SELECT REGION

CURRENT LOCAL WEATHER

Provided by The Weather Channel

Hiking Patagonia, Argentina & Chile | Tour Extensions | Southern Explorations

Trip Extensions are the perfect way to create a customized tour of Patagonia, Argentina & Chile based on your own unique interests. We offer a variety of exciting and interesting programs, easily added to the beginning or end of any of our adventures. Below you will find several exciting opportunities to plan your own perfect trip to Patagonia, Argentina & Chile.

Buenos Aires Tour Extensions The Four Balconies Of Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Walking Tours Fine Arts Tour Jewish Heritage Tour Wine Tasting Biking Buenos Aires Cooking Workshop Kayaking In Buenos Aires Bicycle Tour - Tigre & San Isidro Tango Shows The Real World Of Tango Tigre & Delta Of The Parana River Patagonia Tour Extensions Estancia Cristina Upsala Glacier Cruise

Buenos Aires Day Extensions

The Four Balconies Of Buenos Aires (3 Hrs)

1 Traveler $240 / 2 or more $135
Add an urban dimension to your Patagonia adventure. The Four Balconies Tour draws first-time visitors into the stormy past and cosmopolitan pulse of Buenos Aires by highlighting four disparate areas of this magnificent city. Illuminated by our knowledgeable guide who makes history come alive, this stimulating Argentina tour is time well-spent whether your visit to Buenos Aires is brief or extended. The Four Balconies Tour will orient you geographically, explain some of Buenos Aires' idiosyncrasies and show why this beautiful city is called the Paris of South America. This fascinating tour of Argentina includes:

Since populist President Juan Peron and his legendary wife, Eva, began leading massive rallies from the back balcony of the presidential palace, the adjacent Plaza de (25 de) Mayo has symbolized the desire for change. Named to commemorate the city's declaration of independence from Spain, here dissidents still gather for major political demonstrations. The most famous are Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo (The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) whose weekly marches have continued for thirty years as they demand answers about the disappearance of their children during the notorious Dirty War.

A few miles away is Parque Lezama, thought to be where the Spanish first put down roots in Buenos Aires and the current site of a popular crafts market in Argentina. The park's surroundings are equally impressive, including a late 19th century Russian Orthodox Church, built with materials imported from St. Petersburg, and the massive bronze Canto al Trabajo by the late Argentine sculptor, Rogelio Yrurtia. The park sits between two of the city's oldest and most charming working class neighborhoods, where the tango was born and many artists live today.

La Boca neighborhood's calling card is el caminito, a street of balconied dwellings originally covered with mismatched leftover paint by Italian immigrants too poor to buy their own. This colorful patchwork tradition has made the area the most oft- photographed spot in Buenos Aires and a popular attraction on tours of Argentina.

The Plaza San Martin and its statues commemorate the bravery of Argentine soldiers against the British, including those who defended the country in the 1807 invasion and those who died in the ill-fated 1982 Falkland Islands war. The plaza's elegant setting in the posh Retiro neighborhood belies its eclectic past as slave market, bullfighting ring and barracks. The nearby landmark government buildings began as monastery and opulent palaces of wealthy ranch owners.

It was to their Recoleta summer homes that the elite fled during the 1870s yellow fever epidemic. Today the Recoleta remains one of Buenos Aires' most stylish neighborhoods to visit on tours of Argentina, with wide boulevards, elegant homes, fashionable shops and art museums as well as the city's most popular tourist attraction, the Recoleta Cemetery.
Back to Top

Buenos Aires Walking Tours (2 Hrs)

1 Traveler $140 / 2 or more $70
Like New York, Buenos Aires is a city for walkers. Whether you wish to learn about its engrossing history or soak up the atmosphere in this city called the Paris of South America, there is a walking tour here to match your interests. From your hotel, your guide will accompany you by taxi to reach the neighborhood of your choice and then show you the highlights. Safe, flat and fascinating, these neighborhoods, traveled on foot, will make a memorable component to your Argentina tours. Choose your tour from these four neighborhoods:

