Argentina

Best of Patagonia / Hidden Argentina / Buenos Aires / More Patagonia / Iguazu Falls / Lake District
Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula /Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises
Best of Northwest / Mountain Bike Tours / Serious Patagonia Treks / Winter Trips

THE LEGENDARY ROUTE 40 TO THE SOUTH -
PATAGONIA OVERLAND

When Darwin visited the Patagonia on one of his many trips, he fell in love with this land geologically and biologically unique. At that time this vast region was only inhabited by nomads and was kept virtually unexplored until the last century. Even now, it is still one of the loneliest areas on Earth. To perceive the real essence of our PATAGONIA you have to feel its vastness. The best way to do so is by land. On this itinerary we suggest to drive through it, visiting amongst others the famous "Cueva de las Manos" (Cave of the Hands, with pictographs dated 7000 BC), Mount San Lorenzo, Mount Fitz Roy and ending in El Calafate, lodging in beautiful Patagonic ranches and reaching the most hidden corners of our country in magnificent National Parks.

Season: Oct to April
Level of difficulty: Easy
Type: Sightseeing and long hours driving
Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 08 people
Special features
* Least seen views - discover new wonders
* Accommodation in genuine estancias.
* Experience the vastness of the legendary Patagonia
* Mingle with local inhabitants who lead a life in the area

Special departures: 2005: Nov. 1 & 28, Dec. 26. 2006: Jan. 23
Guide: Spanish, English, Italian

DAY 01:COMODORO RIVADAVIA
Arrival in Comodoro Rivadavia. Depending upon arrival time, we will visit Cerro Cheque lookout point, this can be considered the landmark of Comodoro Rivadavia and time permitting Punta del Marques, Provincial Park which protects an interesting sea lions colony.Accommodation at Austral Hotel in superior rooms.

Located in the Province of Chubut, Comodoro Rivadavia is a modern booming city, named after Commodore Martin Rivadavia, who traveled the Patagonian shores between 1890 and 1892 (commissioned by the Argentine government) to create a harbor in central Patagonia. Its boom started in 1907, when while a desperate search for drinking water was under way important oil fields were found in the area of the San Jorge Gulf.

The surrounding mounts have forced a whimsical shape in the urban geography. Today, Comodoro Rivadavia is a typical Patagonian city, with flat roofs, tall buildings, fisheries, textile factories and the ever present Patagonian wind and the one of the most important oil producing centers in Argentina. Punta del Marques fauna reserve is close to Rada Tilly. This is the place of the sea lions (OTARIA FLAVESCENS) and great lookout point with a vista of the Santa Cruz coast, the city of Comodoro Rivadavia and the Patagonian steppe beneath.

DAY 02: COMODORO RIVADAVIA - PUERTO DESEADO
Southbound drive from Comodoro Rivadavia, where the sights will be of small beaches of white sand and elevated peninsulas of up to 100m, from the deep blue sea. Time and weather permitting we will stop to enjoy a short hike in the area. The first part of the drive goes parallel to the old tracks of the train that linked the estancias in the Andes and the steppe to the port in Puerto Deseado and which operated till 1978. From Caleta Olivia, (about 80 km South of Comodoro Rivadavia) the landscape changes dramatically.

Arrival in Puerto Deseado, a fishing port with a deep estuary which was first explored by Magellan and Thomas Cavendish in 1520 and 1586 respectively. In the afternoon we will board a zodiac boat to navigate the Deseado Estuary. This is one of the richest biological areas in Patagonia which treasures five species of cormorants.
Total km drive: 270km of paved road. Approx. time: 5 hours Meals: B- box-L- D-

