WONDERS OF ARGENTINA TOUR + CHILE PATAGONIA EXTENSION

2022 – Dec. 3 to 13. 2023 – Dec. 2 to 12

 2022:

11 Days visiting: ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls (Brazil & Argentina), Trelew, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, El Calafate.

CHILE PATAGONIA EXTENSION– Dec. 13 to 17 visiting: Puerto Natales & Punta Arenas

DAY 1 – SAT. Dec. 3: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES – Welcome Dinner & Tango show

Your tour begins in Buenos Aires, the capital of the nation. This romantic city is often referred to as ‘The Paris of South America’ because of its French-style architecture and elegance. Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.  Buenos Aires nightlife provides its own inhabitants and visitors with numerous entertainment possibilities. This evening following a tour briefing you will attend an unforgettable tango show performed by the best dancers and singers, while enjoying a delicious meal. This is the perfect way to live Buenos Aires, the city of tango. Return to the hotel. MODERO HOTEL

DAY 2 – SUN. Dec. 4: BUENOS AIRES TOURING- Breakfast

Breakfast at the Hotel. Sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires that allows you to discover the magic of this cosmopolitan city, capital of Argentina.  The magnificence of the Northern Quarters, Palermo and the beauty of its parks and buildings, Recoleta with its French style architecture, bars and cafes; the imposing Colon Theater, one of the five most important opera houses in the world; Plaza de Mayo (May Square), the Government’s House (The Pink House), The Old Cabildo (Town Hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral; San Telmo, residence of the aristocracy until the turn of the XIX century. The colors of La Boca, picturesque quarter of Italian immigrants; and the fashion area of Port Madero with its many bars & restaurants round off this excursion.

The afternoon is free to explore city on own. We recommend visiting Planetario Galileo Galilei or other places of interest to you. Given that most people are used to a different hemisphere, this planetarium in Buenos Aires offers an all new celestial experience. Shaped like the planet Jupiter, this eye-catching space museum is located in the beautiful parks of Palermo. Planetario Galileo Galilei offers a 360-degree space show, astronomical courses, and various exhibits. MADERO HOTEL

 You may want to spend some time this evening seeing the milongas (tango dances) in San Telmo, gaze at the huge monuments such as the Obelisk on Avenue 9 de Julio and sip fine wines at fancy restaurants in Palermo.

MILONGA is a social event or location for tango dancing—More simply, milongas are tango dance parties. People who dance at milongas are known as milongueros. When a group of people goes tango dancing, they go to a milonga. Milongas are informal gatherings where regular folks dance tango ~ they’re often held in social clubs, restaurants, or bars.  And the good news is there’s a milonga going on every night of the week in Buenos Aires!  This is the city for learning how to dance tango.

DAY 3 – MON. Dec. 5: BUENOS AIRES / IGUASSU – ARGENTINIAN SIDE OF THE WATERFALLS- Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer & fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina today. The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the group will be visiting the falls from both sides. The falls are over 2 km in length and consist of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 meters high. This makes them higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls.

This afternoon tour the Argentinean side of Iguazu falls. Tour allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M ’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. Take a Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls an exhilarating experience Return back to your hotel in the evening. LOI SUITES HOTEL

As of July 1st, 2017, all guests visiting Iguassu Falls are required to pay an eco-tax designed to help fund the preservation of the surrounding region. This tax cannot be prepaid, and is instead collected at your Iguassu Falls hotel upon check-in. This tax applies to all travelers and costs $20 ARS (Argentine Pesos) per person, per night for a maximum of two nights.

DAY 4 – TUE. Dec. 6: BRAZILIAN SIDE OF THE WATERFALLS / BUENOS AIRES/ TRELEW- Breakfast

After an early Breakfast, enjoy a half day guided tour to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Drive to the Brazilian National Park side of the falls, crossing the Brazilian border. You may want to look at some authentic Brazilian hand-made crafts before starting the short drive through subtropical, lush jungle with spectacular palm trees and lianas until you reach the proper start of the Iguazu Falls Walk. At the beginning take time to marvel at the panoramic view of the enormous Iguazu Falls emerging in front of you in all their spectacular magnificence. Walk the 1,200 meters long footbridge to experience this natural wonder from a different perspective. You will discover that these falls across the river – although they belong to Argentina – can only be seen from the Brazilian side. Take a panoramic elevator to get an even more impressive sight of this amazing scenery.