Plaza de Mayo
Over Argentina’s tumultuous history, much has happened in the environs of the Plaza de Mayo. This downtown Buenos Aires neighborhood was the city’s first, founded in the 16th century and its plaza subsequently named to commemorate independence from Spain. At one end stands the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace where Juan Peron and his celebrity wife, Evita, used to address adoring throngs from their balcony. In the plaza itself the grieving Madres de la Plaza de Mayo have marched for decades, protesting the disappearance of their children during the country’s military rule. Nearby are the Catedral Metropolitana, containing the tomb of national hero, Gen. Jose de San Martin; the Cabildo, formerly Town Hall and today a museum; and the colossal buildings where government business is conducted now. This is monumental, serious Buenos Aires, with wide streets that allow visitors to take in the grandeur of its stately structures.

San Telmo
Just south of the city center lies photogenic San Telmo, where rich immigrants first built their mansions. Today the neighborhood has a more bohemian arty vibe than aristocratic. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind past colonial buildings, some of which have been converted into museums. San Telmo is a browser’s paradise, with antique shops galore and an indoor Mercado. At Plaza Dorrego, the city’s second oldest square, a mammoth antiques market takes place every Sunday, making it a great place to watch street tango and pick up a mate cup souvenir of your travel to Argentina.

Recoleta
The Recoleta neighborhood was named after the Franciscan order that built the Basilica of Pilar and the convent next door in 1716. This upscale neighborhood of fancy homes, posh boutiques and fine dining establishments is a favorite with visitors on Buenos Aires tours. A city within a city, the Recoleta Cemetery is Buenos Aires’ biggest tourist attraction. Visitors come here to photograph its extravagant above-ground tombs and mausoleums, including the most oft-visited grave site of Eva Perón (Evita). On Saturday and Sunday, the city’s largest crafts market is held in the Recoleta neighborhood, a great spot for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Palermo
Palermo is a handsome neighborhood of cobblestone streets and bougainvillea-draped mansions with various subdivisions. Palermo Soho is where we recommend that visitors on Argentina tours spend time. Named after its New York counterpart, Palermo Soho is hip Buenos Aires. Here young designers have opened boutiques that line Honduras Street down to the Plaza Serrano where a weekend market fills the area to overflowing. This is a great opportunity for clothes shopping in Buenos Aires. With its art galleries, cafes and unique shops, this charming neighborhood is ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll.

Back to Top

Fine Arts Tour - Led by Experts (3 Hrs)

1 Traveler $295 / 2 or more $175
Add a cultural dimension to your tour of Argentina. Buenos Aires' many museums, galleries, art exhibitions and colorful street fairs are a testament to the city's vibrant cultural life. Knowledgeable about Latin American art traditions, our guide will introduce visitors to some of the city's most interesting public art venues and provide a rare opportunity to watch artists work in their studios. This tour is a great extension for your Patagonia, Chile or Argentina tour. The cultural stops include:

The Pallarols silver workshop is located in the quaint bohemian neighborhood of San Telmo. A seventh generation silver craftsman, Juan Carlos Pallarols oversees this renowned studio as well as a school where young apprentices train to master the art. Son of a respected Catalan silversmith, Rafael Pallarols brought his father's craft to Argentina in 1804, and succeeding generations have built an international reputation for the workshop's artistry, originality and quality.

The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is the city's newest major museum, with a rich and valuable collection, modern building and interesting cultural activities. It is an exciting addition to the hip section of the Palermo Viejo neighborhood called Soho, known for its cluster of boutiques and cafes. The museum houses the privately held pieces of its benefactor, Eduardo Constantini, one of the most important collections of Latin American art in the world. The remarkable 222 pieces trace the development of contemporary Latin American painting and sculpture from the early 20th century to today. The museum contains works by artists of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The Fernandez Blanco Museum, housed in a neocolonial mansion within a peaceful setting, contains a spectacular collection from the colonial period, including religious oil paintings and statuary, furniture and silver pieces. This is a great stop for those who would like a better look at art history on their tour of Argentina.

