HIKERS PATAGONIA ADVENTURE Mt Fitzroy, Chalten
Itinerary Overview Our most active hiking tour of Patagonia ventures into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, then crosses into Argentina's Glacier National Park and the peaks of Fitzroy-Chalten. Designed as an active Patagonia vacation we are strategically based in comfortable Suite Dome Tents at Las Torres under the towering rock spires of Torres del Paine, and at boutique mountain lodges in Calafate and Chalten. In one the most spectacular hiking areas in the world we amble among the mountain peaks mostly under 3,500' elevation on undulating trails that contour past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and alpine meadows where guanaco roam and condors soar. Optional hikes to high base camps and lookouts up to 9,000' elevation afford spectacular views of sheer rock walls, calving glaciers, and chances to observe rock climbers. Accompanied by professional Patagonia guides, each day of this Patagonia adventure tour in Chile and Argentina presents different hiking options, including two non-technical mini-treks on Perito Moreno and Viedma Glaciers, and lots of wildlife and photographic opportunities. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 SANTIAGO 2 TORRES DEL PAINE 3 TORRES DEL PAINE 4 TORRES DEL PAINE 5 TORRES DEL PAINE 6 7 EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA 8 EL CHALTEN 9 EL CHALTEN 10 EL CHALTEN 11 EL CHALTEN 12 BUENOS AIRES Santiago Park Plaza Las Torres Las Torres Las Torres Las Torres Estancia Alta Vista Estancia Alta Vista Hosteria El Pilar Hosteria El Pilar Hosteria El Pilar Hosteria El Pilar Recoleta Boutique Hotel 13 B B BL B BL B Arrival, City tour Santiago to Las Torres Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Torres del Paine National Park Hiking Drive to El Calafate Perito Moreno Glacier minitrekking El Chalten - Fitzroy Los Glaciares National Park guided trekking. Los Glaciares National Park Viedma Glacier El Calafate Buenos Aires Buenos Aires City Tour, departure -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SANTIAGO, CITY TOUR Morning airport reception and transfer to the Santiago Park Plaza. In the afternoon take a historic tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda", the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas", the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and "Casa Colorado" the historic residence of the Governor. Continue on to Santa Lucia the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight at the Santiago Park Plaza. DAY 2: SANTIAGO TO LAS TORRES ECO CAMP Transfer out for morning flight to Punta Arenas and then drive north through the vast Patagonian pampa to Puerto Natales, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego (256km/160 miles/3 hrs). After lunch in Puerto Natales, continue into Torres del Paine National Park (246 km/153 miles/ 2 hrs) stopping at the Milodon Cave where the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth were discovered. Arrive for dinner and overnight under the southern constellations at Las Torres Ecocamp in a Suite Dome, located within Torres del Paine National Park. [] *Standard Domes with shared bathroom facilities also available for an additional savings. Please inquire for details. DAYS 3-5: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK LAS TORRES ECO CAMP Explorations in and around the park vary according to the day of the week and interests and abilities of individual guests. Each day there is an easy excursion by car with walking and light hiking, and a second option that is designed for more active hikers. Most excursions are full day although some are half-day allowing for exploration and relaxed time in the vicinity of the camp. Easy outings include a drive to Laguna Azul Lake with a warmer microclimate and walk among ancient beech forests with opportunities for spotting diverse bird life, particularly the Magellanic Woodpecker. Another walk over flat terrain across the "Ruta de la Fauna" at Lake Sarmiento affords easy observation of guanacos and the panoramic views of the Paine massif especially the Cuernos, or Horns of Paine. More challenging all day hikes include an ascent to the base of the Torres del Paine massif, and another is crossing Lake Pehoe by boat and hiking the French Valley into the heart of the Park. Return each day for dinner and overnight at Las Torres. [] Las Torres Outings Schedule LEVEL MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Drive and AM Drive and walk Easy Walk Laguna Easy Walk walk Western Easy Walk to Laguna Easy walk to Inge Laguna Western EASY Lakes, Mirador Azul and Mirador PM Easy Azul and Lakes, Navigation Condor Fauna Condor Walk Fauna Trail Navigation Glacier Trail Botanical Glacier Grey Grey Safari ACTIVE Drive and walk Western Lakes, Hike Pingo Trail Trek Towers Base Navigation on Lake Pehoe and Hike along French Valley Drive and walk Western Lakes, Hike Pingo Trail Trek Towers Base Navigation on Lake Pehoe and Hike along French Valley Hike along Cuernos Pass or Puestro Seron -3-
