- Days 1–3Buenos Aires
- Days 3–6Peninsula Valdes
- Days 6–8El Calafate
- Days 8–12Torres del Paine
- Days 12–15Chiloé
- Days 1–3Buenos Aires
- Days 3–6Peninsula Valdes
- Days 6–8El Calafate
- Days 8–12Torres del Paine
- Days 12–15Chiloé
Argentina and Chile Wildlife Explorer
The wild landscapes of Argentina and Chile are world–renowned for their captivating beauty, and the animals that inhabit them are equally impressive. This wildlife focussed trip takes you on a tour of the countries’ natural highlights, from whale watching off the coast of Argentina, to puma tracking in the shadow of the mighty Torres del Paine.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Buenos Aires' eclectic neighbourhoods and history
- Spot Southern Right Whales off the coast of Peninsula Valdes
- Marvel at the immensity of the Perito Moreno glacier
- Track wild pumas in Torres del Paine national park
- Search for the pudu antelope in Chiloé
- Explore El Calafate on an estancia safari
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
Two nights in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cities to visit and an important destination on many of our Argentina tours. This marvellous metropolis brings together an eclectic blend of cultures, from classical architecture and tree–lined boulevards reminiscent of its European counterparts, to the colourful chaos of La Boca.
Whatever your interest, whether it’s food, history, art, or culture, there are a multitude of tours and activities to suit you.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Four Balconies Tour
Rojo Tango
Pampas visit
Four Balconies Tour
This exclusive tour serves as the perfect introduction to four of the city’s most distinctive districts, offering a fascinating insight into its history, contrasts and culture. Your expert guide will draw on his extensive knowledge as you experience the highlights of Buenos Aires, including Parque Lemaza, La Boca, and Recoleta, home to Eva Peron’s mausoleum.
Evening at Rojo Tango
Enjoy an evening at the best Tango Show in town, set in the exclusive environs of the Faena Hotel. The Rojo tango is the smallest and most stylish of tango salons. Your evening includes a three course dinner, wine, and transfers to and from the venue.
Pampas visit
Choose from our selection of estancias for an authentic and luxury ranch-style stay in the sleepy Pampas plains. Ride out with gauchos, enjoy an afternoon asado (BBQ), fishing or polo lessons.
Days 3–6
Three days in Peninsula Valdes
One of the best places in the world for seeing marine wildlife, Peninsula Valdes will be your base for the next few days. There are no shortage of outdoor activities here, including exploring the southern Patagonian beaches on horseback, boat safaris, diving, fossil trails, salmon fishing, bird watching and cycling.
The wildlife here is diverse, counting guanaco deer, eagles and elephant seals among the animals that can be spotted. The main event – the southern right whales, tend to arrive in late August, although some are often sighted as early as June. They frequent the bay of Puerto Piramides, their dark shapes arcing through the waves clearly visible from the shore, often blowing fountains of water into the sky.
Make it mine
Whale Watching
Peninsula Valdes Tour
Penguin watching
Whale Watching
Every year between mid–June and December, Southern Right Whales come to the calm waters of the Golfo Nuevo at the Peninsula to mate and give birth to their calves. Unusually friendly towards visitors, close encounters with these vast mammals are commonplace. Whale watching takes place on board safe catamarans, which are professionally managed due to strict regulations.
Peninsula Valdes Tour
Take a tour of the highlights of UNESCO–listed Peninsula Valdes. This expansive nature reserve is famed for its fantastic marine and wildlife, including elephant seals, orcas, Andean foxes, rheas and southern right whales. Your journey weaves along the rugged coastline, surrounded by the waters of the Golfo San José and Golfo Nuevo. Make your way to the village of Puerto Piramides – once a hub for the early–20th century salt industry, this port town now welcomes the whale migration each year.
Penguin watching
Penguin season runs from September to April, with the chicks hatching around January. It’s estimated that there are around 300,000 Magellanic penguins in Peninsula Valdes, which you can observe on a guided tour to Punto Tombo. The sight of so many penguins in the wild is one of the area’s most exciting experiences, and your expert guide will be ready to answer any questions you may have.
Days 6–8
Two nights in El Calafate
The glacier region of El Calafate is one of Argentina’s most beautiful areas. Spend two days exploring the mountains, lakes and, of course, glaciers, in Los Glaciares National Park, close to the border with Chile.
The most well–known glacier here is Perito Moreno, and if you’re lucky you might catch the awe–inspiring sight and sound of ice chunks calving away from its craggy peaks and plunging into the icy waters below. Beyond this, your travel designer can organise a multitude of hikes and sightseeing in the area.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Estancia Safari
Perito Moreno
Estancia Cristina
Estancia Safari
This safari style tour takes you into the depths of Patagonia. Start with a visit to Estancia 25 de Mayo, a small stone house where the region’s first inhabitants lived and settled, before a mountainous hike to reach La Seccion, looking out for local fauna.
