A Patagonia Sampler: Nature, Walking and Wildlife
November 29 - December 7, 2010
With an optional extension to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) - December 7-10.
Download full itinerary (.doc)
Join us for a fantastic return to Patagonia, an almost mythical region that extends over parts of southern Argentina and Chile. An area with no fixed geographical boundaries, the word nevertheless conjures up wilderness of extraordinary beauty, as well as an abundance of wildlife. Signature species include Guanacos, Andean Condors, primitive Lesser Rheas, and the elusive Puma.
We’ve designed this trip to let you sample and walk in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. In Puerto Montt, the heart of Chile’s Lake District, we admire snow-capped volcanoes reflected in looking-glass lakes, and stroll though towering, ancient Alerce forests. Individuals of this ancient cypress tree of the genus Fitzroya (named after the celebrated captain of the HMS Beagle), have been dated to over 3,500 years old. At Alerce Mountain Lodge, they pride themselves on attentive, first rate service and excellent cuisine. Accommodations are nestled within the ancient forest.
Equally spectacular is our time in Los Glacieres National Park where we explore a variety of mountains, lakes and woods. Here we are at the crossroads of two impressive realms. We have grand vistas of many peaks of the Andes clad with glacial ice and snow to the west, and to the east – the arid Patagonian steppe. The park’s name refers to its glaciers that are born from larger Ice Caps - the largest continental ice extension after Antarctica –- which occupy almost half its area. There are 47 big glaciers here, 13 of which flow to the Atlantic. There are also more than 200 smaller mountain glaciers, unconnected to the Ice Caps.
For those who can stay for the extension, additional time in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is an exquisite location with breathtaking scenery. The glorious rock of the Paine massif, the calving glaciers, the seven species of orchids among other flora make this a spectacular destination. Birds seen in the park are the Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, Rufous-tailed Hawk, Cinereous Harrier, Chimango Caracara, Magellanic Horned Owl, Austral Pygmy-owl, Chilean Flamingo, Darwin's Rhea, Coscoroba Swan, Black-necked Swan, Magellanic Woodpecker, Magellan Goose and Buff-necked Ibis.
ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Mon., Nov. 29 Arrive Nov. 29 in Santiago
Flights generally leave the U.S. at night to arrive in the morning at Santiago, Chile. Here, local hosts meet us at the Santiago airport to drive into the city and to help us check in to our accommodations. This afternoon, those that wish to can visit highlights of the City of Santiago de Chile, founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1541. Our tour begins with the Club Hípico (a famous thorobred horseracing and concert venue), and then proceeds to Cousiño Palace, a historic mansion now used as a monument as well as the official VIP residence. We then reach the main Avenue called Alameda in the heart of Santiago: in sight of the “La Moneda” government palace. We cross the banking and business center to stop at the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, one of the most complete collections of ceramics, ancient textiles and relics of the American culture. At the Plaza de Armas we find the Cathedral, Post Office and National Museum. We continue toward the main Avenue to admire the San Francisco Church and the National Library. A little further on across the Mapocho River and head straight towards the summit of the San Cristobal Hill on the North side of the city from where you enjoy a panoramic view over the city below, and the Andes range in background. Descending from the hill, enter the modern residential districts of Vitacura, Las Condes, Santa María de Manquehue and Providencia through a shopping area with a large variety of restaurants and coffee shops. Our welcome dinner tonight is at the hotel.
Accommodations in Hotel Santiago Park Plaza (D)
Tues., Nov. 30 Puerto Montt /Alerce Mountain Lodge
After breakfast and hopefully a good night of rest from your travels, we drive to the airport for our flight to Puerto Montt. From here we drive to Alerce Mountain Lodge which stands in the middle of a vast expanse of Alerce forest. This species is also known as the Andean Birch, and is amongst the oldest trees on earth. The route we take follows the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway), heading south along Reloncaví Bay for 23 miles and then begins the ascent to the lodge on a road constructed of Alerce logs. A quick stop will be organized to see "El Tata", the grandfather, which at an age of 3800 years is one of the oldest Alerce trees in this area. We are warmly received upon arrival with an introduction to the history of the lodge. After lunch, we enjoy our first walk around the property, passing through dense vegetation of the Alerce forest, a type of temperate rainforest. Before enjoying dinner you can try a bath in the outdoor hot tub or relax in the sauna.
