TREKKING PATAGONIA CHILE AND ARGENTINA

We invite the trekking and nature lovers to a trip across the Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia. We will hike in the extraordinary scenery of the National Parks “Torres del Paine” (Chile) and “Los Glaciares” (Argentina). We will sail by boat and zodiac to admire the glaciers Balmaceda y Serrano on the way to “Torres del Paine”, such an unforgettable experience! We will also have the privilege of staying at a typical “estancia” (Patagonian ranch), to visit its facilities and taste a delicious “asado” (BBQ) !

Duration: 14 days/13 nights
Type of trip: trekking
Lodging: refuge/hotel/hostería (hostelry)/posada(hostelry)/lodge
Difficulty level: intermediate
Recommended period: from October to April
Code of the trip: SN / TRK 02



ITINERARY

1st DAY: PUNTA ARENAS (IN) – PUERTO NATALES
Reception at Punta Arenas airport and transfer to Puerto Natales. On the way we visit the National Reserve Penguins of Otway (open from the 15 October until the 31 March) to watch a colony of Magellanic penguins. Puerto Natales is the capital of the Ultima Esperanza (last hope) province, baptized under this name by the explorers who thought it was their “last hope” to find the Magallain Strait coming from the north. It is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, our next destination. Overnight at WESKAR LODGE 3* or of similar category according to availability.
Meal included: Lunch.

2nd DAY: PUERTO NATALES – NAVIGATION BY BOAT & ZODIAC – TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Short transfer to the pier for a full day regular excursion by boat and zodiac that will let us discover the local fauna (cormorants, sea lions, condors…) and appreciate the glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano. Departure at 8 AM from Puerto Natales towards the glaciers. We disembark in the sector of Glacier Serrano for a short walk in the wood and have lunch. In the afternoon we sail by zodiac up the river Serrano. The view of the Southern Ice Field, of the Paine mountain range and of Glacier Tyndall is awe-inspiring. Arrival at the campsite Serrano in Torres del Paine National Park at 16:30 approximately. Meeting with our guide and transfer to the hotel.
Note: This excursion is available only from November to the end of March. If the navigation does not operate due to the weather conditions and/or the chosen date, it will be replaced by a transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight at REFUGE TORRES or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner

3rd DAY: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK – REFUGE PEHOE
Short transfer to the Administration Centre of the park. “Torres del Paine” was declared World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1878. We hike to Refuge Pehoe, located on the shores of the homonymous lake (4 hours hike approximately). Part of your personal equipment will be transported by boat. Overnight at REFUGE PEHOE or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner

4th DAY: REFUGE PEHOE – FRENCH VALLEY – REFUGE PEHOE
Long round trip hike to the French Valley. We will stay in a sort of amphitheatre with granite walls (some of the most vertical in the world, more than 1000 meters high). Return to Refuge Pehoe. (8-9 hours hike approximately). Overnight at REFUGIO PEHOE or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner

5th DAY: REFUGE PEHOE – GLACIER GREY – REFUGE PEHOE
Round trip hike to Grey Glacier, which is 6 kms wide and 30 meters high. It is part of the southern ice field. The glacier flows southward into Lake Grey. It is as awe-inspiring as the Argentinean Perito Moreno Glacier, but wilder and less frequented by tourists. Return to Camp Pehoe. (8 hours hike approximately). Overnight at REFUGIO PEHOE or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner

6th DAY: REFUGE PEHOE – LAKE PEHOE –REFUGE TORRES
We cross Lake Pehoe by catamaran (half an hour approximately). Transfer by vehicle to Hosteria Torres. On the way we can stop and hike to Nordenskjöld viewpoint (1 hour and a half hike approximately) and visit Paine Waterfall. Overnight at REFUGIO TORRES or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner

7th DAY: REFUGE TORRES – THE TOWERS OF PAINE – REFUGE TORRES
Round trip hike to the lake located at the base of the famous “Towers of Paine” (“Manzino” is the northern one, with 2600 m; the “Central” is in the middle, with 2800 m; “D’Agostini” is the southern, with 2850 m). They are considered the Mecca for the climbers from all around the world. Return to the hosteria (approximately 8 hours hike). Overnight at REFUGIO TORRES or in TENT according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner

8th DAY: HOSTERIA TORRES – EL CALAFATE
We leave “Torres del Paine” behind and hide to the Argentinean town of El Calafate Its name derives from the small bush of calafate, typical of the south of Patagonia. The fruit is a very tasty berry used in cakes and pastry. According to the legend, those who eat calafate once, will come back for more. Actually, those who stay in Calafate wish not to leave. Free time to visit the town on your own. Overnight at HOTELE SIERRA NEVADA 3* or of similar category according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch or Lunch

9th DAY: EL CALAFATE – GLACIER PERITO MORENO – EL CHALTEN
Transfer to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that are not retreating. This impressive ice formation, located in Los Glaciares National Park, is 5 km wide and even more than 60 high. We will see huge ice blocks falling from the glacier into the Lake Argentino with a deafening noise and big waves. It is a memorable spectacle. In the afternoon transfer to the village of El Chaltén, considered the capital of trekking in Argentina. Overnight at POSADA LUNAJUIM 3* or of similar category according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch or Lunch

10th DAY: EL CHALTEN – LAGOON LOS TRES – EL CHALTEN
Round trip hike to Lagoon Los Tres. Impressive view of Mt Fitz Roy and its peaks: Exupéry, Guillaumet, Mermoz... Return to El Chalten. (Approximately 6 hours hike). Overnight at POSADA LUNAJUIM 3* or of similar category according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch

11th DAY: EL CHALTEN – LAGOON TORRE – EL CHALTEN
Round trip hike to Lagoon Torre, at the base of the homonymous glacier and mount. Return to El Chaltén (approximately 6 hours hike). Overnight at POSADA LUNAJUIM 3* or of similar category according to availability.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch

12th DAY: EL CHALTEN – CERRO GUIDO
Return to Chile. Arrival at Lodge Cerro Guido, old “estancia” (Patagonian ranch) of the area. According to the time arrival, we can visit the facilities of the estancia. Possibility to see how the animals are fleeced and marked (lambs: more than 30.000 animals; cows: more than 1.000 animals). This process is generally made from November to the end of January. Dinner and overnight at LODGE CERRO GUIDO.
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch or Lunch / Dinner

13th DAY: CERRO GUIDO – PUERTO NATALES
If we had not time on the previous day, we visit the facilities of the estancia and see how the animals are fleeced and marked. Possibility to make a half day horseback ride (to be requested at the booking stage, to be paid on the spot at the lodge, subject to availability). We can taste a delicious “asado” (BBQ) before returning to Puerto Natales. Overnight at WESKAR LODGE 3* or of similar category according to availability. (B,L).
Meals included: Breakfast / Box Lunch or Lunch

14th DAY: PUERTO NATALES – PUNTA ARENAS (OUT)
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to take the return flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
END OF OUR SERVICES.

Cost $5950 per person - 2 people

Cost $3975 per person  - 4 people

Cost $3340 per person 6-7 people

Cost $3165 per person 8 people

Cost $2930 per person 10 people

 

• Local bilingual guide(s) during the whole program (English/French/Spanish speaking). Other languages subject to availability.
• Transportation by private vehicle(s) with driver(s) according to the number of passengers and the itinerary
• Accommodation in hotel, lodge, hostería, posada (DOUBLE/TRIPLE room basis), refuge (shared room) as mentioned or of similar category according availability. Local standard.
• Camping equipment (DOUBLE sleeping tent, mattress…) in case the refuges are not available
• Meals mentioned in the program
• Park and Museum fees, ticket for the navigation in regular service on DAY 2

The rates do not include:

• Flights and taxes
• Personal equipment
• Horse back ride at Lodge Cerro Guido (consider approximately US$ 50/person)
• Meals not mentioned in the program (consider approximately US$ 20-25/meal/person in general)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks during the meals at restaurants/hotels
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Services NOT mentioned in the program


The rates are valid until the 31/03/2010 except in case of a big variation in the USD exchange conditions in Chile and/or Argentina. Thanks for reading our general sales conditions.
 