Transfer to airport after the tour & fly this afternoon to Trelew connecting via Buenos Aires. Trelew, a name of Welsh origin meaning “people of Lew” in honor of Lewis Jones, a pioneer of Welsh colonization in Chubut.  The city’s history is closely linked to the Welsh settlement in the province, which began in 1865. Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the evening is free. RAYENTRAY HOTEL. 

Day 5- WED. Dec. 7: TRELEW / PUERTO MADRYN- Breakfast 

After Breakfast tour Trelew. Visit the Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio (MEF). More than 1700 Fossil pieces and 30 specimens of Dinosaurs displayed in the halls are accompanied by scale models and explanatory posters as well as video projection narrating the beginning of life on this planet.  The “MEF” is now one of the most important scientific institutions in the country and an undisputed international reference in paleontology, both for discovery and research as for the samples that are presented. Tour behind the scenes with Museum researchers to learn more about their findings. The Celtic origin of the first Welsh immigrants left its mark in the picturesque town of Gaiman. The diversity of creeds of these settlers originated the construction of more than 30 chapels, many of which are still standing. Drive around town to learn about Welsh history. Following Lunch at local restaurant visit the Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium before proceeding to Puerto Madryn. The quaint coastal town of Puerto Madryn is the gateway to wonderful Peninsula Valdes and Patagonia’s prime wildlife spotting experiences. DAZZLER HOTEL

DAY 6- THU. Dec. 8: PUERTO MADRYN- Puerto Piramids Excursion– Breakfast 

Breakfast at the Hotel. The whale watching trip starts from a small village called Puerto Piramids. Going along the coast on both sides, the first stop is at La Lobería (sea lion colony), which is closer to Puerto Pirámides that has got 2000 specimens of whales. Sail along the coast allows us to watch many cormorant colonies. They build their nests against the cliff and there they also breed and raise their babies. Cruise also offers opportunity to observe and photograph other specimens of the coastal bird fauna.  The engines are stopped when the ship gets far from the coast, silence interrupted only by the sounds of penguins, seagulls, gulls and cormorants. Something silvery and white jumps next to the ship and the strong sound of a body splashing the sea are heard. To complete this feast some dolphins always show up to jump and play in complete freedom along the Whales. Time free to have lunch on own at the village before returning to Puerto Madryn. DAZZLER HOTEL

Your afternoon is at leisure or take an optional tour from the following:

1. Snorkeling with sea lions
2. Kayak with sea lions
3. Scuba diving

Note: Reservations are required due limited availability.

DAY 7 – FRI. Dec. 9: PUERO MADRYN- Peninsula of Valdes Excursion- Breakfast & Lunch

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, we will spend the day exploring the riches of the Valdes Peninsula. A harsh yet spectacular environment, this remote peninsula is a haven for Patagonian marine and terrestrial wildlife including massive colonies of South American Sea Lion and Southern Elephant Seal. The abundance of afterbirth and young pups here attracts the attention of several scavengers and predators, including the striking Killer Whales that are known to beach themselves along this coastline to capture prey, as well as Southern Giant Petrel and unique Snowy Sheathbill that forage through the remains. The rocky coastline may hold Imperial and Rock Shags alongside the commoner Neotropic Cormorants.

Estancia San Lorenzo- Land of Penguins:

San Lorenzo is a sheep farm stretching over 5,000 hectares has a 4600-meter-long coastline on the San Matias Bay. On the property there is an awesome breeding colony of Magellanic penguins with approximately 200,000 penguins including both adults and juveniles.  Together with Magellanic penguins, San Lorenzo offers the possibility of observing elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, owls, cavies and a great diversity of birds. Eventually, also Right whales and Orca can be sighted. The activities offered by Estancia San Lorenzo will bring you closer to nature. There are also places to spot fossilized giant oysters.

