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Adventure Patagonia, the ultimate adventure tour in Patagonia
The ultimate in Patagonia travel pairing two of our best active trips in Patagonia
Duration: 16 days
2 Travelers: $5,150 person
Here is the ultimate trip in Patagonia travel pairing two of our best active trips in Patagonia. This Patagonia tour includes whitewater rafting on the Futaleufu River, which is synonymous with Patagonia adventure travel, followed by our popular Classic Patagonia trip, offering some of the best hikes in the most beautiful of Argentina’s national parks, Los Glaciares, visiting almost all of its top attractions. In remote wilderness locations and comfortable accommodations, this Patagonia trip offers you challenges by day and relaxation by night.
Private Patagonia tour departures may also be arranged. Please to discuss the options.
Adventure Patagonia Tour Itinerary
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Rafting Futaleufu River
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Inflatable Kayaking River Azul
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Luxury Camping on Futaleufu
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Bicycling and/or Horseback riding option
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Perito Moreno Glacier
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Highlights Hikes of Fitz Roy
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Exact schedule may vary, due to weather conditions and group skill levels.
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Day 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES - BARILOCHE
View Bariloche Accomodation Gallery
After arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina you will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your flight to Bariloche. You’ll spend the night at a hotel by Lake Nahuel Huapi and enjoy a group welcome dinner. (D)
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 BARILOCHE - FUTALEUFU
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
This morning’s drive takes you 185 miles south through gorgeous deep valleys and open pampas, passing the headwaters of the Futaleufu. You'll cross the border into Chile and arrive by early afternoon at camp for an orientation, swim, hot tub, and welcome happy hour. (B,L,D)
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Day 3 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
If you wish, get an invigorating and scenic start to your tour of Chile with a riverside yoga class. After breakfast and a thorough safety briefing, you'll take the rafts out for some practice rescue drills in a safe nearby 'eddy' to allow time to hone skills and prepare to raft as a team. Your Patagonia travel begins in earnest with a rafting warm-up of non-stop fun, a three-mile stretch from camp down to Puente Futaleufú (the Futaleufú bridge), with more rapids per half-mile than anywhere else on the river. Vehicles will be waiting at take-out, for the twenty-minute ride back to camp, or if you prefer, guests are welcome to return on foot or mountain bicycle. The camp offers a range of relaxing ways to spend the rest of the afternoon: go fly-fishing, try out a kayak, enjoy the sauna, have a massage or soak in the riverside hot tub. After Happy Hour, a candlelight dinner, featuring locally-grown produce and fresh-baked breads, will be served in the open-air kitchen and dining area. Enjoy the night sky and a campfire before retiring to your cozy tent on a private platform. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 4 FUTALEUFU RIVER RAFTING - MAS O MENOS - CASA DE PIEDRA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today, you'll launch the rafts from camp, passing again the Puente Futaleufú before meeting a continuous cascade of waves known as Mas o Menos that prepares you for your first Class V technical rapid, Casa de Piedra (House of Rock), around the next bend. These massive boulders create a series of water wheels that channel all of their fury into a final churning pit with a dragon's back highway through it. After running the remaining Class III and IV rapids, it's a comfortable float the rest of the way, leaving plenty of time for relaxing, fly-fishing and even some inflatable kayaking if you wish. A vehicle will be waiting to take guests back to camp to enjoy the spa before another delicious dinner. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 5 KAYAKING RIO ESPOLON
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Take the opportunity today to learn a new way to explore the river in inflatable kayaks (also affectionately named “rubber duckies”). Even for river experts, these kayaks are surprisingly enjoyable and often a highlight of the trip. You will go to the head of Class II/III Rio Espolon near Lago Espolon to start the day’s adventure and travel to where the river meets the Futaleufu right above Inferno Canyon, the afternoon take-out location. For those looking to advance their skills at whitewater kayaks, this is also a perfect learning ground. All are assisted and supported by your river guide and safety kayakers. After a full day, return to base camp for another relaxing late afternoon and Happy Hour at the sunset bar. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 6 RIO AZUL HORSEBACK RIDING - KAYAKING - CASCADA
