ARGENTINA TOURS - PATAGONIA EXPEDITION
PATAGONIA EXPEDITION
8 Days / 7 Nights
Dates of Departure: Please note Dates of Departures for 2008/2009 to be updated shortly.
Note: Program can be operated any day departure with minimum 6 passengers. Please consult for availability and pricing.
Important: Program starts in the city of Comodoro Rivadavia on the dates listed immediately above.
How to get there?
1. Fly from Buenos Aires to Comodoro Rivadavia (Apt of CRD)
ITINERARY:
Day 1 HOME CITY - BUENOS AIRES - COMODORO RIVADAVIA
Meet and Greet upon arrival to Comodoro Rivadavia Airport, and Transfer to the Hotel Austral. Visit the Cerro Chenque overlook, a spectacular costal cliff boasting spectacular views of the fishing harbor, the city and marvellous coastline. Then, continue to Punta del Marques, lively seal colony and sea-bird reserve.
Day 2 COMODORO RIVADAVIA - PUERTO DESEADO
Morning drive to Puerto Deseado. The first 80 km follows the coast of the Gulf of San Jorge. Bays, gulfs and cliffs shape the shoreline, leading to Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz province. Then, travel through the steppes to arrive in Puerto Deseado, colorful fishing port whose deep estuary was first explored by Magellan (1520) and Cavndish (1586). Afternoon, board Zodiac boat (semi-rigid) for up close glimpses of "Ria del Deseado". Enjoy seals and dolphins near the coast, as well as seabirds like Imperial Cormorants, Magellan Penguin, Mahgellan Oystercatcher, and the rare Gray Cormorant. Visit Los Pajaros Island where Yellow Crested Penguin mate and nest every summer. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Los Acantilados. Total: 270 km. (paved road).
Day 3 PUERTO DESEADO - LOS ANTIGUOS - ESTANCIA TELKEN
Today's journey crosses the Patagonia from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains. Lunch at authentic Patagonian restaurant/bar "El Pluma" near the valley of Rio Deseado. Then travel along mythical Route 40, the most extensive in the country, passing town of Perito Moreno to arrive at Estancia Telken, historic tree lined comfortable estancia dating to 1915 for the breeding of sheep and horses. Dinner and overnight at Estancia Telken. Total: 600 km. (paved road).
Day 4 ESTANCIA TELKEN - CUEVAS DE LAS MANOS - PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
Adventure begins with drive south along Route 40 for visit to Cuevas de las Manos. Experts say the splendid cave paintings can be traced to three different archaeological periods from 7300 BC to 1000 AD. Nutritious box lunch, then drive to Perito Moreno National Park to enjoy fabulous flora and fauna, and beautiful chain of lakes and rivers. Guanacos greet us at every turn. Dinner and overnight at Estancia La Oriental. Total: 390 km. (gravel road).
Day 5 PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK
Exciting full day exploring this ruggedly beautiful national park for up close glimpses of guanacos, choiques, red and gray fox, Patagonian Hare, flamingos, Magellan Geese and Condors. Although plentiful, puma and huemul are harder to spot. Enjoy view of magnificent Andes Mountain range and lake system including Lakes Belgrano, Azara, Burmesiter, and Nansen. Visit Belgrano Peninsula to learn the daily habits of the guanaco grazing on the hillside. Afternoon, drive to Milky River, aptly named as it transports glacier sediment downriver from Mount San Lorenzo. Dinner and overnight at Estancia La Oriental. Total: 70 km. (gravel road).
Day 6 PERITO MORENO NATIONAL PARK - ESTANCIA LA MAIPU
Overland transfer to Estancia Maipu crossing the Patagonian vastness enjoying the big sky overhead and limitless horizon in front interrupted only by Lake Cardiel. Lunch at Estancia La Siberia where roasted lamb is the specialty. Continue drive enjoying frequent sightings of guanacos, hares, red and gray foxes, armadillos, skunks, falcons and eagles. Estancia La Maipu stands on the imposing Andes Mountain range on the shores of turquoise waters of Lake San Martin. Overnight Estancia La Maipu. Total: 430 km. (gravel road).
Day 7 ESTANCIA LA MAIPU
Enjoy walks through the woods to enjoy close up indigeneous flora and fauna, share in ranch work, go horseback riding or visit the estancia's own museum of depicitng the history of the Patagonia's first settlers. Trek to Vega de la MediaLuna, Talca Lagoon and Condorera to enjoy great views of Lake San Martin, the Avellaneda Peninsula adn ranch headquarters. Dinner and overnight at Estancia La Maipu. Total: 30 km. (gravel road).
Day 8 ESTANCIA LA MAIPU - EL CALAFATE - PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Drive to Calafate on the coast of Lake Argentino. From roadway view the great Lake Viedma and its glacier formed by continental snow fields. Afternoon, visit famous Perito Moreno Glacier, extraordinary river of ice, 3 km. wide by 50 m. high. Because it is the only worlwide glacier permanently advancing it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered by many the 8th Wonder of the World. Sunset is gorgeous and not to be missed. Program ends with Departure Transfer to Airport or downtown hotel in Calafate. Total: 440 km. (paved and gravel road).
Fast Facts:
Total distance: 2250 km. Some days of itinerary drive takes up to 8 hours. Each day is organized to allow for activities like trekking, horseback riding and short drives in order to best enjoy the region.
Transportation: comfortable Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van, custom designed interior, 8 reclining seats, additional luggage space, snacks and refreshments, panoramic windows, air conditioning and heat, GPS, satellite phone, detailed maps, flora and fauna guides, and binoculars.
Expedition Leaders:
An experienced professional English Speaking local guide, and driver accompany the group.
Lodging and Meals: Fine accommodations with regional character immersed in the natural environment, select rooms with private bath. Delicious homemade regional cuisine and nutritious box lunches.
Trekking Level: Easy to Moderate.
Packing Suggestions:
Comfortable informal clothing, windbreaker jacket, warm sweat suit, trekking boots, sun protection lotion, sunglasses, hat and gloves.
Available Communication:
Cellular phones do not receive signal during the tour. Public phones available at Comodoro Rivadavia, Perito Moreno, El Chalten and El Calafate.
Program Includes:
- 7 Nights Accommodations
- Breakfast Daily
- Box Lunch (7)
- Dinner (7)
- Maritime Safari Ria del Deseado
- Admissions to Reserve and National Park
- Transportation and Expedition Leader
- English Speaking Guide assistance
- Departure Transfer to Airport in Calafate or to a downtown hotel in Calafate on final day of program
Prices for 2008/2009 to be updated shortly.
Per Person in Double Occupancy:
Per Person in Triple Occupancy:
Per Person in Single Occupancy:
Deposit and Payment Policy:
35% deposit: 40 days prior to departure
Balance due: 14 days prior to departure
We suggest purchasing AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance for all your travels.
*For more information, contact your travel agent or Festival Tours.
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