, Ushuaia is a buzzing frontier town at the southern tip of Argentina.
Go off road and explore hidden lakes… or join a local family to try your hand at King Crab fishing, and then enjoy your fresh catch straight from the sea.
Experience the region’s pristine landscapes, rich wildlife and fascinating history aboard a luxury expedition ship.
Visit fabled spots like Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay before cruising down the Beagle Channel through a maze of islands, glaciers, and the legendary Strait of Magellan. The final call is the Isla Magdalena and its boisterous Patagonia penguin colony before docking at Punta Arenas.
A morning drive takes you north across the Patagonia steppe to the glorious Torres del Paine National Park, your home for the next three or four nights.
Ros and James chose to indulge with a stay at Explora, so they were in the heart of the park. Anchored like a white ship on the shores of turquoise Lake Pehoé, Explora Patagonia’s superb location puts you literally in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park and greets you with award winning architecture and comfort.
There are over 40 different guided hikes and horseback rides offering you breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes and mountains in Torres del Paine National Park.
Your stay includes all explorations, entrance fees, lodging, meals, drinks, and transportation to and from the airport.
Every adventure we send our clients on is unique… but that doesn’t mean you can’t be inspired by the amazing journeys we have created in the past.
The Carretera Austral is wild and remote… and in our opinion the world’s best road trip! Here are the best stops along the way for this self drive adventure.
Patagonia offers some of the best hiking and natural wonders in the world… this itinerary takes you to the most iconic and spectacular treks in the region.
Testimonials
Jocelyn MatthewsFrom the moment I contacted Forward Travel, I knew I was in good hands.
The attention and warm welcome I received made me feel that deciding to travel with Forward Travel was without doubt the right choice.
Rose and David got to know what I was looking for in my travel experience and nailed the itinerary first go.
Nepal turned out to be everything that I imagined.
I know where I’ll be booking my travel arrangements moving forward.
Testimonials
Kristen BlundyStanding on the bow as we glided through the serenely beautiful, and calm Lemaire Channel on a perfect, sun filled day, was the realisation of my travel dreams.
To be there, amongst the ice, surrounded by soaring peaks and passing wildlife, was the experience I had been hoping for, but even I didn’t dare to dream it would be that amazing.
The ‘Kodak Gap’ lived up to its name and gave me wonderful memories and photos to treasure forever.
I dreamed, we planned, you excelled.
Thank you so much! K Blundy Antarctica, Arctic, South Georgia.
Testimonials
Stacey & ChrisHi Rose, Would just like to thank you for the help you gave us with our trip to South America.
We had a great time and all the local operators that assisted us were very helpful and professional. It’s hard to pick standouts but the train from Cusco to Puno was amazing as were the treks out of El Chalten (probably as the weather was perfect).
The hotels were just what we after, even the slightly eccentric Las Piedras in El Chalten.
Had all sorts of weather on the W walk but a couple of reasonable days. Have some great photos and even better memories, so all our mates are keen to go now.
Testimonials
RakheeI wanted to visit Antarctica but I had no idea about how I would do that!
When I talked to Forward Travel I was so blown away with the information I was getting.
It was first hand, not like going through a brochure…
I could live through the experiences they had already lived through.
They helped me to live my dreams…
It was much more than I had ever anticipated.
It was a surreal experience and I am so grateful.
Testimonials
A & W RooneyWe had been looking for a reputable travel company for a while to arrange our family trip to Norway, and we were struggling to find somebody that could talk to us about Norway with confidence.
Finally a friend recommended that we give Forward Travel a call, and after speaking with David there, there was an immediate sense of relief to finally be speaking to somebody that knew what they were talking about.
Norway was our first trip through Forward Travel, and I know who our future trips will be arranged through.
Well done you guys at Forward, exceptional work.
Testimonials
Tracey & KristenI just wanted to say once again Thank Goodness!
THANK GOODNESS, YOU talked us into South Georgia over the Weddell Sea!!!
For this l/we will be TRULY THANKFUL and to use Tracey’s words, FOREVER BLESSED!!!!
Rose can’t thank you enough, everything was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, and it was such an amazing experience.
One to be cherished forever, actually that’s two for us to be treasured forever….. blessed.
Blessed that YOU (Forward Travel) organised both!! THANK YOU!