Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival at the airport in Buenos Aires, you will be greeted by your driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it, for easy identification. They will assist you in the transfer directly to your hotel for a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Buenos Aires

The cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires is the colorful capital of Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is steeped in culture, unique to this extraordinary country. Feel the rhythm with tango dancers in the streets of La Boca, discover the history behind Recoleta's neighborhood attractions and wake your senses up with delicious flavors in the Palermo district. Buenos Aires is a great base from which to explore a variety of iconic Argentine experiences.

Afternoon Half day City Tour

The most important sights of Buenos Aires arise from the centerpieces of this half-day tour. Make your way through the narrow streets of the old city and the broad avenues that mark Buenos Aires modern growth. On South America's broadest avenue, 9 de Julio Avenue, you will see the Colon Theater and the“Obelisco”. Around the“Plaza de Mayo” (May Square), the “Casa Rosada” (Pink colored House, which houses the mythical balcony from where Evita used to address people), the Cathedral (with the mausoleum of General San Martín, Argentina ?s independence hero), and the “Cabildo” (Town Hall).

Continue your way through May Avenue, which joins the “Plaza de Mayo” with the Congress. As well as connecting you to its Art Nouveau buildings, old hotels, theaters, and cafes. Continue your journey towards San Telmo, a neighborhood of bohemians, artists, antique shops, and cobbled streets. Pass around Dorrego Square, where each Sunday thousands of tourists and “porteños” (Buenos Aires inhabitants) visit the antique fair that is held there. Your tour goes into the neighborhood of La Boca, with its colorful tenements, where a lot of artists open their studios and workshops. Walk along the mythical street of “Caminito” and continue into Puerto Madero (formerly: “The Docks” port area). In constant development, this neighborhood was redesigned in the nineties. Its new residential area, houses three design hotels, chic restaurants, and exclusive apartment buildings. Afterward, head towards the north where you will stop at San Martín Square. You will be surrounded by elegant buildings with French architecture, and one of the most aristocratic areas of Buenos Aires.

Continue the tour in the traditional neighborhood of Palermo! Stroll along with its large parks, rose gardens and lakes, this is the porteños favorite place to practice sports or for long walks. You will end the tour in Recoleta district, one of the most fashionable parts of the city, which includes South America's most opulent and extraordinary cemetery, the resting place of Eva Peron. (This service is on a private basis.)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Trelew.

Upon arrival into Trelew, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Puerto Madryn (unguided). The drive will be about 50 minutes. Upon arrival, you will check in and have the remainder of the day at leisure to begin exploration of the area on your own.

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is the main town in the Peninsula Valdes region, located in the southern portion of Argentina's coast. To the south, you will find the Penguins Reserve of Punta Tombo and other highlights in the area include whale watching, visiting the sea lions, as well as observing the penguins. The marine life sightings in this area are endless, so keep your eyes in and around the water for the action.

Peninsula Valdes Excursion

Transfer from your hotel to Peninsula Valdes, which is an area protected not only for its beauty, but also for it's rich diversity of marine life: right whales, Magellanic penguins, Orcas, and Sea lions. Declared a “World Heritage Site” by the UNESCO, it is the most important fauna reserve of Patagonia where you can also observe herds of guanacos, foxes, and Martinet piches. The predominant landscape corresponds to the Patagonian plateau with flat or steep slopes in their coasts, and three large enclosed depressions.

At Puerto Piramide, embark on a tourist boat to watch the southern right whale. The right whale can be observed from June to December, when it is approaching the coast of the Gulf posted to mate and give birth to their offspring. It is also possible to see dolphins. This excursion is subject to weather conditions. (Duration time: 1 hour).

After this experience, you continue to Punta Cantor in Caleta Valdés (Valdés Inlet). You are shown geological formations there and elephant seals. Then you go back to the Ameghino Isthmus, with its interesting interpretation center. On the way you have good chances of coming across wild land fauna such as guanacos, rheas, foxes, maras (Patagonian hare), armadillos and, skunks. Finally, you will return to the city of Puerto Madryn at sunset.(This service is on a group basis)

Punta Tombo Full Day Tour

Today, you will enjoy a full day shared guided tour of Punta Tombo. Punta Tombo is the most important Magellan Penguins colony within continental Patagonia. More than a million and a half of them arrive at this majestic place every year in order to breed. Admire these furry creatures, as they waddle about on the rocks, splash in the water and interact with one another. Entrance fees are included with your visit. (This service is on a group basis.)

