2026 Patagonia

The Argentinian portion of Patagonia boasts untamed beauty of rugged lakes, forested peaks, and endless skies. The picturesque landscapes of streams and pristine lagoons, as well as giant ice formations, are preserved within impressive national parks. Wild and windblown, often the solitude is only punctured by a guanaco grazing or a condor circling above. Follow in the footsteps of centuries of hunters and gatherers, gauchos of the great estancias, and explorers as you satisfy the yearning for the impressive spaces of this remote part of the world.

We’ll hike on several days, hope to kayak in the lake district, and have many opportunities to get to know local traditions and culture.

We’re working on the details … please check back often!

This tour will start with two nights in Buenos Aires and will likely end with two nights in El Calafate, with three nights each in Bariloche and El Chaltén in between. Our award-winning tour operator, Knowmad Adventures, is working on the unique plan that we feel best fits St. Olaf. You’ll be able to view – and download and print, if you wish – the most up-to-date itinerary here.

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.

You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Wes Braker is a master’s student in the Conservation Sciences program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he is studying additive genetic variance in prairie plants. He has spent the last few years working with various University of Minnesota research labs carrying out research in Minnesota’s prairies on biodiversity, invasive species, soils and nutrients, population dynamics, and population genetics. While he currently lives and works in St. Paul, MN, he has extensive back-country experience, exploring remote areas by foot and paddle from the south United States to northern Canada. Wes has also lead many canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and Quetico Provincial Park, as well as hiking trips in Isle Royale National Park. Wes is excited to explore the amazing paradise that is the Boundary Waters with you. For voluntary preparatory reading to get you in the mindset of a wilderness traveler and to introduce you to a brief background on the philosophy of the BWCAW, Wes recommends Sigurd Olson’s The Singing Wilderness for some superb outdoor reflection.

Expect to be dazzled by the natural beauty and cultures of this spectacular region in Argentina!

This tour is designed to be more active than our average Travel program. The times of higher activity will be balanced by down times as well. Activities are encouraged, but you can choose to spend your time alternatively as desired. 

Movement between cities will be by air-conditioned private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. You should be capable of walking a mile or more at a time and up to five to seven miles per day, often over uneven terrain, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of various types of transportation, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling, of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing different cultures, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.

The tour price is PENDING and will be based on double occupancy. A supplement for single occupancy will apply.

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between not nickel-and-diming you once on the tour, while also allowing you some freedom in your price point (for meals, for example). A variety of modes of transportation tends to be pricier than a single bus throughout the tour. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages.

Inclusions: discussions led by Wes Braker, a dedicated local tour manager, accommodations, breakfast daily and group meals as listed on the itinerary, admissions for group activities, internal flights, ground transportation during the tour (except arrival and departure airport transfers), gratuities to group guides, drivers, and meal servers, and some limited medical coverage while overseas.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Argentina is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the program fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: airfare between your hometown and New Zealand, airport transfers, any passport fees, any recommended immunizations or vaccinations, baggage insurance, trip cancellation insurance above $2,000 lifetime coverage, beverages at group meals, laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature, expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities, lunch and dinner, unless specifically included on program itinerary.

This schedule is TENTATIVE and will be based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:                          $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:          $475 if you cancel on or before November 14, 2025. If the deposit is made after November 14, 2025 there is no refund.

Interim payment due:        $2,000 on November 15, 2025
Refund if you cancel:          $950 if you cancel on or before June 30, 2026

Balance due:                          July 1, 2026
Refund if you cancel:          None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Read the Terms & Conditions and Release & Waiver (in draft stage).

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour end date (or your return date, if you decide to extend your stay overseas) and at least one blank page.

Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.

Mark your calendar for the month of October 2026. Even once we confirm the dates, you should not book non-refundable flights until we can confirm the tour is a go. For now, see some tips on Booking Your Flights.