Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Buenos Aires.

Reception and transfer to Hotel. After a rest, meet with historian guide and a cultural city walk is organized for visiting the most interesting corners of the one called Paris of South America. (4 hours).   Overnight accommodation in Buenos Aires, at the Mansion Dandi Royal Hotel. D


The hotel is located in one of the principal streets of the traditional San Telmo, at the historic centre of Buenos Aires city.  You are just minutes away from the colorful La Boca and the famous pedestrian Caminito


Day 2: Buenos Aires.
In the morning we meet our local guide for a walking tour in Buenos Aires. In the afternoon we continue touring the with private transportation. Unfortunately the Colon Opera house is closed until May 2008 for refurbishments. In the evening we enjoy dinner & tango show.
Overnight  Buenos Aires, at the Mansion Dandi Royal Hotel. B, D.


Day 3: Flight to El Calafate
Private transfer with English speaking guide to domestic airport. Flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival at the airport we transfer to our estancia and enjoy exploring the property before dinner. Overnight EL Calafate, at El Galpon del Glaciar. B, D.


Only 20 km from El Calafate, on the way to the Glaciar Perito Moreno, in an old and traditional patagonic homestead, the “El Galpón” (The shearing shed) is located. The lodge has 16 comfortable rooms with a view to the lake or to the magnificent Andes Mountain Range. The farm owns 3,5 Kms of lake Argentino shore and 1,5 kms the river Centinela.


 Day 4: Estancia Activities

Full day for activities of your choice.  Possibilities include hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, sheep shearing demos and more.

Overnight El Calafate, at El Galpon del Glaciar. B, D.

Day 5: Cruise to Upsala
Private transfer from El Galpon del Glaciar to MarPatag boat (provided by MarPatag). Entrance fee to the National park included. Overnight on Crucero Leal. (bunk beds) B, L, D.


Private Cruise:
www.crucerosmarpatag.com
Two days navigation on "Lago Argentino" enjoying the spectacular Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno Glaciers.The Boat: Cabins: double/bunk accommodations with exterior view and private bathroom.  Central heating, cold and hot water. Three decks: stern, bow and a main deck over the main hall.


Day 6: sailing: fantastic Moreno glacier.
Full day cruise to Moreno Glacier, afternoon arrive to port and transfer to exclusive Estancia.  Overnight accommodation in Helsingfors Estacia. B, L,D

Helsinfors Estancia
www.helsingfors.com.ar
Estancia Activities
Day of activities offered by the Hosteria (trekking to Blue lagoon, navigation to Viedma glacier, according to weather conditions & to be arranged with the guide from the Hosteria). Laguna Esmeralda is in Tierra del Fuego.

 The lodge is surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, protected by lush woods which give way to a panoramic view of the lake, Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes Mountains. It has 8 rooms with a private bathroom, decorated and designed with an exquisite taste, combining colors and textures that blend in with the environment. Guests share their experiences around a large fireplace in the living area or enjoying a drink at the bar. A refined cellar with Argentine and Chilean wines accompanies the delights of a sophisticated regional cuisine.

Located within Los Glaciares National Park


Day 7: Los Glaciares National Park: Fitz Roy

Day hike option: Fitz Roy mount based on weather.We out on an old grass trail which starts at the same lodge. The path enters the river Alfredo valley (the same one that provides energy to the lodge), gradually ascending by the sides of the Huemul Hill and with the musical noise of the river. After a 40-minute walk, a most magnificent view can be seen from where one can appreciate the magnitude of Mt. Fitz Roy emerging from the other side of Viedma Lake. The path continues to enter deeper into the valley that becomes narrower, surrounded by the Cordón Huemul and its peaks that reach 2700 ms in height; the Blue Lagoon glacier can already be seen in the horizon of the valley. The footpath then leads into a forest of “lengas” and “ñires”. During the journey it is usual to see guanacos and condors curiously approaching to observe the visitor.Overnight Helsingfors Estancia. B,L,D.


Day 8: Viedma glacier
Day for rest or choose from activities at Estancia… hike & boat Navigation to Viedma Glacier possible option.

