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Patagonia Hiking Exploration, this trip takes you from one end of Argentina to the other

If hiking in the wilds of Patagonia is your dream, this Argentina trip takes you from one end of this vast region to the other

Duration: 16 days
2+ Travelers: $4,880 per person
If hiking in the wilds of Patagonia is your dream, this Argentina trip takes you from one end of this vast region to the other, from its southern tip in Tierra del Fuego to Northern Patagonia's pristine Lake District. You'll visit three of Argentina's most breathtaking national parks and hike, kayak and raft some of Patagonia's most famous routes including the unforgettable experience of seeing Argentina's famously blue glacier, Perito Moreno. After two weeks surrounded by glaciers and alpine lakes, you’ll travel north to the warmth of the rainforest to see one last astonishing sight, famed Iguazú Falls. If you think you'll only make it to Argentina for one hiking adventure vacation in this lifetime, our Patagonia Hiking Exploration trip will surely satisfy your goal.
Private departure hiking adventures can be arranged. If you'd like to learn more about this option, please regarding details and costs.

ABOUT ARGENTINA TRAVELING TO ARGENTINA ARGENTINA WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT ARGENTINA
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PATAGONIA F.A.Q. MAP OF PATAGONIA RECOMMENDED READING

Patagonia Hiking Exploration Tour Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): BUENOS AIRES View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery You'll arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport. A Southern Explorations guide will meet you outside customs to transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day will be spent enjoying this amazing city that is a highlight of everyone's travel to Argentina, even when the stay is brief. As part of your itinerary in this city called the "Paris of South America," we suggest adding our Four Balconies Tour for an excellent overview of all the capital has to offer. Overnight at your very comfortable 4-star accommodations.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Day 2 (Sat): BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA - TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery This Patagonia tour allows you to journey to the ends of the earth. Today you will be transferred to the domestic airport to fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, which is located on the Isla Grande of La Tierra del Fuego. After getting settled at the hotel, you can start your Patagonia trekking in nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. Explore the park's highlights and then you'll have a free evening to enjoy Ushuaia fine seafood. Overnight at your comfortable Patagonia vacation hotel. (B)
Day 3 (Sun): CERRO CORTEZ HIKE View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery After breakfast you will be met at your hotel for today's Patagonia hiking adventure. It is a moderate to difficult all-day guided trek to the top of Cerro Cortez. You'll travel in a 4 x 4 up through a quarry to reach the trailhead. The trail through a sub-Antarctic beech forest, crossing peat bogs, is steep. Once you pass the tree line, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the area. The best photo opportunities are still to come. At the crest, you'll find a breathtaking view of the Martial range and the Andorra and Rio Chico valleys. You'll also see Ushuaia below and its landmark, Mt Olivia, of the Andean range. Looking towards Chile Patagonia, are Isla Navarino and the legendary Murray Pass leading to Cape Horn. Your lunch spot is one of the most picturesque settings of the park. When you descend back to the quarry, the Land Rover will be waiting to return you to Ushuaia for another free evening and overnight at a local hotel. (B,L)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
6.1 mi; 2000 ft elevation gain: 5-7 hrs
Day 4 (Mon): HARBERTON RANCH - THE HISTORY OF THE PIONEERS View Ushuaia accommodations picture gallery Today your explorations of Tierra del Fuego continue. With its magnificent vistas and fascinating history, this destination is an unforgettable experience on Patagonia tours. Going east from Ushuaia, you'll travel to Estancia Harberton. This estancia was established by some of the first British missionaries to reach the area, Rev. Thomas and Mary Bridges, and was managed for many years by Natalie Goodall, a noted naturalist. From here, you'll go by boat to the largest of the Beagle Channel islands. After lunch, you'll hike on the island and visit the penguin rookery at Martillo Island which is the home of Magellanic penguins and some Gentoo penguins. Martillo Island is close to where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet and attracts a rich variety of sub-aquatic life, making it an ideal spot for bird watching too. You'll see such species as petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross here. This set of Southern Patagonia tours ends at Harberton before returning to Ushuaia for another tranquil night at your hotel. (B L)
Day 5 (Tue): USHUAIA - EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery Before your day gets underway, there will be time to take in some of the sights of Ushuaia, including the fascinating End of the World Museum and the Presidium. Later you'll transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and from there travel by private car to El Chalten, a small windswept town at the foot of Mt. Fitz Roy. Your hotel here has dramatic views of the mountain's immense granite walls and other important peaks. After getting settled, you may head out on your own, enjoying an hour's hike to Piedras Blancas Glacier or a longer jaunt up Cerro Polo. Either one is an ideal warm-up for some of the upcoming Patagonia trekking. On the short hike, you'll travel through a beech forest, where the fascinating Magellanic woodpecker may be at work, and at the gateway to the Continental Icecap, view the Marconi Glacier. The longer hike takes five hours and offers a panoramic view of Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Continental Icecap. (B)
Day 6 (Wed): MT FITZ ROY View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery A challenging full-day hike to Mt. Fitz Roy base camp and Laguna de los Tres is today's goal. Named after Robert Fitzroy, the captain of Darwin's ship, the mountain is also known as Chalten ("God of Smoke"), the name given it by the indigenous Tehuelche people who believed the granite pinnacle was enshrouded by volcanic eruptions rather than mist. You'll head out after breakfast, hiking north to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy where three glaciers drain into Laguna de los Tres. Breathtaking vistas of Lake Viedma that extend to the vast Patagonian steppe provide the kind of photograph-worthy moments that Patagonia tours are known for. (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 7 (Thu): CERRO TORRE HIKE View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery Today's classic Patagonia hike has as its destination Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty and its elusive summit that many expeditions attempt to reach each year, but only a few succeed. This is a full-day of trekking Patagonia. You'll travel into a forest along a slightly descending trail leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre and the Adelas ranges. The trail ends at the shore of Laguna Torre where you'll enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Torre and the Torre Glacier surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas Range. To return you to your lodgings, a van will be waiting at El Chalten. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Cerro Torre - 11 miles round trip, Altitude gain: 1,000 ft
Day 8 (Fri): EL CHALTEN - EL CALAFATE View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery Before leaving the area, there will be time after breakfast for a bit more hiking including a short trek from town to overlook Mt. Torre. You'll depart for El Calafate in the afternoon by private van. On arrival, you'll be free to tour this charming city on your own. Overnight at your restful accommodations. (B)
