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ARGENTINATour packages to Argentina 2018

Come to discover the wonders of Argentina. Bustling, exciting Buenos Aires. Iguassu Falls with its plunging cataracts. The majesty of the Andes. The super-scenic Lake District. The wine center of Mendoza. Patagonia stretching south to glacier lakes and fjords before meeting Tierra del Fuego and its capital Ushuaia, meeting point for the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the tip of the Continent.

Come, join us to discover Argentina !

The Big 3 in Argentina: New Program..! Exploring Calafate (Perito Moreno Glacier), The 7th Wonder of the World "Iguassu Falls" and fantastic Buenos Aires

Iguassu Falls & Buenos Aires...6 nights visiting the most beautiful sites in Argentina plus extension to Bariloche

Best of the Argentinian Patagonia....12 nights Visiting Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia & Calafate

Best of Argentina  14 days....visiting Mendoza, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Calafate and the 7Th Wonder of the world Iguassu Falls....

Patagonia Atlantic.. 7 nights exploring Peninsula Valdez, Trelew, Punta Tombo -observing whales, penguins, elephant sea lions..and more....

Patagonia Icefields  8 days...Buenos Aires, Calafate, Lake Argentino, Perito Moreno & Spagazzini Glaciers, Chalten and more...

Antarctic Cruise  Departing from Ushuaia for 12 days

Australis Cruise Expeditions 8 days Cruising around Cape Horn towards Punta Arenas -

Buenos Aires: Private guide and private transportation..avoid the crowds...

 

Combinations: Argentina with Chile, Brazil, Peru & more...

Best of the South Atlantic  10 days Visiting Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires & Iguassu Falls

Best of Patagonia Argentina-Chile   14 days visiting Bariloche, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine (Chile) and Perito Moreno  (Argentina) plus Puerto Montt, Buenos Aires and Santiago.  Also optional extension to Peninsula Valdez (Argentina)

Andean Lake Crossing (Argentina to Chile) - 8 nights visiting Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Crossing the lakes from Argentina to Chile, Puerto Varas and Santiago

 

Extensions in Argentina:

Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdes.....For Whales, Penguins, Sea Elephantes and more..

Australis Cruises.....5 days/4 nights aboard the Stella or Ventus Australis -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IGUASSU FALLS & BUENOS AIRES

 

Argentina vacation packages  

 

6 night tour program-Locally hosted

 

DAY 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and transfer to your hotel by a private vehicle.
At night dinner and tango show. As beef is the tradition of Argentina, no visitor ought to leave this land without enjoying a large steak grilled to perfection, washed down by one of its excellent wines. Then, enjoy the gaucho and criollo folkloric traditions, songs and dances, and the porteño love songs and intricate tango dance steps. Round trip share transfers included . (D)

DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing tour (shared) around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

 

DAY 3 BUENOS AIRES

Day at leisure to explore -The Capital of Argentina or take an optional tour to explore the nearby Estancias. (B)

DAY 4 BUENOS AIRES-IGUASSU
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu. Arrive and private transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 5  IGUASSU Tour of the Falls
Today guided to tour of the Falls (shared). Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one ilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor). During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. (Approximately this tour takes 6 hours) (B)

DAY 6 IGUASSU
Day at leisure to explore the National Park on your own or take an optional tour to visit the Brazilian side. (B)

DAY 7 IGUASSU-BUENOS AIRES-CONNECT & DEPART
Transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires and connections (B)

INCLUDING:
Transfers on arrival and departure with an assistance of our local representative. Luggage handling at airports and hotels. Tours as noted including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B= Breakfast, L=Lunch. Hotel accommodations for 6 nights with room taxes. Assistance of our local representatives 24/7 by phone.

NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic airfare. USA airport departure taxes, Tips, passports, personal items, alcoholic beverages, Travel & Health insurance and any other services not mentioned in itinerary. Argentina airport departure tax of $30.00

LAND TOUR RATES:

2024 Cost per person 3 star Hotels 4 star Hotels 5 star Hotels
Sharing Double US$1,483 1,654 2,491
Sharing Triple 1,420 1,591 N/A
Single Call Call Call

 

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

LOCAL AIRFARE is not included. Approximate cost  Buenos Aires-Iguassu-Buenos Aires $350-450

 

HOTELS USED:

3 star Hotels: Dazzler Recoleta (std room) in B.Aires, St.George (std room) in Iguassu

4 star Hotels: Loi Suites in Buenos Aires and Loi Suites Iguassu (studio Jr room)

5 star Hotels: Sofitel in B.Aires, Melia (falls view room) in Iguassu and Alma del Lago in Bariloche

 

Land tour Deposits: 15% of the land tour cost (per person) at the time of booking.
Land tour Final Payment: 60 days before departure

Airfares deposit: Airlines do not guarantee any airfares unless ticketed. Full payment required at the time of booking

 

EXTENSION TO BARILOCHE:

3 days/2 nights

DAY 01 Arrive in Bariloche and transfer to hotel DESIGN (4stars) with daily buffet breakfast

DAY 02 Full day tour (Call Circuito grande). Tour starts with scenic drive skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi as far as Puerto Pañuelo and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Leaving this lake behind, the road climbs through a forest of coihue trees, a native evergreen, offering views of the Andean peaks, you will see the impressive mount Tronador then to Lake Moreno for panoramic view of Lake Nahue Huapi, Victoria Island and the Andean mountains in all their splendor. Return to Bariloche via Laguna El Trebol (Clover Lagoon). Overnight hotel Design

DAY 03 Transfer to the airport.

 

LAND TOUR COST PER PERSON

DBL US$592; TRP $556

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big 3 in Argentina

Argentina vacations Iguassu Calafate Buenos Aires 

 

 

Visiting Buenos Aires, Patagonia (Calafate, Perito Moreno, Ice Rivers)  and magnificent Iguassu Falls

 

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Daily departures


DAY 1 ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and transfer to your hotel by a private vehicle.
At night dinner and tango show. As beef is the tradition of Argentina, no visitor ought to leave this land without enjoying a large steak grilled to perfection, washed down by one of its excellent wines. Then, enjoy the gaucho and criollo folkloric traditions, songs and dances, and the porteño love songs and intricate tango dance steps. Round trip share transfers included to El Viejo Almacen or La Ventana. (D)

DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing tour (shared) around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 3 BUENOS AIRES-IGUASSU
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires with connection to Iguassu. Arrive and private transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 4 IGUASSU Tour of the Falls
Today guided to tour of the Falls (shared tour). Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one ilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor). During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. (Approximately this tour takes 6 hours) (B)

DAY 5 IGUASSU-BUENOS AIRES-CALAFATE
Private transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires where you will be connecting with flight to Calafate. Arrive in Calafate and share transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 6 CALAFATE: Full day Perito Moreno with boat tour -Shared tour
Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive Patagonian Glacier formed about 1 million years ago. Today will drive about 50 miles from Calafate, to the Peninsula of Magallanes, (south arm of the lago Argentino) to see the glacier, 240 feet above sea level and 3 miles wide, it is an overwhelming view of nature and contrary to other glaciers, this is the only one in the world which is still growing. The day tour includes the Nautical Safari Boat ride. (B)

DAY 7 CALAFATE – ICE RIVERS- Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers (Los Glaciares) Shared tour
The tour goes through the Spegazzini and the Upsala glaciers, entering the bays that they form and also includes sailing in the cord of icebergs located about 20 km from the Upsala glacier.
You will be picked up around 8:30 from your hotel and will undertake the journey of 50 Km to Punta Bandera, where the boat departs at 10:30 o’clock
The first part of the excursion is in the northern arm of Lake Argentino across the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake, then you will go to the Upsala channel and the Spegazzini channel where you are able to see, at the end of each channel, the respective glaciers. The navigation runs between spectacular icebergs of immense size and varied forms. From the boat you will see, among others, the Upsala and the Spegazzini glaciers, the largest and highest respectively among all glaciers in the park.
The route of this navigation is subject to modifications by unfavorable weather conditions. Mid-afternoon return to Calafate and transfer to your hotel...(Take note -this tour runs only from September to April) (B)


DAY 8 CALAFATE –BUENOS AIRES
Transfer to airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive at the domestic airport Aeroparque where you will be met and transfer to Ezeiza international airport (45 minutes away). (B)

INCLUDING:
Transfers on arrival and departure with an assistance of our local representative. Luggage handling at airports and hotels. Tours as noted including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B= Breakfast, L=Lunch. Hotel accommodations for 7 nights with room taxes. Assistance of our local representatives 24/7 by phone.