This morning around you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred (unguided) to the airport in Trelew for your flight to El Calafate, via switching planes in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival into El Calafate, you will be met and transferred to your hotel (unguided). (This service is on a private basis.)

El Calafate

The small town of El Calafate is located on the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the great Patagonia region of Argentina. This quiet little town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and the Cerro Torre. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the largest advancing glacier in the world. Due to its idyllic location, the opportunities for outdoor adventure are unparalleled. From hiking through snow capped mountain peaks and cycling around wide open lakes, to trekking the icy surface of glaciers and paddling past ice blocks in kayaks, you can find it all!

Perito Moreno Glacier Discovery & Kayak

Today you will embark on full day discovery of Perito Moreno Glacier. From the hotel, your journey begins about 9am with a drive to the entrance of Los Glaciares National Park. Sit back and relax, as you enjoy the ride along panoramic zigzagged roads, stopping at the main lookout point of Roca Lake en route.

The experience starts at 10:00 at Perito Moreno Kayak Experience’s Meeting Point, located close to the main parking area, where our team will greet you and brief you about the experience. After selecting your gears and getting ready, you will walk to the water side for safety briefing and warm up. You will be provided with a Gore-Tex dry suit, thermal suit, boots, gloves and life jacket. From 11:00 to 12:30: paddling in Lago Argentino on the north face of Perito Moreno Glacier. You will stop for your postcard picture moment while learning more about this fascinating place. At 13:00 return to the dome for hot drinks and snacks.

Your exploration then continues on foot. In order to truly appreciate the sheer size and presence of this fascinating attraction, a walk along the wooden and fenced loop-trail features the best perspective. Along the way, you may even have the chance to witness the ice detachment phenomena, with the hollow sounds of ice falling into smaller floating glaciers. Periodically, the glacier advances over the "L" shaped Argentino Lake, forming a natural dam that separates the lake into two halves. With no escape route, the water level on the "Brazo Rico" side of the lake can rise by up to 30 meters above the level of the main lake. The enormous pressure produced by the height of the dammed water finally breaks the ice barrier holding it back, in a spectacular rupture event. This cycle is not regular and occurs naturally at any frequency between once a year, to less than once a decade.(This service is on a group basis.)

Estancia Cristina Expedition

Estancia Cristina is fascinating in history and rich in beauty, promising an adventure that will never cease to impress. It was founded in 1914, by an Englishman who named his home Estancia Cristina in honor of his daughter. At the time, the English family of four lived in tents near the lake. Throughout the years, the Estancia grew up to 22,000 hectares of land, surrounded by glaciers, snow peaks, and lakes of great natural beauty. Cattle then consisted of 27,000 sheep, 30 cows, and some 50 horses. Nowadays, the idea is to keep well alive the history of this charming family who, with the effort and endurance common to every old pioneer, left an everlasting mark in this unique region.

Today, you will head to Estancia Cristina to enjoy a full day of the region's adventures! You will be picked up from your hotel first thing this morning and taken on the 30 minutes shared transfer to Puerto Banderas. Upon arrival, you will board a comfortable boat to set sail among icebergs. Admire the stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala Glacier, as you navigate through Cristina Canal and along the northern channel of Argentino Lake, towards your destination. Once you have reached the pier at Estancia Cristina around 11:30 AM, you will disembark the boat and continue your exploration on land.

In total, you will spend around 5 hours at the Estancia, with plenty of time to discover the area and enjoy the variety of flora and fauna within Los Glaciares National Park. Gear up for an exciting ride on 4x4 all-terrain vehicles. The discovery program includes a WD ride up to the Continental ice hut and short trekking to the Upsala viewpoint. Take off on an adventurous journey along rugged, mountainous roads towards the continental ice shelter. At the end of your 4x4 route, you will continue your discovery on foot to the Upsala Viewpoint. Enjoy a beautiful trek through unique landscapes and glacier eroded rocks. This adventure showcases the region's most stunning highlights. At the end of this extraordinary day, you will return to the Estancia farmhouse, to board the transfer boat back to Puerto Banderas. You will dock around 7:00 PM this evening. (This service is on a group basis.)

