Price: |
from $2,390 |
Days: |
8 days |
Difficulty: |
Easy |
Departs: |
Daily (best time to travel: November to March) |
This is the ultimate naturalist adventure. Not only you will enjoy Argentina's hospitality and food, but you will be exposed to an incredible variety of flora, fauna and marine life. During this adventure you will also explore Ushuaia's famous Tierra del Fuego National Park followed by a first-hand encounter with one of the world's most famous glacier: Perito Moreno. Please call 1-800-667-6134 for details.
Upon arrival in Puerto Madryn we will begin our full day Tour to Punta Tombo Penguin Refuge. After a two hour scenic drive we reach Tombo where over half a million Magellan penguins live (the largest penguin nesting ground in continental South America). Here you will also be able to observe many other species of seabirds and shorebirds such as; the king and rock cormorants, giant petrels, kelp gulls, flightless steamers ducks and black oyster-catchers. Tip: Penguins remain on land from September to April. We will arrive to our hotel during the late afternoon.
Morning departure for a full day tour to Peninsula Valdes. About 11 miles from Puerto Madryn, across the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, we will find Peninsula Valdes, one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America. Sea lions, sea elephants, seals, guanacos, rheas and many seabirds are present in large numbers in the beaches and headlands. Sheep breading ranches, “estancias,” occupy most of the peninsula’s interior, which includes one of the lowest continental depressions in the world, the salt flats of Salina Grande and Salina Chica (138 ft. below sea level). In the San Jose Gulf, just off the Isthmus, is Bird’s Island, a bird sanctuary off limits to humans but visible through a powerful telescope. Puerto Piramide, the peninsula’s only village, was the port of exit for salt from Salina Grande at the turn of the century, but now it depends exclusively on tourism. Right whales visit its sandy white beaches between July and December. Caleta Valdes, on the eastern shore, is a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit where Sea Elephants haul up in the spring. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B)
If time permits, enjoy one last walk around Puerto Madryn before your flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel where you can explore this remote city. (B)
Early departure to Tierra del Fuego National Park. This 240 sq. miles park has one of the most beautiful Sub-Antarctic forests of the world. The flora and fauna of the remote area are spectacular. During the afternoon we will enjoy a cruise on the Beagle Channel. Leaving from Ushuaia´s Port, we enjoy views of Ushuaia Bay, Bridges Island, Birds Island, Seals Island and the "Les Eclaireures" lighthouse. An unforgettable experience. Overnight in Ushuaia. (B)
This morning you will fly to El Calafate, the gateway to the Glaciares National Park's famous Perito Moreno glacier. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Feel free to explore this quaint town at your own pace. (B)
Today we will visit the amazing Perito Moreno glacier, one of Argentina's most impressive natural wonders. Perito Moreno is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is still growing. The glacier is about 3 miles wide and almost 240 ft. high. The ice reaches a depth of over 550 ft. into the Lake Argentino. Return to our hotel in the afternoon. (B)
Free day to explore El Calafate at your own pace. You can also enjoy an optional full day cruise aboard a catamaran to visit the Upsala & Onelli glaciers. During our adventure, we will sail among spectacular glaciers. Upon arrival at the the Onelli Glacier, we will enjoy an amazing view of the glacier's wall. Our excursion will also include exploring nearby forests and natural sights. (B)
Early transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires to return home on continue on one of our extensions in Argentina, Chile or another South American country. Bon Voyage!!! (B)
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.