MONDAY AND THURSDAY Easy: Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Boat across Grey Glacier Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail, and Grey Lake Beach. Grey Glacier navigation. Walking: 2 hours, 5 km / 3 miles Boat crossing Grey Lake: 2 hours Active: Drive & Walk Western Lakes, Pingo Trail Full day visit to Salto Grande, Nordenskjold Lake Trail and Grey Lake Beach. Then steep hike up Pingo Trail Hiking: 5 hours, 5km / 3 miles TUESDAY AND FRIDAY Easy: Walk Laguna Azul and Fauna Trails Full day visit to Laguna Azul, walk to the lookout point through Lenga forests, see guanaco herds, flora and fauna. Walking: 3 hours, 4 km / 2.5 miles. Active: Trek Towers Base Full day trek up the Ascencio Valley to the base of the Towers. Hiking: 10 hrs, 21 km /13 miles. WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY Easy: Walk Mirador Condor Splendid views of Western lakes. Walking: 2.5 hrs, 3 km / 2 miles Active: Boat across Pehoe Lake, Trek French Valley Trek in the heart of the Paine Massif. Walking: 6 hrs, 11 km / 7 miles SUNDAY Easy: Botanical Walk Easy walk in the vicinity. Walking: 3 hours, 1 mile. Easy: Walk Laguna Inge Easy walk on Cuernos trail to Laguna Inge and shore of Nordenskjold Lake. Walking: 4 hours, 5 miles round trip. Active: Hike Los Cuernos Pass or Puesto Seron Both trails provide active trekking through the Massif south-east border. Hiking 8 hours, 11 miles. Optional Activities (not included) - Visit Hostería Las Torres Spa & Massage - Horseback riding DAY 6: EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA Drive 4-5 hours to El Calafate Transfer via Puerto Natales across the pampas and the border* of Argentina to El Calafate. This mountain town is the base for explorations of the Patagonian Continental Ice Cap and Los Glaciares National Park. The ice cap runs 560 miles from North to South between the 48 and 51 parallels. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Overnight at Estancia Alta Vista, part of a working Patagonian ranch whose owners welcome guests with genuine warmth and hospitality. Located about 20 minutes outside of El Calafate, the estancia offers excellent opportunities to hike or ride horses (horseback excursions are an additional cost.) [] *Vehicle change required at border crossing. Have passports on hand for inspection. DAY 7: PERITO MORENO GLACIER MINI-TREKKING Assemble in town with other members of your trekking party and drive to a spectacular lookout of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Permanently advancing along its 3-mile-front, columns of ice over 20 stories high peel off the face and crash into Lago Argentino creating massive icebergs. We cross Lago Argentino by catamaran along the front wall of the glacier to the edge of the Patagonian Ice Cap. Watch and listen as the glacier calves enormous shards of ice into the lake. We disembark, walk through the beech forest for a safety briefing before strapping on crampons and hiking up onto the ice pack! Watch for Andean condor and Buff-necked Ibis. This is an easy, non-technical walk on the glacier. Overnight at the Estancia Alta Vista. [] -4-
Note: The Moreno Glacier Walk is a group excursion of up to 20 persons conducted by a local park concession for ages 12-60 (exceptions may be granted in Calafate). Ask about our Big Ice Exploration, an alternative, longer, 6-hour hike with a smaller group that ventures deeper into the depths of the glacier for ages 18-50. DAY 8: EL CHALTEN -FITZ ROY Drive 4 hours Journey across the steppe to El Chalten, an outpost in the far reaches of Los Glaciares National Park. The frontier town is surrounded by some of the most imposing peaks in the Patagonian Andes, Cerro Fitzroy and Cerro Torre. Overnight at Hostería el Pilar, located close to the best trailheads and a 15 minute taxi ride from town. [B] Note: Meal plan options are available at El Pilar. Otherwise, El Chalten has several wonderful restaurants that can be reached via taxi from El Pilar. Cost is between 80-90 pesos each way for travel between town and El Pilar. DAYS 9-10: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Our guide will meet you at the hostería on the first morning to plan the day s activities adapted to your interests and abilities. A popular trail takes you to Laguna Torre, continuing to the base camp for climbers of Cerro Torre. A fairly easy and level walk takes you through beautiful beech forests along Rio Fitzroy until a final push up steep glacial moraine reaches the lake. Whichever Fitzroy hike you take, enjoy breathtaking views of the principal peaks of the Fitzroy Range. Boxed lunch is included on your first day of hiking. The second day is at your leisure to explore the trails on your own. Overnight at Hostería el Pilar. [BL] DAY 11: VIEDMA GLACIER Transfer to the shores of Lago Viedma where we board a Zodiac to cross the lake to