ANDES ADVENTURE - WORLD EXPEDITIONS

The soaring peaks of the Andes and the cultural legacies of the Incas are two of Peru’s most compelling attractions. We discover both. In Cusco we savour the delights of this former Inca capital and appreciate the famous Inca ruins in the nearby Sacred Valley. On our trek the pace changes as we venture beyond the Inca Trail establishing a series of spectacular campsites beneath a dramatic backdrop of peaks including the impressive Salcantay (6271m). We join the final stage of the Inca Trail to the former ‘Inca city’ of Machu Picchu – its commanding position a fitting reminder of how the Inca culture flourished until the 16th century.

Brief Itinerary
DAY 1 Join Lima

DAY 2 Fly to Cusco

DAY 3 In Cusco, city and walking tour

DAY 4 Drive to Sacred Valley of the Incas

DAY 5 Day walks in Sacred Valley

DAY 6 Drive to Mollepata and commence trek

DAY 7/11 Commence trek towards Chilca, views of Andean peaks

DAY 12 Train to KM104 trek classic Inca Trail to arrive at Machu Picchu

DAY 13 At Machu Picchu, afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, drive to Cusco

DAY 14 Day at leisure in Cusco DAY 15 Fly to Lima where trip concludes

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ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS WITH MOUNTAIN SOBEK

You can't help but be totally captivated by the Galapagos Islands, with its extraordinary wildlife and fascinating landscapes. Charles Darwin called Galapagos Islands "a little world within itself," and this magical World Heritage Site is like no other place on the planet. In this peaceable kingdom, the endearing creatures have never learned fear of humans, so you'll have amazing up-close encounters with the all-but-tame wildlife.

And here's the kicker: on our Galapagos cruise you'll see it all in style from aboard a small, deluxe motor or sailing yacht (only 12-16 passengers max!). Cruise from one island to the next - disembark for hikes across otherworldly volcanic landscapes; watch seal pups cuddle up to their moms on long white beaches; chuckle with delight at the antics of dancing blue-footed boobies and inquisitive mockingbirds; paddle sea kayaks in serene mangrove lagoons, and swim and snorkel the turquoise waters with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions who delight in playing tag - an interactive underwater experience like no other in the world.


TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy up close and personal encounters with wildlife - including snorkeling with sea lions and green sea turtles - in Galapagos Islands - the world's top nature destination!

The most active Galapagos cruise you'll find, with nature hikes, snorkeling, and sea kayaking excursions

Deluxe all the way: 6 yachts to choose from, 5-star hotel in Quito, the best naturalist guides

Check out our Galapagos Islands Feature. Slideshows, stories, facts, and more.

Itinerary: Galapagos Islands Cruise
Day 1 - Meet in Quito, Ecuador, and transfer to the five-star Swissôtel.

Day 2 - A free day in Quito to explore on your own or shop for handicrafts.

Day 3 - Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Board yacht and begin the cruise.

Days 4-9 - Each day contains magical moments of discovery, with a naturalist guide helping you see the wonders of the islands. The itinerary varies, but you'll visit a combination of islands: Plazas, North Seymour, Tower, James (Santiago), Bartolomé, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Española (Hood), and Floreana. Each has its own special highlights: the soft, powdery sands, blue-footed boobies, and waved albatross colony at Española; great snorkeling and a volcano hike on Bartolomé; tide pools and fur seals on James; the giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz; flightless cormorants and hordes of marine iguanas on Fernandina.

Days 10-11- End your Galapagos cruise, return flight to Quito. Depart Quito on Day 11.

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