logo

Spectacular Patagonia

October 26-November 2, 2027
Spectacular Patagonia  image
whatsappLogo icon

NextTribe Discovery Call: Questions about this or any other trip? Click here to schedule a phone call with Jeannie Edmunds, COO of NextTribe.

The End of the Map, First Class

From Chile’s Torres del Paine to Argentina’s great glaciers, a luxury expedition paced to you, not to the hard-core.

Patagonia has a reputation. For decades, the far south of South America has belonged to mountaineers and to the kind of trekkers who measure a vacation in blisters.

We’d like to propose another way in.

On this eight-day journey across Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, you’ll see everything that has made the region a legend: the granite spires of Torres del Paine, glacial lakes in a shade of turquoise that looks retouched, guanacos grazing the open steppe and a wall of blue ice cracking off into a lake with a boom you feel in your chest. The difference is that you’ll see it on your own terms. Each evening ends at a lodge where the wine is already open, the sauna is warm and the only blisters in sight are on a perfectly charred empanada.

NextTribe members save $100 on this (and every) trip.

Our base in Chile is the all-inclusive Explora Torres del Paine, the most acclaimed lodge in the national park, set on the shore of Lake Pehoé and facing the jagged Paine massif. Each day, you’ll choose your own adventure from dozens of guided excursions, at whatever level suits you.

Then we cross into Argentina, to El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park. We’ll sail across Lago Argentino to a pioneer estancia reachable only by water, then spend a day with Perito Moreno, the most famous glacier on the continent.

Here at NextTribe, we believe now, at midlife and beyond, is our moment to shine.

~ Small groups — women 45+ ~ Solo travelers welcome

~ Led by women our age~ Aging boldly since 2017

~Easy, interest-free payments


Traveling solo? You're in excellent company

You won’t be the only one. A good number of the women on this trip are traveling solo, so you’ll land among women in exactly the same boat.

A host who’s one of us. Your NextTribe host isn’t 25 with a clipboard. She’s a woman your age who knows exactly what it’s like to arrive somewhere solo and leave with a new circle of friends.

A pace built for connecting. With shared meals and plenty of together time (when you want it), friendship happens without trying.

“Alone time” if you need it. Because every day at Explora is built around choice, it’s easy to join the group for a morning hike and then claim the afternoon for yourself: a book by the picture windows, a nap or a quiet walk along the lakeshore. Togetherness on this trip is an invitation, not a requirement.

Rooming made simple. Book your own room for a single supplement, or let us know and we’ll match you with a roommate from the group.

5 Reasons We Love this Trip

5 Reasons We Love this Trip image
  1. Two countries, two Patagonias. In Chile, it’s jagged peaks, wind-combed grasslands and forests of gnarled lenga trees. Across the border in Argentina, the landscape turns to ice fields and some of the most spectacular glaciers on the planet. Most visitors pick one side. We do both.

  2. Ice on an epic scale. We’ll sail through drifting icebergs on Lago Argentino, look out over the vast Upsala Glacier, and then stand facing Perito Moreno, waiting for the next slab to crack loose and crash into the water. Nothing at home gets an entire group of grown women to gasp in unison quite like this.

  3. Adventure, dialed to your level. With more than 40 guided Explorations to choose from, you might hike to a condor’s-eye view one day, ride the pampas on a Patagonian horse the next and take a van safari after that, or skip it all for the spa. You set the pace each morning, and you can change your mind.

  4. Luxury at the bottom of the world. Explora’s Torres del Paine lodge regularly lands on lists of South America’s best hotels, and it’s easy to see why: mountain views from every room, chef-driven meals, a spa with open-air hot tubs, and everything included. In Argentina, our day at Estancia Cristina, which holds two Michelin Keys for hospitality, keeps the bar just as high.

  5. Wild creatures and gaucho country. Andean condors ride the thermals, rheas sprint across the steppe, and if luck is with us, a puma makes an appearance. Add Explora’s own herd of Patagonian horses and the estancia’s pioneer ranching history, and you’ll get a real taste of the cowboy culture that shaped this 


What Our Travelers Are Saying

What Our Travelers Are Saying image

This is an adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their life! Next Tribe provides a great tour with the opportunity for diverse activities. –Carol R. 


Questions We Hear All the time

Questions We Hear All the time  image

Will I know anyone?
At the start, probably not. By day 2, for sure.

