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Route 40 Argentina. Tour Patagonia, Ushuaia, Bariloche, El Calafate, Villa la Angostura, Mendoza, San Rafael, San Juan, La Rioja, Tucumán, Cafayate, Salta, Jujuy, Iguazú.
Drive along Route 40: travel the length of Argentina and visit Chile, starting with Iguazú Falls and the Jesuits Missions, then following Route 40 along the Andes: Humahuaca, Salta, Cachi, Cafayate, Valley of the Moon, Talampaya, Aconcagua, Mendoza, San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, El Bolsón, Esquel, Perito Moreno, Hands Cave, El Calafate, Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego, and the city of Ushuaia next to the Beagle Channel: the "End of the World”.
Circuit duration: 38 days / 37 nights, in 23 hotels or estancias. 14 days half board, 35 with breakfast included (2 nights in the bus).
Accommodation: charm.
2 domestic flights: Buenos Aires > Puerto Iguazú and Ushuaia > Buenos Aires.
International flight: not included. Please don't hesitate to consult us.
Ground transportation: private vehicle. 4x4 from Salta to Mendoza and 2x4 for Buenos Aires and the rest of the tour.
2 journeys in a semi-cama bus: from Posadas to Salta and from Mendoza to Bariloche.
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Chauffeur guide: exclusive chauffeur-guide or driver plus guide throughout your whole stay. You may have just a driver in the event of some simple transfers.
Rates: vary according to the number of people. See below.
Argentina Excepción's opinion: for a truly unforgettable once in a lifetime experience, this 5-week trip will take you through Argentina and Patagonia’s most beautiful selection of sceneries and curiosities. You will be driven 10,000 km; you will share this life experience with 7 native guides, who will take turns to guide you through these varied regions. A unique experience through the province of Misiones to the Altiplano, crossing the Wine Route, the Lakes Route and the Glaciers of Patagonia, from Salta to Ushuaia along the famous Argentine Route 40.
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DAY 1 : INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Dinner and night: on the plane.
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DAY 2 : BUENOS AIRES / PLAZA DE MAYO / PUERTO MADERO
Description: your bilingual guide will greet you at Ezeiza airport. After settling in at your hotel, you can take your first tour around Buenos Aires accompanied by your guide. You will first visit Plaza de Mayo, the surface of which is approximately 3 hectares; you will begin a truly historical journey as you leave Plaza de Mayo. Avenida de Mayo is thought to be the Argentine civic axis, because it connects the Casa Rosada (Government’s Headquarters) with the Congress. Then, you will go by car to the Puerto Madero neighborhood. Along the docks and the promenade lined with trees, the red-brick warehouses, renovated at the beginning of the 1990s, now host numerous restaurants. At approximately 7.30 pm you will meet one of our operations representatives at your hotel for your introductory talk.
Lunch: free (larg amount of restaurants in town).
Dinner: free (large number of restaurants located near your hotel).
Accommodation: Vain Boutique Hotel.
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DAY 3 : BUENOS AIRES / PUERTO IGUAZÚ / PARC IGUAZU / BRASILIAN FALLS
 Description: at the agreed time, your guide will pick you up and take you to the metropolitan airport Jorge Newbery where you will fly to Puerto Iguazú in a 1.5 hour flight. We suggest that you start with a visit to the Iguazú falls on the Brazilian side, which takes less time and features excellent panoramic views of the falls. You will also benefit from the orientation of the sun for taking photographs during the afternoon. 80 % of the falls are on the Argentinean side. However, the view from the Brazilian side offers a different perspective. The tour starts with “Las Cataratas” path (1.2 km long, with some flights of stairs) that will take you to the main panoramic view, Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), which may be accessed through a 500-meter-long footbridge. You may spend the rest of the afternoon at the hotel’s swimming pool or make use of your vehicle to visit Puerto Iguazú.
Option: on your way back and depending on the time, you may visit the Bird Park (Parque de los Pájaros) on the Brazilian side, 5 hectares inhabited by 800 species of birds, butterflies, caimans, iguanas, and monkeys of the Amazon forest. The parrots, macaws, and budgerigars are the stars of the park. The fee of the park is not included; you will pay for it at the entrance to the park.
Distances: 23 km from the airport to Puerto Iguazú, then, 50 km-round trip to visit the falls on the Brazilian side.
Lunch: Puerto Canoas restaurant, in the Brazilian national park.
Dinner: free. We recomend La Rueda restaurant in Puerto Iguazú.
Accommodation: La Aldea Lodge.
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DAY 4 : PUERTO IGUAZÚ / IGUAZÚ PARK / ARGENTINA FALLS
 Description: after breakfast, you will visit Iguazú Park, this time on the Argentinean side. The journey starts with a train trip (3 km-long) to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) station. At the station, you will find a 1,100 meter-long footbridge that will take you to the Devil’s Throat viewpoint, the most amazing waterfall. Then, back to the Falls (Cataratas) station, you begin a walk along the footbridges. The upper circuit lasts approximately 1 hour (1,200 meters long) and will allow you to enjoy the falls from above. The lower circuit (1,700 meters long) has many more flights of stairs. You may also take a boat to San Martin island and complete a circuit with panoramic views of the Iguazú Falls.
Distance: 13 km-road between Puerto Iguazú and the entrance to the Argentinean park.
Option: “Nautical Adventure,” departure from San Martin island for a 20 minute voyage on a zodiac on the Iguazú river, under the 7 main falls (USD 15 per person at your own expense, payable in situ).
