 |
|
Visit Patagonia Argentina: lakes and glaciers.Travel from San Martin to Bariloche, from Bariloche to Calafate.
Parks and reserves: Nahuel Huapi, Lanin, Arrayanes and The Glaciers.
Season: recommended from October 15th to April 20th
Circuit duration: 11 days. 5 hotels or estancias, half board.
Accommodation: charm.
3 domestic flights: Buenos Aires > Bariloche , Bariloche > El Calafate , El Calafate > Buenos Aires.
International flight: not included in rates. Don’t hesitate to consult.
Ground transportation: exclusive private vehicle. Gol Country, Hyundai H1 or similar, according to number of people.
Chauffer guide: exclusive chauffer guide from the moment of your arrival in Buenos Aires (airport pickup included) throughout your entire stay. You may request an English, French or Spanish speaker.
What to bring: pack a bag with a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection, windbreaker and a good coat.
Rates: vary according to number of passengers. See below.
|
|
Argentina Excepcion’s opinion: traveling is an art in which everything must be surprising but relaxing at the same time. This combination of the two Patagonias is a circuit which will not disappoint even the most demanding of travelers. The horizons, the immensity: unique rarities surprise us one after the other after every turn in the road. In the Lakes region, nature expresses itself in its full splendor. In the glaciers region, the show is unique, majestic and impressive. The proposed circuit is off the beaten track; the hotels have been selected for their character and for their unique contribution to discovering Patagonia. Eleven days during which time will stand still.
|
DAY 1 : INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Dinner and night: on the plane.
|
DAY 2 : BUENOS AIRES
Description: you will be greeted at Ezeiza airport by your guide and you’ll settle in at the hotel. You’ll have the afternoon off, or if you prefer, an initial tour around Buenos Aires. At the end of the day, a briefing around a map with one of our Operations Representatives will take place.
Lunch and dinner: not included.
Accommodation: My Ba hotel or equivalent.
|
DAY 3 : BARILOCHE / SMALL CIRCUIT / BARILOCHE - "Zigzagging between the lakes"
Description: after your transfer to the airport and a 2h20 flight your guide will greet you at Bariloche airport. Once you´ve settled in at the hotel, you will begin the small circuit tour, which starts on the south coast of Lake Nahuel Huapi and goes towards the Llao Llao Peninsula. You will cover 17 km (11 mi) up to the base of Mt. Campanario, where a small chair lift will take you 1050 meters (3445 ft) high. Located in the midst of a mosaic of lakes and peninsulas, the panoramic view is especially beautiful. Ideal for taking your time and enjoying the moment! From Km. 26 of the peninsula, you will see the Llao Llao Hotel and St. Edward’s chapel. The circuit then crosses a forest and the road, as you ascend, the route allows you to discover successive exceptional viewpoints up to the Swiss Colony.
Distances: 80 km (50 mi) throughout the day.
Optional: hike to Villa Tacul, located at the end of the Llao Llao peninsula; 300 meters (985 ft) from the parking lot you will find a rocky viewpoint at Nahuel Huapi Lake. From there you can walk on the beaches, an area well known for its myrtles.
Lunch: gourmet picnic in the Swiss Colony region.
Accommodation: Aldebaran Hotel or equivalent.
|
DAY 4 : BARILOCHE / LAKE NAHUEL HUAPI / VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - "Magic of the sapphire-colored waters"
 Description: after breakfast, you will head down the road to circle Lake Nahuel Huapi, the remains of a 100 km long glacier. In Villa La Angostura, you will hop onboard a catamaran and begin an excursion around the myrtles peninsula of the Arrayanes park. At the end of the Park, you stop for an 800 meter (2600 ft) walk through the famous myrtle forest. This tree’s bark is chestnut when it’s young and orange when it reaches adulthood, after 160 to 250 years. You can return on foot to the pier, accompanied by the guide; the circuit leads to the peninsula entrance and it is 12 km (7.5 mi) long, which will take you about 3 hours.
