Patagonia
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The Perito Moreno Glacier, located in the Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.

Patagonia: Land of Inspiration



December 01-16, 2026
Double Occupancy: $11175 per person
Single Occupancy: $11875 per person
Airfare is not included.

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Come with us to Patagonia, one of the most remote and ecologically rich regions on Earth!

Travel Dates: December 1-16, 2026

This immersive educational journey begins in Buenos Aires, then we travel nearly 2000 miles to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America. This Go Learn experience blends natural history, ecology, and exploration through some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.

Over the course of the trip, you’ll observe two species of penguins along the Atlantic coast near Puerto Deseado, step foot onto the ancient ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and explore El Chaltén, home to Patagonia’s most iconic mountain landscapes. The journey continues to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where we will encounter a third species of penguin and explore the landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, regions visited by Charles Darwin during his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s that later informed his development of evolutionary theory.

University of Utah professor Nate Furman, alongside expert local guides, provides context on the region’s geology, ecology, wildlife, and human history, transforming each destination into a living classroom. This is a truly unique opportunity to experience Patagonia not just as a destination, but as a living system shaped by the elements, wildlife, and time.

Patagonia trip group photo, featuring the University of Utah Logo and hand signs
Patagonia trip group photo

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Explore Buenos Aires, including the Recoleta Cemetery and a traditional tango performance.
  • Take three domestic flights spanning nearly the full length of Argentina.
  • Stay in Puerto Deseado, an off-the-beaten-path coastal town connected to Darwin’s early Patagonian explorations.
  • Visit Isla Pingüino to see nesting rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, south polar skuas, and other seabirds.
  • Observe wildlife along the Ría Deseado, a protected estuary rich in marine and bird life.
  • Visit Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo National Park, a fossilized forest that existed long before the Andes rose.
  • Experience Los Glaciares National Park, including walks along the iconic terraces of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier (age restrictions apply, under 65).
  • Enjoy an exclusive Patagonian wine tasting featuring wines from some of the southernmost vineyards on Earth.
  • Visit El Chaltén, the picturesque mountain town beneath Patagonia’s most iconic peaks.
  • Hike to Laguna de los Tres, the renowned viewpoint at the base of Mount Fitz Roy.
  • Explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
  • Walk through Tierra del Fuego National Park at the “End of the World.”

Daily Itinerary

Meals are indicated as follows: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Welcome to beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capitol city and the starting point for our Patagonian journey. Known for its European architecture and rich cultural life, it’s the perfect introduction to Argentina. After arriving and settling into our centrally located hotel, enjoy some free time to explore before gathering for a welcome dinner at the iconic Bar Ideal.

Hotel: Hotel Ilum  opens a new window

Meals: D

Activity Level: Easy

View of Buenos Aires at sunset
View of the Buenos Aires city - Congreso square at sunset

Today we’ll spend the day exploring Buenos Aires with Professor Nate Furman and a local guide, walking through historic neighborhoods to understand Argentina’s political, social, and cultural history. We’ll visit the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of influential Argentinians, including Eva Perón. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together and a professional tango performance.

Hotel: Hotel Ilum opens a new window

Meals: B, D

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

A man and woman dance the Tango in a busy plaza
Tango street performers in Buenos Aires.

After breakfast at the hotel, we officially begin our Patagonian adventure. Today we take a regional flight to Comodoro Rivadavia, then travel by private coach across the Patagonian steppe to Puerto Deseado. Along the way, we’ll stop to see Glyptodon fossils near Fitz Roy and watch for wildlife such as guanacos or Patagonian hares.

Once we arrive in Puerto Deseado, a quiet, non-touristy town, we’ll settle into our hotel for a three-night stay. Later, we’ll gather for a group dinner and the rest of the evening is yours to relax.

Hotel: Hotel Los Acantilados opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Easy

sea lions crowded on a rocky island.
Sea Lions off the shore of Puerto Deseado

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Ría Deseado by boat, keeping an eye out for Commerson’s dolphins, nesting red-legged cormorants, and rock cormorants. This outing includes a stop at one of the islands within the estuary, home to large nesting colonies of Magellanic penguins. After lunch, we visit the Swift Corvette museum, before dinner in town.

Hotel: Hotel Los Acantilados opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate (The boat ride can be quite bumpy, and those with back pain may find it uncomfortable.)

three grey and white birds with red legs and beaks standing on a rock ledge.
Group of red-legged cormorants in Puerto Deseardo

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit Isla Pingüino by boat, home to Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, along with skuas and other seabirds. After observing the nesting colonies, we’ll say goodbye to the island, enjoy a casual group lunch together and relax before heading out for another group dinner in Puerto Deseado.

Hotel: Hotel Los Acantilados opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous (Hiking shoes and trekking poles are recommended. The boat ride can be quite bumpy, and those with back pain may find it uncomfortable.)

three penguins standing in front of a blue sea
Rockhopper Penguins on Isla Pingüino

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to El Calafate, stopping at Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo, a true Go Learn exclusive. This little-known park is defined by a stark landscape that is scattered with petrified Araucaria trees. We’ll stop for lunch in Puerto San Julián and then continue onto El Calafate where we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel’s award-winning restaurant.

Hotel: Hotel Mirador del Lago opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Petrified wood
Petrified wood from the Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

After breakfast at the hotel, we’re exploring Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous attractions of El Calafate. We’ll begin the day walking along the park’s famous viewing platforms, positioned directly across from the glacier. We may be lucky enough to witness dramatic ice calving into the lake below.

After lunch, those who are eligible will gear up with crampons and take a guided walk on the glacier. Please note that Argentina’s national park regulations do not allow anyone over the age of 65 to participate in glacier trekking. Following our time at the glacier, we’ll return to El Calafate for the evening, and dinner will be on your own.

Hotel: Hotel Mirador del Lago opens a new window

Meals: B, L

Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

ice creates an arching bridge from a rocky shore to an iceberg
Bridge of ice in Perito Moreno glacier.

After breakfast, we’ll head out for birdwatching at Laguna Nimez. This peaceful lagoon is home to a wide variety of birdlife. Later, we’ll walk to a local wine shop for a tasting of Patagonian wines. These wines come from small boutique vineyards and are rarely exported, making this experience very exclusive. After the tasting, the remainder of the day is yours to relax, explore El Calafate at your own pace, or enjoy a quiet evening.

Hotel: Hotel Mirador del Lago opens a new window

Meals: B

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Four flamingos standing in a river
Flamingos at Reserva Laguna Nimez, El Calafate

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart for El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital and the gateway to the dramatic granite peaks of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Once we arrive in El Chaltén, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a quieter afternoon to rest or explore the small town.

Hotel: Hostería Senderos opens a new window

Meals: B

Activity Level: Easy

a small village nestled beneath a towering mountain
Small town of El Chalten at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy In Patagonia, Argentina

Today offers two hiking options in El Chaltén, allowing you to choose the experience that best fits your ability and interest.

The Laguna de los Tres hike is one of Patagonia’s most iconic routes, but it is also very challenging. This full-day hike covers approximately 14 miles with about 3,500 feet of elevation gain. The final half kilometer alone climbs roughly 1,000 feet, making it steep and demanding. Participants choosing this option should plan to train in advance. Go Learn will provide guidance and preparation recommendations ahead of the trip.

For those seeking a less strenuous but still rewarding experience, the Laguna Capri hike offers beautiful scenery with significantly less elevation gain. This route is approximately 6 miles round trip with about 1,400 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate option with excellent views.

Boxed lunches will be provided for both hiking options.

Hotel: Hostería Senderos opens a new window

Meals: B, L

Activity Level: Strenuous

A picturesqe teal lake reflecting the mountain and glacier above
Monte Fitz Roy, Glacier de los Tres, and Laguna de los Tres in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Today is a chance to slow the pace and enjoy El Chaltén on your own terms. After yesterday’s hiking options, you may wish to rest, explore town, visit a café, or revisit favorite views at a relaxed pace. For those who would like to get out on the trail again, you are welcome to join Nate on an optional, mellow hike, with the route determined based on group interest and conditions. Breakfast is included, and the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.

Hotel: Hostería Senderos opens a new window

Meals: B

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

A sign that reads El Chalten, Bienvenidos, with the small town and mountains in the background.
Road sign at the entrance of El Chalten village and Fitz Roy mountain in background.

Departure

This morning we’ll enjoy a relaxing morning before we take a private bus to the airport, stopping along the way for lunch. Our flight takes us to the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia. Our private coach will take us to our hotel, centrally located in the heart of the city. The evening is yours to enjoy. Take a stroll through town and choose a local restaurant for dinner. Ushuaia is especially known for its fresh seafood, and king crab is a local specialty.

Hotel: Albatros Hotel opens a new window

Meals: B, L

Activity Level: Easy

boats docked in the Ushuaia Bay, golden lights reflecting off the water.
Bay and city of Ushuaia in winter season

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to explore Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Tierra del Fuego National Park is unique in Argentina as the only national park where the forest meets the sea, offering a rare blend of marine and terrestrial environments. After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Ushuaia on your own.

Hotel: Albatros Hotel opens a new window

Meals: B

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

A rocky beach overlooking wide river and distant mountains.
Patagonian landscape near Tierra del Fuego - Isla Bridges - Ushuaia

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll travel to meet our third species of penguin, the Gentoo penguin. We’ll journey to Harberton, the oldest estancia in the Argentine sector of Tierra del Fuego. From there, we’ll take a boat to Isla Martillo, where we’ll observe Gentoo penguins up close in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife that inhabits this remote island. We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch and then sail through the Beagle Channel. Keep an eye out for sea lion colonies and enjoy the incredible coastal scenery.

That evening, you’ll have time to freshen up before gathering for our final group dinner. We’ll celebrate with a traditional Patagonian asado, a fitting way to conclude our time together at the end of the world.

Hotel: Albatros Hotel opens a new window

Meals: B, L, D

Activity Level: Easy (The boat ride can be very bumpy.)

