Argentina Classic - Patagonia, Wildlife & Glaciers

The Destination background

Buenos Aires is the most cosmopolitan city in South America and evokes a European sentiment thanks in part to its French style architecture. With glamorous shops, fine dining and a vibrant culture, this modern city is regarded as the finest in Latin America.

Peninsula Valdes , is a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions.

Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, and the most southerly city in the world. It makes the perfect base to access the wonderful rugged landscapes of this beautiful location.

El Calafate is the site of the most impressive Glacier in the world, Perito Moreno. Although it has not advanced for some years, its sheer size, with huge chunks dropping into the lake water below is an impressive sight.

El Chalten is the gateway to the unspoilt setting of deepest Patagonia and El the marvellous Fits Roy range dominating the skyline.

Full Itinerary

• Day 1. Buenos Aires

  Arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel, for three night’s accommodation.

• Day 2. Buenos Aires (B)

  After breakfast, a private city tour of the city, reminiscent of Paris. It is situated on the Rio de la Plata, and as its name suggests, it is the city of good winds. The tour will include a visit to the Plaza de Mayo, the hub of the city centre and where many public buildings such as the Catedral Metropolitana can be found. At the east end, you will find the Casa Rosada presidential palace with the famous balcony from which Juan and Evita Peron greeted the masses. You shall also visit La Boca, Buenos Aires’ most colourful neighbourhood. San Telmo, just a few blocks south of Plaza de Mayo is the artist’s quarter, what some believe to be Buenos Aires’ most interesting feature. Return to your hotel.

• Day 3. Buenos Aires - Puerto Madryn (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Trelew. Arrival to Trelew and transfer to your hotel in Peninsula Valdes. Free day.

• Day 4. Valdes Peninsula (B)

  Today a full day excursion to the Valdes Peninsula. Peninsula Valdes is a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The Orcas (killer whales) in this area have developed a unique hunting strategy to adapt to local coastal conditions and come very close to beaching themselves whilst hunting for seals.

• Day 5. Puerto Madryn – Punta Tombo penguin colony (September to March) (B)

  Today a full day excursion to Punta Tombo. Here we shall visit a huge Magellanic Penguin colony. We will see them in their nests and also feeding their offspring. Later, we will visit the Chubut river and the Gaiman and Dolayon towns, both of which are Welsh settlements. Accommodation in Puerto Madryn.

• Day 6. Trelew – Ushuaia (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Ushuaia. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, on the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mounts. It is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and Southern Atlantic Islands Province.

• Day 7. Tierra del Fuego (B)

  Today an excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. A subantartic forest covers the region up to 600m above sea level. Trip to the "black" lake. A one way trip on the 'End of the World' train travelling through the National Park itself. Afternoon navigation in the Beagle Channel with a visit to the sea lion island and the southernmost lighthouse in the world. Return to your hotel.

• Day 8. Ushuaia – Escondido and Fagnano Lakes (B)

  Full day excursion to the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, enjoying the astonishing landscape of the Fuegian Andes. Return to your hotel.

• Day 9. Ushuaia - El Calafate (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to El Calafate. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. El Calafate is the site of the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most dramatic natural sites left on earth.

• Day 10. El Calafate (B)

  After breakfast, excursion to the site of the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier, a 60m (197ft) high river of rising, toppling and exploding ice, though it hasn't advanced for several years. Walk along footpaths and balconies to reach this incredible phenomenon. Return to your hotel for accommodation.

• Day 11. El Calafate – Upsala Glacier (B & BL)

  After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and travel for approximately 30 minutes to Puerto Bandera, 50 km to the west of El Calafate, from where the boat will depart. The Upsala Glacier is famous for its rapid retreat and is actually larger than Perito Moreno. Further on you will arrive at Onelli Bay and continue through forests that cover the area up to the lake. The lake is covered with blue icebergs, each with different hues of blue indicating their different ages. Boxed lunch included before returning to El Calafate. Return to your hotel.

• Day 12. El Calafate – El Chalten (B)

  Today we leave for the remote and unspoilt setting of El Chalten, with the marvelous Fits Roy range dominating the skyline. This area is regarded as the Torres del Paine of Argentina but far less crowded.

  We shall have an opportunity for several treks around the area. Return to your hotel.

• Day 13. El Chalten (B)

  A free day at leisure with a variety of tour options and treks to choose from.

• Day 14. El Chalten - El Calafate (B)

  After breakfast, return transfer to El Calafate. Free afternoon.

• Day 15. El Calafate – Buenos Aires (B)

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Buenos Aires and your connecting flight home.

End of our services.

Tour Prices

• US$4540.00 - based on two people sharing.

Additional days and tours available upon request.

Tour Price Includes:

• 14 night's accommodation in twin/double rooms at quality hotels with private bathroom and breakfast.
• All transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary in private service (except Upsala cruise) with English speaking guides.
• All meals as per itinerary denoted by B, L and D.

Tour Price Does Not Include:

• International air tickets and associated taxes.
• Meals not specified on the itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.

Hotels

Buenos Aires

Regent Palace Hotel. (Subject to availability.)

Valdes

Peninsula Valdes Hotel. (Subject to availability.)

Ushuaia

Tolkeyen. (Subject to availability.)

El Calafate

Elan Calafate. (Subject to availability.)

El Chalten

Los Cerros. (Subject to availability.)