Special 3: Classic Patagonia

• Pickup at the airport and transfer to your comfortable Buenos Aires hotel. Learn more about the delightful Buenos Aires hotels we recommend.

• The Buenos Aires city tour is a recommended way for every traveler to get an initial idea of the highlights of the city. Enjoy such sights as the impressive National Congress, the Plaza de Mayo (May Square) which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Presidential House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and Cabildo (City Hall during the Spanish colonial period). Along July 9th Avenue, you will see the famous Colon Theater, considered one of the best opera houses in the world for its acoustic properties which makes it the cultural pride of the city.
• You will then head to the historical San Telmo neighborhood which will transport you back in time (for those whose tour is on a Sunday, there will be time for a visit to San Telmo’s Flea Market). Situated in the south sector of the city is one of the oldest neighborhoods, La Boca. Known as a settlement for the first Italian immigrants, here you will have time to enjoy the colorful particular architecture the district is known for. The tour will continue through Puerto Madero and Retiro on the way to Palermo, the largest residential area of the city where you will find the enjoyable Palermo parks, city zoo and planetarium. Your last spot is the elegant Recoleta, famous for its cemetery, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes under ficus and jacaranda trees.
  

• You will be taken to enjoy a “porteño” musical evening at one of the most exclusive Tango houses in Buenos Aires - Esquina Carlos Gardel. The venue is located in Abasto, neighborhood where fames Tango dancer Carlos Gardel spent several years of his life. During dinner, the orchestra will play famous Tango pieces while team of couples will perform the sensual Buenos Aires dance. Choosing from several Tango venues, Argentina for Less selected Esquina Carlos Gardel for the quality of its food, atmosphere and performances in relation to the prices we offer. If you would prefer to visit other well-known Tango houses such as Señor Tango, El Viejo Almacén, La Ventana and El Querandí among other, please let us know.

• Pick up at the airport and transfer to your comfortable Puerto Madryn hotel.
• Free evening to explore Puerto Madryn at your leisure.

• You will be transported to the nearby Valdez Peninsula after a complementary breakfast.
• Today you will visit Puerto Piramides, where an array of extra activities awaits including: kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and sand-boarding. You will also visit Caleta Valdes, a sea elephant rockery, and Punta Delgada, a sea lion rockery.
• Optional whale-watching cruise available June-December. See our Ushuaia Guide for excellent travelers’ tips on Ushuaia restaurants.

• Transfer to airport to take flight to Ushuaia.
• You will be met at the airport by one of our company representatives, and transported to your comfortable hotel.
• Evening at your leisure. Read our newsletter article about Ushuaia or our travel guide to find out more about Ushuaia history and Ushuaia attractions.

• Located 12km west of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, over the borderline with Chile, this National Park is the southernmost example of the Andean-Patagonian forest. It was created in 1960 and has a surface of 63.000 hectares by the Beagle Channel.
• The topography is extremely rough as in this area the Andes Range features a NW-SE orientation and its peaks alternate with valleys where there are rivers and glacial lakes. Two types of forests predominate: those of Lenga and Guindo trees and an open under wood mainly consisting of moss and fern. On the seashore, the two great bays (Lapataia and Ensenada) deploy in gorges and beaches fully populated with white Cauquenes. There are plenty of birds such as black-browed albatross (over two meters long) that coexist with steam ducks and diving petrels as well as other fauna like silver foxes, upland geese, rabbit, muskrat and Canadian beavers. It exists as well, a rare kind of otter named chungungo.
• Breathtaking views of covered mountains, rivers, lakes and vast natural forests in the Andes Cordillera are to be seen from the Tierra del Fuego Line FAF (Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino), impressive not only for its style but for its links to the history of Ushuaia, the jail and the old Convict Train. The train consists of steam locomotives, coaches comfortably heated and fitted with large windows. It leaves from Estación del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Station), 8km West of Ushuaia, and run about 1 hour, ending at the Estación del Parque (Park Station). There is a comfortable coffee shop and bar at the Estación del Fin del Mundo, where visitors can enjoy local cakes and hot chocolate, and attractive souvenirs can be purchase at the shop. The trip covers the same tracks as the old Convict Train of decades ago. On this train of low environmental impact, visitors will enjoy an unforgettable journey, acquiring historical background, experiencing the natural wonders of the Tierra del Fuego traveling on a train of the Golden Age of railways.

