Southern Patagonia Active Expedition

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Southern Patagonia Active Expedition"

Dennis Davis
5 years ago
Views:

Southern Patagonia Active Expedition Duration: 8 days/7 nights Start: Calafate, Argentina Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina Price From: US$5,995 per person (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request

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

1 Southern Patagonia Active Expedition Duration: 8 days/7 nights Start: Calafate, Argentina Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina Price From: US$5,995 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 Welcome to the end of the world. Unparalleled expanses, dramatic isolation and striking color puts Southern Patagonia on a plane all its own. Lake Argentino will be the jewel bearing of your week s journey; this turquoise giant is the largest freshwater lake in all of Argentina! Surrounded on all sides by beauty, your first three days will be spent nestled into the heart of the valley with a stunning view of the Chilean Torres del Paine just 80 km to the west, and a stone s throw (which in Patagonia is about 70 km) from the most renowned glacier in the world, the Perito Moreno. You ll navigate through lakes, wind your way through the icebergs of the Upsala glacier, and surrender yourselves to the remoteness of the region at the Estancia Cristina, only accessible by boat. You may even start to forget what civilization feels like as you head north for the virtually uninhabited southern shore of Lake Viedma, where you ll find yourselves the gatekeepers of Los Glaciares National Park, with a view all your own of the majestic Fitz Roy, named after the captain of Charles Darwin s vessel on his epic explorations of this imposing and untamed territory in the 1830s. Enjoy your journey! Day 1 Lago Argentino, Santa Cruz Upon arrival in Calafate, you ll be met at the airport by a driver who will shepherd you west along the shore of the Lago Argentina and through the town of Calafate, where you ll quickly get the sense of just how different life is down here. After settling in at the Eolo, you ll head out for a stroll through the Anita Valley to a lagoon perfectly positioned for a view of the Chilean Andes before a cocktail and dinner. Meals: Dinner Activity: A 4 km easygoing walk Day 2 Today you ll head out early to take in views of the imposing and unforgettable Perito Moreno glacier in the morning light. As you wind your way down and around the face of this ice mass (big enough to fit all of Buenos Aires within its borders), you ll gain a certain understanding of just how small we truly are. After lunch in a quaint restaurant, which was once the area s old power station (lovingly restored by two locals who are passionate about this magical slice of earth), we ll make our way back to the Eolo by way of a working estancia. Here, we ll get a taste of the no-frills labour that still goes on as a way of life in Patagonia. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Activity: 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 ice field. Meal: Breakfast 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 Estancia Cristina, Santa Cruz Leaving behind the Torres del Paine that have greeted you every morning with their extraordinary views, you ll board a catamaran and navigate through the narrowest point of the Lago Argentino on your way up to the Upsala Glacier a colossal specimen, which stretches for 43 miles beyond the face. Making your way through the bobbing icebergs that pepper the lake as you approach the Upsala, you ll veer northeast up the lake s northern arm and transfer on to 4x4s to reach the estancia. After a leisurely lunch, you ll head out on a hike exploring the intense remoteness and wild expanses that surround the lodge in every direction. Should you wish, you could also choose to spend the afternoon taking the reins with El Gaucho, the horseback guide. Dinner tonight, as the sun sets through the window of the estancia s simple yet sophisticated living area, will make you truly aware of the vastness of the landscape and the perseverance of those who came before to settle this land. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: Walking with options of all levels, from an easy stroll to a strenuous climb with spectacular views of the Southern Patagonian Icefield and the Andes Mountain Range 3

HOTEL Estancia Cristina The only sign of civilization for hours by land or by water, this impressive property speaks to the primal spirit of human nature and infinite possibility.

The 54,000 acres of land that they used to graze sheep, and even cattle is now preserved and exclusively yours to explore.

4 HOTEL Estancia Cristina The only sign of civilization for hours by land or by water, this impressive property speaks to the primal spirit of human nature and infinite possibility. It was originally settled by a bold family who made their way from England in 1900 to Patagonia, and braved several years of hardship to finally find their place here. The 54,000 acres of land that they used to graze sheep, and even cattle is now preserved and exclusively yours to explore. Calafate, Santa Cruz Day 5 Taking advantage of the superb setting, you ll set out this morning in the 4x4s to conquer mountain trails just beyond the estancia and make your way to the stunning Lake Guillermo lookout a new body of water left in the wake of the Upsala s recession. From there, begin a hike through Fossil Canyon, unique for the vestiges of marine life that inhabited the area before the last glaciation. You ll have a picnic lunch in an idyllic spot along the way and head back in time for the afternoon navigation back to Calafate. Dinner will be in town tonight, so you ll get a taste of Calafate. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Activity: Moderate 14 km walk through Fossil Canyon HOTEL Los Sauces, Calafate Casa Los Sauces is a testament to rustic luxury it s elegantly done, while honouring and blending with its surroundings. A property with separate houses among the willows, the layout of Los Sauces echoes the region s history while charming us with its rose-hip gardens and relaxing spa. To boot, its location couldn t be better this luxurious hotel is situated just 300 meters from the heart of Calafate. 4

Lago Viedma, Santa Cruz Day 6 This morning you ll bid farewell to your brief encounter with civilization and, once again, take to the open road heading north.

5 Lago Viedma, Santa Cruz Day 6 This morning you ll bid farewell to your brief encounter with civilization and, once again, take to the open road heading north. After a brief stretch at La Leona (so named for the puma that chased Charles Darwin along the river during one of his explorative voyages), you ll trace the southern shore of Lake Viedma and arrive at your new home, nestled at the foot of UNESCO-credited Glaciers National Park. After lunch, you ll have time to relax and go for a lakeside stroll before dinner, taking 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A 4-5 km walk 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 7 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. 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 cold beer by the fire before dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Activity: A moderate 16 km walk / horseback ride to a stunning lagoon, tucked into the crest of the mountain behind the lodge 5

6 Farewell Day 8 This morning, be sure to nibble a Calafate berry before bidding farewell to this gorgeous landscape local legend has it that a taste of one of these mystical fruits will ensure your return to Patagonia someday. Taking in some final views as you say goodbye to the pink flamingos and ostriches on the way back to Calafate, you ll board your flight to Buenos Aires having fully experienced the majesty of Southern Patagonia. Meals: Breakfast 6

7 The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - US$5,995 per person based on double occupancy 4 travellers US$5,995 per person based on double occupancy 6 travellers - US$5,995 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 or ride, and feel comfortable while on the move. Daily biking distances usually vary from 20 to 30 km and walks are 8 to 10 km, with some longer afternoon options along the way. WHAT S INCLUDED WHAT S NOT 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 International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for local guides 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

8 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, back 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. 8

Patagonia Family Adventure

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