Option: sail across Lake Nahuel Huapi in a private exclusive sailboat with two stops: first, Victoria Island, where a small chair lift will take you to the top of Mt. Bella Vista which overlooks the entire Manhattan-sized island completely covered in forest. After sailing for 45 minutes more you disembark at Quetrihue peninsula, at the end of the Arrayanes National Park. After a walk in the woods, the sailboat will drop you off at Villa La Angostura.
Note: if possible, book this option when booking the package. See extra costs at the foot of this page.
Technical description: with a capacity of 1 to 6 people, the “Chandon” sailboat is an F&C44 "ketch" 13.41 meter (44 ft) long vessel, with a teka covered fiber hull, two masts and an interior cabin made of cedar. The boat is equipped with all the security devices required by International Standards: autopilot, radar, GPS, plotter, eco-sounder, VHF, heating, refrigerator and freezer.
Distances: 83 km (51 mi) around the lake, from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura. For the sailing option: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the wind, in order to reach Victoria Island and 2 more hours to reach Villa La Angostura.
Lunch: at the Automóvil Club Restaurant or equivalent, or prepared by a chef onboard the vessel.
Accommodation: El Faro lodge or equivalent.
|
DAY 5 : VILLA LA ANGOSTURA / 7 LAKES ROUTE / SAN MARTIN - "3 parks for 7 lakes"
Description: you will start your day on the famous 7 lakes route heading towards San Martin de Los Andes. Throughout the day, you will visit different viewpoints with various detours and hikes: detour to Lake Espejo Chico and the north branch of Lake Traful, walk around Lakes Villarino and Falkner where you will stop for lunch. Other majestic landscapes await you: at 141 km Vulignanco Waterfall and immediately after Lake Hermoso. Finally you will get to the Arrayán viewpoint which overlooks Lake Lacar and San Martin de los Andes.
Distances: 110 km (68 mi) total, 48 km (30 mi) dirt road and 62 km (38 mi) paved.
Optional: if the idea appeals to you, and if there’s time, have a walk around the Mapuche community (Indian village). The vehicle will take you to the Bandurrias viewpoint which overlooks Lake Lacar, opposite the Arrayán viewpoint.
Lunch: at La Reserva restaurant in San Martin de los Andes.
Dinner: not included (several restaurants in San Martin).
Accommodation: Casa de Eugenia or equivalent.
|
DAY 6 : SAN MARTIN / HUECHULAFQUEN and LANIN / SAN MARTIN - "Nature in its original state"
Description: after breakfast, you will start the circuit around Lake Huechulafquen, located on the south slope of the majestic Lanín Volcano. Following the Chimehuin River, you arrive at an impressive view of the lake and volcano. Request your chauffeur guide to detour towards the small pointy chalet. The road circles the lake, runs across a wooded area and ends up at a great plain where Lakes Huechulafquen and Paimun converge. You are then at the heart of the Mapuche Community.
Distances: 203 km (126 mi) of which 88 km (55 mi) are paved.
Option 1: the possibility of a short trek tour accompanied by your guide up to El Saltillo Falls. The path is level for a long stretch, then it ascends to the falls alongside the river. The last stretch, through the woods, is quite steep. The trek takes about 2 hours (round trip).
Option 2: starting at Port Canoa, an excursion from Lake Huechulafquen to Lake Epulafquen to observe Achen Niyeu Volcano and, above all, the Escorial, (petrified lava river).
Duration: 2 hours. This option must be selected with a minimum of two days in advance. Coordination with your guide. Cost included in package.
Note: the boat is a non exclusive 14.5-meter(47 ft)--long catamaran with a max capacity of 60 people. The boat has a snack bar. The excursions from December to March depart at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5 and 6.30 p.m.
Lunch: gourmet picnic in an araucaria forest (beautiful chapel).
Dinner: not included (numerous restaurants in San Martin).
