Patagonia, Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls

After breakfast, we will meet our personal guide in order to start our visit to the City.

CITY TOUR DESCRIPTION

Downtown – We visit May Square, host of the most important political events of the country. May Avenue connects the Argentine Congress with the “Casa Rosada”, famous for its buildings that date back to 1880 – 1910.

San Telmo – It is the oldest residential district. The richest families of the city established themselves there since 1600s. They suffered an epidemic of yellow fever and moved to the north of the city.

La Boca – The neighborhood boomed in the 1800s thanks to the port. The port was the government’s main source of tax revenue. It was the Heart of Argentina’s export- led economic boom (1850 – 1930). “Boca Juniors” football stadium is one of the two most famous stadiums in Argentina. “Caminito Street, the most famous street, due to its vivid colors, and tango atmosphere.

Puerto Madero – When the Yellow Fever hit La Boca, the city authorities decided to build a new port, which was named Puerto Madero, alter its designer. This expensive Project was executed and shortly after its inauguration, it was abandoned, since the shallowness of the water obstructed the passage of the increasingly large ships. The docks of this port were abandoned for decades, until in the 1990s, a major urban development Project transformed them into modern buildings, which are now a major attraction of the city.

Retiro – It is a major transportation Terminal and connecting point, especially for trains and long- distance buses. It Houses the tallest buildings of the financial and commercial centre of the city.

Palermo – This residential neighborhood is known for its enormous parks. “Palermo Chico” known for its stylish residential mansions.

Recoleta – Its museums, cemetery and beautiful French style buildings make it the most distinguished neighbourhood of the city.

Transfer back to the hotel.

At according time, we will go to a local studio in order to take Tango lessons with professional dancers. There we will learn the basic steps and movements, and we will have a historical and theoretical reference of the Tango dance.

Breakfast at the hotel and free day.

Suggestions: San Antonio de Areco (Gaucho’s Village) or Tigre (unique delta).

In the evening, we will head to one of the historical and “Notables” cafés de Buenos Aires, where we will have dinner and then we will see professional tango dancers performing on stage.

Transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport in order to board the flight to Trelew.

Arrival at the airport in Trelew and transfer to Península Valdés: one of the places chosen as Natural World Heritage sites by UNESCO, which for its unique characteristics homes a variety of marine and terrestrial fauna hardly ever seen at any other place.

Already in the Reserve, we will lead to Puerto Pirámides, where we will start our navigation to see the Whales*:

We will sail in the Gulf, having the possibility of observing also cormorant colonies –with their nests against the cliff- and other bird species. Once the tour boat is far enough from the coast (about 1-2 miles), the Captain will stop the engine and the silence will give place to the sounds of the nature: penguins, cormorants, seagulls…while we wait for the encounter with the cetaceans. All of a sudden, the massive body of one or more Whales splashes in the sea and the show performed by the nature starts, with the participation of dolphins in many cases. The navigation lasts around one hour and one hour and a half.

* Although it is in general possible to encounter and observe whales, there is no guarantee that you will indeed see them. It is a natural phenomena that depends on factors beyond human control (weather conditions, time of the year, etc). The whale season stretches from June to December, whereas the Penguins are from September-October till March.

After the navigation, we will go to Rincon Chico Lodge, a traditional Patagonian ranch inside the Reserve. Time at leisure to enjoy the area, and in the evening dinner at the ranch.

After breakfast, we will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the varied wildlife that lives in the ranch and its coasts, and the flora as well.

Today, you can choose some of the activities included in your stay:

Watching tours guided by biologists and professionals bilingual naturalists to the various beaches of the property, horseback riding across the steppe and cliffs, hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, mountain biking, interpretation of native flora, bird watching, livestock facilities tours of the property (and rural participation in the work if it matches the date), lectures on astronomical topics and walks in the dunes fields.

While walking along the different pathways and coast of the ranch you will be able to film, take photographs and enjoy the tranquility of nature from a unique private setting.

Sea lions and thousands of elephant seals have chosen these beaches for breeding and birthing; and whales, orcas, penguins and dolphins are all sighted from the estancia’s 15 km of coastline. You can watch a wide variety of inland and coastal birds, and see many of Patagonia’s native terrestrial mammals.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at the Ranch are included.

After breakfast, we will continue with our visit through Península Valdés.

We will see Isla de los pájaros (The birds island), Salinas Chica and Grande (that are among the greatest depressions in South America), the elephant seal rookeries over the cost in Punta Delgada, Caleta Valdés (Valdés cove) and Punta Cantor, besides of arriving to the Punta Norte lighthouse in the killer whales season. In the trip we will be able to see a lot of terrestrial fauna as guanacos, Maras, foxes, armadillos and rheas.

We will stop at noon at Estancia San Lorenzo, located in Punta Norte, one of the highlights of the reserve. The Estancia shelters a reproduction colony of Penguins, and we will be able to visit them, observing their habits.

During the day you will be advised by our guides, expert interpreters of the Patagonian nature.

Afterwards, we will continue our excursion and at the end of it we will head to Puerto Madryn, where we will take a rest and enjoy of the adventure experienced.

Transfer to the hotel in Puerto Madryn.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport in Trelew in order to board the flight to Ushuaia.

Arrival in Ushuaia, and transfer to the lodge. Free time to enjoy the area, relax, or explore by yourself.

After breakfast, pick up from the lodge. We will start our day with a visit & trek in the National Park.

National Park experience: DESCRIPTION

This is the ideal excursion to get to know the southernmost park in the world in the best possible way.

Throughout the excursion we are closely in touch with nature and the tranquility that it conveys. In our departures we stroll along the principal and most important trails in the National Park. Anybody willing to join us can do it, regardless of the age, since the paths we trek through are of low difficulty.

In half a day we would´ve walked enough to have a special and unique impression of the fuegian ecosystem. Our well trained guides will pass on to you all of their experience and passion for this surroundings giving away a once in a lifetime experience. Lapataia Bay, Roca Lake and Ensenada Bay will be the southern spots we will introduce you to during this unforgettable excursion.

Optional: those who like enjoying the nature in a more relaxed way, have the option of getting a 7 km (1 hour) ride on board of the End of the World Train. The southernmost (and former prisoner’s train) rail-way in the world, recreates its historic journey.

We will have lunch in the Park (box lunch Gourmet).

After this visit, we will start our boat tour on the Beagle Channel, visiting the light house, sea lion island, bird island and hiking on Bridges Island.

Navigation tour: DESCRIPTION

We leave the local port with a small group of passengers in the direction of Alice Island to see the colony of sea lions; we continue to the Birds Island, inhabited by the king and imperial cormorants. Nearby, we enjoy the view of the Rock Cormorants on the cliffs.

Then, we navigate towards the Sea Lions Island to see them as well as fur seals. Finally, we visit the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, which was built in 1919. It is the real symbol of the city.

Going back, we disembark on Bridges Island for a short trekking. During the walk, we discover flora and fauna. On this island we can see archeological rests of the Yamanas, the aborigines, who lived here many years ago.

Along the trip we share a snack, which includes tea, warm chocolate, coffee, biscuits and, of course, the typical Argentinian Mate.

At the end of the excursion, transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast: visit to Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, 4×4 circuits, trekking through the forest, lunch at shelter, and a canoe trip on Escondido Lake.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Embarking on this adventure means to have a one of a kind experience in Tierra del Fuego. Early in the morning, once you`ve hopped in our Land Rover Defender, we`ll steer towards the north part of the isl-and, as we drive along National Road N3. We will pass by a number of renowned ski centers, amongst whiches Cerro Castor is the most famous.

Once on the other side of the Andean Range, the off road adventure begins. We will cross the muddiest areas until we reach the coast of the breathtaking Fagnano Lake. Having refreshed our energy we will carry on with the adventure as we trek into an exclusive area of the forest. The trekking will lead us right to the coast of Escondido Lake where, in our shelter, we will taste a gourmet barbecue seasoned with the pleasant company of a red wine.

After lunch, the water will relax our senses as we paddle across Escondido Lake in a canoe, before heading back towards Ushuaia city with our expert guides.

Transfer back to the Lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel. At an agreed-upon time, transfer to the airport in order to board our flight to El Calafate.

Arrival in El Calafate and transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, we will go on our excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.

We will walk along the tracks and will make stops to take photographs. From the view points we will clearly see ice blocks of different sizes continually detaching from the glacier and falling into the water, causing a tremendous sound and amazing waves, which makes this view an unforgettable sight.

Transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast, we will start our excursion to this majestic area of the Andean Patagonia.

Tour Description

The Upsala Glacier is one of the largest in Los Glaciares National Park. To sail through the
Argentino Lake among icebergs and mountains and then visit Estancia Cristina is an interesting combination of nature, adventure, history, and pleasure. This full day program offers alternatives for those who prefer a quite day of touring and history as well as for those who look forward to activities with adventure, like trekk-ing and going on a four wheel drive. The excursions that are surrounded by the Andes mountains, glaciers and Argentino Lake leads us to get in touch with a natural, unique, remote environment, with culture and lifestyle of the pioneers and the interesting relationship of them with famous explorers of the past century.