DAY 03: PUERTO DESEADO - LOS ANTIGUOS TELKEN
Crossing the legendary Patagonian steppe.The paved road that connects Puerto Deseado with Perito Moreno goes by the most important oil producing area in Patagonia. The oil was discovered on Dec 13th 1907 in Comodoro Rivadavia; on the Sedimentary basin of San Jorge Golf. The main producing areas are closed to Caleta Olivia, Pico Truncado, Las Heras in the province of Santa Cruz; Comodoro Rivadavia, Pampa del Castillo, km 20 and others in Chubut.Lunch in an authentic local bar "El Pluma", close to the Deseado river valley.
Afternoon resume our trip crossing the legendary steppe, a memorable experience well described by Argentine Explorer Ramon Lista: " Everything here stirs our deepest emotions: sometimes it is the sad barrenness of the plains; or the magnificent chaos of its mountains; and very often, it's the splendor the evening calm that we find deeply moving" We will visit the lake Buenos Aires, second largest in Latin America after Titicaca, and the tiny village of Los Antiguos, capital of the fine fruits (blueberries) in Argentina. Evening arrival to Estancia Telken.
Meals: B - L- D.

25 Km South of Perito Moreno we find Telken, an old Patagonian estancia founded in 1915 and dedicated to sheep and horse breeding. It is a very simple, yet cosy place, with warm attention and delicious home made food. The owners - the family Nauta - are descendants of New Zealand and have transformed this place to a stopover for visitors all over the world who want to learn about the true life in an estancia in Patagonia.

DAY 04: THE PAINTED HANDS CAVE - LA ORIENTAL
We resume our trip on the rote 40 till we get to the Bajo Caracoles Hotel where we take a detour to the West to reach La Estancia La Oriental, in the heart of the Perito Moreno National Park. One of the least visited National Parks in Argentina which treasures not only amazing wild life but also some of the most spectacular vistas in Patagonia. Prior to getting to the Estancia we will visit the famous Cave of the Painted Hands in the Pinturas River Valley. Pinturas means "paintings" in Spanish and the river and valley are so called precisely because of the abundance and magnificence of the cave paintings which we will visit, in particular the series of caves known as "Painted Hands", one of the most impressive expressions of rupestrian art dating from more than 9000.We resume our trip to Bajo Caracoles and onto Perito Moreno National Park to reach Estancia La Oriental.
Total km drive: 300 (230 of gravel road and 70 of pavement). Approx. time: 9 hours Meals: B - box- L & D.

In the very heart of the Perito Moreno National Park and only 1 km from Lake Belgrano, we find this amazing estancia run by family Lada for generations. The estancia is a true privilege, it is 16 hectares large - dedicated to sheep breeding- and it is one of the wildest corners in Patagonia with lots of activities to do. The house is the typical Patagonian house made of woods and tin, still keeps its original charm. It is very simple yet cozy.
It resumes the Andean Patagonia, amazing lakes of various colours, great mountains to hike, unique fauna and colourful landscapes.

DAY 05: PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK.
Full day dedicated to exploring this amazing National Park. We will be amazed by its fauna which includes lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, flamingoes, various geese, upland geese swans, piches (small armadillo), etc, framed by the imposing Andean range with San Lorenzo mount as an icon of the area.

In the middle of this wonderful area we find the lake basin of the National Park formed by Belgrano, Nansen, Volcan, Azara, Escondido and Burmeister lakes. All of these provide the best environment to sight the tame guanaco and if lucky enough we might be able to spot the shy huemul. For those who would like to go further, we can attempt the summit of Cerro Leona which will reward us of the aerial view of this magnificent park, a symphony of colors. Box Lunch
Meals: B -L-D.

DAY 06: PERITO MORENO - ESTANCIA LA MAIPU.
Full day southbound drive along the legendary Patagonian steppe to Lago San Martin, along the way we will stop as many times as desired to spot the fauna of the area: lesser rheas, hares, the Mara (Patagonian hare), foxes and piches (kind of a smaller armadillos) and guanacos (family of the South American camelids).
Lunch at LA SIBERIA, located between the route 40 and Lake Cardiel. Arrival to Lake San Martin, one of the best kept secrets in Patagonia, maybe the less visited and one of the most spectacular in the area with deep emerald waters. Accommodation at ESTANCIA LA MAIPU and dinner.

