Group with tour leader

START :01 November 2008

Fixed departure date starts in Buenos Aires finish Buenos Airesminimum 10persons ,maximum 20 persons

The extreme southern point of Latin America, dividing Chile and Argentina, this is Patagonia. It is one of the most capricious mountains landscapes in the world, a last impressive breaking loose of the Andes before going under in the sea . But it is also a country of endless splendid untouched nature areas, penguins, glaciers, dolphins, whales. We cross over Patagonia with bus and plane concerning a very large distance, certain is that you return homeward with pure lungs and a lost heart for this nature ! As an extra you get the water falls of Iguazu on top !

Our tours are with an English /Dutch speaking tour leader, he travel all the time with you and the group, he is no guide but after many years working in Peru/Bolivia he knows what a tourist need ! He arranges all the hotels, transport and excursions .He’s support and translate in any problem. He gives you general info in every place, enough info, so you can discover the beauty of this country by yourself, or with members of the group. You buy yourself, your international flight from hometo Buenos Aires /Peru .This you can easy do in any flight ticket shop around the world .The tour leader speaks in Dutch/English to the group .Its a fixed departure,so you buy a flight home /Buenos Aires arriving Buenos Aires 01/ 11 /2008 and your flight Buenos Aires/ home 23/ 11/2008.You always can extend your stay if you tell us in advance!

People who are short in time can leave home on 19/11/2008

We promote a lot of freedom and flexibility in our tours, we call it alone in group, you do your thing with the comfort of a group while de tour leader arrange your excursion or bus ticket. Freedom is one of the big points in this tour!

You buy yourself your international flight from home to Buenos Aires, and return from Buenos aires, in one of the many ticket shops on Internet, so you can find one of the offers! Minima 1 month before departure we inform you if we have sufficient travellers for this tour, if not, we can arrange the complete tour on individual base !

v     All the hotels in a mixture of good hotels /and local hostels with private bathroom all very clean and central located. All the hotels are based on 2 persons in 2 persons room.,If you don’t mind to share a room with an other person ,male or female , there is no surcharge for single travellers. Single rooms on request and for different rate. Only in torres del paine we sleep in dormitories refugio with shared bathroom

Not included in this tour

v      Your meals and spirits, in most of the hotels breakfast is included.

v      The entrance fee and taxes, such as airport tax and entrances to national parks.

v      The excursions, everything with the blue sign excursion in front, below you find a list with approaching prices.

This morning after the breakfast, our bus brings us to the airport, where we take a flight to Calafate . In Calafate, which have the environment of a ski resort village, we enjoy our nice hostel in 2 person rooms with bathroom. If you want you still can visit the Laguna which lies walking distance from your hotel or you still can go on (excursion) horse ride

Note :Its possible that the flights only go to Rio Gallegos ,from there we have to take the bus for 4 h , depending on the flight schedules of the airlines ,but normally we fly direct to Calafate

Today we take a bus that brings us in 3 ½ h to Chalten .Chalten is situated in the national park los Glaciares . This is the Southern point of the Ice cap ,to the foot of the Andes-mountains. It’s the starting base for exploring the Fitzroy mountains .Here is the Cerro Torre (3100 m.) and Cerro Fitzroy (3405 m) who dominate the horizon. From Chalten starts splendid trekking. A rising path by half forests area brings you to Laguna Torre, from where you have a splendid view to the almost vertical boasted granite rock points, covered with snow .This walk lasts approximately five hours. The Torres are similar with the Torres in Torres del Paine on the Chilean side, to you to decide which is the most beautiful! Chaltén have many different walks. To the Laguna the los tres for example, where you stand on the feet of Cerro Fitz Roy with an overwhelming overview, very impressive! This walk is approximately 25 kilometres .In Chalten we stays in a hostel for 1 Night.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY 05 November

Today we have an active day , there many beautiful walking trails  around Chalten .In the afternoon we take the bus back to Calafate after 1 day amazing beautiful scenery !Hostal Calafate

