ARGENTINA WILDLIFE ADVENTURE 13 DAYS

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Marianna Boyd
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1 ARGENTINA WILDLIFE ADVENTURE 13 DAYS

2 Itinerary Overview Travel in Argentina to the most impressive parks and wildlife reserves including the Perito Moreno Glacier of Los Glaciares National Park; the Peninsula Valdes, habitat of giant elephant seals, migrating whales and Magellanic penguins; the spectacular tropical rainforests of Iguazu Falls; and the vast wetlands of Iberá Marsh in Corrientes Province, where forests and lagoons merge creating one of the most exciting spectacles of wildlife in South America including giant otter, marsh deer, jaguar, tapir, caiman and hundreds of bird species. As the third country in the world to establish National Parks, preservation of wild places has long been at the heart of Argentine culture and policy despite periods of drastic political change. From seemingly-impenetrable walls of ice to dense jungle buzzing with butterflies and bird life, this itinerary explores the distinctive landscapes and ecosystems of two national parks and two nature reserves and offers travelers a glimpse into Argentina's endless array of habitats. Accompanied by local naturalist guides and gauchos we enjoy easy day hikes, observe wildlife and photograph spectacular South American landscapes based from local inns, estancias and boutique hotels. This Argentina adventure is ideal for active wildlife enthusiasts who also want to experience the heart and soul of Argentine culture. We can easily adapt it to the special interests of families or design it as a romantic Argentina honeymoon itinerary with hotel upgrades, wine tastings and more. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 BUENOS AIRES Awwa Suites 2 PENINSULA VALDES 3 PENINSULA VALDES 4 EL CALAFATE 5 EL CALAFATE 6 EL CALAFATE 7 IGUAZU FALLS 8 IGUAZU FALLS 9 IBERÁ MARSH 10 IBERÁ MARSH 11 IBERÁ MARSH Hosteria del Nomade Hosteria del Nomade Kau Yatun Kau Yatun Kau Yatun Panoramic Panoramic Rincon del Socorro Rincon del Socorro Rincon del Socorro BL BL B BL B B B BLD BLD BLD 12 BUENOS AIRES Awwa Suites B 13 DEPART B Arrival transfer in. Costanera Sur Nature Reserve Fly to Trelew-Punta Tombo penguin colony Peninsula Valdes wildlife viewing Arrive El Calafate Perito Moreno glacier walk. Lago Roca hike and optional horseback riding Fly to Iguazu Falls Iguazu National Park tour San Ignacio Mission, travel through Corrientes Guided wildlife viewing with gaucho guide in the wetlands Guided wildlife viewing with gaucho guide in the wetlands Transfer to Posada airport, fly to Buenos Aires. Day room. Evening departure transfer to airport -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES Airport reception in Buenos Aires and transfer in to your hotel. In the afternoon we explore the Costanera Sur Nature Reserve, just a few minutes from the heart of the city along the edge of Puerto Madero. Accompanied by a local naturalist guide we walk through a beautiful area of the Puerto Madero River which has remained largely untouched during the expansion of Buenos Aires. Overnight at Awwa Suites. Note: Taxi transport is required from your hotel to Costanera Sur and is payable direct. DAY 2: TRELEW PUNTA TOMBO PENINSULA VALDES Early morning transfer for the flight to Trelew on the Atlantic coast. Our local naturalist guide meets us upon arrival in Trelew to explore Punta Tombo, the most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. Walk on trails among nearly a million penguins (in season*) approaching within a few feet for excellent close-up photographs and observation. Kelp gulls, Skuas, Cormorants, Giant petrels, Dolphin gulls and Chubut steamer ducks are among the many birds that inhabit the reserve. Guanacos and Rheas wander freely among the multitude of penguins. After lunch, continue north on the isthmus to the town of Puerto Piramades, a colorful seaside enclave and point of embarkation for whale-watching excursions. Time and interest permitting, we stop at Puerto Madryn en route and visit either the Museum of the Man & the Sea or the EcoCentro which offers young naturalists a hands-on introduction to the region s marine fauna. (Museum fees are an additional cost.) Overnight at Hosteria del Nomade, a short walk from the heart of Puerto Piramades. [BL] *Note: See Magellanic penguin natural lifecycle schedule below. DAY 3: PENINSULA VALDES Full day excursion to explore Peninsula Valdes for the finest wildlife viewing in Patagonia. The planktonrich Falkland Current provides food for the peninsula's large colonies of South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals. Visit breeding grounds of sea lions and elephant seals, observe flocks of migratory shore birds and watch for guanacos, rheas, maras, hairy armadillos, Elegant-crested tinamous and fox running freely across the steppe. From mid-february to April, orcas patrol the shores near Punta Norte for young sea lions. Here we can observe the technique of intentional stranding, a hunting style practiced only by the orcas of the Valdes Peninsula. Overnight Hosteria del Nomade. [BL] Note: Add optional whale watching boat trip to see Southern Right Whales from July through December, approximately $75 per person in either morning or afternoon. Shared service. DAY 4: EL CALAFATE Transfer to the airport for flight to El Calafate, a small mountain town that serves as a base for explorations of the Patagonian Continental Ice Cap and Los Glaciares National Park. The ice cap runs 560 miles from north to south and is the origin of 47 major glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival and then relax before a traditional gaucho drum and dance ceremony at the Estancia Kau Yatun s traditional Quincho outdoor BBQ. Overnight at Kau Yatun. [B] DAY 5: PERITO MORENO GLACIER WALK As part of a small group, we travel by motor coach this morning to a spectacular lookout of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Permanently advancing along its 3-mile-front, columns of ice over 20 stories high peel off the face and crash into Lago Argentino creating massive icebergs. We cross Lago Argentino by catamaran along the front wall of the glacier to the edge of the Patagonian Ice Cap. Watch -3-