ESTANCIA LA MAIPU is maybe the place that best summarizes a true Patagonian Estancia. Not only for its history, related to the first inhabitants of the area and also the first immigrants but also for it being still in production (an important wool production - Corriedale Sheep), its amazing location which adds areas of incredible beauty and the possibility to enjoy it at its most: unique horse rides of various levels of difficulty, amazing treks, a small site Museum (a gem in Patagonia), a beautiful and comfortable house and the charming attention of their hosts (the family Leyenda).
Total km drive: 520 of gravel road. Approx. time: 8 hours Meals: B - L & D.

DAY 07: ESTANCIA LA MAIPU.
Day hike to Vega de la Medialuna, Laguna Talca and a Condor nesting site. This area shows the transition between the Patagonian steppe and the Andean Forest. Amazing vistas of the estancia, the pens, Lake San Martin and the Peninsula Avellaneda beneath. The trail cuts into the Southern beech forest with species of Nothofagus such as: Lenga, and ñire, old man's beard and fungus such as the Llao Llao. Excellent opportunities to observe the local fauna as the Woodpecker, Magellanic geese, flamingoes, eagles and condors. Meals: B - box- L & D.

DAY 08: LAGO SAN MARTIN - CALAFATE
Drive back to Route 40 and then turn again towards the W to reach Calafate. Arrival by noon and transfer to your hotel or airport. Accommodation NOT included.

El Calafate is a charming small village with good facilities and the gateway to the magnificent PERITO MORENO GLACIER and LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK. Located in the Southwestern area of Santa Cruz Province, this park, created in 1937, stretches over 240000 acres. Due to its spectacular beauty, its glaciological and morphological interest and the danger of extinction of part of its fauna, the UNESCO declared it a "World Heritage Site" in 1981
Total km drive: 230 km Approx. time: 5 hours Meals: B.

Price per person sharing a double room: U$S 1274, Single supplement U$S 259
Children´s rate: Not available.
Estimated domestic airfare (subject to change without prior notice) U$S 271.- (2 coupons)
Rates are based on a minimum of 2 pax travelling together.

IMPORTANT NOTES
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES. Departures have been set in order to form groups.

HOTELS / ESTANCIAS : Hosterias and estancias for this program have been chosen for their customized service and for their local colour. Owners themselves are the host in these properties.
HOTEL AUSTRAL www.hoteles-austral.com.ar
HOTEL LOS ACANTILADOS www.pdeseado.com.ar/acantour
P. MORENO - ESTANCIA TELKEN www.estanciasdesantacruz.com/telken
L. BELGRANO - ESTANCIA LA ORIENTAL - www.estanciasdesantacruz.com/laoriental
LAGO SAN MARTIN - ESTANCIA LA MAIPÚ - www.estancialamaipu.com.ar

THE GUIDES & VEHICLE .
* DAY HIKES: Are from easy to slightly demanding from one to six hours
* GUIDES: Spanish - English and Italian
* VEHICLE. Minibus Mercedes Benz Sprinter- 2003. Eight reclining and comfortable seats.

LOGISTICTS. & EXTENSIONS
Because of the logistics of this trip, we can easily add-on extensions such as:
* IGUAZU FALLS & BUENOS AIRES. Either pre or post trip.
* VALDES PENINSULA (as a pre trip)
* ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN EL CALAFATE at the end of the trip.
* MARE AUSTRALIS BOAT -Pax can board the Mare Australis in Ushuaia and debark in Punta Arenas. From there the pax are advised to visit Torres del Paine and then head to Argentina.
* TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK. Easily accessible and well linked to El Calafate via buses to Puerto Natales.

RECOMMENDATIONS
* Participants must be prepared for long drives.
* Participants are to travel with health insurance
* Meals are based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be informed at least 15 days prior to departure

PACKING LIST
Basic pack should include:
* 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.

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