+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Enjoy a spectacular mix of gaucho tradition and unforgettable Patagonian landscapes on this stunning Argentinean adventure that provides the perfect combination of ranch culture and outdoor activity. Beginning the journey in the country s iconic capital, you will have a chance to enjoy some of the highlights of Buenos Aires before flying south to Patagonia and the breath taking sight of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Staying in a remote estancia in the heart of the seemingly endless steppes, you will have a chance to hike to amazing viewpoints and experience a range of activities such as horse riding, mountain biking and sheep shearing, before heading on to El Chalten. Considered the country s trekking capital, El Chalten lies amongst the landscapes of the Rio Blanco Valley and you will enjoy some stunning hikes that take in Mount Fitzroy, Cerro Torre and the Capri Lagoon. Returning to Buenos Aires, you then have a final opportunity to spend a day as a gaucho on the way at Cordoba. HIGHLIGHTS: Immerse yourself in the traditions of an estancia in Patagonia and Los Potreros Trek the estancia route in El Calafate and see a sheep shearing Enjoy a cycle tour of the sights in Buenos Aires Witness the immense Perito Moreno Glacier and Upsala Glacier TOUR INCLUDES: 10 nights in boutique accommodation or traditional estancias 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver and vehicle where applicable Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES Explore the capital on a bike tour. Begin pedalling through the backstreets of one of the oldest barrios in Buenos Aires, making your way towards La Boca port. Witness elaborate urban art, an iconic stadium and the birthplace of Tango in colourful Caminito. There is free time to discover these vibrant 4 blocks that once greeted millions of immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Back on the bikes, explore the contrasting bubble of Puerto Madero. Stop at the 60 acre Ecological Reserve (closed Mondays) at a local favourite barbecue food truck. Then cycle to the Heart of the City, Plaza de Mayo to grasp the traumatic, powerful and sometimes uplifting events that happened right here. (B,L) DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES - EL CALAFATE Today you will fly south to Patagonia and transfer to your hotel overlooking Lake Argentino. This tour takes you into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares for views of the immense Perito Moreno Glacier. En route to the glacier you stop at the pier for a short boat trip to the south wall of the glacier. From the water level you get an amazing feel for its sheer size, more than 3 miles wide and over 20 stories high - a true highlight of Patagonia. We can organise a gourmet picnic lunch to enjoy on the walkways overlooking the glacier. (B) DAY 4: EL CALAFATE Spend today discovering Patagonia's secrets through its first settlers. Travel the old route of estancias (ranches) that connects indigenous villages, wild steppe and the history of the early pioneers, all the time surrounded by breath taking views. The first stop is Estancia Nibepo Aike for a sheep shearing demonstration and other gaucho tasks before a delicious traditional lunch with salads, Patagonian lamb, fine wines and crêpe de dulce de leche. Then board zodiacs to cross the nearby lake (approx. 1 hour) and be treated to open views of the Adriana and Moreno mountain ranges. Land on Las Monedas beach for a short walk into the woods. Back on the boats, the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier can be seen from the water, and there will be time to walk on the walkways at a quitter time of day. Finally, return to El Calafate. (B,L)
DAY 5: EL CALAFATE - ESTANCIA CRISTINA Morning pick up from your hotel for your transfer to the port of Punta Bandera (approx. 1 hour), at which point you will board a boat for a 2-3 hour boat navigation to Estancia Cristina. To access this wonderful boutique lodge estancia one has to cross Lago Argentino and head towards the majestic Upsala Glacier, it is in this privileged position, among the glaciers that you will find these rustic lodgings. Spend the next day exploring a less-visited part of Patagonia, not many people venture further to the Upsala Glacier. (B,L,D) DAY 6: ESTANCIA CRISTINA Estancia Cristina offers its guests a range of excursions and activities that can be chosen on arrival to the estancia. These include navigational boat trips, 4x4 excursions, trekking, horse riding and fishing. Excursions vary in lengths and abilities so please advise your preference and the hotel will cater for your requirements. (B,L,D) DAY 7: ESTANCIA CRISTINA - EL CHALTEN After lunch take the boat back to El Calafate and a private transfer to El Chalten (3 hours), arriving late in the evening. (B) DAY 8: EL CHALTEN The trek to Laguna de los Tres today will take 9-10 hours but it will be a rewarding one. You will be driven 20km out of town to Lago del Desierto, opposite Hosteria El Pilar. The walk begins on the path to the Poincenot camp, following the Blanco River through a beautiful lenga (Patagonian tree) forest. Your guide will talk you through the typical fauna and flora of the National Park. Stop at a