Archive:
Patagonia – 17 days
Patagonia is a mysterious land at the end of the world, a place that has always fascinated and stimulated the imagination of many people. These inaccessible and wild areas have attracted visitors of many nationalities for a long time. For some people, Patagonia was the promised land but for others it was the land of last hope.
A journey through this land means experiencing vast spaces and the possibility to commune with the rugged beauty of the South American nature that still remains untouched by civilisation at many places. Patagonia means a multitude of impressions and many contrasts: cold glaciers and sun-heated pampas, green forests and desolation of Tierra del Fuego. The towers of Torres del Paine, the Fitz Roy peak or the Cerro Torre needle are just a few example of the miracles of nature that can be seen there. The journey to the Valdés Peninsula is a unique opportunity to meet legendary giants – southern right whales, elephant seals and sea lions. The expedition to Patagonia is an exceptional journey during which the notions of time and space obtain an entirely new meaning and the encounter with the nature’s beauty becomes a lifelong memory.
itinerary
In the afternoon, at a time depending on the time of arrival, an organisational meeting at the hotel, after which we will set off for a walk around Buenos Aires. We will see the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace and Plaza de Congreso along with the Congreso Nacional. We will take a stroll along the representative avenue of the city, Avenida Nueva de Julio, and then we will visit the Calle Florida, a famous pedestrianised shopping street. In the evening, dinner and time to relax in the San Telmo district where the sounds of tango resonate among multiple cafeterias and bars.
In the morning, transfer to the airport. Flight and car ride to Trelew where we will stay for the night or directly to Puerto Piramides which is located on the Valdés Peninsula. Since 1999, the Valdés Peninsula has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list in view of its precious natural features. In the evening, it will be possible to go on a cruise or walk to the cliffs around Puerto Piramides, from which there is a beautiful view of the bay.
B.
In the morning, we will go on a car ride in the Valdés Peninsula. At the beginning, we will go to Punta Norte where we will be able to see colonies of sea lions and elephant seals, and if we are lucky also killer whales. Subsequently, we will go to Caleta Valdés to see a colony of Magellanic penguins, and then we will continue our journey towards Punta Delgada. In the afternoon, we will take a cruise to experience a close encounter with the “Valdés Giants” – marine mammals southern right whales which migrate to the Valdés Peninsula area to give birth to their offspring and mate. Overnight rest in Puerto Piramide.
B.
In the morning, we will say farewell to the Valdés Peninsula. We will set off to Puerto Madryn. Then we will drive to Punta Tombo where the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins lives. Then we will stop on the beach at Isla Escondida where, if we are lucky, we will be able to observe sea lions. In the evening, return do Puerto Madryn.
B.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Ushuaia inTierra del Fuego. After arrival and check in, a short hike to the Martial Glacier from which there is a magnificent view to the bay and the town of Ushuaia.
B.
In the morning, we will set off to see one of the most interesting national parks of South America: Terra del Fuego National Park. Although it may appear completely normal at a first glance, it is the only place where we can admire plant formations that grew in the past in the Antarctic before it was covered by thick layers of ice. There will be an option of hiking to the Cerro Guanaco peak with an extraordinary panoramic view of the Beagle Channel and National Park.
B.L.D.
If weather permits, and weather is very variable on Tierra del Fuego, we will go on a cruise on the Beagle Channel, during which we will see inhabitants of the islands. We will visit an island of sea lions and an island of cormorants. We will also have a short hike on one of the islands where remains of the indigenous inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, Yaghans, are present to this day. If we are lucky, we may see whales during the cruise. In the evening, free time in Ushuaia.
B.
Whole-day drive through Tierra del Fuego from Ushuaia in Argentina to Punta Arenas in Chile. On our way, we will cross the Magellan Strait by ferry. In the afternoon, a walk in Punta Arenas and dinner in one of local restaurants.
B.
In the morning we will set of to the place where one of the first Chilean settlements in southern Patagonia was founded. We will see the Bulnes Fort. Near this place, also Sarmiento de Gamboa, one of captains serving the Spanish king Philip, also tried to found a fort. In the afternoon, drive to Puerto Natales, check in at the hotel and dinner.
B.
After breakfast, we will go on a cruise towards the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. During the cruise, we will see from close Patagonia fiords and their inhabitants: sea lions, cormorant and many other species that live in this region, which one of least densely populated areas of our planet. Then we will stop at the Balmaceda Glacier and go for a short hike (about 30 min). After the hike and a meal, we will set off for another cruise on motor boats on the Serrano River, to the border between the Bernardo O’Higgins i Torres del Paine National Parks.
B.
Early in the morning we will set off for a whole-day visit to the Torres del Paine National Part that is considered one of the most beautiful national parks of both Americas. An optional hike ending at the legendary Paine towers, which will certainly be an unforgettable experience and a real opportunity for a close encounter with the Patagonian nature. Then a drive through the park. We will see the Pehoe Lake, and if we are lucky, we may encounter a guanaco. In the afternoon we will go to see a cave where remains of a giant ground sloth were found. Then we will drive to Puerto Natales. In the evening, farewell dinner with Chilean wine and seafood.
B.
A whole-day ride to El Calafate in Argentina. After arrival and check in at the hotel, an optional walk to the Laguna Nimez Bird Sanctuary. Dinner and free time.
B.
In the morning, we will set off for Puerto Bandera, then we will have a catamaran cruise to the Upsala (largest) and Spegazzini (highest) Glaciers and a drive to near the Perito Moreno Glacier (the most spectacular one). In the afternoon, return to El Calafate.
B.
In the morning, we will set off to El Chalten which is the capital of hiking in Argentina. If weather permits, yet on the same day we will go for a hike towards Lago Torre from where one of the world’s most technically challenging climbing routes begins, leading to the Cerro Torre peak (3128 m above sea level). It was immortalised in the Werner Herzog movie “Scream of Stone”.
B.
In the morning, we will set off for one of the most picturesque mountain trails of Patagonia, taking the road to Laguna de los Tres and the vantage point at the feet of Cerro Fitz Roy (3359 m above sea level). For those who do not like to walk too much, there will be an optional cruise in the Desierto lagoon (for an extra fee), where they will be able to fully admire the beauty and rugged scenery of Patagonia. Accommodation in El Chalten.
B.
In the morning, there is a possibility of the last hike on the Viedma Lake or free time. In the afternoon, drive to El Calafate. Last dinner in Patagonia.
B.
Flight to Buenos Aires. Depending on the time of our arrival, we will set off for the La Boca district famous for its colourful houses and the legendary stadium owned by the Boca Junior football club in which Diego Maradona started his career. In the evening, the last dinner in Buenos Aires in Puerto Madero or at the centre of the city.
B.
Transfer to the airport and flight home.
B.
Practical information
Final notes
- We can arrange a self-guided tour – if your are interested, please contact the office.
- It is possible to organise the trip at a different time: in January – February; in such a case, instead of the Valdés Peninsula we will go to Bariloche.
