Date
Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 5, 2026
Trip Type
By Land

Group Size: 18 - 30 participants
Price: Starting from $12,990 per person, double occupancy 
Co-sponsored with: Harvard Exclusive

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Patagonia, a mythic land of glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, primeval forests, gauchos, and pampas, beckons the sophisticated traveler who recognizes its unique charms. On this journey visit three of Patagonia's iconic national parks: Nahuel Huapi, Glaciares and Torres del Paine with the option to visit Iguazu National Park on a special pre-extension.

Begin this exploration in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires before flying to San Carlos de Bariloche and spend three nights overlooking the Lake District's picturesque lakes and mountains, exploring Nahuel Huapi National Park and viewing the condors of the nearby pampas. Continue to Glaciares National Park to marvel at the massive Perito Moreno glacier's river of ice rumbling and crashing into Lago Argentino. Conclude your journey at the luxurious Explora Lodge, spending four nights in Patagonia's crown jewel, Torres del Paine National Park, whose surreal windswept steppes, blackslate-covered granite peaks, and sheer, frozen cliffs rank among South America's most stunning and diverse landscapes. The park is part of the United Nations' World Biosphere Reserve system, with landscapes, flora, and fauna found nowhere else on earth.

Enjoy a pre-extension to the Iguazu Falls of northeastern Argentina and a post-extension to Santiago, Chile.

Schedule by Day

Independent departures on an overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

Arrive Buenos Aires in the morning and transfer to your hotel in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. This afternoon, take a short walking excursion through this cosmopolitan capital city, often called “the Paris of South America.” Visit Recoleta Cemetery, frequently described as an open-air museum, renowned for its ornate mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and winding, labyrinthine alleys. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most prominent figures, including Eva Perón. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner accompanied by a tango demonstration, showcasing Argentina’s iconic dance and rich cultural heritage.

Meals: R, D

Overnight: Sofitel Hotel Recoleta

This morning, fly directly to the alpine town of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina’s Lake District, famous for its stunning natural scenery. Take in panoramic views from the top of Mt. Campanario, where Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding Andes unfold in all their grandeur. Join an expert ornithologist to observe majestic Andean condors soaring in their natural habitat. Stay at the Correntoso Hotel in Villa La Angostura, perched on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Correntoso Hotel

Cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi and hike the trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park on the Quetrihué Peninsula, home to the rare arrayán trees, known for their cinnamon-colored bark. Spend the day hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina’s Lake District. On Victoria Island, hike through lush forests and enjoy a private picnic lunch along the lake’s serene shoreline, surrounded by panoramic views of the Andes and pristine Patagonian wilderness.

Meals: B, L

Overnight: Correntoso Hotel

Following a morning lecture at the hotel, admire the scenic Angostura Isthmus, a narrow strip of land separating two pristine bays in Argentina’s Lake District, and hike a well-established trail offering sweeping views of the surrounding lakes and Andes peaks. Continue to Mansa Bay to visit a local museum, where they keep original native canoes that were once used by the local indigenous to navigate the region’s lakes, rivers, and waterways, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Correntoso Hotel

Fly directly to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Spend a free afternoon at the Xelena Hotel, located on the shores of Lago Argentino. Renowned for its sustainable practices, the hotel offers stunning lake views and a range of amenities, including spa services, outdoor terraces, and access to nearby walking trails, allowing you to relax and take in the beauty of Patagonia’s spectacular glacial landscapes.

Meals: B, L

Overnight: Xelena Hotel

Enjoy a full-day visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of Patagonia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Drive to the 30,000-year-old, two-mile-wide glacier, the only advancing continental glacier in the world. The day includes a boat ride along Lago Argentino to the base of the glacier and time to walk the well-maintained paths directly opposite its towering face, where massive ice chunks continually calve into the lake, creating an unforgettable display of nature’s power and beauty.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Xelena Hotel

