Adventures In Patagonia

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536 the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are filled with an eclectic mix of European architectural styles, with Spanish, French and Italian classicism rubbing shoulders with remnants of Victorian grandeur. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Buenos Aires at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into either Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), a 30 minute or 1 hour drive respectively from our hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you could explore this lively city by wandering the city streets, admiring the impressive architecture and relaxing parks, or enjoy the traditional Porteno pastime of people watching from the many sidewalk cafes.

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we will take a tour of the city, exploring the major landmarks around the Plaza de Mayo, site of the famous mass demonstrations by supporters of Juan Domingo Peron in 1945, organised by his wife Eva. We'll also visit the elaborate mausoleums of the famous Recoleta Cemetary, the final resting place of some of Argentina's most revered figures, including Eva Peron herself. Our tour will also takes us via Palermo Park and the colourful vibrancy of La Caminito in the La Boca district of the city. Settled originally by Italian migrants, the area is famed for its colourful houses and lively street performers. You can even come across the tango being performed on some street corners, highlighting the city's connection with this most Latin of dances. This evening we have an opportunity to enjoy something of Buenos Aires' dazzling nightlife and soak up the pulsating rhythms of one of South America's most captivating cities.

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we transfer to the airport for the flight to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, spectacularly located on the Island of Tierra del Fuego at the very tip of the South American continent. Depending on the flight times, you may be departing in the very early hours for your internal flight. Beyond this remote port lies the Beagle Channel and then the open waters of The Drake Passage, where the deep rich waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge amidst some of the most challenging seas on earth. This afternoon is free, flight time permitting. You may explore this remarkable city at the end of the earth and visit the Maritime Museum, housed in what was once the prison, to learn a little something about the harsh realities of life on these unforgiving oceans. Alternatively you can take a half day trip out into the Beagle Channel itself to experience a little something of the power and majesty of these southern oceans or visit Harberton Estancia to see the Penguins. A trip to the nearby Glacier Martial affords some superb views out across the Beagle Channel to the Chilean islands beyond (weather permitting). NB - depending on the flight times to Ushuaia breakfast will be taken either at the hotel in Buenos Aires or in flight. The optional excursion to see the penguins is often very busy, and in peak times we may pre-reserve spaces for the group. If we are holding spaces, your Tour Leader will ask people to decide, book and pay shortly after your first briefing on Day 2 of the trip.

Accommodation: Hotel

Tierra del Fuego translates as the Land of Fires and today we have time to explore the nearby national park. Separated from Patagonia by the waters of the Magellan Strait, Tierra del Fuego is a landscape of lakes, forest and tundra, set beneath an imposing backdrop of ragged mountain peaks. This morning we take a leisurely walk along a forest trail to Lapataia Bay, taking in the expansive views and hopefully coming across some of the abundant wildlife in the area. These peaks and valleys, filled with Lenga and Guindo trees which provide a rich haven for Patagonian grey foxes and condors . After lunch we return to Ushuaia and have a free afternoon to further explore the area.

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast this morning we depart by public bus and spend our day travelling across Tierra del Fuego, crossing the Magellan Strait by ferry and entering Chile, to complete our journey to Punta Arenas later this afternoon. The journey takes approximately 10 hours including the ferry crossing and the border control (fruit and nuts cannot be taken into Chile - a small but important note if you like travelling with these snacks!). One of the largest maritime settlements in the region and the first Chilean settlement along the waters of the Magellan Strait, Punta Arenas was founded in the mid 19th century, beginning its life as a penal colony and growing rich on sheep ranching and (before the opening of the Panama Canal) the vital facilities that it offered to shipping traversing the dangerous routes through the southern oceans. Tonight we will have a chance to enjoy some local specialities, such as king crab, and perhaps sampling some of the excellent Chilean wines before retiring for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel

A landscape of rugged mountains, turquoise coloured glacial lakes and spectacular wildlife, the majestic vistas of Chilean Patagonia are some of the most scenic and environmentally diverse regions on the planet. Travelling north across the Patagonian steppe, with it's desolate rolling plains and views of the peaks of the Cordillera in the distance, we head first for the city of Puerto Natales, our gateway into the sumptuous landscapes of the Torres del Paine National Park. Founded in 1911 this southerly coastal town is a shipping port and a transport hub for almost everyone heading for the Paine Park and in fine weather the cafes are filled with travellers and crowds gathering for the big event - the arrival of the Navimag boat from Puerto Montt. After a brief stop in the town we continue towards the magnificent landscapes of the park, surely one of the most beautiful natural vistas on earth and a place once described by Alberto de Agostini as one of the most spectacular sights that the human imagination can conceive. Blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, the 934 square miles of land was turned into national park in 1959 and takes its name from the Tehuelche Indian word payne meaning blue, apt acknowledgment of the striking turquoise lakes that abound in this astonishing place. Our dramatic drive takes us via the Milodon Cave to our accommodation in Torres del Paine.