Leaving from the Lodge’s pier, we embark in a Zodiac with capacity for 18 passengers, which guarantees the maximum security on the Viedma Lake. One sets out Northbound, with Mt. Fitz Roy in front like a great lighthouse guiding the way over the enormous mirror of 1100 km2 of water. It takes a 40-minute navigation to reach Viedma Glacier. During this time, while bordering the Western coast of the lake, the visitors may have the privilege to observe the Strict Reserve (“Estricta Reserva”) – where mankind has no access – of the Glaciers’ National Park, where the largest colony of “guemals” (domestic stag in extinction) dwell in the Austral Patagonia. In spite of these creatures being extremely shy, the observant traveler may be lucky enough to notice some drinking water from the lake banks or hidden among the vegetation.
Overnight.  Estancia Helsinfors  B,L,D

Torres Del Paine National Park
The National Park Torres del Paine - Patagonia in Chile, covers 181,000 hectares is one of the most beautiful untouched, and little explored corners of our planet earth. Located in the most southern region of the Chilean Patagonia Torres del Paine National Park receives a few thousand visitors each year.  Full of unique wildlife and nature the park offers an experience which will awe the most experienced traveler who visits.

Day 9:  Transfer to Paine National Park

The lodge staff shuttles us to the town of El Calafate where we meet our private transfer and depart for Paine National park with English speaking guide. At the border we meet the Chilean guide. Entrance fee to the National park is included. Cerro Guido, situated on the premises of an authentic working sheep farm. After checking in and time to relax, we have time to explore the amazing installations of this historical “Estancia”.
Overnight in Paine National Park,  Cerro Guido Lodge. B,D


Day 10: Paine National Park

Today we enter into the park by foot along a wonderful route along the lakeside then through the forest, finally dropping into the   the park near the falls at Salto Grande. Overnight in Paine National Park, at Pehoé Hosteria.  B, L, D


 Day 11: Las Torres Trek (or following Day)

Transfer to Las Torres Hosteria. Today we face perhaps one of the most stunning ones in South Patagonia, the Towers of Paine. Following the Ascensio river through deep subantartic forests and cascades.. The last section follows a steep, rocky path to Lago Las Torres. From here admire the Paine Towers (weather permitting) rising above a blue/green lake. The famous Torres del Paine (9.400ft) consists of three gigantic granite monoliths, shaped by the forces of glacial ice. 8-10 hours, Grade: moderate to difficult, daypack required (box lunch).Overnight in Paine National Park, at Pehoé Hosteria.  B, L, D


Hosteria Pehoe, Sited on a 5 hectare island in Lake Pehoé , it offers visitors the chance to enjoy the wonders of nature and a truly overwhelming view of the Horns of the Paine. It has 25 rooms with private bathrooms, all comfortably furnished and heated, a large lounge, a dining room with a beautiful view of Lake Pehoé and the Horns of the Paine. The restaurant stands offers regional dishes

Day 12.  Torres Del Paine National Park
Full day walking in Park based on weather and decision of Group. This may be the day we explore the highlights of the Park.  

One possibility is to transfer to Lago (Lake) Grey area and take the boat along the lake viewing numerous giant icebergs drifting by.  The Boat Cruise is optional (not included) and based on group interest and earlier time spent navigating by boat. At the end of the Lake lies the famous Grey Galicer ...a dramatic viewpoint from the boat allows us to watch icebergs crashing into the lake.


 We can be dropped at Grey Hut and walk along the famous “W” route to Pehoe hut. This trek ambles along the lake, occasionally climbing higher through the forest. The route climbs and passes a small lake before descending through the valley where we arrive at Lago Pehoe and take a final catamaran across the lake 4,5 hours grade: medium.  Daypack (box lunch, water , etc.---). Overnight accommodation in Paine National Park, at Pehoé Hosteria, B,L, D

 Day 13. El Calafate to Buenos Aires (possible continue on to salta-see below)Today we say goodbye to Paine and begin the long route back to Buenos Aires.  A private transfer takes us to El Calafate, saying goodbye to our guide & changing vehicle at the Chilean border and eventually arriving at El Calafate airport for our f light to Buenos Aires. We are welcomed back to BA by a private transfer from domestic airport to hotel choice hotel enjoy a final dinner. Overnight Buenos Aires, at the Mansion Dandi Royal Hotel. B, D


 Day 14. Private transfer with English speaking guide to Ezeiza International Airport. Flights back to US or on for extension of your choice.

More information from The Dragon's Path:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.thedragonspath.com/2009_trips/trip_itineraries/southcentr…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips