Patagonian Highlights

**

Day 2

Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our
hotel in Buenos Aires. Those on land only arrangements should make their own
way to the start hotel this afternoon. Our local leader will meet us today
for a briefing and take us on a short walking tour of the city, discovering
its wealth of history and culture. The evening is free for you to choose one
of the many excellent restaurants, most serving the legendary Argentine
steaks!

*Accommodation: Deco Hotel Recoleta or similar*

Day 3

This morning we fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and transfer (approx.
3-4 hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town enjoys a
beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breathtaking views of
Mount Fitzroy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

*Accommodation: *Hosteria Don Atilio* or similar*

Day 4

We set off amidst incredible mountains and valleys for a day walk. First we
hike to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp with amazing views of the striking massif
ahead. In the afternoon we continue to the picturesque Laguna de los Tres, a
glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range.
This is a full day of walking over fairly rough terrain, but with impressive,
rugged scenery along the way.

*Accommodation: *Hosteria Don Atilio* or similar*

Day 5

Today has been left free to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion
in this area. In the late afternoon we transfer (approx. 3-4 hours) back to
El Calafate.

*Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*

Day 6

Today we visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This immense jagged sheet of ice
stretches over 3 miles across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft out if its cold
waters. It is the fastest moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks
and thunderous groans add a certain atmosphere of anticipation. Every so
often an office block sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water
below before slowly floating down the lake as a giant iceberg. An optional
boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this
wonder.

*Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*

Day 7

We will spend a second day here to allow exploration of the town's
surroundings. It is possible to take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to
see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for
some fantastic views stretching over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the
mountainous border with Chile. Alternatively, you can join an optional
excursion to a local Estancia or to Todo Glaciares - this navigation includes
Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where pieces of glacier are floating in the
water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will
help you to arrange it.

*Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*

Day 8

After breakfast we have a long drive (approx. 8-9 hours) across the border
into Chile before we arrive in one of the world's most beautiful national
parks, Torres del Paine (please note that due to local regulations we must
change buses at the border). From here we will meet our Chilean guide and
drive around some of the park. We may have time after we check-in for a short
walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views
of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.

*Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe or similar*

Day 9

Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of the park is to hike up to
the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking
through forests and offering some fantastic views across the park. This is a
reasonably difficult and long trek, and the last section is steep with rocky
terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence. The
reward on reaching the small lake at the base of these sheer granite peaks
however, makes the long walk well worthwhile. Note that adverse weather
conditions can make this walk much harder - your group leader will give a
briefing the night before and answer any questions you may have on the
route. Once we finish the trek we will take the transfer (approx. 2 hrs) to
Puerto Natales.  

*Accommodation: Hotel Baquedano or similar*

Day 10

After breakfast we will have some free time before a fairly long transfer in
the afternoon, through dramatic scenery to Cerro Sombrero. This journey
involves a short ferry crossing over the Magellan Straits. We advise you to
take plenty of water and some snacks for the journey (approx. 7-8 hours). In
the evening we'll have dinner together at the hotel in the small town of
Cerro Sombrero.

*Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen or similar*

Day 11

Tierra del Fuego (The Land of Fire) is named after the original inhabitants
who used to light bonfires to ward off the winter chill. Crossing the island
we'll have views of the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our
first glimpses of Ushuaia at the end of the world! This is a long driving day
(approx. 7-8 hours) but we use a private bus to make the journey more
comfortable. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon depending on weather
conditions and traffic.

*Accommodation: Hosteria Linares or similar*

Day 12

We'll spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National
Park, walking amongst the varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon
there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine
wildlife including penguins, Sea lions and many species of water bird
including a flightless duck! We are also afforded fantastic views of Ushuaia
and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the
boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.

For those wanting more adventure or not wishing to trek, an optional half-day
4WD excursion will be on offer which will take us deep into the wilds of
Tierra del Fuego where any more conventional transport would fail to reach,
including the remote Lakes Fagnano and Escondido (please note it is not
possible to see penguins on this tour).

*Accommodation: Hosteria Linares or similar*

Day 13

Depending upon the flight time, we may have some free time this morning in
Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. There are great views from the
hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up
souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is
definitely worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in
time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San
Telmo (optional) and enjoy a last group meal together.

*Accommodation: Hotel Cyan Recoleta or similar*

Day 14

Depending on the time of your flight home you may have another chance to see
more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After last night's tango show we might be
tempted to learn a few steps, or watch it in the streets and plazas -
particularly in the old quarter of San Telmo. A visit to the grave of Evita
in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real
estate in the world, is possible. Those on group flights will leave today for
the flight back to London.

Day 15

**