** For those interested in contemporary art, a 1½-hour private showing of the Heft Collection led by curator, Ms. Heft, can be arranged. This collection of mainly Argentine works includes modern and conceptual art from the 60s to the 90s. Requires advance reservation.
Back to Top

Jewish Heritage Tour - Superb! (3 Hrs)

1 Traveler $265 / 2 or more $150
This special Buenos Aires tour looks at Jewish traditions in South America's most sophisticated city, offering a look at the real life experiences of its Jewish population, past and present. Buenos Aires has the thirteenth largest Jewish community of any city in the world. To examine the impact of this active social group on Argentine culture through history, we visit the Jewish Museum and the central Synagogue of Buenos Aires. We pay a visit to an ethnic neighborhood where distinct immigrant populations of Jews, Peruvians and Koreans thrive. We'll meet with a Jewish Buenos Aires businessman, who will share his perspective on the complexities of personal and commercial life in this first world city amidst a continent of political turmoil and poverty. Finally, we will visit the Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires.
Back to Top

Wine Tasting - The perfect introduction to the unique Argentine wines (3 Hrs)

1 Traveler $280 / 2 or more $180
For travelers whose schedules don't allow time for a tour of Argentina's wine producing regions, we've arranged an evening with a connoisseur guide to taste the country's finest. Though Argentina is the world's fifth largest producer of wine, most of it is consumed at home, making its wines less known abroad than those of its neighbor, Chile. Some fifty different varietal wines are produced in Argentina. It is most acclaimed for its full-bodied Malbec since Argentina's climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, giving the wine a richer complexity than its French cousin. Argentina is slowly gaining international recognition for its exquisite wines, 3/4 of which come from Mendoza, the country's most important grape-growing region, containing over 100 wineries. You'll also sample the even less known wines of Patagonia (where the world's southernmost winery is located), as well as the wines of the Northwest Andean highlands around Cafayate. Here the dry mild climate produces a distinctive white varietal, Torrontes, a grape grown only in Argentina. This is a tasty way to educate your palate on the signature wines of Argentina and an especially good tour extension to schedule at the beginning of your Patagonia trip to enhance the rest of your stay.
Back to Top

Biking Buenos Aires (4 Hours)

1 Traveler $160 / 2 or more $95
There is no more pleasurable way to get an intimate look at the fascinating city of Buenos Aires than by bicycling through its distinctive neighborhoods. During this half-day of Buenos Aires tours, you’ll travel the narrow, cobblestone streets of quaint San Telmo with its colonial architecture and array of antique shops. Heading south, you’ll explore arty La Boca where tango was born. The brightly colored buildings here make it the most photographed neighborhood in all of Buenos Aires. You’ll visit the trendy Puerto Madero waterfront district of 19th century brick warehouses, transformed into loft living, fine restaurants and a vibrant nighttime entertainment scene. The historic buildings fit compatibly with the neighborhood’s new structures, among them, designs by internationally renowned architects Philippe Starck and Santiago Calatrava. On the edge of Puerto Madero, you’ll wind your way through the green oasis of the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve where some 200 species of birds have been identified. While Argentina was immersed in civil strife during the 1980s’ military rule, nature overtook these 850 acres, previously slated for development. After democracy was restored, the government declared the wetland a protected refuge. At the start of your travel to Argentina, these four memorable hours of Buenos Aires tours offer a great way to get acquainted with the city’s layout and learn about its history.
Tour includes: Helmet, beach cruiser bikes, water, English speaking guide
Back to Top

Bicycle Tour - Tigre & San Isidro (5hrs)

1 Traveler $160 / 2 or more $95
Accompanied by a bilingual guide, this Buenos Aires bicycle tour takes you north of the city to experience what the nearby countryside has to offer in and around the iron-rich waters of the mammoth Parana River delta. The delta residential areas of San Isidro and Tigre are an ideal locale for a relaxing morning or afternoon bicycle ride on your tour of Argentina.

