PATAGONIA : A Wild Place at the End of the World

Transcription

1 PATAGONIA : A Wild Place at the End of the World Duration: 14 days / 13 nights Travel Style: Escorted by a tour leader Group: 6 to 12 people Nature: Culture: Encounters: Solidarity development fund: 3% Take a journey to the end of the world, where the landscape is both fierce and fascinating. Located at the southernmost tip of the Americas, Patagonia is one of the most mysterious and majestic places on the planet. Head to Patagonia for some stunning landscapes and 100 percent chance of escape. The awe-inspiring sights in this trip include the Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy, Torres Del Paine and the city of Ushuaia. Highlights Cruise between floating icebergs and admire the superb Perito Moreno Glacier; Hike in two pristine National Parks: Torres del Paine (Chile) and Los Glaciares (Argentina); Navigate the Beagle Channel.

2 YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE B.A Torres del Paine (chile) El Calafate El Chalten Ushuaia B.A. Buenos Aires El Chalten El Calafate P Natales Ushuaia

3 Day 1 BUENOS AIRES - PATAGONIA Arrival by international flight Flight Buenos Aires > El Calafate Arrive in Buenos Aires where you will board a flight to El Calafate. You will land in Patagonia either in the afternoon or the evening. Tonight, you will spend your first night in Patagonia. Accommodation: Hotel** Included meals: none NB : If necessary, transportation between the Ezeiza International Airport and Jorge Newberry National Airport will be provided. DAY 2 TORRES DEL PAINE Leave in the morning for Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, moving along the famous Ruta 40 (regular bus service). Crossing the Argentine pampas to the Chilean border, you will observe ñandus and guanacos in their natural environment. A van will take you to the most outstanding view points of the park from where you can take a short walk surrounded by nature. By mid-afternoon, board the catamaran to navigate across the calm, turquoise Lake Pehoe and finally reach the refugio Paine Grande. Transport: regular bus service 5h + catamaran 45m Accommodation: refuge, lunch and dinner Entrance to the park and Catamaran crossing not included (about USD 40 p.p.) NB : You will enjoy both breakfast and dinner in the refuge while lunch will consist of a lunch box. Day 3 TORRES DEL PAINE GREY GLACIER Today you will hike to Grey Glacier. The hike is a little demanding but with spectacular landscapes. First you will observe the impressive icebergs floating on Lake Grey. Then you will reach a viewpoint for exceptional views over the lake, the glacier and in the distance the "Hielo Continental" an exceptional expanse of ice running between Chile and Argentina. Accommodation: refuge, lunch and dinner Trekking: 7-8h - 500m change in altitude

4 DAY 4 PUERTO NATALES Board the catamaran to navigate back across Lake Pehoe. Reach the Park entrance and from there to Puerto Natale on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (regular bus service). In the afternoon enjoy a 2-hour hike to «Mirador Cerro Dorotea» reach the top of the lookout for amazing views of the fjords and Cordillera. The property owners might even provide you with snacks and warm tea after your hike. Transport: navigation + regular bus service 4h Accommodation: Hotel** Trekking: 2h - 300m change in altitude Entrance to Mirador Cerro Dorotea not included (about USD 7 p.p.) DAY 5 PERITO MORENO GLACIER Leave early in the morning to return to El Calafate, Argentina. Today you will experience the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. This is the most active glacier in Patagonia and with some luck you will hear the terrible cracking noise and possibly observe a massive block of ice falling into Lake Argentino. Enjoy different perspectives of Perito Moreno from the many viewpoints. In addition, you could board a boat to enjoy this amazing show of ice from even closer. Back to El Calafate in the afternoon. Transport: minibus group service 8h Accommodation: Bed & breakfast Entrance to the park not included (about USD 30 p.p.) DAY 6 GLACIERS AND ICEBERGS Leave at 7:15am from your hotel and start a cruise on Lake Argentino and its calm blue coloured waters. The navigation runs between fjords and floating icebergs of spectacular size and forms. Finally, you will approach the majestic fronts of the Glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini. Return to El Calafate at the end of the afternoon. Transport: minibus + navigation group service 8h Accommodation: Bed & breakfast Entrance to the park not included about USD 30 p.p.)

