Buenos Aires, Tierra del Fuego & Chilean Patagonia

Itinerary in Brief:  Explore the Magnificent Southern Extremes of Argentina and Chile

• Start in fascinating Buenos Aires
• Hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Visit historic Estancia Harberton
• See penguins and other wildlife
• Torres del Paine National Park
• Some of world’s most beautiful scenery
• Charming small hotels throughout
• Can be customized and extended
• Can also start and end in Santiago

Day by Day Itinerary

Included meals are indicated in parentheses: (B,L,D)

Day 1       Arrive to Buenos Aires

Upon arrival you will be met by a local representative for transfer to your hotel in the Palermo district, a great base from which to explore the city.  Your hotel is a first class small boutique hotel, centrally located.
Malabia House (many hotel options available in Buenos Aires)

Day 2       Buenos Aires

Today you have a privately guided tour of Buenos Aires, visiting the historical monuments and getting the lay of the land in this sprawling, fascinating city. Areas visited include Palermo, the Recoleta, the Plaza de Mayo, the Teatro Colon, San Telmo, and La Boca.  You will have the end of the day free to explore on your own and eat out at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
Malabia House (B)

Day 3       Free Day in Buenos Aires

Today you have a free day in Buenos Aires to explore some more of the city on your own.  We can also arrange day excursions to nearby sites, such as the town of Colonia, Uruguay (a well preserved 17th century Portuguese colonial town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site), or up to Tigre and the Delta (there are also biking excursions up to Tigre).   Another option you might consider is an excursion (day or overnight) to one of the “estancias” in the area of San Antonio de Areco, about 1.5 hours from Buenos Aires.   This is an area that has preserved gaucho traditions more than any other in Argentina and the estancias provide a more in depth experience in this area of Argentine culture and history.
Malabia House (B)

Day 4       Tierra del Fuego

You will be picked up in the morning from you hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.  Upon arrival to Ushuaia you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Tierra de Leyendas (B)

Day 5       Tierra del Fuego National Park

Today you have a half day privately guided visit to Tierra del Fuego National Park. You’ll have the chance to hike along the “coastal trail” that follows the shoreline of the Park, with excellent views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and bays.  This day can be as active as you would like; hiking options range from non-strenuous to very strenuous and the guide will be there to make the most of the day according to your interests.
Tierra de Leyendas (B)

Day 6       Estancia Harberton

Today you have a full day excursion to Estancia Harberton, an historic hacienda located on the southeastern part of Tierra del Fuego.  The estancia was founded in 1886 by missionary/pioneer Thomas Bridges, whose descendants continue to operate the estancia.  From here you’ll take a boat trip out to nearby Gable Island where you can do some hiking (as much or little as you wish), with great views of the Beagle Channel, and then continue to Martillo Island, home to a Magellanic penguin colony and a variety of other marine and bird-life (the boat trip only takes place on Mon, Wed and Sat and the penguins are seasonal, from late November through March).
Tierra de Leyendas (B)

Day 7       Fly to El Calafate / Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park

Fly to El Calafate.  Upon arrival to El Calafate you will be met at the airport and transferred across the Patagonia steppe (about 5 hours drive) to Torres del Paine National Park to be dropped off at the unique Ecocamp (first class individual domes with private baths and heat, all the comforts of a hotel but smaller, and with the feel of being closer to the wilderness).
Ecocamp (B,D)

Day 8      Torres del Paine National Park

Your stay at the Ecocamp includes guided excursions each day.  Each day there is an option between the active (generally trekking) option and an easier going, less active option.   On the easier going option, there will be opportunities for walking in highlight areas of the Park, but nothing strenuous.  On the active excursions, you will be able to trek for many hours.  You will be able to discuss the options with the guides and staff at the Ecocamp so that you can plan your trip according to your interests.   The excursions run on a fixed schedule every week, so if you want to see as much of the Park as possible, you can also add another night or nights.
Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 9       Torres del Paine National Park

Another day for exploring Torres del Paine Naitonal Park from the Ecocamp. 
Ecocamp (B,L,D)

Day 10       Depart for Home

In the morning you will be transferred back to El Calafate for your flight flight to Buenos Aires, where you will connect with your international flight home.  Alternatively, you can transfer to Punta Arenas and fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago and return home from Santiago, or we can arrange any additional extensions to other areas of Chile or Argentina.  (B)