Argentina/Chile - Adventure – Self-guided tours –16 days / 15 nights
Highlights…:
• Hike in El Chalten, Argentina trekking capital ;
• Explore the superb glacier Perito Moreno;
• Ushuaia, the end of the world ;
• Torres del Paine, a wonder to behold.
Nature : 
- Culture : 
Encounters : - Trekking :
Starting from $ 2869 USD*
GLand of mysteries and legends, Patagonia takes you to a surreal and magnificent landscape of peaks, glaciers, lakes, rivers, fjords. Explore Patagonia’s stunning wilderness al the way to Ushuaia, at the end of the world!
Argentina: The National Park of Los Glaciares has 80% of its surface covered in ice (glaciers). Only the high peaks of granite have resisted and continue their fight against the erosion from ice. The result is a variety of incredible shapes.
Chile: The National Park of Torres del Paine is a region of great beauty and amazing geology, remarkable for its colors and contrasts. Its rivers, lakes and fjords cut through ancient forests home to a varied fauna and give it a turquoise colore…
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ITINERARY
Arrival by international flight
After landing in Buenos Aires, our driver will take you to your hotel, located in the city centre. A member of our team will provide you with a road book and a mobile phone to keep in touch with us 24/7. Guided visit to the most famous and picturesque areas: El Caminito and San Telmo, at the origins of Tango, then the ancient harbour, heart of the city. By night, stroll in Puerto Madero area, an old harbour converted into a business area.
- Transport : private transfer - 45 min + public transport
- Accommodation: hotel**
- Included meals: none
Flight Buenos Aires > El Calafate
Bus El Calafate > El Chalten
Transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. A bus will take you directly to El Chalten, a colourful town on the edge of Los Glaciares National park. Truly beautiful scenery along the route, with the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Take a first glance at Viedma glacier and the granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy. Enjoy the rest of the day at El Chalten, resting and wandering around this small town and its many viewpoints.
- Transport: private transfer - 30 min + regular bus service - 3h
- Accommodation: family run hotel
- Included meals : breakfast, lunch
Early departure for your first hike at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy with its peaks and glaciers. Walk along turquois lakes before returning to El Chalten. A beautiful trek to discover the hanging Piedras Blancas Glacier and move along the shores of the lagoons Madre and Hija and De los Tres, all set in a magnificent scenery and wildlife.
- Optional transport : VAN - 30min
- Accommodation: family run hotel
- Included melas: breakfast and lunch
- Trekking : 6 - 7h easy hike, medium difficulty on the last part, during the ascent of the Moraine.
On this fourth day, we offer two options according to your requirements and budget.
- Accommodation: family run hotel
- Included meals : breakfast
Leave in the morning from your hotel to board a cruise on Lake Viedma. Disembark close to Viedma Glacier, wear your crampons and start exploring this incredible world of ice: turquoise lagoons, sinkholes, cracks, ice caves and crystal clear water. Return to your hotel by mid-afternoon.
- Transport : van + catamaran - 2h van + 4h cruise
- Trekking: 2h hike on ice.
- Price : 155 $ p.p.
Leave early in the morning to climb Pliegue Tumbado with 360° views across the Fitz Roy Massif and Lake Viedma. This fantastic trek crosses the Patagonian steppe and native forests, where you can observe typical fauna and possibly spot some marine fossils.
- Trekking: 8h easy hike. 800m change in altitude.
Bus El Chalten > El Calafate
Hike to Lake Torre for stunning views of Mount Torre a major challenge for best climbers,. The lake, fed by Mount Torre’s glacier, lies at the foot of this incredible 1000m high granite tower, with its famous needle shaped peak surmounted by an ice cap. The Fitz Roy, also known as cerro Chalten, is very arduous to climb. Leave El Chalten by bus in the late afternoon to arrive in El Calafate in the early evening.