Spot groups of guanacos along the way, stopping to search for fossilised oysters of more than 23 million years old – a fascinating example of our ever changing landscapes.
Perito Moreno kayaking with glacier hike
A memorable and mesmerising experience allowing you to get up close to one of Argentina’s most dramatic and breathtaking natural wonders. In addition to taking in the views from the footbridges, you’ll change into state–of–the–art gear and set out to paddle on the glacial waters. Complete your day with a mini ice–trekking expedition with your private guide.
Estancia Cristina visit
Visit Estancia Cristina, a landmark in the history of Patagonia and the Glacier Explorations. In order to get there, you’ll navigate the lake on a panoramic catamaran, weaving carefully through the breathtaking scenes of icebergs towering overhead as you cruise down the Cristina Channel. After disembarking, you’ll have the option to horse ride through the valleys, hike to the Upsala Glacier Lookout or the Canon de los Fosiles, and learn about the family who founded this captivating place.
Days 8–12
Four days exploring Torres del Paine
The national park of Torres del Paine and its surroundings are one of the most spectacular and unique places in the world. Rising from sea level to a height of almost 3000 metres, the granite peaks that make up the ‘Torres’ would be a truly breath-taking sight on their own. However, when they’re joined with turquoise glacial lagoons, icebergs, snow-capped mountains, endless fjords, forest and rushing rivers all overseen by condors, pumas and vicunas, it becomes something truly special and, for many, the sole reason that they visit Chile.
Depending on the lodgings you have chosen and your family’s preferences, a program of activities featuring a whole host of different and diverse ways to explore and encounter Torres del Paine for all ages is on offer so you can all make the absolute most of your stay here.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Puma Tracking
Hiking
Puma conservation
Puma Tracking
Watch one of the world’s largest cats prowl across the Patagonian Steppe on this thrilling excursion. Set off with your private guide at either sunrise or sunset, when the pumas are most active, to increase your chances of spotting them. You’ll need to hold your nerve and be ready to move quickly to catch the best views of them, but every glimpse is worth it. Our local experts know the lay of the land better than anyone, and are familiar with puma habits, the routes they routinely take, and the ‘hotspots’ where they rest or raise their cubs.
Hiking in Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine is renowned for having some of the most scenic hiking routes in the world, such as the iconic W trek. Set out solo or with a private guide to discover the majesty of these awe–inspiring landscapes, choosing from a variety of routes to suit all fitness levels and abilities.
Puma conservation
Participate in the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation project for a day, beginning with puma research work on the ranch and activities such as observation with binoculars and review of trail cameras. Discover the work of the sheep guard dogs and how they help the coexistence between conservation and human activity. After lunch and a break, head to Casa Puma, the operation centre of the Cerro Guido Conservation Foundation, where the trackers will take you on one last field trip at sunset, to see the research work being carried out in Sierra del Toro.
Days 12–15
Discover the charm of Chiloé
Chile’s second largest island after Tierra del Fuego, Chiloé’s emerald hills are shrouded in local myths and legends. You’ll have three days to explore its quaint coves, traditional way of life, and the over 180 neoclassical Bavarian style churches.
It may be lesser travelled than other Patagonian destinations, but from your first glimpse of its colourful stilted palifito houses, Chiloé’s slow pace and gentle charm will captivate you.
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The Pudu
Dolphin watching
Culture tour
Searching for the pudu
Pudu are the world’s smallest deer, reaching between 33 and 44 centimetres in height. These solitary animals are native to South America, and can be found around Chiloé island, although their secretive nature makes them harder to spot. Your expert guide will lead an expedition starting at either sunrise or sunset to spot these creatures in the wilderness.
Dolphin watching
This extraordinary experience allows you to kayak amongst dolphins around Chiloé island, for an immersive excursion beyond anything you’ve done before. These waters are home to playful Peale’s dolphins – small dolphins which prefer shallow coastal waters. Your expert guide will help you navigate, and point out any notable wildlife.
Chiloé culture and penguins
Explore Chiloé’s local culture on this tour combining natural history and cultural heritage. Start with a visit to a colony of Humboldt and the Magellanic Penguin in Puñihuil and, following the pages of the diary of Charles Darwin, learn more about the abundant wildlife. Continue to meet some of the islanders who’ll share their traditions, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches that Chiloé is known for.
Delfina created an itinerary for us that matched our requirements perfectly. The information prior to our trip enabled us to prepare for it and the help and advice from Carlos was excellent. The attention to detail throughout our visit was exemplary. Everything was taken care of and we really did not have to think or worry about a single thing.…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised Design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic Experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
