Experience the vast plains and glacier-capped peaks of Argentina s majestic Patagonia region. Trek to the shimmering lakes of Glacier National Park, through the expansive steppe of Torres del Paine and along the mountain-fringed paths of French Valley on this breath-taking walking tour. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Patagonia. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Buenos Aires Depart London on your overnight flight to Buenos Aires, via Sao Paulo. DAY : Buenos Aires D (Average 3 hours of walking including breaks, covering 4km) On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Re-join your group in the afternoon for a walking tour of vibrant Buenos Aires. Your tour begins in Lezama Park, located in the atmospheric San Telmo neighborhood where you ll walk along Calle Defensa, a narrow, cobbled street, which leads through the historic centre of the capital. Observe buildings such as Pasaje Belgrano and Zanjón de Granados, where tunnels dating back to the colonial era can be found (entrance not included). The tour ends in the Plaza de Mayo, a square ringed by significant structures, including the Government House and Cathedral of Buenos Aires. Later tonight, celebrate the start of your tour with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 3: Buenos Aires to El Chalten B Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate then travel onward to nearby El Chalten where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to soak in your sensational natural surroundings. DAY 4: El Chalten B/L/D (Average 9 hours of walking including breaks, covering 1km) The village of El Chalten is renowned as the starting point of world-class pathways leading into Glacier National Park. Today s challenging trek takes in mesmerising landscapes on one of the most beautiful pathways in the area. Transfer to the beginning of your trail, then hike along a gradual ascent that leads to a lookout with sweeping views of the meandering river of Rio de las Vueltas. Circle the central peak of Mount Rosado until you reach a rocky crag where you can take in your first views of imposing Mount Fitz Roy. Cross the Chorrillo River through a zone of dense forests and walk onward to the campsite of Poincenot. After a break to eat your packed lunch, make your way across the Rio Blanco river on a path that rises 400 metres up to the Laguna and Glacier de los Tres. Soak in the breath-taking sight of this emerald lake set against a background of ice-capped peaks before your trail loops back to El Chalten. DAY 5: El Chalten to El Calafate B After breakfast, travel to El Calafate where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. DAY 6: El Calafate B/L/D The Perito Moreno Glacier, known locally as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the planet s third largest reserve of fresh water and one of the continent s last advancing glaciers. Your full-day tour will leave you in awe of the glacier s unfathomable beauty. Walk along paths that offer views of this impressive natural marvel from different perspectives, breaking for a packed lunch along the way. You may even witness the glaciers signature movement as icebergs the size of skyscrapers slowly detach. DAY 7: El Calafate to Torres del Paine B/D After breakfast, you will be transferred to your hotel in Torres del Paine, with the rest of the day at leisure. DAY 8: Torres del Paine B/L/D (Average 8 hours of walking including breaks, covering 18km) The National Park of Torres del Paine encompasses soaring mountains, glaciers, ice-fed lakes and unique wildlife and today s trek winds around the base of Las Torres Mountain. After crossing a section of the Patagonian steppe, you will arrive at the Torres del Paine massif. A steep and constant ascent leads to the entrance to the Asencio Valley where you ll walk onward to the Chilean Refuge lodge and rest stop. After a break, follow the winding course of the river, with small climbs and descents through the forest. The last section climbs towards a viewpoint along a steep and rugged path that takes you to one of the most extraordinary vistas in Patagonia where you ll linger to marvel at this wild, natural beauty. DAY 9: Torres del Paine B/L/D (Average 1 hours of walking including breaks, covering 0 km) Travel by car to Pudeto, the starting point of today s trek into the extraordinary French Valley, brimming with snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Cross the crystalline waters of Lake Pehoé by boat then set out on a short walk to the Paine Grande Lodge located on the shores of the lake. Continue onward, entering the majestic valley after hours of walking. Travel through the picturesque wooded landscapes, with the chance to witness ice breaking off the glaciers. After a break to enjoy a packed lunch, hike to the British Camp, reaching a spectacular viewpoint where the surrounding peaks are presented in all their magnitude. Loop back to your starting point following the same route. DAY 10: Torres del Paine to Ushuaia B This morning, transfer back to El Calafate for your flight to Ushuaia, known as The End of the World for its remote location at the tip of the Argentinian peninsula. DAY 11: Ushuaia B/L (6 hour tour including breaks, covering 4.5km on foot) Explore Argentina s southernmost national park, Tierra del Fuego, and uncover a vast and unspoilt area of natural beauty filled with waterfalls, hills, wildlife and a windswept coastal stretch. Travel by coach to the park on a scenic drive that passes the delightful, mountain-fringed Beagle Channel. Disembark for a gentle 1
