Patagonia Itinerary — Imprint Tours

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 Paine and Los Glacieres National Parks constitute perhaps the most impressive mountain vistas on earth. With the addition of Imprint’s Antarctica cruise OR the cultural gems and Tango culture of Buenos Aires and one has a recipe for a memorable travel experience.

Itinerary (March 19 departure)

Day 1 Puerto Natales, Chile Bienvenidos! Welcome to Chile and Patagonia! 3/19
Welcome meeting & Dinner
We will have our usual get-acquainted meeting at about 5 pm, followed by dinner together.
Hotel Vendaval (2 nights) https://hotelvendaval.com/

Day 2 Puerto Natales 3/20
Torres del Paine NP
Today after breakfast, we’ll make a day-long excursion to famed Torres del Paine National Park, crown jewel of Patagonia. We’ll intersperse light hiking with scenic overlooks and photo stops. Among the possible destinations are Salto Grande, Cuernos del Paine Nordenskjold Lake, and Pehoe Lake. We will picnic for lunch and return to Natales in the afternoon.

Day 3 El Calafate 3/21
Torres del Paine NP
Departing Puerto Natales, we’ll venture back to mighty Torres del Paine, looping around to the eastern perimeter. Goals today are Laguna Azul, the Rio Paine waterfalls, and western vistas of the impressive Los Torres pinnacles. In the afternoon we’ll cross into Argentina, destination El Calafate.
Calafate Parque (2 nights) https://www.calafateparquehotel.com/en/

Day 4 El Calafate 3/22
Perito Moreno
Today we embark on an excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. 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 boardwalk viewing locations. Then we’ll board a boat for a cruise on the lake, with up close views of the glacier terminus. We’ll enjoy the explosive dynamics of iceberg calving from this unique perspective.

Day 5 El Cheltan 3/23
Transfer to El Chalten
This morning we will enjoy a scenic drive north to El Chalten, gateway to the magnificent Los Glacieres National Park. Upon arrival we will have free time to explore the town. For those who wish, Imprint will organize an afternoon hike.
Los Cerros (2 nights) https://loscerrosdelchalten.com.ar/

Days 6 El Chalten 3/24
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 the park. Free time options include hiking further toward the mighty Andes, other short hikes, horseback riding, or relaxing in our beautiful hotel.

Day 7 Buenos Aires or Ushuaia 3/25
Miradores los Condores
Our day begins with an optional early morning hike to nearby Miradores los Condores for some sunrise photography and golden alpenglow of the Los Glaciers peaks. Contemplating the panoramic views is a great way to say goodbye to El Chalten. Then we commence with the drive back to El Calafate where we catch our afternoon flight to either Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.

For those concluding in Buenos Aires, we will arrive at our hotel in the late evening. An option for some Tango viewing will be available for those interested.
Hotel Tango de Mayo (1 night) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/

For those connecting with the Antarctica cruise, you’ll have a final dinner together and the following morning to explore Ushuaia.
Hotel Fueguino (1 night) https://fueguinohotel.com.ar/

Day 8 Tour over 3/26
For those joining the Antarctica cruise, you’ll have a free morning to further explore Ushuaia and its surroundings. Boarding for the Antarctica cruise is between 15:00 - 16:00.

For those concluding in Buenos Aires, Imprint will assist with airport transfers. For those interested, you are welcome to join the Iguazu extension group on our morning tour of Buenos Aires. If you are staying an extra night (hotel arrangements are your responsibility), you are also welcome to join the extension group for the Asado dinner (cost $60). Details below.

For those opting to extend to Iguazu Falls, see below.

[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]

What’s Included:
8 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 3 (BA) or 4 (Ushuaia) dinners, 2 lunches; All tour transport (bus, boat, airplane); All tips (tour escort, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Imprint tour escort, local guides; All entrances: Torre del Paines & Los Glacieres NPs; All activities: Perito Moreno excursion, Torre del Paine hikes, Laguna Capri hike, Miradores los Condores sunrise hike, and many 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.

April 26 Departure (tentative - under construction)

Day 1 Buenos Aires 3/30
We will gather in our Buenos Aires hotel for a get-acquainted meeting. We’ll get to know one another before enjoying dinner together. For those interested, we can experience some authentic Tango after dinner.

