Patagonien Pur II

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1:
Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is a lively, cosmopolitan city with many attractions. From the charming main plaza with government palace, to the many shopping streets and cafes, there is always something to keep you occupied in Buenos Aires. You may wish to see a Tango show in the city where the dance originated or visit the cemetery where Eva Peron is buried.

Days 2-4:
Drive Across Pampa Region To Valdes Peninsula. From Buenos Aires we begin our 2-day journey south across the Pampa region to our first destination. When we cross the Colorado River, this is considered to be the point at which the Patagonia region begins. From here we proceed to our first main stop of Puerto Madryn, gateway to the Valdes Peninsula. Reaching the Valdez Peninsula we spend a day visiting various sites renowned for sea lions, sea elephants and a variety of bird life. At certain times of the year (July to December) it is also possible to see Southern Right Whales, which gather in great numbers for the breeding season in the waters around the peninsula.

Days 5-9:
Patagonia, Straits Of Magellan And Ushuaia. We proceed south again, driving across the Patagonian plains, along the Atlantic coast, and across the Straits of Magellan towards the Southernmost town in the world, Ushuaia. This journey will take 2 to 3 long days driving, requiring a lot of patience until we reach our destination.

As we continue south, we enter the region of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and the scenery changes once more into rugged mountain wilderness. Situated in this beautiful setting is the lovely town of Ushuaia. It is perfectly located overlooking the Beagle Channel and with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks behind.

From Ushuaia it is possible to take an optional boat excursion onto the Beagle Channel. The boat trip offers the opportunity of not only spectacular views of Ushuaia and surrounding area, but also to see the local wildlife such as sea lions, albatross and many other species of sea birds. You can also make a visit to the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park where the Pan-American highway ends. Here there are some wonderful hiking trails through the beautiful beech forests.

Days 10-15:
Punta Arenas & Torres Del Paine N.P. We head back north and re-enter Chile, with the destination of the coastal city of Punta Arenas. The city was declared a duty free zone in 1868, and was once a major port before the opening of the Panama canal early in the 20th century. Here you can shop and get bargains at the duty free area, and stock up on all necessities for the next 4 days to be spent in the spectacular Torres (towers) del Paine National Park, named after its enormous granite towers. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and occupies an area of 2400 square kilometres.

We camp at a beautiful site overlooking Lake Pehoe, with the backdrop of the nearby Cuernos (horns) del Paine. As well as the stunning scenery, the park is home to a variety of fauna and flora, including condors, guanacos and rheas (the South American ostrich). The park is one of the trekking capitals of the world, and with good reason as it has plenty of opportunities for trekking on the many trails. We spend three full days in the park to enable you to fully enjoy all the park has to offer.

A couple of the more popular trails are those going up to the base of the towers themselves, and also the trip to Gray Glacier. The trip to Gray Glacier begins with a boat ride across Lake Pehoe, and then trekking up to a vantage point where you can enjoy fantastic views of this huge glacier. The trek to the base of the towers is a fantastic walk. Not only does it provide beautiful views of the mountains and valleys around, but also offers breathtaking views of the towers at the end.

Days 16-17:
El Calafate & Moreno Glacier. From Torres del Paine we re-enter Argentina and drive along the shores of Lago Argentino, the third largest lake in South America, and onto the town of El Calafate. From here you can take an amazing optional excursion to the spectacular Moreno Glacier, a massive field of ice towering up to 60 metres and reaching four kilometres across. It is an awesome sight to behold, and even more so when massive chunks of ice break off and plunge into the icy water below. Two optional excursions are available here, and both include transport and English-speaking guides. The first is a trip, which includes a hike in the forested area in front of the glacier with a boat trip taking you up close, both of which ensure that you get spectacular views from the best vantage points. After firstly spending some time at the best viewing points, you will be fitted with crampons and can then walk around on the glacier for up to 2 hours.

Days 18-23:
El Chalten Hiking & Drive To Bariloche. Leaving El Calafate, we continue North to the next destination of El Chalten. As we approach El Chalten, we drive along Lake Viedma, a spectacular lake with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and the Glacier Viedma.

El Chalten is a small town dwarfed by the magnificent, surrounding mountains, and now considered to be the trekking capital of Argentina. This is the northernmost section of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, and there are countless hiking opportunities branching out in every direction from this little haven. One of the most popular is the trek to the base of Mount Fitzroy. The views of this mountain are breathtaking as its jagged peak punctures the Patagonian sky. There are also many options for horse riding in the surrounding area. Another fantastic day out here is an optional hike on a glacier and ice climbing. After the initial hike to Laguna Torre, which has a glacier running into it, you will then hike onto the glacier after being issued with crampons. You spend a couple of hours hiking around the glacier past many crevasses and ice formations, and all against the spectacular backdrop of Cerro Torre. And to conclude the time on the glacier you receive some instruction on ice climbing and you are then able to have a go for yourself.

From El Chalten we begin our long journey across the dry, windswept expanse of Patagonia. As we follow the road North, we are treated to many beautiful views of the Andes, and opportunities to see condors, flamingos and the odd armadillo scuttling across the road.

Before arriving in Bariloche we spend a night in the lovely Los Alerces National Park, which has many beautiful lakes and mountain views. The area to the north of here is also famed as once being the home of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They spent time here in the early 20th century attempting to avoid the detectives looking for them from the United States. We finish our journey through this area in the spectacular Argentine lakes district and the lovely town of Bariloche.

Days 24-25:
Argentine Lakes District & San Carlos De Bariloche. Bariloche has a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It is a Swiss-like resort town famous for its chocolate fondue and winter skiing, but also home to many other outdoor activities in the surrounding area particularly in Summer. There are many hiking and mountain biking options around, and some great horse-riding adventures.

Day 29:
Pucon, Volcan Villarica And Santiago. From Bariloche we travel through the spectacular Nahuel Huapi National Park and back into Chile, to the equally beautiful Chilean Lakes district. We base ourselves at the picturesque town of Pucon, a small resort on Lake Villarica, nestled below the perfect cone-shaped Volcano Villarica. The area is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls and offers many exciting activities. A fabulous optional activity offered here is a trek to the top of the Volcano. It is a tough climb but the views at the top are spectacular, and to be able to look into the crater of this active volcano as it roars softly and belches steam, is an amazing experience. Other activities available in Pucon are white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking and water sports on the Lake.

From Pucon we travel North through the lakes district, vineyards and fertile farmland, and onto the finishing point for this tour, Santiago, the capital of Chile. Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541 whilst exploring new territories for the Spanish colonies in South America. It has become a beautiful city with a pleasant climate all year round. The main focal point of the city is the main square, Plaza de Armas. Our hotel is just 3 blocks from the plaza. It is a very attractive tree-lined plaza, dominated on one side by the magnificent cathedral. From here you can easily explore central Santiago on foot. The streets around the plaza are the main shopping streets of the city where you can purchase any last minute items and souvenirs before we finish the journey. Other sites near the centre are the Government Palace, and Cerro Santa Lucia – a hill a few blocks from the plaza, which affords great views over the city, or a chance to relax in the parks around it.

Day 30:
Santiago. Tour ends.