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Classic Patagonia Argentina Mountains & Wineries Iguazu Falls & Patagonia Patagonia Highlights Patagonia Hiking Adventure Patagonia Hiking & Iguazu Falls Best of Argentina Patagonia & Wineries Patagonia Hiking Exploration

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& Iguazu Falls Luxury Patagonia Luxury Patagonia & Wineries Patagonia Hiking Panorama Australis Glacier Cruise
& Patagonia Hiking Australis Glacier Cruise
& Patagonia Hiking Plus Patagonian Lakes & Glaciers Full Patagonia

ARGENTINA TOUR EXTENSIONS

Day Argentina Tour Extensions Multi-Day Argentina Extensions

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HIKING TOURS AMAZON ECOTOURS RAINFOREST ECOLODGES MULTISPORT ADVENTURES GALAPAGOS SCUBA DIVING GALAPAGOS SEA KAYAKING GALAPAGOS SAILING CRUISES HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU FAMILY ADVENTURES SELF-GUIDED TOURS LUXURY TOURS RAFTING / KAYAKING TOURS CAMPING ADVENTURES PATAGONIA HIKING

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Best of Argentina, a fantastic thirteen-day Patagonia tour in the legendary Tierra del Fuego

This Argentina tour's highlights include Argentine Patagonia's most famous sights

Duration: 13 days
6+ Travelers: $3,460 per person
4-5 Travelers: $3,620 per person
2-3 Travelers: $3,765 per person
To our popular Patagonia Highlights trip, we've added some hiking excursions that extend your Argentina adventure vacation in sublime Patagonia. On this fantastic thirteen-day Patagonia tour, you'll venture to the ends of the earth in legendary Tierra del Fuego, see wildlife galore, and spend time in and around Los Glaciares National Park on some of its most memorable hikes. This Argentina tour's highlights include Argentine Patagonia's most famous sights, the oft-photographed Mt. Fitz Roy and Mt. Torre as well as the stunning turquoise Perito Moreno glacier that regularly drops chunks of ice the size of skyscrapers from its face. This, plus a tantalizing glimpse of one of the world's most fabulous cities, Buenos Aires, at the start and finish of your Patagonia tour, adds up to an Argentina tour of a lifetime.
Private Departures for the Best of Argentina trip can be arranged. Call us if you'd like to learn more.

ABOUT ARGENTINA TRAVELING TO ARGENTINA ARGENTINA WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT ARGENTINA
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

PATAGONIA F.A.Q. MAP OF PATAGONIA RECOMMENDED READING

Itinerary for Best of Argentina Vacation

Day 1 (Fri): ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery A Southern Explorations guide will meet you at the Buenos Aires International Airport on arrival, take you to your hotel and assist with check-in. You'll have the rest of this first day and evening of your Argentina tour to explore the magnificent capital on your own. For a quick introduction to the history and amenities of this sophisticated city called the "Paris of South America," we suggest adding our Four Balconies tour. The night will be spent at your Buenos Aires hotel.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Day 2 (Sat): BUENOS AIRES - TRELEW - PUNTA TOMBO View Punta Tombo accommodations picture gallery You'll be transferred to the city's domestic airport to fly to Trelew, the first of two former Welsh settlements you'll visit today. Then it's on to the Punta Tombo Reserve on the banks of the Rio Chubut, site of the world's most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins. While the penguins here still number over 300,000, the population that returns in early September and stays until the chicks learn to swim in the spring continues to decline. The visit is a highlight of Patagonia tours because it is possible to walk among these remarkable birds. Other species that inhabit the area include kelp gulls, skuas, guanay cormorants, giant petrels, dolphin gulls, the Chubut steamer duck, hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes. On the way back to Trelew, you'll arrive at the quirky Welsh town of Gaiman in time for tea. This settlement is known for its replicas of famous murals and a park featuring junk sculpture pieces. Overnight at your hotel. (B,L)
Day 3 (Sun): VALDES PENINSULA View Punta Tombo accommodations picture gallery Today's adventure as you travel Patagonia is one of our most popular day-trips because of its vast array of wildlife. It is an area of key reserves and rookeries, home to guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, hairy armadillos and Patagonian hares. The peninsula's protected areas support large colonies of South American sea lions and southern elephant seals. The region is also home to Magellanic penguins, oystercatchers, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, cormorants and other seabirds. (Between July and mid-December, we also offer an optional boat excursion on this Argentina tour to see the endangered southern right whale during its breeding season). You'll spend the night at a Trelew hotel. (B,L)
Day 4 (Mon): TRELEW - USHUAIA View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery While many Patagonia tours focus solely on Patagonia trekking, our tour offers some history as well. On day four there is time for some sightseeing around Trelew before leaving the city. We suggest a visit to the large and fully refurbished Egidio Feruglio paleontology museum, complete with an extensive collection of dinosaur replicas, or to the nearby paleontology park. Later you will be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world in Tierra del Fuego. After getting settled at the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to view the magnificent Beagle Channel and the charming town of Ushuaia. (B)
Day 5 (Tue): BEAGLE CHANNEL - TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery Today, you'll have two unforgettable experiences, a 3½ hour boat cruise through the legendary Beagle Channel and a Patagonia hiking excursion in Argentina's southernmost national park, Tierra del Fuego. The day begins with a transfer from your hotel to the Brisighelli pier, where you'll board a small boat to navigate the channel. Leaving Ushuaia behind, the landscape becomes a dramatic mix of sea, estancias and mountains. Sights along the way include Les Eclaireurs lighthouse and Isla de los Lobos (Seal Island) where you'll observe various sea mammals at close range, including the southern sea lion and southern fur seal. You'll also circumnavigate Isla de los Pajaros (Bird's Island), populated by an abundance of seabirds that nest here. Magellanic Cormorants, the Imperial Cormorants, Giant Albatrosses, and over 20 other species of birds may be seen. After returning to Ushuaia, you'll travel to nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park for some Patagonia trekking. The 3.5 mile hike takes you through a beech forest to a point overlooking some of the area's scenic wonders: Lake Roca, Laguna Verde and Laguna Negra, as well as the rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahia Lapataia, a popular landing spot for birds. The region is home to such species as Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles, Andean condors, and South America's largest woodpecker, the Magellanic. You'll be returned to your hotel in the afternoon. (B)
Day 6 (Wed): HARBERTON RANCH - THE HISTORY OF THE PIONEERS View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery Another unforgettable experience of Patagonia tours, today you explore Tierra del Fuego, the southern portion of Patagonia with its magnificent vistas and a fascinating history. From Ushuaia, you'll head east to Estancia Harberton. This estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British missionaries to reach the area, Rev. Thomas and Mary Bridges, and was managed for many years by Natalie Goodall, a well-respected naturalist in the area. From the estancia, you'll take a small boat to Gable Island (the largest in Patagonia's Beagle Channel) for lunch. After a hike on the island, you'll visit the Penguin rookery at Martillo Island, the domain of the Magellanic penguin and even a few Gentoo penguins. The unique location of this island (close to where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans merge) attracts a rich variety of sub-aquatic life, making it an ideal spot for bird watching to see such species as petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross. This southern Patagonia tour ends at Harberton before returning to Ushuaia. (B,L)
Day 7 (Thu): USHUAIA - EL CALAFATE View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery The morning is yours to relax in Ushuaia or visit the fascinating End of the World Museum before transferring to the airport to fly to El Calafate. You'll arrive in the afternoon and be transferred to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day free to explore this charming town where you'll spend the night before continuing your Argentina tour. (B)
Day 8 (Fri): LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery Today you'll be taken to the much anticipated Patagonia tours destination of Los Glaciares National Park. This is a huge park containing the 23,000 square-mile sub-Antarctic Continental Icecap known as the "Third Pole" that is the birthplace of several major Patagonian Andes glaciers. By boat, you'll cross Lake Argentino to the terminus of the Perito Moreno glacier to witness the spectacle of glacier calving from its 150-ft wall. On shore at an uninhabited beach, you'll take an extraordinary Patagonia trek on the vast turquoise glacier and observe many bird species, perhaps catching a glimpse of the Andean condor. (For this part of your Patagonia tour, additional equipment and previous experience are unnecessary). Overnight in a hotel in El Calafate. (B,L)
Day 9 (Sat): EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery In the morning, you'll take the three to four-hour drive from El Calafate to El Chalten, seeing glorious vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range if the weather is clear. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel to get settled and if you choose, enjoy an hour's hike to the Piedras Blancas Glacier on your own, a perfect prelude to the Patagonia trekking that awaits you. You'll hike through a beech forest frequented by Magellanic woodpeckers to view the Marconi Glacier, gateway to the Continental Icecap or take the five-hour Cerro Polo hike on your own, instead which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Spend a restful night at your charming hotel in preparation for the invigorating destinations to come, as you travel Patagonia. (B,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Piedras Blancas (optional) – 2.5 miles, Altitude gain: 550 ft
Cerro Polo (optional) – 3.1 miles, Altitude gain: 2,200 ft
Day 10 (Sun): FULL DAY HIKE FITZ ROY & LAGUNA DE LOS TRES View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery Today’s Argentina tour is a trek to the Laguna Capri base camp (Fitz Roy base camp). Heading north, the beginning of the hike provides spectacular views of Fitz Roy. The Tehuelche believed the mists surrounding the magnificent massif were volcanic ash and called it Chalten (God of Smoke). When you reach Laguna Capri, you'll see Mt. Fitz Roy reflected in its crystal clear waters and stop for lunch (not included in Argentina tour fee), before resuming the hike to the base of the mountain. Here three glaciers drain into green Laguna de los Tres with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. You'll also enjoy lovely views of Lake Viedma, and the sweeping Patagonian steppe. If you wish, you may continue down the steep trail to Laguna Sucia, where you'll be able to see the spires of Saint Exupery and Poincenot. Return to your hotel for the evening and a good night's sleep. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Start to Laguna Capri – 2.6 Miles, Altitude gain: 1200 ft
Laguna Capri to Laguna de los Tres – 2.7 miles, Altitude gain: 1800 ft
Day 11 (Mon): FULL DAY CERRO TORRE HIKE View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery Today's Patagonia tours will have you hiking on Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty and its climbing difficulty. Many expeditions attempt to reach its summit each year, but only a few succeed. After climbing for forty-five minutes, you'll reach a level area surrounding an old lagoon. The trail then descends into a forest where, from a lookout, you'll see the ranges of Cerro Torre and Adelas. The trail ends at Laguna Torre, with stunning views of its namesake mountain and glacier plus the Egger and Standhard spires, a most memorable sight on your Argentina tour. Another night in your comfortable hotel. (B,L,D).
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Cerro Torre – 11 miles round trip, Altitude gain: 1,000 ft
Day 12 (Tue): EL CHALTEN - EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery Transfer to the El Calafate airport for your return to Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel. On your last night in the capital, we suggest a tango experience offered by our two tour extensions. Overnight in a Buenos Aires hotel. (B)
Day 13 (Wed): BUENOS AIRES - HOME On the last day of your Argentina tour, you'll be able to enjoy a few more Buenos Aires sights before transferring to the Buenos Aires International Airport to fly home. (B) Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
More information about Traveling in Patagonia

