Activity Level: Enthusiast Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights Raw, Natural Beauty Experience Patagonia Our relationship with Patagonia goes back decades and yet the people and scenery seemingly have not changed. Big skies and landscapes are married with big personalities and this is a journey through the very heart of it. Our 10-day journey takes us from the Glaciares National Park in Argentina through to the UNESCO-recognized National Park of Torres del Paine in Chile. We will get up close and personal with soaring granite peaks, vast stretches of glaciers, pampas and forest. Whilst the landscapes dazzle, the local people that we meet will leave an equally everlasting impression. THE B&R DIFFERENCE Travelling with B&R is what being alive is all about. It s action packed and incredibly invigorating with so many personal and group highlights that it s hard to single out just one. -Andrew Crowe Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.1 view > / notes from the road p.4 view > / the details p.5 view > / next steps p.6 view >
The Journey Wild boar and venison are the most popular dishes of Patagonia. 2 the journey Days 1, 2 & 3 Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina THIS MORNING WE LL MEET IN THE LOBBY OF THE HOTEL AND bid farewell to civilization. Venturing out into the wilds of Patagonia, we ll take to the open road and head north. After a brief stretch at La Leona (named after the puma that chased Charles Darwin along the river during one of his explorative voyages) we ll arrive at Hosteria Helsingfors, nestled at the foot of UNESCO site, Los Glaciares National Park. After lunch, we ll have time to relax and go for a lakeside walk before dinner, taking in the stunning views of epic Fitz Roy, the legendary granite peak just across the lake in El Chaltén one of the most challenging climbs in the world. We ll have the privilege to become part of the astounding panorama today, witnessing the intense isolation and surprising diversity of the Patagonian steppe. Setting out on a beautiful hike, we ll traverse a former cattle trail that leads to Punta del Viento, the first viewpoint of the Moyano arm of the lake. On the road lies the ruins of Alfred Ramstrom s home, one of the first settlers in the area and the founder of the lodge. Arriving at the Wind Peninsula along the lakeshore, we ll witness the vastness of Lake Viedma with its stunning azure waters, the characteristic color of glacial lakes. You ll have the option to turn back here or continue toward the Laguna del Mo. Dinner tonight is at Helsingfors. After a leisurely breakfast, head out on foot to witness nature at its most generous. Alongside our guide, we ll climb the hill just behind Helsingfors (by foot or by horseback, your choice!) and through the lenga (southern beech tree) cemetery. Passing into a small forest, we ll continue upwards to the Blue Lagoon, a site that no photo can do justice. After lunch in the company of nature, we ll make our way back to the lodge (perhaps with some curious guanacos and condors by our sides) for a game of komikan by the fire before dinner. Should you wish to continue walking, there will be several trails to choose from. HOTEL Hosteria Helsingfors, Los Glaciares National Park 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 superb Argentinian vintages. ACTIVITY Day 1: A leisurely evening lake-side walk. Day 2: A moderate 16 km (10 mi.) walk / horseback ride to a stunning lagoon, tucked into the crest of the mountain behind the lodge. Day 3: A moderate hike to Laguna del Morro, from 6-24 km (4-15 mi.) depending on how far you wish to go.
The Journey Many regions of Patagonia have very low population density; the combined population of Argentine & Chilean Patagonia is about 2 million. 3 Days 4, 5 & 6 El Calafate This morning, be sure to nibble a Calafate berry before bidding farewell to Lago Viedma local legend has it that a taste of one of these mystical fruits will ensure your return to Patagonia someday. After saying goodbye to the pink flamingos and lesser rhea lingering on the shore, we ll head back to Calafate for lunch at friend s house, offering insight into the rural reality of life in Patagonia; its distances, limitations, possibilities and demands. Continuing on, we ll get a glimpse of the town centre before arriving at hotel Eolo and settling in to you new home for the next three day. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. On our last day in Argentina, we will dig deeper into the steppe to carve out an understanding of what it takes to make it here. For those who are land lovers, we will head out in 4x4s to the outlying, even more remote areas and learn about the indigenous cultures that sprung from such extreme circumstances. For those who can t get enough of the ice, we will head further south into the much less travelled glacial valley of Lago Frias, just a puma s lunge from the border of Chile. This evening, enjoy a lovely meal at Eolo. HOTEL Eolo, El Calafate Located in La Anita Valley on a private reserve of over 3000 hectares, this R&C property is the physical embodiment of Patagonia. The lodge is refined and classic in style, a modern day estancia complete with swimming pool and sauna. Today, we ll head out early to take in views of the imposing and unforgettable Perito Moreno glacier in the morning light. A short drive from our hotel brings us to Lago Argentino, where we ll cross a small section of the lake by boat and reach shore just beyond the glacier itself. A short walk through a Magellanic forest takes you to the base of the ice where, if we re lucky, we may even see the ice wall calving into the lake. From here, we ll learn all about this natural wonder from what is the less frequently visited side. Later, we ll enjoy our Eolo-packed lunch at a local establishment alongside a rushing river; hopefully that southern sun will be shining enough for us to enjoy our meal outside! Later, 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. Dinner tonight is at Eolo. ACTIVITY Day 4: A leisurely afternoon 3 km (2 mi.) Day 5: A 6 km (4 mi.) walk peppered along the shores of the Perito Moreno glacier. Day 6: Choose between a 4x4 ride or a trip to the glacial valley of Lago Frías. Days 7, 8 & 9 Torres del Paine, Chile Today, we ll set out on the open road south and cross the border into Chile, our end destination being the majestic Torres del Paine National Park. Our drive will take us most of the morning, but will also afford us an introduction to the wilds of Patagonia. As we leave the Patagonia steppe behind, we will almost feel as if we are slipping into a different