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Today on horseback, your Patagonia tour takes you deeper into the heart of this alluring region before a free afternoon. The eight-mile ride goes through the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. On the ride, you'll get an intimate look at the Patagonian frontier lifestyle, stopping to buy fresh provisions for the evening meal from farms that produce cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider. After lunch choose from two travel modes and directions. Those wanting to continue on horseback may ride across the Rio Azul and farther up the valley to the river's tributaries, ending at a mesmerizing sight: Chile's most spectacular cascading staircase waterfalls that plunge 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges, exploding at different angles to form rainbows. Those looking for more river excitement may navigate inflatable kayaks on their own through the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence with the Futaleufu River downstream. Both of these options provide a memorable day of fun-filled adventure. Return to base camp for Happy Hour. (B,L,D)
**Please note that this is a suggested itinerary that can be adjusted based on river flows and traveler interests. There are ample activities from base camp to choose from!**
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Day 7 INFERNO CANYON
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
Drive to the Pueblo of Futaleufú. From there you’ll raft the Inferno Canyon from the Rio Espolón to Rio Azul a five-mile canyon of class V whitewater, with a walk around the Dynamite, Zeta and Throne Room rapids, before relaxing on a four-mile class II float followed by five miles of class IV rapids. After returning to camp from the Azul you'll enjoy a traditional “curanto” for dinner. (B,L,D)
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Day 8 SUMMIT DAY
Camp - 5 star camping on the Futaleufu
After a nutritious breakfast, you head up river to the footbridge where the rafts were left yesterday. As this day on the river begins, the blue glacial run-off from the Rio Azul River merges into the Fu from the right. The views of the snowcapped mountain peaks and jagged ridges of “Las Tres Monjas” (“The Three Nuns”) are absolutely breathtaking. A six-kilometer / four-mile stretch of warm-up rapids leads to the day's longest and toughest rapid, “The Terminator.” After scouting and studying your line you take the plunge and drop in. “Left turn, right turn, dig it in — hard forward!” are a few of the commands that might be heard. The next three miles are non-stop rapids. After an aerobic workout, you pump through the enormous haystack wave train known as the “Himalayas”. Just when you need it, a calm returns, before floating gently into lunch, served at base camp. You then return to the river to complete the last task for the day, tackling as much whitewater as possible, rafting the whole section of river from camp to below Casa de Piedra. At take-out, cold beers and tea are waiting to celebrate your days spent exploring Futaleufú valley and river. For the evening’s festivities, Rolando and Nelli will prepare a typical Chilean Asado — lamb roasted over a bed of coals, ensalada, potatoes and farm fresh bread. Under a starry sky, you spend your last night together as a group on the banks of the mighty Fu with the guides and crew. (B,L,D)
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Day 9 FUTALEUFU RIVER – BARILOCHE
View Bariloche Accomodation Gallery
This morning starts early with a van transfer to Bariloche. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and the late afternoon is free for you to enjoy this charming city on your own. (B)
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Day 10 BARILOCHE–El CALAFATE
View El Calafate Accomodation Gallery
In the morning you will transfer to the airport in time for your flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival check into your hotel, there will be time in the late afternoon to explore this small town on your own. (B)
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Day 11 PERITO MORENO GLACIER - EL CALAFATE
View El Calafate Accomodation Gallery
On today's portion of your Patagonia tour, you will go by boat on Lake Argentino to reach the Perito Moreno glacier and get an unforgettable view of its massive front wall of blue ice, looking out for icebergs along the way. There you'll make a beach landing and walk along an ancient beech forest that meets the glacier, a great location to photograph this impressive natural wonder. After hiking an hour or so, you'll embark on a short glacier hike (equipment provided) and perhaps witness an ice wall calving into the lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch within earshot of melting and popping glacial ice. In the evening, return to your hotel for another comfortable night's rest. (B,L)
Blue Ice Upgrade - $100 Per Person:
This additional Patagonia tour is designed for those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the Perito Moreno glacier. Grab your crampons for an adventure of hiking deep into the glacier accompanied by a local glacier guide. After practicing safety techniques, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring the glacier and its ice caves, with plenty of time for photos. (This ice hike is very demanding and is advisable only for eighteen to forty-five year old participants who are in good physical condition. The hike takes about seven hours on ice and includes uneven terrain.)