4 and listen as the glacier calves enormous shards of ice into the lake. We disembark, walk through the beech forest and have a safety briefing before strapping on crampons and hiking up onto the ice pack. Watch for Andean condor and buff-necked Ibis. Overnight at Kau Yatun. [BL] Note: The Moreno Glacier Walk is a group excursion of up to 20 persons conducted by a local park concession for ages (exceptions may be granted in Calafate). Ask about our Big Ice Exploration, an alternative, longer, 6-hour hike with a smaller group that ventures deeper into the depths of the glacier for ages DAY 6: CALAFATE LAGO ROCA AND NIBEPO AIKE Enjoy a half-day excursion to Lago Roca, a beautiful mountain lake, and Estancia Nibepo Aike. Set within Los Glaciares National Park, this traditional estancia dating from the beginning of the 20th centuryoffers an impressive view over Lake Argentina and an introduction to the activities of a sheep-breeding ranch. After a delicious and traditional lamb asado cooked over the open flame for lunch we have options to hike along the coast of the lake, opt for a horseback ride through the vast property, or climb the Crystal Mount lookout point where condors often fly overhead. On a clear day you can see Torres del Paine in Chile, the various arms of Lake Argentina and the Patagonia Ice Cap. There is also free time to walk, shop and enjoy local restaurants in town. Overnight at Kau Yatun. [BL] DAY 7: FLY TO IGUAZU FALLS Transfer to El Calafate airport for morning flight to Iguazu where we are greeted and escorted to the Panoramic. This restored boutique hotel is a popular gathering place for local residents from around Misiones province and is located within town, a short distance from a fun, open-air exchange market for Brazilian and Argentine goods. Stroll the streets on your own and take in the scene or enjoy the tropical weather poolside, overlooking the meeting point between the Iguazu and Parana Rivers. Overnight at the Panoramic in a river view room. [B] DAY 8: IGUAZU FALLS The Iguazú Falls are over a mile wide, plunge 260 feet in a thunderous roar and are surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Explore the tropical rain forests and falls on this Iguazu Falls National Park tour with our private naturalist guide, hiking on trails and catwalks to lookouts among misty forests of giant ferns, vines and orchids looking for butterflies, monkeys, peccary, deer and abundant birdlife. Vantage points around the falls let you photograph the cataracts and rainbows from many different angles. Overnight at Panoramic in a River View Room. [B] DAY 9: SAN IGNACIO MISSION CORRIENTES & IBERA WETLANDS We leave Puerto Iguazu in the early morning for a full day of adventure driving through some of the most beguiling regions of Argentina. [8 hrs total drive over some unpaved roads] Traveling south through Misiones province to San Ignacio Mini we explore the ruins of a beautiful mission founded by the Jesuits in the early 1600s and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Threatened by the political and economic power that the Jesuits seemed to hold, the Spanish and Portuguese crowns expelled the sect from their kingdoms in the late 1700s (as portrayed in the movie The Mission ) and the ruins were nearly reclaimed by the jungle. We explore the rich architectural complex with our resident guide before continuing into Corrientes Province and the Iberá Wetlands, the second-largest wetland in the world after the Pantanal in Brazil, often referred to as the Serengeti of South America. From the town of Posadas we transfer to Rincon del Socorro, a historic hosteria set amidst a 30,000 acre wildlife refuge and haven. Overnight in Rincon del Socorro. [BLD] DAYS 10 & 11: IBERÁ WETLANDS The vast marshes of the Iberá Wetlands offer one of the most exciting spectacles of wildlife in South America. Howler monkeys, huge caimans, larges groups of capybaras, anteaters and marsh deer are commonly seen, along with over 300 species of birds including Greater Rheas standing as tall as humans. The endangered maned wolf and Parana otter also find refuge here. -4-