The Valdés Peninsula is renowned for its large population of marine wildlife but with over 180 different bird species migrating to the peninsula or living here throughout the year, it’s also one of the most important birding destinations in Argentina. Expect to see: South American, royal and sandwich terns, Black-browed albatross, Southern giant petrel, Blackish and American oystercatchers, Magellanic penguin, Brown skua, Variable hawk, Great egret, Turkey vulture & Burrowing parrot.

Return to Hotel in Puerto Madryn in the evening. DAZZLER HOTEL

DAY 8 – SAT. Dec. 10: PUERTO MADRYN / USHUAIA- Breakfast

Depart Puerto Madryn this morning for Trelew airport., board an afternoon flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world. Meet and greet at Ushuaia airport and transfer to hotel. This evening we suggest visiting the Old Prison Museum and walking along the seashore over the Beagle Channel. LOS CAUQUENES HOTEL

DAY 9- SUN. Dec. 11: USHUAIA- Breakfast

Journey outside of Ushuaia to ride `The End of the World Train’ and visit the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park. The scenic train ride, venturing deep into southern Patagonia, offers you the chance to soak in the memorable scenery of Tierra del Fuego National Park from the comfort of your seat. As the steam train chugs along, keep an eye out for the national park’s many native birds. Along the journey you’ll stop at a few fascinating places, such as Macarena Waterfall and an abandoned sawmill.

Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only one with maritime coast in the country. Within its 63,000 hectares, we’ll find fire bushes, beech trees, ñires, box-leafed barberries and flowers such as orchids, violets and other species. Bordering the mountains, we’ll follow a road were peat bogs and beaver dams can be appreciated. After crossing the Lapataia River, we will have a magnificent view of Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and the upland geese and ibis that come here every summer. A walk along the path up to Laguna Negra (Black Lagoon) or the Beavers’ Path will be suggested at that point.

At Lapataia Bay (end of National Route Nr.3) we’ll appreciate the testimony of the original inhabitants of the Island (the Yamanas) in an interesting archaeological site: the “concheros”. On the way back to Ushuaia, we’ll make a brief stop at Lake Roca, whose color varies according to the weather.  Your afternoon is at leisure.

BIRD WATCHING: Tierra del Fuego is a paradise for birdwatchers. On the lagoons and lakes of Tierra del Fuego, expect to see: Magellanic and two-banded plover, Chilean flamingo, White-rumped sandpiper, Ruddy-headed and upland goose, Great horned owl, Black-necked and coscoroba swans. LOS CAUQUENES HOTEL

DAY 10-MON. Dec. 12: USHUAIA / EL CALAFATE– Breakfast

After Breakfast time free until transfer to airport for flight to El Calafate, a town near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. It’s mainly known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Meeting assistance at El Calafate Airport and transfer to hotel.

This afternoon visit Perito Moreno Glacier, located within the Glaciers National Park, 80 km from El Calafate. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the main natural beauties of Argentina. Due to its wonder it has been declared by UNESCO a World Natural Heritage in 1981. Arriving at the Glaciers’ balconies, visitors will spend about 4 hours walking along pathways and admiring it from different viewpoints. Framed by a beautiful landscape of mountains, lakes and forests, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most spectacular scenes of nature. It owes its fame to its continuous movement, which produces a cyclical phenomenon of advance and backward motion with amazing ice toppling. MIRADOR DEL HOTEL

DAY 11- TUE. Dec. 13: EL CALAFATE / BUENOS AIRES/ DEPART- – Breakfast

After breakfast time free until transfer to airport and fly to Buenos Aires where you will connect with your international flight.

