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PATAGONIA
WALKABOUT - TOUR ITINERARY
- 24 DAYS
Day 1 Auckland - Santiago-Temuco
Depart Auckland for Santiago with LAN Airlines .Cross the dateline and gain a day , arriving midday.
Afternoon departure on LAN Airlines to Temuco. On arrival transfer to our comfortable hosteria in Pucon,a small city located right next to Lake Villarrica and at the foot of the spectacular Mt Villarrica and in the vicinity of three parks and a large ski resort.
Day 2 Pucon (B,D)
See the natural beauties surrounding Pucón on the excursion to the Caburgua eyes, some magnificent natural pits in the core of the Valdivian rainforest. Impressive views of Mt Villarrica overlooking the lake. We also visit the Saltos del Mariman park for a hike and after relax in the thermal hot pools.
This evening enjoy a welcome to Chile dinner!
Day 3 Pucon - Puerto Varas (B)
We travel south by bus through rolling farm country to Puerto Varas(City of Roses) in the Chilean Lakes District - the setting of this small town on the lake is picture postcard stuff, sparkling lake with snowy cone shaped mountain as a backdrop.
Time to explore the town this afternoon and a hike around the lake .
Day 4 Puerto Varas (B)
Departure from hotel in Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt, and then to Chiloé Island; rich in traditions and myths, and famous for the locals' warmth and hospitality. Sailing through the Chacao Channel to Ancud, famous for its market. Afterwards, visit to the Regional Museum to learn more about the history of the island, and then visit to Fort San Antonio, where the Spanish retreat from American territory was signed. Later, a hike up the Huaihuén Hill, which offers a spectacular view from the top.
Arrival to Dalcahue, visiting the traditional handicraft fair with wool and wood products.
Castro is famous for its picturesque houses on stilts called palafitos. Visit to the Crafts Fair of Castro, where the articles made of wool, wood, and stone are sold. Return to the hotel in Puerto Varas
Day 5: Andes Crossing - Puerto Varas- Bariloche (B)
Even more magnificent scenery as you travel across via a series of bus, boat combinations literally through the Andes. This is a full day of the most spectacular scenery you have ever encountered. Spectacular views of the Orsorno volcano.
Finally you will arrive at San Carlos de Bariloche – the Switzerland of the Americas - a fabulous situation on the banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi surrounded by stunning snow-capped Andean peaks
Overnight: Bariloche
Day 6: Bariloche (B)
The day to explore – Enjoy spectacular scenery and panoramic views from the Campanario chair lift and Cerro Otto Gondola. How much stunning scenery can you handle ? Have those cameras ready. Sample the local chocolate and ice-cream - it's delicious !
Ovenight: Bariloche
Day 7: Bariloche (B)
We take a local bus to La Angostura. Villa La Angostura seems to come right out of a fairy tale, gnomes and goblins included. In the heart of the mountain range, surrounded by ancient forests, rivers and lakes
Located in the Province of Neuquén, just 76 kilometers away from San Carlos de Bariloche, this small mountain village is on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy a scenic walk around the town and return to Bariloche. For those keen to hike, enjoy another walk at dusk above the town.
Overnight: Bariloche
Day
8: Bariloche – Calafate – El Chalten (B)
Fly south to el Calafate a small town on the Lago Argentina, gateway to Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Drive to the other side of Lago Argentino to the small town of El Chalten – gateway to the Fitzroy National Park. Plenty of fabulous scenery – maybe spot an armadillo
Overnight: El Chalten
Days 9&10: El Chalten (B)
We have two whole days to explore. Long or short walk options amidst the stunning scenery of Fitzroy National Park, or relax in the peace and tranquillity.
Overnight: El Chalten
Day 11: El Chalten – Calafate (B)
We return by bus to Calafate , time to explore the town
Overnight: Calafate
Day 12: Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier (B)
Full day tour to this amazing feat of nature – surely one of the natural wonders of the world !!!
THIS IS AWESOME !! The Moreno Glacier is one of the earth's few advancing glaciers. This 60-80 metre high, 4km long river of ice periodically dams the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. Towers of ice fall and break into icebergs ! Awesome !!!!
Overnight:
El Calafate
Day
13: El Calafate – Upsala Glacier Boat Trip (B)
This is the most unforgettable trip – your catamaran sails through stunning icebergs of all shapes and sizes – the colour is magnificent. Your destination – the indescribably massive Upsala Glacier.
This is one of those magical days where you are bound to need more film than you ever thought you would !
Overnight: El Calafate
Day
14: Calafate – Torres del Paine National Park (B,D)
Today we cross by bus from Calafate Argentina and reenter Chile and enter the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park.
You have heard about it – now see for yourself – Superb views of the famous Andean cordillera and lakes. Stop at Milodins Cave ,declared a national monument.