• This tour features half day navigation across the Beagle Channel. You will board your boat at Ushuaia’s pier. While sailing the Ushuaia Bay, you will be able to get a panoramic view of the southernmost city in the world from the sea, to finally arrive at the small key where the famous Les Eclaireurs lighthouse stands. During the tour you pass by De los Lobos and De los Pajaros Islands.
• Return to your comfortable hotel.

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate.
• You will be met at the airport and transported to your comfortable hotel.
• You will have the evening to enjoy the town at your leisure.

• In the morning you will be transported the 40 or so miles to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you will have time to enjoy this 200 foot tall river of ice by walking along the footbridges and trails overlooking it, or by taking the optional cruise tour that takes you close to the front of its southern face. Read our newsletter article to find out more about the Perito Moreno Glacier .
• Perito Moreno Glacier, the most important of the 13 glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park and a worldly known attraction for the incredible breaking of the ice, is located at 85km from El Calafate and was declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO. On your way to the Park, you will pass by Cerro de los Elefantes and then arrive to the access gate from where you will be able to see the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino and the first woods of lengas, cypresses, guindos, calafates and alerces. Some local fauna such as grey fox, guanaco, armadillo, red fox or puma may be seen during the tour. At the Curva de los Suspiros, the 70-meter high ice wall of a thousand blue tones can be seen for the first time during the tour. You will reach the glacier following the signs on the trails. Nature here offers a unique experience of infinite peace, unpolluted air, and the silence of immensity only interrupted by the movement of the glacier when its immense blocks of ice fall in the Canal de los Témpanos in an astounding clamor.
• In the late Afternoon you will return to your hotel.

• Transfer to Airport or Bus Station for your flight / bus back to Buenos Aires or your next destination.

*Prices listed are seasonal; please consult a Travel Advisor for further details

PLEASE NOTE:
As of 1 January 2010, an entrance fee (Reciprocity Fee) is chargeable for citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia visiting Argentina. For further details, please read this article on the Latin America For Less Travel Blog.

• Hotels based on US standards.
• All tours stated in the itinerary.
• 2 hotel nights in Buenos Aires, 2 in Puerto Madryn; 2 in Ushuaia; 2 in El Calafate
• All transfers and entrance fees.
• All breakfasts.
• English speaking tour guides.

*Ask a Travel Advisor for cheaper bus options.

At only 120 kilometers from the city of Buenos Aires, we invite you to experience tradition and history combined with the finest style. La Alameda offers much more than a day in the country, a special day at a peaceful place by the Chascomús lagoon. The two centuries house encloses the past, the luxurious saloon with air conditioning and heating is ready to shelter all those wishing to experience old country traditions and many recreation and entertainment activities. Arriving at La Alameda you will enjoy a different day in the country. Every detail and every proposal is thought to make you comfortable and pleasant. La Alameda fulfills the Argentine true tradition by offering the visitors a singular typical show and delicious gaucho style lunch.

Discover Tigre, just 30km from Buenos Aires, where there rests the only live delta in the world that ­ows into a river. To discover the people and the particular way they live between rivers and channels. You will be able to approach a unique ecosystem in its kind, only 30 minutes away from Buenos Aires. Before every descent, the bus turns itself into a cinema in which video clips of approximately 4 minutes are projected. You will recall with images in 3D facts that might have changed the history Argentina: today our language could be English and we would not be tango dancers. Return to the hotel.

Cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Uruguay, and experience a little of the 'charrua' style of life in Colonia del Sacramento.

Colonia
9.45 am Hotel pick up. Transfer to the pier.
10.45 am Check in/immigration.
11.45 am Departure by ferry to the UNESCO Human Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
12.45 am Arrival in Colonia and transfer to the restaurant, Lo de Renata, for a full Buffet Lunch. Sightseeing with a City Tour: historical neighborhoods and museum. Drive along the riverside to visit the Real de San Carlos Bullring.
7.00 pm Transfer to the pier.
8.00 pm Departure to Buenos Aires.
9.00 pm Arrival in Buenos Aires and transfer to hotel.

