Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Mi Buenos Aires Querido. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Located along the shores of Río de la Plata, the Argentinean capital, and 9th most populated city in the world, is one of South America’s cultural engines. It is a lively city where people are proud and talkative; where tango dancers perform on cobble stoned streets; where quality restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, galleries and book stores abound; and where cultural heroes such as Evita Perón, Jorge Luis Borges, Diego Maradona, and rocker Luca Prodan occupy honored seats in popular memory.
Our local representative will meet with you at the hotel to offer some introductory words and spark you up for a three-hour walking tour around the hub of this great metropolis. In the evening, you will have the option of moving around on your own and tasting some of the local delights in neighborhoods such as prestigious Recoleta with its glamorous streets, cafés, galleries, old European architecture and famous cemetery; or the old and scenic San Telmo where wealthy families set themselves up in the late 1800’s; or La Boca with its colorful buildings, paintings, handicrafts and captivating tango dancers. After dinner, feel free to take an outstanding tango lesson in one of the many tango bars around the city!
Day 2: Until the End of the World! Ushuaia, Argentina
After a light hotel breakfast, we hit the airport and fly to the end of the world – Ushuaia! The world’s southernmost city is located on the border of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains embracing the town. The port-city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century, but is today the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s island province. It is a small city with a variety of outdoor activities in memorable surroundings.
Our friendly tour leader, who will accompany us for the next 12 days, will welcome us at the airport. Then after checking in at the hostel, we will absorb the local scene through a short downtown walking tour. The evening is left open for individual exploration and hopefully a bit of interaction with the locals who often have good stories to tell! Includes: (B).
Day 3: The Marine Soul Arises. Ushuaia, Argentina
Following breakfast, we go to Ushuaia’s dock and embark on a morning navigation of the world famous Beagle Channel which is fed by the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean. En route to Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, a splendid view of the city emerges after just a few minutes of navigation. The lighthouse itself is similar to the one on nearby Isla de los Estados which inspired Jules Verne’s novel "The Lighthouse at the End of the World".
From this point, the boat trip continues to Isla de Lobos and Isla de Pájaros where marine wolves and penguin-like cormorants congregate on jutting rocks. It is a fascinating sight which can not help but remind some of National Geographic specials seen on television. Finally, we return to Ushuaia. The rest of the day is left open for you to visit the town surroundings or take optional excursions on your own. For dinner, you may want to sample local delights such as king crab and roasted Patagonian lamb. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Long Ride in Tierra del Fuego. Punta Arenas, Chile
Our next destination is the city of Punta Arenas, located in the last continental piece of Chile. After breakfast, there is a full day bus ride through the immense plains of Tierra del Fuego. There are programmed stops along the way to stretch and move around, as well as to board a ferry that crosses the Strait of Magellan! Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to navigate this strait in 1520 and it is known as the most important natural passage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans!
Further ahead, we cross the border into Chile and finally arrive to Punta Arenas in the evening - though still in day light! In the summer there are 18 hours of sun light at this latitude! Punta Arenas is a small traditional city founded in 1848 and located where the Andes chain begins. The locals tend to be somewhat quiet, though warm and hospitable nevertheless.
After checking in at the hostel, you’re free to have dinner wherever you like before resting for the following day. Warning: be careful when walking around the central plaza in Punta Arenas. “Levitation experiences” are not unusual! The strong winds can sometimes lift people right off the ground! Tightly fastened cables have been set up in the plaza for people to hold on to. Includes: (B).
Day 5: The Patagonic Adventure Starts. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
After recovering all our strength and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will take the bus towards Torres del Paine National Park. This park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and is one of the most outstanding natural places on Earth! Following the three-hour scenic ride from Punta Arenas, we reach Puerto Natales - a picturesque town located in the shores of Last Hope Fjord. In Natales, we meet up with our trekking guide who introduces us to the zone and checks if all our gear is complete before continuing on our journey.
There is free time as well to have lunch or shop for small souvenirs. Later in the afternoon, we get back on a bus and advance through the plains of Patagonia. Views of the east side of the magnificent Paine Massif appear after a couple of hours! We are also met by guanacos, ñandues, caranchos and other wild fauna that live in the park’s surroundings. Upon reaching Refugio las Torres we organize our luggage, and relax for the rest of the day. Includes: (B, D).
Day 6: Warming up in Los Cuernos. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We start our adventure in the park with a pleasant walk through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this ‘appetizer walk’ we take in the park’s charming flora and fauna, its strong wind and the curious 4-seasons weather that will accompany us for the next days. As we advance through the trail we enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns which are majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. We will of course stop to get some great first shots of the park and also enjoy a delicious box lunch to energize us for the rest of the walk. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The evening is left free to enjoy dinner and share experiences. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 7: The First Challenge: Valle Frances. Torres del Paine, Chile
After breakfast, we begin a challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif. How deep we go depends on our groups’ rhythm. An active walk leads us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif. From this point, we can enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley.
The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza! (Fortress). It is time to have a picnic and recover from the walk. Next, we descend to Refugio Paine Grande, located in the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe. Finally, upon reaching the “Refugio”, the luggage is organized and there is time to talk about the day while enjoying a replenishing dinner. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Soft Day in the Park’s Lakes. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Upon packing and having breakfast, we walk to the shores of quiet Lake Pehoe and take a catamaran towards Pudeto harbor. After this short navigation, we drive around the park’s lakes and make some stops to visit the furious Salto Grande and Salto Chico waterfalls. We also go to the south border of Lake Grey and admire the glacial lake with its stunning multi-toned blue icebergs floating around. This is a place where nature rules! Challenging winds can stop us randomly as we walk on the beach.
