Patagonia Overland - El Calafate to Buenos Aires

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive El Calafate

Arrive in El Calafate any any time.

Day 2 El Calafate

This pleasant city is located on the shores of Lake Argentina, and is a major centre in Patagonia. A free day here will allow you the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the planet's most dynamic, and easily accessible from the city.The southern continental ice field, the third largest on the planet (after Greenland and Antarctica) is the source of all the area's glaciers, including Moreno, Onelli, Viedma and Upsala. Moreno Glacier moves down from this massive river of frozen water, huge chunks of ice constantly crashing into the lake waters below. Very dynamic, Moreno is one of the very few advancing glaciers left in the world. It is simply enormous: 1 km (half a mile) wide and 60m (196 ft) high, it occasionally chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of Ice Bergs) creating a dam of ice through which the lake water eventually bursts in a spectacular display of force.

Days 3-5 El Chaltén (L)

A gorgeous journey brings us to the hamlet of El Chaltén, our base for exploring the nearby Glacier National Park. Here the trekking opportunities and natural beauty are some of the best in the world! We include 1 full day of trekking and have a free day to further explore the area, home to Mount Fitzroy and the striking Cerro Torre, where you will be surrounded by towering granite peaks, lagoons, and great wildlife possibilities. Keep your eyes to the skies for condor spotting!

Day 6 Route 40, Tres Lagos (L,D)

Continue your journey along the fabled "Route 40," the main highway that runs the length of Argentina from the northern deserts all the way to deep into southern Patagonia.

Days 7-9 Perito Moreno, Comodoro Rivadavia (3B,3L,3D)

Get up close and personal with the wild beauty of upper Patagonia. Camp under the stars and at a local "estancia" (ranch) where the Patagonia sunsets will leave lasting memories.

Days 10-11 Puerto Madryn (B,L)

Making your way northeast, explore the town of Puerto Madryn, near the Valdes Peninsula. Enjoy a free day and choose from one of the many optional activities available, such as an excursion into the Valdes Peninsula Wildlife Reserve or whale watching.

Day 12 Buenos Aires

Fly to the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, the "Paris of the Americas." Enjoy one final night on the town enjoying the great food, wine and culture that the city has to offer.Argentina is the second giant of South America with a landscape nearly as varied as its people. Modern and sophisticated, Argentina has much more in common with Europe than with the rest of its neighbours. The capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. Nearly 40 percent of Argentina's 33 million citizens live in Greater Buenos Aires, and the Porteños are justifiably proud of their home. The city is comprised of a number of distinct neighbourhoods, some of which have become top tourist draws. For many, the highlight of their time in the capital is a visit to San Telmo for the weekend antiques market and street artist's displays. La Boca was originally settled by the successive waves of immigrants, all of whom contribute to the capital's unique character. Its brightly coloured walls and buildings draw Porteños and tourists alike, and it is here that the world-class football team, Boca Juniors, plies its trade. A Sunday afternoon match at the fabled Bombonera is not to be missed. Posh Recoleta, with its cafes, museums and cemetery, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.During colonial days Buenos Aires was the seat of the Viceroy of La Plata. Almost completely rebuilt since the turn of the century, the heart of the city is the Plaza de Mayo, with the historic Cabildo (Town Hall), where the Independence movement was first planned, the Casa Rosada (Government Palace) and the Cathedral where San MartÌn, the father of Argentine independence, is buried.When you are done exploring, settle your weary feet and enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants and you will begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life. Buenos Aires will be your last chance to try the succulent bife and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotels and estancia (10 nts - possibility of multi-share), camping (2 nts).
Group Size	Max 18, Avg 12
Included Highlights	-Full day hike in Glacier National Park-Entrance and guided visit to the Cave of the Painted Hands
Local Payment	USD250
Meals Included	All meals as indicated throughout itinerary.
Reverse Itinerary	This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code SAPL.
StartFinish	El Calafate to Buenos Aires
Transport	Local flight, Overland truck.
Brochure Intro	Experience the wild natural beauty up close and personal in this Overland adventure through Patagonia! The long stretching pampas of these southern lands are a stark contrast to the peaks of the Andes and glacial fields that make this region famous. Plenty of time for optional excursions and a participatory Overland experience truly make for an adventure of a lifetime.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-11-12	2008-11-24	7+
2008-12-09	2008-12-21	7+

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