Explora Journey Through Patagonia

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Travel through Patagonia exploring the Chilean area that runs North from the Strait of Magellan to the Southern Ice Field and the Argentinean area in the same latitude as the Ice Field.

In Chile the journey is centered in Torres del Paine National Park whilst in Argentina in Los Glaciares National Park and the village of El Chaltén, located at the foot of the spectacular Mount Fitz-Roy. Both parks offer the best trekking available, passing through exceptional landscapes including mountains, valleys and glaciers.

The crossing between the two locations (El Chaltén to Torres del Paine or vice versa) is an impressive experience. Guests travel along the Argentino and Viedma lakes, the River Santa Cruz and the River La Leona. (A visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier is optional-please enquire for quote).

Season: Year-round. In Patagonia a surprising variety of panoramas exist throughout the year.

Departure dates in 2010: On request

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine
Upon arrival in Punta Arenas you will be met and taken to Torres del Paine National Park for a stay of four nights at the Hotel Salto Chico (explora Patagonia).

Days 2, 3 & 4: Torres del Paine National Park
Based at the Hotel Salto Chico you will be able to explore the National Park choosing from a large variety of excursions and explorations on foot or horseback, by van or by bike. From a couple of hours to a full day, gentle or more physically demanding, the excursions will let you get to know in depth the geography and wildlife of this place, as well as discover the cultural identity of the region.

Day 5: Crossing to Argentina
In the morning depart from the hotel towards El Chaltén. On the way you will have the opportunity to see Patagonia's many contrasts, passing from mountainous landscape to the characteristic plains of the Patagonian pampa. You will drive around lakes and continue southeast towards the Argentine border. After entering the pampa, you will stop for lunch at a restaurant in the town of El Calafate on the banks of Lake Argentino. Then continue the journey across the pampa and by Lake Viedma. Arrive at dusk in El Chaltén, a small town located 220 Kms from El Calafate in the Los Glaciares National park. The following 3 nights will be spent at the El Puma lodge.

Days 6, 7 & 8: El Chaltén
These 3 days will be spent trekking around the El Chaltén area, going on different explorations of varying lengths and intensities during which you will get to know the geology, glaciers, flora and fauna of the area.

On your daily explorations, you will discover the 12-million-year-old Fitz Roy and Torre mountain ranges and cross mature lenga tree forests and valleys characteristic of the Patagonia pampa. You will travel around glaciers, rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. From the many viewpoints in the park, you will have the opportunity to watch condors and eagles in flight, as well as enjoy panoramic views of El Chaltén and mountain massifs.

Day 9: El Chaltén to El Calafate
Morning transfer back to El Calafate and drop-off at airport for your outbound flight (not included). Alternatively we can arrange for a few nights stay in El Calafate should you wish to include a visit to the Perito Moreno glacier.

Day 1: El Calafate to El Chaltén
Upon arrival in El Calafate you will be met and taken to El Chaltén (220 Kms from El Calafate) for your stay of three nights at the El Puma Lodge.

Days 2, 3 & 4: El Chaltén
These 3 days will be spent trekking around the El Chaltén area, going on different explorations of varying lengths and intensities during which you will get to know the geology, glaciers, flora and fauna of the area.

Day 5: Crossing to Chile
In the morning depart towards Torres del Paine National Park. Pass the Lake Viedma ice floes and then continue your journey passing by the vast plains of the pampa and following intensely coloured rivers and lakes. Stop at El Calafate for lunch before continuing with crossing the pampa until reaching the Cancha Carrera border pass. Cross over to Chile and continue to Torres del Paine. En route you will have the opportunity to see the contrast of the Patagonian landscape, passing from the characteristic plains of the pampa to the steep Andes mountain range. Arrive in the afternoon the Hotel Salto Chico (explora Patagonia) for your stay of four nights.

Days 6, 7 & 8: Torres del Paine National Park
Based at the Hotel Salto Chico you will be able to explore the National Park choosing from a large variety of excursions and explorations on foot or horseback, by van or by bike. From a couple of hours to a full day, gentle or more physically demanding, the excursions will let you get to know in depth the geography and wildlife of this place, as well as discover the cultural identity of the region.

Day 9: To Punta Arenas
Early in the morning transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas (approx. 5-6 hours) on time for your outbound flight (not included).

At the beginning of the travesía from Chile (or at the end if starting in Argentina) you will stay for a few nights in the Hotel Salto Chico (explora Patagonia) right in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park.

On the Argentine side of Patagonia, you will stay at El Puma lodge, in the town of Chaltén, at the foot of the Torre and Fitz Roy mountains. The lodge has all the necessary amenities for relaxing after a day of exploration: comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, central heating and a welcoming living room where you can enjoy good conversation and wine by the warmth of the fireplace.

All of the meals are well-balanced and perfect for facing the physical exertion of the travesía. Some of the ingredients and recipes that are used in the cuisine are traditional to the Patagonian culture. To accompany your meals, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of Chilean wines at the Hotel Salto Chico and Argentine wines at El Puma lodge.

Altitude: Although the surrounding peaks reach heights of 3,400 metres, El Chaltén sits only a few metres above sea level. The same is true of Torres del Paine, whose principal 3,000-metre high peak is a commanding view for those who participate in excursions that are just a few metres above sea level.

Climate: Torres del Paine National Park has a micro-climate regulated principally by its proximity to the sea, and its low altitude (from 50 to 300 metres high) which allows for pleasant temperatures both during the winter and the summer. Los Glaciares National Park and the area around El Chaltén are slightly higher (450 metres), meaning that its climate tends to be colder during the winter. Both are transition zones toward the steppe region, and therefore the climate is very dry. During the winter there is some snow, which typically melts quickly. Wind is a very important factor, above all during the summer, with gusts of up to 110 Kms per hour. This can be a disadvantage but it nevertheless produces a continual change in climactic conditions; for example it can be raining one moment but the wind can shortly disperse the clouds and allow the sun to shine, making the climate an element of emotion. The most attractive seasons are usually the autumn for the changing foliage colours and the spring for the rebirth of flora and fauna. During the winter there are often days of transparent and radiant sun, and there is sufficient light for a full day of exploration, also making it an attractive season to visit.

Price per person in British Pounds/£ (until 31 Dec 2010)	Single	Twin/Double
Journey through Patagonia - Salto Chico room (at Hotel Salto Chico) - Cordillera Paine room (at Hotel Salto Chico) - Suite Exploradores (at Hotel Salto Chico)	5,939 6,324 7,707	4,147 4,333 5,047

Austral Tours Ltd: 20 Upper Tachbrook Street
London SW1V 1SH - United Kingdom
Tel. +44(0)20-7233 5384 / Fax +44(0)20-7233 5385
Email: info@latinamerica.co.uk

Austral Tours is pleased to support the work of The LATA Foundation which is a UK-based charity (Registered Charity Number 1123580) dedicated to promoting responsible business practices in the tourism industry as well as sustainable development, conservation and poverty relief in Latin America. For more information about The LATA Foundation please see www.latafoundation.org or to make a donation please see www.justgiving.com/lata