CHILE EXTENSION:

DAY 11- TUE. Dec. 13: EL CALAFATE / PUERTO NATALES- Chile- – Breakfast & Lunch

After an early breakfast at El Calafate we travel overland to Frontera (the Chilean border-Castillo Hill). After completing customs formalities, we change to Chilean transport. Time free to have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Puerto Natales. We will stop on the way at the scenic spots to take pictures and to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery enroute. Puerto Natales is a formerly modest fishing port on Seno Última Esperanza, Puerto Natales has blossomed into a Gore-Tex mecca. The gateway to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.  Upon arrival check in at the Hotel and rest of the day is free. HOTEL COSTAUSTRALIS (Sea View room)-

DAY 12- WED. Dec. 14: PUERTO NATALES- TORRES DEL PAINE EXCURSION- Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, the excursion begins with a visit to the Milodon’s Cave, a remarkable cavern 200 meters long, 30 meters high and 80 meters wide located 25 km from Puerto Natales. A half-hour walk will take us into the cave, known for the discovery of fresh skin and bones from a prehistoric species of giant sloth, the Milodón. There have also been remains of other extinct animals, such as the dwarf horse and the saber-toothed tiger, after this interesting visit, we will travel towards the gates of the National Park Torres del Paine crossing numerous estancias and a landscape that goes from the steppe to the deciduous forest. On the way, it is possible to spot local fauna including the South American ostrich or Nandu and the guanaco, a wild llama. Torres del Paine is known worldwide for the massifs that give it its name; giant granite modelled by the force of glacial ice. After entering the park through the area of Portería Laguna Amarga, to enjoy excellent views of the spectacular Torres del Paine, having the opportunity to see the most famous viewpoints of Torres del Paine: Mirador Lago Sarmiento, Mirador Laguna Amarga where we will see the towers and Mirador Lago Nordenskjold. At each of the stop, we’ll be able to enjoy a totally unique view, different sceneries and totally different landscapes, different ecosystems and sample the diversity of the park. After this viewpoint we drive to Salto Grande a nice waterfall where we will have the opportunity for an easy walk (30 minutes), to enjoy this nice place. We head next to Hotel Lago Pehoé to enjoy lunch with great panoramic view of Lake Pehoé and the Cuernos del Paine. After lunch, we continue to Lake Grey, where we will take a walk to a panoramic point from which we can contemplate the icebergs and the glacier of the same name. Continue by road that borders the lakes Toro, Porteño and Sofía. Enjoy the scenery and take pictures before returning to Puerto Natales. HOTEL COSTAUSTRALIS (Sea View room)

DAY 13- THU. Dec. 15: PUERTO NATALES- ESTANCIA OLGA TERESA- CONDORS OF PATAGONIA – PUNTA ARENAS– Breakfast

After an early breakfast leave Puerto Natales to drive towards Punta Arenas, after about 150 km. we take a detour to the Rio Verde area and drive another 40 km. to arrive to Estancia Olga Teresa which is a ranch located in the middle of a vast rural community. This property is a typical ‘estancia’ of the Chilean Patagonia, where visitors can enjoy Magellanic livestock traditions, typical of the area, and an encounter with nature in a unique and welcoming environment. In 2000, the family started the agro tourism activity as a complement to the livestock. In this task, the whole family and its permanent collaborators participate, demonstrating the work of the sheep, dogs, and the shearing of the sheep.

CONDORS OF PATAGONIA

There is nowhere else that is so readily accessible and protected to observe and photograph the world’s largest flying bird, the majestic and famous Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). We will drive to the largest condor viewing site in all Chilean Patagonia, which features an average of 40 to 50 condors throughout the year. The visit to the site involves a short walk of about 500 meters on level ground, to a rock wall that serves as a roosting area for condors. Researchers will show the condors through a powerful telescope and visitors will be provided the use of professional-quality binoculars by the conservation project staff. Meanwhile, a researcher will describe the condor biology and behavior and will use the telescope to point out selected specimens that are identified by name. There will be opportunities to take “trophy photos” with normal cameras or cell phone cameras.

