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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins
Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula / Hidden Argentina
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Bike Tours / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

A 14 day/13 night program
Season: Sep to Mar
Level of difficulty: Easy
Type: Soft adventure + overlands + soft treks
Minimum / Maximum: 2 / 16 pax

This is a new version of the Best of Patagonia program. We have reorganized the circuit, aiming for something original, different than what it is seen in lots of travel agencie's catalogs, incorporating more real and authentic experiences. We have added more contents and tried to avoid tourists, in order to have the exclusive opportunity of enjoying the landscapes far away from the crowded buses. The new circuit is based on trips we have operated this season, which turned out excellent for our clients… 360 degrees of Nature!! An itinerary that covers all types of passengers expectations, from more active ones to more contemplative ones.

DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES
After arriving at Buenos Aires international airport, you will be transferred to the hotel.

The "Queen of the River Plate Basin" or the "Paris of South America", as Buenos Aires City is called, can be a superlative introduction to the exploration of Argentina, from both the cultural and wildlife points of view. What is certain is that this cosmopolitan city, European in appearance, can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. Its intense cultural and commercial life can fill every minute of any visit with pleasant experiences. The Autonomous City of Buenos Aires is the Federal District of Argentina Republic and the most important cosmopolitan urban center in the country.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy the unique Four Balconies of Buenos Aires Tour, which introduces you to Buenos Aires in a peculiar way. It is an exclusive visit of Buenos Aires, in which a guide uses four parks or plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo in Montserrat, Parque Lezama in La Boca, Plaza San Martin in Retiro and Plaza Alvear in Recoleta) to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, its contrasts, its contradictions and the characteristic psychology of the "porteños", the inhabitants of Buenos Aires.
Overnight at Elevage Hotel
Approximate kilometers: 35 / miles: 22

DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
This day you will explore one of the most beautiful zones of Buenos Aires' surroundings, the northern riverside districts of Tigre and San Isidro. In the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel to reach San Isidro city.

The history of San Isidro begins in the year 1580, when Juan de Garay carried out the first distribution of the lands situated north of the City of La Santísima Trinidad (current City of Buenos Aires). The current territory of the District of San Isidro was within the so-called Lands of the Coast or Lands of the Large Forest. Legend goes that while going along these said lands, a captain from Vizcaya by the name of Domingo de Acassuso had a dream, on which he pledged to build a chapel in honour of San Isidro Labrador, whose name was later borrowed to call the entire zone, likewise thus naming the current district. This city has an important colonial heritage reflected in its houses and buildings. This is one of the most characteristics things of San Isidro, that you will have the opportunity to discover visiting the Pueyrredón Farm, the San Isidro Cathedral, several colonial mansions and the Victoria Ocampo's Mansion (once, the cultural center of South America).

You will continue to Tigre, a city overlooking the Delta of the Paraná river. Here, you will explore the Fruit Market, a different, almost magical world. The name Tigre is derived from an old story of jaguar hunters. It is said that a couple of very famous and virtuous hunters used to live in the region. With the vertiginous passing of time, these lands were populated by farmers who lived with their families upon the products they grew and harvested.

The port has three inner docks. The central docks concentrate the grocer's boats, which supply the inhabitants of the islands with the most varied products. In the last harbour, the timbering boats full of poplar and willow logs from the forested islands of the Delta are unloaded. The port of Tigre lodges the open market with streets full of the colors of rustic fabric, furniture and accessories made in cane and willow, delicious jams and honey, brilliant flowers, and of course, all the variety of native fruit co-existing in absolute harmony.

