Best of Patagonia

DAY 1: SANTIAGO

Morning airport reception and transfer to the boutique Le Reve Hotel. In the afternoon take a historic tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda", the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas", the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and "Casa Colorado" the historic residence of the Governor. Continue on to Santa Lucia the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight at the Le Reve Hotel.

DAY 2: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Transfer out for early morning flight to Punta Arenas, gateway to Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. Airport reception and travel north through the vast Patagonian Steppe, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan across the cold Antarctic waters of Tierra del Fuego. Late afternoon arrival at Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight at Patagonia Camp, composed of luxurious, yurt-style accommodations with heat, private bath and all the amenities of a fine hotel including fine dining and a wine bar. Each day offers a choice between easier or more active treks and excursions through the park. [BD]

DAYS 3-5: EXPLORE TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

Three full days of exploration in Torres del Paine National Park with your Patagonia Camp guides. Each day offers a choice between easier or more active treks and excursions through the park. Hike off the beaten path within the national park to the Salto del Toro waterfall to view the rushing glacial waters of Lago Pehoe pouring into Lago del Toro. Trek to Mirador del Toro, a lookout point with a spectacular view of Lago del Toro and the Paine Massif. Drive to the western side of the park to enjoy an easy-going walk with a splendid view over the lake and massive icebergs broken off the giant glacier at the headwaters of Lago Grey. Explore beech forests and flat glacial deposits forming the Grey Peninsula on a walk to a spectacular lookout point over the lake. On a clear day, an ambitious hike (6 mi/8 hours) to Valle Ascencio takes us to the base of the impressive granite massif where the iconic Towers of Paine rise from a glacial lake. The famous Torres del Paine (9400?) consist of 3 granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice over the millennia. If weather is poor with no visibility, we will hike in the beech forest at Laguna Azul trekking across the lush green pampa or steppe terrain. Watch for guanacos, fox and many birds. All meals are included while at Patagonia Camp and one night will feature a festive asado or typical Patagonian lamb barbecue.Overnight at Patagonia Camp. [BLD]

DAY 6: EL CALAFATE

This morning we depart Patagonia Camp and drive across the pampas to El Calafate in Argentina. (Drive time is 4-5 hours) This mountain town is the base for explorations of the Patagonian Continental Ice Cap and Los Glaciares National Park. The ice cap runs 560 miles from North to South between the 48 and 51 parallels. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. After arriving in town, we transfer 30 minutes to the luxurious Eolo Lodge strategically located on a vast Patagonian landscape from which one can observe Lake Argentina towards the north, La Anita Valley towards the east, and the massif of Torres del Paine to the south. Overnight at the luxury boutique Eolo Lodge. [BD]

DAY 7: PERITO MORENO GLACIER WALK

Drive to a spectacular lookout of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Permanently advancing along its 3-mile-front, columns of ice over 20 stories high peel off the face and crash into Lago Argentino creating massive icebergs. We cross Lago Argentino by zodiac along the front wall of the glacier to the edge of the Patagonian Ice Cap to hike through the beech forest and up onto the ice pack! Don crampons and trek across the ice field, exploring blue caves and hidden tunnels. Watch for Andean condor and Buff-necked Ibis while you listen to the glacier crack and calve giant icebergs into the lake. Overnight at Eolo Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 8: ESTANCIA NIBEPO AIKE

Drive along a winding gravel road, passing Patagonian estancias and massive mountains till you reach Nibepo Aike. Set within Los Glaciares National Park and dating from the beginning of the XXth century - this estancia overlooks the south margin of the Lake Argentino. Observe the activities of cattle handling and herding or simply enjoy how the specialty of the area lamb roasted on a stake, is being prepared. After a delicious and traditional lunch we will be able to hike along the coast of the lake, opt for a horseback ride through the vast property, climb the Crystal Mount lookout point and visit the organic garden. Overnight at Eolo Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 9: BUENOS AIRES AND TANGO SHOW

Transfer to the Calafate airport for your early afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you're escorted to the luxury El Mio Buenos Aires in the Recoleta neighborhood. Evening VIP transfer to Esquina Carlos Gardel tango show at a restored theater reminiscent of 1950s Buenos Aires tango ballrooms. VIP Service includes reserved seating and gourmet dinner with select wines of South America. Overnight at El Mio. [BD]

DAY 10: BUENOS AIRES

Enjoy our special city tour - The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires in which a local guide uses four parks and plazas to introduce visitors to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of the Porteno (inhabitant of Buenos Aires). Transfer to airport for your flight home. [B]