Why does this trip cost more than most NextTribe trips?
Fair question. Patagonia is one of the most remote places on Earth, and getting you deep inside Torres del Paine National Park in comfort isn’t cheap. But much of the price comes from what’s included, which, at Explora, is everything.

At Explora, ranked among the Best Resorts in South America in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, your stay covers your room, every meal, all beverages (yes, including the Chilean wines and spirits), more than 40 guided excursions, use of the spa, national park entrance fees and transfers. The only time you’ll reach for your wallet is to book a massage or buy a souvenir.

Location matters too. Explora sits inside the park, while most visitors stay in the town of Puerto Natales and spend three to four hours a day driving in and out. You’ll spend that time in the park itself.

I’m not much of a hiker. How fit do I need to be?
If you’re comfortable walking a mile or two on uneven ground, you can enjoy this trip fully. Many of Explora’s excursions involve little or no hiking: horseback rides, boat outings, van tours with short walks to viewpoints and wildlife spotting. If you want a challenge, full-day hikes with real distance and elevation are on the menu, too. You’ll plan your days with an Explora adviser when you arrive and can change course as you go. One heads-up: there are two road days, about two hours on arrival and five-plus hours when we cross into Argentina.

Can I walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier?
Possibly. The glacier-trekking operators set an age limit of 65, a rule we don’t love, which is why we’ve built in other ways to get close to the ice, including kayaking near (but safely away from) the calving face, and boardwalks that bring you within a few hundred meters of it. Some of the best moments here happen standing still, just listening to the ice.

What’s the weather like?
Changeable, and windy. You can see sun, rain and a stiff gust or two all in one afternoon. Dress in layers, bring a good windproof, waterproof jacket, and you’ll be fine. We’ll send a full packing list after you register.

Do I need a visa?
U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays in Chile or Argentina, but you will need a valid passport. Entry rules can change, so check the State Department’s website before you travel. Travelers from other countries should check the requirements for their own passports.

Anything I should know about the border crossing?
Mainly this: leave the snacks behind. Both Chile and Argentina strictly limit bringing fresh fruit, meat, cheese and other agricultural products across the border, and inspectors take it seriously. Otherwise, the crossing is routine, and we’ll walk you through it.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You’ll receive a full refund up to 90 days before departure, except for your deposit, which can be applied to a future NextTribe trip. We strongly recommend travel protection insurance and are happy to point you to options.

Meet Your Trip Leader: Brenda Lyon

Meet Your Trip Leader: Brenda Lyon  image

An avid outdoorswoman, Brenda has called the Rocky Mountains home for more than half her life. From her base in Idaho’s Wood River Valley, she spends her days skiing, hiking, biking, and fishing, so she will be right at home among Patagonia’s dramatic peaks.

A lifelong nature lover with a special passion for birds, she has traveled the world and believes great adventures can happen at any stage of life. Her background in food and hospitality gives her a love of local cuisine and a gift for making every guest feel welcome. For the past two years, she has been part of the NextTribe team, helping women discover the joy of travel and connection. She’s thrilled to explore this spectacular region with a group of adventurous women.

accommodation icon

Accommodation

Day 1

TUESDAY, October 26th
Day 1 image

Welcome to Torres del Paine

Connect through Santiago to Puerto Natales, where the Explora team will meet you for the scenic drive of a little over two hours into Torres del Paine National Park. Watch the windows: the steppe gives way to lakes, the mountains get sharper, and the guanacos start appearing by the roadside before you’ve even checked in.

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll sit down with an Explora adviser to map out your days, choosing from the park’s iconic sights as well as routes only Explora guests can access.

In the evening, we’ll toast the start of our adventure with a welcome dinner overlooking Lake Pehoé. The menus draw on regional traditions and locally sourced ingredients, paired with wines from some of Chile’s most celebrated vineyards.

Meals included: Dinner
Drive time: 2+ hours


Image 0
Image 1
accommodation icon

Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve

Check inTuesday, Oct 26, 2027
Check outSaturday, Oct 30, 2027
Experience the stunning beauty of Torres del Paine National Park at Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve. Enjoy all-inclusive packages with luxurious accommodations and guided excursions through breathtaking landscapes. The emphasis on sustainability and expert local guides ensures a unique and enriching experience in the heart of nature.
Image 0

Day 2

WEDNESDAY, October 27th
Day 2 image

Across the Pampas on Horseback (or Your Choice)

How you spend today is up to you. Here’s one example: an easy half-day horseback ride.