Lunch: El Fortín restaurant.
Accommodation: La Aldea Lodge (dinner not included).
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DAY 5 : PUERTO IGUAZÚ / WANDA MINES / SAN IGNACIO RUINS / ESTANCIA SANTA CECILIA
Description: after breakfast, you will set off to the south of Misiones province. First, you will visit the Wanda region, the quartz and amethyst mines. You will then continue your trip towards San Ignacio. Before reaching the Ruins, should you wish to do so, you can visit the tea and Piporé mate fields in Santo Pipó. The Jésuite Ruins of San Ignacio have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mission was founded in 1632 over 1,687 km2 and was home to 4,000 Guaraní Indians. In the afternoon, you will reach Estancia Santa Cecilia which extends up to the Paraná River. The main house was built at the beginning of the 20th century, with a vast veranda, thick walls and high ceilings to keep cool in the tropical weather. The estate is an authentic “estancia”, the main activities of which are breeding livestock and woodwork. The swimming pool at Santa Cecilia is in keeping with the huge park and the hundred-year-old trees which house a wide variety of birds.
Distances: 205 km from Puerto Iguazú to San Ignacio, then, 30 km to the estancia.
Note: your guide will accompany you up to Santa Cecilia. On the following day, a person from the estancia will take you to the bus station in Posadas.
Lunch: free. (recommended San Ignacio restaurants).
Accommodation and dinner: estancia Santa Cecilia.
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DAY 6 : ESTANCIA SANTA CECILIA / POSADAS / RESISTENCIA / SALTA
Description: you will have the morning free to enjoy the activities of the estancia. At around noon (time must be confirmed), you will set off to Posadas, where you will take a bus with the company Río Uruguay to the city of Resistencia, Chaco province. Once you reach your destination, you will change buses. You will continue your journey on a Flecha Bus company bus equipped with reclining seats. At approximately 7 pm, you will leave for Salta.
Distances: 28 km from the estancia to Posadas bus station, then 1,200 km-bus journey to Salta (with a stopover in Resistencia to change buses).
Lunch: free.
Dinner: breakfast on the bus (dinner not included).
Accommodation: bus semi-cama.
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DAY 7 : VILLE DE SALTA
 Description: you will reach Salta at approximately 7.45 am. You will be greeted by a guide at Salta bus station (you will meet at the reception desk in the center of the hall). After checking in at the hotel and after having lunch, you will visit the most interesting parts of the city and its outskirts: 9 de Julio Park, the cathedral, the cabildo (city hall), San Francisco church, the San Bernardo Convent and Mountain, Güemes Monument, the artisans market... The tour ends with tea at San Lorenzo castle.
Lunch: Doña Salta restaurant.
Dinner: free. Numerous restaurants neer by the rail station.
Accommodation: El Lagar.
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DAY 8 : SALTA / LA CORNICHE ROUTE / JUJUY / PURMAMARCA
 Description: by the end of the morning, you will head northwards along the Cornisa Road, through a path along the jungle, towards the city of Jujuy, on a bright-colored journey before reaching Purmamarca in the afternoon. In Purmamarca, you may travel around the Seven Colors Hill (Cerro de los Siete Colores) a 20-minute trip, and/or climb to the small viewpoint (15 minute trip), to enjoy the sunset over the village. Purmamarca houses the busiest artisan market in the region.
Timing and distances: 170 km trip, approximately 3.30 hours from Salta to Purmamarca.
Lunch: la Cienaga lake restaurant
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DAY 9 : PURMAMARCA / QUEBRADA DE HUMAHUACA / PURMAMARCA
Description: today you will climb to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and you will stop at its different small towns. You will visit very traditional places, starting with Tilcara, and its interesting Pucará, pre-Columbian fortress built between the years 1000 and 1480, the archeological museum and the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). After crossing the tropic of Capricorn, you will reach Uquía, small town with a charming chapel. You will stop to take small walks to different panoramic viewpoints: Huacalera, Chulezna and the Valle de las Señoritas (Little Women Valley). At the end of the long journey, you will find Humahuaca, the ancient home of the Incan empire, later home to the viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, located at 2,940 meters high. After lunch, you will continue climbing up to 4,300 meters to enjoy an almost unreal panoramic view, which is off the beaten track: The Argentina Excepción mountains (we've reserved the name of this secret place).
Timing and distances: 42 km from Tilcara to the town of Humahuaca, plus 2 hours 20 round trip for the “Argentina Excepción” getaway.
Note: Depending on the light, it is worth visiting the different features of Tilcara and the “panoramic viewpoints” in the morning and the “Argentina Excepción Mountains” in the afternoon.
Lunch: El Fortín regional restaurant.
Accommodation: La Comarca Hotel (dinner not included).
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DAY 10 : PURMAMARCA / SALINAS GRANDES / SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES / QUIJANO - ROUTE 40
Description: you will depart towards Salinas Grandes along the impressive hill of Lipán that climbs from 2,200 to 4,200 meters high in 30 km. This salt lake in the heart of the Puna, which extends over 12,000 hectares, is a great salt desert over which you can drive to admire the labor of the workers that, to this day, harvest salt in the old fashioned way. Then, you will continue along the famous Route 40 that will take you 3,800 meters high to a magnificent panoramic viewpoint over the snowy peaks of the Andes, before reaching San Antonio de los Cobres, after skirting the tracks of the Train to the Clouds (Tren de las Nubes). Quijano is the first village after reaching the valley. Then, you will get to la Silleta where the estancia is located.
Timing and distances: 330 km, a full day excursion.
Lunch: Las Nubes hotel in San Antonio de los Cobres.
Dinner and accommodation: estancia El Manantial del Milagro.
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DAY 12 : SALTA / LOS CARDONES NATIONAL PARK / LOS COLORADOS / CACHI - ROUTE 40
 Description: today you will travel to the Calchaqui Valleys crossing the tobacco fields of the Valle de Lerma, then the towns of Cerrillos, Merced, El Carril and Chicoana. There, you will discover subtropical flora, as you go through the Valley of Escoipe. Under the supernatural blue Andean sky, the vegetation is dense through the ascent to the Obispo Hill, which will take you to the highest point in the excursion: the Piedra del Molino, at 3,348 meters. After skirting the magnificent region of Los Colorados, you will go through Los Cardones National Park and arrive at the picturesque village of Cachi. After having lunch and visiting the small village, you will continue your trip towards the Valley of Cachi in the direction of the hotel. This area is ideal for taking a walk.
Timing and distances: 222 km journey, 4 hours from Quijano to Cachi.
Lunch: in the Automovil Club hostal.
Dinner: free. Restaurant arround the place.
Accommodation: La Merced del Alto.
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DAY 13 : CACHI / QUEBRADA DE LAS FLECHAS / CAFAYATE - ROUTE 40
 Description: travel to Cafayate, skirting the town of Los Molinos. Small ascent up a hill where there is a wonderful panoramic view over the valley, the river and the village. Before Molinos, should you wish to do so, you can make a stop at a poncho-weaving workshop at Seclantas. Later, you will go back to Route 40 and the amazing scenery of the formation of Quebrada de las Flechas. The Valles Calchaquíes will take you to Cafayate where, after having lunch, you will start a wine tasting trip throughout different wineries: Mounier, Etchart, El Tránsito and discover a grapevine stock with which Cafayate created a specialty: the torrontés.
Timing and distances: a 137-km journey, approximately 4 hours.
Note: the choice of wineries may vary according to your preference.
Lunch: El Criollo restaurant in Cafayate.
Dinner: free. Restaurant inside the city.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Hotel.
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DAY 14 : CAFAYATE / QUEBRADA DE LAS CONCHAS / CAFAYATE - ROUTE 40
 Description: at approximately 10am you will begin an excursion into the Valley of Las Conchas that will give you a variety of reasons to stop and make short walks. The multicolor stone formations and the almost deserted mountains are a sight that nature has been preparing for centuries. The Quebrada de las Conchas extends along the river that bears the same name and which sculpted this amazing canyon. Signs will show you the most beautiful places: Devil’s Throat, The Amphitheatre, The Frog, The Friar, The Obelisk, The Castles. A wonder of nature that experiments with all shades of red. We suggest a walk in the Yesera region.
Trekking option: at the beginning of the afternoon, a local guide will meet you at the hotel to take you to the starting point of the journey at the Quebrada de las Conchas, to the place called El Paso. Accompanied by your guide, you will take a walk in a place decorated with thousands of colors, invisible from the path. After walking for 4 hours, you will reach Yesera, one of the most beautiful places of Quebrada de las Conchas. When the journey finishes, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel (This option has an extra cost).
Horse ride option: the horse ride begins at the bank of the Chusca River along the Yacochuya path to go round Cafayate Hill (Sierra de Cafayate). You will visit an old Jesuit Windmill dating back to the 17th century that was used to grind and to produce flour. Then, you will skirt the foot of the mountain and you will make a stop at an indian archeological site, where you may appreciate ceramic crafts more than 500 years old. After the last stop at the Mirador, the trip ends at Cafayate (This option has an extra cost).
Distances: 100 km round trip.
Lunch and dinner: free.
Accommodation: Viñas de Cafayate Hotel.
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DAY 15 : CAFAYATE / QUILMES RUINS / CALCHAQUI VALLEY / PITUIL - ROUTE 40
 Description: after breakfast, you depart towards the province of La Rioja through Route 40, which continues along the Calchaquíes Valleys. You will visit the Quilmes ruins, the most famous archeological site in Argentina, ancient prado-inca city inhabited between the 9th and the 17th century. The site, built on a natural amphitheatre, offers an extraordinary panoramic view over the valley. At the end of the day, you will reach Chañamuyo Lodge, where you can enjoy the facilities. Located 1,720 meters above sea level, amidst the 800 hectares of grapevines and at the foot of the Paimán range, Chañarmuyo Estate is a lodge and winery that meets all the requirements for an excellent stay before visiting Talampaya.
Timing and distance: 392 km, approximately a 6 to 7 hour journey.
Lunch: free. Restaurants are located along the route. Belén restaurant is recommended.
Dinner and accommodation: estancia bodega Chañarmuyo.
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DAY 16 : PITUIL / TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK / VILLA UNIÓN - ROUTE 40
 Description: after breakfast, you will continue along Route 40 towards Talampaya National Park. The journey is magnificent, Miranda Hill in particular, with its palette of red and green shades, is stunning. Talampaya is, in the first place, a canyon approximately 12 km long, the walls of which are 160 meters high. There, you will discover several purple formations carved by the wind and the scarce rainfall. These formations have received several names: the Monk, the Needles, the Crib, the Cathedral , the Wise Man, the Chess Board , the Chimney ... Talampaya is interesting for its fossils, cave paintings and the archeological ruins of the Aguada and Ciénaga pre-Columbian cultures. The trip lasts approximately 2hrs 30mins and will be carried out in a Park’s vehicle. After your visit to Talampaya, you will climb up to the small city of Quinta Unión.