nice viewpoint for the Piedras Blancas glacier, where its retreat over the last few years is obvious. As you continue, there are excellent views of the Fitz Roy, and, after crossing the Blanco River bridge, the trail continues all the way up to the Laguna de los Tres. Enjoy lunch here before taking a trail down to Capri lagoon, where the Fitz Roy massif can be seen from a different angle. (B,L) DAY 9: EL CHALTEN - CORDOBA - LOS POTREROS Our diver will take you to Calafate airport (2-3hs) for the flight to Cordoba. On arrival, the Los Potreros driver will be waiting to take you to the estancia (40 mins approx). Estancia Los Potreros is a 6,000-acre working cattle set in a beautiful reserve at the top of the Cordoba hills in the centre of Argentina. The estancia dates from 1574 when breeding mules for the silver mines in Peru was the principal activity. Today it is an idyllic retreat for horsemen and nature lovers. (B,D)
DAY 10: LOS POTREROS Estancia Los Potreros is located in a truly privileged position on the top of the secluded Sierras Chicas. Rocky outcrops give way to grassy hilltops and cascading streams, just waiting to be explored on horseback or on foot. Abundant birdlife and beautiful wild flowers colour the landscape facilitating birdwatching activities. Other excursions include farm drives, gaucho skills, and exploring Argentine food and wine. (B,L,D) DAY 11: LOS POTREROS Another day of activities at Estancia Los Potreros. (B,L,D) DAY 12: LOS POTREROS - CORDOBA - BUENOS AIRES You will be driven to Cordoba airport in plenty of time for your flight. On arrival into Buenos Aires, you embark on a private transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B) DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES Private transfer to the international airport for your homeward bound flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BUENOS AIRES KRISTA HOTEL This boutique hotel is situated in a privileged area, in the bohemian and charming neighbourhood of Palermo, surrounded by very good restaurants and boutiques of Argentine designers. Krista's 10 exclusive en-suite rooms lead out to patios which get a lot of sunlight. The elegant decoration, the height of the ceiling, the combination of colours, textures and wood reflects the fine distinction and warmth of the hotel. Overall one of the top picks in Buenos Aires. EL CALAFATE ESTANCIA CRISTINA This remote boutique lodge has a unique position within the glacier region, to access this wonderful estancia one has to cross Lago Argentino and head towards the majestic Upsala Glacier, it is in this privileged position, among the glaciers that you will find these rustic lodgings. It displays all its Patagonian hospitality in 12 comfortable rooms distributed in 3 Lodges. Warm rustic elements have been chosen for decorating the rooms so that they form an integral part of the history of the Estancia and its simple but imposing surroundings. NIBEPO AIKE Nibepo Aike is an estancia that retains the essence of traditional Patagonian farmhouses. Located one hour and a half from El Calafate, within Los Glaciares National Park and covering more than 12,000 hectares, the grounds stretch as far as the Chilean border. The estancia was formerly devoted to sheep production but its chief output is now breeding Hereford cattle. The accommodation is uniform in style and a relic of the typical Patagonian pioneer architecture. Guests experience the authentic lifestyle with horse riding included and there is the opportunity to go rambling, cycling and sheep shearing. Fresh produce comes from vegetable garden, which is served with the organic local meat. PATAGONIA REBELDE LODGE This historic posada could only exist here in the Patagonian wilderness. It is a wonderful lodge constructed and decorated with recycled materials and traditional Patagonian design, this magical building will enchant visitors. There are just 12 rooms with great views and a small cafe for breakfast. It has a wonderful ambience and great hospitality and is well placed for some great sightseeing. EL CHALTEN HOSTERIA LUNAJUIM Lunajuim is a lovely base from which to explore the glaciers of El Chalten. Set amongst the stunning landscape and close to the best trails, it offers warm and inviting accommodation to relax in after a long day of trekking. Rooms are simply designed with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The hosteria is ownerrun, offering amazing hospitality and personalised service. Lunajuim prides itself on its sustainability and has been acclaimed for its environmental awareness.
PAMPAS ESTANCIA CANDELARIA DEL MONTE The Candelaria del Monte sits on nearly 200 acres of the country's famous pampas, the vast pastureland whose striking topography is broken only by occasional stands of eucalyptus. The estate was bought by the Goñi family 30 years ago. The intimate four- bedroom, two-suite estancia is surrounded by grounds, first laid out in the 1850s, that are dotted with ancient oak and pine trees. Many of the furnishings in the rooms date from the 19th century. Guests can spend time relaxing in the swimming pool, taking horseback riding lessons, or enjoy tasty barbecues, much of the food is homegrown and the service is great. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com