Woodpeckers and other striking birds can sometimes be seen in the surrounding area. Those who want to take the optional navigation to Glacier Gray stay on the beach while the rest go back, heading southwest to reach the gentle Pingo trail. About 3 hours later, we return to Grey and reunite with the others coming back from the navigation, then drive back to Refugio Las Torres. A tasty dinner awaits us, and there is time to laze around after the long day. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: The Second Challenge: The Mighty Torres del Paine. Torres del Paine NP, Chile
Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! Our goal is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP. We walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and connect with the winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley – the valley which supports the eastern face of the Towers’ base. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley. It’s not a difficult walk, but energy should nevertheless be saved for the final challenge: the moraine. This mass of boulders is the last guardian before our face to face meeting with the uplifting Torres del Paine.
The moraine is sufficiently steep to consider doing it slowly and with an adequate amount of precaution. After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world! The famous Torres del Paine (2, 900 m/ 9, 400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Is there any better place on this planet to have lunch? Of course! But since we are in Patagonia, at the feet of the mighty Torres del Paine, we will enjoy life, the view, and a bite to eat! Once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to the refugio. This is sadly our last night in Torres del Paine NP … but there’s more to come! Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 10: A long ride to Torres del Paine’s Twin: Los Glaciares NP. Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
We wake up early, have breakfast, pack up, and we’re off! We drive to Cerro Castillo international border crossing and re-enter Argentina. In Castillo we board a regular bus to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amidst dramatic scenery and natural beauty. After some hours on the bus, we arrive to Calafate with time to have lunch and explore the shop-filled main street of its down town. From the bus terminal we embark on about a 4 hour regular bus ride to Chalten.
The drive is on isolated dirt roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitzroy. Once we’ve checked in at the hostel, its time to get a well-deserved rest, which will be needed for the next couple of days! Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 11: A precious hike to Laguna Torre. Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
We do a full day hike along Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, an extremely pretty mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast, we walk eastward, following the trail through beech forests and bogs to a pleasant encounter with Fitroy River. We continue advancing and reach Camp Base de Agostini and then do a short hike to Laguna Torre, escorted in the west by Cerro Torre and the Adela range. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast. We stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Later, we return to Chalten following the same trail.
There is an optional day trip for those wanting to trek on Torre Glacier. Those taking this exciting option get up earlier and do it apart from the main group. Upon returning from the trek, the evening is free for you to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Chalten’s cozy restaurants. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 12: The Third and Final Challenge: Monte Fitzroy, Mountain of Mountains. Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today’s trek is to Laguna Los Tres with the best available view of Monte Fitzroy - THE landmark in Los Glaciares NP! Once again, a big breakfast and lots of enthusiasm is required. We begin our hike by heading towards silent Laguna Capri, passing just beside its northern corner. Then we follow the Fitz Roy Trail up to Rio Blanco, passing Poicenot, the mountaineering camp. Finally, a short but steep trail will take us to Laguna de Los Tres to take in one of the park’s most marvelous natural scenes!
The turquoise-blue of the Lagoon is a stunning sight and this is of course is magnified by the accompanying view of Fitz Roy’s spires and glaciers. You will probably experience a Torres del Paine flashback. If Torres del Paine is the king mountain of Patagonia, Fitz Roy is surely the beautiful queen! Time for a picnic. In such a memorable place the food can not help but taste better than ever! When everyone is ready, we will hike back to Laguna Capri and continue along the trail back to tiny Chalten. We return with time to recover and enjoy our last night in this beautiful park. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 13: The Big Daddy is on the Way: Glacier Perito Moreno! El Calafate, Argentina
We wake up extra early to take the regular bus back to El Calafate. En route, we prepare for the cherry on top of the cake: enormous 60m-high Perito Morento Glacier! We reach Calafate about midday with time to rest and enjoy a local lunch. Then we board the van that takes us to the glacier. Unlike the regular tours, upon arriving to the sight, we will not go straight to the regular panoramic views. Instead. we’ll first marvel at the splendor of the glacier’s less frequented north face. We’ll both watch and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino.
As we face Moreno Glacier amidst a nature walk, our guide will answer all questions about the area. We will then continue on to the footbridges and take a break so that you can enjoy the surroundings at your own leisure. After the thrilling encounter with the glacier, we drive back to Calafate. This is our final night together and the tour leader will ask us for feedback on the trip. It’s time to review our personal notes, socialize, look for a great farewell dinner and exchange contact info with new friends. After celebrating our last night we return to the hotel for a sweet overnight. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 14: Adios!
Today we leave these extreme South American lands. Adios Patagonia! Hopefully we will meet somewhere else. After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport and we are free to continue traveling on our own. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Bilingual English-Spanish local representative, tour leader, trekking guides
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary, including all regular bus tickets
- Boat rides on the Beagle Channel (day 3) and Lake Pehoe (day 8)
- Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares NPs entrance tickets
- Accommodation
- Meals
Price Excludes:
- Flight tickets
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trips)
- Port tax at Ushuaia
- Optional excursions
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff
- Items of personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Hiking & Trekking
Glacier Tours
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