The program includes:

Duration of 4 wheel drive: 3 hours

• Drop: 550 m.o.s.l.
• Level of demand low
• Boarding and departure at port Punta Bandera (NPC), 08.15 hrs, in our modern and comfortable boat.
• Sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier and then through Cristina Canal to the point of disembarkment at the Estancia.
• Arrival at Estancia Cristina 11:30 hs.
• Stay at the Estancia for 6 hours
• Lunch at the Estancia with a 3-course menu
• Guided visit to the Costumbrista museum (old shearing shed)
• Ascent in all-terrain vehicles, travelling 9.5 km through mountainous roads
• Arrival to the Continental ice shelter
• 30 minute walk
• Visit the oriental front of Upsala Glacier. Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian Ice and Andes.
• Return to the farm house of the Estancia and board at 17:30 hrs. Arrival to Puerto Banderas at 19:00 hrs approximately.

NOTE: If the maximum number of passengers is exceeded, visitors will be divided in turns
by the tour coordinator of the Estancia.

Transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast, we will head to El Chalten (3 hours distance), located at the foot of the mythical Mount Fitz Roy, still one of the most beautiful sights and a must for travelers that visit southern Patagonia.

To arrive to El Chalten we travel about 220 km from El Calafate, we take the mythic route 40 and then the route 23 enjoying wonderful impressions of the Patagonian steppe, along the Rio La Leona surrounded by the Lakes Argentino and Viedma, Viedma Glacier, and always keeping in the view the mountain range, we arrive at this magnificent tourist village where you will enjoy a fascinating experience.

El Chalten is an ideal place to practice trekking, especially as we approach Fitz Roy (Chalten), Cerro Torre, the glaciers Torre and the lagoons Capri, Torre and De los Tres among many other, incredibly beautiful places.

Breakfast at the hotel, and free day to enjoy the área and its multiple full day treks. As an alternative, there are scenic excursions such as the visit to Lago del Desierto.

Full day to go on trekking or visit another attraction, and transfer back to El Calafate.

Breakfast at the hotel, and transfer to the airport in El Calafate in order to board our flight to Iguazu. Arrival in Iguazu, and transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, we will go on a visit to the Iguazu National Park, where we will be able to approach, see and feel most of the jumps (with the Devil’s Throat as the pearl of the Park) in a very near way.

There, we will walk along the 3 different circuits: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and Devil Throat´s.

The Lower Circuit, offers several views of different falls, among them the Two Sisters, Bossetti & Hidden Falls; and a panoramic view of Isla San Martin.

The Upper Circuit offers a panoramic view of the Brazilian falls and the Salto San Martin, and also the catwalks have access to the Iguazu River Delta, with islands full of vegetation.

To arrive to the Devil´s Throat, we will first ride the“Train of the Jungle”until reach the starting point for the walking circuit. Then, after 1000 meters, we will be able to see one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world.

During this day, an adventurous excursion will take part in our journey as well: “The Great Adventure”

Description of “Great Adventure”:

Departing from the Operative Center or from the Visitors’ Center, we shall enter the jungle by the Yacaratiá trail in trucks specially designed for this environment. Bilingual guides (Spanish and English) will introduce the place’s natural and cultural resources.

This 5 kms long stretch ends at Puerto Macuco. At its dock, visitors shall board on the boats that shall be sailing in the Lower Iguazu River for as long as 6 kms, heading towards the waterfalls area, enjoying plentiful rapids.

Upon reaching the Tres Mosqueteros Fall, visitors shall be able to see the falls of both the Argentine and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Afterwards, the most exciting point comes when facing the incomparable San Martín waterfall, the second in dimension and the hugest any boat may face.

At the end of the trip, we shall descend from the boat on the dock located in front of the San Martín Island, where visitors may continue enjoying the landscape joining the runways system of the Lower Circuit.

This excursion can also be made in the opposite direction: from the San Martín dock to the Visitors’ Center.

Transfer back to the lodge, in order to take a deserved rest.

After breakfast, we will continue with our visit to the falls, but now from the Brazilian side.

The excursion will be shorter, but incredible as well. The circuit that leads to the falls, will allow us to see a panoramic view of most of the falls, from a distance that let us immerse in a natural postcard that captures the combination of all the moments in almost one click.

Transfer back to the lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel. At an agreed-upon time, transfer to the airport in order to board the flight back to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. At an agreed-upon time, transfer to the airport in order to board the flight back home.

If you are interested in Patagonia, we invite you to check out our other Patagonia Tours.

We invite you to see our Argentina Tours, where you can experience the true Argentine culture.