Mendoza and Patagonia!
Trip Highlights Take in the bold and stunning scenery of Argentina travel a route that follows the spine of the Andes from the wine country in the North to the peaks and glacial lakes of Patagonia in the south. Explore a fascinating culture that derives from European and Native traditions. Savor world-class local wines and Argentinian Barbecue in Mendoza, famous for its soothing climate and sunny skies. Follow picturesque trails to the base of Mount Aconcagua the highest peak in the Americas. Enjoy in the spectacular Southern region of Patagonia, Glacier National Park and the Fitz Roy Mountain, one of the last wilderness regions in the world. Walk on the ice of the Perito Moreno glacier, considered the eighth wonder of the world because of it s spectacular vistas.
Dates Departures November 2-11th, 2018 November 1-10th, 2019 Spectacular Pre-Trips to Iguazu Falls & Post-Trips to Ushuaia and Antarctica are also available!
Pricing Details $5,455 per person, based on double occupancy $670 single supplement per person
What s Included 9 Nights at comfortable local lodges 24/7 Argentine Guide 24/7 Trip Leader Transportation in Small Vans w/ Expert Local Drivers All meals (including wine at dinners!) are included except for dinner on two nights when free-time to explore is allotted All National Park Fees All Tours/Activities
How do I know which meals are included? Great question! Refer to the legend below when viewing each day of the itinerary: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Full Itinerary
Day Zero BL&D Arrive in Buenos Aires and taxi to our hotel to rest and refresh. We will have an introductory meeting in the lobby followed by a short city tour with a local guide. Dinner will be on our own so those who need to rest can do so and those who wish to explore will receive recommendations and maps. Day One BL&D The group will transfer to the domestic airport after an early breakfast and upon arrival in Mendoza we will head to our hotel in the picturesque village of Chacras de Coria. Following time to settle into your room and a traditional lunch at the hotel, we set off for an introductory walk to get to know the area. During dinner at a favorite local restaurant, well toast the start of our adventures with wines from local vineyards. Day Two B&L Following breakfast, we will set off to visit some local wineries! Among the vines our expert guide will give a detailed explanation about the growing process and techniques of cultivation. As we build up our appetites for the next quintessentially Argentine experience: the asado. Learn about Argentina s barbecue tradition and taste some of Mendoza s best Cabernets and Malbecs. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with time to relax and enjoy its pool and grounds. Later, enjoy an opportunity to venture out on your own and try one of our recommended restaurants for dinner.
Day Three BL&D Today we set out early for a two to three-hour scenic drive in the direction of the snowcapped Andes Mountains, and the starting point for our day long trek. The drive follows the Rio Mendoza through the small town of Potrerillos, into the Uspallata Valley and over the famous bridge of the Incas a geological and historical site. The walk is a moderate route, and your accomplished mountain guide accompanies you through rolling terrain at over 9,000 feet. Wildflowers flank the path, which leads toward the south face of Mount Aconcagua (the highest mountain in South America) and provides incredible views of the snowy peak. Relax with a picnic lunch in the cool breeze, and take in the views. Returning to your hotel later in the day to enjoy your final evening in Mendoza as you wish. Stay in and enjoy a gourmet meal in the dining room or get suggestions from our guide and walk to a nearby restaurant. Day Four BL&D In the morning we will head to Bariloche airport to board a flight to El Calafate, a beautiful small community in Patagonia. We will enjoy a guided welcome hike in Laguna Nimes Reserve, a beautiful lagoon located near town. Dinner will be in town, as well as our comfortable accommodations for the following two nights.
Day Five B&L In the morning we will drive along the southern leg of Lago Argentino, where we ll set sail by catamaran across the lake to begin our ice trek over the Perito Moreno Glacier. The first part of our trekking is by the lakeshore. Once we reach the side of the glacier we will wear crampons to grip the ice and walk amongst the surreal, jagged peaks and glowing blue crevasses. Relax and enjoy our boxed lunch, and snap photos of the glacier s front wall and fallen icebergs as we return on the boat. During the early afternoon we stop at the Canal de los Tempanos, a narrow water channel that separates the peninsula from the huge mass of ice. Day Six BL&D In the morning we head to El Chaltén, a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province. It is located along the riverside of Rio de las Vueltas, within the Los Glaciares National Park. We will have a traditional lunch with locals and enjoy some nice views. We then hike to Puma viewpoint or Condor viewpoint. Afterwards we check into our unique and cozy hotel, followed by dinner at a favorite local eatery.
Day Seven BL&D After breakfast we begin trekking along the glacier valley that will take us to Cerro Torre base camp. From there you will enjoy one of the most amazing views in Patagonia the Southern Face of legendary Cerro Torre is known for it s lake and Hanging Glaciers. For those who feel up for it, the Fitz Roy hike is a spectacular loop of 18 km (11 miles). Shorter hikes and/or driving options will also be available. Day Eight BL&D This morning a scenic drive north of town takes us to the starting point of our hike. We start in the valley of Rio Electrico where there are great views of Marconi and the Piedras Blancas Glacier. As we hike the path, keep an eye out for the elegant red crest of the Magellanic Woodpecker. We stop for a picnic lunch at Poincenot camp and then continue to Laguna Capri enjoying incredible views along the way. Option available to ascend the steep and difficult trail to Laguna de los Tres. Take in superb views of Mt. Fitz Roy s hanging glaciers. This evening we will have a farewell dinner in El Chalten, enjoying the company of new friends.