Accommodations at Alerce Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)
Wed., Dec. 1 Alerce Mountain Lodge
After breakfast we depart for a half-day hike along the path called 'Oro Verde' ("green gold"), named for its spectacular colors. On this 3-hour walk you will pass below a dense canopy of coigues, quilantos and tepas, all native species of the Valdivian forest, another type of temperate rainforest replete with broadleaf species. One of the highlights of this trail is the "Fountain of Hope" where crystal clear water runs from the mountains and forms a charming waterfall and pool. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities.
Accommodations at Alerce Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)
Thurs., Dec. 2 The Lake District & a Spectacular Boat Transit from Chile to Argentina
We get an early start to return to Puerto Montt. From here we begin our International lake transit at 7:45 AM. During this full day crossing of the Andes from lake to lake, we take 5 buses and 3 boats, the timing well-crafted to make for an excellent day! En route we view the spectacular volcanoes of Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo and the highest of 
the area, Mt. Tronador. The boat trips are on Lake Todo los Santos, also known as “emerald lake” for its color, the small Frias lake where Andean Condors nest on a steep cliff and finally the Lake Nahuel Huapi with the city of San Carlos de Bariloche as final destination. During the lake crossing we may find the hummingbird which pollinates red flowering plants of this forest – the Green-backed Firecrown, and we also look for Ringed Kingfishers. Our hotel is located on the shores of the lake Nahuel Huapi.
Accommodations at Hotel Cacique Inacayal, Bariloche (B,L,D)
Fri., Dec. 3 Nahuel Huapi National Park
Today we will explore and look for birds and wildlife of the Patagonian steppe and adjacent forest, habitats which are different now that we are on the east slope of the Andes where rainfall decreases. Now we see cypress trees (Austrocedrus chilensis) as dominant members of the forest. Today, on the arid steppe, we visit a lagoon called Laguna de los Juncos where Black-necked Swans, grebes and a variety of ducks are found. Along the road as we travel there, we look for Rufous-tailed Plantcutters, Chilean Flickers and White-crested Elaenias. We plan to reach the Mountain Hut on Cerro Otto by lunch time, to enjoy lunch, look for the Magellanic Woodpeckers and take a hike with a beautiful view. Learn about the ecology of this forest and to recognize some of the plants and trees. In the late afternoon we walk a trail of the beautiful Peninsula Llao-Llao, where birds such as the Huet-Huet, the Chucao Tapaculo live in the thick bamboo. Dinner is at your leisure tonight at the hotel, or in town with a choice of local restaurants.
Accommodations at Hotel Cacique Inacayal (B,L)
Sat., Dec. 4 Chalhuaco Valley
Today we drive to the nearby Chalhuaco Valley, located within Nahuel Huapi National Park for a day of walking. Designated as a National Park in 1903, Nahuel Huapi protects more than 3,000 square miles of lakes, sparkling rivers, trout streams, turquoise glaciers, rocky, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and waterfalls. From the 
Andean Club’s Bariloche Refuge, we take a loop trail to the Mirador of the Nirihuau where we look at some very special tiny plants, such as rosulate violas, green and yellow orchids. Along the trail we walk under 300-year old tall deciduous Beech trees, locally called “Lengas” where Austral Parakeets, Magellanic Woodpeckers and the Striped Woodpeckers nest. The Chalhuaco stream hosts an endemic species of frog. This afternoon you have some free time to explore Bariloche on your own. On the main square you can sample the region's famous chocolates or purchase some of the lovely wool products produced in the area. There also is a very small Museum at the Civic Center. Dinner is once again at your leisure.
Accommodations at Hotel Cacique Inacayal (B,L)
Sun., Dec. 5 El Calafate/Los Glaciares National Park
Off we go! Today we drive to Bariloche airport from which we take a flight to El Calafate. This town is situated on the shores of Lago Argentino and is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Check in to a small Hosteria on the shores of the lake, where many birds congregate to feed in this round bay. Stretch your legs on a walk, or look for bird near El Calafate and surroundings upon arrival. Some of the places we might visit include Laguna Nimes, a great place to walk and to search for Magellanic Plovers, Andean Ruddy Ducks, Cinerious Harriers, Upland Geese, Black-faced Ibis, and coots. Lunch is on the plane, and dinner at your leisure.
