Incredible Patagonia

ON SALE!!! Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple on this unforgettable journey to incredible Patagonia!
Reserve by January 30, 2009 to qualify for the early booking discount. Space is limited so please reserve early.

On this exhilarating voyage, explore the magnificent natural wonders of Patagonia, a diverse "off-the-beaten-path" region spanning vast portions of southern Chile and Argentina. You’ll encounter breathtaking landscape of soaring mountains and windy plains, thick forests filled with flora and wildlife, pristine lakes and majestic glaciers and icebergs. At the conclusion of your visit to Patagonia you’ll spend some time in exciting Buenos Aires!

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your amazing journey to incredible Patagonia and to Buenos Aires begins as you depart on your overnight flight bound for Chile.

Day 2: Arrive Patagonia/Punta Arenas (Chile). Upon arrival in Santiago, Chile’s capital, connect for a flight to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southernmost city and the gateway to the spectacular region of Patagonia. This port town is located on the Strait of Magellan, and was a major stop for traders sailing around Cape Horn between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. On a guided orientation tour see Magellan’s Monument in the central square, surrounded by 19th century mansions and enjoy magnificent views from the lookout point. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome reception and briefing. Cabo de Hornos Hotel

Day 3: Otway Bay Penguin Reserve/Puerto Natales. Over the next week venture into Patagonia’s heartland. Your first stop is at the Seno Otway Penguin Colony for an up close encounter with the adorable Magellanic Penguins. They return to their birthplace annually to mate with their lifelong partner. Later journey across the expansive Patagonian wilderness to the rustic town of Puerto Natales situated along the shore of scenic Última Esperanza Sound. Dinner tonight is at your hotel, overlooking the fjord. As you stroll along the waterfront after dinner on a clear day, you may admire the majestic views of the peaks of Torres del Paines in the horizon. Costaustralis Hotel (B,D)

Day 4: Ultima Esperanza Sound Boat Excursion. Embark on an exhilarating full day boat excursion sailing along picturesque Ultima Esperanza Sound flanked by imposing mountain peaks into O’Higgins National Park. Disembark for a short walk through the Andean rainforest to view the impressive Serrano Glacier. As you navigate the fjord, you may encounter colonies of cormorants, seadogs and soaring condors. A sumptuous BBQ lunch in a nearby cattle ranch is included. Return to your hotel early this evening. (B,L)

Day 5: Torres del Paine Park Excursion. Today’s thrilling excursion is reputed to be one of the most scenic in the world. You’ll venture into majestic Torres del Paine National Park and admire the incredible scenery of shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls and roaring creeks. The park is surrounded by imposing snow capped mountain peaks and is rich with bird life as well as unusual wildlife including the guanaco, a version of the llama, the nandu resembling ostrich and predators like gray fox and even the elusive puma. Spend your entire day touring the park and savoring the amazing panorama before returning to Puerto Natales later today. (B,L)

Day 6: Puerto Natales/El Calafate (Argentina). Admire stunning natural landscapes as you travel today through the heart of Patagonia, crossing from Chile into Argentina. Along the way, stop in a typical estancia, a cattle ranch and enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch followed by a lively sheep sheering and a riding demonstration. Later this afternoon arrive in El Calafate, a picturesque resort town overlooking beautiful Lake Argentino and characterized by rustic houses with sloping roofs. Your upscale hotel is centrally located near some of the best shops, cafes and restaurants! Kosten Aike Hotel (B,L)

Day 7: Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion. Travel today along the shoreline of aqua- green Lago Argentino en route to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. With a wall of ice rising almost 200 feet above the lake, this natural phenomenon is one of the only advancing glaciers in the world. Admire close-up breathtaking views of the massive glacier from a variety of vantage points as you walk along the observation platforms and watch for the thrilling moment when chunks of ice break off and dramatically crash into the water below! Return to El Calafate for a free evening to sample some of Argentina’s culinary delights and renowned wines. (B)

Day 8: Upsala Glacier/Onelli Bay Boat Excursion. Today embark on an unforgettable full-day boat excursion to nearby Glaciers National Park. Your comfortable boat navigates the northern part of Lake Argentino, circling huge, dramatically shaped and beautifully colored floating icebergs. View up-close the amazing Upsala Glacier, the largest glacier in the park and admire the awe-inspiring Spegazzini Glacier that is the tallest of the area’s glaciers and soars as high as 400 feet above the water. Finally, arrive at Onelli Bay where you disembark and may enjoy a leisurely walk through the forest towards Lago Onelli. Return to El Calafate early this evening. (B)

Day 9: El Calafate/Buenos Aires. Fly northward to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital and largest city, often called “Paris of the South”. This exciting city is a great mix of European heritage combined with Latin spirit, evident in the architecture, culture and lifestyle. En route to your downtown hotel, drive through the Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue. America Towers Hotel or similar (B)

Day 10: Buenos Aires. On this morning’s guided tour, see the Plaza de Mayor, the famous Opera House and the historic La Boca district. Proceed to the elegant Recoleta district and the cemetery where Evita Peron is buried. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you are our guest for a delicious farewell dinner and an exciting tango show, South America’s passionate dance. (B,D)

Day 11: At leisure/Depart Buenos Aires. Your final day is at leisure. Why not take a “behind the scenes” tour of the ornate Colon Opera House, visit the shops lining renowned Florida Street, or relax in one of the outdoor cafes and parks. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the USA. (B)

Day 12: Arrive USA. Your exciting journey ends as you arrive Miami this morning.