- Transport : regular bus service - 3h
- Accommodation: hotel**
- Included meals : breakfast and lunch
- Trekking : 5 - 7h hike depending on the trail
Experience the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. This is the most active glacier in Patagonia and with some luck you will hear the terrible cracking noise and possibly observe a massive block of ice falling into Lake Argentino. Depart from your hotel for the Los Glaciares National Park following the old road that borders the lake. Stop just a few kilometres from Perito Moreno glacier to enjoy a short hike to admire the glacier along the arm of Lake Rico. Inside the park, reach the main observation point and later enjoy different perspectives of Perito Moreno from the many viewpoints. Enjoy this amazing show of ice from up-close. Back to El Calafate by the conventional route.
- Transport : van - 2h
- Accommodation: hotel**
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking : 1h30
Leave early in the morning to the National Park of Torres del Paine in Chile. Crossing the Argentine pampas to the Chilean border, you will observe ñandus and guanacos in their natural environment. Arrival at the Park is schedule at about 10am. A van will take you to the most outstanding view points of the park from where you will start a hike surrounded by pristine nature. By mid-afternoon, board the catamaran to navigate across the calm, turquoise Lake Pehoe and finally reach the refugio Paine Grande.
- Accommodation: your tent – camping Paine
- Included meals : breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking : 2h
- Navigation by catamaran not included
Today you will hike to Grey Glacier. The hike is a little demanding but with spectacular landscapes. First you will observe the impressive icebergs floating on Lake Grey, on the way back you will appreciate the Grey Glacier, this incredible river of ice with its 5km and 70m high front.
- Accommodaiton: your tent – camping Paine
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking : 7 - 8h (without bags).
- Change in altitude : + 500m
Discover the French Valley where glaciers hang from mountain peaks. The trail is simply beautiful, running through native flora and exposing the many hanging glaciers and waterfalls. Climb the valley without the bags that you leave at the bottom of the valley and will get on your way back, before heading to the next destination, camping Italiano.
- Accommodation: your tent - camping Italiano
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking : 7 - 8h (without bags)
- Change in altitude : + 800m
You will follow the trail along the blue waters of Lake Nordenskjold to reach the Chileno Refuge. Nice overview on the lakes of the park.
- Accommodation: your tent - camping Chileno
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking : 5 - 6h (without bags)
- Change in altitude : + 300m
Early start, 2h30 ascension to reach the foot of the Torres del Paine needles. An impressive trail winding its way towards the famous vertical granite face towering more than 1.000 meters, overlooking a small glacier mounted on a glacial lake. On the way back, pick up your bags and board your bus to Puerto Natales from the Park’s entrance. Then another bus to Punta Arenas where you will arrive at the end of the day.
- Transport : bus - 5h
- Accommodation: hotel**
- Included meals: breakfast and lunch
- Trekking : 6 - 7h (withour bags)
- Change in altitude : + 500m
Bus Punta Arenas > Ushuaia
Morning departure for Ushuaia. A full day bus journey across the pampas, the strait of Magellan where you can see Commerson dolphins and the island of Tierra del Fuego, before arriving in Ushuaia in the afternoon.
- Transport : bus - 10h
- Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
- Included meals: breakfast and lunch
Take a free morning to visit Ushuaia. In the afternoon board a cruise over the Beagle channel (3h). Pass by the island Los Lobos, ideal for spotting sea lions and sea birds (albatrosses, petrels, etc.). The navigation will continue toward the famous lighthouse of Les Eclaireurs. The appeal of this cruise is seeing the southernmost city in the world from the point of view of the first sailors. Your navigation will eventually take you to the penguin colony at the mouth of the canal before returning to Ushuaia.
- Transport : catamaran - 4h cruise
- Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
After a short bus transfer, you will start a nice hike on coastal and forest trails. Pass through Lake Roca, Pipo River, peat bogs, Lenga forest (upland beech specie of Tierra del Fuego) and beaver dams. The hike ends at the Bay Lapataia. Back in Ushuaia by mid- afternoon.
