Patagonia Trekking - To the End of the World

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city of Buenos Aires. In the evening, we have our introductory meeting and dinner. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Buenos Aires

Today, we discover the highlights of Buenos Aires. Traveling by bus and walking through the unique "barrios", we have a close look at daily life in Buenos Aires.

We see Parliament Square, Mayo Avenue, Tortoni Cafe, La Boca, Recoleta and the ornate cemetery where Evita Peron is buried.

Enjoy a traditional dinner while watching a fantastic tango show. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 3: Tigre Delta

Today we have a full day excursion to Tigre and the 2000 km maze of waterways that make up the Tigre Delta at the confluence of the Rio Lujan and the Rio Tigre. The town was founded in 1820 and named after the local "tigres" (jaguars), which are now extinct. The old fruit market is now a crafts fair and there are antique shops, riverside restaurants and many beautiful old buildings including the lovely Argentinean Rowing Club. We explore some of the Delta's rivers and streams from the comfort of riverboats, passing many of the "Belle Epoque" buildings, and the natural beauty of the Parana River Delta. We continue exploring the area on a train before we return to Buenos Aires.

This evening we will experience more of the cosmopolitan entertainment that Buenos Aires is famous for. Overnight Buenos Aires.

Day 4: To Chalten, Fitz Roy Massif

In the morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to El Calafate. Upon landing in Patagonia, we transfer to ground transportation and drive across the steppe to El Chalten, our staging point for the Fitz Roy Peaks in the southern Andes and our hikes in the region.

The drive takes us across semi-arid steppes as we approach the famous peaks of the Patagonian Andes. Overnight in El Chalten.

Day 5: Trek to Mount Fitz Roy

Today, we spend a full day trekking to Mt. Fitz Roy. Mt Fitz Roy sits in its granite glory surrounded by Poincenot and Mermoz peaks. Enroute, we pass through Nothofagus forest and see glaciers. As we travel alongside the Rio Blanco (white river), the sounds of the rushing water echo off the mountainsides. Keep a watch for the world's second largest bird, the Andean condor, circling the peaks.

Note: For those who are keen for more adventure and a spectacular view of the upper lakes of Laguna Sucia and Lago de los Tres, a challenging hike from the Fitz Roy base camp is offered. Overnight in El Chalten.

Day 6: Hike to Laguna Torre

In the morning, we hike to a viewpoint where we can see the magnificent Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy Peak. For those keen to walk further, a spectacular hike takes us to Laguna Torre for a panoramic view of the lake, glaciers and the principle peaks of the southern Fitz Roy Range.

En route, we hike past a gorge, the towering peaks of the Andes, and alongside the glacial waters of the Fitz Roy River. Overnight in El Chalten.

Day 7: Eco Camp, Las Colonias Peninsula

Driving from EL Chalten in the Los Glaciares National Park, we travel South through the steppe to reach the Andean patagonian forest and mountain scenery filled with glaciers and lakes. En route to our Eco Camp, we will enjoy a short hike where we shall enjoy our picnic lunch and the wonderful views.
This afternoon, we make our way to the Eco Camp, with an optional hike through the surroundings. You will have time to settle into our metal triangular frame "geodesic dome tents" - each one 12 feet in diameter with standard twin beds and wood floors. There is even a big window at floor level so you can enjoy nature from the warmth of your comfortable bed! Washrooms and showers with heated water are a short walk away as is our lounge/dining dome. Dinner is prepared over outdoor grills and is accompanied by local Argentinean wines. Tonight we fall asleep to the sounds of nature. Overnight Eco Camp.

Day 8: Eco Camp

The EcoCamp is placed in front of Perito Moreno Glacier, in "Peninsula de los Colonos". After breakfast, we start a full day of trekking to explore this peninsula, located between Roca Lake and the Rico branch of Lago Argentino Lake. The peninsula is named in honour of the first inhabitants of the area.