Note: the excursion is carried out with a Park’s vehicle and guide, non private.
Distances: 240 km from Pituil to Talampaya, then, 72 km to climb up to Villa Unión. To this you must add the driving inside the Park.
Lunch and dinner: free. For lunch, the posiillity of eating on the park, before or after the excursion.
Accommodation: Pircas Negras.
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DAY 17 : VILLA UNIÓN / ISCHIGUALASTO PROVINCE PARK / VILLA UNIÓN - ROUTE 40
 Description: the paleontological museum of Ischigualasto Park is a good preamble to the visit to the park. Ischigualasto contains the continental collection of fossils of the Triassic period (from -245 to -208 million of years), the world’s most complete collection. There, you will find six geological formations which contain fossils of a wide range of mammals, dinosaurs and plants ancestors. The excursion will take you to a strange and mineral world, where the combination of a wide palette of colors and the most whimsical shapes make it a great place for photographers and dreamers: The Worm , Sphinx , The Submarine , The Mushroom...
Timing and distances: 274 km round trip, you should add the driving inside the park. The excursion to Ischigualasto lasts approximately 2.30 hours.
Note: at Ischigualasto, the light is better after noon. On the other hand, a mild breeze starts to blow during the afternoon and it is not so hot. If it rains, only the guards have the authority to let visitors enter the park or not.
Lunch and dinner: free. Posibillity of having lunch in the park's bar, before or after the excursion.
Accommodation: Pircas Negras.
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DAY 18 : VILLA UNIÓN / SAN JOSE DE JACHAL / CALINGASTA / BARREAL
 Description: when you reach Guandacol (1,050 meters high), the San Juan province adventure begins. You will take a small detour from Route 40 to visit the old windmill Harinero Dojorti, and then you will travel along Los Cauquenes dam. If you wish to do so, you can go see the Rodeo village. The aim is to discover the Wind’s Hill lake, its small beaches and the unusual rocky decoration. The 150 national highway skirts the Jachal river, after that an amazing ledge. You will descend southwards, towards the Andes. You will make a brief stop at the town of Calingasta. Then, we suggest that you go for a twenty-minute walk to climb up to the Del Alcázar panoramic view. From Calingasta to Barreal, the road skirts Río de los Patos providing an amazing view of the Andes peaks. You may stop to discover the Hilairo ruins, an old foundry.
Distances: 398 km from Villa Unión to Barreal.
Lunch and dinner: free. Numerous hostels along the excursion road. In Barreal for dinner.
Accommodation: La Querencia hostal or San Eduardo.
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DAY 19 : BARREAL / LEONCITO / INCAS BRIDGE / ACONCAGUA PARK / LUJÁN DE CUYO
 Description: you leave Barreal to discover Leoncito. This dry lake is located on a wide and high valley. There, you will find one of the world’s clearest skies and you will see one of Argentina’s biggest astronomy observatories, with approximately 300 starry nights. You will be in an open landscape, with a picturesque background, the snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes... Then, you will go through Upsallata where the adventure in the province of Mendoza begins. Your guide from Salta will say goodbye to you and a guide from Mendoza will replace him. You will go up to the Aconcagua Park, where you will find the highest American peak (6,959 meters high). You will appreciate it from a viewpoint. You will visit Los Penitentes, strange rocky formations, and Puente de los Incas. The water loaded with salt and sulfur gives this unique building its amazing colors. You will then descend Route 7 towards Mendoza Valley and Lujan de Cuyo, one of the main wine-growing regions in Argentina.
Option: take a walk in the Aconcagua park to the Espero and Horcones lakes (approximately 1 hour walk).
Distances: 355 km, of which 110 km are rubble road.
Lunch: restaurant in Ayelen.
Dinner: free. Posibillity of eating in Terruños restaurant.
Accommodation: Club Tapiz.
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DAY 20 : LUJÁN DE CUYO / BODEGAS LUJÁN DE CUYO / LUJÁN DE CUYO / BARILOCHE - ROUTE 40
 Description: you will depart to visit the wineries at Luján de Cuyo, one of the main wine-growing regions in Argentina. You will visit Tapiz winery, where you will discover the varieties of the region. You will visit the wineries and taste wines beneath the French or American oak barrels. The visit to Ruca Malen winery will coincide with lunchtime. You will have lunch in an exclusive room that serves excellent cuisine and wine tasting. You will spend your afternoon visiting and tasting wine at Catena Zapata winery which has an amazing pyramidal architecture. Before taking the bus to Bariloche, your guide will take you to see the most interesting places of the city of Mendoza, in particular, the General San Martin park and La Gloria Hill, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city. At 8 pm, you will leave for Bariloche on a coach with reclining seats.
Distances: approximately 120 km throughout the day and 1,276 km from Mendoza to San Carlos de Bariloche.
Note: the selection of wineries is a suggestion. It may be changed according to your preferences
Options: Bodega Norton, Carlos Pulenta, Chandon, Carmelo Pati...
Lunch: bodega Ruca Malen.
Dinner: breakfast on bus.
Accommodation: bus semi-cama.