Today you depart for El Chalten (unguided). You will take Road Nº 40 until La Leona, turning left to Road Nº 23 (paved). The first part of the trip is quite desolated; the whole scenery is a real wilderness. Stop at “La Leona” by the Santa Cruz river. This is an old traditional way point for early sheep wool traders. Once on the Road N°23, you start seeing the Fitz Roy and the Viedma Glacier in a distance, making the sightseeing much more thrilling. El Chalten (350 m.o.s.l) is a small mountain village in Patagonia, near the Continental Ice fields. It is known as a trekking capital. Rising sharply above the flat town are Fitz Roy’s two magnificent peaks, towering at 3,405m, with Cerro Torre behind them, at 3,128m. During the summer months trekkers make their way to explore the many lagoons, lakes, glaciers and mountains within. The Patagonia steppe is inhabited by herds of guanacos, foxes, partridges, pumas, deer, guanacos and rheas which freely run across the steppes.

El Chalten

El Chalten is nestled in the heart of the Southern Patagonian Andes, at the base of the iconic Fitz Roy Mountain. This destination is an adventure lover's paradise, with close proximity to the Los Glacieres National Park in the north. The region offers everything from leisurely walks that showcase epic lookout points, to expedition style trekking and even mountaineering. Other activities include camping, climbing, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching or visiting the legendary Estancias in Santa Cruz. No matter what you are here for, El Chalten promises to keep you captivated.

Full Day Cerro Torre Valley Trek

Today, you will embark on a hiking expedition to Torre Lake and Glacier, a journey of around 6 to 7 hours. Depending on the weather, you can admire full frontal views of the slender shapes that make up Cerro Torre and its neighboring spires, Egger and Stanhardt. The Cerro Torre spire of granite is topped by a treacherous cap of ice, and is a captivating attraction to see in person.

The trekking trail runs along beech forest, bogs and shrub land, featuring some of Patagonia's finest scenery. From the camp, a short hike will lead you to the wonders of Laguna Torre, enclosed by moraines and nestled beside the Glacier Grande calving in its west side. The impressive mountains of Cerro Torre and the striking Adela range in the continental ice fields background, completes this picture perfect view.

TREK DETAILS
Duration: 6 - 7 hours
Distance: 13 miles
Elevation Gained: 2,700 ft (This service is on a private basis.)

Full Day Laguna de los Tres Trek

Today, enjoy a full day of trekking to Rio Blanco base camp and Laguna de Los Tres vantage point for a stunning view (weather permitting) of the complete Fitz Roy massif. The jagged group is formed by Mt. Guillaumet (8,461'), St. Exupery (8,392'), Mermoz (8,963'), among others. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. Fitz Roy (11,072'), almost two miles of a vertical wall in a single bound. For those with extra energy, you trek further to Piedras Blancas Glacier (1,863').

Most of the hikes today are moderate to difficult as you walk through native lenga tree forests. However, it will start to get increasingly difficult as you reach the viewing point (3,871'). The journey will be steep and with some big loose rocks in the path. The view is worth it and will sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Patagonia!

TREK DETAILS
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Duration: 7 - 9 hours
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gained: 1,863' - 3,871' (This service is on a private basis.)

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred 2.5 hours back to the airport in El Calafate in good time to board your domestic flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is located in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego on the shores of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains spanning the horizon. The small port city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century and today is the capital of Tierra del Fuego. The name Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) was given to the region by the Portuguese sailor Hernando de Magallanes, who saw the indigenous group Ona making fires on the coast while he was sailing through the Magellan Strait in 1520.

Half Day Tierra del Fuego National Park

Located 12 km west of Ushuaia, you will find the great Tierra del Fuego National Park. On this 4 hour excursion, you will have the chance to explore all that this picturesque area has to offer. Due to its geographic location and weather conditions, this is one of the most unique regions of the entire country. Spread across the 63,00 hectares of the National Park, you can identify a variety of different environments, from dense woods and sea life, to vast lakes and staggering mountains. On this tour, your guide will introduce you to both the famous highlights and hidden treasures. Admire the panoramic views of Beagle Channel, be captivated by the impressive Andes Range, learn about the flora and fauna of the native forests and visit Lake Acigami and Ensenada. After discovering all of these postcard worthy sites, you will return to your hotel. (This service is on a group basis.)

Following your morning tour, you will be transferred to the port for your Australis Cruise.