5 Once a working cattle ranch, former gauchos turned naturalist guides share their history and knowledge of the pampas leading us throughout this diverse habitat by boat, 4WD vehicle, on foot and on horseback while observing wildlife and learning about the settlers and natural history of the protected reserve. There is also an opportunity to be a gaucho for a day and assist with the seasonal cattle round-up at certain times per year. Well of the beaten-path this hidden gem presents ample opportunities to relax, reconnect and discover the true nature of Argentina. Overnight at Rincon del Socorro. [BLD] DAY 12: BUENOS AIRES Transfer to the Posadas Airport for an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Airport reception and transfer in to the Awwa Suites hotel, well-located in the Recoleta neighborhood. Famous Recoleta cemetery, the Evita Museum (have lunch here!) and the zoological park and gardens are all within a few blocks. Overnight at the Awwa Suites in a balcony room. [B] DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES AND DEPARTURE Enjoy a free day to walk or shop in this vibrant city, join a bicycle tour, kayak on the Parana River delta, or ask about our Four Balconies of Buenos Aires tour for an in-depth look at the city with a local experts who introduce us to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of Porteño residents (tours not included and are available at an additional cost). The hotel room is available for day-use until your evening transfer to the airport for flight departure. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -5-

6 PRICING GROUP SIZE: Land cost per person $5375 $4825 $4525 Internal airfare* $1100 $1100 $1100 *Airfare cost is approximate and subject to change until ticketing. Allowing us to assist with arranging an air pass in conjunction with your international tickets can often reduce the cost of internal flights. INCLUDED SERVICES Local airfare Santiago-Trelew, Trelew-El Calafate, El Calafate-Iguazu, Posadas-Buenos Aires (listed separately) 12 nights hotel and lodge accommodations as indicated English-speaking naturalist guides Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; Services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation and tour operations Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation Airport taxes ($141 reciprocity fee arriving Argentina, $5 Trelew, $11 El Calafate) Airport taxes can be paid in Argentine Pesos or USD cash, or by debit card. Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above *PENGUIN LIFECYCLE AT PUNTA TOMBO January: Chicks leave their nests, grow swimming feathers and start learning to swim in the sea. February: Young molt, take the beaches in swarms. March-April: Molting season ends for the young and starts for adults; birds start their northward migration. May, June, July and August: No Magellan penguins are visible, because they are always feeding out at sea. August-September: Adult males and females arrive, mark their territories and build their nests. October-November: Brooding and hatching season lasts between 30 and 45 days. December: Chicks grow, intensive activity on the beach, seagulls and skuas hover to pillage nests. You will need to carry about $500 extra cash (must be in US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. -6-

Accommodations AWWA SUITES, BUENOS AIRES Modern design hotel between the Recoleta and Palermo districts.

location popular with locals for sunny weekend picnics. Rooms are large and spacious, with wooden floors and large windows. Several rooms boast small step-out balconies.