You will be surprised at the wildlife in this area, Andean condors, flamingos, guanacos (llama family) wandering across the road, foxes, and many Canadian geese.
Stay 3 nights in the park and enjoy the peacefulness and scenery. Our accommodation is in the eco sustainable EcoCamp’s Suite Domes. Yet another stunning day.
Overnight: Torres
Day 15: Trek Towers Base (B,L,D)
Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm! Our goal is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP. We walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and connect with the winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley – the valley which supports the eastern face of the Towers’ base. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley. It’s not a difficult walk, but energy should nevertheless be saved for the final challenge: the moraine. This mass of boulders is the last guardian before our face to face meeting with the uplifting Torres del Paine. The moraine is sufficiently steep to consider doing it slowly and with an adequate amount of precaution. After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world! The famous Torres del Paine (2, 900 m/ 9, 400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Is there any better place on this planet to have lunch? Of course! But since we are in Patagonia, at the feet of the mighty Torres del Paine, we will enjoy life, the view, and a bite to eat! Once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to the EcoCamp.
Overnight:
Torres
Day
16: Hike Cerro Ferrier (B,L,D)
We drive across the park with views of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, as well as of Los Cuernos – the famous mountain with black granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of stunning Lake Pehoe, you visit the furious Salto Grande falls which pour the waters of Lake Nordenskjold over Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until reaching its picture-perfect lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, a vehicle takes you on a drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. After relaxing with a box-lunch by the lake, you hike on the Ferrier Trail until reaching a spectacular sightseeing point overlooking the glacier. Then you are driven back to EcoCamp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Torres
Day 17: Torres – Puerto Natales (B,L)
Early transfer to embark on zodiacs and sail down the Serrano river. Connect with the catamaran and sail the Ultima Esperanza fjord to see the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers passing large glaciers, remote estancias, cascading waterfalls, a huge cormorant rookery, sea lion rookery and with luck we'll spot a condor or two. Continue on to arrive in the pretty town of Puerto Natales(population 18000) late afternoon
Overnight:
Puerto Natales
Day 18: Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas (B)
Today take a bus through this rugged, mountainous area, geographically remote from the rest of the country. Through the wilderness this four-hour bus ride through magnificent scenery to
Punta Arenas, situated on the Magellan Strait.
This is the liveliest and most interesting city in this far corner of the world, featuring many mansions and other imposing buildings dating back to the wool boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the best and largest port for thousands of miles this port attracts ships from the burgeoning South Atlantic fish industry as well as Antarctic research vessels and tourist ships.
Overnight:
Punta Arenas
Day
19: Punta Arenas (B)
Morning excursion by boat will take you to Isla Marta and Magdalena, in the famous Magellan Strait, a unique opportunity to watch sea lions, a superb penguin colony and many other species.
Afternoon the opportiunity to explore Punta Arenas
Overnight: Punta Arenas
Day 20: Punta Arenas – Ushuaia (B)
Today you will travel by local bus even further south – to Ushuaia – the world’s most southern town.
Time to explore around Ushuaia, which is a supply port for the Antarctic. Optional visit to the Penitentiary Museum and perhaps also the Fin del Mundo Museum (end of the world) Get your passport stamped!
Overnight: Ushuaia
Day
21: Ushuaia – Beagle Channel / Penguin Colony (B)
This morning we take an amazing boat trip down the famous Beagle Channel , passing comorant colonies& Martillo Island to watch the magellanic penguins , to visit the Harberton Estancia – this is as close as most of us will get to the Antarctic !
On our return , great views of Fagnano & Escondido lakes
Overnight: Ushuaia
Day 22: Tierra del Fuego National Park (B)
A wonderful walk through the National Park this morning, followed by a memorable zodiac trip on the Beagle Channel to Isla Redonda for lunch.
Return to Ushuaia on Route 3 – the End of the World.
Overnight:
Ushuaia
Day 23: Ushuaia – Buenos Aires (B)
Time to explore around Ushuaia,. Optional visit to the Penitentiary Museum and perhaps also the Fin del Mundo Museum (end of the world) Get your passport stamped!
For those joining the End of the World Australis cruise you will be transferred to the pier to join your ship.
This afternoon we fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires .
Tonight a farewell to Argentina dinner and Tango show.
Day
24: Buenos Aires - Auckland (B)
Day at leisure . On Sundays its delightful just to wander around the San Telmo Square and Antique Markets , Tango dancers in the streets - great atmosphere !
This evening transfer to the airport for your LAN Airlines flight via Santiago
Note about the Itinerary:
This itinerary is subject to alteration on occurrence of any unpredictable conditions and circumstances which may arise in this delightfully chaotic continent. Please remember also that we are travelling in Third World Countries, where things do not always go as planned. The main thing is to be flexible and open to change. You will be kept up to date with changes.
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