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Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Buenos Aires. Those on land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this afternoon. Our local leader will meet us today for a briefing and take us on a short walking tour of the city, discovering its wealth of history and culture. The evening is free for you to choose one of the many excellent restaurants, most serving the legendary Argentine steaks! *Accommodation: Deco Hotel Recoleta or similar*
This morning we fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and transfer (approx. 3-4 hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town enjoys a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breathtaking views of Mount Fitzroy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. *Accommodation: *Hosteria Don Atilio* or similar*
We set off amidst incredible mountains and valleys for a day walk. First we hike to Cerro Fitzroy Base Camp with amazing views of the striking massif ahead. In the afternoon we continue to the picturesque Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. This is a full day of walking over fairly rough terrain, but with impressive, rugged scenery along the way. *Accommodation: *Hosteria Don Atilio* or similar*
Today has been left free to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion in this area. In the late afternoon we transfer (approx. 3-4 hours) back to El Calafate. *Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*
Today we visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This immense jagged sheet of ice stretches over 3 miles across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft out if its cold waters. It is the fastest moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add a certain atmosphere of anticipation. Every so often an office block sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as a giant iceberg. An optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder. *Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*
We will spend a second day here to allow exploration of the town's surroundings. It is possible to take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for some fantastic views stretching over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to a local Estancia or to Todo Glaciares - this navigation includes Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where pieces of glacier are floating in the water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it. *Accommodation: *Hosteria Koi Aiken* or similar*
After breakfast we have a long drive (approx. 8-9 hours) across the border into Chile before we arrive in one of the world's most beautiful national parks, Torres del Paine (please note that due to local regulations we must change buses at the border). From here we will meet our Chilean guide and drive around some of the park. We may have time after we check-in for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine. *Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe or similar*
Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of the park is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking through forests and offering some fantastic views across the park. This is a reasonably difficult and long trek, and the last section is steep with rocky terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence. The reward on reaching the small lake at the base of these sheer granite peaks however, makes the long walk well worthwhile. Note that adverse weather conditions can make this walk much harder - your group leader will give a briefing the night before and answer any questions you may have on the route. Once we finish the trek we will take the transfer (approx. 2 hrs) to Puerto Natales. *Accommodation: Hotel Baquedano or similar*
After breakfast we will have some free time before a fairly long transfer in the afternoon, through dramatic scenery to Cerro Sombrero. This journey involves a short ferry crossing over the Magellan Straits. We advise you to take plenty of water and some snacks for the journey (approx. 7-8 hours). In the evening we'll have dinner together at the hotel in the small town of Cerro Sombrero. *Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen or similar*
Tierra del Fuego (The Land of Fire) is named after the original inhabitants who used to light bonfires to ward off the winter chill. Crossing the island we'll have views of the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia at the end of the world! This is a long driving day (approx. 7-8 hours) but we use a private bus to make the journey more comfortable. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon depending on weather conditions and traffic. *Accommodation: Hosteria Linares or similar*
We'll spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking amongst the varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, Sea lions and many species of water bird including a flightless duck! We are also afforded fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it. For those wanting more adventure or not wishing to trek, an optional half-day 4WD excursion will be on offer which will take us deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego where any more conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote Lakes Fagnano and Escondido (please note it is not possible to see penguins on this tour). *Accommodation: Hosteria Linares or similar*
Depending upon the flight time, we may have some free time this morning in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. There are great views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is definitely worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) and enjoy a last group meal together. *Accommodation: Hotel Cyan Recoleta or similar*
Depending on the time of your flight home you may have another chance to see more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After last night's tango show we might be tempted to learn a few steps, or watch it in the streets and plazas - particularly in the old quarter of San Telmo. A visit to the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world, is possible. Those on group flights will leave today for the flight back to London.