Accommodation: Hotel

Included in the trip is a full day of fairly easy hiking and lookout points, as we don our walking boots and take on a comfortable 8km wildlife hike from Lake Sarmiento to the Laguna Amarga. At first, the area seems barren but it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It's not unusual to see large numbers of guanacos here, as well as black-necked swans, upland geese and pink flamingos. We may even be fortunate enough to spot condors, or even the elusive puma. There are also more than 20 sites of ancient cliff paintings approximately 6000 years old along the trail. We continue by vehicle to the Cascada Paine, a stunningly situated falls under the backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Torres. From here, we continue to drive to the Blue Lagoon, where we stroll around the beach to admire the Towers from the same view that inspired Lady Florence Dixie to call them 'Cleopatra's needles' in her book Across Patagonia in 1880. For those who prefer something more challenging, you have the option of undertaking the 22km trek to the base of the Torres del Paine. The entire hike is full of breath-taking panoramas as you cross glacial lakes, passing through river valleys and mountain forest, culminating in one of the most impressive lookouts in the park, over the spectacular Torres - imposing pinnacles of sharp granite that rise up over 2600m to pierce the sky. The total ascent and descent of the hike is 950m, taking us from a starting altitude of 30m to the peak of 980m, over approximately ten hours of walking time. The terrain is hilly, with mainly small and undulating slopes until the last kilometre, which is a steep push to the top. If you would like to undertake this trek, your local guide will need to know by day 2 of the trip, in order to ensure that a guide is in place for you. Please also note that the Torres hike is not included, whereas the day exploration is.

Accommodation: Hotel

On our second day in Torres del Paine, we will start the day with a visit to a viewpoint where we will enjoy stunning panoramas of Lake Pehoe. Next, we will head to Mirador Cuernos where we will see views of the Valle del Frances (approximately 2 hours walk). In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to take an optional zodiac trip on the Serrano River to witness the Serrano Glacier. For those not interested in the boat trip, other options include walking to the Claudio Lagoon or to the Nuria river. (both walks are approximately 2 hours).

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast we depart for the Argentinean border at Cerro Castillo, crossing the vastness of an empty, treeless plateau, where the only signs of life are the occasional estancia sheltering behind a windbreak of rare trees. Our destination is Calafate, situated on the southern shores of Lago Argentino, an unassuming little community that has been declared the national capital of the glacier region and the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park (approximately 6 hours drive).

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we have a full day visit to the awe-inspiring Perito Mereno Glacier, a highlight which ranks as one of South America's most magnificent sights and arguably one of the world's greatest spectacles. Fed by the vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the glacier covers some 250 sq km and presents us with an impressive list of statistics. It stretches of over 30km and at its deepest point is over 700m thick. It is advancing at a rate of 700 metres per year, but is estimated to calve off great chunks at probably the same rate, meaning that it has remained pretty much stationary for nearly a century. All in all it is a natural masterpiece of quite spectacular majesty. Whilst at the glacier, there will be the chance to either trek on the ice (an age limit of 65 years applies due to National Park regulations) or take a boat ride to get closer to the glacier face.

Accommodation: Hotel

Today we drive to the picturesque town of Chalten (approximately 3 hours), lying at the confluence of the De las Vueltas and Fitzroy Rivers in Los Glaciares National Park. Arriving at approximately 11am we will have lunch before checking in, the afternoon is free to explore the town and its surrounding trails. You will have the option to visit the Huemul reservation, a private pristine reserve 16kms from Chalten, with numerous trails to explore. Although you don't get the spectacular views that you have come to expect from Torres, the park is beautiful in its solitude and is home to a diverse number of species including condors, foxes and the magellanic woodpecker. Alternatively you may wish to take a trip to Lago Del Desierto; during this 8 hour trip you will enjoy a scenic drive to the lake, followed by a short sail across the lake and a hike up to the Vespignani Glacier lookout.

Accommodation: Hotel

Over the next day and a half, we have the opportunity to explore the stunning Fitz Roy Massif. Today we set out with a local guide, weather permitting, to cover the distance to the base of Mount Fitz Roy, whose unmistakable summit is almost permanently covered in cloud, a phenomenon that was believed to be smoke by the indigenous Tehuelche who named it Chalten (smoky mountain). The mountain reaches a height of some 3405m (although our aim is to reach the base at around 1200m), and its forests and slopes are home to a unique array of wildlife, including the elusive huemel, a small deer and the majestic (and far from small) condor, one of the largest land birds on the planet. The scale and grandeur of this setting, where the glaciers seem to hang suspended between the jagged peaks, makes this walk a truly rewarding excursion. The hike is on a well-marked trail covering a variety of terrain, from atmospheric forest and flowing rivers to open mountain scenery. Our total ascent and descent is approximately 730m, over a distance of 22km. This return journey will take us some 8-9 hours. This walk is challenging due to the distance covered. There are other shorter walks available on self-guided trails should you prefer, or you may take the time instead to relax around the town of Chalten and its stunning surrounds.

Accommodation: Hotel

We have a three hour drive back to Calafate this morning, in time for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at our leisure, and for those who wish there may be the opportunity to take in one of the city's famous tango shows.

Accommodation: Hotel

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Buenos Aires. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Buenos Aires at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from either Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).