You guessed it, this photo is … of a lake in Patagonia. Explore some surprising places, with all the comforts of exceptional hotels. This tour is for those who want to discover Patagonia by roundabout paths, illustrated with fantastic panoramas and isolated from the crowds, in the superb national parks of Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares and Nahuel Huapi. A best of Patagonia, very comfortable version.
Buenos Aires Airport
Transfer to your hotel. Meet your French-speaking guide to explore the main districts of Buenos Aires: La Boca, a touristic and colourful district located between the old port of Buenos Aires and the Boca Juniors stadium, celebrating the passion for tango and football; Recoleta, its residential area and its cemetery housing the tombs of the most important figures in Argentine history; San Telmo bohemian quarter with its many antique dealers and Dorrego square to admire the tango dancers; the great political places with plaza de Mayo and casa Rosada, el Congreso.
Transfer to the airport. Flight to the South and Patagonia. Arrival at Bariloche Airport, in the heart of Nahuel Huapi Park. Free time to discover this city with its mountain resort atmosphere. Transfer to 24km from Bariloche. Overnight by Lake Nahuel Huapi.
At the end of the morning, you go to the pier.
Crossing with a small private shuttle to get to Victoria Island, a superb nature reserve belonging to Nahuel Huapi National Park. Welcome by your guide on the pontoon to show you to the hotel and the various possible activities. In an exceptional setting you can try horse riding, hiking or mountain biking on the many trails, kayaking in the superb Anchorena bay, with its turquoise waters identical to the Caribbean. You can also enjoy the hotel and its outdoor swimming pool, spa, library. This evening a gourmet dinner and the pleasure of sampling Neuquen wines, stored in the hotel’s wine cellar.
Day on site to enjoy the many activities available.
At the end of the afternoon return with the regular catamaran to the mainland. Transfer to Bariloche and overnight on site.
Transfer to the airport and flight further South, to El Calafate, by Lago Argentino and its turquoise waters
Free afternoon in this small town, formerly a stopover on the railway line that linked the estancias to the Atlantic ports. It will be an opportunity to find souvenirs and abundant literature on the region. For those who wish, the Glaciarium Museum is an interesting stopover to learn more about the formation of the glaciers, exploration expeditions in the region and the impact of global warming on the ice.
Transfer this morning along Lake Argentino before reaching the Magallanes Peninsula. One enters the Los Glaciares Park for approaching the Perito Moreno glacier, huge glacier tongues coming from the continental ice field. Today ballade facing its impressive ice front, observing the seracs falling into the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino. On site, is also possible an optional navigation in front of the southern part of the ice front. Back to El Calafate in the late afternoon.
Early morning transfer for reaching Punta Bandera, pier located on Lake Argentino. We embark on a catamaran that will transport us in about 1:30 up to Brazo Upsala, one of the lake ends with the Upsala glacier at the horizon. Here the lake here is littered with blocks of ice that make it impossible further access to the glacier. Navigating towards the Estancia Cristina, one of the oldest in the region where we land for other activities. Road by 4×4 vehicle for approaching the “Matador de los hellos”, an impressive viewpoint to watching the Guillermo Laguna, turquoise lake left free by the removal of the Upsala glacier that this time we observe closer. Back to the estancia. After the lunch break, tour of the ranch, discovering the harsh history of the early immigrants arrived in these lands and cleverness of their facilities. Return navigation, arrival in El Calafate at the end of the day.
You leave Lago Argentino, then follow the turquoise waters of Rio Santa Cruz, before embarking on a long crossing of the pampas, to reach the border posts of Cancha Carrera and Cerro Castillo. From the Chilean border, private transfer to the Torres del Paine National Park. You gradually discover the massif. Arrival in an estancia converted into a Lodge, at the gates of Torres park, You will be greeted by your guide who will show you to the hotel and the activities available. Do not miss a visit to the estancia’s infrastructure, with its huge Galpón (shearing shed), one of the most important in the region.
Today you will find your private transfer which will take you to the Torres del Paine Park.
Discover its most beautiful view points: the Laguna Amarga, a turquoise lagoon bordered by salts accumulated by evaporation, where the Torres are reflected; the mirador Cuernos from where we discover the vastness of Lake Nordenskjold and the interesting geology of the Cuernos, granite walls, capped with a layer of black sediments; the Salto Grande, a huge waterfall where the waters of Lake Nordenskjold flow into those of Lake Pehoe; the Rio Paine and its turquoise waters which we follow to Weber bridge, offering another superb postcard image of the massif; then the valley of the Grey Glacier, with a possible stroll by the lake or incredible blocks of blue ice which wash ashore on a black sand beach.
Night in Hosteria Grey, with great view on the lake and the glacier.
Morning transfer again to the border post of Cerro Castillo
There you will find the regular bus which will take you back to El Calafate. Reception at the terminal and transfer to the airport. Flight to Buenos Aires.
This trip was designed from our knowledge of the region, and our own tastes. You can want it differently, by removing or adding a day, by combining it with another tour. Everything is tailor-made, according to your vision of your trip in Patagonia! This itinerary can also be done with different categories of hotel, transport by regular bus or with vehicle rentals, group excursions or accompanied by a private French or English speaking guide, there are many possibilities.
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