Patagonia Family Adventure

Transcription

1 Patagonia Family Adventure Duration: 9 day/ 8 nights Start: Calafate, Argentina Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina Price From: US$7,495 per person (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Amanda Gary To say Amanda Gary s resume is varied would an understatement. Unless, of course, you know someone else who s CV includes ski patroller, bookkeeper, a stint in a lawyer s office, Italian tutor, freelance writer and, briefly, sandwich board wearing empanada saleswoman. Such diversity has been a driving force in Amanda s career and has translated into her travels. Now based in Buenos Aires, the native of Malibu California has guided more than 20 trips in regions ranging from Italy to Ireland. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars Butterfield & Robinson Inc

2 Your Journey Flying low across the sinuous Santa Cruz River as you land in Calafate, the sensation of being transported into another reality is inescapable. The magnificent silence and vast expanses of this gorgeous landscape make it easy to imagine a 23-year-old Charles Darwin rowing his boat up this very same river and uncovering the turquoise water of Lago Argentina, then unknown and unnamed, just as we do now. Spend the first days rapt and beholden by the majesty of the local glaciers, including the legendary Perito Moreno. Then, edging north, make your way to an even more remote piece of paradise on the southwestern shore of Lago Viedma, where you ll have privileged access to UNESCO world heritage site, Los Glaciares National Park. From there, leave behind the Southern steppe and head north to Bariloche, spending your last three nights among the verdant forests of Peuma Hue and fully immersing yourselves in the natural wonderland that is Northern Patagonia. Day 1 Lago Argentino, Santa Cruz Upon arriving in Calafate, you ll be welcomed at the airport by your local host. Your driver will shuttle you to your hotel, stopping along the way so you can dip your toes in the simulated glacier at the Glaciarium the who s who of ice information! Meals: Dinner Activity: A guided visit to the Ice Museum on the way to the hotel Day 2 Adventure always seems to be calling in Patagonia take full advantage of it today as you head up Cerro Frias in 4x4s, strap in and cruise down the longest zip line in South America! At the end of the line, your host will be waiting with a tasty prepared lunch and ready to bring you to the imposing and unforgettable Perito Moreno (one of only three glaciers in the world that are still currently growing). Winding your way down and around the face of this ice mass, you ll begin to see how small we really are as you board your private Zodiac, a speck on the water next to the 240 foot glacier. Then, head further down the lake to a working estancia where you ll witness a real sheep shearing and get a taste of the no-frills labour that still goes on as a way of life in Patagonia. Activity: Zip line in the morning; a boat trip and a 2 km walk around the Perito Moreno 2

3 Day 3 Get ready for a full day of exploring the lesser known glaciers just south of Lago Argentino, both by water and over land. Putting in at Lago Roca, you ll cruise down the untapped southern arm of the lake in your Zodiac until you reach shore. After a short 2 km walk through a glacial forest (not an oxymoron), you ll re-board your inflatable boat for a quick hop across Lake Frias. Thanks to years and years of slowly shifting ice, the 4 km valley-hike that follows will be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic glacier views, with one actually spilling down from the Chilean icefield. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A full day interspersed with zodiac navigation on the lake and 6 km walking throughout the day. HOTEL Eolo, Calafate Simply put, there is no better place to call home while in Calafate. Perched on the foothills just above the Anita Valley, this sumptuous 17-room lodge offers luxury inside and out. The rustic elegance and spaciousness of the hotel complements perfectly the uninterrupted panoramic views of Torres del Paine and the turquoise Lago Argentino that surround it. The sophisticated cuisine and tasteful simplicity represent the finest of Patagonia. Day 4 Lago Viedma, Santa Cruz Leaving behind the Torres del Paine that have greeted you every morning with their extraordinary views, you ll follow the lake north, as did Charles Darwin, and stop at the legendary La Leona, so named for the puma that chased him along the river (fear not, the river has been vetted for pumas by your local guide). An easy day of rafting allows for a similar experience to Darwin s adventures in these southern wilds, back before the lake had a name. Your driver will then escort you along the southern shore of Lake Viedma to your new home, nestled at the foot of UNESCO heritage site, Glaciers National Park. Arriving in the early evening, you ll have time to relax before dinner as you take in the stunning view of Fitz Roy this legendary peak is just across the lake in El Chalten, and is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Activity: Easy rafting down the Rio La Leona (7 km) 3

