Departures: From October 2015 to Apr 2016

Places visited: Buenos Aires, Calafate & Torres del Paine

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • International & Domestic flights
  • 2 nights of accommodation at Hub Porteño Hotel in Buenos Aires
  • 4 nights of accommodation at Eolo Relais & Chateaux Hotel in Calafate with full board
  • 4 nights of accommodation at Awasi Patagonia Hotel with full board
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Half Day Classic city tour in Buenos Aires
  • 1 Full day Marpatag Navigation in Calafate 
  • Entrance fee to Parque Nacional los Glaciares
  • Lunch on-board the Marpatag in front of Spegazzini glacier, with alcoholic and soft drinks included.
  • Bilingual guides for transfers and tours

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Buenos Aires: Upon arrival to the airport, private transfer to Hub Porteño Hotel.

Hub Porteño is located in the heart of Recoleta, Buenos Aires, the neighborhood characterized by leafy streets and Belle-Époque facades. Its central location offers convenient access to the city’s highlights, only a half block from the sophisticated shopping street Avenida Alvear as well as short walk to Recoleta cemetery. 

The property underwent an extensive restoration and transformation from a former private mansion to an exclusive urban retreat. While maintaining many original lovely elements and the feeling of a private home, 11 spacious suites, each uniquely designed include antique furniture, priceless Argentine artwork and unique pieces handcrafted by local artisans. The spacious palatial bathrooms boast walk-in showers, double jacuzzi baths, cut glass mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Facilities include fully equipped gym, dry sauna, treatment room. 

Day 2: Buenos Aires:

Half day Classic City Tour

A three-hour sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan city that reflects the influences of the numerous immigrants who helped to shape the capital of Argentina. Begin at the historic Plaza de Mayo Square, symbol and setting of the country’s most important political manifestations. The square is framed by the Government House, also known as the "Pink House”; the Cabildo (the old City Hall) and the Cathedral. Next, head south to the picturesque and colorful port neighborhood of La Boca. Stroll La Boca’s iconic street, "Caminito", its colorful architectural details reflect the influence of the Europeans, especially Genovese sailors, who settled here at the end of the 19th century. Then continue to San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires; San Telmo still preserves many architectural treasures with colonial houses and charming cobblestone streets. Puerto Madero stands in sharp contrast with historic San Telmo. The revitalized waterfront district of Puerto Madero features modern architecture and innovative urban development. The two final destinations on the tour include Palermo, with its elegant residences framed by wide green areas and Recoleta, the most sophisticated and elegant neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

Day 03: Buenos Aires - Calafate: At appropriate time, private transfer to the airport to take the flight to Calafate.

Upon arrival, private transfer to Eolo Patagonia spirit

This exclusive mountain lodge was built in 2005 in the style of the old Patagonian wool farmhouses but with all of the modern technology and comfortable indulgences, in a jaw-dropping scenery. Eolo offers 17 spacious suites combining an antique style with contemporary comfort, luxurious bathrooms and big windows with different views of Argentino Lake, La Anita Valley, the Torres del Paine of the Rico branch. The lodge’s water supply comes from a natural spring located at 800 meters above sea level. There’s a small indoor pool, a sauna, a cozy library and a restaurant, also open to non-guests, by reservation only.  The Eolo staff are from Patagonia and can tell their guests a lot about the history, indigenous customs and traditions and the regional flora and fauna. 

The All Inclusive Program includes:

  • Transfer from El Calafate to the Hotel
  • All meals and soft beverages
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bilingual Guides
  • All excursions indoor and outdoor

The All Inclusive Program does not include:

  • Premium wines
  • Premium liquors
  • Laundry
  • Tips
  • Telephone calls

Day 4: Calafate:

Full day MarPatag Navigation

This navigation offers the best full day boat tour for travelers who wish to visit the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers (ice floes currently block close access to Upsala glacier). The full day program aboard the Crucero Marpatag offers an exclusive small group tour to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (maximum of 28 passengers). 

