Patagonia
Few places on the globe evoke the mystery and awe that Patagonia provides for the intrepid traveler. The rugged crags and spires of mighty Torres del Paines and Los Glacieres National Parks constitute perhaps the most impressive mountain vistas on earth. Iguazu is arguably the world’s most impressive waterfall. The wild isolated inlets, fjords, and islands of Tiera del Fuego, alpine lakes, penguin and seal colonies, and massive glaciers round out the natural experience. Combine these with the cultural gems and Tango culture of Buenos Aires and one has a recipe for a memorable travel experience.
Patagonia
2024
Dates: March 9 - 19, 2024 (11 Days) Begins/Ends Buenos Aires
Cost: $4995 Single Supplement: $1000 Early Pay Discount ($300) until July 9, 2023
Pre-tour Iguazu Falls extension Dates: Mar 6 - 9 Cost: $1000 Single Supplement: $250
Itinerary
Day 1 Buenos Aires - Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina!
Welcome meeting & Dinner
We will have our usual get-acquainted meeting at about 5 pm, followed by an Asado dinner with an Argentine family.
Hotel Tango de Mayo (2 nights) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/
Day 2 Buenos Aires
Tour Buenos Aires
Today we will explore Buenos Aires on a tour with a local guide. Highlights include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and the colorful La Boca/Caminito neighborhood. Your afternoon and evening are free for personal exploration.
Day 3 El Chalten
Flight; Transfer to El Chalten
This morning we will be transferred to the National Airport for our flight to El Calafate (flight included). From there we will enjoy a gorgeous scenic drive north to El Chalten, gateway to the magnificent Los Glacieres National Park.
Los Cerros (2 nights) https://loscerrosdelchalten.com.ar/
Day 6 El Calafate
Perito Moreno
Today we embark on a full day boat, hike, and bus excursion to 3 glaciers. We’ll view Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers from the deck of our lake cruiser and finish with iconic Perito Moreno. This massive river of ice terminates in an ice wall that is 3 miles wide, with an average height of 240 feet above the surface of the crystal blue waters of Lake Argentino. Our local guide will explain the dynamics of glaciation and take us to all the best viewing locations.
Day 7 Puerto Natales, Chile
Estancia lunch
Today is primarily a travel day as we travel south along the Argentine/Chilean border to Puerto Natales. We’ll break up the drive with an Estancia (Gaucho ranch) visit for lunch. We’ll encounter a brief peek at the traditional ranch life that has provided the backbone of Argentine wealth and economy since the 19th century.
NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel (3 nights) https://www.noihotels.com/noi-indigo-patagonia
What’s Included:
10 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 3 lunches; All tour transport (bus, boat, airplane); All tips (tour escort, local guides, drivers, boat captains, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Imprint tour escort, local guides; All entrances: Torre del Paines & Los Glacieres NPs; All activities: Buenos Aires walking tour, Boca & cemetery excursion, Asado evening, 3-Glacier excursion, Estancia visit, guided hikes, and many more incredible vistas and wildlife encounters.
Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.
Days 4 El Chalten
Los Glacieres NP activities
We will enjoy an easy half-day hike in the stunning Los Glaciers region. Our goal is the stunningly situated Laguna Capri, with its spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy, the signature peak of El Chalten. Free time options include hiking further toward the mighty Andes or additional outdoor activities like Lago Desierto, Lago Azul or Huemul Glacier hikes; boat rides on Lago Vidma; or horseback riding.
Day 5 El Calafate
Miradores los Condores
Our day begins with an optional early morning hike to nearby Miradores los Condores, for some sunrise photography and glowing golden alpenglow of the Los Glacieres peaks. Contemplating the panoramic views is a great way to say goodbye to El Chalten. Then we commence with the scenic drive to El Calafate where we will settle into our hotel.
Calafate Parque (2 nights) https://www.calafateparquehotel.com/en/
Days 8 - 9 Puerto Natales
Torre del Paine NP
Over these next two days we’ll make 2 day-long excursions to famed Torre del Paines National Park, crown jewel of Patagonia. We’ll intersperse light hiking with scenic overlooks and photo stops. Among the possible destinations are Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake, Laguna Azul, the Paine River waterfalls, Almirante Nieto Hill or Cuernos del Paine, Nordenskjold Lake, Salto Grande, Cuernos del Paine Nordenskjold Lake lookout, or Pehoe Lake. We will picnic for lunch each day and return to Natales in time for dinner.
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Today is another transportation day as we motor back to Argentina for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. We’ll conclude our tour with a final Happy Hour and dinner together.
Hotel Tango de Mayo (1 night) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/
Day 11 Buenos Aires
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.
[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]
Recommended Viewing
Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World 6 part Series by CNN Films
Wild Patagonia Collection BBC
Journey to Patagonia YouTube
180 degrees South Amazon
The Pearl Button Amazon Prime
Line Across the Sky Amazon Prime
Puma: Lion of the Andes YouTube
Unbounded Amazon Prime
On Route 7 Into the Heart of Patagonia YouTube
Recommended Reading
Allá en la Patagonia (María Brunswig de Bamberg)
A State of Fear (Andrew Graham-Yooll)
In Patagonia (Bruce Chatwin)
Enduring Patagonia (Gregory Crouch)
Sebastian’s Pride (Susan Wilkinson)
The Southern Road and other Tales (Julio Cortázar)
The Tango Singer (Tomás Eloy Martínez)
Know Before You Go
VIsas
ARGENTINA AND CHILE DO NOT REQUIRE VISAS FOR CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
cURRENCY
ARGENTINA & CHILE: PESO
CHECK CURRENCY RATE BEFORE DEPARTING
VISIT THE PAGE BELOW TO SEE IF OUR TOURS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU
weather / when to go
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PATAGONIA IS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND MARCH, WITH MARCH BEING THE LEAST CROWDED
DAYS ARE LONGER AND WARMER WITH LESS RAINFALL THAN THE REST OF THE YEAR
HIGHS ARE IN THE MID 50’S AND 60’S DEPENDING ON THE REGION.
IT’S BEST TO PACK LOTS OF LAYERS AND OUTDOOR CLOTHING FOR EVENINGS AND INCLEMENT WEATHER