Itinerary Map

ARGENTINA EXTENSIONS

Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends.
ARGENTINA DAY EXTENSIONS Estancia Cristina Blue Ice Glacier Hike Upsala Glacier Cruise BUENOS AIRES DAY EXTENSIONS Four Balconies Of Buenos Aires Fine Arts Tour Jewish Heritage Tour Wine Tasting Cooking Workshop Kayaking In Buenos Aires Bicycle Tour - Tigre & San Isidro Tango Shows The Real World Of Tango Tigre & Delta Of The Parana River	ARGENTINA MULTI-DAY EXTENSIONS Crucero Leal (2D) Iguazu Falls Tour (3D) Valdes Peninsula Tour (3D) Fitz Roy Tour (4D) Active Tierra Del Fuego (4D) Classic Tierra Del Fuego (4D) Mendoza Tour (4D) Active Bariloche Tour (5D) Classic Bariloche Tour (5D) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (4D)

ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT ARGENTINA
TOURS AND TRAVEL

About Argentina's National Parks: The National Parks of Argentina: An Overview; The National Parks of Argentina by Region
The national parks of the northwest: Baritu National Park; Calilegua National Park; (Finca) El Rey National Park; Los Cardones National Park; Copo National Park; Campo de Los Alisos National Park
The national parks of the northeast: Rio Pilcomayo National Park; Chaco National Park; Mburucuya National Park; Iguazu National Park; Pre-Delta National Park; El Palmar National Park
The national parks of the central Andes: San Guillermo National Park; Talampaya National Park; El Leoncito National Park; Sierra de la Quijadas National Park; Los Venados de las Pampas National Park; Quebrada del Condorito National Park
The national parks of the pampas: Lihue Calel National Park
The national parks of northern Patagonia: Laguna Blanca National Park; Lanin National Park; Los Arrayanes National Park; Nahuel Huapi National Park; Lago Puelo National Park; Los Alerces National Park
The national parks of Southern Patagonia: Monte Leon National Park; Los Glaciares National Park; Perito Moreno National Park; Tierra del Fuego National Park

Regions of Argentina: Buenos Aires & the Pampas Region; The Northwest Region; The Northeast Region; The Central Andes Region; The Northern Patagonia Region; The Southern Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego Region
About Buenos Aires & Argentina: An Introduction to Sightseeing in Buenos Aires; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: The Recoleta Cemetery; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo; Sightseeing in Buenos Aires: El Teatro Colon; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Downtown Buenos Aires; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Palermo; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: The Recoleta; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: San Telmo; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Puerto Madero; The Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: La Boca; The Suburbs of Buenos Aires; Clothes Shopping in Buenos Aires; Getting Around in Buenos Aires; Mate, the national drink of Argentina
About Tango: Watching tango in Buenos Aires; Learning to tango in Buenos Aires; The Styles of Argentine Tango; Tangomania around the World; It takes two to tango: The Fundamentals; Tango in film; Carlos Gardel, Tango Superstar; The Films of Carlos Gardel

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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

October
3-15
17-29
November
07-19
11/21-12/3
December
5-17
12-24

2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

January
09-21
01/23-02/04
February
06-18
02/20-03/04
March 13-25

Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost: - Professional, English-speaking local guides; - All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast); - Meals as indicated; - All transfers in private van; - Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats; - Southern Explorations pre departure services
Excluded in tour cost: - International round-trip airfare USA/Buenos Aires/USA; - Airfare: Buenos Aires / Trelew - Trelew / Ushuaia - Ushuaia / El Calafate - El Calafate / Buenos Aires $1295 (subject to change); - Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted); - Hiking boots and other personal gear; - Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

AGE LIMIT

- We can accept clients between the ages of 12 and 70. Younger hikers need to be hardy and accompanied by a capable and experienced adult. Older hikers are welcome to join us on the completion of a medical suitability questionnaire.

ARGENTINA ACCOMMODATION

Best of Argentina:: 12 nights hotels

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $1040: - Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.