Buenos Aires and the Best of Patagonia

This 10 days Buenos Aires and the Best of Patagonia vacation package takes you on a cultural, nature filled, exploration of a lifetime. You will begin your journey in Buenos Aires where you will be immersed in the local culture with activities such as a Tango Show, a City Excursion, and a traditional Gaucho Festival. After being filled with life from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, you will experience land before time in the Patagonia Area. You will visit the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, El Chaltén Lagoon, Torres del Paine, Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego. Wow yourself to this majestic landscape and spectacular views!

DAY 1 | Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Meet and greet service at the Buenos Aires International Airport by your local host who will transfer you to the hotel of your choice for a 3-night stay with breakfast included.

• Standard Class: Huinid Obelisco
• First Class: Kenton Buenos Aires Hotel
• Deluxe Class: Recoleta Grand Hotel

DAY 2 | Half Day Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour / Evening Dinner Tango Show | B.D.

Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour: Discover the Paris of the Americas during your sightseeing excursion. Visit quaint neighborhoods, beautiful open squares of colonial Spanish descent and famous landmarks, starting with the symbol of the city, the Obelisk. This giant monument was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city. Fall in love with Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martin, and Plaza Congreso. Admire the broad avenues that are lined with equally impressive sights including favorites like Corrientes, Mayo and 9 de Julio, which is the widest street in the world containing 22 lanes. The financial and commercial areas of Buenos Aires are home to many interesting local sights and you can’t miss the home of the Argentinean’s favorite past time, the numerous massive soccer stadiums throughout the city. Buenos Aires has a lively multi-cultural blend of European and South American generations-old families. Discover unique architecture in historic neighborhoods like San Telmo, Montserrat, and La Boca. Explore the elegant neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta. Between the neighborhoods, you’ll delight in the beauty of nature interspersed at places like the parks Lezama and Tres de Febrero.

Evening Tango Show: In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner show at a local Tango House. The show is performed by a group of professional artists including musicians, dancers and singers who display their art in a room that recreates an imaginary thirties theater/nightclub with the luxury, refinement, sophistication and glamour of this period that marked the reign of wealth and tango in the most exclusive circles of society. Typical food, served with the best wines, excellent service and atmosphere will make this outing, an unforgettable experience.

DAY 3 | Gaucho Festival with BBQ Lunch | B.L.

Escape the city and get a glimpse of “the simple life” by visiting a wonderful estancia (ranch) to learn about all the interesting parts of the gaucho life. Gauchos are the South American cowboys, usually of mixed Spanish and Native American Ancestry.

This tour will delight all of your senses, starting with a welcoming reception in the traditional Rancho de Adobe. Here you will be treated to empanadas and wine. This is a great opportunity to socialize with everyone and feel at home.

After the reception you will have some free time to explore the grounds. You can be adventurous and choose to go horseback riding, or you can indulge your cultural side with a visit to the bakery or the museum. The options are limitless. After you have worked up an appetite, you will be invited to partake in a parillada, which is a traditional Argentine barbecue. At this time you will be treated to a folkloric show of dancing and singing with a few surprises along the way. The entertainment doesn’t stop there. The gauchos will show you their skills.

Before returning to Buenos Aires you will get to drink some mate (herbal tea), which is the Argentine national drink, along with some wonderful desserts. This day trip may just be the highlight of your time here in Buenos Aires.

DAY 4 | Buenos Aires to El Calafate to begin your Patagonia Journey | B.

At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the local airport to check-in for your flight to El Calafate (Airfare NOT included). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel of your choice for a four-night stay with breakfast included. Balance of the day is at leisure.

• Standard Class: Sierra Nevada Hotel
• First Class: Alto Calafate Hotel
• Deluxe Class: Xelena Hotel

DAY 5 | Perito Moreno Glacier Exploration | B.

Today you will start your journey from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier and encounter many pleasant surprises along the way. In the outskirts of El Calafate, you can see the Argentine Lake with its round bay populated with an important variety of birds such as the black necked swan, flamenco, duck steam, gallareta, cauquén. The presence of coirones gives frame to the typical yellow of the countryside. Once entering the Perito Moreno Glacier National Park, you can observe the vibrant arboreal vegetation that is formed by nires, sour cherries, lengas and colorful wild flowers. In front of the Glacier, everything is majestic. You can go around the footbridges to catch different views of the Glacier.

DAY 6 | El Chaltén Laguna Trekking / Fitz Roy | B.

Today you will transfer to El Chaltén for a full day tour of the Laguna. Admire the amazing lagoon, glacier and Cerro Torre views, while trekking up to Cerro Torre basecamp. From El Chaltén, there are two head-trails to Laguna Torre; both paths join together after a short walk. The trail enters the Fitz Roy River Valley and continues following the river upstream to its source. This trek will lead you to the first viewpoint located at the gorge of the Fitz Roy River -called Cascada Margarita- which offers a panoramic view of the Cerro Solo, Adela Range, Cerro Torre and the Fitz Roy Mount. Across the river lies the Margarita Waterfall. Halfway to the waterfall you will reach Cerro Torre viewpoint with incomparable views of the Adela Range, Cerro Torre and other granite needles. Continue to the Laguna Torre where it is often possible to find a number of icebergs from the Grande Glacier. Return to Calafate.

DAY 7 | Day Tour of Torres Del Paine | B.

Today is a long, fun-filled day of exploration. Morning arrival at the Chilean Border Point in Cerro Castillo, to complete some paperwork, change money, meet the locals and enjoy a traditional breakfast before heading back on the road. Once everybody is ready, the group will be divided and board smaller buses to begin your guided expedition to the Torres Del Paine National Park. We will arrive to the first attraction, “El Lago Sarmiento”, where we will make a brief stop to admire the beautiful landscape. Our next stop will be at Laguna Amarga. At this point, the group will pay the National Park Fee. Continuing on, we will be arriving to “Lago Nordenskjold”, a beautiful lake where you will be able to see the reflection of the Torres del Paine Peaks or “Cuernos Del Paine”. It is an outstanding gift from nature that will take your breath away. From the Pudeto area, we will begin a one and a half hour trek to “Cuernos Del Paine” and also “Salto Grande Fall”. You can choose to join the trek or choose not to partake. Guests choosing not to partake on the trek will depart to the National Park Administration Center (CONAF). The bus will start the return to Laguna Amarga around 5:00 PM, and from the border, continue to El Calafate with an estimated arrival time between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM.

DAY 8 | Calafate to Ushuaia / Afternoon Beagle Channel Navigation | B.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver for a transfer to the Calafate airport and check-in for your domestic flight to Ushuaia (Airfare NOT included). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel of your choice for a two-night stay with breakfast included.

• Standard Class: Altos Ushuaia
• First Class: Los Acebos Hotel
• Deluxe Class: Las Hayas Hotel

Afternoon Beagle Channel Navigation: Departing from Ushuaia tourist pier we see along the coast, the most important buildings such as the Maritime Museum (former prison house), the End of the World Museum and the industrial area; settled in 1980. From this lookout point, the landscape combines sea and mountains. The Mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos, Fique and Tunnel Ranches, the Craggy Mounts and the Encajonado River are all visible. The tour heads to the Beagle Channel, towards the Edeideurs Lighthouse, in the Archipelago bearing the identical name. Heading to Isla de los Lobos (Seals island), we can admire these curious sea mammals and sail silently around the island observing them in their natural habitat in a wonderful scenery. We will then sail to Isla de los Pájaros (Birds Island) and observe the many different species of birds such as the Magellan Cormorants, the majestic Imperial Cormorants, albatrosses, Fullman petrels, giant petrels, Squas and twenty other different species of sea birds.

DAY 9 | Tierra Del Fuego Excursion | B.

Today you will embark on a 4 hour tour around one of the most important protected areas in the country and the only one by the sea shore. We will set off from the city center, traveling through coastal landscapes and after watching the glacier valleys, we will stop at the Fuegian Southern Railway station, where passengers can choose to enter the Park on board the famous ‘End of the World Train’ (ticket is not included). As soon as the passengers reach the Park, the tour around the different interest points begins. At Bahía Ensenada, the ‘Concheros Antropogénicos’, evidence of the native settlements that were in the area around 6,500 years ago, can be appreciated. Then we head to Roca Lake where we can see the geography of ‘Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego’. After walking along the park, we will have some free time to rest and enjoy a visit to “Casita Del Bosque” coffee shop by the Lapataia River. Return to Ushuaia.

DAY 10 | Ushuaia to Airport / Onward Flight | B.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Ushuaia airport to check-in for your onward flight (Airfare NOT included).

PRICES PER PERSON STARTING AT US$1,757.00

– SHARING DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS –

STANDARD CLASS HOTELS

        

In Buenos Aires: Huinid Obelisco. Located in Buenos Aires, a 10-minute walk from The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Huinid Obelisco Hotel provides accommodations with a restaurant, a fitness center and a bar. The property is around 1.3 miles from Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, 1.3 miles from Centro Cultural Kirchner and 1.5 miles from Plaza de Mayo. The property has a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property. At the hotel, every room includes air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Guests at Huinid Obelisco Hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Colon Theater, Tortoni Cafe and Palacio Barolo.

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In Calafate: Sierra Nevada Hotel is located in the main street of El Calafate, offering views of Bahia Redonda and the Glaciers National Park. Rooms include a TV, and free Wi-Fi is available. Each bright rooms is designed with contemporary décor. A continental breakfast with a variety of local and international ingredients is served at the hotel´s restaurant.