Day 9 (Sat): PERITO MORENO GLACIER HIKE View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery Today you experience the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the top natural wonders of South America. You'll go aboard a boat on Lake Argentino to reach the massive front wall of blue ice, seeing floating icebergs along the way. Disembarking on a beach, you'll walk along an ancient beech forest that meets the glacier. After hiking an hour or so, you'll take a short glacier hike with equipment and local guide provided. If it is your lucky day, you may witness an ice wall calving into the lake. Your excursion concludes in the afternoon after a picnic lunch, listening to the ever-shifting ice. You'll be returned to your hotel for another comfortable night. (B,L)
BLUE ICE UPGRADE - $100 Per Person This extension to traditional Patagonia tours is for those adventure travelers who wish a more in-depth exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Led by a local glacier guide, you'll enjoy a full day of hiking deep into the glacier and its caves. The exploration includes a practice of safety techniques with crampons. Though this is a very demanding seven-hour ice hike, there will still be plenty of time during the day to photograph this extraordinary place. This trip option is advisable only for participants between eighteen and forty-five years old in good physical condition who can handle uneven terrain.
Click here to see the Blue Ice Glacier Hike picture gallery
Day 10 (Sun): EL CALAFATE - BARILOCHE View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll leave El Calafate on a short flight to Bariloche, Argentina, a charming mountain town on the shores of picturesque Lake Nahuel Huapi. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the city and enjoy the relaxing Patagonia lifestyle. (B)
Day 11 (Mon): BARILOCHE HIKING or MANSO RIVER RAFTING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery After breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on one of two excursions. For those looking for adventure, you may wish to try river rafting on the legendary Class III/IV Manso River. You'll be taken by private van into Nahuel Huapi National Park, stopping first at John's Ranch along the river. You'll have coffee, change into your wetsuit and prepare for your exciting rafting adventure with a safety briefing from your guide. During the exciting ride downriver you'll pass lush forests, stopping at the border of Chile Patagonia. After changing into dry clothes, you'll head back to the ranch for a traditional barbeque. Those who prefer to spend the day hiking will choose one of the scenic routes through the mountains surrounding Bariloche. Your guide will discuss your trekking options for the day, selecting one that fits your interests and desired activity level. After your chosen Patagonia hiking, you'll spend the evening back in Bariloche. (B, L)
Day 12 (Tue): NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE - KAYAKING View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery This tranquil day of kayaking is enjoyable for all, regardless of fitness level. For hiking enthusiasts, we can pair a shorter paddle with a half-day trek in Nahuel Huapi National Park. After breakfast, you'll be picked up at the hotel to go to the beach where you launch your kayak. Assisted by guides, you'll paddle about three hours before stopping for a memorable lakeside picnic in an idyllic setting. The kayak trip continues for another three hours, ending at the landmark Llao-Llao Hotel where you will be transferred back to your Bariloche accommodations in time to enjoy a delicious dinner. (B,L)
Day 13 (Wed): HIKING NEAR BARILOCHE View Bariloche accommodations picture gallery After breakfast, you'll be taken from the hotel to the hike's trailhead. Paced for your comfort, the hike's first two to three hours goes into the alpine zone. You'll stop to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch amidst stunning lakes, glaciated summits, forests and towering Andean peaks. Replenished, you'll then complete the remaining three to four hours of your Patagonia hiking. Back in Bariloche, you'll be returned to your hotel in time to enjoy another leisurely evening and a good night's sleep at your hotel. (B,L)
Day 14 (Thu): BARILOCHE - BUENOS AIRES - IGUAZU View Iguazu accommodations picture gallery You'll be taken from your hotel to the airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires for your connecting flight to Puerto Iguazú.Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazú you will meet your guide and driver at the airport for the 12 km drive to the Sheraton International Iguazú Hotel. The Sheraton is located within the Iguazú National Park and rooms overlooking the magnificent complex of falls are available. After checking in at your hotel and dropping off your luggage you will head out on your first adventure in the national park. Iguazu Falls are not just one cascade but a series of many beautiful cataracts stretching for several miles along the river. These trails provide access to the forest and the falls, a wonderful place to view tropical birds, flowers and butterflies. Today, your guide will lead you through the lower trail of the falls complex, which is a 1650 meter loop with eight viewing platforms. The platforms sit near the river allowing you to appreciate the size of the falls and experience the rushing water crashing into the river. At the end of the trail there is a small pier where you board a zodiac to get even closer to the falls and onto Isla San Martin, which is perched perfectly between the San Martin and Escondido falls. You can explore this small island and take the short, but steep, trail to an upper view point. You will return to the pier and walk back up to the hotel in time for dinner and a relaxing evening. (B)
Day 15 (Fri): IGUAZU View Iguazu accommodations picture gallery After a hearty breakfast you will head back out to the trails for a full day exploring the upper trails. The primary path is fairly short, 650 meters, but the view from each of the six platforms found along the trail offer stunning panoramic views of the entire falls complex. You will then board the “Tren Ecologico de la Selva”, which is a small, custom built tram that connects three main areas of the national park. You board the train at the Cataratas Station, which is located at the trailhead to the upper path, and take it out to the Devil’s Throat Station. The fifteen minute train ride takes you to a wonderful walking path along the Iguazu River which ends in a massive view point overlooking the greatest of the falls, Devil’s Throat. Half of the river flowing through the entire Iguazu complex falls down the U-shaped Devil’s Throat chasm creating the largest waterfall at 270 ft tall and 492 ft wide! (B)
Optional Upgrade: Iguazu Falls Brazil, $100 per Person Iguazu straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina and you can take an optional tour to the Brazilian side of the falls. The Brazilian side offers a direct view of the entire falls complex that simply cannot be seen from the Argentinean side. The Brazilian national park also has an extensive network of bridges and platforms going over the river and right up to the falls, an exhilarating and wet experience. Entering Brazil requires a Visa, so please inquire about the Visa process before confirming this option.
Day 16 (Sat): IGUAZU - BUENOS AIRES - HOME After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Iguazú Airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. When you arrive at the domestic airport, you will be transferred to the Buenos Aires International Airport for your flight home, concluding your Patagonia tours that mark the end of Southern Explorations' services. If you are able to stay in Argentina longer, we would be happy to arrange additional days in Buenos Aires or add other locations of interest from among our Argentina tour extensions. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
More information about Traveling in Patagonia

