Patagonian Adventure

HIKING IN PATAGONIA, PENGUINS, CHILEAN WINE, AND BUENOS AIRES!

Join us for an escorted trip to Chile and Argentina. Cycle through Chilean wineries, go on a zodiac excursion to see hundreds of penguins along the Magellan Strait, spend 3 full days hiking and walking in the incredible Torres del Paine National Park while staying at the amazing Patagonia Camp, visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, hike in Los Glaciares National Park for some incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy, and spend 2 days soaking up all that Buenos Aires has to offer!

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN SANTIAGO, CHILE. WELCOME DINNER

Arrival in the city of Santiago. Most of the flights into Santiago arrive in the morning, after a long overnight flight. A group transfer will be provided to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to recuperate from the journey or explore the city on your own.*Recommended: The Museum “Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos” is an excellent museum to visit and gives an overview of the history of the Pinochet era in Chile.

Overnight: Hotel Presidente Suites (or similar), double standard rooms

DAY 2
BIKE AND WINE DAY TRIP

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven south to wine country. From here we begin our tours of Chile with a bike ride through the famous Maipo Wine Valley. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe local life as we ride through agricultural Chile. We will visit the Viña Santa Rita wineries and have the opportunity to taste wines from three different wineries there: Santa Rita, Carmen and Nativa. The first stop is Viña Santa Rita, one of the oldest wine cellars in Chile. Afterwards you will continue to ride through the grounds until you reach Viña Carmen. Here you will take a tour through its state-of-the-art production facilities before moving on to our next stop. Finally we will visit Viña Nativa that produces 100% organic wine, and will have the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque gardens full of swans, ducks, chickens, deer and even llamas.Afterwards you are driven to a countryside restaurant for lunch. After a great day of cycling, eating and tasting wine, you return to Santiago to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Presidente Suites (or similar), double standard rooms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3
TRAVEL TO PUNTA ARENAS, SOUTHERN PATAGONIA

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for the flight to Punta Arenas. Flight not included: Approximate price US$80 – $100 per person. Arrival in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon and evening free to explore this port city. There are many restaurants here that serve up excellent seafood.

Overnight: Hotel Cabo de Hornos (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4
2017 MAGELLAN STRAIT PENGUIN ADVENTURE AND ARRIVAL AT PATAGONIA CAMP

This boat trip will take you to Marta and Magdalena Islands, in the famous Magellan Strait, as part of a unique opportunity to see playful sea lions and an unforgettable 150,000 strong penguin colony! Early in the morning you are picked up from your hotel in Punta Arenas and taken to the dock where you will board the zodiac. You will begin your bi-oceanic adventure heading north towards Magdalena Island. Here you will start to see different types of marine life – hopefully including austral dolphins and whales swimming on the surface. You will also have great views of Tierra del Fuego, Contramaestre Island and Isabel Island.

On arrival at Isla Magdalena you will be met by more than 150,000 penguins that inhabit this small island. You are free to wander around and observe the penguins in their natural habit.  From here you continue your zodiac journey to Marta Island. The ecological environment of this island is so fragile so you cannot disembark but the zodiac will get close enough to its shores to see a beautiful colony of sea lions and other species. We circle the island admiring the marine fauna, then head south back to Punta Arenas.

In Punta Arenas you will be picked up and taken to Patagonia Camp , located in the heart of the incredible Torres del Paine National Park, known for its soaring mountains, bright blue glaciers and unique wildlife. From Patagonia Camp you will enjoy views of this beautiful park its well known granite towers. On arrival at Patagonia Camp(after a 4 hour drive approximately), you will be met by the staff and showed to yurt. Take some time to settle in, and later regroup at the bar for a welcome cocktail, nibbles and a briefing for the next days activities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Patagonia Camp standard yurts (luxury yurts with private bathrooms)

PATAGONIA CAMP EXPERIENCE

South America’s first luxury camp, Patagonia Camp has been designed for every guest to experience and enjoy the nature of Patagonia with great comfort. This lodge truly offers a unique and unforgettable experience! It’s location, right on El Toro Lake, is hard to beat. Each day the camp organizes excursions based on weather and guest interests; all excursions are accompanied by Patagonia Camp’s expert guides.

Accommodation is in comfortable yurts, all with heat, power and private en-suite bathrooms. Patagonia Camp’s architectural design is minimally invasive and harmoniously adapted to the landscape.