After free time to have lunch (not included) you will enjoy a riverside walk and a boat trip through the countless islands of the delta of the Paraná River to have beautiful views of the riverside villas, Victorian docks, English gardens, and traditional rowing clubs. If weather conditions allow, you will sail by the River Plate reaching Buenos Aires city.
Return to the hotel. Overnight at Elevage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Approximate kilometers: 60 / miles: 37

DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES / PATAGONIA ATLANTIC COAST
You will be picked up from the hotel for the transfer to the airport in order to board the flight to Comodoro Rivadavia. Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to Bahia Bustamante. See http://www.bahiabustamante.com/

Bahía Bustamante is a seaside village entirely surrounded by nature. It is located on the northern arch of San Jorge Gulf, an area characterized by its important biodiversity. There are few places in the world that house such a number and diversity of seabirds and marine mammals. Since 1952, the village has been exclusively devoted to the harvesting of seaweed. At the beginning, 500 people lived there. They used wagons pulled by horses to collect the crops. Today some 40 inhabitants live in Bahía Bustamante all of whom are devoted to seaweed production, which makes this place world's unique "seaweed village". This place invites you to enjoy a deep blue sea contrasting with red rocks, a petrified forest, sea and steppe birds, sea lions, killer whales and dolphins, guanacos, Patagonian hares, lighthouses, starry skies, aboriginal working areas and cemeteries. And, above all, this remote and exclusive village on the Patagonian seaside offers you somewhere completely different - a place full of peace and safety.

Four comfortable houses by the sea have been remodeled to the guest's accommodation. Each house has two twin bedrooms, living room, kitchen, one fully equipped bathroom (that will be shared with the others guests), heating and hot water. At the grocery store, it is offered exclusive regional meals based on own products such as sea-weed, lamb, fish and sea food.

After having lunch, you will have time to enjoy the activities offered such as: Sailing along Malaspina Cove, visiting Sea Lion, penguin and several Seabird colonies, bird watching, visit a Typical Patagonian Ranch, visit the Seaweed Industry, visit Archaeological Sites such as aboriginal working areas and cemeteries, panoramic trekking, fishing, mountain bike, visit to the Petrified Forest.
Overnight at Bahia Bustamante
Meals: Breakfast + lunch + dinner
Approximate kilometers: 180 / miles: 112

DAY 4: BAHIA BUSTAMANTE
This is a day dedicated to enjoy the activities that Bahia Bustamante offers to have an unforgettable stay.
" Discover the remaining fossils of forests that existed in Patagonia 60 million years ago. You can view huge petrified tree trunks that have become rock with its characteristic glow of opal, which has replaced the tree's original organic matter. You can also appreciate tree rings, traces of bark and many other features.
" Participate in daily ranch activities such as marking, weaning, shearing sheep.
" Birdwatching. The coast of Bahia Bustamante and Malaspina Cove has the greatest diversity of seabirds in all Patagonia.
" Visiting Sea Lion and Magellan Penguin colonies on the islands and beaches.
" Mountain bike, horseback riding and trekking.
*All the activities offered at Bahia Bustamante can be modified due to weather conditions.
Overnight at Bahia Bustamante
Meals: Breakfast + lunch + dinner

DAY 5: BAHIA BUSTAMANTE / GAIMAN
On the way to Gaiman, you will visit Cabo Dos Bahias Natural Reserve, where you can appreciate the penguin colony from November to April.

As soon as you get into Cabo Dos Bahías Provincial Reserve you can contemplate the penguin colony where you can get very close to the animals. Three kilometers ahead, you can watch from some rocky slopes and see the first Fur Seals colony on the continent. This species has been ferociously decimated for the value of its pelt, and is currently protected by the reserve. These animals shelter from the human presence in Isla Moreno.
The site offers an incredible view of the steppe, and you can also see some guanacos accustomed to visits.

Arrival at Gaiman, a traditional & peculiar small village of the Lower Valley of Chubut River. Gaiman is the symbol of Welsh colonization in Patagonia. The first settlers arrived in 1865, aboard the Mimosa sailboat. They were escaping from the English penetration in their native country as well as from the attempt of the latter to impose their culture to them. They were looking for a virgin territory to be able to found the "New Wales" and follow their own rules and customs without being bothered. Huge and virgin Patagonia was that promised land. They had to put up with many difficulties and problems, including bad harvests and confrontations with the native Indians. But they did not give up and, between 1874 and 1875, there was a second contingent arriving from the Country of Wales and the United States with the purpose of getting more land for farming and growing. This way, Gaiman was born.
At present, you can still discover the attitude that characterized these first inhabitants of the town by walking around the streets of Gaiman, which still keeps its village essence, sprinkled with farms, typical chapels and Welsh-style houses. And the main attraction are the Welsh Tea Houses, where the descendants of the settlers prepare and serve the greatest classic Welsh tea, not to mention the pastry... Here, you will find yourself invaded by that particular feeling arising from the union of this town full of Welsh tradition and the lands of the far south.
Lodging in Posada Los Mimbres.