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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; Upsala Glacier Cruise
BUENOS AIRES DAY EXTENSIONS: 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

ARGENTINA MULTI-DAY EXTENSIONS: Crucero Santa Cruz (3D); Punta del Este - Uruguay (3-4D); Iguazu Falls Tour (3D); Valdes Peninsula Tour (3D); Fitz Roy Tour (4D); Punta Tombo + Valdes Peninsula Kayaking (4D); Torres del Paine Lodge-Based (4-5D); Active Tierra Del Fuego (4D); Classic Tierra Del Fuego (4D); Mendoza Tour (4D); Active Bariloche Tour (5D); Classic Bariloche Tour (4D)
EXTENSIONS TO BRAZIL: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (4D)
EXTENSIONS TO URUGUAY: Punta del Este Tour, Uruguay (3-4D)

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
Whale Watching Around Argentina and Uruguay: Baleen Whales on Argentina and Uruguay Tours; Toothed Whales on Pacific Tours
Penguin Watching Around Patagonia: Adding Penguins to Your Itinerary

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2012-13 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Oct 12-27
10/26-11/10 6 spaces left
Nov 10/26-11/10 6 spaces left
09-24
11/23-12/08
Dec 11/23-12/08
07-22
12/21-01/05
Jan 12/21-01/05
04-19
01/18-02/02
Feb 01/18-02/02
01-16
02/15-03/02
Mar 02/15-03/02
01-16
15-30

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

2013-14 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Friday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Oct 11-26
10/25-11/09
Nov 10/25-11/09
08-23
11/22-12/07
Dec 11/22-12/07
06-21
12/20-01/04
Jan 12/20-01/04
03-18
01/17-02/01
01/31-02/15
Feb 01/17-02/01
01/31-02/15
02/14-03/01
02/28-03/15
Mar 02/14-03/01
02/28-03/15
14-29