Best of Patagonia

Walking and hiking excursions in remote and scenic regions: along the Beagle Channel and across sub-Antarctic beech forests of the legendary Tierra del Fuego Island.
Glacier exploration with crampons on the Perito Moreno glacier, which is permanently advancing along its 3 mile-wide front, an impressive ice wall 200 feet high over Argentino lake. The highlight of this trip!
Birdwatching - our country is ranked fourth in the world for its rich bird life, with more than a thousand observed bird species of great variety. In this program passengers will have the opportunity to observe the Patagonian birds such as Magellanic penguins, albatross, Andean condors, cormorants, Darwin rheas, petrels, a large array of birds of prey, ducks, wild geese, grebes, marine birds and many endemic species, sighted and identified with the aid of ornithologist guides, which will show you the southernmost humming birds, the largest woodpecker, the parakeet living closest to the Pole, etc.
Photographic safaris - find an unbelievalbe diversity of excellent wildlife subjects: orchids, wild flowers, all the birds described above, guanacos, foxes, cavies, Southern right whales, orcas, Southern elephant seals (largest seals in the world: above three tons) sealions, fur seals, etc in such fascinating settings as their huge colonies in Valdés Peninsula.

We include the minitrek with crampons on the Perito Moreno glacier.
Our guides in Valdés Peninsula and in Tierra del Fuego are above standard since they are true local naturalists, perfectly fluent in English.
Our trips and guides are geared towards providing a true natural history and cultural experience, not just a sightseeing tour.
The above facts allow us to visit off-the-beaten track sites in each area.
Our services in Buenos Aires, usual port of international entry and departure, are superior due to our professional staff. This is particularly significant since the first and last impressions are so relevant.
Just a short note to tell you how thoroughly my wife and I enjoyed the Argentina experience. You provided a magnificent itinerary, terrific guides, great sites, wonderful overall service. They were always on time, always available. The lodging was wonderful. Thanks for doing all the work....we would love to something like this again. - Richard Gilmore

(Also see Best of Patagonia - Argentina and Chile)

DAY 01: BUENOS AIRES. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meeting at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Rest of the day at leisure. We suggest you join our exclusive FOUR BALCONIES VISIT OF BUENOS AIRES.

DAY 02: BUENOS AIRES -TRELEW - PUNTA TOMBO: Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Trelew. Arrival. Meeting at the airport and start the drive to PUNTA TOMBO Rookery, the most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. We will walk through a trail that cuts deep into the colony to observe closely these fascinating birds. Other species such as kelp gulls, skuas, guanay cormorants, giant petrels, dolphin gulls, the Chubut steamer duck, hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes also inhabit the area and may be seen here. On the way back to Trelew we will visit Gaiman, a typical Welsh settlement, for a cup of tea. Accommodation.
Meals: B - Box-lunch & D.

In the numerous gulfs, bays, inlets and peninsulas along the vast Argentine shoreline of the South Atlantic we find large colonies of marine animals. Owing to the various ocean currents which mix along this coast and thanks to the relatively low traffic and fishing activity, the sea is still rich in plankton, algae, fish and shellfish which in turn serve as food of enormous birds and marine mammal populations

DAY 03: VALDES PENINSULA. Full day visit to Valdes Peninsula. On our way we will stop to see the wildlife of the area: guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, hairy armadillos, maras and the most important rookeries protecting large colonies of South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, Magellanic penguins also inhabits this area along with oystercatchers, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, cormorants, etc. (Optional boat trip to see the Southern Right whale from July to Mid December *). Accommodation. B, L, D.

DAY 04: TRELEW - USHUAIA. Morning at leisure. We suggest a visit to the fully refurbished Paleontologocal Museum or the nearby Paleontological Park. Transfer to the airport to fly to Ushuaia. Arrival transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. B.

Tierra del Fuego contains all the different ecosystems, which typify Patagonia on a single island: South Atlantic coast, bushy steppe, Andes surrounded by glaciers, snow, lakes and forests. As if it weren't enough the island also has its unique sub-Antarctic rainforest. Unexpectedly lush beech forests are covered with a magic carpet of green mosses, lichens waving in the wind in this seemingly enchanted forest. Afternoon navigation on the stormy waters of the Beagle Channel where the Andes plunge into the sea to reappear in the Antarctic Peninsula. The Beagle Channel is located south of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. It overlooks the islands that extend all the way to Cape Horn. It was first discovered by Fitz Roy expedition in 1830 and later again with Darwin in 1833. It was first settled by Anglican missionaries in 1860.

Afternoon city walk in Ushuaia. The hike starts at El Mirador del Beagle area (this is a side neighborhood located in the highest area of the city and which features the amazing development of the city in the last years. From there we start a hike following an old logging path, to get into the interesting Southern Beech Forest to end in a lookout point where we stop for a snack prior to returning to town. Upon our departure and towards the forest, the trail will allow us to enjoy the amazing vistas of the city which picture the history of the development of the city through the years: the Presidium, then the Naval base, the Industrial area (when Ushuaia has been a duty free area) and the newly built neighborhoods. From the very beginning all these vistas have the magnificent Beagle Channel and the island beyond as a backdrop and the transition between the city and nature is very smooth. Duration: 2 hour and 30 min.

DAY 05. HARBERTON RANCH - & PENGUIN COLONY

This excursion is the perfect introduction to Tierra del Fuego, its history, its magnificent natural history and traditions. We start from Ushuaia driving East towards Harberton`s small airstrip. From there we get on our zodiac boat to cross the Beagle channel to Gable Island. GABLE ISLAND is the largest on the Beagle Channel. It is wild, isolated and uninhabited. Its only constructions are an old sheep-shearing storehouse and some traces of the Yamana natives.

In a comfortable refuge we enjoy a warm and healthy breakfast to get ready for a 2-hour relaxing but also demanding hike crossing the island to the South and reach the Beagle Channel. On the island, we will be able to hike and observe old native settlements, lots of birds such as gulls, steamer ducks, petrels, cormorants, albatross and Magellan Penguins, among others.

After lunch resume our navigation to the Penguin rookery at MARTILLO ISLAND, the domain of the Magellan Penguin and some few Gentoo Penguins. The unique location of this island (close to the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters merge) allows for an incredible variety of rich sub aquatic life, making it an amazing spot for bird watching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross).
Return to Harberton. This estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries to reach the area - Rev. Thomas Bridges- and was managed for many years by Ms Natalie Goodall, a foremost naturalist in the area. After a short visit we return to Ushuaia.

DAY 06: TIERRA DEL FUEGO NP.
Full day visit to the Tierra del Fuego NP in a private car-exclusive to our small group.. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km soft trek (3.5 hour walk) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through these beech forest we will be able to look for the Magellan woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Embarkation on an 18-people zodiac boat and head towards Isla Redonda for lunch (pasta specialties). Afternoon short walk on the island. On the way back to Lapataia Bay, we will be able to watch cormorants and sea lions, albatross and petrels. Upon arrival we will hike an old trail to Laguna Verde, where we board our vehicle back to Ushuaia.
Meals: B - Lunch

DAY 07: USHUAIA - EL CALAFATE. Morning at leisure in Ushuaia to enjoy the city or visit the very interesting End of the World Museum. Transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate. Reception and transfer to ESTANCIA ALICE. Accommodation.
Meals: B -D.

The estancia - located 22 km W of El Calafate on the banks of Lake Argentina- is a very special place of only 16 rooms and it is the ideal setting to enjoy activities organized for the guests (activities are included in the rate):
* Sheep shearing exhibitions
* Self-guided natural history trails.
* Hiking trails
* Horse rides from 2 hours to daylong.

Between the 48 and 51 South parallels, the Andes Range is covered by a large extension of permafrost known as the Patagonian continental icecape, which stretches for 560 miles from north to south. So large it is, that it is also called "the third pole" after its huge concentration of ice. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, such as the famous Perito Moreno glacier.

DAY 08: LOS GLACIARES NP. Transfer to Los Glaciares NP, in the sub-Antarctic Continental Ice-cape, known as the "Third Pole", which extends over 60,000 sq.km (23,000 sq. miles) and gives birth to several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. We will board zodiac boats to cross Argentino Lake in front of towering ice walls of the Perito Moreno glacier and will navigate around the ice blocks which are constantly calving from it. We will land on an uninhabited beach and hike on the glacier. (No additional equipment nor previous experience needed). The wildlife of the area includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles, ashy headed geese, etc. B, B-lunch.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included. (8U$ per person)

DAY 09: CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES. Transfer to the airport in Calafate to fly back to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. B. ** Ideal to include a farewell dinner and Tango Show***

DAY 10: BUENOS AIRES. At leisure to enjoy the bustling city. Transfer to the International airport.

