THE COMPLETE PATAGONIA Departs: 21-30 APR 17 (arrives AUS 02 MAY 17) Chimu and Air New Zealand invite you to join us to discover the highlights of Argentina and Chile on this incredible educational. South America is a continent like no other, offering a variety of incredulous terrains, a host of differing cultures, a fascinating and unique range of wildlife, a gastronomic cuisine, an intriguing history and a range of unforgettable experiences.
THE COMPLETE PATAGONIA Join us for this exciting 10-day journey to Argentina and Chile to discover some of the highlights of these two spectacular countries. Starting in Buenos Aires, we explore the historic and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina, birthplace of the tango. Flying to El Calafate we visit the incredible Moreno Glacier before journeying across the border into Chile to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most stunningly beautiful National Parks in the world. At the southern end of the Lake District, under the shadow of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, we explore Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, before embarking on the breathtaking Andean Lakes Crossing that takes us across the border and back into Argentina. We end the tour in the picturesque town of San Carlos de Bariloche, with its stunning location on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by Argentina s oldest National Park. DETAILED ITINERARY B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D=Dinner DAY 1: Friday 21 April 2017 - Arrival in Buenos Aires Fly from Australia to Buenos Aires with Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand from Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney to Auckland. NZ FRI 21APR AKLEZE 20.05 15.45 On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Buenos Aires, Argentina s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the Paris of the South due to its European atmosphere, with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city s most exclusive area. Overnight at Alvear ART Hotel The Alvear Art Hotel is a modern, innovative hotel set amongst impressive trees in the financial, commercial and cultural hub of Buenos Aires. The hotel offers excellent service, warm hospitality, the most advanced technology and rooms with sophisticated comfort. The Alvear Art Hotel is located in a traditional part of Buenos Aires, near to the historic San Martín Plaza and just steps away from elegant Santa Fe Avenue and Florida Street with their countless stores. The hotel is strategically located a few blocks from the financial area and only five minutes from the new corporate district in Puerto Madero. The hotel s facilities include a business centre, restaurant & bar and a spa & fitness centre.
Day 2: Saturday 22 April 2017 - Explore Buenos Aires A tour of Buenos Aires serves as a great introduction to this incredible city giving you a taste of its fascinating history, architecture, culture, inhabitants, anecdotes, and secrets. We will explore the busy centre, including the Plaza de Mayo, where the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace is located; the aristocratic North, including the Recoleta Cemetery, best-known for holding Eva Peron s grave; and the working-class South, such as the famous La Boca and San Telmo districts, heartland of the Tango. A buffet lunch is included at La Bistecca Restaurant in Puerto Madero. Later in the evening you will be collected from the hotel and taken to the 1940 s style Esquina Carlos Gardel Club to enjoy a three course meal and a spectacular tango show. The Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango Show is a revival of the tango s sophistication, luxury and style of the Golden Decade of Buenos Aires. The Tango Show, with its incomparable technical display and artistic flair, leads the audience into a mystical tango atmosphere. The sensuality underlying all choreographic patterns combines in a vivid tribute to tango. The show takes you through the history of tango with around 25 artists on stage at every performance. Esquina Carlos Gardel offers an unmatched and unbeatable alternative in Tango Show Restaurants in an elegant and dazzling setting. Dinner starts at 8.30pm and the show at 10.30pm, finishing at midnight. Dinner features Argentinean specialties and a selected wine list. Dinner is a la carte, and includes all beverages. At the conclusion of the show a private vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight at Alvear ART Hotel (B, L, D) Day 3: Sunday 23 April 2017 - Depart to El Calafate This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. On arrival at El Calafate Airport you will be met and transferred to Alto Calafate Hotel before continuing to Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate flanks the southern shore of Lago Argentino in the southwest part of Argentina s Santa Cruz Province. The town is near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and one of the gateways to World Heritage Listed Parque Nacional Los Glaciers. The name El Calafate is derived from the calafate plant common in Patagonia. The town s main street, Avenida del Libertador General San Martín, is lined with restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops and souvenir shops. After settling into the hotel, we venture into Los Glaciares National Park to see the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier. (Los Glaciares Perito Moreno National Park entrance fees not included). En route we stop at the pier for an optional short boat trip to the glacier s south wall. From the water level you get a feel for the size of this remarkable glacier - a true highlight of Patagonia. (Boat trip not included). We then continue on to the main visitor site of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is more than two miles wide and averages 74 metres in height above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino. It is one of the very few glaciers in the world that continues to advance and you may be lucky enough to see the glacier calving as large masses of ice break away from the glacier and collapse into the water. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit that allows both the faces and the surface of the glacier to be seen. There will be time for lunch at the visitor s centre. (Lunch not included). After visiting the park, we return to El Calafate, with a stop at the excellent Glaciarium Museum, a modern centre devoted to the Patagonian Icefield and its glaciers and one of the few glaciological interpretative centres in the world. (Entrance fee to the Glaciarium not included).