Accommodation: Casa de Eugenia or equivalent.
|
DAY 7 : SAN MARTIN / PASS OF CORDOBA / LAKE TRAFUL / ENCHANTED VALLEY / BARILOCHE - "Carnival of shapes and colors"
 Description: you will leave the Estancia to enjoy majestic views on the road towards Bariloche. You begin by circling Lake Meliquina. It’s hard to avoid visiting beautiful Lake Filo Hua Hum before returning to the Pass of Córdoba road, which meanders up towards the mountain (1300 meters, 4265 ft). Along this road you will discover extravagant rocky formations. The view is absolutely stunning, especially in autumn. The circuit descends to a confluence which you will follow to ascend to the town of Villa Traful. A mandatory stop at the viewpoint of the Wind: a sublime panorama overlooking Lake Traful. After lunch, you continue the circuit through the Enchanted Valley, where you will observe strange rocky formations such as the Fingers of God, the Sentinel, the Express Train and the Siamese, among others. You follow the course of the Lima River without missing the Amphitheatre viewpoint.
Distances: 233 km (145 mi) of which 130 km (81 mi) are dirt roads.
Lunch: at the Ñancu Lahuen in Villa Traful.
Dinner: not included
Accommodation: Aldebaran Hotel or equivalent.
|
DAY 8 : BARILOCHE / CALAFATE - "A reality which overwhelms the eye"
Description: at mid morning you will travel to the Bariloche airport for a 1h45 min flight to El Calafate. This city, whose name originates from a kind of blueberry, is famous for its popular ski resort. Located 3 km (1.8 mi) west of the town center, on the glacier route, La Estepa is a lodge with typical southern Patagonian architectural style, introduced by early 20th century English immigrants. The lodge offers a privileged view of one of the beautiful bays of lago Argentino. The afternoon involves a 3h excursion along 15 km (9 mi), in a Land Rover 4x4 (non exclusive) through the Calafate highlands. The circuit covers three areas of great interest: the Calafate Balcony, an excellent viewpoint overlooking Lake Argentino; the Stone Labrynth, a region full of mineral mushrooms, and the Piedra de los Sombreros, a series of embeddings on the cliffs which resemble Mexican hats, for which there is no scientific explanation.
Distances: the lodge is located 23 km (14 mi) from the airport.
Lunch: in El Calafate at Casimiro restaurant or equivalent.
Accommodation: La Estepa lodge or equivalent.
|
DAY 9 : CALAFATE / SPEGAZZINI and UPSALLA / CALAFATE - "Ice Carrousel"
Description: after enjoying the morning light from the lodge’s breakfast lounge, you will depart for Punta Bandera. This full day circuit will cover the north branch of Lake Argentino, the country´s biggest lake. You will board at the Captain’s Club (VIP lounge and private dock), on the Chonek or Nueva Leon catamarans. Zigzagging between the icebergs, the boat will take you through the lake’s different branches to the base of the main glaciers: Spegazzini, with its 80 meter (262 ft) walls, Uspalla, the second biggest glacier among the 47 glaciers in the Park, and Onelli. You will disembark for lunch, and after an 800 meter (half a mile) walk through a magnificent lenga forest, you will reach Onelli Bay, which is filled with icebergs in a unique landscape of glaciers and snowy peaks. Back onboard, you’ll sail for an hour to meet your guide at Punta Bandera.
Technical description: with a max capacity of 250 people, the Chonek and Nueva Leon catamarans are state-of-the-art ships. They are equipped with all the security devices required by international standards: GPS, plotter, eco-sounder, VHF, heating and bar service.
Distances: 46 km (29 mi) from the lodge to Punta Bandera. Five hours of nautical excursion.
Lunch: gourmet picnic basket provided by your guide.
Accommodation: La Estepa lodge or equivalent.
|
DAY 10 : PERITO MORENO / CALAFATE - "A parade of blues… intense, crystalline, pastel and opaque"
Description: for today you have two options:
Option 1: a mini trek through the southern section of the Perito Moreno glacier. You will cross the Rico branch by boat (15 minutes). After receiving a short briefing and putting on your crampons (ice nails), you’ll be ready to begin a 90-minute circuit on the ice. What is most amazing in this icy world are the rare deep blue tones.