Level of difficulty: Easy
Type: Soft adventure (overlands + soft treks)
Minimum / Maximum: 2/16 passengers

Departures: on demand

Rate per person sharing a double room: U$S 1862. (Min. 2 participants) Single supplement = U$S 562.
Estimated domestic airfare (subject to change without prior notice) U$S 900
Rates are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together.

Supplements:
* Whale watching navigation (regular departures): U$S 26.- p/person
* Whale watching navigation (private boat) **On Request**
* Private visit to Perito Moreno 1-2 passengers U$S 332.- (per vehicle )
* Private visit to Perito Moreno Glacier 3-8 passengers U$S 373.- (per vehicle)
Other Optional activities
* 4WD To Cerro Frias U$S 48.- p/ person
* Horseback ride Cerro Frias U$S 48.- p/ person
* Four Balconies in Buenos Aires U$S 162 .- 1-2 passengers
* Dinner and Tango Show U$S 60.- p/ person

* Round trip transfers in every destination
* Private services in Buenos Aires and Valdes and full day visit to Tierra del Fuego NP with a naturalist guide.
* Services in seat in basis - to be shared with other pax- in El Calafate and Ushuaia.
* Assistance of expert naturalist guides in Ushuaia and Valdes Peninsula.
* Trekking gear if necessary
* Meals as stated on the itinerary (without beverages)
* Entrance fees to parks and reserves (Except for Los Glaciares national park) .
* Accommodation in superior tourist class (combination of 4 and superior 3 star hotels) all with private facilities and breakfast and all of them with local colour.
BUENOS AIRES (SUP 4* Hotels): ELEVAGE - www.elevage.com.ar or CLARIDGE
TRELEW: (3 * Hotel) LOS MIMBRES - www.posadalosmimbres.com.ar ( Hotel Libertador as a back up)
USHUAIA: (3 * Hotel) LOS FUEGOS - www.hosterialosfuegos.com or TOLKEYEN or LOS ÑIRES
EL CALAFATE: (4* Hotel) ESTANCIA ALICE - www.estanciaalice.com.ar

Accommodation may be upgraded as per passengers´ wishes in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and El Calafate, since it will not complicate our operations. In the Valdes Peninsula area - on the other hand - we can have pax overnight in Puerto Madryn (Bahia Nueva or Apart Las Bardas hotels ) or San Guillermo Ranch house, all of them at an extra cost due to the additional transfers.

Rate does not include: Airline / bus tickets, apt taxes. Gratuities, optional tips for guides and crew. Extras and personal expenses.

BOOKING CONDITIONS: All passengers must be covered with a travel and health insurance.
RECOMMENDATIONS: · Participants must be prepared to travelling long distances by car
MEALS: Basically based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be informed at least 15 days prior to departure.
TEMPERATURE: During summer the temperature ranges between 20ºC during the day to 5ºC at night

* The way we have planned THE BEST OF PATAGONIA allows us to:
a) Include additional nights in Buenos Aires. More and more people who have stayed in Buenos Aires only one or two nights feel that they are missing something and that they should have stayed longer to enjoy the city.

b) Include additional nights in El Calafate for further explorations of the area (we especially recommend UPSALA EXPLORER Navigation).

e) Depending upon the season combinations to be considered are:
* Wine Trail (Mendoza) - Oct , Nov, Dec & March
* Peaceful Central Hills (Cordoba) - Year round
* Colourful Northwest -

f) Last day in Buenos Aires at Estancia El Silencio (www.elsilencio.com.ar) this is a very nice estancia, ideal for horseback riding and with a big polo field. The location is very convenient to the International airport.