We’ll set out from Explora’s stables and ride across the Serrano pampa, past quiet lagoons, with the Paine massif rising behind us. The trail follows the banks of the Serrano River and Lake Toro, crossing back and forth at several points, before looping home over open grassland with the mountains in full view. It’s Patagonia the way the gauchos have always seen it, from the saddle.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner


Image 0
Image 1

Day 3

THURSDAY, October 28th
Day 3 image

A Hike to the Big Views (or Your Choice)

Again, the day is yours to design. Our example: a moderate full-day hike to some of the finest viewpoints in the park.

We’ll drive to Explora’s private Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve on the park’s northeastern side, setting off on foot near the old estancia buildings. The trail climbs gradually along the slopes of Cerro Obelisco and Punta Hermandad, moving from open steppe into shrubland and stands of lenga forest, and the scenery builds with every switchback.

As we gain elevation, the panorama opens to the south: wetlands, winding rivers and vast plains framed by the Paine massif, with the three granite Towers standing sentinel in the distance. To the north, the sheer walls of Cerro Obelisco show off their dramatic layers of sediment, and if you look closely, the ledges where condors roost. After lingering over the view, we’ll descend and return to the lodge by van, ready for a well-earned dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Image 0
Image 1

Day 4

FRIDAY, October 29th
Day 4 image

Wildlife in the Morning, the Spa in the Afternoon (or Your Choice)

One more day to choose your own adventure. Our suggestion: a gentle half-day of wildlife watching, followed by an afternoon devoted entirely to you.

We’ll explore the park’s eastern sector by van, stepping out for short walks along the way. This is prime wildlife country, home to guanaco herds, elusive pumas and a remarkable variety of birds, all set against the sweeping pampas of the Patagonian steppe. We’ll stop at the Nordenskjöld Lake lookout and the thundering Salto Grande waterfall, then continue to Los Cisnes Lagoon and Amarga Lagoon.

Then it’s time to slow down. Explora’s spa has a heated indoor pool, a steam sauna and four open-air hot tubs overlooking the Paine River. Book a massage if you like, or simply settle into the warm water and watch the clouds race across the peaks.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Image 0
Image 1

Day 5

SATURDAY, October 30th
Day 5 image

Across the Border to Argentina

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Torres del Paine and board private vans for the journey into Argentine Patagonia.

The drive takes about five hours, depending on how often we stop, and one stop is mandatory: the international border crossing. Along the way, the highway unspools across the steppe, with enormous skies and long, open views. 


Our destination is El Calafate, known as the Gateway to the Glaciers, on the shores of Lago Argentino. After we check into our hotel, the rest of the day is free to stroll the lakefront, poke around town or simply put your feet up.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Drive time: 5+ hours

Image 0
Image 1
accommodation icon

Xelena Hotel

Check inSaturday, Oct 30, 2027
Check outTuesday, Nov 2, 2027
Experience the charm of El Calafate, where stunning views of the Patagonian landscape greet you at every turn. Located close to Los Glaciares National Park, this cozy accommodation offers guided excursions to explore nearby glaciers. Enjoy local art and savor regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant, making your stay truly memorable.
Image 0
Image 1

Day 6

SUNDAY, October 31st
Day 6 image

A Day at a Pioneer Estancia

Today we visit Estancia Cristina, a remote ranch reachable only by water. The boat ride across Lago Argentino is an event in itself, gliding past clusters of icebergs in shades of white and electric blue. Founded by a pioneering family in 1914, the estancia lies within Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by water and mountains on all sides.

From the estancia, we’ll head out by 4x4 over rugged terrain, then take a short hike to a lookout facing the immense Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in South America.

Afterward, we’ll return to the main lodge for lunch. Before the boat carries us back across the lake, there’s time to visit the estancia’s museum, which tells the story of the settlers who ranched this land, and to soak up a place the estancia aptly describes as “land found but not tamed.”

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

Image 0
Image 1

Day 7

MONDAY, November 1st
Day 7 image

Face to Face with Perito Moreno

Today belongs to the most celebrated glacier in South America. As we approach Perito Moreno by boat, its scale starts to sink in: a wall of blue ice rising some 200 feet above the water and stretching nearly three miles across. Then comes the best part. A network of boardwalks brings you within a few hundred meters of the glacier’s face, where towers of ice break away and crash into the water.

