Complete Patagonia - an in depth look at the Wilderness of South America's Deep South.
Patagonia is a wild and rugged land in South America's deep south. It is a land of contrasts with vast windswept plains and seas packed with marine life in the East; and spectacular sheer mountains, glaciers and deep forest clad fjords in the West.
Aqua-Firma's Wilderness of Patagonia journey takes in some of the best wilderness, wildlife and scenery of this sparsely inhabited and distant land, exploring by boat, on foot and even on horseback if desired and visiting both Argentinean and Chilean sides of the border.
For spectacular mountains and glacial lakes of Patagonia, this journey focuses attention on the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This is also an area which also has some of the best wildlife viewing in the Southern Andes. Condors and Guanacos, the wild ancestors of Llama, are commonly seen. Puma's also resident in the park and whilst their paw prints are often seen, catching them out in the open is more difficult.
Using unique eco-domes within the protected area itself, we can explore the Patagonian Wilderness from a comfortable base. Each day we can set out on foot, horseback or 4x4 and boat to explore an inspiring corner of Patagonia. You can walk to the base of vertical 'Torres' themselves, or visit the spectacular Grey Glacier and the Park's many surging waterfalls.
In Argentinean Patagonia we take you to visit one of the world's few glaciers which is not retreating: the vast Perito Moreno Glacier. We also incorporate Ushuaia, on the Patagonian Island of Tierra del Fuego, or the 'Land of Fire'. This is the World's most southerly city. It is perched against a rugged mountain backed landscape on the edge of Beagle Channel which is named after Darwin's expedition ship.
Here we can tailor your experience to incorporate walking in the forests and lakes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, or boat excursions to sea lion and penguin colonies in the Beagle channel (with the shorter 15 day journey we include both these experiences). We can also offer the option of sea kayaking around this highly varied and wild coast.
A highly recommended way to complete your Patagonian Odyssey is with the 3 or 4 night expedition cruise between Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile. This voyage takes in spectacular cliffs of Cape Horn, the southern most tip of the South America, glacier carved fjords and misty Patagonian forests. It is very difficult to experience these wild End of the Earth areas by any other means than by boat. Onboard the ship you will visit glaciers, colonies of Magellanic Penguins, and perhaps elephant seal colonies (dependant on time of year and weather conditions for landing).
This journey offers and comprehensive exploration of Patagonian and can easily be combined with voyages to Antarctica and tailor made travel to other regions of Argentina. These can include the spectacular sub-tropical Iguazu Falls; learning some Tango in energetic Buenos Aires; or diverse wildlife watching in the Esteros del Ibera.
Itinerary
Southern Patagonia Circuit: Southern Wilderness of Argentina and Chile 14 Day Itinerary
(Excluding Patagonia Voyage)
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires
Upon an arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met at the airport by one of our local drivers and privately transferred to your stylish hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires. B&B basis whilst in Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Free day in Buenos Aires
If you would like a guided trip around the city then we can arrange this for you at an additional charge. We would recommend a visit which includes the colourful artistic district of La Boca and San Telmo, the Plaza de Mayo and the city centre.
Day 3: Fly to Ushuaia
Just before midday you will be transferred privately to the airport foryour flight to the deep south of Patagonia. Met at the airport, you will be privately transferred to your welcoming and comfortable boutique hotel overlooking the beautiful and rugged Beagle Channel (named after Charles Darwin's expedition ship) and the port in Ushuaia, the world's most southerly major city.
Day 4: Sealions & Penguins of the Beagle Channel
You will be picked up from your hotel for your boat journey out into the Beagle Channel. You will pass the aptly named Sealion Island, home to a large colony of Southern Sealions. You will then visit a rookery of Magellanic Penguins. Neither of these species are found further south in Antarctica.
Day 5: Tierra del Fuego National Park (with optional canoeing)
You will be collected from your hotel in Ushuaia and be driven to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, taking in a spectacular vistas of rugged mountains, forests and rugged. You will explorer the National Park with a combination of guided trekking and canoeing. This is a look at a wild but tranquil section of Patagonia.
Day 6: Fly to El Calafate
Today you'll be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Ushuaia airport for your flight to El Calafate. The rest of the day is free to explore the town set on the shores of beautiful Lago Argentino.
Day 7: Transfer to Torres del Paine
Picked up from your hotel you will journey overland into Chile and one of the Patagonian Andes most spectacular regions, Torres del Paine National Park. In the late afternoon you will arrive at your beautifully located 'eco-camp' within the national park itself.
Day 8 - 10: Explore Torres del Paine
Over the following days you will the chance to select a wide variety of activities in Torres del Paine depending on your interests and fitness level. Options include visiting the magnificent Grey Glacier (by a combination of overland and boat), a challenging day trek to the base of the Torres del Paine peaks, mountain biking or walking and wildlife in the vicinity of Laguna Inge & Los Cuernos Pass.
Day 11: Depart Torres del Paine
Leaving Torres del Paine this morning we head across the Chilean/Argentine Border to El Calafate, on the border with Los Glaciares del National Park. The town itself has a beautiful location on the shore of the huge Lago Argentino, with your lodge overlooking the town or lake.
Day 12: Perito Moreno Glacier
Today you join a full day guided journey on Lago Argentino to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the planet's few glaciers that is not in retreat. Watching the huge blocks of ice as they break away from the glacier's forward edge, around 60m high and 5 km wide, is a spectacular and emotive experience. Return to El Calafate after.
Day 13: Fly to Buenos Aires
Following breakfast you will be transferred privately to El Calafate Airport. You will be met in Buenos Aires and transferred privately to your Hotel in Puerto Madero. Free evening in Buenos Aires.
Day 14: Fly home
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred privately to Buenos Aires International Airport for your flight home.
Optional Southern Patagonia Voyage
If you want to incorporate a 4 - 5 days Southern Patagonia Voyage, then we suggest that you consider removing Day 4 and perhaps Day 5. All of these journeys can be tailor made according to the time you have and your personal interests.
Dates
Additional Southern Patagonia Voyages
Please contact us for prices
Our prices include
All land and boat transportation
Guided excursions as specified in the itinerary
Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park
Meals as specified (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
All accommodation
24 hour emergency support
Not included
Tips
Insurance
Drinks
Flights
Optional Activities
Meals not specified in the itinerary
National Park entrance fees for Los Glaciares National Park (*US$ 28 to be paid locally).
*Correct at time of writing