In Ushuaia: Altos Ushuaia. The Hotel Altos Ushuaia has become a symbol of the city, being the first establishment that is on the way to the Martial Glacier. At Altos Ushuaia, you will experience and marvel at spectacular views of both the Bay of Ushuaia, and the magnificent mountains and forests. The modern 46 guestrooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, LCD and cable TV, minibars, as well as mountain or water views. To enhance the comfort of your stay, each room has central heat and bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs. This relaxed hotel is close to some of the most famous attractions in the world making it easy to explore Beagle Channel, Martial Mountains and the End of the World Museum to name a few. Enjoy a dining experience at Altos Resto Restaurant and its welcoming breakfast area. In the inviting living room, sink down in an armchair and drink in the views of this heavenly and extraordinary landscape.

FIRST CLASS HOTELS

              

In Buenos Aires: Kenton Palace is located in one of the most bohemian neighborhoods of Buenos Aires where one breathes tango and tradition. Kenton Palace is a 6-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo metro station, 7-minute walk from the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, and 5 km from Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. An urban style – modern classical, accompanied by warmth and personal attention, mixed with a high commitment to the environment and technology, provides a high level of comfort.

Featuring wood floors, tufted headboards and plush red decor, the elegant rooms and suites also come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Suites add sitting areas. There is a top-floor apartment with a kitchenette and a living room with a pull-out sofa. Room service is available 24/7.

There’s a polished restaurant offering terrace seating and live music. A refined spa with a sauna, hot tub, a gym and heated indoor pool. Parking is extra.

The entire hotel is air conditioned green which does not damage the ozone layer, lighting and LED TV technology that provides significant savings in electrical energy consumption and environmental protection.

            

In Calafate: Alto Calafate is strategically located 3 km from the entrance to El Calafate, on a hillside where the beauty of the landscape is combined with the functionality of the ambiances, achieving the perfect combination of elegance, comfort, and service. This contemporary hillside hotel is 9 km from the Glaciarium interpretive center.

The hotel has 103 rooms with stylish decor and comfortable furniture. The rooms are equipped with distinguished amenities offering guests the opportunity to enjoy wide spaces and convenient services such as minibar, LCD TV 32 “with cable, heating, telephone, safe, and free Wi-Fi. Some quarters feature sloped ceilings and/or lake or countryside views, while suites offer whirlpool tubs. Breakfast and parking are free.

Specializing in regional and international cuisine, the Barlovento Restaurant offers menus prepared with the best ingredients and the personal touch of the chefs. You can taste delicious dishes, like the traditional Patagonian lamb, accompanied by wines produced in the region, and exotic cocktails prepared instantly.

In Ushuaia: Los Acebos Ushuaia. This trendy and warm building, especially designed for the whole family to enjoy a memorable holiday in a mysterious and magic land, offers you an unforgettable experience. Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel is located next to Las Hayas, 8 km. from the International Airport of Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas, 6 km from the End of the World Museum and 10 km from the Southern Fuegian Railway, considered the southernmost railway in the world.

57 comfortable, spacious and airy non-smoking rooms, plus 4 Penthouse Suites, all with a beautiful view over the Beagle Channel, some with a view of the mountains. Each room comes with subdued decor, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi and TV. Penthouse suites add living rooms and 2 bathrooms. Freebies include a breakfast buffet served in an elegant restaurant.

Added amenities include reception 24/7, tourist information, luggage storage, concierge service, elevator, safety deposit box, heating, and gourmet Restaurant Réve D’Orangel.

DELUXE CLASS HOTELS

              

In Buenos Aires: Recoleta Grand Hotel. Set in the heart of the upscale Recoleta district, this high-end boutique hotel is an 8-minute walk to the iconic El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore and an 11-minute walk to a metro station. It was inaugurated in October of 2012 as the Buenos Aires Grand Hotel, now known as Recoleta Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel is the perfect destination for those wishing to visit Buenos Aires with its rich culture and history, along with the warmth felt on every street corner.

Assisting travelers for business or pleasure, this modern and luxurious hotel has 88 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool on the terrace with a wonderful view of the city, solarium, spa, fitness center and an outdoor garden. Designed to apply for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) presents details ECO-FRIENDLY as smoke-free and use of recycled materials.

Recoleta Grand’s 88 polished rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, iPod docks, minibar, Nespresso machines, safe box, alarm clock, and desk. Suites add sitting areas, while upgraded suites feature whirlpool tubs and garden views.

              

In Calafate: Xelena Hotel & Suites is a luxury smoke-free hotel, located on the waterfront of Lago Argentino. This family-friendly hotel is within 3 miles of Gnome Village, Argentinian Museum of Toys and Glaciarium, Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus Church, and Laguna Nimez.

With 71 rooms overlooking Lago Argentino, all have pillow top king size bed(s), LCD-32 TV with cable, DVD players, free WI-FI and wired internet, minibar, private bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, bidet, hairdryer, bath robes and free toiletries, electronic lock, safety box, remote control operated blackout curtains, individually controlled radiant floor heating and air-conditioning, a desk, daily housekeeping, and the possibility of a connecting/adjoining room.

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