NOT INCLUDED:
Internationa or domestic airfare. USA airport departure taxes, Tips, passports, personal items, alcoholic beverages, Travel & Health insurance and any other services not mentioned in itinerary. Argentina airport departure tax of $30.00

LAND TOUR RATES:

2024  Cost per person 3 star Hotels 4 star Hotels 5 star Hotels
Sharing Double US$2,770 3,058 4,120
Sharing Triple 2,680 2,950 N/A
Single Call Call Call

 

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

From May to August -please deduct US$150 as the tour to Glaciers Spagazini & Upsala does not run.

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE Buenos Aires-Iguassu-Calafate- Buenos Aires $390-550

 

HOTELS USED:

3 star Hotels: Pulitzer (std room) in B.Aires, St.George (std room) in Iguassu and Sierra Nevada (std room)

4 star Hotels: Loi Suites in Buenos Aires and Iguassu (studio Jr room), Design in Calafate (std room)

5 star Hotels: Sofitel in B.Aires, Melia (falls view room) in Iguassu and Xelena (city view room) in Calafate

 


Sample International fares: From Miami US$850-1100; New York $950-1200; L.Angeles $1000-1300 . More cities available upon request.

Seasons: Valid all year. Except Christmas-New Year season (please add 15% more)
RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

Land tour Deposits: 15% of the land tour cost -per person- at the time of booking.
Land tour Final Payment: 60 days before departure.

Airfares deposit: Airlines do not guarantee any airfares unless ticketed. Full payment required at the time of booking

 

For any questions about this tour program call us at 1-800-327-0080 or email us at: tara@taratours.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buenos Aires, Peninsula Valdez, Trelew, Punta Tombo

 

Argentina Peninsula Valdez vacations and tours

Enjoy the authentic Atlantic Patagonia, surrounded by an immense nature & marine wildlife

 

8 days/7 nights

DAY 01 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and accompanied to your hotel.

DAY 02 BUENOS AIRES: City tour -
Morning sightseeing tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 03 BUENOS AIRES:
Day at leisure to visit famous Florida Street for leather buys or take an optional tour. (B)

DAY 04 BUENOS AIRES-PENINSULA VALDEZ (Trelew/Puerto Madryn)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Trelew. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Madryn.
This part of northern patagonia coastline is inhabited by marine mammals, like sea lions, elephant seals and fur seals. Southern right whales can be found in Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José, protected bodies of water located between the peninsula and the Patagonian mainland. These baleen whales come here between May and December, for mating and giving birth, because the water in the gulf is quieter and warmer than in the open sea. Orcas can be found off the coast, in the open sea off the peninsula. In this area, they are known to beach themselves on shore to capture sea lions and elephant seals.
The inner part of the peninsula is inhabited by rheas, guanacos and maras. A high diversity and range of birds live in the peninsula as well; at least 181 bird species, 66 of which migratory, live in the area, including the Antarctic pigeon. (B)

DAY 05 PENINSULA VALDEZ-PUNTA TOMBO:
Full day excursion to Punta Tombo to enjoy its Penguin rookery (Magellan) . Punta Tombo is the most important Magellan Penguins colony within continental Patagonia. More than a million of them arrive at this place every year in order to breed.
NOTE:
From July to November sperm, killer and other whales can be observed playing, fighting and reproducing at Golfo Nuevo (Puerto Madryn) (B)


DAY 06 PENINSULA VALDEZ:
This morning will depart to Puerto Piramides, where we take a the Yellow Submarine to do whale watching of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from June 15 to December 15, and of Southern Sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and cormorants between January and March.
Unlike the conventional watching service, the semi-submersible submarine Yellow Submarine allows us to watch whales submersed in their environment. Underwater, the perspective looks completely different, which is comparable only to the experience of diving among them. While they remain close to the vessel, we watch them all the time through the 40 viewing windows on the lower deck. On board, passengers can walk around at their pleasure on the submersed lower deck, or on the outdoor upper deck and watch the whales from the surface of the water, as a conventional watching....... (B)

NOTE: From Dec 15 to Mar 30 we will observe the beautiful Toninas (black and white Dolphins) playing in this area...

DAY 07 PENINSULA VALDEZ:
Day at leisure to explore the area on your own. (B)

DAY 08 PENINSULA VALDEZ-BUENOS AIRES-USA
Transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires and to connect with your international flight back home. (B)
(International airfare not included)

 

 

LAND TOUR RATES:

2024  Cost per person 3 star Hotels 4 star Hotels 5 star Hotels
Sharing Double US$2,770 3,130 3,580
Sharing Triple 2,680 3,031 3,400
Single Call Call Call

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE Buenos Aires-Trelew- Buenos Aires $350-500 per person

HOTELS USED:

3 star Hotels: Pulitzer (std room) in B.Aires & Posada Madryn (std room)

4 star Hotels: Loi Suites in Buenos Aires & Dazzler Tower P.Madryn

5 star Hotels: Sofitel in B.Aires (City view) & Territorio P.Madryn



NOTE: More programs available for this area and staying at superb Estancias like El Pedral and Bahia Bustamante  with private transfers and tours (click here for sample program)

INCLUDING:  
Daily breakfast. Tours as mentioned in itinerary with English speaking tour guides and entrance fees when necessary. Hotel accommodations of your choice for 7 nights with room taxes and service charges. Transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters · English speaking tour guides.
 
NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic airfares, USA-Argentina airport departure taxes -(usually included in your international air ticket), Travel & Health insurance, tips to guide or hotel/airport porters.

SAMPLE AIRFARES FROM USA:
From Miami  US$850-1050 plus airport departure taxes. Los Angeles 1100-1300, New York 950-1150.

 

 

 

 

Best of Argentina

 

Argentina vacations Patagonia tours 

 

Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, Patagonia & Iguassu Falls

 


14 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

Locally hosted

DAY 01 USA-BUENOS AIRES:
Departs USA your overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

DAY 02 BUENOS AIRES:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and accompanied to your hotel.

