There are places that stay with you long after you've unpacked, and Patagonia is one of them. At the far southern tip of South America, granite spires rise above glacial lakes, wind sweeps across open plains and the sense of space is unlike anywhere else on earth. Insider Patagonia brings the very best of this extraordinary region together in one beautifully paced 11-day luxury holiday across Chile and Argentina, from the colourful hillsides of Valparaíso to an evening of tango in Buenos Aires.

From Chile's colourful coast to the wild south

Your journey begins in Santiago, Chile's lively capital, before heading to the coast to discover Valparaíso. This World Heritage-listed port city tumbles down steep hillsides in a patchwork of painted houses, winding lanes and street art, offering a wonderful first taste of South American character.

From there, you'll fly south to Punta Arenas and into the heart of Chilean Patagonia. Torres del Paine National Park is the region's crown jewel, a UNESCO-listed landscape of dramatic mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. It's a place that rewards a slower pace: watching the light shift across the famous granite towers, or scanning the open plains for wildlife and, if you're fortunate, an elusive puma. Days here are yours to savour, with time to breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in views that few photographs ever do justice. This is the moment Patagonia truly takes hold.

Life on a remote estancia

One of the real treasures of this itinerary is time spent at a traditional estancia, an authentic cattle ranch so remote it can only be reached by boat. Here you'll step into the boots of a Patagonian gaucho and gain a rare glimpse into a way of life that has shaped this region for generations, rooted in open country, hard work and a deep connection to the land. It's the kind of genuine, unhurried experience that few visitors ever have the chance to enjoy.

A lively finale in Buenos Aires

Crossing into Argentina, you'll fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires for a memorable finish. After the stillness of Patagonia, the energy of this sophisticated capital feels like a celebration. A guided walking tour takes you through Recoleta and Retiro, two elegant neighbourhoods rich in colonial architecture and European charm. In the evening, you'll experience the passion and precision of an Argentine tango show, the perfect way to close a journey of such remarkable contrasts.

What's included, and how we tailor it to you

• 10 nights' hotel accommodation

• 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners

• Private vehicle transfers throughout

• Flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas, and from El Calafate to Buenos Aires

• Daily departures from September to April

• From NZ$11,575 per person

Patagonia is vast and remote, and the details matter. Flight connections, border crossings, seasons and timing all play their part. As experienced travel agents, we'll shape this journey into one of our tailored itineraries built around you, whether that means adding extra nights, upgrading your accommodation or pairing it with another South American adventure. And because your YOU Travel & Cruise Consultant is with you before, during and after your trip, you can simply relax and enjoy every moment, knowing that if anything changes, we'll take care of it, wherever you are in the world.

Let's meet and start planning your Patagonian adventure together. Call us on 07 577 9957, email tauranga@youtravel.co.nz or pop in and see us at 45 Grey St, Tauranga.