Perito Moreno’s ice flows forward at a remarkable pace, which keeps its face constantly in motion. The result is one of nature’s great performances: a sharp crack, a deep rumble, then a thunderous splash as another slab gives way. No two minutes here are quite the same.

You’ll choose how to experience it: kayak near the glacier (at a safe distance from the calving), strap on crampons for a trek across the ice (ageism alert: treks are limited to travelers 65 and younger), or find a quiet spot on the boardwalks and wait for the next show.

Back in El Calafate, we’ll gather at one of the city’s best restaurants for a farewell dinner and one last toast to Patagonia.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Image 0
Image 1

Day 8

TUESDAY, November 2nd
Day 8 image

Hasta la Próxima

We’ll get you to the El Calafate airport for your flight home via Buenos Aires. You’ll leave having seen the best of Patagonia, the towers and the glaciers, the pampas and the ice, in the most comfortable and flexible way possible. Hasta la próxima: until next time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Logistics

Logistics image

Tuesday, October 26th: Arrive in Puerto Natales Chile (PNT) by 2:00 PM

  • Latam or Sky airlines connect via Santiago Chile. If you fly in early, you can stay in Puerto Natales, at the hotel of your choice, and be picked up there.

Tuesday, Nov. 2: Depart from El Calafate, Argentina (FTE) at any time after breakfast. NextTribe trip ends at FTE airport.

  • Aerolinas Argentina connects through Buenos Aires--but you may have to transfer from BA's domestic airport AEP and international airport EZE.

Visa: No visa is required for US citizens to enter Chile or Argentina. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip and you have a blank page.

Travel Insurance: We require all international travelers to purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend trip protection insurance to protect your investment. (Scroll down for more details and links for insurance)

Cancellation: The last day to cancel this trip and receive a refund is July 26th, 2027. Your deposit is non-refundable but can be applied to another NextTribe trip booked within one year of cancellation.

Legal Stuff: For complete terms of service, see below

You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details included. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com

What's included

What's included image

Inclusions:

  • 7 Nights Lodging

  • 5 Dinners

  • 6 Lunches

  • 7 Breakfasts

  • Ground transportation between Chile & Argentina

  • All activities noted in the itinerary

  • A NextTribe host with you for the entire time

  • An enrichment guide to help you get more from your visit

  • Airport transfers, both ways

Exclusions

  • Roundtrip International Airfare

  • Alcohol beyond what’s noted in the itinerary

  • Travel Insurance

  • Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff

  • Passport fees

Map of the trip locations

Map

A. Santiago

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile

B. Puerto Natales

Puerto Natales, Natales, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Chile

C. Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve

Y-160, Torres de Paine, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile

D. El Calafate

El Calafate, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

E. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Early Bird Pricing

Prices Increase on November 20
Early Bird Pricing image

Insurance

What you need to know
Insurance  image

Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance can be a helpful and valuable resource to pack! It can protect the investment of your trip and you while traveling.

We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corporation travel insurance provider that makes it as simple as possible by not overwhelming you with options.

They offer just a few modern, benefit-packed trip protection plans that can cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more.

Click Here to create quotes and purchase a plan through Wanderwell from our partner page. 

If you prefer to talk to someone, please email support@gowanderwell.com. They will set up a phone call with you and can answer your questions.

Image 0
warning icon

Disclaimer: NextTribe is not a licensed insurance broker or advisor. We do not provide insurance advice or recommend specific policies. Please consult a licensed insurance professional for guidance on your coverage needs.

About us

About us image
Image 0

NextTribe

For most of history, women past child-bearing years were basically put out to pasture. This was happening even in our mothers’ time. We call bullshit on that. We believe we are at a peak in so many ways and are devoted to helping women our age live the richest, most kick-ass lives possible.

We do that by informing, promoting and connecting women–through our magazine, through our member community and through the transformative experiences of travel.

So many travel choices…so little time. You could spend days and days trying to put together just the right combination of destination, activities, and price.

Or you could stop shopping and start traveling with us for something that feels like the greatest girlfriend trip ever–even if you come solo. We specialize in experiences that deeply connect you to other women–travelers and locals–and create life-lasting memories. Experiences you can’t get on your own. And do it all with flexible payment options.

This video will tell you if you’re a good fit for a NextTribe trip. We are proud that we’ve become known for how quickly and deeply our groups of women bond on our trips. One of our rules: No divas, please.

general icon

Contact Us

For more information, please contact our travel manager at travel@nexttribe.com