A Gentoo penguin with two babies.
Gentoo penguins on Isla Martillo.

After breakfast we’ll take our flight back to Buenos Aires where you can enjoy dinner, or say goodbye to fellow travelers at your own pace. You’ll leave with lasting memories of Patagonia’s landscapes and wildlife, along with new perspectives and connections shaped by shared learning and exploration.

Hotel: Hotel Ilum opens a new window

Meals: B

Activity Level: Easy

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for your return journey. Safe travels and thank you for being part of this unforgettable Patagonia experience.

We look forward to welcoming you again at our post-trip reunion, where you’ll receive a David Meikle Patagonia poster featuring the Gentoo penguin, a keepsake from our time at the end of the world.

Meals: B

Tour Leader

a man in a blue jacket with skiis on his back with a snowy mountainscape in the background

Nate Furman

Nate Furman, PhD, is a Professor of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at the University of Utah and Director of U-EXPLORE, the university’s academic experiential learning and outdoor recreation education program. In 2025, he received the College of Health’s Distinguished Teaching Professor Award, a peer-selected honor recognizing excellence in teaching.

Nate has spent decades teaching natural history and outdoor leadership through immersive experiences in wild landscapes. During his decade with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), he led extended climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and river expeditions in places stretching from Patagonia to Alaska, and he remains active as a mountain guide and field educator.

Nate has traveled extensively throughout Patagonia and now serves as faculty leader for the University of Utah’s Go Learn Patagonia program, helping travelers engage more deeply with the region’s wildlife, ecology, landscapes, and cultural history. The program explores Patagonia’s mountains, steppe, forests, glaciers, and coastal environments, with an emphasis on immersive learning and adventure.

His teaching and scholarship focus on outdoor education, natural history, public lands, environmental stewardship, and the ways nature-based experiences contribute to human growth and well-being. Whether in the classroom or in the field, Nate is known for bringing curiosity, enthusiasm, depth, and a love of place to the learning experience

Details and What to Expect

December 1-16, 2026

Group Size is limited to 20 participants

Double occupancy: $11,175 per person.

Single occupancy: $11,875 per person.

Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.

Read the Terms and Conditions for payment and cancellation details.

Terms & Conditions

Included

  • Hotel accommodations
  • Three inter-country flights to Comodoro Rivadavia, Ushuaia, and Buenos Aires (return)
  • Private coach and drivers
  • Local guides
  • Gratuities
  • All breakfasts
  • Lunches that are noted in the itinerary
  • Dinners that are noted in the itinerary
  • All boat trips
  • Entrance to historic and cultural sites noted in itinerary
  • All entrances to national parks included in itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages at the welcome and farewell dinners

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Argentina
  • Transportation from the airport to the hotel in Buenos Aires upon your arrival
  • Meals that are not specifically noted in itinerary
  • Cancellation and lost luggage insurance
  • Any costs outside of the itinerary

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We'll make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive in Argentina - we'll answer questions about what to pack, training for hikes, how to get around, and our daily itinerary. We will also lead a pre-departure hike to prepare you for Laguna de los Tres. We want you to arrive in Patagonia ready to learn!

A trip reunion about a month or so after returning will be the perfect conclusion to our journey. We’ll exchange pictures and stories while remembering the highlights of our tour. Go Learn expeditions are designed to be small, boutique experiences where one returns with a group of friends for life. Good food, drink, and company await us at this reunion.

December is generally a beautiful weather month in Argentina and Patagonia. We will be there for the beginning of the summer season. Average daily temperatures in Buenos Aires will see a high around 77F and with cool but not cold evenings around 65F. Patagonia will most likely be chillier and vary between 64 for the highs and 45 for the lows. The weather here is unpredictable, and you can experience all 4 seasons in one day. You will most likely experience Patagonia’s high wind, rain, sunshine, and more wind. You will want to pack good shoes and layers!

This is an Activity Level 3 trip. Learn More about our activity levels.

Activity Levels

This trip includes multiple walking tours and moderate to extremely difficult hikes. Guides will not allow people over 65 on the Perito Moreno trek. Go Learn will provide guidance for the Laguna de los Tres hike and asks participants to train on their own leading up to it. There will be multiple group flights and boat rides which can be quite bumpy and hard on the spine. Embarking and disembarking from the boats can be difficult and require ascending and descending floating stairs. There are multiple, long bus rides which can be uncomfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, then you should plan accordingly. The ability to descend and ascend multiple flights of stairs is required. Be aware that Argentina does not have the same Americans with Disabilities Act requirements that we enjoy in the U.S. You will observe wildlife in their natural habitat. You will be exposed to the elements during the day as you explore Patagonia and should be prepared to experience all types of weather.

We may average 3-5 miles of walking on activity days, some with a significant incline or uneven surfaces. All group travel is by plane or private coach (included in the trip price), and participants should be able to manage their own luggage. Our exciting itinerary and daily learning adventures will keep you happily exhausted.

Hundreds of penguins on a rocky shore with a red and white lighthouse in the background.
Bird Island in the Beagle Channel near the Ushuaia city.