Patagonia Tours & Patagonia Adventure Travel

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Patagonia - one of the true bastions of nature in its most extreme form and an incredible remote wilderness. Towering snow-capped mountains rise in the wild, mountainous south of Argentina and Chile, bordered by huge icy lakes and windswept grasslands. Discover the sheer-sided peak of Mount Fitzroy in Los Glaciares National Park and the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the water. Visit the most southerly city in the world, Ushuaia and seize the opportunity to spot native wildlife. Patagonia is a buffet of wild and astounding scenery for those looking to get off the beaten path.

• Viedma Glacier boat trip US$70
• Viedma Glacier ice trek US$150
• Moreno Glacier boat trip US$20
• Full day Upsala cruise US$115
• Full day Estancia Cristina Visit US$190 (with lunch), US$160 (without lunch)
• Half day visit to Nibepo Aike (including barbecue) US$90
• Bike rental (3 hours) US$15
• Trek to Cerro Cristales US$50
• Horse riding (4 hours) US$80
• Glaciarium Museum with transfer US$28
• Beagle Channel boat trip (3 hours) US$60
• Beagle Channel boat trip to see penguins (6 hours) US$70
• Harberton Farm and visit to see penguins (half day excursion) US$100
• 4WD Excursion US$120
• Tango show & dinner US$90

Important: This trip involves two internal flights, from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, and from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, which are not included in the price of the tour, but we can book these for you to ensure you travel with the group.

If you are travelling from the UK we recommend you book a flight inclusive package covering your international and internal flights and take advantage of a cheaper package price.

If you are booking your own international flights, we are still able to book your two internal flights. Please mention this at the time of booking

There is an entry tax for Canadian, US and Australian passport holders arriving at Ezeiza International Airport ranging from US$70-US$131, however it may apply to other ports in the future.

Please note there is only one tour leader on this tour.

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Buenos Aires. Those on land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this afternoon. Your local leader will meet you today for a briefing and take you on a short walking tour of the city, discovering its wealth of history and culture. Those on land only arrangements should aim to arrive before midday to join the group on the city sightseeing tour. The evening is free for you to choose one of the many excellent restaurants, most serving the legendary Argentine steaks! Buenos Aires is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, is a buzzing cosmopolitian city swathed in history from the War of Independence to the colourful areas of La Boca and hypnotic Tango shows.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 2: El Chalten

This morning you fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and transfer to the small mountain town of El Chalten. The town enjoys a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breathtaking views of Mount Fitzroy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The reason travellers come are the extraordinary snow-capped towers of the Fitz Roy range, offering plenty of world-class hiking and camping along with some of the most stunning mountain scenery you'll ever witness. When the sun is out, El Chalten is paradise on Earth.
Accommodation: Hosteria included

(Please note those on a "land only" package you will need to purchase the internal flight through Grand American Adventures at the time of booking to ensure you are on time for the transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten).

Day 3: El Chalten

You set off amidst incredible towering mountains and deep valleys for a full day walk. The scenery today is something quite surreal and an outstanding introduction to the views which Patagonia is so famous for, and those you will encounter on this trip. You first hike to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp with amazing views of the striking massif ahead. In the afternoon, continue to the picturesque Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. There is little to prepare you for the vibrant hue of the pure lake waters, but you will want to make sure you have your camera battery charged. This is a full day of walking over fairly rough terrain, but with impressive and rewarding rugged scenery along the way.
Accommodation: Hosteria included

Day 4: El Chalten and El Calafate

The morning has been left free for you to enjoy an additional trek or an optional boat trip to another highlight of this area: the Viedma Glacier. In the late afternoon you take the public bus to El Calafate. Its name is derived from a little bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries that is very common in Patagonia, which you will find in many edible forms in the town.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 5: El Calafate

