Patagonia Trails Adventure: Timmins to Buenos Aires

Day 1: Journey to Santiago

Morning: Depart Timmins on an early flight connecting through Toronto to reach Santiago International Airport. Grab a quick breakfast on the plane and settle into your seat.

Afternoon: After arrival, take a taxi to the historic Plaza de Armas for a brief walk and light lunch at a nearby café.

Evening: Check into a centrally located hotel in Santiago and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Lastarria neighborhood, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Santiago Highlights & Flight to Patagonia

Morning: Explore the iconic Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the Andes and the city skyline.

Afternoon: Visit the Museo de la Memoria before heading to the airport for a direct flight to El Calafate (Argentina).

Evening: Arrive in El Calafate, transfer to your lodge, and dine on Patagonian lamb while reviewing the next day’s glacier trek plans.

Day 3: Perito Moreno Glacier Trek

Morning: Board a shuttle to Los Glaciares National Park and begin the guided trek along the foot of Perito Moreno Glacier.

Afternoon: Continue the hike to the Glacier’s viewing platforms, listening to the spectacular ice calving sounds.

Evening: Return to El Calafate for a hearty dinner and a chance to share photos with fellow travelers.

Day 4: Transfer to Torres del Paine

Morning: Take a scenic 5‑hour bus ride across the border into Chile, arriving at the gateway town of Punta Arenas.

Afternoon: Continue to the park entrance at Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll check into a eco‑lodge.

Evening: Attend a brief orientation on safety and trail etiquette, then enjoy a campfire dinner under the Patagonian stars.

Day 5: Torres del Paine W‑Circuit – Base of the Towers

Morning: Begin the iconic hike to the Base of the Towers, a steep ascent offering breathtaking vistas of the granite peaks.

Afternoon: Reach the viewpoint, take a well‑deserved lunch, and descend back to the lodge for a short rest.

Evening: Relax in the lodge’s hot tub, recount the day’s achievements, and prepare for the next day’s longer trek.

Day 6: Travel to Buenos Aires

Morning: Depart early from Torres del Paine, returning to Punta Arenas for a flight to Buenos Aires via Santiago.

Afternoon: Arrive in Buenos Aires, check into a boutique hotel in the Palermo district, and stroll through the nearby parks.

Evening: Experience a traditional Argentine asado dinner accompanied by tango music in the lively neighborhood of San Telmo.

Day 7: Buenos Aires City Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Plaza de Mayo and tour the iconic Casa Rosada with a knowledgeable guide.

Afternoon: Wander through the colorful streets of La Boca, stopping at the famous Caminito for art and street performances.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a sunset cruise on the Rio de la Plata, sipping a glass of Malbec while reflecting on the Patagonian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Flights (Timmins → Toronto → Santiago → El Calafate → Punta Arenas → Buenos Aires): 30 hrs, $2,300 CAD
• Accommodation (7 nights, mid‑range hotels/lodges): 7 nights, $1,050 CAD
• Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Trek: 4 hrs, $120 CAD
• Torres del Paine Base of the Towers Hike (guided): 6 hrs, $200 CAD
• Transportation (buses, shuttles, airport transfers): 10 hrs, $250 CAD
• Meals (average $35 per day): 7 days, $245 CAD
• Entrance Fees (Los Glaciares NP, Torres del Paine NP): 2 hrs, $80 CAD
• Evening Activities (tango show, cruise): 3 hrs, $150 CAD
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,395 CAD

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in El Calafate to visit the stunning Upsala Glacier or extending your stay in Buenos Aires for a full-day tango workshop. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Torres del Paine segment and spend an additional day exploring Santiago’s vineyards, reducing overall travel time and cost.