Calafate is the base for a visit (excursion) to the giant Perito Moreno-glacier, which leads to an altitude of 60 / 70 m. and concerning a length of several kilometres in the immense Lago Argentino. The approximately fifty glaciers in the park form the largest compact ice mass on the earth. Another highlight during this travel. The glacier, one of largest in the world, lies at approximately eighty kilometres from Calafate. The Perito Moreno glacier ensure spectacular moments if there giant scraps demolish ice, which floats into the blue glacier lake .The blue coloured ice, sighs and cracks already millions years under the billion tons of weight, he moves itself approximately six meters per day an unique experience ! You can approach also the glacier closer with a boat excursion. Also an ice trek excursion on the Perito Moreno is for a lot of us truth excitement! With some pins under the shoes you go up the glacier. Accompanied with a glacier guide. 1 ½ h you climb over the working ice, surrounded with nothing ells than ice with strange forms. Superb blue pools of melt water are varied with walls of ice and snow. You have splendid view concerning these enormous ice mass and finish at a small bar, where they give whisky on the rocks ,so you also can taste this world wonder !You don’t need any  experience or condition. You can make in this excursion certainly the most fantastic photographs!

People, who like, can make optionally (excursion) a cruise to the Upsala glacier in the Onelli bay. During this excursion you see glaciers with ice walls of 60-80 m. altitude or go for horse riding or 4+4 jeeptour! Hostel in Calafate .

Day 8+9+10 : SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY  8/9/10  November

A bus brings us directly to the national park of Torres del Paine in Chile, this is undoubtedly one of most of spectacular national parks! This large park has been named after to the three important granite towers. It has a large variety of plants – animals and with snow covered mount tops, waterfalls, glaciers and the blue-green glacier milk, mountain lakes all over here the landscape. We even see a lot of guanaco's .This route is the habitat of the Andes-condor which you can see flying above your head. This largest bird on the continent can reach a wings u to 3meters.In the splendid park we sleep 3 nights in refugio,s (or tents if the refugio,s are full ) . you can buy healthy and nutritive meals. The costs for the meals you have to pay direct to the Refugio. You can do longer or short treks, depending your own conditions in the park.We stay 3 nights . The splendid laguna in front of the torres viewpoint are a highlight for many of us, But it is a steeply climb !! Count on 6 h go and back to viewpoint and lake in front of the granite torres. Certainly worth the effort! or you take a walk along the banks of the Lago Skottsberg and Nordenskjold concerning the path ` Sendero Paso loose Cuernos. You touch certainly splendid viewpoint! Also the surroundings of the park are splendid to make as excursions a Horse ride (excursion.)

Today we continue our trip and we go to Puerto Natales where we pick up our luggage and drive further for 4 h to Punta Arenas . This city lies on the southern point of Chile .Punta Arenas was popular in the 17e and 18 the century .Today its an important traffic port for boats .In the evening you can take a walk in the nice colonial centre . The cemetery is a public museum ,real worth a visit .Taste also the delicious salmon they serve in Punta arenas .Here we have a hostal with private bathroom .This evening we enjoy our seafood meal !

Today is a transport day ,we take about 10 h bus to Ushuaia. We take the ferry at the street of Magellanes, and we touch the original field of Yahgan- Indians, the mysterious "fire land". The name fire land has been considered by the Spaniards, they saw Ushuaia from their boats  with a constant red smoke for sunset .Also the Beagle-canal is very famous. The mountain tops around the city become almost the whole year cover with snow and ice. Ushuaia is the most Southern city in the world, after a military base. At the port are frequently large vessels, cruising ships for Antarctica and sailboats of world travellers. Tourism in the last years strongly increases and it seems that it’s the most important source of income to become. The Argentinean Navy is also present, particularly to protect the disputed and claimed part of Antarctica. You spend the night in a nice hostel.

The national park Fin del mundo, have splendid excursion possibilities Tierra del Fuego have a lot to offer, here several walks are possible. The park is situated a half hour drive from the city and exists of a mount landscape with grass countries, confesses, lakes, fjords and splendid dense bunches of coihue. Undoubtedly you see the Cauquén, a goose type who is not shy and regularly visit this area . The walks are not heavy and pass through concerning mount slopes, bunch and along the masonry bank of the Lapataia bay, you can see Chile .You also can make a very pleasant excursion cano/walking tour with a visit to the penguins this in pure nature! You cantake also an excursion on the Beagle canal, where the Pipo river ends. A boat brings you near Isla the pharaoh (the most Southern lighthouse), There are sea lions and cormorants or you take the boat which brings you to the penguin colony,or you go to the glacier with the cable car who brings you above the city, as from here you have a splendid view over the bay of Ushuaia or you visit  "fin del Mundo" museum ,where they stamp in your passport . In the evening you can have a meal with "Centolla" or traditional Asados", Centollas are the largest crab in the world which is caught in the Ushuaia bay .This bay colours in the evening sometimes totally red. We stay 2 full days in Ushuaia