5 DAY 7 PATAGONIA, PURE NATURE Bus El Calafate > El Chalten In the morning, we set out to discover the Laguna Nimez. This lagoon, located near the shores of the Lake Argentino is the perfect spot to observe flamingos, swans, ibis, ducks and raptors. In the early afternoon leave for El Chalten. Truly beautiful scenery along the route, with the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Take a first glance at Viedma glacier and the granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. Transport: regular bus service 3h30 Accommodation: Bed & breakfast DAY 8 THE FITZ ROY - MAJESTIC SUMMIT Hike to Lake Torre for stunning views of Mount Torre a major challenge for best climbers. The lake, fed by Mount Torre s glacier, lies at the foot of this incredible 1000m high granite tower, with its famous needle shaped peak surmounted by an ice cap. The Fitz Roy, also known as Cerro Chalten, is very arduous to climb. Accommodation: Bed & breakfast Trekking: 5-7h hike depending on the trail 250m change in altitude DAY 9 ICE AND GRANITE Early departure for a beautiful hike at the foot Mount Fitz Roy, with its peaks and glaciers. Walk along turquois lakes before returning to El Chalten. A beautiful trek to discover the hanging Piedras Blancas Glacier and move along the shores of the lagoons Madre and Hija and De los Tres, all set in a magnificent scenery and wildlife. Accommodation: Bed & breakfast Trekking: 7-8 h hike depending on the trail 750m change in altitude NB: In bad weather and violent winds, the park administration may limit access to the Mirador Fitz Roy. DAY 10 El CHALTEN - USHUAIA Bus El Chalten > El Calafate Flight El Calafate > Ushuaia In the morning, you will join El Calafate s airport, where you will board a flight to Ushuaia. Located on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia offers a unique landscape, which combines mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. Transport: regular bus service 3h30 + domestic flight Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

6 DAY 11 BEAGLE CHANNEL Free morning to visit the city. You can choose to hike to Martial glacier for some spectacular views over Ushuaia and the Beagle canal. In the afternoon board a cruise over the Beagle channel (5h). Pass by the island Los Lobos, ideal for spotting sea lions and sea birds (albatrosses, petrels, etc.). The navigation will continue toward the famous lighthouse of Les Eclaireurs. The appeal of this cruise is seeing the southernmost city in the world from the point of view of the first sailors. Your navigation will eventually take you to the penguin colony at the mouth of the canal before returning to Ushuaia. Transport: catamaran 5h cruise Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast Day 12 TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK After a short bus transfer, you will start a nice hike on coastal and forest trails. Pass through Lake Roca, Pipo River, peat bogs, Lenga forest (upland beech specie of Tierra del Fuego) and beaver dams. The hike ends at the Bay Lapataia. Back in Ushuaia by mid- afternoon. Transport: bus 45min Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast and lunch box Trekking: 7-8 h hike DAY 13 BACK TO BUENOS AIRES Flight Ushuaia > Buenos Aires A transfer vehicle will take you to the airport in the afternoon for your flight to Buenos Aires. Spend the afternoon in the capital city. Transport: private transfer 45min Accommodation: hotel** Day 16 FINAL DAY IN ARGENTINA Departure of your international flight Free time in the capital city. Three hours before your international flight, a transfer vehicle will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport. Transport: private transfer 45 min End of your adventure in Patagonia This program is only given as an indication. TransHumans reserves the right, directly or through its local partners, to replace transportation, accommodation, itinerary, as well as dates and departure times, without the participants being able to claim any compensation.

7 PATAGONIA : A Wild Place at the End of the World Starting from $ 3099 USD 4-5 people: $ 3415 USD 6-7 people : $3249 USD 8-9 people : $ 3169 USD people : $ 3099 USD Departure Dates: 8 th October 2017 and 25 th February 2018 Note: Prices are based on the latest information available to us but can change. Please make sure you check with us the up to date price before booking a trip. The price includes 3 Domestic flights: Buenos Aires > El Calafate > Ushuaia > Buenos Aires; Ground transfers as mentioned in the program; Regular bus service El Calafate / El Chalten / El Calafate; 2 nights in Refuge, 3 nights in Hotel**, 8 nights in Bed & Breakfast (Double room); All the meals as mentioned in the programme; Navigation on Lake Argentino; Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier; Navigation on the Beagle Channel; Excursion to Tierra del Fuego National park; An English/Spanish speaking tour leader and local team assisting you throughout the trip. The price does not include International flights and Taxes; Entrance to the National Park Los Glaciares (aprox. USD 30 p.p) on day 5 and 6 ; Entrance to the National Park Torres del Paine (aprox. USD 30 p.p) on day 2 ; Drinks and personal expenses; The single occupancy supplement: $380 (no private room available in the refuge); The comprehensive insurance and repatriation assistance. and more generally all that is not mentioned in "the price includes" section. Some important facts Domestic flight(s) is included; Transfers to/ from airport/hotel are included; Accommodation is included and selected based on quality and hygiene; Local partners are fairly compensated; 3% of the price of your trip goes directly to support a local educational project of cultural and environmental development.