Cross the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to Uruguay, and experience a little of the 'charrua' style of life in Montevideo.

Montevideo
6.00 am Hotel pick up. Transfer to the pier.
7.00 am Check in/immigration.
8.00 am Departure by ferry to the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo.
11.00 am Arrival and transfer to the historical center.
1.00 am Lunch.
2.00 pm Sightseeing with City Tour.
5.00 pm Visit de shopping center.
6.00 pm Transfer to the pier.
7:15 pm Departure to Buenos Aires.
10:15 pm Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

These four sightseeing tour routes include traditional Buenos Aires city sights as well as offbeat excursions, such as visits to traditional estancias and to the Tigre Delta. These bike tours are great alternatives to the regular sightseeing tours, allowing unique perspective into local culture, history, architecture and urban folklore, and our guides are passionate about sharing their extensive cultural knowledge of this vast city with travelers.

All guided cycling tours include bike rental, helmet and refreshments including traditional mate. All you need to bring is comfortable clothing and a thirst to explore the unknown.

The South
Discover the city’s historical, social and architectural contrasts.
Embark on a 4 hour tour of Puerto Madero, an ecological reserve, La Boca, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo.
Includes: Bike, helmet, tour guide, mate, alfajor, bottled water, and traveler’s insurance.
Level of Difficulty: Low. This tour is easy-going and relaxing and you do not need to be in top physical shape.
Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be canceled or delayed.

The North
Aristocracy, greenery and Palermo Soho
Embark on a 4 hour tour of Retiro, Barrio Parque, Palermo Woods, Palermo Soho and Recoleta.
Includes: Bike, helmet, tour guide, mate, alfajor, bottled water and traveler’s insurance.
Level of Difficulty: Low. This tour is easy-going and relaxing and you do not need to be in top physical shape.
Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be canceled or delayed

Porteño Nightlife
Discover the many faces of the porteño nightlife.
Buenos Aires is well known for its lively nightlife and no visit to this great metropolis would be complete without a bike tour of the city at night. Experience the different atmospheres and flavors of Buenos Aires after dark on an exciting journey through the streets and green spaces of Puerto Madero, Recoleta, San Telmo and more. This bike tour is sure to bring you closer to the essence of the Buenos Aires urban experience.
Bike touring through different neighborhoods is the best way to appreciate the contrasts among different areas and local hangouts. This 3.5-4 hour nighttime excursion is a unique option here in Buenos Aires - an original urban tour with a twist that offers another point of view. You will cruise through the newest part of town, Puerto Madero, and along the boulevards to Costanera Sur, a very picturesque and beautiful spot that is somewhat concealed from other urban tour circuits. Ride through ritzy Recoleta and the classic quarter of San Telmo, once home to the affluent families of Buenos Aires, and enjoy an urban tour to remember.
Includes: Bike, helmet, tour guide, bottled water, lights and traveler's insurance.
Level of Difficulty: Low. This tour is easy-going and relaxing and you do not need to be in top physical shape.
Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be canceled or delayed.

Tigre full-day cycling tour
Bike Trip to northern suburbs of Buenos Aires, and Delta kayaking.
Less than an hour away from the city of Buenos Aires, Tigre and the delta of the Paraná River are a wonderful gateway into nature. This 8 hour cycling tour of the northern suburbs, arguably the nicest area of all of Buenos Aires, Tigre and the delta area offers a wide range of possibilities to combine sport and culture in a beautiful setting. The region is easily accessed by train - part of the way - and then biking across the northern suburbs until reaching Tigre and its nearby islands. Once in Tigre, you will embark on a one-and-a-half-hour kayak adventure in the azure delta waters. The town of Tigre and the islands of the Paraná River are an oasis of natural landscapes and beautiful scenery.
Includes: Bike, helmet, tour guide, kayaking, lunch, mate & alfajor, bottled water, train tickets and traveler's insurance.
Level of Difficulty: Low. This is the most “sporty” of the biking tours, but this tour is still peaceful and relaxing.
Only in the event of pouring rain will biking trips be canceled or delayed.