Dinner tonight is not included. Overnight at the Alto Calafate Hotel (B) Alto Calafate Hotel is strategically located at the entrance to the city on the way to the airport, only 3.5 kilometres from downtown El Calafate. Set on a hillside surrounded by countryside, this contemporary hotel overlooks Lago Argentino and provides beautiful panoramic views of the lush landscapes of Patagonia. The hotel s excellent restaurant serves international and regional cuisine including traditional dishes from Patagonia. Hotel services also include transfers to the city centre, laundry, room service, a business centre and wireless internet access throughout the hotel. Alto Calafate Hotel has 103 rooms that feature elegant decor and comfortable furniture, selected to create a modern and pleasant atmosphere. The rooms are strategically located on the 3 floors of the building. Each spacious room offers guests the opportunity to enjoy convenient services such as mini bar, 32 LCD TV with cable, heating, telephone, safety box and Wi-Fi internet connection. Other amenities at the hotel include a sauna, heated indoor pool, fitness room and a relaxing spa. Day 4: Monday 24 April 2017 - Depart to Torres del Paine This morning at approximately 8:00am we will take a regular transfer from our hotel in El Calafate to Tierra Hotel in Torres del Paine National Park. Our estimated arrival time is 2:00pm. Torres del Paine is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful National Parks, famous all around the world for its spectacular scenery, fauna and adventure activities. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, Torres del Paine is considered to be one of the most magnificent, untouched places on earth. On arrival at Tierra Hotel, we check-in and prepare for a delicious lunch served at the hotel. The afternoon is free to join a half day excursion or just relax at the hotel s spa. For the following days you may choose from a variety of full-day and half-day excursions that will introduce you to the incredible Patagonian scenery and wildlife of Torres del Paine National Park. The Tierra Patagonia excursions take guests to see and experience the great beauty and fascinating life of Chilean Patagonia. Our expert guides will assist in finding you the right excursions depending on your interests and energy levels. Walks, hikes, climbs, horse rides and tours by van or vehicle are all on offer. Difficulty levels range from easy to very difficult with half-day and full-day options available. Excursions take a maximum of 8 people per guide and include all the necessary equipment. Overnight at Tierra Patagonia Hotel (B, L, D) Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa sits on a bluff where the South American pampas meets Lake Sarmiento. The building is immersed in the landscape and emerges from the hillside. The award winning architecture complements the flow of the geology in this privileged location and showcases the magnificent views of Torres del Paine National Park, declared a UNESCO Reserve in 1978. Inside, wood clad walls emanate warmth, safety and protection - a cosy hideaway after a day spent discovering the amazing Patagonian outdoors. The essence of the interior decoration mirrors the design of our sister hotel, Tierra Atacama and here, as there, furnishings and textiles were hand made by Chilean craftspeople, using natural materials from the region, high quality workmanship and inspiration from the surrounding estancias as well as the influence of the native Tehuelche people. The ambience of Tierra Patagonia is casual and friendly. The different spaces created by the designers mean that guests can mingle and get to know one another or find a quiet corner to relax and get away from it all.
Days 5 to 7: Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 April 2017 - Torres del Paine Wake up to wonderful views of the sunrise over Torres del Paine. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room and then get ready to head out for your excursion to the National Park or to one of the neighbouring ranches. Return to the hotel marvelling at the nature you have just witnessed and enjoy a tasty and healthy lunch. Afterwards, you might choose to go out on another excursion or visit Uma Spa for a massage, facial, swim, sauna or steam bath. As evening approaches, meet new faces in the living room and bar, enjoy the way the clouds and the wind change the scenery outside, or immerse yourself in the history of the area s original settlers in the library mezzanine. Then enjoy cocktails and dinner, accompanied by Chile s finest wines. The excursions are led by qualified and experienced guides and with them you can take part in many different activities such as hikes, horse rides, scenic visits or bicycle rides to discover the places of interest in Torres del Paine National Park, as well as other less explored areas outside the borders of the park. We divide our activities into 3 different levels of difficulty: 1. Easy: Suitable for all ages and capabilities 2. Medium: Requires a reasonable level of physical ability and/or experience 3. High: These activities require excellent physical condition, experience and ability Every day you can choose two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion: Half Day: morning and/or afternoon with lunch taken in the hotel Full Day: start in the morning with lunch box provided, returning to the hotel in the afternoon, usually after 6.00pm *All-inclusive programs include excursions from midday on your arrival day to the final full day of your stay. Excursions on departure day are not included. Tierra Hotels have an adventure spa philosophy. We believe our guests want to experience the outdoors actively and adventurously and then be welcomed back to the hotel with a variety of relaxing options ranging from a simple nap to one of our professional spa services. Those who want to skip the daily excursions can look for inner peace at the hotel, spending time in the Uma Spa with both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the library or choosing tranquility by stretching out on an outdoor bed, curling up with a book on the living room sofa, or closing your eyes in the privacy of your own room or terrace. We make sure your stay is as active or as peaceful as you decide. Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa s facilities include a large central space with a welcoming open fire, living room, bar, a library, TV room, map area for discovering the activities and excursions available and a dining room. There is Wi-Fi in the public areas and ipads available for guest use. Uma Spa is within the hotel and features an indoor swimming pool with jets, cascades and the same stunning views of Torres del Paine as the rest of the hotel. There is also an outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, locker rooms and relaxation areas. Our Spa professionals offer many types of massages and facials using local stones and elements. *If you would like to have a massage or spa treatment, we recommend you check the times of return of excursions and make a reservation with spa staff beforehand, in order to ensure the treatment of your choice. Overnight at Tierra Patagonia Hotel (B, L, D)
Day 8: Friday 28 April 2017 - Depart to Puerto Varas and the Lake District We depart from the hotel this morning for the 5 hour transfer from Tierra Patagonia to Punta Arenas to connect with our onward flight. Flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt. On arrival into Puerto Montt s airport you will be met and transferred to the neighbouring city of Puerto Varas, located just 30 minutes away (subject to traffic conditions). On arrival into Puerto Varas, we check-in at Cumbres Hotel and enjoy some free time to rest and relax before a site inspection. Later we will collect you from the hotel and take you to discover the charming town of Puerto Varas on a short sightseeing tour before dinner. Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt lie at the southern end of the Lake District under the shadow of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Puerto Varas sits on the shores of Lake Llanquihue and is known as The City of Roses. Puerto Montt is 20 kilometres from Puerto Varas on the Seno de Reloncaví Bay, the capital of the Lake District, and the last significant outpost of the region. We spend time exploring the picturesque streets and admiring the colonial architecture before visiting the Main Square and the Municipal Casino. Dinner and site inspection at Cabañas del Lago Hotel. Hotel Cabañas del Lago is a family owned hotel that has grown into one of the leading hotels in the area, with a German flavour characteristic of the region. The hotels unique architecture stands out above the city of Puerto Varas, its 157 guest rooms all with views of Lake Llanquihue and the nearby Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. Overnight at Cumbres Hotel (B, D) Escape to a refined haven and experience the enchantment of Puerto Varas at Hotel Cumbres. With dramatic views of Lago Llanquihue and the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, this five-star hotel artfully combines the intimacy and warmth of a Patagonian lodge with contemporary luxury and sophistication. Through its doors, Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas is the perfect reflection of its surroundings, with expansive windows and native wood and stone design elements offering guests a true connection to the breathtaking landscape of southern Chile. Throughout the lobby, armchairs and sofas sit invitingly close to the log fireplace, offering the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. All of the 90 guest rooms have been designed to be comfortable, elegant and simple, some with private balconies, offering majestic views of the lake and mountains. Just off the lobby, guests may dine in the romantic Cumbres del Lago Restaurant or unwind over cocktails in Bar La Araucaria or by the fireplaces in the Winter Garden Lounge. The hotel also features a spa with a heated pool, sauna and fitness centre and six meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 450 guests. Throughout your stay, you will enjoy the personalized attention of a gracious staff that understand how to anticipate your needs without intruding. We invite you to discover Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas for yourself and enjoy a tranquil and secluded getaway to a truly special place. In 2013, Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas was awarded TripAdvisor s Travellers Choice Award for the second consecutive year.