hike through the park, where your knowledgeable guide will lead you along one of the numerous nature-filled trails. Back on your coach, enjoy a packed lunch then journey further on to Lapataia Bay, an evergreen coastal inlet that is also home to incredible archaeological sites or concheros that date back to the early aboriginal inhabitants of the area. Return to Ushuaia, stopping en route to admire Rock Lake, an expanse of water that changes colour according to the weather. DAY 1: Ushuaia B Enjoy a day at leisure in Ushuaia, giving you time to relax and recover or further explore this lively port town, renowned for its adventure activities. DAY 13: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires B/D After breakfast, fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Check into your hotel then rejoin your group for an entertaining farewell dinner and tango show at the historic El Querandi restaurant. End your tour with a fantastic cultural experience as you watch this sensuous national dance and dine on Argentina s finest produce, returning to your hotel around midnight. DAY 14: Buenos Aires to UK or extension B Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, via Sao Paulo, or continue on to your extension. ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Buenos Aires ( nights) 4 Kenton Palace Buenos Aires Address: Defensa 383, C1065AAE CABA, Argentina Phone: 0054 11 4331-00 El Chalten ( nights) 3 Senderos Hosteria Address: Perito Moreno 35, El Chalten, Santa Cruz, Argentina Phone: 0054 96 49-358 El Calafate ( nights) 3 Sierra Nevada Address: Av. del Libertador 1888, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina Phone: 0054 90 49-319 Torres del Paine (3 nights) 4 Hosteria Lago Grey Address: Sector Lago Grey S/N, Torres del Paine, Magallanes, Chile Phone: 0056 61 71 15 Ushuaia (3 nights) 4 Fueguino Hotel Patagonico Address: Gdor. Deloqui 18, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Phone: 0054 901 4-4894 1 Number of nights El Chalten Torres del Paine 3 Ushuaia Buenos Aires El Calafate 3 Coach Air Walk Accommodation All accommodation is of a 3 or 4 standard and features an en suite bathroom. Mercury Holidays has visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please note: The hotels listed are provided for guidance only. Final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is western style and served in the hotel each morning. However, if you are departing from your hotel early in the morning, then tea/coffee and pastries will be provided. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants, as a packed lunch or at your hotel. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Argentina you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Eurotur, holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. The Mercury Holidays/Eurotur representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your local guide will be on hand should you have any queries. However, if you need to contact Eurotur during your stay the details are: Eurotur Viamonte 486, Buenos Aires, Argentina Contact number: 0054 11 431-6077 WHAT TO PACK Sunglasses Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothing and thermals Camera and charger/spare batteries An electric plug converter - the electricity supply is 0V. You will need a special three pin plug adapter in Argentina and a special two pin plug adapter for Chile. Loo paper for public WCs Emergency contact information When calling from a UK number: 0054 911 6878 156 / 0054 911 499 1369 When calling from a local number in Argentina: 011 6878-156 / 011 499-1369 When calling from a local number in Buenos Aires: 15 6878-156 / 15 499-1369 E-mail: emergencies@eurotur.tur.ar Binoculars Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc Anti-bacterial hand gel It is recommended you take a daysack for your walking tours to keep a few belongings with you on your walks; waterproofs, fleece, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle and the all-important camera!
CLOTHING Lightweight breathable top under clothing, such as a vest, t-shirt or long-sleeved top Warm clothing - A thick fleece or sweater is necessary Waterproof lightweight jacket Waterproof trousers High quality hiking socks Walking/Trekking boots we recommend you bring boots with ankle support that are worn-in and comfortable before you start your walking holiday. Alternatively, you may wish to bring comfortable trail shoes Warm hat and gloves A battery-operated torch Your initial flight is to Buenos Aires International Airport via Sao Paolo with LATAM Airlines (LA), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 3kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Please Note: It is compulsory to recheck luggage in Sao Paulo when connecting with a domestic flight. Please see the What to Pack section for further details on baggage and restrictions during your trek. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 000, quoting HX313. PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR Visas British citizens currently do not need a tourist visa to enter Argentina or Chile. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 437 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 4 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. ABOUT YOUR WALKING HOLIDAY Physical Accessibility and the Walking Environment During this walking holiday, walks/treks will average 7.5 hours daily. Trekking will take place in mountainous areas, with long days of walking, steep inclines and descents and rugged trails, including some at altitude. A high level of fitness is required. This holiday requires a high level of fitness. If you are in any doubt as to the tours suitability, please speak to your GP as soon as possible as this is a physical holiday. Climate Buenos Aires experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms while winters are cool and drier; spring and fall are characterized by changeable weather. El Chaltén has an unpredictable climate and cool weather. Summers are very windy with cool temperatures, mostly below 18 C during the day and below 5 C at night. Winters bring moderate snow and average temperatures around 3 C during the day and 4 C during the night; however, the coldest nights are much colder than this. El Calafate experiences cool to warm, very dry summers and cool to cold, slightly wetter winters. Torres del Paine has changeable weather. It is often windy, with sunny days changing to rainy days in minutes. It is generally cool with strong winds in the summer and cold in the winter months. In Ushuaia, the summers are cold and mostly cloudy; the winters are very cold and dry; it is windy year round. This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met and accompanied by guides for the duration of your trip. You will be joined by a local guide in each of the cities you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. A local guide and back marker will also accompany you on all treks. Currency Exchange The currency in Argentina is the (Argentinian Peso (ARS). The currency in Chile is the (Chilean Peso (CLP/CH$). US Dollars are widely accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately 500-600 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Tipping Tipping is at your discretion; however, we would recommend approximately $3.00-$5.00 per day. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 19. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Itinerary Changes Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving/ trekking times. 3
WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperature: Buenos Aires Average temperature: El Calafate Average temperature: Ushuaia 4
IGUAÇU FALLS EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 4 073 Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Iguaçu National Park is home to incredible waterfalls with water falling from an average height of 70 metres. Explore the routes of the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and Devil s Throat. These various trails allow you to get closer to some of the smaller waterfalls as well as enjoy stunning panoramic views at the top of these majestic falls. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Iguaçu Falls extension. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 14: Buenos Aires to Iguaçu B Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguaçu. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Day 15: Iguaçu B Today you will explore the Argentinian side of the falls. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Iguaҫu National Park is home to incredible waterfalls with 75 jumps of water falling from an average height of 70 metres. You will walk along footbridges which offer an awe-inspiring view of the falls. Return to your hotel in the evening. Day 16: Iguaçu B Today you will depart on a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Day 17: Iguaçu to Buenos Aires B Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires where you will spend the evening. Day 18: Buenos Aires to the UK B Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to the UK. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry. This add-on is escorted by a tour guide. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Hotel information Average temperature: Iguaçu Iguaçu (3 nights): 3 Hotel San Martin Address: Avenida das Cataratas, 1 Foz do Iguaçu - PR, 85853-000, Brazil Contact number: 0055 45 351-8088 Situated just 400 metres from the entrance to the National Park, the Hotel San Martin boasts a large swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers 135 rooms with air-conditioning, minibar and a TV. Buenos Aires (1 night): 4 Kenton Palace Buenos Aires Address: Defensa 383, Buenos Aires, Argentina Contact number: 0054 11 4331-00 Located in the historic San Telmo district, this hotel offers a spa, sauna, pool and gym in addition to comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, LED TV, minibar and safe. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4
BUENOS AIRES CITY STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 4 073 Discover why so many people fall in love with the Paris of the Southern Hemisphere. Buenos Aires provides a seductive mix of stunning European architecture, old-world languor and elegant neighbourhoods where colonial buildings and lively outdoor markets can be found at every turn. Influenced by the great European cities, this eclectic metropolis is guaranteed to captivated your senses during your night stay, the perfect way to complete your tour through Patagonia. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Buenos Aires. Hotel ( nights) Your stay will take place at the following hotel: 4 Kenton Palace Buenos Aires on Bed & Breakfast. Located in the historic San Telmo district, this hotel offers a spa, sauna, pool and gym in addition to comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, LED TV, minibar and safe. Hotel information Address: Defensa 383, Buenos Aires, Argentina Contact number: 0054 11 4331-00 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. You will need to take money with you to cover personal purchases, laundry service, souvenirs, plus lunch, dinner and drinks. Your stay in Buenos Aires is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Kenton Palace Kenton Palace Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 5
BUZIOS BEACH STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact 0843 4 073 Located a little over 100 miles from Rio de Janeiro, the former fishing village of Buzios draws both local and international visitors for its expanses of sparkling, emerald water, more than 17 white sand beaches and picturesque cobbled streets and waterfront, which have earned it the well-deserved title of Brazil s St. Tropez. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Buzios. Hotel options in Buzios You will be transferred from Buenos Aires to Buzios and your selected hotel: 3 Pousada Abracadabra 4 nights Bed & Breakfast Offering sweeping ocean vistas from its hillside setting and situated a short distance from the town centre, this pousada boasts a fantastic location in addition to its well-equipped, air-conditioned rooms. Address: R. Morro do Humaitá, 13 - Lot. Triangulo de Buzios, Búzios - RJ, 8950-000, Brazil Phone: 0055 63 117 4 Insolito Boutique Hotel & Spa 4 nights Bed & Breakfast Designed to showcase Afro-Brazilian culture, each room in this hotel offers a different, beautiful interior in addition to Wi-Fi, cable TV and air-conditioning. The hotel is located a two-minute walk from Praia da Ferradura beach. Address: Of Horseshoe Beach, E1 Street - Condo Atlantic, Búzios RJ, 8950-000, Brazil Phone: 0055 63 17 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and fina confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Visas British nationals do not require a visa for travel to Brazil. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus meals and drinks. Your stay in Buzios is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Currency Exchange The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, known as BRL. Please note: This extension takes place after your main tour. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average temperatures: Buzios Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Pousada Abracadabra