Patagonia United Tour
|
|
Explore the most beautiful places across Patagonia, with highlights including Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Mount Fitz Roy & Perito Moreno in Argentina. Hike through the wilderness on this well-planned trip uniting the best of Chilean & Argentinean Patagonia!
|
|
Day 1, The Patagonian Adventure starts - Torres del Paine NP, Chile
The trip begins with you being picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas airport in the morning and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively you can start your trip in Calafate. En route we make a couple of stops - First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza" and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen. The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia's Standard Domes, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon. •Overnight Ecocamp Patagonia Standard Dome, Torres del Paine NP Day 2, Western Lakes and Grey Glacier* (sample activity from itinerary - see schedule of activities) Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with their black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here we enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, we drive back to EcoCamp. *During Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the Park. •Overnight Ecocamp Patagonia Standard Dome, Torres del Paine NP Day 3, Laguna Azul and Fauna Trail (sample activity from itinerary - - see schedule of activities) Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We start the day driving to Laguna Azul, on the north-eastern side of the Park, stopping at various points en route to admire the local flora and fauna and the mighty Paine Waterfall. Once at Laguna Azul we hike to a sightseeing point with a panoramic view of both the lagoon and granite towers. We then drive down to the shores of Sarmiento lake, home to many limestone formations and herds of guanacos, and walk northwards along the Fauna Trail past the small Goic lagoon and various types of fauna. After around 5km we reach the Laguna Amarga ranger station from where we are driven back to EcoCamp to relax and enjoy the evening meal •Overnight Ecocamp Patagonia Standard Dome, Torres del Paine NP Day 4, Entering Argentinean Patagonia - Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
After enjoying a delicious breakfast we head to Argentina on a regular bus, doing the international border crossing at Cerro Castillo. Once we complete the immigration process we enter Argentina and continue to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty. From the bus terminal we are driven to the office of our local tour operator where we board a van that’ll take us on a 3 hour drive to Chalten. The drive is on isolated roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the Glacier National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitz Roy. We arrive at our hotel in time to get some well-deserved rest. •Overnight Hotel Los Senderos 3*, El Chalten Day 5, Hike to Laguna Torre, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today we’ll do a full day hike along the Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast we walk eastwards, following the trail through beech forests until we reach Fitz Roy River. We continue and reach Camp Base de Agostini from where we do a short hike to Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre and the Adela range on our West. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast and we stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Later, we return to Chalten following the same trail and spend the night there. •Overnight Hotel Los Senderos 3*, El Chalten 
Day 6, Mount Fitz Roy, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today’s hike is along Rio Blanco. We drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and follow the Rio Blanco Trail to Piedras Blances Glacier, a hanging glacier descending from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. We picnic here, marveling at the glacier, and then continue up Rio Blanco Trail until reaching one of the best views of Mont Fitz Roy - the landmark in Los Glaciares NP. We descend via another path heading past Laguna Capri, ending back in El Chalten. Back at the hotel we gather our luggage and begin the drive back to Calafate, following the same road filled with Argentinean pampas that welcomed us. We’ll arrive in Calafate after an approximate 3 hour drive to check-in at our hotel. •Overnight Hotel Sierra Nevada 3*, El Calafate Day 7, Glacier Perito Moreno, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
After breakfast we head off on our final excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia. Unlike typical tours which go straight to the regular panoramic views, we go first to the glacier’s less-frequented north face to marvel at its splendor. We’ll observe, and hear, giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Our guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park. We’ll then continue to the footbridges and take a break, enjoying the surroundings at our own leisure. We’ll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from up close. After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we drive back to Calafate for our final night. •Overnight Hotel Sierra Nevada 3*, El Calafate Day 8, Adios Argentina! - Calafate, Argentina
Today we finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport and we’re free to continue traveling on our own or to take another extension. If you are taking the optional extension to finish in Punta Arenas then an early transfer takes you to the Calafate bus terminal where you board the public bus going to Puerto Natales, arriving in this town around midday. A representative will wait for you and will take you to a nice restaurant in town. Then you'll board a bus going to Punta Arenas city, where another representative will be waiting for to take you to the hotel. Transport
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia transport is in minivans that normally seat from 8 to 14 people. Pick up / Drop off times shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed locally by our operations team. Weather The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence and the affect of the Southern Patagonia Ice field make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). Physical Demands
This trip does not demand physical activity, other than walking a maximum of two consecutive hours over rather flat terrain. We take as many stops as necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travellers doing the active excursions will find them sufficiently energetic. To enjoy these more active treks it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000 m / 3,000 ft high so passengers don’t need to worry about altitude. Itinerary Modifications The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to deal with at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations. Excursions mentioned on days 2 and 3 could change depending on the coincidence of your travel dates with the weekly excursions menu organized locally by the EcoCamp Patagonia. Excursions on days 5 and 6 could vary depending on the group's preferences and the guide criteria. Active and Easy excursions are available on days 2 and 3. 
|
Price per person in Chilean Pesos, to be converted to US$ at current rate at time of payment:
DEPARTURES: Regular Departures. Every day on request from October 2023 to April 2024 Departures - Everyday on request from November to March.