the base of the Viedma Glacier. Though Viedma s lakeside face is small, it s Argentina s largest glacier. After disembarking, hike to an overlook of the glacier and Cerro Huemul peak at 8,000 ft. Opt to strap on crampons and trek within the walls of the glacier through ice caves. Overnight at Hostería el Pilar. [BL] DAY 12: EL CHALTEN BUENOS AIRES Transfer to Calafate for afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer in to overnight at Recoleta Boutique Hotel. [B] DAY 13: BUENOS AIRES CITY TOUR--DEPART Enjoy the day exploring Buenos Aires on our Four Balconies of Buenos Aires tour. A local guide uses four parks and plazas to introduce you to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of Porteo residents. You visit historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Afternoon is at your leisure. Your hotel room is available until 5:00 PM, after which you can store your luggage at the hotel until your transfer to the international airport in time for your evening departure. [B] Note: Consider adding a trip extension to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza wine country, or an extra day in Buenos Aires to enjoy the beautiful city with free time for walking and shopping or a variety of other half day tours exploring by bike or kayak, take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums. -5-
END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING GROUP SIZE 2-3 4-5 6+ Land Cost $5795 $5495 $4995 Internal Air* $650 $650 $650 *Internal airfare cost subject to change based on availability. INCLUDED SERVICES Local airfare Santiago-Punta Arenas, Calafate-Buenos Aires (listed separately) 12 nights first class (where available) lodging and accommodations English-speaking certified naturalist guides Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation Airport taxes and a reciprocity fee ($140 arriving in Santiago, $18 departing El Calafate, $29 departing Argentina (may be included in ticket cost)) Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -6-
Accommodations SANTIAGO PARK PLAZA, SANTIAGO Right in the Heart of Santiago, the boutique Park Plaza offers spectacular sightseeing opportunities in the city. It is just moments from national monuments, art museums, opera houses, the financial district, and a diverse array of entertainment options. The hotel itself is sylish and comfortable, with traditional British Charm and a helpful and friendly staff. LAS TORRES ECOCAMP, TORRES DEL PAINE Similar in design to the well-known permanent tented camps in Africa, the Las Torres is set up at the beginning of the season in September and dismantled in May. The utilizes advanced yet simple, technologies that encourage guests to participate in conservation by using less water, minimizing use of limited solar energy for electricity, employing composting toilets, room temperature based exclusively in insulation, reducing waste, etc. Two guests share a spacious domed tent, 16' wide and 7' high, on a wooden platform raised off the ground. Built to resist powerful Patagonian winds, rain and snow, each tent is equipped with two single beds, towels, fleece blankets and bedding, including a cozy down comforter. The also features an enormous 30' tent combining a common living area, dining room and kitchen. ESTANCIA ALTA VISTA, EL CALAFATE Located between Los Glaciares National Park and El Calafate, the Hosteria Alta Vista is part of the Estancia Anita, the largest sheep farm in the area (165,000 acres). This large area allows for moments of vastness and solitude as the landscape sweeps out before you. The seven inviting rooms each have clean lines, with wrought iron furniture and simple wooden furniture. After a long day exploring enjoy a soak in your own bathtub followed by a dinner in the intimate dining area. HOSTERIA EL PILAR Resonating with a natural energy from its owner s passion for the mountains and countryside, El Pilar is a boutique country house with 10 very warm and cozy rooms each with private bath and a view of the mountain landscape. Surrounded by native forests at the base of Mt. Fitzroy, the building replicates a historic Patagonian casona, similar to those built by pioneers who settled Patagonia. A warm crackling fire welcomes guests who congregate in the lounge, the dining room, and the library with host, Marcelo Pagani and his staff who receive you as friends in their home. -7-
BOUTIQUE HOTEL RECOLETA, BUENOS AIRES Enormous rooms, lots of light, a friendly staff and a excellent location in the heart of Buenos Aires sophisticated Recoleta barrio, a downtown residential neighborhood in close proximity to the shops and restaurants of nearby Palermo and home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, which hosts a colorful artists market every Saturday. Managed by Howard Johnson, the hotel has just 28 deluxe rooms, is very comfortably appointed and reflects the character of the city. -8-
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