DAY 03. BUENOS AIRES: City tour
Morning sightseeing tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 04 BUENOS AIRES-MENDOZA: - PM Mendoza City tour
Transfer to the airport for flight to Mendoza. Meeting upon arrival in Mendoza and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon a tour to this charming town set at the foot of the Andes and the highest peak in The Americas- The Aconcagua (22,834ft.), visiting the Government House, San Martin Park and Forest, Cerro de la Gloria crowned by a monument to the Andes Liberating Army. (B)

DAY 05 MENDOZA: Full day visit wineries and lunch
The province of Mendoza is home to the high zone of the river of the same name. The vineyards cover large areas of the states of Maipú and Luján. Their agro-ecological conditions are almost perfect, and is the reason it has been chosen as headquarters by dozens of wineries that produce the finest Argentinian wines. Visitor can tour some of the wine cellars in the state of Maipu, such as Trapiche, Sin Fin, Trivento, Zuccardi, Domiciano, Antigal. Each winemaker has its own seal that differentiates one from another and all show the essence and culture from Mendoza wine.
After the visit you will be able to sample the wine. Includes the visit to 3 wineries and lunch . After the tour return to the hotel (B)

DAY 06 MENDOZA-BUENOS AIRES-BARILOCHE
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bariloche. Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 07 BARILOCHE -Full day Lakes, rivers, Mountains.
Morning scenic drive skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi as far as Puerto Pañuelo and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Leaving this lake behind, the road climbs through a forest of coihue trees, a native evergreen, offering views of the Andean peaks, you will see the impressive mount Tronador then to Lake Moreno for panoramic view of Lake Nahue Huapi, Victoria Island and the Andean mountains in all their splendor. Return to Bariloche via Laguna El Trebol (Clover Lagoon).  (B)

DAY 08 BARILOCHE
Day at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bariloche or take an optional tour. (B)

DAY 09 BARILOCHE-CALAFATE
Transfer to the airport for flight to Calafate. Arrive in Calafate where you will be met and transfer to hotel selected. B)

 

DAY 10 CALAFATE - Full day Perito Moreno Glacier
Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive Patagonian Glacier formed about 1 million years ago. Today we will drive about 50 miles from Calafate, to the Peninsula of Magallanes, (south arm of the Lago Argentino) to see the glacier, 240 feet above sea level and 3 miles wide, it is an overwhelming view of nature and contrary to other glaciers, this is the only one in the world which is still growing. (B)

DAY 11. CALAFATE
At leisure in Calafate to explore this beautiful area on your own or you decide to take an optional excursion to see Upsala and Onelli glaciers or Fitz Roy Mountain. Hotel Michelangelo (B)

DAY 12 CALAFATE- IGUASSU
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires with connection to Iguassu. Arrive and transferred to hotel selected. (B)

DAY 13 IGUASSU FALLS -Full day excursion
Morning tour of the Falls. Upon arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one kilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor). During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. Total duration of tour: 6 hours. (B)

DAY 14 IGUASSU - BUENOS AIRES-USA
Transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in Buenos Aires (local airport) and transfer to International airport for flight home. (B)

See optional to Puerto Madryn to observe Whales, Pinguins, Sea Elephants, Killer whales and more...


INCLUDING:
Daily breakfast. Tours as mentioned in itinerary with English speaking tour guides and entrance fees when necessary. Hotel accommodations of your choice for 12 nights with room taxes and service charges. Transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters • English speaking tour guides for all tours as per itinerary

Not included:
International or domestic airfare, USA-Argentina airport departure taxes -(usually included in your international air ticket), Travel & Health insurance, tips to guide or hotel/airport porters and any other service not especifically mentioned in the included section.

 

LAND TOUR RATES   

 

2024 Rates per person 3 star Hotels 4 star Hotels 5 star Hotels
Sharing Double US$4,660 5,191 6,190
Sharing Triple 4,480 5,020 N/A
Single 6,820 7,442 9,430

 

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

 

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE: Buenos Aires-Mendoza-Bariloche-Calafate-Iguassu-Buenos Aires $700-900 per person

 

HOTELS USED:

3star Hotels: Pulitzer (BUE); Concorde (BRC); St. George (IGR); Urbana (MDZ); Sierra Nevada (FTE)
4star Hotels: Dazzler Recoleta (Bue); Edelweis (BRC); Esturion (IGR) Amerian (MDZ); Los Alamos (FTE)
5star Hotels: Alvear or Four Season (Bue); La Cascada (BRC); Melia Iguassu Spa and Resort (IGR) Park Hyatt (MDZ); Xelena (FTE)

 

 

DEPOSITS: 15% per person

FINAL PAYMENT: 60 days before departure

Airfares: Take note....airlines do not guarantee any airfares unless ticketed. So, for airfares -full payment is necesary.

 

 

 

 

 

Best of the Argentinian Patagonia

 

Best argentina vacations and tour packages 

 

Visiting the Best of Patagonia -

 

Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, Calafate

 

12 nights program

 

DAY 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Arrival to Ezeiza International Airport. Reception and transfer to hotel in Buenos Aires. 3 nights of accommodation with breakfast (See hotel choices at the end of program)

DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES
Morning sightseeing tour (shared) around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 3 BUENOS AIRES - Full day Fiesta Gaucha
Visit Santa Susana Estancia. The estancia is located in the district of Campana, close to “Los Cardales” town, in the province of Buenos Aires. It covers an area of 1200 hectares; mostly dedicated to agriculture and for the last ten years it has been a tourist resort. Guests will be welcomed with empanadas, juice and wine.  The most distinctive feature will be the guided visit to the Spanish-colonial style “casco”, which holds an authentic museum. Sulky and horse rides will show you the charm of Argentine countryside, its scenarios, and the incomparable wild aroma. BBQ will be served with variety of meats and salads. After lunch, folklore show will began with its music and dances.
The day will end with some typical activities of an estancia: regional games as the “carrera de sortijas”, where two teams gallop at full tilt under a wooden arch and try to pass a pin through a small ring hanging from the arch. (B, L)

DAY 4 BUENOS AIRES-PUERTO MADRYN
After breakfast, transfer to J. Newbery Airport to take flight to Trelew. Arrival, reception and transfer to hotel in Puerto Madryn. 3 nights hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast. (B)

DAY 5 PUERTO MADRYN - Peninsula Valdes - Full day
Drive towards Peninsula Valdes, rich in typical Patagonian flora and fauna, where sea elephants can be admired These huge animals weigh one to three tons and measure up to 6 meters. Sea lions and whales can also be seen here. The drive will take us to Puerto Piramides, a nice beach dominated by cliffs rich in fossils and the place to embark to whale watch (optional). Visit the nearby sea lion nesting ground on a flat rocky outcrop, jutting out into the sea. Visit Punta Delgada with its old lighthouse, Punta Norte and the Bird’s Island where a big quantity of gulls, cormorants, herons, etc., can be admired. During this tour the Salina Grande will also be seen, it is a natural 42 mt. depression, one of the deepest in the world. (Tour runs from mid June to mid-December) Estimated duration: 11 hs. Lunch not included (B)

 

DAY 6 PUERTO MADRYN-Punta Tombo - Full day
This rookery is on the Atlantic Ocean and every year sees the arrival of millions of Magellanic Penguins. Their nesting grounds are here and they spend the warm months of September to April breeding and molting. There can be three to five million penguins and the visitor walks amongst the nests, careful not to tread on eggs or chicks. After lunch return to Puerto Madryn. Estimated duration: 11 hs.  (B)

DAY 7 TRELEW-USHUAIA
After breakfast, transfer to Trelew airport to take flight to Ushuaia. Arrival, reception and transfer to hotel in Ushuaia. 3 nights hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast. (B)

DAY 8 - USHUAIA
After breakfast, we start excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. This magnificent park, offers a beautiful environment. We visit Bahía Lapataia (End of 3 National Route), Lago Roca, etc. Later, we return to Ushuaia to take a Beagle Channel Navigation. During this navigation we visit the Isla de los Lobos (Sea Wolves Island), the Isla de los Pajaros (Birds Island), and the Faro Les Eclareirs (Les Eclareirs Lighthouse). You can enjoy a beautiful view of Ushuaia City from the Beagle Channel. (B)