8 PRACTICAL INFORMATION Accompanying English and Spanish speaking The day of your arrival, you will be received by an English-speaking member of our staff. You will be accompanied by a bilingual tour leader throughout your stay in Patagonia. When to travel to Patagonia? The best season for visiting this part of Argentina and Chile is from November to late March (summer and springtime in the southern hemisphere). Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less abundant, making this period ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities. The climate can be capricious in Patagonia, with fierce winds, rain and clouds scurrying across the sky at a fast pace, constantly displaying the extraordinary scenery in a new light. It is not uncommon to have sunshine, wind, rain and even snow on a single day, even during summertime. The key is to layer for cold weather, take off layers when the day gets warmer and wear waterproof clothing. Besides this season, two recommendable months are July and August. These are very cold months in Patagonia but the weather normally stabilizes in this period with many beautiful sunny days and little wind! Local Transportation Travelling by bus is the most popular and cheapest way to discover the country. Classes range from Semi-Cama to Cama Suite with wider seats which are reclining to a horizontal position almost like being in bed. Distances are long and it takes more than 40-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. Bus lines connect major cities together. The buses run at an average speed of 80 km/h. For long distances, the plane remains the most convenient mean of transportation. NOTE: TransHumans offers the option of booking for you the international flight ticket; we will seek and book for you the best deals. Price may vary depending on the time of purchase but can vary between $1000 and $1600 insurance included. Formalities PASSPORT & VISA: A valid passport is sufficient for most European and US citizens; a tourist visa will be issued at entry to the territory. If the stay exceeds the three months, it will be necessary to apply for a visa at the Embassy in your country. However, U.S. citizen tourists must pay a $160 reciprocity fee prior to arrival in Argentina. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. REMINDER: Make copies of all your important documents (passport, flight tickets, insurance, and credit card). Leave one copy of each at home and pack one with you.

9 EQUIPMENT GOOD GEAR WILL ALLOW YOU TO BETTER ENJOY YOUR TRIP Clothing Given the relatively wet weather prevailing in the region, it is essential to have waterproof trousers and jacket with you in your bag. Also, bring warm clothes since evenings and nights are often chilly. Wearing layers of clothes can be a good idea to easily adapt to the weather conditions. Typical layers include: t-shirt, sweater, fleece, wind/water proof layer. We highly recommend lightweight, quick-drying technical clothing. Avoid rain capes as they easily get stuck to branches with the wind. Remember to take with you gloves, waterproof hiking shoes, hat and sunglasses (minimum lens category 3). Miscellaneous -Toiletry bag (biodegradable products are preferred) -Small quick-drying towel -Sunscreen lotion -Insect repellent DEET (+ 40% for good protection). This is also useful against fleas which can be a nuisance for people with sensitive skin. -Head torch (with spare batteries and bulbs) -Bottle and/or camel bag -Pocket knife (checked luggage) -Money belt or pouch to safely store your passport, currency, credit cards, personal papers, insurance papers. -A copy of your passport. -Power sockets in Argentina are type C and I; Voltage: 220 V. Medical kit -Antidiarrheal medication (i.e. Smecta and Imodium) -Antihistamine -Plasters, sterile dressings and antiseptics -Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen) -Elastic adhesive bandage -Anti-inflammatory ointment or cream -Water purification tablets NOTE: Most of these products are also available in local pharmacies. Luggage Please arrange your belongings in two bags: -Small backpack (capacity 25/40 litres). This is your hand luggage you will take with you on the plane as well as every day during hikes, excursions and transfers. -Large waterproof backpack to check-in (capacity 60 to 90 litres). -Large plastic bag to protect from moisture your belongings in your backpacks.

10 HEALTH Vaccines The country does not present any health risks, and the water is potable almost everywhere. No vaccine is mandatory for Argentina, but some are recommended: Tetanus-diphtheria Polio Pertussis Hepatitis B For children and those born before 1980: measles, mumps rubella. Other risks Try to avoid contact with insects. Fleas tend to be a nuisance for sensitive skin. Regular insect repellent is also effective against fleas and dengue. Medical Assistance Medical care is excellent in most tourist areas in Argentina. For more remote areas, in case of urgent medical assistance, contact your Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We highly recommend you to contact your insurance as soon as possible.

11 RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Cultural awareness is very important to us. Sensible to the local cultural traditions and beliefs, the beauty of the landscapes and the biodiversity of the ecosystems, we choose to limit the negative impact of our activities on the local environment. In addition to designing trips that aim at preserving the natural, cultural and social resources of the territories in the long term, we also include the concept of Territorial Compensation. The idea of Territorial Compensation is to help local people protect and conserve their ecosystem, enhance their cultural heritage and develop sustainable projects for their territory. Based on this concept of territorial Compensation, TransHumans donates 3% of the total price of each trip to this cause. The money goes directly into a solidarity fund that finances our ERECA program (Education Relative à l'environnement et aux Cultures Aborigènes), an environmental and cultural program. Since 2007, we have supported various projects aimed at training and awareness-raising for the local communities.