Patagonia Tours in South America: 5 Picked and Priced

1.Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia – Argentina

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Travel from Puerto Madryn into Peninsula Valdes with an English-speaking guide such as Carolina, Mary, or Santiago. Expect a small air-conditioned vehicle, box lunch, an interpretation center, penguins, elephant seals, guanacos, and possible sea lions. The day lasts about seven hours, with long stretches on gravel roads and wildlife sightings that can vary sharply by season.

“It was 200 km drive one way and other for 200 km drive home. We saw a lot of penguins and sea lions but they’re all quite a distance away. Only one penguin was up where we were 15 feet away.TOMBA area would be better on the Valdez peninsula. They saw much more than we did.”

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2.Rafting experience on the Rio de las Vueltas in Patagonia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120Top rated

From Comarka Rafting in El Chaltén, you travel to the Río de las Vueltas for a three-hour descent. Paddle through 6 km of calm water beneath Fitz Roy, then tackle 10 km of Class III and III+ rapids. Neoprene gear, safety support, return transport, snacks, and drinks are included.

“Incredible experience rafting on the rio de las vueltas. The guides were professional and highly skilled. They provided all the necessary equipment to keep us warm. They also brought good jovial energy to make the journey fun and explained the different landmarks as we navigated down the valley. We saw the fitz roy from the river as well as condors soaring in the skies! They also give you photos and videos after the trip. I think this makes a good introduction to rafting if it is your first time.”

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3.10 Secrets of Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi, and Patagonia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41Best value

Walk central Bariloche with guide Diego on a 90-minute tour covering the Civic Center, Museum of Patagonia, Puerto San Carlos, Nahuel Huapi Cathedral, and the chocolate-lined pedestrian street. Expect local stories, photos, architecture, stained glass, and a short stop at Rapanui. The tour starts and ends at the tourist office.

“An extremely interesting tour with Diego. We enjoyed the facts, pictures, and stories of Bariloche. Our favorite part of the tour was the unique cathedral!”

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4.Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes – Patagonia – Argentina

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $159

Travel from Puerto Madryn to Peninsula Valdes with a small group, stopping at San Lorenzo’s huge Magellanic penguin rookery and Punta Norte’s sea lions and elephant seals. Guides such as Beto, Martin, Fernando, and Lucia add local insight. Expect about seven hours, long gravel-road stretches, and extra entrance fees.

“This is a perfect tour for solo and couples travelers who want to avoid crowds and see elephant seals, sea lions, penguins and other local wildlife plus enjoy a fantastic Argentine lunch featuring lamb and wine. The trade off is the tour is a bit pricey and you will spend approximately 3-4 hours, much of it on gravel roads. For me this was all well worth it, and my guide, Fernando, was excellent.”

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5.13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour from El Calafate to Ushuaia: Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego National Parks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 13 days (approx.) · from $2,302

You travel from El Calafate to Ushuaia with hotels, breakfasts, shared transfers, local buses, and guided visits to Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, Tierra del Fuego National Park, and the Beagle Channel. Expect free hiking days in El Chaltén, several independent bus-station transfers, English and Spanish guides, and optional glacier, penguin, and kayaking upgrades.

“Overall the trip was awesome! I'm not very athletic, so trekking is not in my future, but I still had scenic walks and a wonderful time. The Perito Moreno Glacier, Beagle Channel and penguins are not to be missed! Ushuaia has the bluest sky I've ever seen.”

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