PATAGONIA CAMP SAMPLE ACTIVITIES

TREK TO BASE OF THE TOWERS
Activity: Demanding Hiking (18km)

A deservedly famous and highly demanding excursion. After crossing the Ascensio River you will walk uphill for around 2.5 km until reaching “Paso del Viento” pass at about 480 meters above sea level (masl), with a beautiful panoramic view of the pampa, the lakes to the south and the Ascensio Valley itself. From there, you will descend to the “Refugio El Chileno” shelter. Up to that point, vegetation is that of the pre-Andean scrubland biocli- mate; from then on vegetation changes completely and as you climb you will penetrate the ancient lenga tree forest until you reach the Torres Glacier moraine at 600 masl. Once out of the forest a final push of around 45 minutes of continuous uphill trekking will take you to the Base of the Towers viewpoint at 870 masl, where you will behold directly in front of you: the three granite giants, the best reward to your efforts! Throughout the trek you will observe fauna such as condors, mora eagles, caranchos and other birds of prey.

LOS CUERNOS TREK
Activity: Moderate Hiking (22km)

This trek is perfect to experience the beauty of the park’s two iconic mountains: Almirante Nieto and Los Cuernos del Paine. The hike starts alongside beautiful rivers and lakes with ever-present native flora and fauna. Upon reaching the first rock plateau you will enjoy seeing close-up the whimsical line drawn by the Cuernos del Paine, and their characteristic two-color hue created by sedimentary rock and granite. If you a person that loves trekking, this is another path of the famous W trek that you can’t miss.

KAYAK IN TORO LAKE
Activity: Low to Moderate Kayaking (2 km)

This experience is another of the treasures Patagonia Camp has for you! Our team of guides will explain you basic paddle technics and safety instructions; once you are ready with all the equipment we will go to the shore of Toro lake, the biggest in the region, with clear water of deep blue colors. While you are enjoying this sport you will be also amazed by the extraordinary Patagonian landscape. A not-to-be-missed outing!

PENINSULA TORO HIKE
Activity: Moderate Hiking (13 km)

This is an ideal route for those who like to explore practically uncharted land. Along most of the way you can admire the Paine massif and lakes Maravilla, Porteño and Toro. Immerse yourself in many different ecosystems, such as the pre-Andean mesophilic scrubland and a coihue trees rainforest with coicopihues and fuinque, and observe the area’s biodiversity. Later, you will arrive at a livestock trading post, the “Puesto Las Dudas”, and learn about the local gauchos’ lifestyle and hard work in the unpredictable Patagonian climate. A truly unique experience!

FAUNA TRAIL HIKE
Activity: Low to Moderate Hiking (7 km)

This excursion we will travel along the Park visiting many famous viewpoints on the way to the start of our hike, the fauna trail. This trail is particularly interesting as it passes through one of the most extensive bioclimatic areas in the park, the pre-Andean xerophilous scrubland, here found in a practically pure state. This is an ideal hike to observe wildlife and you may encounter gray foxes, guanacos (lama guanicoe) and ñandúes (rheas). It is the puma’s hunting ground and many traces of hunting can be seen. You will also be able to visit caves with prehistoric paintings dated at from before the Tehuelche period, around 6.500 to 6.000 years old. After the hike we will visit the Laguna Azul, a great spot to observe the three towers; an experience rich in nature, history and moderate exercise with a different perspective of the Paine towers!

DAY 5
FULL DAY IN TORRES DEL PAINE

After breakfast you will depart on your full day hiking excursion. The lodge offers options of several different hikes and activities. Depending on weather, our group will decide with our guide the best option for that day.

Overnight: Patagonia Camp standard yurts (luxury yurts with private bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6
FULL DAY IN TORRES DEL PAINE

After breakfast you will depart on your full day hiking excursion. The lodge offers options of several different hikes and activities. Depending on weather, our group will decide with our guide the best option for that day.

Overnight: Patagonia Camp standard yurts (luxury yurts with private bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7
FULL DAY IN TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast you will depart on your full day hiking excursion. The lodge offers options of several different hikes and activities. Depending on weather, our group will decide with our guide the best option for that day.

Overnight: Patagonia Camp standard yurts (luxury yurts with private bathrooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8
TRAVEL TO CALAFETE, ARGENTINIAN PATAGONIA

We depart the lodge early in the morning and are driven near the border with Argentina where we will board the shared bus that takes us to Calafate (shared bus service). The bus will stop at both the Chilean and Argentinian immigration control centers (a fairly easy process to cross borders). The whole journey from Ecocamp to El Calafate takes about 5-6 hours, depending on border crossing traffic.El Calafate is located in the Patagonian steppe, dry and dramatic. It is on the border of Lago Argentino (Argentina’s biggest lake), considered capital of the glaciers.