The Journey 4 era, still unhurried and less inhabited, but a landscape that changes at every turn. We ll arrive at the Explora Lodge in time for an afternoon exploration. Then, we meet up for cocktails before sitting down for a lovely dinner. Waking the next morning to dramatic views (clouds permitting!) of the Torres del Paine s three imposing granite peaks, our privileged location in the national park itself means that we have two full days of exploring ahead of us. UNESCO has recognized the park as a Biosphere Reserve and for good reason; it may be one of the most beautiful sites in the world, but is also home to a huge array of birds and mammals, some endangered, that live amidst the forests, rocks and ice. In the company of the lodge s supremely qualified local guides, we will have the opportunity to visit the Laguna Verde, the incredible hanging Glacier Frances, the Salto Grande waterfall and, of course, the Torres del Paine themselves. Options abound here, ranging from laidback activities to full-day excursions by foot or horseback. Soak in the atmosphere as you enjoy everything this amazing lodge has to offer. HOTEL Explora Lodge, Torres del Paine Designed by one of Chile s foremost architects, Germán del Sol, the Explora Lodge is a remarkable place in this remote part of the world. With perfect views of mountains and glaciers, every detail has been designed with comfortable exploration in mind. Explora s chefs prepare all of our meals, including the picnic lunches we enjoy on our walks. ACTIVITY Days 7, 8 & 9: A huge range of walks and activities are available, all with Explora guides and, of course, your B&R guide to cater to your needs. \ Day 10 Homeward Bound This morning, take in your last panoramic views of the Torres del Paine at the Explora Lodge. A complimentary transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas will be available if you wish.
Notes From the Road 5 Of Magic and Majesty By Amanda Gary All it took was reading In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin for the first time and I was hooked. It would take me another two decades to finally get there, albeit briefly, but that was quickly followed by a couple of longer trips that still have me itching to get back. What is it about this place that exerts such a draw? Explorers, naturalists, adventurers, outlaws and fortune seekers have found themselves pulled here for centuries, sometimes never to return. For B&R, the pull was first felt in the mid-90s. We ve continued flirting with this vast tract of land since that initial dalliance, but with our 50th Anniversary upon us and some of our most memorable trips emerging from the archives, returning to a place with such an undeniable pull was a no-brainer. The immensity of scale and the sense of isolation can be overwhelming, but the landscapes are truly breathtaking. Mountains and valleys, rivers and plains stretching out seemingly indefinitely reveal themselves through breaks in the cloud, behind violent rain squalls or sometimes just framed by nothing more than shockingly blue skies. There is a real sense of magic and majesty that emanates from every rock and blade of grass here. Estancias and gauchos provide the most visible human element to Patagonia, immigrants from Europe having mixed with indigenous peoples to try and eke out a living from the land. These (often European-looking) farms dot the landscape and are like islands amongst the immensity of open land. Even during the boom years of farming, life here was hard but the rewards could be said to compensate. The estancias are larger now, conservation and tourism having become important, but the sight of abandoned buildings is not uncommon. The days of early European exploration and the written accounts of Magellan through to Darwin saw the mapping and our understanding of the land we call Patagonia grow as never before or after. That said, it is the easiest of things to be on a hike, just minutes away from the luxury of a lodge, to imagine yourself pioneering a path through unexplored land. B&R TRIP PLANNER Amanda Gary To say Amanda Gary s resume is varied would be understating things slightly. 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 plans trips all over South America.
The Details 6 ARGENTINA Los Glaciares National Park Eolo PERU BRAZIL El Calafate Pacific BOLIVIA PARAGUAY Torres del Paine South Atlantic ARGENTINA CHILE Atlantic South Pacific CHILE 2018 Price: From $9,795 ($2,000 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 10 Days / 9 Nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start El Calafate Esplendor El Calafate Morning Finish Torres del Paine Airport Mid-morning the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast The walking really varies given the choices available to us most days. Walking distances anywhere from 3 to 24 km (2-15 mi.) are possible over mixed terrain, sometimes relatively flat but on occasion you can choose to push yourself with more challenging topography. In addition to walking you will have the opportunity to horseback ride (as easygoing as you would like), kayak and mountain bike ride. MORE INFO How do I get to El Calafate? From Buenos Aires, El Calafate is accessible via three or four daily flights. Departures occur from capital s domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), situated only about 5 km (3 mi.) from the city center. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All meals, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) and support van All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All baggage transportation Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service ESPLENDOR EL CALAFATE www.esplendorhotels.com Offering panoramic views of the lake Lago Argentino and the Andes Mountain Range, the Esplendor El Cafate is a delightfully modern outpost in a place of impressive natural beauty. Situated in the heart of Patagonia, the hotel provides an authentic experience combined with a splendid in-house restaurant and exclusive Argentine wine cellar. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 7 your next steps FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/butterfieldandrobinson Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. Weather: Patagonia month high low Jan/Feb 57 43 Mar/Apr 53 39 May/Jun 41 32 Jul/Aug 40 31 Sep/Oct 48 35 Nov/Dec 56 41 At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a confirmation email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. ROOM UPGRADE If you would like to upgrade your accommodation on this trip, please enquire at time of booking to learn cost and availability. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP Chances are you will want to spend time in Patagonia either before or after your trip. There are several recommendations for where to stay and what to do while in Patagonia included in the Confirmation Email you will receive upon booking. We ll also happily recommend a guide if you want an insider s tour of Patagonia. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our e-newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2018 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.