We leave fire land behind us and go direction North, Trelew, the entrée gate to Patagonia. From the airport in Trelew we go by bus to our hotel in Puerto Madryn (80 km). This city, a bathing resort, has totally an other tradition then Ushuaia, by the mild climate. The centre is busy and full sociable restaurants and cafés. On the long beach you can sunbath. Also are there several terraces with sea views. It’s also a fisherman port. Hotel in Puerto Madryn

Today you can bring a visit (excursion) to the peninsula and the reserve of peninsula Valdés. Sea lions, sea elephants, guanacos, armadillos, penguins and other sea birds are in large numbers present on and around the peninsula Valdés. From June to mid- November its the whale period. Then many whales come pair to these waters around the peninsula. After birth, the mother till stay some months with the young in shallow water, before swimming into the Atlantic ocean. The excursion boat trip from Puerto Pirámide depends on the weather and sea conditions and of the presence of the animals close the peninsula. This time of the year there are no whales! Some whales are, however, about fourteen meters long and weigh largely 4000 kilo. At breathing time the animals frequently let see their four meters broad dark tail above the water .Often a whale swim under the boat. Most of the animals find the presence of visitors pleasantly and come curiously swimming around the boat. Hereafter the excursion goes further by bus and you will visit the sea lions - and sea elephants colonies. These sea animals are always present. Sea lions have been named after the African lions because the males have also long manes and a couple jaws with razor-sharp cogs. The sea elephants are on the beaches of Valdés, which they use to sunbathe and rest. The excursion lasts a complete day.Or you just take a relax day at the beach of Puerto Madryn . At night after a long day, you can treat yourself in one of the sociable restaurants of Puerto Madryn to delicious fresh fish.Today you can also just relax on the beach

In the Penguin season, which runs from October to March, you can make an optional excursion to the penguin colony of Punta Tombo. Here annually, thousands of Magellan penguins nest. The bus with guide brings you to the penguins’ colony where you can spend some hours walking between the birds. The animals nest in holes and appetites nothing to of visitors. They are the complete day busy with looking after the nest, the eggs and children or their feather package. There is many `shuffling movement concerning the paths which lead to sea. Some penguins nest two kilometres country-inward. Here applies very strictly behaviour rules. You can take many photographs, but are not permitted touching eggs or birds. After this we can pass Rowson ,here you can take an excursion boat to search the "Toninos" these are the smallest dolphins, white with black spots, these jump playfully with the boat .You can also go on the mountain bike or dive, but of course also choose to take this day as a rest day in Puerto Madryn on the beach!

OPTIONAL YOU CAN TAKE A FLIGHT TO IGUAZU AND STAY 1 MORE NIGHT IN BUENOS AIRES , or if you have short holiday ,you can fly home on day 19

We arrive around lunchtime in Iguazu. It’s situated northeast of Argentina, in the province Misiones, with his world famous waterfalls and his subtropical fauna and flora. Most of the time we stay in Foz do Iguazú on the Brazilian side, but sometimes in Iguazu .These places are situated very close to each other, its a must to visit both sides of the waterfalls. The  park on the Argentinean side ,also have beautiful walking trails with suburb views over the waterfalls .The mild climate invites us to relax after the long bus ride ,at our swimming pool !

This day you can, or have to take, the excursion to the world famous and impressive Iguazú-waterfalls. The views are amazing! The impressive waterfalls are situated at the border of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. They are not the highest but the widest in the world! About 275 big and small waterfalls coming down over a distance of 3 kilometre ,with around 80 meter of depth ! This impression and overwhelming noise of the water coming down you never forget, for sure you also get wet ! There are many tropical animals who are used to tourists .On the Argentinean side, you walk till almost in the waterfalls, the views from the walking pads are suburb! You have enough time to enjoy this beauty of Mother Nature. The highlight is the visit to the biggest waterfall ‘Garganta del Diablo’. You also can do some treks in the jungle around the waterfalls .One of the most spectacular excursions is the boat ride, this go very close till even under the waterfalls! Its fun and adventure and gives you breathtaking pictures of these falls!!! We guaranty you get wet!