Day 2 El Chalten 3/31
Travel day
An early morning flight sweeps us south to the mighty Andes of Patagonia. We’ll arrive in El Calafate, where we’ll be transported to El Chalten, gateway to the spectacular Glacieres National Park. We will arrive in time for an afternoon of personal exploration. There are several easy hikes and nearby lakes to explore. We’ll gather for dinner in our hotel tonight.

Day 3 El Chalten 4/1
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 the park. Free time options include hiking further toward the mighty Andes, other short hikes, horseback riding, or relaxing in our beautiful hotel.

Day 4 El Calafate 4/2
Miradores los Condores
Our day begins with an optional early morning hike to nearby Miradores los Condores for some sunrise photography and golden alpenglow of the Los Glaciers peaks. Contemplating the panoramic views is a great way to say goodbye to El Chalten. After a hardy breakfast, we’ll commence with the scenic drive south to El Calafate. Upon arrival, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Day 5 El Calafate 4/3
Perito Moreno
Today we embark on an excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno glacier. 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 boardwalk viewing locations. Then we’ll board a boat for a cruise on the lake, with up close views of the glacier terminus. We’ll enjoy the explosive dynamics of iceberg calving from this unique perspective.

Day 6 Puerto Natales 4/4
Torres del Paine NP
Departing El Calafate, we’ll drive south to Chile and mighty Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll loop explore the eastern perimeter. Goals today are Laguna Azul, the Rio Paine waterfalls, and western vistas of the impressive Los Torres pinnacles. In the late afternoon we’ll continue to Puerto Natales.

Day 7 Puerto Natales 4/5
Torres del Paine NP
Today after breakfast, we’ll make a day-long excursion to famed Torres del Paine National Park, crown jewel of Patagonia. We’ll intersperse light hiking with scenic overlooks and photo stops. Among the possible destinations are Salto Grande, Cuernos del Paine Nordenskjold Lake, and Pehoe Lake. We will picnic for lunch and return to Natales in the afternoon. We’ll gather for a final dinner together, sharing memories and highlights.

Day 8 Tour over 4/6
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]

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.

Iguazu Falls Extension

Day 1 Buenos Aires/Puerto Iguazu 3/26
For those continuing on to Iguazu, we’ll spend an extra day in Buenos Aires. After breakfast we’ll have a morning’s guided tour of the city with our favorite local guide, Xavier. Highlights include Plaza de Mayo and the colorful La Boca/Caminito neighborhood. In the early afternoon we’ll catch a flight to Puerto Iguazu. After a free afternoon, we’ll have a briefing of the next 2 days’ activities, and then enjoy a classic Asado dinner together. Asado is the quintessential Argentine social and culinary gathering. We’ll be hosted by Xavier in his home where he will grill a variety of local specialties on his rooftop terrace.
Tango de Mayo Hotel (1 night) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/

Day 2 Iguazu 3/27
After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to AEP Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery airport for our late morning flight to Puerto Iguazu, the Argentine gateway to the mighty falls. Upon arrival we’ll be transported to our hotel where you can relax by the pool or explore the town with your free afternoon. In the evening we’ll gather for another fine Argentine dinner together.
Hotel TBD (3 nights)

Day 3 Iguazu 3/28
Our visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows us to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks, including one to the very crest of the mighty Devil’s Throat cascade. A series of well-designed walkways and viewing platforms gives us access to many of the other dozens of cascades. Then we’ll take a boat ride to the base of the falls for an even more exhilarating experience.

Day 4 Iguazu 3/29
This morning we will head across the border to the Brazilian side of the falls. From here we get panoramic views of the falls and enjoy a boardwalk that takes us to the base of the Devil’s Throat. Additionally, an optional helicopter ride over the falls is available on this side. Your late afternoon is free for independent explorations. We’ll gather at the hotel for a final Happy Hour to toast our adventures, new travel memories, and new travel friends.

Day 5 Extension Over 3/30
The extension ends with breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers to begin your journey home.

What’s Included:
4 nights hotel accommodation; All breakfasts, 2 dinners; All transportation (bus, train, plane); All tips (local guides, drivers, group meal, hotel staffs); All entrances: Parque Nationale Iguazu (Argentinian & Brazilian parks); All activities: BA tour, Asado dinner, boardwalk excursions, train and boat rides.

Important Exclusions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.