It is the gate to visit the famous known Perito Moreno Glacier. On arrival in Calafate you will be met at the bus station and taken to your hotel. The hotel is conveniently located near the main part of the quaint and happening town of Calafate. From here you can take the rest of the afternoon off to walk around, shop and try some typical alfajores and other Argentinian goodies. If you have time we recommend stopping into the visitor center or make the 1km hike out to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful Patagonian sunset.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Kau Yatun (or similar)

DAY 9
PERITO MORENO GLACIER, THEN TO EL CHALTEN

In the morning you will be picked up for the excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciers National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and home to one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Argentina, Perito Moreno Glacier is a site to behold. On arrival you will enjoy some stunning views of the glacier and have time to walk through the trails and various viewing platforms.

After a picnic lunch, you will continue north to El Chalten. During this 3 hour you will be able to enjoy the desert of Southern Patagonia on the famous Route 40. You will pass through La Leona river, that connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. By the river you will see La Leona Road House where once Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid after robbing a bank where hidden for almost a month. On arrival in El Chalten you will be taken to your hotel. You will have the rest of the evening free we encourage you to walk around town to try one of the many great restaurants or the local brewery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hosteria Senderos (or similar)

DAY 10
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK (MOUNT FITZ ROY)

El Chalten is considered the Argentinean capital of trekking and is located at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forest; it is still a hidden gem of our south. The charming little village, that is also the start point for most paths, is a paradise for walkers and trekkers alike. Today a local expert guide will accompany the group on a hike of choice, depending on group interest and weather conditions. However, the trails are very well marked and anyone is free to hike on their own if they prefer.

El Chalten offers a range of options for all kind of difficulty of trekking. From the door of your hotel, you can go for a short 3 K walk, with views of the Rio de las Vueltas, lenga forest and the chance to see all kind of birds (great woodpecker spotting opportunity). If you are looking for great mountain views, in one hour and a half you can be at the Cerro Torre view point. For trekking fans, continue all the way to Torre base or go for the 8 hours trekking for the most impressive view of Fitz Roy and the whole massif by Laguna de los tres path (highly recommended!!). This is a trek that becomes difficult in the last bit but totally worth the effort.

If you decide to opt for a self-guided hike, we will provide you with complete trekking information of the park.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hosteria Senderos (or similar)

DAY 11
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK (MOUNT FITZ ROY)

Today you have another full day to explore this beautiful National Park! Our local expert guide will accompany the group on a hike of choice, depending on group interest and weather conditions. Alternatively, hikers may chose to go on a hike on their own as all trails are well marked.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hosteria Senderos (or similar)

DAY 12
MORNING EL CHALTEN, THEY FLY TO BUENOS AIRES

At the appropriate time we will return to El Calafate for our flight to Buenos Aires.

Flight not included: Approximate price US$230 per person.

Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as shows off plenty of its own culture! Explore the traditional European architecture, the cobbled streets lined with rustic outdoor cafes, the local antique and artisanal markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping, and an array of good restaurants to chose from for a good dinner out. Buenos Aires is also home to some excellent local designers and you will certainly find the perfect leather jacket, long leather boots and handbags for all occasions. Though above all, Buenos Aires is known as the home of the tango, and we will enjoy a tango show on our final night! Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bobo Boutique Hotel (or similar)

DAY 13
BUENOS AIRES CITY TOUR AND EVENING TANGO SHOW

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel to enjoy a city tour. Over the course of a half day you will have the chance to visit the historical and political centre of the city; San Telmo with its cobblestone streets, La Boca where Buenos Aires turns colorful and tango is ever present, and the chic and aristocratic Recoleta, where the big palaces remind us that Buenos Aires was once the Paris of the South.

You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore this great city on your own. If you need any recommendations as to what to do please let us know. Buenos Aires has great shopping, wonderful museums, and endless quaint neighborhoods worth exploring. Taxis are still quite affordable for a city such as this, and a great way to get around. If you are feeling more adventurous you can try the super cheap metro.

In the evening you will be picked up from your hotel (shared service) to be driven to one of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic cultural highlight’s; a dinner and Tango Show offering a spectacular demonstration of the finest local dancing accompanied by delicious Argentine cuisine and all the malbec wine you would like to drink! At the end of the evening you will be driven back to your hotel.

Total duration (dinner + show); 4 hours (approximately)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and wine at Tango Show
Accommodation: Bobo Boutique Hotel (or similar)

DAY 14
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

At the appropriate time you will have a private transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.