Option 2: from the “Bajo la sombras” dock you will sail 1 hour towards the southern wall of the glacier. The façade of the glacier is 5 km (3 mi) wide; its height reaches 170 meters (557 ft), though only 60 meters (197 ft) emerge from the surface. After the optional tour, we suggest hiking a trail which skirts the Iceberg Canal and enables you to gradually discover the glacier. It then joins the traditional footbridge circuit. To make this day even more unforgettable you should have tea at an ideal place: La Usina, located on the banks of some rapids under the shade of the lenga trees.
Distances: 74 km (46 mi) from the lodge to the footbridges, of which 12 km (7 mi) are dirt roads.
Note: the "mini trek" is accessible for everyone. Two mountain guides will lead each group of 20 people max. We recommend you select this option once you book (additional charge: USD 130 per person).
Lunch: gourmet picnic basket provided by your guide.
Accommodation: La Estepa lodge or equivalent.
|
DAY 11 : CALAFATE / LAKE ROCA / BUENOS AIRES - "The eternal attraction of what is different"
 Description: Argentinians call it a "dia de campo" (farm day): a day for enjoying nature and taking part in typical estancia activities. Nibepo Aike is located in a fairytale landscape: Lake Roca, the southern branch of Lake Argentino, the peaks looming on the other side of the banks, mountain grasslands, lenga forests… Even the access road is beautiful; don’t miss the chance to go up the small hill where the park rangers live. You will have absolute freedom to choose among the activities the estancia has to offer: a horse ride between the lake and the Crystal Belt; a short climb to the highlands that surround the estancia, from where you can see the puzzle formed by the branches of the different lakes, with the Perito Moreno glacier in the background. The estancia’s gauchos will suggest you witness a sheep clipping demonstration, and will invite you to share a hearty asado. This Yugoslavian family, pioneers in the region, settled in these lands at the beginning of the 20th century. At around 3 p.m. you will have to head towards El Calafate airport. After a 3-hour flight your guide will meet you in Buenos Aires and transfer you to your hotel.
Distances: 81 km (50 mi) of which 36 km (22 mi) are dirt roads, and 76 km (47 mi) to get to the airport via El Calafate by the old dirt road.
Lunch: at the Nibepo Aike Estancia’s Inn.
Accommodation: My BA Hotel or equivalent.
|
DAY 12 : BUENOS AIRES / INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Description: until leaving for the airport, you will discover Buenos Aires and/or, according to your preference, go shopping. The leather goods and gaucho articles shops offer typical and original products. The city tour runs through 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world with its 65 meter (213 ft) obelisk and Avenida de Mayo, which is well known for its buildings of Galician architecture influence. At Plaza de Mayo you will discover Casa Rosada, HQ for the president. You will then visit La Boca neighborhood with its colorful houses made of recovered material from ships, which inspire many painters and poets. You will then discover San Telmo , home of antique shops and traditional tango bars. Recoleta is a traditional residential neighborhood, where walking is a true pleasure due to its numerous parks and squares. To end the tour, you’ll visit Puerto Madero, the old city port which has recently been completely refurbished.
Optional: flight over Buenos Aires on a private helicopter. Get an unforgettable panoramic view of Buenos Aires from 200 m. It takes 30 to 45 min to cover around 100km (from USD 165).
Lunch: at the Gardiner restaurant or equivalent.
Dinner and night: on the plane.
|
RATES : Tour Bariloche Calafate Argentina 20. Travel Patagonia lakes and glaciers - Charm
 Prices are in U.S. Dollars. Prices in £, € and ARS may vary according to daily exchange rate.
The prices shown below include practically everything, except the international flight.
Children of ages between 2 and 8 who share a room with 2 adults are eligible for a reduction. Feel free to ask for details.
Children who require a separate room, as well as children over 9 years of age pay as adults.
There is no additional cost for babies of up to 12 months.
Optional insurances - TMS CONTACT - Paris : Cancellation or Multirisks.
|
|
Includes - Does not include