Day Nine After a good night s rest, we begin to say goodbye to Patagonia. Travel from El Calafate to Buenos Aires for your first stop on the way home! What Our Past Guests Say! Many thanks to a wonderful staff and a great group of folks that we met on the tour. I highly recommend this company. They are very dedicated to everyone having a great experience. Doug W.
Accommodations
Unique Lodging The accommodations on this tour will be locally owned, special in style, and incredibly comfortable. Soft and roomy beds, hot showers, impeccable service and modern conveniences ensure your comfort while traveling these beautiful and remote locations.
Your Guides
Meet Dani Dani is an expert with more than 10 years of experience guiding people through his native Patagonia. His passion for nature, expertise in the mountains, and love of his home has led him to explore some of the most challenging regions in the world. The best part of having Dani as your guide, besides his knowledge and kind persona, is that he is part of the living history of this area. His stories of the history and culture will give you a deep understanding of this unique region of South America.
What s the difference between a Guide and Gondwana Trip Leader? A Guide is your window into the destination. Always a local, your guide gives insight to the culture, region, and ecosystems. We bring a Gondwana trip leader in addition to a guide for groups of six or more to retain the personal attention that we are known for. Meet Jared (trip Leader) Jared Sternberg has been leading trips for Gondwana since founding the company in 2013. He is incredibly passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences. He will provide you with a unique and exciting adventure and ensure your satisfaction and comfort throughout the tour. As an avid photographer, he can provide guidance on capturing the perfect shots. He also loves sharing and exchanging photos with guests after the trip.
Physical Requirements This tour is a Guided Walking Adventure, with a rating of easy to moderate, and an average mileage of 2 to 5 miles per day. A variety of walks are included, ranging from easy town walking to more strenuous longer hikes of up to six hours. All of the hikes are on well maintained trails. It is possible to only participate in shorter walks and hikes. Please keep in mind when preparing for this tour that it takes place in Patagonia, and therefore hilly terrain is unavoidable. Walking on a glacier, which is optional, can be challenging as it has some uneven and slippery surfaces.
Getting There and Back When should I arrive in Buenos Aires? You should arrive in Buenos Aires during the day on the first day of the tour, or a night or too early if you wish. What do I need to do to prepare for my journey? Book your flight to Buenos Aires for anytime on or before Day 0 of the trip. We will ride to the airport together on Day 1 to head to Mendoza! What do I need to do to prepare for my journey? Book your flight to Buenos Aires for anytime on or before Day 0 of the trip. We will ride to the airport together on Day 1 to head to Mendoza! What if I want to come and explore before Day 1? We recommend joining our Pre-Trip to Iguazu Falls! Another option we recommend is arriving in Buenos Aires for a few days before the trip. If you want help with hotel bookings, tours, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask. Are the flights included? All domestic flights in Argentina will be purchased by Gondwana and invoiced to the guests separately. This costs roughly $800 and includes flights from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Mendoza to Calafate, and Calafate to Buenos aires. Roundtrip flights to Buenos Aires are also not included. We can recommend a travel agent if you would like help purchasing international flights. What if I want to stay longer? For those of you who want to stay longer, we recommend our Post-Trip to Ushuaia, where our guide is from! We also will be offering spaces on a post-trip excursion to Antarctica. If you are looking for other ideas, we would be glad to give you suggestions!
Why Travel with Us Our promise is to deliver handcrafted travel experiences that enrich your mind, body and soul. We strive to put our values into practice with every Ecotour that we create. Wonder Our adventures are filled with Donations wonders that amaze, enlighten and deeply connect to a local charity in Argentina. A portion of the proceeds goes you to the region. Flexibility There are many opportunities throughout the tour for you to customize your Carbon Offset We carbon offset your planet. vacation with a variety of day excursions. Local Guides Low-Impact Enjoy the unsurpassable experience of local guides who share their country, Our ecotours leave a small impression on the environment because of the small group size of 12 and the activities. culture and customs. Trip Leader Unique Lodging A Gondwana Trip Leader is always sent to take care of the details, leaving you to fully relax and enjoy the experience. Feel the heart of the destination by staying at a boutique hotel that is whenever possible locally-owned and eco-friendly.
Thank You Put down your $500 deposit & you will receive: A detailed packing list Additional reading materials about your destination Health and safety information Our team at Gondwana appreciates your interest in our handcrafted travel experiences. If you would like to secure your spot by paying the deposit or have any other questions, please call us toll free: 1 (877) 587-8479 or contact us via email: info@gondwanaecotours.com Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you in Argentina! www.gondwanaecotours.com Ecotours with Soul.