Argentinean Patagonia, a Journey to the Tip of the World

Today we transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, a city located on the shores of Lake Argentino. The name of the city is derived from a common Patagonian bush with yellow flowers and dark blue berries: the Calafate. The city is the travelers’ gateway to the Glaciers National Park and the two spectacular mountains, the Chalten the Torre. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. (b)

This morning we depart on an unforgettable full day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, declared in 1981 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park itself was created in 1937, and refers to the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland. The ice cap is the origin of 47 large glaciers. This ice field is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. Due to the area’s geographical location, glaciers were formed here at low altitudes of only 4,900 feet (1,500 meters), while in other parts of the world, glaciers maybe found at altitude of above 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). Our visit today is dedicated to the Perito Moreno. It is one of the only 3 Patagonian glaciers that are still growing, despite the Global Warming. The glacier’s massive ice wall is 3 miles (5 km) wide with an average highest of 240 feet (74 mt) above the surface of the lake; however two-thirds of its depth is under water, making it a total of 558 feet (170 mt)-thick ice filed! The glacier can be watched from the safety and comfort of a promenade located on a cliff overlooking the constantly moving ice. These amazing facts as well as the easy access to the site crowned the Perito Moreno one of the most visited glaciers in the World. Your tour also includes a boat ride on the lake, to watch up close the giant icebergs cracking and falling into the lake with awe-inspiring thunders. (b.l)

Another breathtaking day into the magic of floating ice. We depart by Catamaran for a scenic cruise on Lago Argentino toward the Onelli Bay. We then enjoy an easy stroll through a typical Patagonian forest. At the end of the trail we reach the Onelli Lagoon; a “storage place” of thousands of icebergs that had broken off the 3 different glaciers surrounding the lagoon. The result is an unforgettable “open air museum” of floating ice sculptures with endless shapes and colors. Afternoon at leisure in El Calafate. (b)

Depart your hotel for a morning excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. The park was created by the Argentinean Government in 1960 with a mission to preserve the delicate and unique flora and fauna of the southernmost edge of the Andes. The park offers wild vistas of mountains and lagoons and peaceful hikes through sub-arctic forest. Among its local inhabitants you may spot the beavers and the red fox, muskrats and guanacos. That afternoon we return to the city to board a catamaran for a cruise through the famous Beagle Channel. The 150 miles long channel offers unparallelled views. During the cruise we will view the Sea Lion’s Island, where the “barking” of hundreds of Sea Lions are carried through the distance by the calm water of the channel. (b,l)

Check out and transfer to the airport or seaport for your next adventure in Argentina, Chile or Antarctica (b)