Day 9: Saturday 29 April 2017 - Andean Lake Crossing: Puerto Varas to Bariloche This beautiful scenic trip takes you from Puerto Varas, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina through various lakes in the Andean range, in the area also known as the Lake District. The Andean Lake crossing between the two countries is one of the most scenic journeys in Latin America and can be taken from Chile to Argentina or from Argentina to Chile, transporting you across spectacular lakes and through mountain passes. From Puerto Varas, our journey across the border will be a combination of scenic bus rides and lake crossings. We set off from Puerto Varas at 8:00am by bus to Petrohué. The road hugs the shores of Lake Llanquihue and affords fantastic views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. En route we visit Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to see Petrohué Falls. There is some free time to stroll around Petrohué before heading off for Peulla by boat. This cruise on Lake Todos Los Santos, widely considered to be one of Chile s most beautiful lakes, offers spectacular views of Osorno volcano and the Puntiagudo and Tronador mountain peaks when the weather is clear. There is time for lunch (not included) in Peulla, before boarding a bus to Puerto Frias. We complete the customs procedures to exit Chile and enter Argentina before crossing the Andes (altitude 976m) and descending to Puerto Frías for the onward cruise on Lake Frias to Puerto Alegre. Continuing by bus to Puerto Blest we board the last cruise of the day on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo. The final leg is a scenic bus ride along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, taking in the lovely flower gardens and Swiss-style architecture that characterise the area, arriving in Bariloche in the early evening. *Note: This schedule is for guidance only and may change according to weather conditions and the number of passengers. San Carlos de Bariloche lies on the southern shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in the foothills of the Andes surrounded by mountains and forests. Its location is stunning, surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the oldest National Park in Argentina. With its Alpinestyled architecture, its picturesque lakeside setting overlooked by mountains and forests as well as numerous boutique chocolate shops and St. Bernard dogs, the city has a Swiss-like atmosphere. Dinner tonight is not included. Overnight at the Llao Llao Hotel (B) The Llao Llao Hotel sits on top of the hill between Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno with unbelievable views of the lakes as well as the surrounding Lopez and Capilla mountains. This is truly one of the most beautiful sites in the world. The hotel features a golf course and a spa and health centre as well as several other outdoor activities. Room facilities include heating, TV, a mini bar and a safety deposit box. Day 10: Sunday 30 April 2017 - Departure day The morning is free to enjoy activities in the area. Later we transfer to Bariloche Airport for your flight to Buenos Airport and onwards to Australia. Flight details: NZ 31 N SUN 30APR EZE AKL 23.59 05.35 (arrives TUE 02MAY) Air New Zealand from Auckland to Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney. END OF SERVICES
COST: Participation cost AU$900 per person (twin-share) Inclusions: International flights including taxes with Air New Zealand (departure cities: ADL, BNE, OOL MEL, PER or SYD) Internal flights within South America as outlined Twin-share luxury accommodation Airport transfers and transportation as detailed on the itinerary Guided tours and entrance fees as stated on the itinerary Breakfast daily and other meals as stated All-inclusive program at Tierra Patagonia Hotel: Open Bar at Tierra Patagonia (includes mineral water, sodas, juices, house wines and liquors). Premium wines and liquors available for an additional cost. Use of Uma Spa, including pool, sauna and steam room at Tierra Patagonia (massages, spa treatments and therapies for an additional cost). Exclusions: Travel to/from the departure cities outlined above to join the educational Visa and reciprocity fees Meals not listed Optional activities or extras as outlined Any personal expenses or consumptions International travel insurance (Compulsory) Tips to drivers, guides, hotels and restaurants - please allow approx. US$20 per day (note: this will be collected as cash on day one and tipping kitty managed on behalf of the group) Notes: Baggage allowance on internal flights with South Americs is 15kgs. Please pack with this in mind If you plan to hike in Torres del Paine we recommend you bring hiking boots with you Optional: Entrance fee to the Glaciarium in El Calafate Optional: Los Glaciares Perito Moreno National Park entrance fees Optional: Perito Moreno boat trip *Information is correct as at 15 July 2016 but subject to change. Contact us for more information.