PATAGONIA (ARGENTINA & CHILE)
17 DAYS

Massive heaven-reaching granite peaks, golden grasslands and turquoise lakes beneath an endless expanse of sky, abundant wildlife and huge glaciers left behind by the last Ice Age… Capture it all, on film and in your memory, during you Patagonia trip.

After exploring the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, we commence our journey south, across one of the most unpopulated areas in the world. We will spend two days hiking among blue-green lakes, set against the snow-capped Andes. We carry on to the Los Glaciers NP and take a series of day hikes that afford classic views of magnificent Mt. Fitzroy and Cerro Torre. The next day brings another spellbinding scene: huge slabs of ice breaking away from the enormous Perito Moreno Glacier. We drive across the windswept grasslands to Chile’s world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. We will go on spectacular hikes and admire the legendary Blue Towers. After spending a night at a typical estancia, we fly to the ‘World’s End’ town of Ushuaia. We will hike in the Terra del Fuego National Park before flying back to Buenos Aires.

Day 1.    Arrive in Buenos Aires

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in downtown Buenos Aires. In the evening, meeting with your tour leader and briefing. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 2.    Fly to Comodoro Rivadavia. Petrified Forests. To Perito Moreno Town
                  
In the morning, you are transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Comodoro Rivadavia. Drive to the fascinating Petrified Forests of Colonia Sarmiento and see the 70 million years old fossilized trees. Carry on by road to the famous 40 National Road. Travel across one of the most unpopulated areas in the world, where the herds of guanacos and rheas are likely to be seen. Arrival in Perito Moreno. Overnight in Perito Moreno.

Day 3.    Hand’s Cave.  Posadas Lake

You start driving southwards along the former Indian track, the 40 National Road, across the wide pampas to the deep, steep  Rio de la Pinturas canyon. Arrive at the pre-Columbian rock art site the famous Cueva de las Manos (Hand's Cave). The cave features the spectacular 9000-years-old polychrome rock paintings. After visiting the site, drive towards the Andes arriving to the shores of the Lago Posadas, set against the magnificent snow capped Mt. San Lorenzo. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 4 & 5.    Posadas and Pueyrredon Lakes

Today, you spend a full day trekking in the Posadas and Pueyrredon lakes area. Keep a watch for the local fauna and soak in the spectacular views of Mt. San Lorenzo (3706 m), the highest in the Patagonian Andes. Spend the next day at leisure and/or exploring the area’s other beautiful sites like Furioso River Gorge and Oro River Valley.

Day 6.    To El Chalten

Early departure. Back on the 40 National Road, drive along Cardiel and Viedma lakes. En route, keep watch for guanacos and condors. Arrival in the Andean village of El Chalten. Overnight in El Chalten.

Day 7.    Laguna de Los Tres

Full day trekking to Laguna de Los Tres crossing dense forests, observing hanging glaciers and condors gliding overhead, and finally facing the impressive and magnificent Mt. Fitzroy (3,375 m). This hike is challenging, but well worth the effort. The views are truly extraordinary, especially in clear weather. Overnight at a lodge.

Day 8.    Laguna Torre

Full day trekking to Laguna Torre facing the vertical granite walls of the famous spire of Cerro Torre, one of the most difficult to climb Pinnacles in the world. Soak in the stunning views of the lakes, glaciers, and the principal southern peaks of the Fitzroy Range.

Day 9.    El Calafate

Departure to El  Calafate. The afternoon is  free to explore the Nimes Lagoon and do some shopping in town. Overnight in El Calafate.

Day 10.    Perito Moreno Glacier

Have a full day excursion to the Los Glaciares National Park. See, here and take pictures of the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the earth’s few advancing glaciers. Spend the afternoon hiking along the shore overlooking the ice colossus 3 km wide, and 60 m high. Admire the icebergs breaking away from the glacier and crashing into the waters of the Lago Argentino. Overnight in El Calafate.

Day 11.    Torres del Paine

Drive south across the border to Chile. Arrive in the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The park (approximately 242,000 hectares), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is an unequaled destination for a serious hiker. The spectacular granite pillars, numerous turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and shimmering glaciers are among its most outstanding features. The area is also rich in wildlife, and one can hope to see condors, guanacos and flamingos. Overnight in the National Park.

Day 12.    Trek to Blue Towers. Torres del Paine

A full day trekking in the Torres del Paine NP. You will go on a spectacular hike to the legendary Paine Towers. Hike through the Rio Ascencio valley and reach one of the most magnificent views of Patagonia, the three Blue Towers soaring almost vertically more than 2000 m above the Torres Lagoon. Overnight in the National Park.

Day 13.    Torres del Paine. Patagonian Estancia Experience

You go on a short hike to Laguna Verde. After lunch, leave Torres del Paine and drive back to Argentina, arriving at a typical Patagonian Estancia near the Chilean border. Tonight the most delightful samples of the local gastronomy will be discovered. Overnight at the Estancia.

Day 14.    Estancia. Fly to Ushuaia

You spend the morning exploring and hiking around the Estancia. Transfer to El Calafate or Rio Gallegos Airport. Fly to Ushuaia. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the southernmost city in the world and visit the World’s End & Prison Museums. Overnight in Ushuaia.

Day 15.    Tierra del Fuego National Park

Full day trekking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the first coastal National Park in Argentina, with rich flora and fauna of sub-Antarctic forest and sea ecosystems. Hike along the Lapataia Bay and enjoy the view of the Beagle Channel and Darwin Range in Chile.

Day 16.    Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires

The morning is at leisure. You could take an optional boat excursion on the mythical Beagle Channel. In the afternoon transfer to the airport.  Fly to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Day 17.    Buenos Aires. Departure

You will have some time for last minute shopping before your flight back home. 

SUMMARY  

Inclusions: 3 domestic flights, all National Parks entrance fees, almost all meals, transportation, escorted throughout

Start and Finish: Buenos Aires

Group Size: Maximum 16 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with private facilities. 1 night at estancia (ranch)

Trip Grade: Demanding

Dates:
Jan 6-22, 2008
Feb 3-19, 2008

Land Cost: US$ 3,695
Local payment: US$ 230

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.

        
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