Posada Los Mimbres is situated only 6 Km from Gaiman and 30 minutes away from Trelew. The original settlement dates from 1879. Los Mimbres is a beautifully landscaped farm on the Rio Chubut. Passengers will be split between the "old House" & the "new House". The old House still keeps part of the original furnishings dating back to the settler's times. Here you will find modern accommodation: three bedrooms each with a private Bathroom, a comfortable dinning room with a fireplace, a reading room which will enable you to learn from past events and customs of the region. The new house has been built to get its light and heat from the sun. The house is well protected from the Patagonian winds providing a cool and quit surrounding. Enjoy one of the three rooms with private showers and toilets. From the living room you have an excellent view overlooking the garden. The fireplace offers a serene and intimate atmosphere to relax and enjoy music. The friendly family-run restaurant offers traditional Patagonian food, home cooked. Blending local flavours with the delicious national and European cuisine. Many activities and services are available: trekking, geological and ecological tours, river navigation, etc.
Overnight at Los Mimbres Inn
Meals: Breakfast + dinner
Approximate kilometers: 265 / miles: 165

DAY 6: PENINSULA VALDES & GOLFO NUEVO
A complete day enjoying the beautiful landscapes of this area.
Beginning with a drive along National Route N° 3 to reach the entrance to Valdes Peninsula. After crossing the Ameghino Isthmus, from where you can watch Golfo San José and Golfo Nuevo, you get into the Peninsula. The road will lead you to Puerto Piramides. On the way you will see the wildlife of the area: guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, hairy armadillos, maras and the most important rookeries protecting large colonies of South American sea lions, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, among others. In Puerto Piramides you will embark a ship to navigate the sea and appreciate the shore & wildlife of the area. From June to December you can enjoy a whale-watching navigation that will allow you to know the southern right whales.

Puerto Pirámides is a beach that, with its gentle slopes, is protected by cliffs resembling pyramids, where there are fossilized invertebrates of more than 9 million years. This narrow strip of land 35 km. long, with its arid soil and the deepest salt marshes in South America, possesses a very important natural resource of international value: the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). The mating and birth of these huge mammals is seen every year from June to December. Killer whales are more frequently seen between February and May, while dolphins are seen all year round.

After free time to have lunch, you will continue to Puerto Madryn city going through El Doradillo beach.
Here, between August and September, you may see just from the shoreline some whales and its whale calfs. Once the calfs grow, the whales continue its journey through the Valdes area. El Doradillo is a quiet, isolated place practically unaltered by human intervention, which allows visitors to enjoy a wild environment and invites landscape contemplation. It was created in the year 2001, in accordance with the land and sea protected area definition. It is located on the Golfo Nuevo coast, about 19 km (12 miles) away from Puerto Madryn, and extends along 30 km (20 miles) from Punta Arco to Cerro Prismático. There are significant cliffs in this area which become natural lookout points from where it is possible to watch the littoral landscape with its huge abrasion platforms. Water erosion has worked significant gullies into the plateau and one can have a glimpse of the geological profile of the place.
Arrival at Puerto Madryn city and visit of the Ecocentro.

On one of the shores of the Nuevo Gulf, the Ecocentro House invites visitors to find and see the sea in a different way.
The building, whose architectural style reminds us of the Welsh immigrants, is strategically located on a cliff and looks like a large vantage point into the sea. But not only because it allows visitors to behold it from the large windows but also because each room of the venue shows something about the fascinating sea world.

Located on the eastern coast of the Province of Chubut, Puerto Madryn overlooks the blue waters of the Golfo Nuevo, where wind is music and silence accompanies the language of birds. At present, the population is approximately of 50.000 inhabitants. The urban area is surrounded by hills and dunes.

From Puerto Madryn, you will continue to Punta Ninfas. At the foot of the cliff, on the immense shore, you will find an elephant seal colony. Leaving the city center along Provincial Route N° 1, heading southwards, the pavement will turn into rubble and thus the Patagonian steppe becomes multiplied around you. Taking Provincial Route N° 5, you will reach Punta Ninfas, where nature presents itself in its purest state. Walking along cliffs and paths, watching flowers, butterflies, the spectacular landscape, and feeling the Patagonian wind, you will see a dark spot in the middle of the Patagonian steppe acquiring the shape of a lighthouse: the Punta Ninfas lighthouse. From here, you will have an extraordinary view of the Peninsula and the Golfo Nuevo. It is possible to go down the cliff to reach the colony of sea elephant in a unique context, opposite the shores of the Valdés Peninsula.

The reproduction structure of the elephant seal is the harem. The large males can reach a weight of 3.5 tons and they have big trunks. The leading male is called alpha and it mates with all the females. There are large males with little experience in fighting due to their short age, that are called peripheral males. As they do not have their own female, they steal them or try to mate their neighbors. These cunning creatures are always lying in wait for the right moment in which the leader is not paying attention. Sea birds not usually seen inside the gulfs may be observed in Punta Ninfas. During the whale season, the entrance and exit of mothers with their newly born offspring may be appreciated. The purity of the air, the desolation of the scenery & the sound of the elephant seals make this area a unique place to visit. Return to Gaiman. Overnight at Los Mimbres Inn
Meals: breakfast, Dinner
Approximated kilometers: 450 / miles: 280

DAY 7: GAIMAN / USHUAIA
Morning at your leisure. We suggest you the visit to Bryn Gwyn Park. Only 8 km away from the town of Gaiman, you reach the Bryn Gwyn Geological Park, a fossil reservoir of over 600 acres (250 Has), located on the southern slopes running along the valley of the Chubut River. Forty percent of these fields are devoted to paleontological research.
Visitors are welcomed at the Lower Field Station located on hillside. The tour starts with an introduction by experimented guides. As you climb the easy slopes, you will observe the different geological layers, and learn about the different fossils found partially uncovered in the ground. In another part of the park, you will find a new arboretum, with paths that will take you through the different species that live in central Patagonia. This arboretum is, in fact, part of our institute of plant research. The easy, relaxed walk lasts about one hour and takes you back to the Lower Field Station.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Trelew airport. Before arriving, stop to visit the Egidio Feruglio Museum, located at Trelew city. The Museum of Paleontology "Egidio Feruglio" (MEF) is a new and different concept for cultural tourism in Patagonia (Argentina). It combines scientific exploration and education with great audiovisual entertainment. Located near one of the world's largest and richest fossil deposits, MEF offers fascinating opportunities to know and appreciate the natural history of our planet. MEF's mission is to adopt an unfailing commitment with the promotion and development of social culture through Science as an integral form of producing and disseminating knowledge.

Arrival at the airport and board the flight to Ushuaia. Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

When the first Europeans arrived to this legendary island at the lower tip of Patagonia, it was inhabited by several hunter-fisher-gatherer Indian tribes who built large bonfires to protect themselves from the penetrating cold of these extreme southern reaches. The first Spanish navigators to sight these shores from their boats named the large island "Tierra de los fuegos" (today Tierra del Fuego), which means "Fire Island" in English. In the southern end of the Republic of Argentina, on the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, there lies Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Located on the Beagle Channel, it takes its name -which means "bay overlooking the West"- from the yámana tongue. Within the impressive frame made up by the sea, the forests, the lakes and the mountains, Ushuaia is a picturesque city that offers unexplored untouched territories that invite visitors to discovery and adventure.
Overnight at Los Fuegos or Las Yamanas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Approximate kilometers: 30 / miles: 19

DAY 8: USHUAIA
This day you will find yourself at the "end of the world", and the best way to understand this is visiting the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The excursion around the park includes a canoeing expedition. Transfer from the hotel to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest you will be able to look for the Magellanic woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Lunch in the camping area of Lake Roca. Afternoon paddling in the National Park. After an instructive view in Lago Roca, paddle Ovando River, which flows, into the Green Lake, one of the most beautiful views of the Park. Landing in Lapataia bay you will be able to spot all sorts of local birds. For those who don't want to paddle, they can choose the zodiac navigation option.
Overnight at Los Fuegos or Las Yamanas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + lunch
Approximated kilometers: 25 / miles: 15.5

DAY 9: USHUAIA
You will visit Harberton Ranch, the first one in the area, and Gable Island. Departing early in the morning from Ushuaia, driving along the "J" route, which offers interesting views of the famous "Flag Trees" till we reach the coast of the Lashifashaj River. Ninety kilometers east of Ushuaia, on National Route Nº3, may be found Tierra del Fuego's oldest ranch: Estancia Harberton. The lands it is built on were a gift from President Roca's government to Rev. Thomas Bridges, for his contributions in exploring the area and in establishing a harmonious relationship with the native population. The Yamanas were the native inhabitants of the coast of the Beagle Channel and it was with them that Rev. Bridges concentrated all his missionary activities. It is said that the Yamanas advised Rev. Bridges on the site to establish his Estancia, which is the actual location of Harberton.

From the estancia you will board a small boat to visit the penguin rookery at Martillo Island. The unique location of this island (close to the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters merge) allows for an incredible variety of rich subaquatic life, making it an amazing spot for birdwatching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross).
From there to Gable Island, the largest in the Beagle Channel, for late lunch. The view over the Beagle Channel is breathtaking. You will get into a beech forest with white orchids, wild berries, strawberries and ferns. After a 2/3-hour hike, return to the refuge, stop for tea back to the continent.
Return to Ushuaia late in the afternoon.
**For operation or safety reasons or weather conditions the order of the activities during this day may be changed.
Overnight at Los Fuegos or Las Yamanas Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + lunch
Approximate kilometers: 180 / miles: 112

DAY 10: USHUAIA / EL CALAFATE
Morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the local airport to board the flight to El Calafate. Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

One of the most beautiful landscapes in the Western Hemisphere is found in the Patagonian Andes. For this reason a chain of Argentine and Chilean National Parks protects this natural beauty. Numerous lakes fed by glacial run-off reflect the majesty of the snow-capped peaks. The mountainsides are covered by primeval forests of subantarctic beech trees many of which change color spectacularly in autumn. Surrounded by this magnificent vegetation are the immense glaciers, most likely the highlight of any trip to this region. Between the 48 and 51 South parallels, the Andes Range is covered by a large extension of permafrost known as the Patagonian continental icecap, which stretches for 560 miles from north to south. So large it is, that it is also called "the third pole" after its huge concentration of ice. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, such as the famous Perito Moreno glacier. But it is also known all over the world for its dramatic steppe at the foot of the imposing Fitz Roy and Torre Mountains, a "mecca" for climbers from all over the world. These areas allow for hiking, trekking, horseriding, overlanding and overnight in remote and isolated estancias by turquoise lakes.

In El Calafate you will find yourself at the gateway to the majestic world of glaciers. This town is near Lake Argentino, a green water surface covering 1,600 km2, with a length of 60 km and a width between 12 and 14 km. El Calafate connects you with the most unknown and magical features of our geography. It is 316 km. from Río Gallegos, 185 m.a.s.l. and receives its name from the small bush calafate, native of Patagonia. Its fruit is a delicious berry very good for the elaboration of jam. According to tradition, whoever eats calafate will return for more. But reality indicates that whoever visits Calafate wants to stay there forever.
Overnight at Kau Yatun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Approximated kilometers: 24 / miles: 15

DAY 11: EL CALAFATE
Transfer from the hotel to Los Glaciares National Park, in the sub-Antarctic Continental Ice-cape, known as the "Third Pole", which extends over 60,000 squared km (23,000 sq. miles) and gives birth to several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. Arrival at the Park. The excursion begins in the pier located at "Bajo de las Sombras" bay (approximately 6 kilometers before the glacier viewpoint), where you will embark to cross the Brazo Rico, reaching the southwest shore after 20 minutes of navigation in which you appreciate the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
After the disembark, you will reach the shelter where the guides organize the minitrekking groups. You will walk by the lake shore to reach the glacier. It will take approximately 20 minutes. Once you are in front of it, the guides will put you the crampons and give you the instructions for a 2-hours hike over the ice. In this minitrekking over the glacier, you will appreciate lots of ice formations such as: cracks, drains, little lagoons, etc. It is a moderated hike and the ice surface where you will walk is irregular, but firm and safe. At the end of the hike, you will go back to the shelter walking through the exuberant magellanic forest. Arrival and embark to cross the lake. Once you arrive at the pier, you will travel for 6 km to reach the catwalks, in front of the Perito Moreno glacier, from where you will have different and amazing views of it.
Return to the hotel.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Footwear: Any type of sport footwear, for example trekking bouts or trainers. Use thick socks, if possible made of wool or cotton. Rubber boots, ski shoes and women shoes with heel are not admitted.
2. Lunch: don't forget to bring your box-lunch. There are not possibilities for having lunch in the trek area.
Overnight at Kau Yatun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + box lunch + dinner
Approximate kilometers: 150 / miles: 93

DAY 12: EL CALAFATE
This is a day at your leisure.
We suggest you the following excursions (not included):

Option A: Estancia Cristina (Cristina Ranch)
Transfer from the hotel to the pier. An early start takes you to the tiny port of Puerto Bandera. You board a comfortable modern catamaran for 1,45 min cruise on Lago Argentino. The navigation enters the Channel leading to Estancia CRISTINA, surrounded by towering ice -capped mountains and glowing ice-blue bergs floating in the lake. After crossing the lake (allowing for great close up views of the Upsala glacier) you will meet the guides at Estancia Cristina.
If you choose this option, you can enjoy one the following activities, that you have to book in advance. The activities offered are: a 4WD Expedition to Upsala Glacier lookout, a HIKE to Fossils Canyon or a HORSERIDE to the Upsala Glacier lookout. Transfer back to the pier and from here to the hotel.
Kilometres approximated: 100 / miles: 62

Option B: Cerro Frias horse riding
Great full day ride to Mount Frias. Following a valley to Mt. Frías, at 1100 m. up a canyon, through a Nothofagus forest, reaching the ridge with spectacular views to Lakes Roca and Argentino and experience the typical patagonian steppe, with the possibility of wildlife watching (guanacos, pumas, and condors). If the weather is fine you will be able to see as far as the Torres del Paine in Chile. Return to the ranch for lunch. The excursion includes full equipment and assistance of qualified bilingual guides.
Kilometres approximated: 50 / miles: 31

Option C: 4x4 Calafate Balconies
An easy and panoramic drive to a lookout point in El Calafate to enjoy an aerial view of the city and Lake Argentino by a 4x4 Land Rover Defender. Start climbing the east side of the Huilyche mountain, up to 850 mts above sea-level, we will arrive to "Calafate's Balcony ", where we will stop for a few minutes and you will be able to see El Calafate Town.
Kilometres approximated: 15 / miles: 9

Overnight at Kau Yatun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner

DAY 13: EL CALAFATE / BUENOS AIRES
You will be picked up from the hotel to be transferred to the local airport and board the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. At night, you will be picked up to enjoy a Dinner & Tango Show. Enjoy a glamorous tango show in one of the most prestigious houses in Buenos Aires of historical value as well.
After the dinner & show, return to the hotel.

The birth of tango took place towards 1880 with the formation of dwelling conglomerates around the young city of Buenos Aires. Those who lived there, more than a million of European immigrants (most of them sole men) and some disadvantage "porteños" (born in Buenos Aires) made up a new social class who created cultural expressions derived from this mixture. These circumstances made possible that the place of its natural development were the brothels. This relation between the tango with the brothel was unacceptable for the Argentine high class of those days. The habits of that time disqualified tango and prohibited this dancing in their homes and in society.
However, at the beginning of the XX century, tango was carried to Paris where it began to be danced as something forbidden. Little by little this new musical expression began to scale to the highest levels in the French society. It had become the fashion dance. The tango started to be accepted by the families and dance in the public salons in Buenos Aires. It was no longer a prohibited dance. Professional musicians, qualified poets and famous dancers have given the tango the necessary components to turn it, in a few years, in the most original culture event of Buenos Aires.
Overnight at Elevage Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + dinner
Approximated kilometers: 35 / miles: 22

DAY 14: BUENOS AIRES
Transfer from the hotel to Ezeiza international airport to board the return flight.
Meals: Breakfast

We offer you the opportunity to extend this trip visiting other amazing and beautiful places of Argentina.