Enjoy a scenic transfer across the Andes to Torres del Paine National Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Along the way, watch for wildlife including herds of guanacos and rheas, gray foxes, Patagonian hares, and black-necked swans. Check in to the luxurious Explora Torres del Paine Lodge, perched on the northeastern edge of the park. Experience the region’s diverse ecosystems, from Magellanic forests to steppes, while enjoying exceptional hospitality and breathtaking views. Gather for a lecture this evening.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Explora Lodge

Enjoy a full day exploring Torres del Paine National Park, one of southern Chile’s most breathtaking regions, with a variety of optional guided activities. Hike, relax independently, or join excursions led by expert guides. Activities range from easy to challenging and include catamaran trips on Pehoé Lake, full- or half-day treks, and small van tours, allowing you to experience the park’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems at your own pace.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Explora Lodge

Spend your final day in Torres del Paine National Park, choosing from a variety of optional guided activities. Hike, relax on your own, or join excursions led by expert guides. Activities range from easy to challenging and include catamaran trips on Pehoé Lake, small van tours, full- or half-day treks, and horseback riding. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Explora Lodge

Transfer to Puerto Natales and fly to Santiago to connect with flights back to the U.S.

Meals: B, L

Arrive in the U.S. and connect to flights home.

Pricing

  • $12,990 per person, double occupancy
  • $5,690 single supplement

*Three on-tour flights approx. $780 per person

Accommodations

  • One night at Sofitel Hotel Recoleta
  • Three nights at Correntoso Hotel
  • Two nights at Xelena Hotel
  • Three nights at Explora Lodge

Extensions

Iguazu Falls Pre-Trip Extension (October 23-26,2026)
Enjoy a three-night pre-extension to Iguazu Falls in northeastern Argentina, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Walk the nature trails that weave above and below the falls, and take a boat ride to their base. Stay at the Gran Melia Iguazu Hotel, the only hotel on the Argentine side with views of Iguazu Falls from every bedroom. Detailed information for this pre-trip extension will be provided to confirmed registrants.

$2,990 per person sharing accommodations / $990 Single supplement / Two on-tour flights not included approx. $530 per person 

Santiago Post-Trip Extension (November 4-7, 2026)
Extend your stay with a two-night exploration of this cosmopolitan city. Stroll through the bohemian Lastarria and Bellavisa neighborhoods and admire the collections of the Pre-Columbian Museum. Plaza de arms and enjoy a tasty lunch in a beautiful setting. There will be time for independent exploration. Stay at the The Singular Santiago Hotel, situated in the city’s cultural and historic hub, Detailed information for this post-trip extension will be provided to confirmed registrants.

$1,190 per person sharing accommodations / $490 Single supplement 

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level. The schedule will include long days, with some early departures from the hotels and activities scheduled throughout the day. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination.

The itinerary offers a deep dive into the history, culture, geology, and stunning natural landscapes of Patagonia. You will experience stays at one renowned Explora luxury lodge in Chile and enjoy a visit to the capital city of Buenos Aires with accommodations at the Sofitel Recoleta Hotel. Daily guided excursions include a variety of half-day and full-day options like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In Torres del Paine, a catamaran trip to the glaciers is available. Walks typically last about one to three miles, sometimes over uneven terrain, with longer distances available at your discretion. Some buildings will not have elevators, and you will occasionally encounter steps without handrails.

Although we will be in the southern segment of the Andes Mountain range, altitude will not be an issue as the Lakes District, Perito Moreno glacier and Torres del Paine are all located below 3,000 feet.

Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate special diets and treatment, but medical service and treatment is generally not at the level found in the U.S.

Given the remote locations, flexibility will be key as we navigate time schedules, food, weather, wind, and dust. Participants must be in good physical and mental health to keep up with the group's pace. Those requiring extraordinary assistance must bring someone to provide the necessary help. This program ranges from moderately active to very active, depending on your chosen activities. Travel will be by regularly scheduled jet aircraft and private motorcoaches or vans. Due to the remote locations, we suggest to all participants to obtain a medical evacuation insurance policy

Study Leader(s)

Professor of African and African American Studies and of History Director of Graduate Studies, Department of African and African American Studies
Professor of History; Director of Graduate Studies

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.