“Paris of South America” Walking Tour
This 2.5 hour walk, beginning at 10:00 am, focuses on the areas of Retiro and Recoleta, where Buenos Aires most clearly expresses its Parisian character, acquired in the early 20th century through its architectural styles and urban design. Plaza San Martín is one of the best examples of the belle époque, being the place where the upper class families settled and built their impressive residences at the turn of the century. We also visit other spots which evidently follow the French pattern: Alvear Avenue and Pellegrini square.

“From Aldea to Metropolis” Walking Tour
This 2.5 hour walking tour offers the chance to observe four hundred years of history in fifteen blocks. The 10:00 am starting point is Plaza de Mayo, the core around which the city developed. The walk continues along Montserrat and San Telmo; traditionally residential areas until the end of the 1800s and now the seat of the most important religious orders. Our walk takes in monumental public buildings, antique residences, colonial churches and examples of utilitarian architecture, telling the tale of a remote village that was meant to be a colonial capital but inevitably became a modern metropolis.

Jewish Buenos Aires Walking Tour
The Buenos Aires Jewish community is one of the largest in the world and its heritage remains very much preserved. Specialists guide this comprehensive, 3 hour walking tour that introduces us into the unique features of the Buenos Aires Jewish culture. Starting at 10:00 am, you explore the traditional Jewish neighborhood, “Once”, the new AMIA building and the institute of Jewish studies. You will also visit the outstanding Ashkenazi and Sephardic temples as well as the site where the Israel Embassy once stood before the 1992 attack.

*Availability of walking tour is subject to season/day of week. Ask your travel advisor for details when planning your Buenos Aires vacation.

Prices Valid April- August

Prices Valid September- March

This optional cruise can be done from Puerto Piramides as a compliment to the Peninsula Valdes excursion. The tour starts along the coast before heading out to sea to look for cetaceans. The Captain will then stop the engines and silence reigns except for the interruption of a few seagulls.

Usually the whales appear, providing a fantastic sight and experience. During the tour, a bilingual guide will explain the habits and characteristics of these enormous sea dwellers.

*Price does not include transfers

This tour starts at 8:30am and begins by traveling along 120km (75 miles) of desert dirt road during which time there’s chance to see birds, armadillos, guanacos, choiques and grey foxes among other animals. Eventually you’ll arrive at Punta Tombo, the largest of the continental Magellan penguin colonies in South America with more than 200,000 couples of birds arriving during the period of September to mid-April. The penguins build their nests in caves hidden by bushes and are found close to the coast where the soil is softer for digging. Both males and females incubate the eggs and feed the young pigeons with fish and squid. Located on a privileged area, hundreds of couples compete amongst themselves looking for a good nest, the best position, the best partner and even for land and protection. During the tour, a guide will be explaining the behavior of the birds. Return to the hotel late in the afternoon.

Puerto Madryn is considered the Capital of Diving in Argentina and is visited all ye ar round by local and international divers attracted to its clear waters and varied sea-fauna. There are different options for diving, either from the beach with easy access or on boats. In this tour, you will first get dressed in your diver outfit, take a boat to the submarine park and after an introduction and safety brief you’ll descend with your instructor into the crystalline waters of the Golfo Nuevo, where you’ll see a wide variety of flora and fauna. The length of the tour is about 3h. No previous experience is needed (you don’t even have to know how to swim).

Departure from Puerto Madryn at about 8am along Route 25 (that connects the coast of Chubut with the Andean area) to arrive to the Florentino Ameguino Dam. This engineering feat produces most of the region’s energy. Here, you’ll have time at leisure to walk some of the paths or to enjoy other available activities. On the way back to Madryn, you’ll visit Dolavon, another town founded by the Welsh, where Chubut’s first mill is located. Return to the hotel at about 6.30pm.