Pick-up at Eolo hotel and transfer to Paraje Punta Bandera. Board the boat at 9:00 a.m. at the company’s private dock “La Soledad” (Bahía Tranquila, Paraje Punta Bandera). The boat will set course towards the northwest, crossing Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo, the narrowest passage in the lake (800 meters/2400 feet wide). 

After two hours of sailing, the boat approaches Upsala Glacier. In this area the lake is packed with ice floes in a dazzling array of colors and shapes. The boat will stop in front of the barrier of ice floes that currently blocks the entrance to Canal Upsala. Weather permitting, observe the Upsala glacier from a distance.

 Continue navigation on Lago Argentino towards the south, passing through the Spegazzini Canal to reach the Spegazzini glacier. Get a close-up look at this glacier that rises 80 to 135 meters (262 – 443 feet) above the lake. Lunch is served amidst this stunning landscape. In the afternoon, the Crucero Marpatag will arrive at Puesto de Las Vacas (a quiet and remote bay in the Spegazzini Canal). Disembark for a guided walking tour with panoramic views of Spegazzini glacier.
 Once onboard, the boat returns via the Brazo Norte and will be back at the dock around 6:00 p.m.
Note: the itinerary is subject to change based on the captain’s criteria to guarantee passenger safety.
The MarPatag tour includes:
- Boat tour across Lago Argentino and visit to the barrier of ice floes in the Upsala Canal (the barrier currently blocks close access to the Upsala glacier) and the spectacular Spegazzini glacier.
- Lunch onboard overlooking the Spegazzini glacier (alcoholic beverages and soft drinks included).
- Landing in Puesto de Las Vacas.
- Tea, coffee and soft drinks during navigation.
- On-board activities conducted by a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Transfers from and to El Eolo.
- Entrance fee to Parque Nacional los Glaciares.


Day 5 – 6: Calafate: These days you may choose among this great variety of activities at EOLO.

  • Indoor Activities        
  • Getting acquainted with the Eolo experience: welcome meeting and programming of activities.
  • Discussions on glaciology, regional flora and fauna.
  • Tales of local and indigenous legends: customs and traditions.
  • Reading and research material on Patagonia, in the library.
  • Thematic films and documentaries on DVD and VHS.

Outdoor Activities

  • Horseback riding on Mount Frías, different levels of expertise and tour duration (aditional cost).
  • Trekking on Mount Frias, and in La Anita valley.
  • Mountain biking over unique lanes and trails.
  • Sightseeing and identification of flora and fauna.
  • Birdwatching.

Day 7: Calafate - Torres del Paine: At appropriate time, transfer to Awasi Patagonia Hotel.

Awasi Patagonia is in a private reserve with impressive views of the Torres del Paine and Lake Sarmiento. A thick native forest of Lenga and Ñire trees protects the chosen location from the strong Patagonian winds. The native fauna remains protected in these forests where herds of guanaco, nandu, foxes, condors and the occasional puma can be spotted Awasi Patagonia's strategic location allows you to enjoy the Torres del Paine National Park from the intimacy of our private reserve.

The All Inclusive Program includes: 

  • Private vehicles from and to Puerto Natales.
  • Excellent lodging facilities in private villas.
  • A complete culinary experience at our restaurant headed by chef Mathieu Michel, featuring the best local ingredients. Let us know what your preferences are.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including a large selection of Chilean wines. Open bar included.
  • 4x4 vehicle and a private guide assigned to design excursions in line with your tastes and preferences.

At Awasi excursions are private (with a guide and a vehicle assigned to each villa) and are planned according to the pace and preferences of each guest. The times, duration and routes of each excursion are defined in line with the special interests and wishes of each guest. The guests can also tour the private reserve from their villas on their own and explore the different paths, observing the native flora and fauna.

Day 8 – 10: Torres del Paine: Days to enjoy your stay at Awasi Patagonia Hotel.

Day 11: Torres del Paine: At appropriate time, transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas.

END OF SERVICES


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.
Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.