Board the Australis in Ushuaia

Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on the day of your cruise departure. Board the Australis Cruise at 6:00 PM. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

Around the break of dawn, the Australis cruise crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these, you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay. (This service is on a group basis.)

Pía Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier

Overnight we continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding -- very steep, negligible trail, rough footing -- and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks. (This service is on a group basis.)

Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area. (This service is on a group basis.)

Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. (Please note that camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island). After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

Upon arrival into the port, you will be met at the port by representative from Patagonia Camp and transferred to your deluxe yurt in Torres del Paine.

Torres del Paine Arrival

Patagonia Camp is an incredible camping ground unlike any other. Located on the shores of Lake Toro close to the Torres del Paine National Park, the camp is the ideal place to explore this part of Patagonia, combining the adventure of camping, with the comfort of a hotel. Guests are housed in one of the 18 yurts on the property, all of which have a view of Lake Toro and the Paine Massif. There is one building that serves as a restaurant, bar, and lounge, and all are connected by elevated walkways. Excursions are organized by experienced and knowledgeable guides and focus mostly on hiking. If you are looking for unforgettable and incomparable experiences in Chile than this is the place for you! (This service is on a group basis.)

Patagonia

Patagonia inspires the passion behind Chile's final frontier. Idyllic for bold adventurers, so much of this fascinating region radiates the feeling that it has yet to fully be discovered. The unspoiled settings, exclusive experiences and tranquil nature, promises the ultimate paradise for outdoor explorers and intrepid backpackers. Even as its popularity grows and accessibility increased, the Chilean Patagonia will always offer a remote retreat, unplugged from the chaos of reality. After all, that is what makes it truly irresistible.

Camp Activities

Your fully inclusive stay at Patagonia Camp includes daily guided excursions with an English-speaking expert in small groups with other guests. With endless options to choose from, your days at the Camp will be filled with fun and adventure, no matter what your interests are. You may like to head out on one of the many treks or hikes of varying difficulty. Explore the landscapes and admire the scenery of the Base of the Towers, the Ferrier Viewpoint, Valle del Frances, or along the Fauna Trail, just to name a few!

Marvel at the calming waters of various lakes and lagoons, embark on kayaking excursions, or even fish on the shores of Toro Lake. Hike to majestic waterfalls, or continue trekking through the mountains. Now is your chance, so embrace this opportunity to discover the wild of Chile!

This morning at the designated time, a representative from Patagonia Camp will transfer you to either Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas for your flight to Santiago.(This service is on a group basis.)

Upon your evening arrival at the airport in Santiago, you will be greeted by your driver who will be holding a sign with your name on it, for easy identification. They will assist you in the transfer directly to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Santiago

A city, which for many years has played second fiddle to Buenos Aires and Rio, Santiago is used to being the underdog metropolis in South America. However, since it's 200-year anniversary, public work projects have aimed to rejuvenate a once stale region, into a desirable destination in itself. The result is that now, more than ever, Santiago is turning into a city worth visiting. New and trendy restaurants, modern hotels, excited locals and bustling shops combine for the perfect gateway to Chile.

Half Day City Tour

Today, you will discover the highlights and hidden gems of Chile's capital city beginning at the Club Hípico, a beautiful horse-racing track at the ancient residential area of the town. Proceed to the Cousiño Palace, an old mansion completely furnished, now used as monument as well as official VIP residence and many more historical buildings. As you keep walking, you will reach the main Avenue called Alameda in the heart of Santiago: in sight of the “La Moneda” government palace, where you will cross the banking and business center to visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (this visit depends on the flight schedule), one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of the American culture.

Next, continue to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) the Cathedral, Post Office, Town Hall and National Museum are the main features of the city. Continue toward the main Avenue again to admire the San Francisco Church, the National Library and the Santa Lucía Hill, where Santiago was founded in 1541. The tour will continue towards the modern residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes, Santa María de Manquehue and Providencia through a shopping area with a large variety of restaurants, coffee shops and fancy boutiques, to ultimately end back at your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Morning and afternoon at leisure to explore Santiago on your own.

At 7:00 PM this evening, you will be met at your hotel by your driver and transferred to the International Airport in good time to board your flight departing at 10:41 PM (by American Airlines Flight 940). Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving South America with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. (This service is on a private basis.)

We wish you safe and happy travels home!