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DAY 21 : SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE / VILLA LA ANGOSTURA / LOS ARRAYANES NATIONAL PARK
Description: you will reach Bariloche bus station at 1.30 pm. Your new guide from Patagonia will receive you. You start the tour around Nahuel Huapi lake, a glacier trace which is more than 100 km long. After checking in at Villa La Angostura hotel, we suggest that you take a trip on a public catamaran, around the peninsula of the Arrayanes Park. At the end of the park, you will stop to enjoy an 800-meter walk in the famous Arrayanes woods. The bark of this tree is chestnut color when it is young and orange when it is adult (160 – 250 years old).
Distance: 83 km to make the trip round the lake between Bariloche and Villa La Angostura.
Lunch and dinner: free. Restaurants arround the place. In town, we recomend the Automovil Club restaurant.
Accommodation: hostals El Faro.
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DAY 22 : NAHUEL HUAPÍ NATIONAL PARK / 7 LAKE ROUTE / SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES
Description: after breakfast, you will travel the famous 7 lakes route towards San Martín de los Andes. Every day you go from one stunning panoramic view to another visiting places and trekking: a trip to Espejo Chico lake and in the North branch of the Traful lake, a walk along Villarino and Falkner lake where you will stop to have lunch. 141 km to your left, other magnificent places await you: The Vulignaco waterfall, then Hermoso lake, and finally the Arrayán viewpoint over the Lacar and the San Martin de los Andes lake. During the afternoon, you may take a walk around the Mapuche community settlement. Your driver will take you to the Bandurrias viewpoint, panoramic view opposite the Arrayán viewpoint over Lácar lake.
Distances: 110 km from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes., 48 km of which are rubble path and 62 km are paved
Lunch and dinner: free. Numerous restaurants in San Martin de Los Andes. We recommend Avataras of La Reserva restaurants.
Accommodation: Casa de Eugenia.
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DAY 23 : SAN MARTÍN / HUECHULAFQUEN LAKE AND LANÍN VOLCANO / SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES
 Description: after breakfast you will take a trip around Huechulafquen lake, located under the southern slope of the majestic Lanín volcano. After having walked along the Chimehuin river, you will arrive at an astonishing view of the lake and the volcano. Ask your guide to go round to the pointed little cottage. The path skirts the lake in a wood region and ends in a large grassland area which joins Huechulafquen and Paimún lake. You are at the heart of the Mapuche community. From Puerto Canoa you will take a boat trip (approximately 2 hours) on Huechulafquen lake towards Epulafquen lake to see the Achen Niyeu volcano and, above all, Escorial (petrified lava river).
Note: the vessel is a non private catamaran, 14.5 meters long. It is equipped with a cafeteria-bar. Departure time from December to March, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 6.30 pm.
Distances: 203 km, 88 km of which are paved.
Lunch: pique-nique "gourmet" in an araucarias forest.
Accommodation: Casa de Eugenia (dinner not included).
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DAY 24 : SAN MARTÍN / PASO DE CÓRDOBA / TRAFUL LAKE / ENCHANTED VALLEY / BARILOCHE
 Description: you will leave San Martin de los Andes and travel towards Bariloche through some magnificent scenery. It starts by skirting Meliquina lake. You will have to go round Filo Hua Hum lake before returning to Paso del Córdoba road. The road meanders rising towards the hill (1,300 meters) and will let you discover strange rocky formations. The scenery is amazing, particularly, in autumn. The road descends towards the confluence which you will skirt to go up to Quinta Traful village. We suggest that you stop at Wind’s viewpoint (Mirador del Viento), which will offer you a majestic view over Traful lake. After lunch you will return via the Enchanted Valley, where you will appreciate strange, rocky formations called God’s Finger, Sentry, Express train, Los Siameses... You will continue along the Limay river and you will stop at the Amphitheatre.
Distances: 233 km, 130 km of which are dirt road.
Lunch: in Ñancu Lahuen restaurant, in Villa Traful or in El Boliche Viejo in the Nahuel Huapi lake and Limay river meeting, Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid memories are in this area.
Dinner: free.
Accommodation: Aldebarán Hotel.
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DAY 25 : BARILOCHE / EL BOLSÓN / LOS ALERCRES PARK / ESQUEL
Description: before heading southwards, you will stop at the foot of Campanario Hill, where a cable car will take you up 1,050 meters. It is located at the heart of the Llao Llao peninsula; the scenery is spellbinding, particularly in the morning when the sun hits it from behind. Route 40 continues to the west of Gutiérrez and Mascardi lakes and skirts the Andes, towards El Bolsón, then Esquel. El Bolson was the hippies' refuge in the 60s, and was declared a non-nuclear zone and ecological municipality. The town of Esquel was founded by Welsh people between the mountain range and the Patagonia desert. Apart from Los Alerces park, the attraction is the Trochita, a steam locomotive with wooden wagons which travels along a 75-centimeter track!
Option 1: visit to Los Alerces park and excursion over Menéndez lake. You will enter the park from the North, via Cholila. Up to the confluence of Verde Lake and the Arrayanes River you will walk along a 1,500-m path, in a wood with a great variety of flowers that will take you to Menéndez lake in Puerto Chucao, where a catamaran will take you along the South branch to enjoy the Torrecilla Glacier, and later, Puerto Sagrario, at the end of the North branch. From there, you walk to the panoramic viewpoint the "Alerzal" (Larch Grove) and even further to Cisne lake and waterfall. Duration of the nautical excursion and the walk: 4 hours
Option 2: "Old Patagonian Express", Esquel / Nahuel Pan 2.30 hours round trip, option included in the rate. On the other hand, the cost of the journey El Maiten > Esquel is not included. It takes 6 hours to get there. However, its frequency is somewhat strange. For more information call El Maitén at 02945 495 190 or Esquel at 02945 451 403.
