Highlights of Patagonia
8 days
from Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
From
$ 3375
Duration8 days
Trek the best of Patagonia on this action-packed Argentina adventure. From the jagged, snow-capped glory of peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre to the gigantic and still-advancing icescape that is the Perito Moreno Glacier, this action-packed Patagonia adventure covers some of the most stunning glacial scenery in the world. Start with a tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, then head to El Chalten to hike the likes of Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Continue to El Calafate, where the marvels of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are just a hop, skip and a jump away. Finish in style in back in Buenos Aires, trying your hand at a few tango moves.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: Buenos AiresPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ends in: Buenos AiresAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Start place: Buenos Aires
Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style, it may well steal your heart. Attend a group meeting at 2pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where the meeting will be. The adventure begins straight after the meeting with a two-hour orientation walk of the city. During the walk we will visit Avenida de Mayo, Café Tortoni, Florida Street
Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cabildo, Catedral de Buenos Aires) and Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo)
After the orientaion walk we'll take taxi's to Palermo to participate in a Tango class. Get ready to be captivated by Argentina’s most famous dance; the Tango. In a private space a professional Tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, as well as demonstrating the intimately fluid movements for you. You will then be invited to join an hour long beginner’s class to learn some of the basic techniques and understand the rhythm.
Following the Tango class you may want to head to one of the many Parilla's (Steak houses) in the area. Transfers back to the hotel are not included however taxi's are easy to find and inexpensive.
If you arrive to Buenos Aires before day 1, there are plenty of galleries, museums and historic buildings to keep you entertained. On the east side of the Plaza de Mayo you will find the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace where Eva Peron appeared on the balcony in front of adoring fans in the 1940s. There is also a Museo Evita, dedicated to the life (and gowns) of this famed figure. MALBA is an incredible art gallery showcasing a private collection, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and great temporary exhibits.
Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cabildo, Catedral de Buenos Aires) and Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo)
After the orientaion walk we'll take taxi's to Palermo to participate in a Tango class. Get ready to be captivated by Argentina’s most famous dance; the Tango. In a private space a professional Tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, as well as demonstrating the intimately fluid movements for you. You will then be invited to join an hour long beginner’s class to learn some of the basic techniques and understand the rhythm.
Following the Tango class you may want to head to one of the many Parilla's (Steak houses) in the area. Transfers back to the hotel are not included however taxi's are easy to find and inexpensive.
If you arrive to Buenos Aires before day 1, there are plenty of galleries, museums and historic buildings to keep you entertained. On the east side of the Plaza de Mayo you will find the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace where Eva Peron appeared on the balcony in front of adoring fans in the 1940s. There is also a Museo Evita, dedicated to the life (and gowns) of this famed figure. MALBA is an incredible art gallery showcasing a private collection, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and great temporary exhibits.
Day 2: El Chalten
Fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours), then travel by van to the frontier town of El Chalten, north of Glacier National Park (approximately 3.5 hours). Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here; the atmosphere is laidback and outdoors-oriented.
Meals: B
Day 3: El Chalten / Trekking day
Over the next two days, take on two of the most popular day treks in the area: Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. While the Laguna de los Tres offers awesome views of Cerro Fitz Roy (3,405 m) and its two sister peaks, it's moderate to difficult, and involves quite a steep climb in its latter stage. You'll need good fitness for this. On the other hand, the Laguna Torre trail boasts superb views of the Cerro Torre peak (3,102m), and is a touch easier than Laguna de Los Tres. You can expect to walk from six to nine hours on clearly marked and well maintained paths. The terrain itself is not difficult. Wind and rain may be the main challenges you face on these walks. The hikes we trek and the order in which we trek them may change depending on weather conditions.
Meals: B
Day 4: El Chalten / Trekking day
Complete whichever trek you didn't tackle yesterday.
Meals: B
Day 5: El Chalten / El Calafate
Take a private transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate. Use the opportunity to relax and unwind after your two days of adventures on foot.
Meals: B
Day 6: El Calafate / Perito Moreno Glacier visit
Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and at 3 km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. When it's all over, return to El Calafate for the night.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
PERITO MORENO GLACIER - MIN TREK
Please note the maximum age limit for this activity is 65. The operator that runs this will not make any exceptions, even with a doctors certificate. Those 65 and older will instead be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier & take in this magnificent site from a number of angles. Weather depending, your guide may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint) of the site.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
PERITO MORENO GLACIER - MIN TREK
Please note the maximum age limit for this activity is 65. The operator that runs this will not make any exceptions, even with a doctors certificate. Those 65 and older will instead be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier & take in this magnificent site from a number of angles. Weather depending, your guide may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint) of the site.
Meals: B
Day 7: Buenos Aires
Take an included flight back to Buenos Aires. The afternoon is free to further explore the city.
Meals: B
Day 8: Buenos Aires
The trip ends after breakfast.
End place: Buenos Aires
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Buenos Aires - Orientation Walk
- Buenos Aires - Tango class
- El Chalten - Day hike to Laguna de los Tres
- El Chalten - Day hike to Laguna Torre
- El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier visit
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Transport
Plane, Private vehicle -
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)