Here we will find the most representative native flora and fauna species of this area. Walking through it, we can easily enjoy the characteristic species of the Magallanic forest, Nothofagus Antarctica (Ñire), Nothofagus Pumilio (Lenga) and in some isolated places N. Betuloides (Cohiue de Magallanes). During this trek, we may see condors. We will also appreciate the principal wall of Perito Moreno Glacier that it is just twelve kilometers from the EcoCamp. Except for the family that is the owner of the land, no human can be found within five kilometers. After the excursion, we arrive at the EcoCamp to have dinner. Overnight at EcoCamp.

Day 9: Perito Moreno Glacier

We will leave the Eco Camp today, and have a full day excursion to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, which is located within Glacier National Park and has been declared a World Heritage Site. The glacier is a river of ice, 2 miles wide, 20 miles long and 200 feet high, which we view from a tour boat only 500 feet away! It is considered to be one of the greatest natural attractions in all of South America. Hiking along the shore we can watch icebergs calving off the glacier into Lago Argentino.

As we arrive at our nearby estancia, watch for the kelpi dogs gathering the sheep. Dinner tonight is a wonderful feast with many local specialties. Overnight at the estancia.

Day 10: Life on the Estancia

Our day is open to enjoy the activities of the estancia. Sheep shearing and herding, a walk to the lake, bird watching by the lagoon or visit a nearby site where archaeologists are excavating an ancient Indian camping ground. If you want more adventure you may wish to go further afield on a horseback-riding excursion.

Tonight, another feast accompanied by the magnificent view over Lago Argentino and the Cordillera de Los Andes. Overnight at the estancia.

Day 11: To Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Today, we have a long drive across the border into Chile. En route, we have lunch at a Patagonian estancia from where we can see the Paine Massif and the rolling steppe.

In the afternoon, we arrive in the famous park of Torres del Paine, reputed to have the cleanest air in the world. Overnight near the park.

Day 12: Grey Glaciers, Pehoe Lake, Salto Grande

We have a full day starting with a hike to Grey Lake adorned with icebergs from the calving glacier.

We see Pehoe Lake, set amongst the Paine Massif, and we walk to Salto Grande, a spectacular waterfall that empties into Pehoe Lake. Overnight near the park.

Day 13: Trek to the Torres, Torres del Paine National Park

Today, we go on a spectacular hike to Torres del Paine. This is a challenging hike but well worth the effort because of the spectacular views of the Tower Peaks.

The hike takes us up a slope with beautiful views of the countryside, through a valley, and then up a moraine slope to see the Torres del Paine rising above a small glacier and lake. Torres del Paine translates to Blue Towers, in reference to the blue hue of the granite towers. Overnight near the park.

Day 14: To Punta Arenas

This morning, we leave Torres del Paine and head south to Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan. This is a long trip through amazing scenery from the high mountains of Torres del Paine to the coastal city of Puerto Natales on the shore of Esperanza Bay. We will enjoy the fresh sea breeze in this busy port town and then continue for another 250kms through this mountainous Magallanes region of Chilean Patagonia.

We will arrive in Punta Arenas late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 15: Penguin Reserve, Exploring Punta Arenas Including the Sara Brown Museum

Today we have an early start to the day, as we take a short trip to Isla Magdalena where we will travel by Zodiac boat to see the colony of Magellanic Penguins - sometimes numbering 100,000 strong. The sight, sounds (and smells) of these curious creatures is truly an amazing sight. (High winds can delay the departure until the afternoon).

Returning to Punta Arenas, located on the Strait of Magellan, we will have time to explore the central Plaza with it's elaborate buildings reminding us of it's wealth when wool and wood were king. Traces of its history as a staging ground for Antarctic adventures are evident and the city still has a strong maritime base. We will also visit the Sara Brown Museum where you will learn more about the history of this city.

Tonight we recollect our Patagonia adventures at our farewell dinner. Overnight Punta Arenas.

Day 16: Depart Punta Arenas

We transfer to the airport for our homeward flights or join our extension to mysterious Easter Island, the most remotely inhabited place on earth, Igauzu Falls or Cruise Tierra Del Fuego. Some trips connect to our Antarctic expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, Argentina.