4 HOTEL Helsingfors, Lago Viedma A cherished escape amidst an epic landscape, this nine suite Andean lodge in Los Glaciares National Park is a glorious hub for endless activities from glacier hikes and horseback riding, to fishing and beach excursions. Active days are met by restful nights, dining on exemplary regional cuisine and time getting acquainted with some superb Argentinian vintages. Day 5 After a leisurely breakfast, you ll spend your final day here witnessing nature at its most generous. Alongside a guide, you ll set off on horseback, traversing up the hill just behind the lodge and through the lenga tree cemetery. Passing into a small forest, your horses will rest here while you continue on foot to the Blue Lagoon a site that no photo could ever do justice (don t tell the kids though, it s worth the surprise). Following a picnic lunch, you ll make your way back down, join up again with the horses and meander your way back to the lodge (perhaps in the company of guanacos and condors) for a game of komikan by the fire before dinner. Activity: A moderate 16 km walk / horseback ride to a stunning lagoon, tucked into the crest of the mountain behind the lodge. Day 6 This morning, be sure to nibble a Calafate berry before bidding farewell to Lago Viedma local legend has it that a taste of one of these mystical fruits will ensure your return to Patagonia someday. After saying goodbye to the pink flamingos and ostriches lingering on the shore, you ll have lunch on our own in Calafate and then board your flight to Bariloche, having fully experienced the majesty of Southern Patagonia. Pass through the town of Bariloche on your way to Peuma Hue, where you can take a stroll and enjoy a soak with a view as you revel in the hidden majesty of the lodge property from the wood-fired hot tub before dinner. Activity: An easy walk through the woods (2-3 km) 4

5 HOTEL Peuma Hue, Bariloche In Mapuche, Peu ma Hue means place of dreams and there is no better way to describe this eco lodge. The charm of Peuma Hue comes not only from the unbeatable setting of the lodge, hidden at the southern tip of Lago Gutiérrez on 500 acres of wilderness, but also from the thoughtfulness put into every detail by Evelyn, the owner, and her caring team. Day 7 Today is yours to explore Peuma Hue at your leisure. The options are endless: kayak on Lake Gutiérrez; go horseback riding with the local guide; hike up to the lake-top lookout point, or to the illustrious Jacuzzi Falls; practice yoga; relax and read a book on the deck overlooking the water the list goes on (we weren't kidding when we said endless ). Think of today as a way for you to truly appreciate the essence of where you are and treat yourselves to some well-deserved down time. Activity: Kayaking, horseback riding, yoga, hiking all at your leisure Day 8 There is no better way to spend your last day in Patagonia than with our local friend Nahuel who will pick you up at Peuma Hue and whisk you around the western part of his namesake (Lake Nahuel Huapi) and to your boat for the day. On board with your captain, you ll cruise to Isla Victoria, a small island on which Nahuel s mother built the local schoolhouse and where he lived as a young boy. He ll share an insider s view of life in Bariloche as you make your way around the paths, eventually finding yourselves on the beach for lunch. Coasting along the lakeshore on your way back, you ll stop off for dinner at an excellent local restaurant before making your way back to Peuma Hue. Activity: Sailing on Lake Nahuel Huapi; a 3 km walk through and around Isla Victoria Day 9 Farewell This morning, take in your final views of Northern Patagonia as you make your way to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Meals: Breakfast 5

6 The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - US$7,995 per person based on double occupancy 4 travellers - US$7,495 per person based on double occupancy 6 travellers - US$7,495 per person based on double occupancy Start: Calafate, Argentina Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina Best time to visit: November to early March LEVEL OF ACTIVITY This trip is appropriate for people who enjoy a good walk and feel comfortable while on the move. Daily distances usually vary from 8 to 10 km, with some longer afternoon options along the way. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation Meals as indicated Services of B&R-trained local guide(s) All special events and private tours All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for local guides 6

7 About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, pack your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailor-make a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. 7