The extensions programs are:

1. DAY 13
Instead of returning from El Calafate to Buenos Aires, we offer you the visit of Torres del Paine (National Park at Chile), El Chalten (Fitz Roy Mount) and/or Bariloche.

2. DAY 14
Instead of coming back to your origin place, from Buenos Aires we offer you the visit to Puerto Iguazú (Iguazú water falls), Iberá Marshlands, the Northwest (Tucumán-Salta-Jujuy) and/or Mendoza.

* THESE EXTENSIONS WILL BE MADE ON REQUEST.

RATES FOR FIXED DEPARTURES: US$2955 per person double for 2-3 people or US$2750 for 4 or more

Fixed Departures: 2010: 10 Jan, 17 Feb

Rates for Private Departures: US$ per person for 2 people, US$ per person for 4 people, US$ per person for 6 people

The rate includes:
" Accommodation in superior tourist class (combination of 4 and superior 3 star hotels ) all with private facilities and breakfast. In Bahia Bustamante the accommodation is in a house with two bedrooms, where you will share the bathroom.
" Round trip transfers between airport and hotels in every destination.
" Private services in Buenos Aires, Atlantic coast (Valdes Peninsula and Bahia Bustamante) & El Calafate.
" Services shared with other passengers during: minitrekking, whale watching navigation in Puerto Piramides & excursions in Ushuaia.
" Assistance of expert naturalist guides in Ushuaia, Valdes Peninsula and Bahia Bustamante.
" Meals as stated on the itinerary (without beverages).
" Entrance fees to parks and reserves.

The rate does not include:
" Airline, airport departure taxes.
" Tips for luggage handling and optional gratuities for guides and crew.
" Extras and personal expenses.

NOTES

* EXCURSIONS: The most of the activities included in this trip are related to nature and outdoors landscapes, so they may change depending on the weather conditions. No experience is needed in the trekking or hiking excursions.

* IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION: The departures and allotments at hotels have been pre-booked, so the trip has immediate confirmation to make sales easier. However, please note that there are some departures where hotels may change from the list below.
* HOTELS: Hotels used are superior 3* - 4* hotels chosen for their customized service and for their constant search for ways to improve their services.
The hotels included are:
¢ BUENOS AIRES (SUP 4* Hotel): ELEVAGE (www.elevage.com.ar)
¢ BAHIA BUSTAMANTE (www.bahiabustamante.com)
¢ GAIMAN (3 * Hotel): POSADA LOS MIMBRES (www.posadalosmimbres.com.ar )
¢ USHUAIA (4 * Hotel): HOSTERIA LOS FUEGOS (www.hosterialosfuegos.com )
¢ EL CALAFATE (4* Hotel): KAU YATUN (www.kauyatun.com)

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation may be upgraded per passengers wishes only in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and El Calafate, since it will not complicate our operations.

3. FLIGHTS - The recommended flight route for this itinerary are:
AR1836 AEPCRD 0610 0837
AR2810 RELUSH 1750 2001
AR2898 USHFTE 1300 1410
AR2803 FTEAEP 1046 1342

RECOMMENDATIONS
* Passengers must be prepared to travel long distances by car.
* Passengers are to travel with health insurance.
* Meals are based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be informed at least 15 days prior to departure.

PACKING LIST
A basic pack should include:
" Day pack.
" Trekking and comfortable shoes.
" Warm parka and windbreaker.
" Polar wear / warm sweater.
" Light pullover / sweatshirt.
" Gloves, hat / cap, bandanna, sunglasses.
" Sunscreen / sun block.
" Water bottle.
" Camera & extra batteries.