Spectacular Patagonia

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.

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~ Small groups — women 45+ ~ Solo travelers welcome

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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