DAY 9 USHUAIA
After breakfast, we start excursion to the north of Ushuaia to visit Lago Escondido (Escondido Lake) and later, Lake Fagnano (Fagnano Lake) in the middle of the island of Tierra del Fuego. (B)

DAY 10 USHUAIA-CALAFATE
After breakfast, transfer to Ushuaia Airport to take flight to El Calafate. Arrival, reception and transfer to hotel. 3 nights hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast (B)

DAY 11 CALAFATE
After breakfast, we start excursion to visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier. We can enjoy the incredible experience of this colossus of ice, with enormous blocks of ice falling into the Argentino Lake, with a thunderous crash. Optional activity: minitrekking over the Perito Moreno Glacier or cruise  (B)

DAY 12 CALAFATE
After breakfast, we start excursion Rios de Hielo Express to visit three incredible glaciers: Upsala, Onelli and Spegazzini Glaciers. This is a wonderful navigation along the waters of Argentino Lake. You can enjoy icebergs floating around in the lake. (B)

DAY 13 CALAFATE-BUENOS AIRES
After breakfast, transfer to El Calafate Airport to take flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to Ezeiza International  Airport for your return flight home. (B)

INCLUDING:
3 nights of accommodation in Buenos Aires, 3 nights of accommodation, in Puerto Madryn, 3 nights of accommodation in Ushuaia, 3 nights of accommodation in El Calafate; Daily Buffet Breakfast; All transfers between airports and hotels in each city;  Transfer in/out from/to Ezeiza Airport; All excursions detailed in the itinerary.24/7 assitance of our local representatives.

 

NOT INCLUDED: International or domestic airfare, USA-Argentina airport departure taxes -(usually included in your international air ticket), Travel & Health insurance, tips to guide or hotel/airport porters and any other service not especifically mentioned in the included section.

 

LAND TOUR RATE PER PERSON -

 

2024

3star Hotels

4star Hotels

5star Hotels

Sharing Double

US$4,840

US$5,056

US$5,920

Sharing Triple

4,660

4,930

NA

Single

Call

Call

Call

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

Plus cost of the local airfare Buenos Aires – Trelew –Ushuaia – El Calafate – Buenos Aires ...about $500-600 pp.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
 
3 star Hotels: Pulitzer (B.Aires); P.Madryn (Trelew); Sierra Nevada (Calafate); Altos (Ushuaia)
4 star Hotels: Dazzler Recoleta (B.Aires); Dazzler (Trelew); P. Los Alamos (Calafate); Fueginos(Ushuaia)
5 star Hotels: The Brick (B.Aires); Territorio (Trelew); Xelena (Calafate); LOs Cauquenes (Ushuaia)

Special rates apply for Christmas, New Year, Carnival, Holy Week.
 
*Seasons:
Hotel rates do not apply for New Years, Carnival, Holy Week & Christmas.
 
Deposits:  15% at the time of booking.
 
Final Payment: 65 days before departure.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chilean and Argentinian Lakes

 

Visiting Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Santiago

 

ARgentina crossing of the lakes

9 days/8 nights

Daily Departures

Locally Hosted

Day 1 - Arrive Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires. Private transfer from Ezeiza international airport to hotel selected (see hotel choices below)

Day 2 – Buenos Aires
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning half-day tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. At night optional to see a fabulous Tango Show (B)

Day 3 –Buenos Aires-Bariloche
Breakfast at the hotel . Transfer to the airport for flight to Bariloche. Arrive and transfer to your hotel (see hotel selection at the end of the program). (B)

Day 4 Bariloche Am Tour
Morning scenic drive skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi as far as Puerto Pañuelo and the Llao Llao Peninsula. Leaving this lake behind, the road climbs through a forest of coihue trees, a native evergreen, offering views of the Andean peaks, you will see the impressive mount Tronador then to Lake Moreno for panoramic view of Lake Nahue Huapi, Victoria Island and the Andean mountains in all their splendor. Return to Bariloche via Laguna El Trebol (Clover Lagoon). Afternoon at leisure

Day 5 – Bariloche - Puerto Varas Crossing the lakes
Breakfast at the hotel. Shared transfer from the hotel to Puerto Pañuelo Port to start your spectacular full day crossing of the lakes from Argentina to Chile
09.00 hrs. Pick up from hotel. Continuation by bus to Puerto Pañuelo, along Lake Nahuel Huapi where during the journey you can marvel at the beautiful swiss-style architecture that characterizes all buildings in the area, with beautiful gardens and flowers that color the place to Pañuelo Port where we board the catamaran "Victoria Andina "or "Victoria del Lago" for sailing on Lake Nahuel Huapi for an hour to Puerto Blest.
10.30 hrs. We sail to Puerto Blest for 15 miles, where you can appreciate the grandeur of the landscape, and the green of the forests that surround us, including the the birds and also you will learn more about the history of this place.
11.30 hrs. Arrival at Puerto Blest. Here you will take a bus which borders the Frias River for three miles to Puerto Alegre. Then continue on the ship "City of Faith", to sail on Lake Frías to the peaceful and pristine waters of a deep green color due to Puerto Frías. On this tour you will have a beautiful view offered by the Tronador of 3,491 meters. After a short voyage of about 20 minutes you will reach the small port of Puerto Frias, inserted in the middle of beautiful vegetation.
12.30 hrs. After making the departure procedures at the customs of Argentina at Puerto Frías, continue by bus to Peulla. Appreciate the lush vegetation of the Cordillera de Los Andes, as we watch the Tronador with 9 glaciers on its summit. We then enter the Pérez Rosales National Park where we will see Peulla. After entry formalities carried out in Chile Peulla, you will be transferred to your hotel . Time for lunch. (lunch not included).
15.30 hrs. Departure to Petrohue, Peulla, sailing on Lake Todos los Santos. If the weather allows you will have views of Osorno Volcano and Volcano Tronador and Puntiagudo Hill
18.15 hrs. Continue to Puerto Varas. On route visit the Saltos del Petrohué (does not include admission), capricious shapes of volcanic rock, bathed in green waterfalls which continue bordering Lago Llanquihue, Osorno Volcano breathtaking views and scenery Calbuco. Arrive in Puerto Varas and transfer to the hotels envisaged. End of services. Cruce Andino: Is a touristic circuit, schedules are referential and can suffer changes due to weather conditions and number of passengers. Arrival to Puerto Varas and shared transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel selected. (B)

Day 6 - Puerto Varas -
Day at leisure to explore this lovely town on your own.
Accommodation at the hotel selected

Day 7 - Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt - Santiago

Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from the hotel to Puerto Montt Airport. Arrival in Santiago de Chile. Private transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Accommodation at the hotel selected. (B)

Day 8 - Santiago
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour of Panoramic Santiago, The excursion begins by touring the main avenues in the city’s civic center. Highlights include La Moneda Palace, which was completed in 1805 (after more than 20 years of off-and-on construction). The neoclassical building was the home of Chilean presidents until 1958, and today is the seat of the government. Continue exploring narrow streets, eventually arriving at the Plaza de Armas, a picturesque square surrounded by the 18th-century Cathedral Metropolitana, the National Historical Museum, and the central post office. Leaving downtown, head toward Parque Forestal, which leads to the Fine Arts Museum, and Bellavista, the artsy, bohemian center of Santiago. Ascend Santa San Cristóbal, a beautiful public park whose peak—the perfect place for a panoramic shot of the city—is crowned with a 118-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. Descend and travel the other direction to the neighborhoods of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Los Condes and Vitacura, the modern commercial districts and great places for shopping. Return to your hotel. (B).