The excursion begins in Buenos Aires at the Plaza San Martin with a short walk to the train station for the ride to the little town of Tigre. You'll explore the sights by bicycle: the pier, the colorful waterside markets, the uniquely practical stilt houses, the museums and local rowing clubs before re-boarding the train to San Isidro. There, you'll bicycle through the cobblestoned historic center, past its neo-Gothic cathedral and fancy tourist train, (Tren de la Costa) and along the river to Martinez, another scenic residential area, to catch the train back to Buenos Aires. This is an especially welcome Argentina tour extension during the continent's summer months when Buenos Aires sizzles.

All equipment is included. Child seats are available upon request. The route has been specially designed for all levels of ability, for those who wish to add this unique side trip to their tour of Argentina. Heavy traffic areas are avoided and major intersections are walked.
Back to Top

Cooking Workshop (4 Hrs)

1 Traveler $280 / 2 or more $190
Here's a tasty addition to your Patagonia tour. Where better to learn about the fine art of barbecuing than in the country that produces arguably the world's highest quality grass-fed beef and is known for grilling the perfect steak? Spend a delicious evening learning the Argentine cooking technique of asado along with local techniques for preparing vegetables from the nearby growing regions. A renowned master chef will share his secrets by preparing a divine Argentine meal with you. Then you'll share the fruits of your labor accompanied by some of the country's finest Malbec and Torrontes wines while discussing cuisine philosophies with an authentic Argentine gastographer. The setting for this special cooking lesson and splendid feast is a distinctive loft on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, for that special feeling of a home-cooked meal on your tour of Argentina.
Back to Top

Kayaking In Buenos Aires (Half Day)

1 Traveler $245 / 2 or more $200
Enjoy three peaceful hours of morning or afternoon kayaking in the delta of the Parana, the world's fifth largest river delta. Just forty minutes from downtown Buenos Aires, this tranquil oasis seems light-years away from the city's urban bustle. The trips are guided by an expert kayaker and his team who have led countless recreational and scientific expeditions to remote parts of the world. Their areas of expertise include southern Patagonia, the Beagle Channel, Antarctica and the delta of the Parana River.

A birdwatcher's paradise and popular weekend destination for Argentines, the Parana delta is a huge forested marshland twenty miles northeast of Buenos Aires. You will also have a chance to see Argentinas stilt houses and water markets in and around the delta at Tigre plus the weekend crafts market in the Puerto de Frutos. Guided boat tours can be taken into this vast labyrinth of forests, rivers and islands.

This all-inclusive Argentina kayaking trip extension provides roundtrip Buenos Aires transfers in a private vehicle; double kayaks, life vest and full equipment, plus an introductory safety briefing for those new to kayaking.
Back to Top

Tango Shows (4 hrs)

$185 Per Person - VIP
Tango was born in the outskirts of Buenos Aires before the turn of the century. This risqué dance of the poor first scandalized and then became the rage of elite society, eventually becoming Argentina's best known international symbol. You see it in the streets, in local dance halls called milongas, and in professional presentations all over town. No matter how brief your stay, a visit to Buenos Aires is not complete without experiencing tango. Enjoy a glamorous tango show in one of the city's most prestigious houses. This Argentina tour extension includes dinner, tango show and round-trip transfers. An exotic extension to your Argentina or Patagonia tour.
Back to Top

The Real World Of Tango (4 hrs)

1 Traveler $270 / 2 or more $155
Visitors to Buenos Aires don't just watch professional dancers tango; they get out on the dance floor, too. In venues throughout the city, tango classes take place at all hours of the day. Argentina's best known cultural tradition is thriving, being passed from one generation to the next. Here's an opportunity to join in during your Buenos Aires stay and add some urban spice to your Patagonia tour. Participants will have a first-hand tango experience including a visit to a milonga (a tango hall frequented by local dancers) where they will be taught the elementary steps of this sensual dance and then enjoy a show at an authentic tango bar. This Argentina tour extension includes a tango show and a drink at Bar Sur, an intimate tango venue in one of Buenos Aires oldest houses, entrance to the milonga, guide and roundtrip transfers.
Back to Top