- Transport : bus - 45min
- Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
- Included meals: breakfast and lunch
- Trekking : 5 h
Flight Ushuaia > Buenos Aires
Another free morning in Ushuaia. Go hiking to Martial Glacier for some panoramic views over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. A transfer vehicle will take you to the airport in the afternoon for your flight to Buenos Aires.
- Transport: private transfer - 45min
- Accommodation: hotel**
- Included meals : breakfast
Departure of your international flight
Free time in the capital city. Three hours before your international flight, a transfer vehicle will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport.
- Transport : private transfer - 45 min
- Included meals : breakfast
This program is only given as an indication. Transhumans reserves the right, directly or through its local partners, to replace transportation, accommodation, itinerary, as well as dates and departure times, without the participants being able to claim any compensation.
Dates and prices
PRICES 2016 (in USD per person)
| N° of participants | 2 to 3 | 4 to 5 | 6 to 7 | 8 or more |
| Price per pers. ($) | 3099 | 2979 | 2929 | 2869 |
The price includes:
- Domestic flights: Buenos Aires > El Calafate ; Ushuaia > Buenos Aires ;
- Ground transfers as mentioned in the program;
- 5 nights in hotel**, 3 nights in family run hotel, 3 nights in bed & breakfast, 4 nights in your tent - double room ;
- All the meals mentioned in the programme ;
- Excursion to Perito Moreno glacier ;
- Excursion on the Beagle channel ;
- Excursion to Tierra del Fuego national park ;
- An English speaking member of our team the first day in Buenos Aires ;
- A road book with all the information necessary for the smooth running of your stay ;
- A mobile phone to be in contact with us 24/7
The price does not include:
- International flights ;
- Entrances to parks and museums ;
- Airport tax in Ushuaia (ARS$28) ;
- The single occupancy supplement : $315 ( no single room available with the host family);
- Drinks and personal expenses ;
- The comprehensive insurance and repatriation assistance.
... and more generally all that is not mentioned in « the price includes » section.
Some important facts
- National flights are included ;
- Transfers to/from airport/hotel/airport are included ;
- Accommodation is included and selected based on quality and hygiene ;
- Local partners are fairly compensated ;
- 3% of the price of your trip goes directly to support a local educational project for cultural and environmental development .
Practical Information
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Accompanying English and Spanish speaking guides
The day of your arrival, you will be received by an English speaking member of our staff. He/she will hand you a road book and a mobile phone, allowing you to be in contact with us 24/7 if needed. If specified in your program, he/she will also accompany you around the capital, giving you the basic practical information about the country or countries you are visiting.
During excursions you will be accompanied by a Spanish speaking guide, often also speaking English.
When to travel to Patagonia?
The best season for visiting this part of Argentina and Chile is from November to late April (summer and springtime in the southern hemisphere). Temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less abundant, making this period ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities. The climate can be capricious in Patagonia, with fierce winds, rain and clouds scurrying across the sky at a fast pace, constantly displaying the extraordinary scenery in a new light. It is not uncommon to have sunshine, wind, rain and even snow on a single day, even during summertime. The key is to layer for cold weather, take off layers when the day gets warmer and wear waterproof clothing.
Besides this season, two recommendable months are July and August. These are very cold months in Patagonia but the weather normally stabilize in this period with many beautiful sunny days and little wind!
Local Transportation
Travelling by bus is the most popular and cheapest way to discover the country. Classes range from Semi-Cama to Cama Suite with wider seats which are reclining to a horizontal position almost like being in bed. Distances are long and it takes nearly 12 hour bus ride from Valparaiso to Pucon. Bus lines connect major cities together. The buses run at an average speed of 80 km/h. For long distances, the plane remains the most convenient mean of transportation.
NOTE : TransHumans offers the option of booking for you the international flight ticket; we will seek and book for you the best deals. Price may vary depending on the time of purchase but can vary between $ 1000 and $ 1600.