Distances: 125 km from Bariloche to El Bolson, then 155 from El Bolson to Esquel.
Lunch: free. Hostels over the route.
Dinner and accommodation: Cumbres blancas hostals.
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DAY 26 : ESQUEL / PETRIFIED FOREST OF SARMIENTO / SARMIENTO
Description: it takes half a day drive to get to the south of the province of Chubut and the city of Perito Moreno. On the route 40 you will find the abundant Patagonic fauna: guanacos, que se encuentra en el Parque nacional Los Glaciares, mucho más al sur. Sobre la ruta 40 descubrirá la abundante fauna Patagónica: guanacos, grey fox, rheas, pumas, eagles, hawks…After the check in, you set off on an excursion to the Petrified Forest of Sarmiento (Bosque Petrificado José Ormachea). One of the park rangers will accompany you on a 1h30 walk on this lunar landscape full of scattered fossilized trunks 65 million years old. The colourful palette of the surrounding hills offers one of the greatest moments of your Argentine adventure.
Distance: 432 km / 6h from Esquel to Sarmiento. 60 km return to the natural reserve of the petrified forest of Sarmiento.
Lunch: not included.
Dinner and accommodation: Hosteria Labrador.
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DAY 27 : SARMIENTO / CIUDAD DE PERITO MORENO / LOS ANTIGUOS
Description: Your trip continues towards the city of Los
Antiguos, located on the south shore of the Buenos Aires Lake in the
province of Santa Cruz. South America’s largest lake after the Titicaca,
it is binational: General Carrera lake on the Chilean side (136.000
hect.), and Buenos Aires lake (88.000 hect.) on the Argentinean one. It
is 590 m deep. The Buenos Aires Lake is surrounded by a landscape of
pampas while lake Carrera is embedded in the mountain. Its blue color
contrasts with the naked rocks and the lush bays, which offer a
beautiful landscape. On the route you go by the city of Perito Moreno.
It should not be mistaken neither for the Perito Moreno park which is
located further South, nor for the Perito Moreno glacier in Los
Glaciares National Park located even further south. Close to the lake
Buenos Aires, we recommend a walk on the Laguna Seca also known as the
Laguna Colorada after its copper-colored shores.
Distance: 341
km / 5h from Sarmiento to Los Antiguos.
Lunch: not included.
Dinner
and accommodation: Antigua Patagonia.
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DAY 28 : LOS ANTIGUOS / RIO PINTURAS AND HANDS CAVE / LAGO POSADAS
 Description: a three-hour drive will take you to the entrance of the Pinturas River Canyon. Then you will walk for 2.5 km and reach Hands Cave, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. This is one of the main cave painting sites in Argentina. The cave was inhabited 10,000 years ago by groups of hunters who decorated their “home” throughout three different periods with guanaco and rhea hunting scenes, geometrical figures, hands in red, yellow, ocher, black and white. Art? Signs? Magical rites? We have little information about these people, ancestors of the Tehuelches, inhabitants of the region extending between Chubut River and the Strait of Magellan. This work of art was discovered in 1876 by the Argentine explorer Francisco Pascasio Moreno, after whom the park and the famous glacier were named.
Distance: 224 km from Los Antiguos to the entrance of the cave, 116 km to Posadas Lake.
Lunch: Picnic - "gourmet" basket" provided by your guide
Dinner and accommodation: Posada de Posadas.
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DAY 29 : LAGO POSADAS / PUEYRREDON LAKE / RIO ORO VALLEY
 Description: towards the Andes and Pueyrredón lake. It extends to Chile where its name changes to Cochrane Lake. After 18 km, you will reach the Unión River bridge, between Posadas lake and Pueyrredón Lake. The ecosystem of the isthmus is home to several black-necked swans, pink flamingoes, ibis and ducks. From there you continue your journey towards the Gold Valley (Valle del Oro), 15 km, then you go up a winding road towards the Gold Throat (Garganta del Oro), an amazing Waterfall 150 meters high. On your way back, you will take a 1-km walk to appreciate the cave paintings on the Indian Hill (Cerro de los Indios), great red granite walls. These paintings have been studied since 1977; they are different from the ones on the Hands Cave as they show three stages of cave paintings which are more than 3000 years old.
Fishing option: each year, you may go rainbow trout fishing (fly-cast, spinning) at Pueyrredón Lake. You may fish 2 to 4-kg trouts. This option is not included; you will have to pay for it before the activity.
Lunch: in estancia Suyai.
Dinner and accommodation: Posada de Posadas.
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DAY 30 : VALLEY RIO DE ORO / ROUTE 40 / EL CALAFATE
 Description: this section of Route 40 is long but flat. El Calafate is a small town of 2,000 inhabitants, 320 km far to the northwest of Río Gallegos, at the heart of La Pampa. It is, in fact, the compulsory stop for visitors going to Los Glaciares National Park or to the Fitz Roy Massif. You will have the afternoon free at El Calafate.
Distances: 568 km from Estancia Cueva de las Manos to El Calafate.
Lunch and dinner: free. We recommend Casimiro restaurant at night.
Accommodation: Esplendor Hotel Calafate,located in city center so as to get some civilisation arround!