Day 9 -Depart Santiago
Private transfer to the airport for your international flight back home. (B)

2024 LAND TOUR COST PER PERSON

3 stars Hotels: Double US$2,860

4 stars Hotels: Double US$3,580

5 stars Hotels: Double US$4,660

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

Plus local airfare Buenos Aires to Bariloche  and Puerto Montt to Santiago. About US$400-500 pp


Including:
Daily buffet breakfast. Hotel accommodations of your choice for 8 nights with room taxes and service charges. Tours as mentioned in itinerary with English speaking tour guides. Transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters. English speaking tour guides. Assistance of our local representatives 24/7.

Not Included:
International or domestic airfare, airport departure taxes -(usually included in your international air ticket), Travel & Health insurance, tips to guide or hotel/airport porters and any other service not especifically mentioned in the included section.

Hotels used in:
3 stars: Pulitzer (BUE);  3 Reyes (BRC); Casa Kalfu (PVA); Tulip Inn (SCL)
4 stars: Loi Suites (BUE); Edelwiess (BRC); Cabanas Lago (PVA); Plaza S.Francisco (SCL)

5 stars: Four Seasons (BUE); Llao Llao (BRC); Radisson (PVA); Ritz Carlton (SC)

Deposits Land: 15% of the total cost pp -at the time of booking.
Deposit airfares: Full payment as airlines do not guarantee any rates unless ticketed.
Final Payment: 60 days before departure

SAMPLE AIRFARES:
From Miam US$1200-1400; New York $1300-1500; Los Angeles $1400-1700

Seasons: Valid all year. Except New Year, Holy Week and Sky Season in Bariloche (We'll provide revised rates).

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

 

 

 

 

Best of the South Atlantic

Buenos Aires-Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro

Argentina Brazil Vacation tours

 

 

 

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

 

Daily departures -

 

Locally hosted

 

DAY 1. ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO:  

 Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, transfer to hotel selected

DAY 2 RIO DE JANEIRO:  Sugar Loaf Tour-shared tour

Morning  sightseeing tour of Sugar Loaf. Drive along Rio's famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) cable car station where you will be taken to the Urca Mountain (mid-way station) with its gardens and look-out points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1300 ft above sea level to photograph the awe-inspiring views. (B)

DAY 3 RIO DE JANEIRO:  Corcovado and Christ the Reedemer- shared Tour

A quick drive from your hotel to the Cosme Velho Train Station. The cog wheel train will climb up through the Tijuca Rain Forest and will bring you to the steps of the Christ Statue. At 2.300 ft above sea level, a breathtaking view of the city of Rio de Janeiro, the Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the 9 mile Rio-Niteroi Bridge, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean (3-4 hours) (B)

DAY 4 RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUASSU:  Tour of The Falls (Brazilian side) -private tour

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Arrive and continue to visit and tour of the falls (brazilian side) -a never to be forgotten spectacle of nature- and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World....

The waterfall system consists of about 270 falls along 2.7 kilometers (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 meters (269 feet) in height, though the majority are about 64 meters (210 feet). The Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat (Garganta do Diabo in Portuguese), a U-shaped 150-metre-wide and 700-metre-long (490 by 2300 feet) cliff, is the most impressive of all, and marks the border between Argentina and Brazil. Most of the falls are within Argentine territory, but from the Brazilian side a more panoramic view of the Garganta del Diablo is obtained. Many islands split up the falls, including several large ones.

Continue to the Argentinian side (Immigration and formalities at the border). Arrive at your hotel Argentinian side. Overnight.  (B)

DAY 5 IGUASSU FALLS: Tour of the Falls (Argentinian side) -shared tour 

Full day excursion. Morning transfer with your tour guide to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will walk for about one kilometer on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 1 ½ hour. (Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor) During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. Mid-afternoon return to your hotel. (B)

 

DAY 6 IGUASSU-BUENOS AIRES:

Noon shared transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive and private transfer to your hotel. (B)

DAY 7 BUENOS AIRES: City tour -shared tour

Morning half-day tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (B)

DAY 8 BUENOS AIRES:  Dinner & Tango Show

Days at leisure to visit famous Florida Street for leather buys or take an optional tour. At night dinner and tango show at Micheangelo or La Ventana. As beef is the tradition of Argentina, no visitor ought to leave this land without enjoying a large steak grilled to perfection, washed down by one of its excellent wines. Then, enjoy the gaucho and criollo folkloric traditions, songs and dances, and the porteño love songs and intricate tango dance steps. Round trip shared transfers included (B)

DAY 9 BUENOS AIRES -DEPARTS

Private transfer to the airport for your flight to USA. (B)
 
INCLUDING:  
Daily breakfast. . Hotel accommodations of your choice for 3 nights in Buenos Aires, 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro, 2 nights in Iguassu with room taxes and service charges of 10% & 20%. Tours as mentioned in itinerary with entrance fees and English speaking tour guides. Transfers on arrival and departure including baggage handling and tips to airport porters in Rio, Iguassu and Buenos Aires.
 
NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic airfare; USA airport departure taxes...Brazil Airport tax $36; Buenos Aires $20; Travel & Health insurance, tips. Rates subject to change at any time.

 


 

LAND TOUR RATES:

2024 Cost per person -
Based on double acc.
3 stars hotels 4 stars
hotels
5 stars
hotels
5+stars
hotel
Jan 4-April 30 $2,990 3,175 5,110 6,280
May 1-Aug .31 $2,815 2,950 4,992 6,091
Sep.1-Dec.31* $2,990 3,220 5,227 6,334
Single Supplement $880 $997 $1,330 Call

During Christmas and New Years -please add 30% to above rates.

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE Rio-Iguassu-Buenos Aires $350-500 PER PERSON

Single Supplement rate apply when more than 2 people travelling together. For Single Travelling alone -please call.

Sam program with all private services are available upon request (email us at tara@taratours.com)

 

HOTELS USED:

3star Hotels:  Windsor Martinique (Rio); Dazzler Recoleta (Bue); St. George-Argentinian side (IGR)

4star Hotels: Windsor Leme or Hilton (Rio) Loi Suites Recoleta (Bue); Mercure or Amerian (IGR)

5star Hotels: Marriott -Ocean View room or Fasano (city view)  (Rio)  Sofitel (Bue); Melia Iguassu

5+ star Hotels: Belmond Copacabana -Partial Ocean view room (Rio); Four Seasons -city view room (Bue); Melia Iguassu-Superior Falls view room (IGR=Argentinian side)

 

*Seasons:

Hotel rates do not apply for New Years or Carnival in Rio and any other special event (Concerts, Grand Prix, Formula 1,  etc..).

 

Deposits: 15% per person at the time of booking.

 

Final Payment: 60 days before departure. 