Formalities
PASSPORT & VISA : A valid passport is sufficient for most European and US citizens; a tourist visa will be issued at entry to the territory. If the stay exceeds the three months, it will be necessary to apply for a visa at the Embassy in your country. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
REMINDER : Make copies of all your important documents (passport, flight tickets, insurance, and credit card). Leave one copy of each at home and pack one with you.
EQUIPMENT
GOOD GEAR WILL ALLOW YOU TO BETTER ENJOY YOUR TRIP…
Clothing:
Given the relatively wet weather prevailing in the region, it is essential to have waterproof trousers and jacket with you in your bag. Also bring warm clothes since evenings and nights are often chilly. Wearing layers of clothes can be a good idea to easily adapt to the weather conditions. Typical layers include: t-shirt, sweater, fleece, wind/water proof layer. We highly recommend lightweight, quick-drying technical clothing. Avoid rain capes as they easily get stuck to branches with the wind.
Remember to take with you waterproof hiking shoes, hat, gloves and sunglasses!
Miscellaneous:
-Toiletry bag (biodegradable products are preferred)
-Small quick-drying towel
-Sunscreen lotion
-Insect repellent DEET (+ 40% for good protection). Also useful against fleas which can be a nuisance for people with sensitive skin.
-Head torch (with spare batteries and bulbs)
-Bottle and/or camel bag
-Pocket knife (checked luggage)
-Money belt or pouch to safely store your passport, currency, credit cards, personal papers, insurance papers.
-A copy of your passport.
-Power sockets in Chile are those commonly find in Europe type C and Italy type L; Voltage: 220 V.
Medical Kit:
-Antidiarrheal medication (i.e.smecta and imodium)
-Antihistamine
-Plasters, sterile dressings and antiseptics
-Medicine for pain or fever (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
-Elastic adhesive bandage
-Anti-inflammatory ointment or cream
-Water purification tablets
NOTE : Most of these products are also available in local pharmacies.
Luggage:
Please arrange your belongings in two bags:
-Small backpack (capacity 25/40 litres).This is your hand luggage you will take with you on the plane as well as every day during hikes, excursions and transfers.
-Large waterproof backpack to check-in (capacity 60 to 90 litres).
-Large plastic bag to protect from moisture your belongings in your backpacks.
HEALTH
Vaccines
The country does not present any health risks, and the water is potable almost everywhere. No vaccine is mandatory for Chile, but some are recommended:
-Tetanus-diphtheria
-Polio
-Pertussis
-Hepatitis B
For children and those born before 1980: measles, mumps - rubella.
Other risks
In recent years shelters and hotels in Patagonia have seen the proliferation of small bed fleas, despite regular cleaning being carried out. Regular insect repellent is also effective against fleas. Try to avoid contact with insects. Fleas tend to be a nuisance for sensitive skin.
Medical Assistance
Medical care is excellent in most tourist areas both in Argentina and Chile. For more remote areas, in case of urgent medical assistance, contact your local Embassy. We highly recommend you to contact your insurance as soon as possible.
Responsible Tourism
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Our Vision & Commitment
Cultural awareness is very important to us. Sensible to the local cultural traditions and beliefs, the beauty of the landscapes and the biodiversity of the ecosystems, we choose to limit the negative impact of our activities on the local environment. In addition to designing trips that aim at preserving the natural, cultural and social resources of the territories in the long term, we also include the concept of “Territorial Compensation”. The idea of Territorial Compensation is to help local people protect and conserve their ecosystem, enhance their cultural heritage and develop sustainable projects for their territory.
Based on this concept of Territorial Compensation, TransHumans donates 3% of the total price of each trip to this cause. The money goes directly into a solidarity fund that finances our ERECA program (Education Relative à l'Environnement et aux Cultures Aborigènes), an environmental and cultural program. Since 2007, we have supported various projects aimed at training and awareness-raising for the local communities.
If you want to know more about this+ : http://www.transhumans.fr/en/solidarity-project-transhumans