Click here to see the Blue Ice Glacier Hike picture gallery
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Day 12 EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN
View El Chalten Accomodation Gallery
The drive to El Chalten offers your first glimpse of the impressive Cerro Torre and the Viedma Glacier
This morning you transfer from El Calafate to El Chalten, the gateway town of Fitz Roy. If the weather is clear, this three to four hour drive is a beautiful part of your Patagonia tour, filled with vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain range. Upon arrival in Chalten, transfer to your hotel. After getting settled, enjoy an hour's hike to Piedras Blancas glacier on your own, an ideal warm-up for some of the Patagonia trekking ahead. You'll travel through a beech forest where you may see the amazing Magellanic woodpecker and view the Marconi glacier, the gateway to the Continental Icecap. Alternatively, you may choose a five-hour roundtrip hike to Cerro Polo on your own instead, which offers a panoramic view of the Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Continental Icecap. Overnight at your charming hotel. (B,D)
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Day 13 FULL DAY HIKE FITZ ROY & LAGUNA DE LOS TRES
View El Chalten Accomodation Gallery
The final stretch to Laguna de los Tres and Cerro Fitz Roy are tough, but the view is unparalleled
Today's segment of trekking Patagonia includes a full-day hike to the Laguna Capri base camp (Fitz Roy base camp). The hike north towards Fitz Roy begins with spectacular views of the massif ahead. The sacred peak was venerated by local Tehuelche groups who believed the mists enshrouding it were volcanic ash, calling it Chalten (God of Smoke). Reaching Laguna Capri, where the image of Mt. Fitz Roy is reflected, you'll stop en route for lunch and then resume the hike to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this emerald lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. You'll enjoy spectacular views of Lake Viedma, the sweeping Patagonian steppe and unrivaled Fitz Roy, highlights of any Patagonia tours. If you choose to continue down the steep trail to the natural balcony onto Laguna Sucia, you'll also gaze on the Saint Exupery and Poincenot spires. Return to your hotel for a good meal and 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
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Day 14 FULL DAY CERRO TORRE HIKE
View El Chalten Accomodation Gallery
Today offers a full day of hiking another Patagonian classic: Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its climbing difficulty. This is the ultimate in trekking Patagonia. Every year, countless expeditions attempt to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a forty-five minute climb, you will reach a level area surrounding an old lagoon where vegetation is starting to grow again. The trail enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre and the Adelas ranges. The trail ends on the shores of Laguna Torre, offering a stunning view of Mt. Torre surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with the glacier Torre. (B, L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Cerro Torre – 11 miles round trip, Altitude gain: 1,000 ft
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Day 15 El CHALTEN - EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES
View Buenos Aires Accomodation Gallery
You'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport to fly to Buenos Aires. On arrival in the exciting capital, you'll be transferred to a hotel for the night. (B)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 16 BUENOS AIRES - HOME
You'll be transferred to the Buenos Aires International Airport for your flight home from your Patagonia tour. If time allows and you wish to extend your stay in the bustling capital city, we would be happy to make arrangements. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
KEY TO MAP
Itinerary Map
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2012-13 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Oct
Nov
Dec
12/21-01/05
Jan
12/21-01/05
09-24
Feb
06-21
Mar
06-21
Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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Meals as indicated
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All luxury camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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All transfer as noted
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All services, guides and equipment
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All kitchen and cooking gear
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Bilingual world class rafting guides
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Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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International round-trip airfare USA / Argentina / USA
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Domestic Airfare $1,095 - Buenos Aires / Bariloche / El Calafate / Buenos Aires (Subject to change)
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Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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Reciprocity Fee $141
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Tips and gratuities
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Travel insurance
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
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This adventure involves many days of demanding Class IV/V raftingwith optional horseback riding and/or mountain bicycling. The trip also involves many days of challenging hiking. This expedition is for the adventurer who is in good physical condition.
CHILE ACCOMMODATION
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Patagonia Hotels/Lodging:
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6 nights luxury camping
9 nights hotel
AGE LIMIT
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We can accept clients between the ages of 12 and 70. Younger hikers need to be hardy and accompanied by a capable and experienced adult. Older hikers are welcome to join us on the completion of a medical suitability questionnaire.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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$
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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.
Prices based on 3.5% cash discount
After arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina you will be transferred to the domestic terminal for your flight to Bariloche. You’ll spend the night at a hotel by Lake Nahuel Huapi and enjoy a group welcome dinner. (D)
Take the opportunity today to learn a new way to explore the river in inflatable kayaks (also affectionately named “rubber duckies”). Even for river experts, these kayaks are surprisingly enjoyable and often a highlight of the trip. You will go to the head of Class II/III Rio Espolon near Lago Espolon to start the day’s adventure and travel to where the river meets the Futaleufu right above Inferno Canyon, the afternoon take-out location. For those looking to advance their skills at whitewater kayaks, this is also a perfect learning ground. All are assisted and supported by your river guide and safety kayakers. After a full day, return to base camp for another relaxing late afternoon and Happy Hour at the sunset bar. (B,L,D)
Today on horseback, your Patagonia tour takes you deeper into the heart of this alluring region before a free afternoon. The eight-mile ride goes through the Rio Azul (Blue River) valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks to the turquoise waters of the Rio Azul. On the ride, you'll get an intimate look at the Patagonian frontier lifestyle, stopping to buy fresh provisions for the evening meal from farms that produce cheese, bread, jams, vegetables and chicha, the local fermented cider. After lunch choose from two travel modes and directions. Those wanting to continue on horseback may ride across the Rio Azul and farther up the valley to the river's tributaries, ending at a mesmerizing sight: Chile's most spectacular cascading staircase waterfalls that plunge 300 feet over smooth granite and jagged rocky edges, exploding at different angles to form rainbows. Those looking for more river excitement may navigate inflatable kayaks on their own through the narrow and technical Rio Azul to its confluence with the Futaleufu River downstream. Both of these options provide a memorable day of fun-filled adventure. Return to base camp for Happy Hour. (B,L,D)