The next day you can take as excursion, the helicopter flight over the waterfalls! This is a breathtaking experience! Like this you have a perfect impression on how big this falls are! Also the bird park is worth a visit .You walk between the Toucan’s .The Brazilian side gives you the best overview of these impressive waterfalls .People who like can do the excursion to the dam of Itaipu , one of the biggest dams in the world who gives electricity to a big part of Brazil and Paraguay .Its also possible to visit the 3 country point or the busy tax free zone in Paraguay , Ciudad del Este .

Today we go back direction Buenos Aires, here you can do your last shopping for souvenirs. Its also San Telmo Tango market today .We stay in our nice hotel. The people who like can visit this night as excursion, one of the Tango-diner shows .

DAY 23:  SUNDAY  23 November

Transfer to the airport and flight back home.

DAY 24: MONDAY  24 November

Arrive at home

The program can change a bit according the flight schedules of Aerolineas Argentina, because they often change !

Indication prices for the excursions, these are approximately and are variable!

-Buenos Aires bicycle city tour25 USD/Tango_dinershow 300 Peso/ Ushuaia Nat park tour 10 USD/Mountain bike-canoe tour with meal 65 USD/Beagle boat 30 USD/tour Perito Moreno 30 USD, Ice climb 85 USD with guide, Penguin tour 65 USD/Pininsula valdez 65 USD , Iguazu bus10 USD, entrance 10 USD, helicopter 70 USD speedboat under waterfalls 35 USD Entrée National park Torres el Paine 30 USD

Indications TAX

Airport tax nationally, sometimes 15 peso/22 airport tax international 18 USD

Luggage and clothing

We recommend to travel as light as possible, around 15 kilogram’s a person maxima, we prefer a backpack or skilful hold-all, heavy trunks are bad in transport! Sometimes you have to carry your stuff !for example in a station or airport or in the national parks .The person who have more than 15 kilogram’s have to pay the extra overweight at Aerolineas Argentina themselves .In this tour we  goes from the north hot jungle to the south ice fields. In January its summer, this means dry and warm, certainly in the surroundings of Buenos Aires and Iguazu it can be tropical in the south it can be a bit cooler ,be prepared to cold and warm, good Walking shoes , a poncho, sunglasses, alarm clock , lip balsam, personal medication, not too much, everything what you miss, is possible to buy cheaper in Argentina !

Care that you have a clean pair of clothes in your hand luggage and are able, 48 hours without your large luggage, in case luggage arrives later than you yourself.

Money and passport

We recommend pocket money around 1000 euro,P/P this in a combination of travel cheques/cash/and credit card. This money serves for the excursions, meals and entrance fee money, at a normal spending pattern of course we can not know what you spend on souvenirs or spirits. Everyone spend differently .The money in Argentina calls Peso ,the euro is accepted in each exchange office, the best you bring approximately 300 USD in small bills for the airport tax ,and excursions ,the rest is better in euro. With travel cheques you will pay much commission outside Buenos Aires. Credit cards such as master card/visas are accepted at many places, in each place where we come are  ATM machines with Cirus signs, on weekends the machines, however can, be empty!. You don’t need a visas if you are from Europe or the USA .You always need a valid passport ,valid for at least 6 month and with minima 3 empty pages. At arrival you get a tourist card, valid to stay up to 60 days.

CLIMATE

In fire land the mountains give much influence on the climate. This immense mountain chain divides the country in different climate

Areas. The coast area, which consists for a large part of desert, is dry. In the mountains of Patagonia you can have 4 seasons on 1 day it changes very fast!!!Evenings can get cool and wind can be strong. You need warm clothes in the south, which you can buy even cheaper on the spot !

Best travel time: dry time of October till March. Then it is summer and generally dry

Medication

The mountains in Patagonia are not high so you don’t have problems with altitude sickness

Argentina doesn’t obligate any vaccinations.

We advice that you take some vaccinations like :

- Hepatitis-A

- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio);

You have to start with these vaccinations about 6 weeks before departure .

Tap water and river water is drinkable in the South!!!

For more info ,look at  www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice    www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk