One of the Most Comprehensive Tours of Patagonia
Here’s the perfect trip for those who would prefer to stay in lodges after an exhilarating day in the wilds of Patagonia. Nature shows a flair for the grandiose in this corner of the world, and on this all-encompassing adventure, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes as you hike the trails of Los Glaciares and Paine National Parks, renowned reserves that guard the most magical of Patagonia’s scenic treasures.
You’ll also take a relaxing shipboard cruise of the incredible—and otherwise inaccessible—fjords and inlets of the honeycombed Chilean coastline, home to dolphins, whales, seals, and Magellanic penguins, with awesome views of the Cordillera Darwin as a bonus. You’ll marvel at calving glaciers and snowcapped peaks of breathtaking beauty, and come to appreciate (in the words of Herman Melville) “all the attending marvels of a thousand Patagonia sights and sounds.”
Activities
7 days easy to moderate hiking (options for longer, more strenuous hikes), 5 days cruising, some long drives
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Our most comprehensive Patagonia adventure!
- Cruise the scenic Chilean fjords - mountains, glaciers, extraordinary wildlife - all the way to Cape Horn!
- Flexible options for day hikes in Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks
- Overnights in hotels and lodges - no camping!
October 2010 (low season)
$6,995 per person (12-15 members)
$7,295 per person (9-11 members)
$7,595 per person (6-8 members)
$750 internal airfare (Santiago/Punta Arenas…Ushuaia/El Calafate…Punta Arenas/Santiago, subject to change)
$2,550 single supplement
November 2010-March 2011 departure (high season)
$7,295 per person (12-15 members)
$7,595 per person (9-11 members)
$7,895 per person (6-8 members)
$750 internal airfare (Santiago/Punta Arenas…Ushuaia/El Calafate…Punta Arenas/Santiago, subject to change)
$2,550 single supplement
$400 per person holiday surcharge (December 27 departure)
Duration: 15 days Start Location: Santiago End Location: Santiago Best time to go: January - February, October - December
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Santiago
Meet in Santiago, Chile. Afternoon tour of the city.
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Day 2 : Punta Arenas – board the Mare Australis
Fly to Punta Arenas, board the M/V Mare Australis and begin cruising along the Strait of Magellan.
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Days 3 - 5 : Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islet / Pia Glacier – Glacier Avenue / Cape Horn – Wulaia Bay
Cruise through a maze of channels and fjords and up the Beagle Channel, stopping for walks near the Marinelli and Pia Glaciers, to visit an elephant seal colony, and explore Cape Horn National Park. Accommodations aboard the ship are in comfortable cabins with large picture windows and you'll dine on delicious international cuisine.
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Day 6 : Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park – Calafate
Disembark M/V Mare Australis in Ushuaia, Argentina. Day hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park, then fly to Calafate on Lago Argentino.
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Day 7 : Perito Moreno Glacier
Visit the impressive three-mile-wide Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's great natural spectacles.
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Day 8 : Los Glaciares National Park
Continue to Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll take a variety of day hikes in a fabulous landscape dominated by the serrated peaks of the Fitzroy massif.
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Days 9 - 10 : Los Glaciares National Park
Drive to Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. The next two days you'll take various hikes of exceptional scenic interest. Hikes in both parks are dependent on the weather, abilities, and interests of the group.
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Days 11 - 13 : En Route to Paine National Park / Paine National Park
Drive to Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. The next two days you'll take various hikes of exceptional scenic interest. Hikes in both parks are dependent on the weather, abilities, and interests of the group.
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Day 14 : Punta Arenas
Drive to Punta Arenas, stopping along the way at a Chilean homestead for a traditional asado (barbecue).
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Day 15 : Punta Arenas – fly home
Free morning in Punta Arenas or optionFree morning in Punta Arenas or optional visit to a Magellanic penguin rookery. Fly to Santiago and depart for home.
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Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Punta ArenasRecently renovated modern European style hotel in the world's southernmost city, located on the main Plaza Munoz Gamero. High ceilings and beautiful artwork complement the stone floors in the entryways.
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Hosteria Torres del Paine
Puerto NatalesSurrounded by towering mountains, this hostería sits in a grassy field at a considerable distance from nearby towns. Simple, comfortable rooms come equipped with all the welcome essentials but in elegant harmony with the awe-inspiring surroundings.
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Hotel Posada Los Alamos
El CalafateThis large hotel, just two blocks from downtown, features clean, comfortable rooms and windowed lounges looking onto expansive lawns. Its classic Argentine style includes red-bricked exterior, old English furniture, and rustic wooden eaves.
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Mirador del Paine
Torres del PaineThis secluded estate, an historic estancia livestock ranch, has been receiving guests for just over ten years. With its premier view of the Massif of the Paine and its characteristic Patagonian architecture, this hostería is just a ways beyond the trail heads and tourist centers, but stands a world apart.
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Hosteria Los Cerros
El ChaténOverlooking the young town of El Chaltén, Hosteria Los Cerros offers a cozy stay with unique décor that harmonizes with the natural environment. Expansive windows open onto dramatic views of the Río de las Vueltas and the surrounding landscape.
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.
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Sergio Bahamondez Sergio was born in Puntarenas, Chile, and grew up in Tierra del Fuego, where he developed his love for the outdoors. He studied psychology at La Plata University in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has a degree in Patagonia Biodiversity from Magallanes University. Sergio has more than 10 years of experience as a tour leader, and his explorer’s spirit has taken him to nearly every continent. He is an excellent ambassador of his country and its culture—his enthusiasm and sense of adventure are absolutely contagious! Sergio is best known in Patagonia by his nickname, “TC,” and we know you’ll be captivated by his engaging smile.
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André Labarca
Guide
photo credits:
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