Tigre & Delta Of The Parana River

1 Traveler $425 / 2 or more $225
Accompanied by a bilingual guide, this Buenos Aires tour takes you out of the city to experience what the nearby countryside has to offer in and around the iron-rich waters of the mammoth Parana River delta to the north. The delta’s residential areas of San Isidro and Tigre are an ideal locale for a relaxing boat trip. This Argentina tour starts in Buenos Aires, from where we travel to the little town of Tigre. Before boarding our small riverboat, we will explore the pier and colorful waterside markets. Once aboard, we cruise the narrow fingers of this massive river passing uniquely practical stilt houses, local rowing clubs, and the palatial riverside casino looking like it came straight from the era of “The Great Gatsby.” Our destination is a traditional delta house where the local owners will greet us with a snack and show real life in the Tigre. Enjoy a guided tour of the house and the surrounding property before a delicious lunch. In the afternoon there are many possibilities. Relax in the comfortable hammocks under the oak trees with views of the river running smoothly, paddle the chocolate waters, or hike into the heart of the island. The owners have prepared a well-marked trail that travels deep into the island, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the fauna and flora of the area. They even prepared an “atalaya,” a high observation area that gives the change to get a glimpse of the island and unveil an interesting world. Return to the boat for the return cruise to the pier and transfer back to the bustling city of Buenos Aires. (B,L)
Back to Top

Patagonia Tour Extensions

Estancia Cristina

Select from a number of activities for the afternoon, such as trekking to the Upsala refuge, horseback riding, or exploring the history of the estancia

Full-Day Tour (2+ Travelers): $275
2D/1N Tour (2+ Travelers): $495
* includes transfers, park entrance fee
Patagonia is best known for its impressive rugged landscape, historically home to only the most devoted of adventurers. For those interested in learning more about these first settlers and seeing more of the striking beauty of Patagonia, add a day or two to your Argentina tour to visit the historical Estancia Cristina. Learn first-hand about the Masters family who came to call the remote area home despite the extreme living conditions. On this Patagonia tour, first visit the Upsala Glacier, the largest in South America, upclose on the cruise through the iceberg-filled Lago Argentino to the estancia. Once at Estancia Cristina, select from a number of activities for the afternoon, such as trekking to the Upsala refuge, horseback riding, or exploring the history of the estancia before cruising back to the pier and El Calafate. For those interested in staying the evening, the estancia features restored guest rooms for a perfect night's sleep to prepare for a second day of enticing activities.

Estancia Cristina was founded in 1914 by Joseph Masters

Estancia Cristina was founded in 1914 by Joseph Masters, an Englishman who was drawn to Patagonia by the tales told about the region’s impressive lands and promising futures in raising sheep. He and his wife traveled south to Rio Gallegos where he worked to save up for the move to Patagonia and where their two children, Percival and Cristina, were born. After reaching the Lago Argentino area, the family attempted settlement in several places but was unable to secure territory. After several years, Joseph was able to salvage a small boat from a ship wreck on the Strait of Magellan and use it to explore the lesser-traveled western shores of the lake. Here, near the massive Upsala Glacier, is where the family homesteaded, using the same small vessel to bring their belongings to the site, from clothing to their sheep, horses and cattle. The estancia, traditionally named after their first daughter, grew to include over 54,000 acres and nearly 27,000 sheep. Following Joseph’s death, the estancia was left to his family members who tried to care for the massive ranch, but eventually it deteriorated, and by the mid-1980s had lost most of its animals. The property was signed over to the Argentina National Parks Administration in the mid-1990s in an effort to revive the lodge, which has since been restored to its original state.