PACKING LIST: Basic items should include:

" Day pack
" Trekking shoes (that have been broken in) and / or riding boots.
" Comfortable gym shoes for resting.
" 1 or 2 pants.
" Warm parka and windbreaker.
" Polar wear / warm sweater.
" Light pullover / sweatshirt.
" Gloves, hat / cap, bandanna, sunglasses.
" Sunscreen / sunblock, soap and towel.
" Flashlight with extra batteries.
" Water bottle.
" Gaiters (optional).
" Camera and lots of film.

Extension to El Chalten

DAY 09: EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN - Transfer to the bus station to take a four hours bus drive to El Chalten. Arrival in EL CHALTEN, a wind-swept small village, 240 km North of El Calafate and at the foot of the imposing Mt. Fitz Roy (3405 m) and Cerro Torre. Upon arrival, transfer to EL PILAR Lodge, a beautiful 8-room hosteria, 15 km out of El Chalten. The location, in the middle of an exuberant beech forest, gives access to the most important trails such as to Mt. Fitz Roy. From the hosteria, you will enjoy magnificent vistas of the huge granite walls of the daring Mt Fitz Roy and some other important peaks.
Dinner.

Once you have settled we suggest that you make a first try to enjoy a short hike (about an hour) to PIEDRAS BLANCAS Glacier. Following this trail you will enjoy a very interesting beech forest and if you are lucky you may see the amazing Magellanic Woodpecker at work. On the way, on a clear in the forest, and after about 20 minutes hike you will be able to sight the MARCONI Glacier, the gateway to the Continental Ice cap to your right. This hike is an ideal warm up and the perfect place for a nap in the sun!
Or hike CERRO POLO (5 hours), which offers a panoramic view of the Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Continental Ice cap.

DAY 10: Mt FITZ ROY - Full day hike to Mt Fitz Roy base camp and Laguna de los Tres. After breakfast hike north towards Fitz Roy with spectacular views of the massif ahead. Sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups and believed to be a volcano, they called it "Chalten" (exhaling fumes mountain). Further hike to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this greenish lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. Enjoy breathtaking views to SE Lake Viedma and the endless Patagonia steppe.
Slope: 1100 m. Approx. hike: 8 hours
Meals: B- Box Lunch-D

DAY 11: TREK TO CERRO TORRE - Full day hiking another Patagonian classic: Mt Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its difficulty to climb. Countless expeditions attempt every year to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a 45 minutes climb you will find an even area surrounding an old lagoon where, vegetation is starting to grow again. The trail enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre range and the Adelas Mt. The trail ends in the coast of Laguna Torre which offers a beautiful view of Mt Torre surrounded by Egger, Standhard, spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre.
Hike back to El Chalten where a van will be waiting for you to drive you back to the hosteria.
Slope: 600 m. Approx. hike: 10 hours
Meals: B- Box lunch- D

DAY 12: EL CHALTEN - After breakfast, free time for a further hike in the area or drive to town and enjoy a short hike to a scenic point overlooking the famous Mt Torre. Afternoon private transfer to El Calafates airport to take your flight back to Buenos Aires.

rates per person based on double occupancy : With 1 bus ticket and 1 private transfer (either way) : U$S 565
Single supplement U$S 412 (Rate for one person traveling alone)

The rate includes:
Accommodation with breakfast and taxes included throughout the itinerary
Transfers and tours in seat in basis (bus to/from El Calafate to El Chalten) and one private transfer (according to services or flights)
Assistance of bilingual mountain guides
3 dinners as described on the itinerary without beverages
2 Box lunch with beverages in the FD Treks.

The rate does not include:
Airline tickets, airport taxes and local taxes
Personal expenses and extras
Tips for baggage handling and optional tips for guides/ drivers
Meals (except the ones mentioned) and beverages

Notes:
* The extension to El Chalten is ideal for active people who love hiking. El Chalten is Argentinas trekking capital.
* Photographic safaris: An unbelievable diversity of excellent wildlife subjects, and amazing landscapes.

Weather conditions:
Weather is highly unpredictable. Particularly in spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, as violent westerly storms sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. Strong westerly winds are usually at their worst from November to January, but typically continue through the end of April. Temperature can vary a lot too, ranging from -5C to 25 C, averaging 15 C.

Argentina

THE BEST OF PATAGONIA (no camping)

see new version!

(Also see Best of Patagonia - Argentina and Chile)

Extension to El Chalten