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DAY 31 : EL CALAFATE / SPEGAZZINI & UPSALA GLACIERS / EL CALAFATE
 Description: at 8 am, after enjoying the morning light from the hotel’s lounge, you will depart to Punta Bandera port. This day-trip is carried out on the North branch of Argentino Lake, the largest Argentinean lake. You will embark at the Captain Club (VIP room and private dock) on one of the Chonek or Nueva León catamarans. You will sail next to the icebergs; the boat will take you along the different branches of the lake to the foot of the main glaciers of Patagonia ice field: Spegazzini, the walls of which are 80 meters high, Upsala, the second largest glacier of the 47 glaciers in the Park, and Onelli. To enjoy your lunch best, you will disembark to go to Bahía de Onelli after a short 800-meter walk through a lenga wood. The Bay is full of icebergs and surrounded by an amazing array of glaciers and peaks. After embarking again, it will take an hour for you to get to Punta Bandera, where your driver will be waiting for you.
Technical description: the Chonek o Nueva León are state-of-the-art catamarans. They are equipped with all the safety equipment according to regulations: radar, GPS, plotter, echo sounder, a VHF, heating and bar.
VIP room: the VIP room has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers. It has a bar with alcoholic drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks are free of charge. The room is equipped with two decks. You will enjoy the scenery in the best possible conditions. Our prices include this excursion and the VIP room.
Distances: 49 km from El Calafate to Punta Banderas. You embark at Punta Banderas at 8.30 am. Departure at 9.00 am. Return to Punta Banderas at 4.00 pm.
Note: Our rates (described below) include this excursion and the VIP room.
Lunch: picnic - your guide will provide you with a "gourmet" basket.
Accommodation: Esplendor Calafate Hotel.(dinner not included in El Calafate).
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DAY 32 : EL CALAFATE / PERITO MORENO GLACIER / EL CALAFATE
 Description: after breakfast, you will be taken to the Perito Moreno Glacier National Park. Departure from the Bajo de Las Sombras dock and then an hour-boat trip under the southern wall of the glacier (departures every hour as from 10.15 am). The front of the glacier is approximately 5,000 meters long, 170 meters tall, 60 meters of which emerge from the surface. After this first excursion, we suggest that you proceed to discover the Perito Moreno Glacier taking a path along the Témpanos channels. Further along, you will find the traditional footbridge path. At the end of the day tea is a must. We recommend you go to La Usina, an excellent place located on the banks of some rapids, under some lenga trees.
Option: a “mini trek” on the southern section of the Perito Moreno Glacier. After crossing Brazo Rico on a boat (15 minutes) and putting on the crampons, you begin a 1.30-hour walk on the ice. The most amazing feature of this ice extension – apart from silence – are the deep blue shades of the ice.
Note: anyone from 10 to 65 years old may do the mini trek. Two mountain guides lead each group. Tea at La Usina is at your own expense.
Lunch: picnic, your guide will provide you with a “gourmet” basket.
Distance: 73 km from the lodge to Bajo de las Sombras dock.
Dinner: free in El Calafate.
Accommodation: Esplendor Calafate Hotel.
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DAY 33 : EL CALAFATE / TORRES DEL PAINE PARK - CHILE´S PATAGONIA
 Description: after breakfast, you will be on the road to Chile. You will go through Esperanza, at the heart of Santa Cruz, later you will go through the border post of Cerro Castillo. After the custom formalities, your Chilean driver will take you to Estancia Lazo and to Laguna Verde for your first impression of the Torres del Paine Massif. After having lunch at the lodge, you will have time to walk along the banks of Lago Verde, to climb to the grasslands over the lodge to widen the panoramic view of the lakes and of the massif, or to go horse riding. At the end of the afternoon, you will take the road towards Cerro Guido Lodge, located to the North, 38 km far from the entrance to the Park through Laguna Amarga. This estancia, whose main activity is cattle and sheep breeding, will immerse you in the culture and the traditions of Chilean Patagonia.
Note: keep your park entry ticket because it can be used the following day.
Timing and distances: 286 km, 3.15 hours from El Calafate to Cerro Castillo, then, 50 km (1 hour) to Laguna Verde. Finally, 73 km to Cerro Guido (1.15 hour).
Lunch: at Mirador del Paine restaurant within Estancia Lazo.
Dinner: free. llodge Cerro Guido.
Accommodation: Lodge Cerro Guido.
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DAY 34 : TORRES DEL PAINE PARK / PUERTO NATALES - CHILE´S PATAGONIA
 Description: your guide and driver will pick you up to go to Torres del Paine park. You will enter through Laguna Amarga. The first thing that stands out are The Towers that will call your attention, then, you will progressively discover The Horns and the French Man glacier. In the northern part of Pehoe lake you will take a 10-minute walk to reach Salto Mortal Grande, a huge waterfall and the pink-colored Horns. We suggest that you go to Grey lake at approximately 12 am and, there, take a 45-minute walk (2.2 km) to get to the end of the small peninsula. After lunch, you will head to Puerto Natales via the South of the Park, and the new Milodon road. Before the end of the evening, we suggest that you make a brief stop at Milodon cave. This natural monument is made of three caves and a rocky conglomerate called Devil’s Seat (Silla del Diablo) which is 30 meters high and 200 meters thick. Scientists are interested in this site because, in 1875 the skin, bones and fur of an extinct animal, the Milodon (Mylodon Darwin), a herbivore of great dimensions that seems to have disappeared at the end of the Pleistocene, were discovered.
Distance: 38 km from Cerro Guido to the entrance of the park, then, 60 km to the Grey lodge. After lunch, 22 km to reach the southern entrance of the park and 106 km to get to Puerto Natales; 226 in all.
Lunch: Llac Grey hostal restaurant.
Dinner: free.