Board our catamaran to navigate about 45 minutes to reach the Upsala Glacier

EL CALAFATE - ESTANCIA CRISTINA Early morning transfer to the pier to board the estancia’s catamaran to navigate about 45 minutes to reach the Upsala Glacier, among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala Glacier. Next, you will enter the Channel Cristina leading to the famous estancia surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and glowing blue icebergs floating in the lake. Arrive mid-day to meet the guides of the estancia and begin your choice of afternoon activity before boarding the boat back to El Calafate in the late afternoon. (B,L) ACTIVITIES:
ESTANCIA EXPLORATION - First you will head to the old Secadero de Ovejas (literally, the “Sheep Dryer,” the building where the sheep were kept after bathing) which has been transformed into a comfortable dining area with full panoramic windows that capture the beauty of the area. After a healthy lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and visit the Chapel, the nearby Rio Caterina, the museum (the old sheep shearing warehouse) and the orchard, among other sights.

CERRO CARNERO HIKE - Upon arrival, you will hike from the beach towards the Cerro Carnero Chico summit. The trail will follow the tracks of the cattle that used to wander in the area. The Cerro Carnero is part of the “Cordón Cuchillo” (Cuchillo Mountain range) that belongs to the pre-Andean area; a complex of volcanic rocks formed during the Jurassic period. This mountain range can be easily seen from the estancia and it is considered to be the oldest in Los Glaciares National Park. As you climb the Channel Cristina starts to appear below, as well as the estancia and a fullvalley overview. After hiking through a rich forest of lenga and ñires beech trees passing waterfalls, you arrive at the lower summit of the Carnero Mountain (2,100 ft above sea level) to be greeted by one of the most splendid views of the Andean Range and its glaciers. Among the most imposing are the northern glacier of the Cerro Mayo, a partial view of the Onelli Glacier, North Heim Glacier, Bertrand, Bertrachi and Cono (these two drain into the Upsala Glacier) but the most breathtaking view of all is the possibility of seeing the Southern Patagonian Ice Fields and the Moreno range. A packed lunch which will be enjoyed in the wilderness with a first row view of the amazing landscape. Return to Estancia Cristina hiking a different trail that borders the Channel Cristina reaching the estancia in time to board the returning boat.
Duration: 3-4 hours (including box lunch)
Level of difficulty: Moderate. Participants are expected to be in moderate physical condition, able to hike at a good pace and with a moderate physical condition.
Elevation gain: 1,500 ft.

HORSEBACK RIDING ($) - These are two easy horseback riding options, each two hours long including time to enjoy a box lunch. The rides are not demanding and are appropriate for most participants, though previous riding experience is recommended. Both routes travel to lookout points from which to enjoy the amazing vistas far down the valleys. Upon arrival at the estancia, you can discuss which of the two riding excursions you prefer with your guide.
Back to Top

Upsala Glacier Cruise

Upsala is one of Glacier National Park's largest glaciers

Cost: $200 per person
VIP Cabin Upgrade: $+45 per person
Upsala is one of Glacier National Park's largest glaciers and offers the perfect gateway to the huge Ice Cape, the origin of the areas 47-ice flows. Second only to the Park’s Viedma Glacier in size, Upsala Glacier is over 30 miles long and nearly 6 miles wide at Argentino Lake's edge where large chunks crash into the water, surfacing to become icebergs. Named after the city of Upsala, whose university sponsored the first glaciology research in the area at the beginning of the twentieth century, the basin covers nearly 390 square miles.
Click here for the Upsala Glacier Cruise Gallery
After an early breakfast, meet our driver to take you to the tiny port of Puerto Bandera. From the port you board a modern catamaran, which comfortably accommodates between 200-400 travelers, to navigate the Upsala Channel. Along the route, you will travel through breathtaking views and approach an impressively tall south wall to reach the small bay of Onelli. Here you have the opportunity to disembark for a twenty minute hike through the pristine beech forest to a small lagoon with reflections of the Onelli Glacier. The three major glaciers of Onelli, Bolado, and Agasiz drain into this small Onelli lagoon. Enjoy lunch and return to Puerto Bandera before continuing on to your El Calafate hotel in the late afternoon. (B, L)

INCLUDED IN TRIP COSTS:
Proffessional, English-speaking guide
Meals as indicated
Transfer from El Calafate/Puerto Bandera/El Calafate
All applicable national park entrance fees
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP COSTS:
Travel and medical insurance
Tips/gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and other personal expenses
Back to Top

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.