HOSTERIA NOMADES, PUERTO PIRAMADES Lying within the Peninsula Valdes Nature Reserve, the small coastal town of Puerto Piramades is an excellent base for exploring wildlife-rich Chubut and viewing

Eight large, comfortable rooms have wi-fi access and spacious en suite bathrooms, redefining what you think an eco-hotel should be!

7 Accommodations AWWA SUITES, BUENOS AIRES Modern design hotel between the Recoleta and Palermo districts. The location can t be beat for access to great restaurants and boutique shops as well as close proximity to the Evita Museum, MALBA, Recoleta Cemetery, zoological park and Bosques de Palermo a location popular with locals for sunny weekend picnics. Rooms are large and spacious, with wooden floors and large windows. Several rooms boast small step-out balconies. A small spa-menu is available, as well as a heated-swimming pool. HOSTERIA NOMADES, PUERTO PIRAMADES Lying within the Peninsula Valdes Nature Reserve, the small coastal town of Puerto Piramades is an excellent base for exploring wildlife-rich Chubut and viewing whales, sea lions, orcas, penguins, guanacos and many, many other animals. A green hotel, the eco-lodge uses solar energy as much as possible and practices water recycling. Eight large, comfortable rooms have wi-fi access and spacious en suite bathrooms, redefining what you think an eco-hotel should be! Breads and pastries for breakfast are baked fresh daily on premise and restaurants in town are just a 5-10 minute walk away. EL CAMPO KAU YATUN, EL CALAFATE With the passing of time the 25 de Mayo Ranch has been transformed into one of the most traditional hotels in El Calafate, Kau Yatun, retaining its country style and hospitality of the first settlers. At Kau Yatun, large rooms and suites overlooking the garden combine the style of the typical Patagonian ranches with the comfort of a four star hotel. Located a few blocks from the town centre of Calafate, the hotel sits in a small valley surrounded by trees, at the foot of the Calafate Hill on the Kau Yatun stream. PANORAMIC HOTEL, PUERTO IGUAZU The falls aren't the only good views in Iguazú: half the rooms of this chic and historic offer views of the jungle-framed waters of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. Room as spacious and contemporary with clean lines offset by dark wood furniture. All can be equipped with either king or twin beds, flat-screen TVs, and Jacuzzi bathtubs. Even the pool, set on a large terrace, looks over the river. The view gets seriously panoramic from the topfloor bar, one of the best sundowner spots in town, though soon to be converted into a spa. -7-

RINCON DEL SOCORRO, IBERÁ WETLANDS Once a ranch ravaged by grazing Rincón del Socorro is now a 30,000-acre wildlife refuge and eco- retreat in Argentina's northeastern Corrientes province.

8 RINCON DEL SOCORRO, IBERÁ WETLANDS Once a ranch ravaged by grazing Rincón del Socorro is now a 30,000-acre wildlife refuge and eco- retreat in Argentina's northeastern Corrientes province. Opened in 2004, it owes its makeover to the Conservation Land Trust, founded by Doug Tompkins, former owner of The North Face, and is now a magnet for solitude seekers and wildlife watchers. Lodgings are spread throughout three restored bungalows and El Casco, the main house, built in El Casco has six vast rooms with high beamed-ceilings and plush beds, a cozy, well-stocked library, and a screened veranda perfect for afternoon tea and chipas, a bread made from cassava. Cuisine is excellent and locally inspired, including produce from the ranch s organic gardens. -8-

9 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program Directors at Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and the initial trip deposit. Deposit requirements are as follows*: $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person 91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips) days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost *Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as 100% of the cost. PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS We think our trips are the best in the business. But don t take just our word for it. We re happy to provide you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a We re here to help. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at or use the Contact a Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions Wildland Adventures How to Reserve a Trip

Itinerary Overview. Posada Los Mimbres Posada Los Mimbres Hosteria Los Fuegos Hosteria Los Fuegos Hosteria Los Fuegos Hotel Kau Yatun Hotel Kau Yatun

Itinerary Overview. Posada Los Mimbres Posada Los Mimbres Hosteria Los Fuegos Hosteria Los Fuegos Hosteria Los Fuegos Hotel Kau Yatun Hotel Kau Yatun BEST OF ARGENTINA Itinerary Overview This lodge-based natural history exploration takes you to the most impressive parks and wildlife reserves of Argentina including Los Glaciares National Park, Tierra