At the chosen time, you will be picked up at the hotel by the guide carrying your US Shimano bike with front suspension. There are four different itineraries to follow:

1. Punta Este ~ 25km ~ 3 to 4h ~ Difficulty Easy ~ You will head east to the Indian Monument, on your way, you’ll have the chance to get inside the Patagonian Steppe and see typical flora and a panoramic view of Puerto Madryn.
2. El Doradillo ~ 38km ~ 5 to 6h ~ Difficulty Easy ~ El Doradillo was declared a municipal protected area in 2001, as it is one of the few places where whales may be watched from shore during June to November.
3. Punta Loma ~ 40km ~ 5 to 6h ~ Difficulty Moderate ~ Punta Loma was the first reserve in Chubut, created in 1967 with the purpose of protecting the only permanent South American sea lion colony. A colony of cormorants and South American terns, are among other sea and land birds, whilst reptiles and mammals also dwell this protected area.

Prices Valid May- September

Prices Valid October- April

From Ushuaia, you’ll take National Route 3 heading about 60km north, from where you’ll be able to enjoy the landscape of the Carabajal and Tierra Mayor Valleys. You’ll continue up to Paso Garibaldi, a panoramic spot with an impressive view of the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. You’ll then arrive at the shores of Fagnano Lake from where the tour will continue off-road along the coast for about 10km. After skirting Bombilla Lagoon the vehicle gets back into the woods and following a secondary road eventually rejoins Route 3, from where you’ll head back to Ushuaia. The whole ‘safari’ takes about 8 or 9 hours, and is considered to be of low difficulty.

Optional kayaking at an additional price: as soon as you reach the Lake, the staff will prepare the canoes for an hour adventure.

This tour is an introduction to Tierra del Fuego's history, wildlife and traditions. It starts from Ushuaia driving eastward to Harberton’s small dock from where you’ll board a zodiac boat and cross the Beagle Channel to Gable Island, the largest island in the channel. Wild, isolated and uninhabited, the island features an old sheep-shearing storehouse and some traces of the native Yamana Indians. While enjoying a warm and healthy breakfast in a comfortable hut, you’ll prepare for the 2-hour hike crossing the south of the island to reach the Beagle Channel. On the island, you’ll hike through some old native settlements and see many birds such as gulls, steamer ducks, petrels, cormorants, albatrosses and Magellan Penguins. After lunch your cruise continues to the Penguin Rockery at Martillo Island, home of a colony of Magellan Penguins and some Gentoo Penguins. The unique location of this island (close to the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters merge) allows for the existence of an incredible variety of rich sub-aquatic life, in turn making it an amazing spot for bird watching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross). Return to Harberton and an estancia which belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries that reached Tierra del Fuego, and was managed for many years by Ms. Natalie Goodall, one of the area’s foremost naturalists. After a short visit you’ll return to Ushuaia. Important note: Penguin tour available from November to March.

Heading to the National Park, you’ll start your trekking in Ensenada Bay, where you’ll see a wide variety of local flora and fauna, as well as some evidence of old Yamana settlements. After a 3-hour walk you’ll reach Lake Roca where lunch will be served before beginning the 1-hour kayaking adventure in Lapataia Bay. Return to Ushuaia.

Beavers are completely herbivorous mammals living on twigs, bark and leaves (to which they add grass in spring and summer). They build dams for protection and as a winter reserve of food. The departure from Ushuaia for this tour takes place during the summer evenings entering a private ranch and crossing the Andean Range in a comfortable Land Rover. After a 25 minute ride, you’ll be deep inside the Sub-Antarctic Beech Forest and the home of the beaver’s dams. You’ll be able to see the beavers at work as, due to a lack of predators, they have become extraordinarily abundant. Late evening return to Ushuaia after a dinner consisting of a healthy stew, with wonderful views of the city at night.