Included
•Accommodation: 3 nights at EcoCamp’s Standard Domes, 2 nights at Hotel Los Senderos and 2 night at Hotel Sierra Nevada. •All ground semi-private transport and excursions as indicated in the itinerary in Ecocamp Patagonia •Transfer from Chile to Argentina in regular bus. •Regular transfers and excursions in Argentina. •English speaking guide for all excursions. •Guide ratio aprox. 1:12. Max group size: 16 people. •All national park fees and Cueva del Milodon ticket. •Boat crossing ticket over Grey Lake and/or Pehoe Lake. •Nautical Safari to Perito Moreno Glacier. •Chile fullboard at Ecocamp, breakfast, lunch box on excursions and dinner (soft drinks or wine included in dinner) •Argentina with breakfast and lunch box on excursions. Excluded
•Flight tickets •Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip) •Voluntary tipping of guides and staff •Soft drinks or snacks not served with meals at EcoCamp •Dinner in Argentinan part •Items of personal nature Accommodation Details
Located in the heart of Torres del Paine, the EcoCamp consists of tented igloo-type domes built to minimize the environmental impact while providing a comfortable setting and maximum exposure to nature. There’s electricity available for charging just camera batteries (voltage: 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, two round pins plug). Food at EcoCamp is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and is plentiful and delicious! Hosteria Senderos, El Chalten, Argentina Inside Los Glaciares National Park, at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, this classic Patagonian inn offers warm, professional service. Hosteria Sierra Nevada, El Calefate, Argentina Integrated into the beautiful scenery of Los Glaciers National Park, a fifteen minute walk from the city centre, this hotel has wonderful gardens and views. Starting / Finishing Points - The trip starts during the morning in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales, please check the weekly pick-up table below. The trip finishes at Calafate Airport at noon or later depending on the group flight schedule. For domestic flights you have to be at the airport 1 hour before the flight leaves.
ARGENTINA You can either start or finish this program in El Calafate, Argentina. The program price includes the transfer from your downtown hotel (the transfer is not included for hotels outside of Calafate ) to/from El Calafate’s bus terminal and the regular bus tickets to/from Puerto Natales (Chile), city where you join our groups starting/finishing in Chile. If you want to book a private transfer service in either Chile or Argentina please contact us. Transfers to Start / Finish in El Calafate, Argentina
Option 1: Inter-provincial Public Bus (tickets included in the program price) ***Calafate to Torres del Paine*** Pick up at hotel 7:00-7:30 AM, arrive at EcoCamp 7 PM. We pick you up at your downtown hotel in Calafate, take you to the bus terminal and give you the tickets to board a public bus heading to Puerto Natales. You reach this town around 2 PM, we are waiting for you at the bus terminal and arrange lunch for you. Close to 4 PM you board our van going to Torres del Paine and reach EcoCamp in time for dinner. ***Torres del Paine to Calafate*** Leave EcoCamp at 8 AM; arrive at your hotel in Calafate at 2 PM. After breakfast you board the van that will drop you off at Cerro Castillo (borderline) on time to catch the public bus going to Calafate. You arrive at Calafate bus terminal where our transfer is waiting to drive you to your downtown hotel. Transfers to Calafate Airport have an additional cost. Option 2: Semi-private van transfer (not included); +US$120 p.p. each way (This service is available from mid October to March) This service consists of comfortable vans that seats a maximum of 9 people, all of them guests at both EcoCamp and Hostería Las Torres. The service provides a direct and relaxed connection between El Calafate and Torres del Paine NP, with just one stop at the borderline to change vans. ***Calafate to Torres del Paine*** Pick up at hotel 7:00-7:30 AM, arrive at EcoCamp 1 PM. We pick you up at your downtown hotel in Calafate and start driving to Chile. Once we reach Cancha Carrera (borderline) at about 11 AM we complete the immigration process, and then drive to the Chilean side where we board another van. We continue driving towards Torres del Paine NP and arrive at EcoCamp in time for lunch. ***Torres del Paine to Calafate*** Leave EcoCamp at 10 AM; arrive at your hotel in El Calafate at 3:30 PM. After breakfast we board the van and drive towards the borderline. We reach Cerro Castillo around 11:30 AM, go through immigration and continue to the Argentine side where we board another van. We start driving towards El Calafate city and reach your downtown hotel in the early afternoon. Reservations and Payment
To make a booking definite, the participant must pay a 20% non-refundable deposit. The rest of the total amount must be paid 30 days before departure in case of booking a regular departure and 60 days before departure in case of booking a private departure trip. Cancellation and Refund Policy If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, your money (minus the cancellation fees) will be refunded depending on the cancellation date. Any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already paid in advance to airlines, hotels, and other local suppliers will be forfeited. a) cancellation fees for regular departures These are departures with fixed dates. Cancellation of the confirmed booking more than 30 days prior to departure results in loss of deposit, which is 20% of the total trip cost. Thereafter, the following losses apply:
Please note that in case that services have been confirmed and you need to change trip dates this will be considered a cancellation and our above mentioned cancellation policies will apply to the original reservation. Covid-19 Flexible Policies We are committed to help so you can book your next holiday adventure in confidence. For this reason, we are offering Flexible COVID-19 Policies while we still deal with the pandemic. All bookings will allow rescheduling, without increasing prices, up to 24 hours prior to the trip and above all events. All bookings will allow cancellation due to COVID-19 reasons up to 24 hours prior to the trip, although third parties will apply their own cancellation policies when it comes to third party costs. What are considered COVID-19 reasons to cancel a booking? • Illness of the passenger or direct family member. • Restrictions of the authority in the country of origin or destination. • Flight cancellations or airport closures. Clients will be entitled to a refund after showing proof documents of the reasons mentioned above. If the cause of the cancellation is different from the above criteria, then regular cancellation policies will apply. |