Afterwards we continue travel for about 75 km to Punta Arenas. Arriving in time for Lunch on own. Rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town, a short walk from our excellent hotel location. HOTEL CABO DE HORNOS (Standard room)

DAY 14- FRI. Dec. 16: PUNTA ARENAS- CITY TOUR- Breakfast

Punta Arenas is the capital city of Chilean Patagonia and the departure point for many expeditions to Antarctica. The city was founded in 1848 at the extreme southern end of the continent. Punta Arenas was initially a penal colony and later attracted many immigrants from Europe and the Chilean region of Chiloé. We will visit the Cerro de la Cruz lookout to see the bright colors of the city roofs, the Strait of Magellan, and the island of Tierra del Fuego on the horizon. Then we will head for the main city plaza, named after former governor Muñoz Gamero. This plaza has been the heart of the city since the end of the 19th century. it features a number of opportunities for buying souvenirs and handicrafts from the region. In the center of the plaza you will see an imposing statue of Ferdinand Magellan, while the buildings facing the plaza reflect the neoclassical style popular with the early magnates of the regional sheep industry. The tour continues to the Salesian Maggiorino Borgatello museum, one of the oldest in Chile. The exhibits include permanent collections related to local flora and fauna, colonial-era artefacts, Antarctica, the ethnography of the region, an important map collection, local industrial materials, and items from Salesian missions at Dawson Island and Río Grande (Tierra del Fuego). Before returning to the hotel, we will also visit the northern sector of the city to take in several noteworthy monuments. These include the famous monument to the Magellanic shepherd, another related to Croatian immigration to the region, and yet another representing the local petroleum industry.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on own. HOTEL CABO DE HORNOS (Standard room)

DAY 15- SAT. Dec. 17: PUNTA ARENAS/ SANTIAGO / DEPART- Breakfast

Breakfast at Hotel and time free until transfer to airport for flight Santiago & onward connection to your international flight. Explore city on own, take advantage of Tax-free shopping.  Or take optional tour.

MAGDALENA & MARTA ISLANDS (OPTIONAL)

The trip starts early in the morning as you are transferred out of Punta Arenas to the small Laredo Dock where our zodiac boat awaits. After we board the zodiac, the captain briefs us on safety procedures, the weather, and the itinerary. We start our bi-oceanic adventure heading north towards Magdalena Island. We’ll start to see different types of marine life hopefully including austral dolphins and whales swimming on the surface. We’ll also have a great view of Tierra del Fuego, Contramaestre island, and Isabel island. Arriving at the Isla Magdalena we witness the incredible scene of more than 150,000 penguins on this small island. We’re free to wander around and observe the penguins in their natural habit. Board the zodiac again and continue our journey to Marta Island. The ecological environment of this island is so fragile that we don’t disembark but get close enough to its shores to see a beautiful colony of sea lions and other species. We circle the island admiring the marine fauna, then head south back to Punta Arenas past the same stunning scenery which welcomed us en route. Once we arrive at Laredo dock we’re driven back to our hotel in Punta Arenas.

Option to stay at airport Hotel are available for participants with longer transit time between flights. Extra costs apply.

EXTEND YOU STAY TO VISIT OTHER INTERESTING ATTRACTIONS OF CHILE.

 LAND TOUR PRICE: 2022

Argentina:

$ 4,596.00 per person sharing

Single room- $ 5,655.00

Cash, Check & Bank WT discount:

$ 4,370.00 per person sharing

Single room- $ 5,370.00

Chile extension: Based on minimum 5 participants

$ 1,990.00 per person sharing

Single room- $ 2,500.00

Cash, Check & Bank WT discount:

$ 1,875.00 per person sharing

Single room- $ 2,380.00

Internal Argentina & Chile Airfare– $ 1056.00 per person in economy class.

International Airfares: Call for discounted airfares in Economy, premium Economy, and business class from your home city.

Note: Airfares are based on lowest available at time of quoting. Airfares are subject to change, flight schedules until ticketed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 310 373 1001 or 888 605 TOURS (8687).

E-mail: info@AclassicTour.com