Discover Patagonia's beautiful Lake District

Northern Patagonia, an exquisite wonderland of glaciated mountains, sparkling lakes, and rich deep forests, is the spectacular setting for this exclusive adventure. Based at deluxe lakefront lodges in Los Alerces and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, home to numerous lakes, crystal-clear brooks and rivers, and forests of the giant Sequoia–like Patagonia cypress, you’ll hike on forested trails up to mountain ridges, kayak deep blue glacier waters, or choose to engage in other activities like horseback riding or mountain biking.

At the end of each day you’ll relax in the lodges’ sumptuous settings, both of which feature gourmet restaurants where you can dine like a king on delicious regional fare, including the famous parrilla (Argentine barbecue), and sip wine from cellars stocked with the best Argentine wines.

Activities

Easy to moderate optional activities, including hiking, sea kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Patagonia's beautiful Lake District—"The Mediterranean of Patagonia!"
• Hike and sea kayak in Los Alerces and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, with their lush forests and sparkling lakes (plus options to ride horses and go biking)
• Enjoy the good life in deluxe lakefront lodges with wonderful wines and great cuisine!

2010-2011 FALL/WINTER PRICES
$4,495 (4-10 members)
$1,500 single supplement
$650 internal airfare

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Buenos Aires End Location: Buenos Aires Best time to go: January - April, October - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Buenos Aires

  Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and explore the town on your own.

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  Day 2 : Los Alerces National Park

  Fly to Bariloche, in Patagonia's Lake District, and transfer to Los Alerces National Park, and our wildnerness resort. Hike, bike, and horseback through the park's pristine wilderness of lakes, flora, and fauna-with gigantic alerce trees that are among the oldest living things on Earth. Hike with local guides at Lago Cisne and enjoy a picnic lunch in view of hanging glaciers, sparkling lakes, and the park's exuberant vegetation.

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  Day 3 : Los Alerces National Park

  Today you will head off for an easy hike to Laguna Escondida (hidden Lagoon) or possibly to Glacier Torrecillas depending on group ability and weather. The park was formed by receding glaciers and it is filled with lakes, streams and pristine forest, including the dense Valdivian temperate rainforest. Depending on abilities and interest you can also chose to hike one of the major summits of Los Alerces National Park, Alto El Petiso, towering over 5,800’ above sea level (level: intermediate-difficult)

• Day 4 : Los Alerces National Park

  Today you will head to one of the most interesting excursions in the National Park Los Alerces. After crossing the hanging bridge of Arrayanes River and a one hour trek, the tour starts at Chucao Port. One Alerce tree in this forest holds the record of being the most ancient living thing on earth. The Alerce called “El Abuelo” (The grandfather) is more than 2,300 years old and stands around 57 meters high. It takes more than eight people to cover the diameter of the trunk. Our day will combine navigating through Lake Menendez on a semi private boat with a hike through the Alerces trees that are located in the northern branch of the lake. The excursion lets you appreciate the vegetation that surrounds the lakes and the Torrecilla Hill with its impressive hanging glacier.

• Day 5 : Nahuel Huapi National Park

  Transfer through Cholila Valley to our hotel 14 miles from Bariloche, where forests, mountains, and Lago Nahuel Huapi create a gorgeous setting. Hike in the mountains of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the oldest national park in Argentina.

• Day 6 : Nahuel Huapi National Park

  NahuelHuapi National Park is the oldest national park in Argentina and was created to preserve its unique flora and fauna. You’ll be picked up at the hotel by your guides for an unforgettable day of hiking in the nearby mountains.

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  Day 7 : Nahuel Huapi National Park

  Explore Nahuel Huapi's deep-blue glacier lakes and shores up-close from the seat of sturdy two-person kayaks. During the day of paddling you’ll take plenty of stops for breaks, snacks, a long lunch, maybe a walk on a beach, and on warm days you can swim in the lake.

• Day 8 : Return to Buenos Aires and fly home

  Depart Buenos Aires.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Mary Jane Smith (MTS guest)