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Patagonia - At World's End
Massive, beautiful and desolate, Patagonia (Argentina & Chile) is beyond extraordinary. This journey takes you on the road to the signature landscapes, glaciers and pristine lakes at the last land mass before Antarctica. An epic journey of a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in National Geographic Unique Lodges and Relais Chateaux
Cruise the magical Lago Argentino and experience the glaciers up close
Savour fine and exquisite gastronomy
Experience the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine
ITINERARY
DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES / EL CALAFATE / SAIL THE PUESTO DE LAS VACAS
Depart Buenos Aires for your short domestic flight to El Calafate (3h 20mins). Arrive El Calafate Comandante Armando Tola Intl Airport and transfer to La Soledad dock to embark onto the Santa Cruz Cruiser where you will begin an adventure on a three day navigation of the most stunning glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. The journey begins as we sail towards the Puesto de las Vacas, a remote bay in the Spegazzini canal passing through Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo, the narrowest passage in Lago Argentino. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous welcome dinner and briefing of your adventure.
Overnight: Santa Cruz Cruiser
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: SPEGAZZINI & UPSALA GLACIER
After breakfast, disembark in Puesto de las Vacas to enjoy a guided walk and enjoy a stunning view of the Spegazzini Glacier. Reembark and continue navigating Lago Argentino, taking the canal Spegazzini for the next stop in front of Spegazzini Glacier where the front walls are around 80 and 135m. The Spegazzini looks like a huge icy river that descends from a rocky mountainside until it plunges into the lake. It is here, in front of this marvellous sight, where we enjoy our first lunch.
After lunch, we navigate the Brazo Norte where we will see the series of ice floes of the most varied colors and shapes. which anticipate the proximity of the stunning Upsala Glacier. Stop in front of the ice floes as we observe the amazing Upsala Glacier, 4km wide on the lake and its walls are 60m high on average with a total surface area of 900 square kilometres including its drainage basin. We then continue to Bahia del Toro in Seno Mayo where after dinner, join in the activities onboard and an interesting and fascinating sharing of the day.
Overnight: Santa Cruz Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: TO THE PERITO MORENO / EL CALAFATE
After breakfast at dawn, we land again and get into the Andean-Patagonian woods to experience the magnificent natural landscape of Mayo and Negro glaciers. There, we will get to exclusively know the continental ice shelter where many journeymen left their traces. After crossing the Canal de los Tempanos, we arrive at the most outstanding of the glaciers, the Perito Moreno Glacier, where we will travel around the 2.5km front on the lake. Its walls, which are almost 60m high, still surprise with numerous calvings and powerful sounds. Enjoy lunch right in front of this stunning natural wonder. We then sail back through Lago Argentino towards La Soledad dock, enjoy our farewell toast. Upon disembarkation, you will be met and transfer to the wonderful surroundings of EOLO - Patagonia's Spirit, an exceptional Relais & Chateaux lodge in pristine environment.
Overnight: EOLO - Patagonia's Spirit, El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 4: EL CALAFATE
Enjoy the day at leisure where you have opportunities to explore this beautiful region with activities such as horse back riding on Mount Frias, La Anita Valley, mountain-biking, trekking, fly-fishing on Lago Roca or take a four wheel drive expedition.
Overnight: EOLO - Patagonia's Spirit, El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: EL CALAFATE / TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
We leave behind Argentina-Patagonia and enter into another realm, Chile-Patagonia to the astounding Torres del Paine National Park. Drive through some of the most rugged and mesmerizing landscapes as we arrive at the beautiful Tierra Patagonia, a National Geographic unique lodge (4hrs drive).
Overnight: Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
A spectacular day begins as we take a hike to the base of the iconic Paine Towers, the granite centerpiece of Torres del Paine National Park. Located in Chilean Patagonia, the 447,000 acres that make up the park abound with mountains, glaciers, lakes and valleys and an abundance of fauna and flora was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1978. Our hike takes us through amazing views of the Ascencio Valley where you will be rewarded with views of the pristine Nordenskjold Lake. We then walk under the hanging glaciers of snowcapped Mount Almirante Nieto reaching 2,670m above sea level before taking a break at Refugio El Chile where snacks and beverages are available for purchase. We continue our adventure through some beautiful beech forest before our eventual sighting of a turquoise colored glacial lake, surrounded by the three jagged towers where we then enjoy a picnic in this majestic landscape. We then return back via where we came from. hop onto your vehicle and transfer back to Tierra Patagonia.
Overnight: Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a day at leisure to for opportunities to explore the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park with many activities in the offing such as horse back riding, trekking, mountain-biking, four wheel drives, kayaking and more.
Overnight: Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: DEPART TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK / PUNTA ARENAS
Today, be transferred to Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo Intl Airport (3.5hrs drive) for your onward journey to Santiago or Buenos Aires.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The Santa Cruz cruise vessel combines comfort, design and the latest technology designed to ensure guests can enjoy the unique landscape of the glaciers. With just 21 cabins with lake views and private bathrooms, Each of the 16 Deluxe cabins, 4 Premium cabins and exclusive Grand Suite are fitted with modern amenities and comfort. With a maximum of 42 passengers, intimate service can be enjoyed with the gourmet restaurant, Salon Turquesa, a library, a bar, lounge area and main deck for observations.
EOLO embodies the spirit of Patagonia, its indigenous roots, the personal experiences of the first European and criollo settlers and those of the adventurers from across the world who still head for this legendary land today. This magical lodge is located on an estate that stretches over 4,000 hectares near El Calafate, on the route to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Perched on a bluff on the edge of Lake Sarmiento, Tierra Patagonia celebrates all that's majestic about its surroundings, while offering a space where comfort reigns. With enormous windows everywhere, the lakes and peaks of Torres del Paine National Park are constant and awe-inspiring backdrop.