Today you visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, this immense jagged sheet of ice stretches over 3 miles across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft out if it's icy waters. It is the fastest moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add a certain atmosphere of anticipation. Every so often an office block sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as a giant iceberg. An optional boat trip reveals an appreciation of the immense scale and a hike on the glistening surface is unforgettable. The intense deep glacial blue hue of the ice sheet and vast cracks of breaking ice make you feel as if you have landed on another planet. You will literally stand, look and listen to the pulse of the glacier for hours on end - simply magical and breath-taking.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 6: El Calafate

You will spend a second day here to allow exploration of the town's surroundings. It is possible to take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for some fantastic views stretching over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile. Alternatively you can join an optional excursion to a local Estancia or the spectacular Upsala Onelli navigation.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 7: Torres del Paine

Crossing the border into Chile, a long drive leads you to one of the world's most beautiful national parks, Torres del Paine (please note that due to local regulations you must change buses at the border). You may have time after checking into the refugio (mountain lodge) for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.
Accommodation: Hosteria included

Day 8: Torres del Paine

Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of the park is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking through forests and offering some fantastic views across the park. Although not a difficult trek, the last few feet can be a bit of a scramble so you need a reasonably good level of fitness. The reward on reaching the small lake at the base of these sheer granite peaks however, far outweighs the effort involved. This truly is Patagonia in all its glory!
Accommodation: Mountain lodge included

Day 9: Torres del Paine

Today you will see the main highlights of the park as we drive from our lodgings towards the Park Administration buildings at Rio Serrano. The granite horns are the most recognisable feature of the park and can be seen from various viewpoints. You will also stop close to Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoé, as well as at the two waterfalls of Salto Grande and Salto Chico. In the afternoon we transfer to Cerro Sombrero in a private vehicle and during this journey we'll have a short ferry trip across the Magellan Straits.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge included

Day 10: Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego (The Land of Fire) is named after the original inhabitants who used to light bonfires to ward off the winter chill. Crossing the island you'll have views of the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia at the end of the world! In the past, Ushuaia has been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base for the Argentine navy, and sitting at the end of the world you have the feeling of isolation.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 11: Tierra del Fuego National Park

You'll spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking amongst the varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, sea lions and many species of water bird including a flightless duck! You are also rewarded with incredible views of Ushuaia of often snow-capped peaks as you head out on the boat. For those wanting more adventure or not wishing to trek, an optional full-day 4WD excursion is on offer which will take you deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego where any more conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote Lakes Fagnano and Escondido (please note it is not possible to see penguins on this tour).
Accommodation: Hotel included

Day 12: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

A free morning in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. There are great views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is worth a visit. You may fancy walking along the waterfront looking for wildlife and watching the ships as they make their way out to explore the Antarctic region. This afternoon you fly back to Buenos Aires and should arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) and enjoy a last group meal together.
Accommodation: Hotel included

Please note those on land only will need to purchase internal flight through Grand American Adventures at the time of booking to ensure you travel with the group from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.

Day 13: Buenos Aires

Depending on the time of your flight home you may have another chance to see more of eclectic Buenos Aires. After last night's tango show you might be tempted to learn a few steps, or watch it in the streets and plazas - particularly in the old quarter of San Telmo. A visit to the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world, is possible. Those on group flights will leave today.

Please note if booking this tour with international flights from the UK, the tour will be 15 days including flight times.

• You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest)
• Full payment is due 8 weeks before the tour departure
• We are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe at all times
• If you prefer to book by telephone please contact our UK sales office
• Prices below are land only. Call us on 0844 576 1370 for a flight inclusive quote

You won't pay an additional supplement on this tour when you travel with us as a single traveller. The accommodation is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share a room with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space we offer a Solo Sleeper upgrade so you can pre-book a guaranteed single room throughout the tour (except for Torres de Paine on days 7-9).

Our Solo Sleeper Upgrade is available from on this trip. The number of single upgrades we can offer per tour is limited, so it's best to book early if you would like this option. Select the "Solo Sleepers" check box on the booking form or request over the phone.

Our 04-Nov-13 & 10-Mar-14 are premium hotel departures.

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