Accommodation: Altiplanico Sur Hotel.
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DAY 35 : PUERTO NATALES / STREIT OF MAGELLICAN / RIO GRANDE / TIERRA DEL FUEGO / USHUAIA
 Description: early in the morning, you depart towards the end of the world, the city of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, in Tierra del Fuego. You head southwards, and when the road diverges you travel east up to Punta Delgada estuary where you take the ferry. After a 15-minute voyage along the Strait of Magellan, you will disembark in Tierra del Fuego, the largest island of the Southern Patagonia archipelago. The road on the Chilean side is rubble path. After the custom formalities you will find the Argentinean paved road again and meet your driver from Tierra del Fuego. Several stops along your journey are a must: Kaiken Lodge which overlooks Fagnano lake, Garibaldi Pass which overlooks Lake Escondido, Valle Tierra Mayor where you will go through several winter resorts, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing in Cerro Castor.
Timing and distances: 739 km from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia (11 hours). Los Cauquenes is 5 km from the center of Ushuaia.
Lunch and dinner: free. Hostals besides the route. Dinner recommended in Los Cauquenes.
Accommodation: Los Cauquenes Hotel.
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DAY 36 : USHUAIA / TIERRA DEL FUEGO / USHUAIA
 Description: excursion and walk in Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a short drive to the restaurant, you will begin a walk on easy and flat paths. The path will take you through Roca lake, the Pipo river, the swamps, a wood of lenga trees and beavers’ dams... The trip continues on to Bahía de Lapataia before returning to the restaurant. Then, you may go by car to Bahía Ensenada where you will climb aboard a zodiac to visit Isla Redonda. Before disembarking on the island, you may appreciate a colony of Magellan cormorant (from November to January). The surface of the island is approximately 10 hectares and its highest coast is 105 meters above sea level. From a scientific point of view, Isla Redonda is a natural botanical garden containing all the vegetation of the region. At the foot of the dock you will find the world’s southernmost post office. There you may have your passport, postcards and your letters stamped.
Timing and distances: 28 km round trip on rubble path by car, plus a 2 or 3-hour walk according to your pace. 10 minute zodiac trip to Isla Redonda.
Lunch: Ronde Island refugee.
Dinner: free. We recommend Kaupé restaurant.
Accommodation: Los Cauquenes Hotel.
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DAY 37 : USHUAIA / MARTILLO ISLAND / BUENOS AIRES
 Description: You will leave Ushuaia for a land excursion to Estancia Harberton. You will go through woods and peat bogs and the last 5 km will offer you a magnificent view of the Beagle Channel. At around 10 am, you will reach estancia Harberton and at 10.30 am you will climb aboard a zodiac to visit Martillo Island. From November to March, this island houses a large colony of Magellan penguins and Papua penguins. You may disembark on the beach and get close enough to see and photograph them in the best possible conditions. You may do different activities around Ushuaia during the afternoon: go on a city tour and/or shopping. Ushuaia is a duty free zone; there, you may find anything at a convenient price. You can see a panoramic view of the city from the port. You can also visit the Maritime museum located inside the old prison. The rooms show life in prison. The exhibition retraces the exploration of Antarctica and displays detailed models of ships covering 500 years of history. At the agreed time, your driver will take you to Ushuaia airport. Your plane will take off and you will fly for approximately 3h50 to Buenos Aires, where one of our drivers will greet you and take you to your hotel.
Distances: 40 km of paved road, and 35 km rubble path from Ushuaia to Haberton.
Lunch: hostels Tierra Mayor (detour).
Dinner: free or on the plane.
Accommodation: Vain Boutique Hotel.
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DAY 38 : BUENOS AIRES / LA BOCA, SAN TELMO AND RECOLETA
 Description: at 10 am, your guide will pick you up. We suggest that you begin this second tour from La Boca neighborhood, one of the most photogenic neighborhoods of the Argentine capital city. Here, several Italian immigrants settled in the mid 19th century. They lived in huts made of corrugated metal painted with the remainder of paints from the ships of the port. There you are not far from San Telmo neighborhood: Antique stores, cobbled-stoned roads, tango... San Telmo is a charming neighborhood and highly prized by intellectuals and artists who have refurbished the beautiful houses to set up their workshops. Recoleta neighborhood comes next, with the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) and Recoleta cementery, “Le Père Lachaise” of the Argentine capital city with 6 hectares, the tombs of several celebrities, including the mausoleum of Eva Perón, the most visited one.
Lunch: not included
Tango dinner show: Cabaret Esquina Carlos Gardel, in VIP seats. At 8.15 pm, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and will take you back at the end of the evening. You will enjoy an excellent cuisine. Dishes chosen from the menu, Argentine wines and drinks are included.
Accommodation: Vain Boutique Hotel.
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DAY 39 : BUENOS AIRES
 Description: free day. At the agreed time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and will take you to Ezeiza (Ministro Pistarini) airport.
Time: a 50-minute to 1h30 trip from the center of Buenos Aires to Ezeiza airport
Lunch: not included.
Dinner and accommodation: on the plane.
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RATES : Route 40 Argentina 39. Tour Ushuaia Patagonia Mendoza Salta Jujuy Iguazu - 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.
The prices detailed below include the Ushuaia – Punta Arenas cruise in a VIP A cabin (3 other classes: B, AA, AAA).
Children of ages between 2 and 8 who share a room with 2 adults are eligible for a reduction. Feel free to ask 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 insurance - TMS CONTACT - Paris : Cancellation or Multirisks.
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