Patagonia
Few places on the globe evoke the mystery and awe that Patagonia provides for the intrepid traveler. The rugged crags and spires of mighty Torres del Paines and Los Glacieres National Parks constitute perhaps the most impressive mountain vistas on earth. Iguazu is arguably the world’s most impressive waterfall. Combine these with the cultural gems and Tango culture of Buenos Aires and one has a recipe for a memorable travel experience.
Day 1 Buenos Aires Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina!
Welcome meeting & Dinner
We will have our usual get-acquainted meeting at about 5 pm, followed by an Asado dinner with an Argentine family.
Hotel Tango de Mayo (2 nights) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/
Day 2 Buenos Aires
Tour Buenos Aires
Today we will explore Buenos Aires on a tour with a local guide. Highlights include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and the colorful La Boca/Caminito neighborhood. Your afternoon and evening are free for personal exploration.
Day 3 El Chalten
Flight; Transfer to El Chalten
This morning we will be transferred to the National Airport for our flight to El Calafate (flight included). From there we will enjoy a gorgeous scenic drive north to El Chalten, gateway to the magnificent Los Glacieres National Park.
Los Cerros (2 nights) https://loscerrosdelchalten.com.ar/
Days 4 El Chalten
Los Glacieres NP activities
We will enjoy an easy half-day hike in the stunning Los Glaciers region. Our goal is the stunningly situated Laguna Capri, with its spectacular views of Mount Fitz Roy, the signature peak of El Chalten. Free time options include hiking further toward the mighty Andes or additional outdoor activities like Lago Desierto, Lago Azul or Huemul Glacier hikes; boat rides on Lago Vidma; or horseback riding.
Day 5 El Calafate
Miradores los Condores
Our day begins with an optional early morning hike to nearby Miradores los Condores, for some sunrise photography and glowing golden alpenglow of the Los Glacieres peaks. Contemplating the panoramic views is a great way to say goodbye to El Chalten. Then we commence with the scenic drive to El Calafate where we will settle into our hotel.
Calafate Parque (2 nights) https://www.calafateparquehotel.com/en/
Day 6 El Calafate
Perito Moreno
Today we embark on a full day boat, hike, and bus excursion to 3 glaciers. We’ll view Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers from the deck of our lake cruiser and finish with iconic Perito Moreno. This massive river of ice terminates in an ice wall that is 3 miles wide, with an average height of 240 feet above the surface of the crystal blue waters of Lake Argentino. Our local guide will explain the dynamics of glaciation and take us to all the best viewing locations.
Day 7 Puerto Natales, Chile
Estancia lunch
Today is primarily a travel day as we travel south along the Argentine/Chilean border to Puerto Natales. We’ll break up the drive with an Estancia (Gaucho ranch) visit for lunch. We’ll encounter a brief peek at the traditional ranch life that has provided the backbone of Argentine wealth and economy since the 19th century.
NOI Indigo Patagonia Hotel (3 nights) https://www.noihotels.com/noi-indigo-patagonia
Days 8-9 Puerto Natales
Torre del Paine NP
For the next two days we’ll make day-long excursions to famed Torre del Paines National Park, crown jewel of Patagonia. We’ll intersperse light hiking with scenic overlooks and photo stops. Among the possible destinations are Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake, Laguna Azul, the Paine River waterfalls, Almirante Nieto Hill or Cuernos del Paine, Nordenskjold Lake, Salto Grande, Cuernos del Paine Nordenskjold Lake lookout, or Pehoe Lake. We will picnic for lunch each day and return to Natales in time for dinner.
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Today is another transportation day as we motor back to Argentina for our afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. We’ll conclude our tour with a final Happy Hour and dinner together.
Hotel Tango de Mayo (1 night) http://www.tango-hotel.com.ar/
Day 11 Buenos Aires
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.
[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]
What’s Included:
10 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 3 lunches; All tour transport (bus, boat, airplane); All tips (tour escort, local guides, drivers, boat captains, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Imprint tour escort, local guides; All entrances: Torre del Paines & Los Glacieres NPs; All activities: Buenos Aires walking tour, Boca & cemetery excursion, Asado evening, 3-Glacier excursion, Estancia visit, guided hikes, and many more incredible vistas and wildlife encounters.
Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.
Pre-Tour Iguazu Falls Extension
Day 1 Puerto Iguazu
We’ll rendezvous at our Iguazu hotel at about 6:00PM for a quick get-acquainted meeting and a run-down on our extension activities. Dinner together to follow.
Panoramic Grand Hotel (3 nights) https://www.panoramicgrand.com/en
Day 2 Iguazu
Our visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows us to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks, including one to the very crest of the mighty Devil’s Throat cascade. Then we’ll take a boat ride to the base of the falls for an even more exhilarating experience.
Day 3 Iguazu
This morning we will head across the border to the Brazilian side of the falls. From here we get panoramic views of the falls and enjoy a boardwalk that takes us to the base of the Devil’s Throat. Additionally, an optional helicopter ride over the falls is available on this side. Your late afternoon is free for independent explorations.
Day 4 Buenos Aires
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight (included) to Buenos Aires to join the Patagonia tour.
What’s Included:
3 nights hotel accommodation; All breakfasts, 1 dinner; All transportation (bus, train, plane - flight to BA); All tips (tour director, local guides, drivers, group meal, hotel staff); Full-time services of an Imprint tour director; All entrances: Parque Nationale Iguazu (Argentinian & Brazilian parks); All activities: boardwalk excursions, train ride, boat ride
Important Exclusions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.