Prices Valid April 10- August

Prices Valid September- March

You will board at the floating dock located in Bajo de las Sombras Bay, 7km from the glacier lookout point. You will enjoy 40-min cruise on Lake Rico which will bring you closer to the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The excursion will take you to Bahia Bajo de las Sombras, 7km from the glacier, from where you’ll take a 30 minute boat ride to the southwestern edge of Lake Argentino, and a view to the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier and Canal de los Tempanos. Once on land, a guide will welcome you and give a brief introduction about the park and some security measures while ice-trekking. Then in small groups (max. 10 people) you will start the 20-minute walk to the glacier previous. From here you’ll enjoy a wonderful 2-hour walk on the surface of the ice. Return to the hut for lunch (you can take your own box lunch or request it as an additional service). Return to the hotel.

Early morning departure from your hotel in El Calafate for a ride to Punta Bandera where you will board the yacht. After a beautiful cruise over Lake Argentino, you will reach the Upsala Glacier, the largest one within the continental Patagonian ice-field. The height of its walls ranges from 197 to 262 ft (60-80m) and it is 37 miles (60km) long, and 3-4 miles (5-7km) wide. The tour will then continue before landing in Onelli Bay, from here you’ll find yourselves surrounded by typical Patagonian forest where lenga and guindo trees are found all over, covered by the ‘old man's beard’ usnea (lichen). After crossing the forest, you will reach the Onelli Lagoon, where glaciers Onelli, Bolado and Agassiz meet. The lagoon is usually full of icebergs. Depending upon the season, you’ll continue to the Spegazzini and Seco Glaciers. Late return to Calafate.

Estancia Cristina welcomes you to a day in Patagonia filled with unique sensations and experiences. Starting off with a cruise amongst impressive icebergs you’ll have imposing views of the Upsala Glacier. Our modern and comfortable boat Upsala Explorer will take you towards the estancia. The excursion has two different mutually exclusive options. Depending on weather conditions, the guides will prepare different activities: walks or hikes of different difficulties and lengths to explore the historical estancia and its surroundings.  Full lunch including beverages is included in price.

4x4 Exploration
08.00 am Departure from Puerto Banderas.
10.30 am Cruise amongst icebergs in front of Upsala Glacier.
11.30 am Arrival to Estancia Cristina, Unimog ride to Upsala Glacier lookout point.
02.30 pm Lunch (Patagonian Lamb).
05.00 pm Visit of the historical estancia and its surroundings.
05.30 pm Departure towards Puerto Bandera (snack on board).

Horseback Riding Exploration
08.00 am Departure from Puerto Bandera.
10.30 am Cruise amongst icebergs in front of Upsala Glacier.
11.30 am Arrival to Estancia Cristina, Horseback riding through forests, hills and valleys to Lake Tannhauser panoramic lookout point.
02.30 pm Lunch (Patagonian Lamb).
05.00 pm Visit of the historical estancia and its surroundings.
05.30 pm Departure towards Puerto Bandera (snack on board).

This excursion gives an insight into the lives of the area’s first inhabitants, the regional flora and fauna and other interesting secrets of El Calafate. On board of a comfortable bus, you’ll visit different sectors of the village and its surroundings, such as Redonda Bay and the Nimes Lagoon. The trip starts in the Historical Interpretation Centre, close to the shores of Lake Argentino, where the visitors learn interesting facts about the area’s past and its former inhabitants. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the town from different lookout points and finally be guided to the painted rocks in the Gualicho Caves, just 9km from El Calafate, where paintings dating back to 4,000 years BC can be seen. This archaeological site is located in an outstanding geological formation of sedimentary rocks and steppe vegetation.

Just 20km from El Calafate you will find the Estancia Alice where the kind staff welcome you with delicious home made jams, cookies, scones, bread and hot tea or coffee. The adventure starts at the antique sheep shearing shed where the walking tour follows trekking paths that lead to the lagoon ‘Laguna de los Pajaros’ and the lake ‘Lago Argentino’. The expedition to the nature reserve includes bird watching of over 40 migrating species. The tour continues to an ancient Indian camping ground where archeologists have been involved in excavations and studies of the local culture. In the shearing shed you will learn how sheep are shorn and how wool is baled. The tour ends with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue, fresh salads and homemade desserts at the cozy restaurant overlooking ‘Lago Argentino’ and the ‘Cordillera de Los Andes’.