Patagonia Lakes & Glaciers

ITINERARY

DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy a private tour visiting four distinct neighborhoods and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta) to learn about the city and its people, commonly called “porteños”. Lodging for two nights in Buenos Aires at Hotel Intersur Recoleta or similar.

DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
Day at leisure to enjoy the city on your own. (B)

DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES/ BARILOCHE
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Bariloche. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on the “Circuito Chico” excursion that starts on Bustillo Avenue and continue along the shores of Nahuel Huapi lake , Huemul Island, Playa Bonita, until arriving at Llao Llao village, where you will visit the chapel and the traditional Llao Llao Hotel . Later you will go to Cerro Campanario and you’ll have the chance of taking the cable car to marvel on the spectacular views from atop the hill (optional) (Excursion lasts about 3 hours) Lodging for three nights in Bariloche at Hotel Alma del Lago or similar. (B)

DAY 4: BARILOCHE
Today you will enjoy a boat excursion on the Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest. The excursion starts at Pañuelo Port, 25 km away from the city, opposite Llao Llao Hotel (group transfers included). After sailing for 40 minutes the Nahuel Huapi Lake, you will land at Anchorena Port, located in the centre of the Victoria island. You will have an amazing view of Anchorena Bay. You’ll have time to walk to the panoramic point located at Monte Bella Vista and be able to see the whole area of Llao Llao and Pañuelo. Other options are a stroll to Gross Port or a visit to rupestrian pictures and Playa del Toro. After sailing for some minutes, you will reach the Arrayanes Forest located at the Quetrihue Peninsula. Walking along a 600 m path, you will observe a beautiful forest of magnificent arrayan trees considered to be unique in the world for its characteristics. Return in the evening to Bariloche. Lodging. (B)

DAY 5: BARILOCHE – Villa La Angostura
Today you will enjoy a full day panoramic excursion to the Enchanted Valley, with its curious formations, Lake Traful and the little village of Traful. You’ll drive back bordering the Nahuel Huapi Lake and you will visit Villa La Angostura before returning to Bariloche. (B)

DAY 6: BARILOCHE/ LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK. El CALAFATE
Transfer to the airport to take your flight to El Calafate (private transfer). Reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel. If you stay at Hotel El Galpón del Glaciar you will enjoy a visit of the ranch, sheep shearing demonstration and dinner.  If you prefer to stay in town you would stay at Hotel Mirador del Lago, Hotel Esplendor Calafater or another of similar category. Lodging for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 7: LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will depart to visit Los Glaciares National Park. This park of 600.000 hectares (2,300 square miles) has thirteen glaciers that flow into the Argentino and Viedma lakes. Perito Moreno Glacier, is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still progressing. It is only 500 ft above sea level, which makes it very accessible, allowing one to stand in front of a mountain of ice that measures 60 m (180 ft) by 5 km (2.5 miles). The constant fall of huge towers of ice from its walls and into the lake is an unforgettable spectacle. Trekking Expedition: You will board a boat to cross the lake. You will land on an isolated beach and trek for about an hour and a half on the glacier while enjoying a magnificent landscape of ice formations in different shades of blue, crevasses, streams and small lagoons. (Not additional equipment, or previous experience required. Age restriction: 10 to 65 years old).  Picnic lunch at the park. In the evening, return to your hotel in El Calafate. Dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: E: CALAFATE / USHUAIA
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take your Flight to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Lodging for two nights at Hotel Tolkeyen or similar. (B)

DAY 9: USHUAIA- TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Today you will go west for a hiking excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. You will likely see the Magellanic woodpeckers, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Lunch in the park. Lodging in Ushuaia. (B,L)

DAY 10:USHUAIA / BUENOS AIRES

Private transfer to the airport to take your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. In the evening you will enjoy a tango show and dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi. Lodging. (B, D)

DAY 11: BUENOS AIRES /…
Morning at leisure. In the evening, transfer to Ezeiza International Airport to take your flight back to USA or your country of residence. (B)