* Travel by minibus, private coaches and 2 internal flights
* 3 daywalks of up to 8 hours duration
* Group normally 6‐16, plus leader. Min age 18 yrs
* 10 nights standard hotels and 2 nights comfortable hotels
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style and are included. The
accommodation will arrange packed lunches for days when we are trekking.
There is a variety of good, quality food on offer in local restaurants and
cafes usually for relatively low prices (although the refuge that we stay in
for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception as facilities
here are limited). Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but
please ensure that you advise us before you travel so that we can make the
necessary arrangements on your behalf.
* Travel by minibus, private coaches and 2 internal flights
* 3 daywalks of up to 8 hours duration
* Group normally 6‐16, plus leader. Min age 18 yrs
* 10 nights standard hotels and 2 nights comfortable hotels
*While this trip is graded Moderate, we recommend you have a reasonably good
level of fitness to really enjoy the hiking opportunities available. *
All of these are non-compulsory day walks and do not exceed 20km. We have two
internal flights on this trip to reduce driving but there are still some long
drives. The longest drive is when we cross the border from El Calafate to
Torres del Paine and when travelling south from Cerro Sombrero to Ushuaia.
In terms of altitude ‐ the highest point reached on the tour is on day 9 on
the walk to the Towers of Paine. The lookout point situated at 886 metres
above sea level. This day walk can take up to 9/10 hours depending on weather
conditions and speed of the group.
There are 2 internal flights included in the itinerary, normally using the
services of Aerolineas Argentinas. Please be aware that the timings of
the internal flights can be quite erratic and there can often be last
minute schedule changes. Depending on the availability of these flights,
there may be a supplement to pay.
Hotels & Lodges
We use a good standard of hotels throughout the trip. In El Chalten we stay
in a simple but clean lodge with en-suite twin rooms. Laundry facilities are
available in El Calafate and Ushuaia.
There will be a local leader, drivers and local guides where needed.
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style and are included. The
accommodation will arrange packed lunches for days when we are trekking.
There is a variety of good, quality food on offer in local restaurants and
cafes usually for relatively low prices (although the refuge that we stay in
for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception as facilities
here are limited). Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but
please ensure that you advise us before you travel so that we can make the
necessary arrangements on your behalf.
We use a combination of internal flights and private coaches.
Please be aware that the timings of the internal flights can be
quite erratic and there can often be last minute schedule changes. Depending
on the availability of these flights, there may be a supplement to pay.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 15 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Air Europa (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are normally with Aerolineas Argentinas.
Internal flights are used from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and Ushuaia to
Buenos Aires (subject to change and availability).
*Travelling land only: 13 days starting and ending in Buenos Aires*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Buenos Aires in the morning
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks
before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
A shuttle bus from the airport to the city costs around £10 (US$15).
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £35 (US$53) should you decide to
make your way independently.
Since Patagonia is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons there are the
opposite to those in Europe. Trips to Patagonia are therefore organized
between October and April, to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and
warmer temperatures. During these months the temperatures in Buenos Aires
reach a maximum of 30ºC, El Calafate/Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas around
15ºC and in the extreme south, in Tierra del Fuego, 14ºC. These are the
daytime maximums and the average figures are likely to be a little lower than
this. The nights can go down as low as freezing but often remain around mid
single figures. The Patagonia summer tends to be dry although rain cannot be
ruled out, particularly in the mountainous regions along the Chile/Argentine
border. Patagonia is renowned for its wind and it is not unheard of to
experience all four seasons in one day!
* Good sturdy shoes or walking boots
* Warm clothes including windbreaker, jackets and waterproofs
* Sun hat and a warm hat
* Gloves
* Flashlight or head torch
* Sunglasses (particularly for glacier walks)
* Small daypack for walks and sightseeing
In Chile, the import of crop and animal products is strictly regulated in
order to avoid vermins, plagues, and the diffusion of non-native plants and
animals. Fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be imported. If you happen to be
carrying such products they must be thrown away before getting to customs or
declared and then handed over to be destroyed. You will be required to
complete a declaration on arrival into Chile and luggage will be checked.