 

Airfares: Subject to availability and subject to change at any time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patagonia Ice Fields

 

Argentina patagonia vacations and glaciers  

 

Visiting Buenos Aires, Patagonia and the impressive Glaciers

"Perito Moreno", Upsala & Spagazzini

 

 

8 Days/7 Nights
 
Daily Departures
 
Locally hosted-Private service*
 

DAY 1 ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES:
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Capital of Argentina and well known as the Paris of South America. Private transfer to hotel selected (see hotel options at the end of program)
 
DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES:
Private Morning tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (Old City Hall), The City Hall. Then, on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square and along 9 de Julio Ave., the widest in the world, to see the Colon Theater, famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with jacaranda and palo borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the polo field and the race track and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. Afternoon at leisure to explore "The Paris" of South America on your own. (B)
 
DAY 3 BUENOS AIRES–CALAFATE:
Private transfer to local airport. Arrive in Calafate where you will be met and transfer to to your hotel. (B)
 
DAY 4 –CALAFATE-PERITO MORENO (share tour)
Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive Patagonian Glacier formed about 1 million years ago. Today will drive about 50 miles from Calafate, to the Peninsula of Magallanes, (south arm of the lago Argentino) to see the glacier, 240 feet above sea level and 3 miles wide, it is an overwhelming view of nature and contrary to other glaciers, this is the only one in the world which is still growing. The day tour includes the Nautical Safari Boat ride. (B)
 
DAY 5 –CALAFATE-UPSALA & SPEGAZZINI GLACIERS (Los Glaciares) shared tour
The tour goes through the Spegazzini and the Upsala glaciers, entering the bays that they form and also includes sailing in the cord of icebergs located about 20 km from the Upsala glacier.
You will be picked up around 8:30 from your hotel and will undertake the journey of 50 Km to Punta Bandera, where the boat departs at 10:30 o’clock
The first part of the excursion is in the northern arm of Lake Argentino across the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake, then you will go to the Upsala channel and the Spegazzini channel where you are able to see, at the end of each channel, the respective glaciers. The navigation runs between spectacular icebergs of immense size and varied forms. From the boat you will see, among others, the Upsala and the Spegazzini glaciers, the largest and highest respectively among all glaciers in the park.
The route of this navigation is subject to modifications by unfavorable weather conditions. Mid-afternoon return to Calafate and transfer to your hotel... (B)
 
DAY 6 – CALAFATE -Full day to Chalten
Early departure . Our Full Day excursion to El Chalten is designed to allow passengers of different physical conditions to fully enjoy this destination by choosing the most appropriate alternative for their abilities and desires.
In all cases we include , the pickup and drop off to the hotels in El Calafate, all the route is with a bilingual guide authorized by National Park Administration Office (APN) and by Santa Cruz’s Province bilingual guide. We provide route and trekking maps to all passengers.

ABOUT EL CHALTEN:
Reserved until a few years ago to climbers and explorers, reaching El Chaltén, at the foot of the mythical Mount Fitz Roy continues to be one of the most beautiful and awaited spectators by travelers to southern Patagonia.
To get to El Chaltén we must to travel about 220 km from El Calafate, taking the mythical Route 40 and then Route 23 you will begin to enjoy these adventure paths through the Patagonian steppe, bordering the La Leona River, surrounded by the Argentine Lakes and Viedma, the Viedma Glacier, and always keeping in sight the Andes mountains cord, we will arrive at this magnificent touristic village where you will enjoy a fascinating experience.
El Chaltén is an ideal place for trekking, highlighted by the approaches to the Fitz Roy (also named Chaltén), Cerro Torre, Torre and Grande glaciers and the lagoons Capri, Torre and De los Tres, among many other incredibly beautiful destinations
Trek for today:
• Mirador de los Cóndores & Salto del Chorrillo: Guided hike to the Mirador of Condors,and visit of Chorrillo del Salto.(B)   
NOTE:  This Tour runs  from October to March only. (email us for for other options or additional days in the Chalten area)

  

DAY 7 -CALAFATE At leisure

Day at leisure to explore the area on your own. (B)


DAY 8 – CALAFATE-BUENOS AIRES  DEPART
Private transfer for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive in Buenos Aires and connect with your international flight or continue with your vacation in South America. (B)

 

(See extension to Puerto Madryn to observe Whales, Pinguins, Sea Elephants, Killer whales and more...or take a Patagonia cruise aboard the Ventus Australis (October to February)

 
 
INCLUDING:  
Private transfers on arrival and departure with an assistance of our local representative. Luggage handling at airports and hotels. *Private Tours as noted including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides (*Due to operational reasons the 2 full days in Calafate are shared tours). Meals as mentioned in itinerary B= Breakfast, L=Lunch. Hotel accommodations for 7 nights with room taxes. Assistance of our local representatives 24/7 by phone.
 
NOT INCLUDED:
International and domestic airfare. USA airport departure taxes, Tips, visas, passports, personal items, alcoholic beverages, iTravel & Health insurance and any other services not mentioned in itinerary. Vaccinations or Covid test and ARgentina departure tax of US$30 (usually included in your international air ticket).

 

LAND TOUR RATES: (Minimun 2 people)

2024 Cost per person 3 star Hotels 4 star Hotels 5 star Hotels
Sharing Double US$2,491 2,770 3,157
Sharing Triple 2,284 2,590 2,950
Single Call Call Call

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE Buenos Aires-ICalafate-Buenos Aires $390-550

 

HOTELS USED:

3 star hotels: Pulitzer In Buenos Aires and Sierra Nevada in Calafate

4 star hotels: Loi Suites in B.Aires and Design in Calafate

5 star hotels: Sofitel in B.Aires and Xelena in Calafate  

 

SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: per person

From Miami: US$700-900 ; From N.York $900-1100; L.Angeles $800-1000

 

Seasons: 

From September 15 to April 15-

For Christmas & New Years pleas add 20% to above rates. 

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. 

 

Deposits:  15% per person at the time of booking.

Final Payment:  60 days before departure.

  

 

 

 

PATAGONIA - EL CHALTEN

 

 Argentina Chalten vacation packages

 

El Chalten is located in Lago Argentino Department, on the northern margin of Lago Viedma, at the confluence of Río de las Vueltas and Río Fitz Roy, in the Reserva Nacional Zona Viedma of Los Glaciares National Park.
El Chaltén was founded in this place for geopolitical reasons. The town was set inside the one hundred hectares of protected area assigned to this issue.
Originally, the name of “Chaltén” which means “blue mountain” or “smoking mountain”-, was given by the tehuelches (former inhabitants of southern continental Patagonia) to the famous Mount Fitz Roy for its unmistakable and magnificent silhouette always covered by a cloud, which made them think of smoke.
The breathtaking natural wonders give life to this young tourist village, which is becoming
the new World Trekking Mecca

 

 

4 Days-3 Nights

 

DAILY DEPARTURES FROM CALAFATE - STA. CRUZ, ARGENTINA: 

Operates daily from October to April


Tour Package Includes:

 

- Transfers Calafate-Chalten-Calafate by regular bus.

- Private transfers in Chalten

- Daily buffet breakfast.

- 3 nights hotel accommodations at Chalten Suites with room taxes and service charges.

- 2 Half day excursion to Lake Capri for views of Fitz Roy Mountains and to Mirador de los Condores/Salto de los Chorrilos

 

 

2024 COST PER PERSON:

Double $997; Triple $934; Single $1528

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

From Calafate to Chalten is about 138 miles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best of Patagonia

 

Argentina and Chile Patagonia vacations

 

 

ARGENTINA & CHILE

Visiting Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Crossing the Lakes, Peulla, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas,

Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier.

14 day / 13 night tour program

Locally hosted

 

Day 1  Arrive Buenos Aires
Meeting on arrival and private transfer to hotel LOI SUITES RECOLETA (4 stars). At night dinner and tango show. As beef is the tradition of Argentina, no visitor ought to leave this land without enjoying a large steak grilled to perfection, washed down by one of its excellent wines. Then, enjoy the gaucho and criollo folkloric traditions, songs and dances, and the porteño love songs and intricate tango dance steps. (D)

 

Day 2  Buenos Aires:
Private m
orning city tour. The Argentina capital boasts a population of 8 million. City tour takes you to the Plaza de Mayo for view of Cathedral and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Then along 9 de Julio Avenue, widest street in the world, with its much-photographed Obelisco and Teatro Colon and finally, to the colorful Boca District. (B)

 

Day 3 Buenos Aires-Bariloche:
Transfer to airport for flight to the picturesque town of Bariloche. Arrive and transfer to hotel DESIGN SUITES (4 stars) (B)

 

Day 4 Bariloche

AM Sightseeing tour to visit the Cathedral Mountain. This 7500 feet high mountain is 12 miles from Bariloche and is one of the leading Latin American ski resorts with 41 miles of slopes. It owes its name to the remarkable rocky formation at the summit with limestone crests and rock pinnacles, just like the spires of a cathedral. You will reach the summit by cable car (or chair lift) for a magnificent view of the Andes, its peaks, blue lakes, valleys and the town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Afternoon at leisure to explore the area on your own. (B)

 

Day 5 Bariloche-Puerto Varas (Lake Crossing)
Today begin crossing of Lake Nahuel Huapi and crystal waters surrounded by white snow capped mountains. Arrive at Puerto Blest. Continue by bus and boat to Peulla passing by "La Cumbre". More stunning scenery. Continue the lake crossing from Peulla by boat to Petrohue crossing the emerald waters of "Lake Todos Los Santos". Lunch in Petrohue. Continue by bus passing to view Petrohue river falls and skirting Llanquihue lake. In the background the spectacular and almost cone shaped "Osorno Volcano". Arrive and overnight in Puerto Varas at hotel CABANAS DEL LAGO (B)

 

Day 6 Puerto Varas-Puerto Montt:
Morning panoramic sightseeing tour of this picturesque sea port with Nordic type houses. (B)

 

Day 7 Puerto Montt-Punta Arenas:
Transfer to the airport for flight to PUNTA ARENAS arrival reception at Punta Arenas airport and transfer by bus to Puerto Natales. Transfer to hotel ALTIPLANICO where you will stay for 4 nights.  (B)

 

Day 8 Puerto Natales & Glaciers:  
Full day excursion by boat through the Ultima Esperanza fjord and visit the impressive Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers. Overnight in Puerto Natales. (B, Box Lunch)  (Visit available only from September to April -Please call to verify dates available)


Day 9 Puerto Natales-Torres del Paine
Full day excursion to visit Torres del Paine National Park, World Biosphere Reserve. Visit Lake Grey, Salto Grande, Lake Nordenskjold, and lake Pehoe. The impresive granite massif of the Paine complement the landscape. Return to Puerto Natales for overnight at hotel ALTIPLANICO. (B, Box lunch)


Day 10 Puerto Natales
Day at leisure to explore the area on your own. Overnight in Puerto Natales at hotel ALTIPLANICO. (B)


Day 11 Puerto Natales-Calafate
Transfer to the bus station for transfer to Calafate (Argentina). Arrive and transfer to POSADA LOS ALAMOS.(B)


Day 12 Calafate-Perito Moreno 
Full day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier, an impressive Patagonian Glacier formed about 1 million years ago. Today will drive about 50 miles from Calafate, to the Peninsula of Magallanes, (south arm of the lago Argentino) to see the glacier, 240 feet above sea level and 3 miles wide, it is an overwhelming view of nature and contrary to other glaciers, this is the only one in the world which is still growing. (B)

 

Day 13 Calafate: 
At leisure in Calafate to explore this beautiful area on your own or you decide to take an optional excursion to see Upsala and Spagazinni  glaciers or visit Fitz Roy Mountain. (B)


Day 14  Calafate-Buenos Aires-Depart
Private transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires where you will be connecting with your international flight. (B)

 

See optional extension to see Whales and Pinguins in Puerto Madryn & Peninsula Valdez


Including: 
Transfers on arrival and departure with an assistance of our local representative. Luggage handling at airports and hotels. Tours as noted including entrance fees and English speaking tour guides. Meals as mentioned in itinerary B= Breakfast, L=Lunch. Hotel accommodations for 13 nights with room taxes.

Not Included: 

International or domestic airfare, Airport departure taxes, Travel & Health insurance,  meals (unless specified) and any other service not specifically mentioned in this itinerary 

 

2024 LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON -
  
Double    US$4,993
Triple      US$4,840
Single     Please call

 

Plus local airfare Buenos Aires-Bariloche......Puerto Montt-Punta Arenas....& Calafate-Buenos Aires about $550-$750 per person. INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

 

Deposit Land Portion: $750 per person

 

Final Payment Land Portion: 60 days before departure

 

Deposits/Payments for airfares: Full payments at the moment of reservations as airlines do not guarantee any airfares unless ticketed .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australis Expedition

 

 

Argentina patagonia cruises and vacations 

 

Visiting Buenos Aires and cruising Patagonia-Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn

 

aboard the Stella Australis or the new Ventus Australis

 

8 days/ 7 nights 
 
Locally hosted
 
DAY 1 - ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Arrive and private transfer to hotel LOI SUITES RECOLETA. The Argentina capital boasts a population of 8 million. Early check in at the hotel guarantee. Afternoon City tour takes you to the Plaza de Mayo for view of Cathedral and Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace). Then along 9 de Julio Avenue, widest street in the world, with its much-photographed Obelisco and Teatro Colon and finally, to the colorful Boca District. (B) 
 
DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA-CRUISE

Departure Dates Ventus Australis: 2024-2025: Ushuaia-Punta Arenas
Low Season:

2024: Mar.7, 15, 23, 31; Apr.8;  Sep 25;  Oct: 3, 11, 19, 27

2025: Mar: 20, 28 & Apr.5
High Season:

2024: Nov. 4,12, 20, 28; Dec. 6,14, 22, 30

2025: Jan. 7,15, 23, 31; Feb. 8,16, 24; Mar 4,12,

More departures available aboard the Stella Australis -click here

 

Transfer to the airport for flight to Ushuaia. Arrive and immediate check-in with the cruise company . Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure. Board the M/V Ventus Australis at 18:00 (6 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

 

DAY 3 CRUISE Cape Horn-Wulaia 
Around the break of dawn, Stella Australis crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 4  CRUISE PIA GLACIER & GARIBALDI

We continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Ventus Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.
No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.
Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding -- very steep, negligible trail, rough footing -- and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.  .  (B,L,D)

 

DAY 5 CRUISE Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.(B,L,D)

 

DAY 6  CRUISE-MAGDALENA ISLAND-PUNTA ARENAS
Early in the morning, we will disembark on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins that we will be able to observe during our walk to the Lighthouse that guides different ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. After our visit, the vessel will cruise towards Punta Arenas, disembarking about 11:30 a.m. (B)

Transfer to the airport for flight to Punta Arenas and immediate connection to Santiago.

Arrive in Santiago and transfer to hotel PULLMAN EL BOSQUE (B)

 

SEE EXTENSION TO TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK click here

 

DAY 7 SANTIAGO

Tour of Panoramic Santiago- The excursion begins by touring the main avenues in the city’s civic center. Highlights include La Moneda Palace, which was completed in 1805 (after more than 20 years of off-and-on construction). The neoclassical building was the home of Chilean presidents until 1958, and today is the seat of the government. Continue exploring narrow streets, eventually arriving at the Plaza de Armas, a picturesque square surrounded by the 18th-century Cathedral Metropolitana, the National Historical Museum, and the central post office. Leaving downtown, head toward Parque Forestal, which leads to the Fine Arts Museum, and Bellavista, the artsy, bohemian center of Santiago? Ascend Santa San Cristóbal, a beautiful public park whose peak—the perfect place for a panoramic shot of the city—is crowned with a 118-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. Descend and travel the other direction to the neighborhoods of Pedro de Valdivia Norte, Las Condes and Vitacura, the modern commercial districts and great places for shopping. Return to your hotel.  (B)

 

DAY 8 SANTIAGO-DEPART 

Private transfer to the airport.

Optional extension to visit to Torres del Paine National Park available upon request. (B)

 

INCLUDING:

Breakfast daily, tours as mentioned, hotel for 1 night in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Santiago with room taxes & services charges, The 5 day/4 night cruise aboard the M/V Stella Australis in cabins category A, -for Cabins category AA add $300 pp, AAA add $600 per person , English speaking tour guides, Private transfers,  and assistance of our local representatives 24/7 by phone

 

NOT INCLUDED:

AIRFARES. Tips to tour guides and drivers. Travel & Health insurance. Any other service not specifically mentioned in itinerary. Airport departure taxes when leaving USA, Chile & Argentina usually included in your International air ticket. Port taxes

 

2024-2025  RATES PER PERSON SHARING DOUBLE

 

Seasons

Rates per person

From Sep.25 to Oct: 27, 2024 & Mar 20-Apr. 5, 2025

US$4,750

From Nov.4, 2024 to Mar.12, 2025 5,992

 

During Christmas and New Years -please add 10% to above rates.

PLUS LOCAL AIRFARE: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & Punta Arenas to Santiago about $350-$500

 

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED:

SAMPLE AIRFARES: Miami-Buenos Aires....Santiago-Miami approximate cost US$950-1050, New York $1050-1250, Los Angeles $1150-1450

DEPOSITS:

20% per person at the time of booking.

Final payment is due 90 days before departure.

 

NOTE:

Cruise rates are based in Cabins Category A

For Cabins category AA add $300 per person

For Cabins category AAA add $600 per person

For Cabins category AA Superior add $1,000 per person

More information about the Ventus Australis

 

 

 

 

 

Fantastic Private Buenos Aires 

"The Paris of South America"

 

Buenos Aires vacation packages and tours

 

 

5 night program -Locally hosted- All private services

 

INCLUDED:

  • 5 nights of hotel accommodations of your choice.

  • Private transfers on arrival and departure with bilingual driver

  • Daily buffet breakfast, hotel taxes and service charges.

  • Half day private city tour of Buenos Aires

  • English speaking tour guides.

  • Assistance of our local representatives 24/7.

LAND TOUR RATES: (Minimun 2 people)

2024 Cost per person Double Triple Sgl. Supp
Dazzler Recoleta -Classic room 960 862 610
Loi Suites Recoleta -Studio Jr. 1,186 N/A 691
Doubletree Hilton -standard room 1,195 1,150 781
Sofitel -Superior room 1,375 1,321 880
Four Season (city view) 2,780 N/A 1,870

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

Rates subject to change at any time due to hotel availability

See optionals to Iguassu, Bariloche  Puerto Madryn to observe Whales, Pinguins, Sea Elephants, Killer whales and more..

Email us your request at: tara@taratours.com

 

Not Included:

International Airfare, Travel & Health insurance, airport departure taxes; passports, Covid test or vaccinations and any other service not specifically mentioned here. 

 

Sample Airfare from Miami: US$750-950; New York $900-1100; Los Angeles 1000-1200

Business class airfares available upon request.


RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

 

 

 

 

OPTIONAL TO PENINSULA VALDEZ

 

  Peninsula valdez vacations and tours

 

 

 

4 days/3 nights:

Day 01 Flight to Peninsula Valdez (Trelew)
Reception . Transfer to Puerto Madryn and to hotel selected (see below choice). (B)
 
Day 02 Peninsula Valdez:
Full day excursion to Punta Tombo to enjoy its Penguin rookery (Magellan) . From July to November sperm, killer and other whales can be observed playing, fighting and reproducing at Golfo Nuevo (Puerto Madryn) (B)
 
Day 03 Peninsula Valdez:
This morning will depart to Puerto Piramides, where we take a the Yellow Submarine to do whale watching of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from July to December 15, and of Southern Sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and cormorants between January and March.
Unlike the conventional watching service, the semi-submersible submarine Yellow Submarine allows us to watch whales submersed in their environment. Underwater, the perspective looks completely different, which is comparable only to the experience of diving among them. While they remain close to the vessel, we watch them all the time through the 40 viewing windows on the lower deck. On board, passengers can walk around at their pleasure on the submersed lower deck, or on the outdoor upper deck and watch the whales from the surface of the water, as a conventional watching....... (B)

Day 04 Peninsula Valdes-Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Continue with your program (you have 2 more nights in B. Aires). (B)

 
2024 Cost per person: all shared tours & transfers (private tours available upon request)

 

  3star-Posada Madryn 4 star-Dazzler T 5 star-Territorio
Double US$1,330 1,474 1,780
Triple 1,222 1,395 1,555
Single 2,095 2,293 Call

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.

During Christmas and New Years -please add 20% to above rates.

Plus airfare from Buenos Aires....about $300-420 RT.

 

DEPOSIT $250 per person.  

 

FINAL PAYMENT 50 days before departure.

 

Best times: Whale watch: Jul. to Nov;   Penguins: Sep.to Mar;   Sea elephants: Sep-Mar;  Killer whales: Oct-Mar

Tour packages to Peninsula Valdez

OPTIONAL EXTENSION AUSTRALIS CRUISES :

Australis cruises and vacations

 Ventus Australis or Stella Australis

 ITINERARY USHUAIA-PUNTA ARENAS

5 days / 4 nights

Departure Dates Stella Australis: See departures dates below
Departures dates Ventus Australis: See departures dates below

DAY 1 DEPART USHUAIA (Argentina) :

Arrive and immediate check-in with the cruise company . Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure. Board the M/V Ventus Australis at 18:00 (6 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.
 
DAY 2 CRUISE Cape Horn-Wulaia 
Around the break of dawn, Stella Australis crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).
Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 CRUISE PIA GLACIER & GARIBALDI
We continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Ventus Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.
Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding -- very steep, negligible trail, rough footing -- and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks. . (B,L,D)
 
DAY 4 CRUISE Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.(B,L,D)
 
DAY 5 CRUISE-MAGDALENA ISLAND-PUNTA ARENAS
Early in the morning, we will disembark on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins that we will be able to observe during our walk to the Lighthouse that guides different ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. After our visit, the vessel will cruise towards Punta Arenas, disembarking about 11:30 a.m. (B)
 

ITINERARY PUNTA ARENAS (Chile) - USHUAIA (Argentina)

5 days / 4 nights

 

DAY 1 Punta Arenas - Check In
Between 13:00 and 17:00 hrs, we will begin to check-in at the Muelle Arturo Prat (Av. Costanera del Estrecho 1398) of Punta Arenas, to embark at 18:00 hrs. Once onboard, we will make a welcome toast and introduce the Captain and his crew. The ship will sail to the far south immediately after. Through the mythical Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, we will travel through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego

DAY 2 Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets
We will arrive in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay. We will learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted. We will hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest.
We will visit the Tuckers Islets, where you will see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay.

DAY 3 Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley
We will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will sail to the viewpoint from where you can see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we will continue our navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley”.

DAY 4 Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
We will arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark, if the weather conditions are suitable, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends.
In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. We will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest in which lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns grow, among other species.

DAY 5 ARRIVE Ushuaia
Port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. We will disembark at 08:30 or 09:00 AM, depending on the sailing date. Arrival in Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world.

 

Patagonia vacation packages and cruises

For more information about the Ventus and Stella Australis click here

 

For questions or further information on Argentina or about these programs 

Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours at 

1-800-327-0080 or e-mail us at

tara@taratours.com