Failure to comply with this legislation will result in large fines and
time-consuming difficulties with the border authorities. Please ensure you
are not carrying these goods on arrival to avoid this problem.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of
15kg.
If the luggage weighs between 16-23kg, the extra charge per flight is 650
Argentine pesos (Approx. £30GBP).
Please note this cannot be organised prior to check in.
Towel (only necessary in the basic refuge in Torres del Paine but can be
hired locally for US$2 per person per night).
We recommend that you take most of your spending money in US Dollars cash,
since Sterling and Euros are hard to change and the rates of exchange are
likely to be poor. We also recommend keeping the money in US Dollars,
changing as and when necessary. Larger notes of $50 USD and $100 USD are more
widely accepted than smaller denominations. It is always wise to have some
local currency for buying meals, snacks, incidentals etc. We recommend not
exchanging money at Buenos Aires airport, and if you do make sure it's very
little. Your tour leader will give you more information on exchanging
currency as you go along but do bear in mind that exchange facilities can be
limited particularly as at times you'll arrive or leave an area outside of
banking hours. Torn, damaged or marked bills can be refused so please make
sure all your notes are clean and no too old. Please note that any leftover
Argentine Pesos at the end of the trip cannot be changed back to Dollars so
only change the amount that you are likely to spend.
We suggest that you allow about US$20 per meal (excluding alcohol) to eat at
restaurants throughout the trip ‐ you may find that Chile is more expensive
than Argentina.
For most flights there is an airport tax that can only be paid as you depart.
This is currently approx. US$6‐8 for each domestic departure in Argentina
(rates vary according to the airport). An international departure tax of
US$18 may also be payable at Buenos Aires airport for your return flight,
although it is increasingly common that this is being included in the ticket
cost. Taxes are payable in local currency or US dollars where applicable.
*Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)*
You will need to pay for most of these excursions in cash, please note that
prices are correct at the time of writing but are only approximate. Optional
excursions are also subject to availability, and we cannot guarantee
availability, especially in peak season. Please speak to your tour leader
with a bit of notice in order for them to help you book activities.
*Buenos Aires*
-Buenos Aires Tango show & dinner from US$60 (Shared transfers)
*El Calafate*
-Full day Mini trekking (includes shared transfers) US$215.- + US$30
National Park fee National Park fee. *Excludes lunch. Age limit: 10-65yrs.
Duration 11hs total.
-Full day Big Ice Trek (includes shared transfers) US$385.- + US$30
National Park fee. *Excludes lunch. Age limit: 18-50yrs. Duration 14hs
total.
-Full day Glaciers (Upsala + Moreno with lunch) US$210.- + US$30
*Mon/Wed/Fri/Sunday 07.15hs to 19.45hs.
-Half day Estancia Nibepo Aike with lunch or dinner US$110 + US$25 for a
short horse ride around the estancia.
-Full day Estancia Nibepo Aike with 3hr horse ride & lunch US$210. *Departs
daily at 8.30am but needs 2 pax minimum.
*Tierra del Fuego*
-Beagle Channel boat trip (three hours) US$70
-Beagle Channel boat trip to see Penguins (six hours) US$95/100
-Full day 4x4 excursion (eight hours) US$110 *Includes lunch
Shortly after arrival the leader will suggest to the group that they donate
approx. $50-70 USD towards a kitty. This money is then used for tipping local
guides, hotel porters etc. and will be distributed by the leader. The amount
will vary depending on the group size but the tour leader will keep
a receipt with the details of where the kitty has been spent.
To show your appreciation for local staff that accompany the trip, you may
want to tip when good service has been delivered. Tipping is entirely at your
discretion, but it has become customary in this part of the world. We suggest
around US$ 5 per day for the tour leader and US$ 3 – 4 per day for the
driver.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Airport transfers for Land Only bookings
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.