Accommodations at Hosteria Los Hielos (B, L on the plane)
Mon. Dec. 6 Perito Moreno Glacier
Our final day of the main tour gives us a full day on a Perito Moreno Glacier excursion. En route to the glacier’s edge we stop to bird at a few spots, looking for South American specialties such as miners, earthcreepers and Long-tailed Meadowlarks, as well as some water birds. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the best known glaciers of all for its impressive 90 ft tall wall and the closeness to the main land. This stable glacier is named after the creator of Argentina’s National Parks, who mapped this area in the 19th century. We celebrate a great trip tonight with a final dinner.
Accommodations at Hosteria Los Hielos (B,L,D)
Tues., Dec. 7 Departure or Extension / Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Those departing will go to the airport at El Calafate, where you can catch flights to Buenos Aires that connect with International flights either from Buenos Aires or, though another flight segment, Santiago. This is a beautiful day and we make stops for scenery, birds and other wildlife. Lunch is at a local restaurant in a small Patagonian town. By late afternoon we arrive at our all-inclusive lodge near Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park where we are based for the next three nights. Stretch your legs on a walk, marvel at the scenery and settle in for some great exploring in the days ahead.
Lodge Accommodations (B,D)
Wed., Dec. 8 Torres del Paine National Park
This morning we drive into Torres del Paine National Park, passing by Laguna Amarga where you view the dramatic rock towers of the Torres clearly. In this area many guanacos will have small “chulengos” (as their young are called); we search the Paine River for Torrent Ducks until we reach the beautiful waterfall where we can enjoy a picnic lunch. We next head southwest passing by Lake Nordensjold, visit the Salto Grande and continue on to Lago Grey where we walk near lakes where we may find the company of Austral Blackbirds, Silvery Grebes, maybe a Shrike Tyrant or Canastero, and the beautiful Spectacled Duck.
Lodge Accommodations (B,L,D)
Thurs., Dec. 9 Torres del Paine National Park
Today we stay in the area of Lago Grey, where we walk across the Pingo River. Here we again search for Torrent Ducks; once on trails in the Lenga woods we look out for Austral Parakeets, Thorn-tailed Rayaditos, Dark-faced Ground Tyrants, 
Patagonian Sierra Finches and, with much luck, an Austral Pygmy Owl. After a half mile trail in the woods we reach the shores of the Grey Lake where many icebergs have seen drifting with the wind and they hit the frontal moraine. They are huge icebergs that have calved off the Grey Glacier. In the afternoon you can choose to hike, or we may take another short hike along the Pingo River, or go to the Administration of the Park area to look for waterbirds such as Flying Steamer Duck, White-tufted Grebe, Plumbeous Rail and for snipes hiding in the grasses. While in this splendid park we follow the interests of the group and also the weather!
Lodge Accommodations (B,L,D)
Fri., Dec. 10 Punta Arenas and Departures (via Santiago)
This morning we drive from the Torres del Paine area to the Punta Arenas airport and en route we make a few stops to look for a few birds we may have not seen yet, such as Chilean Skuas, Black-browed Albatrosses and perhaps another chance for Magellanic Plovers. This domestic flight takes you to the Santiago airport, where you can connect with International flights onward. Or, plan on more time in this beautiful city on your own if you so choose. We may also be able to book a trip for you to explore the Beagle Channel on a four day cruise… (B)
PLAN AHEAD!
Protect yourself with Access America Travel Insurance.
Offset your Carbon Footprint. Show us the receipt and we'll take 50% - up to $50.00 - of your carbon offset fee off your final payment.
Cost
of the Journey
Cost of the main tour is $3690.00 from Santiago, Chile, departing from El Calafate (PUQ), Argentina, or if on the extension, Punta Arenas, Chile. Tour cost, based on double occupancy, includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, park entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Single supplement for the main tour (as available) is $590.00.
Tour cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Santiago, returning from Punta Arenas, internal flights (2 segments: Santiago – Puerto Montt, Bariloche – Calafate) or airport taxes. Please note our host operator can arrange internal flights for you, or we recommend times for you to book when you do your International flights. The tour cost is based on a minimum of 8 persons; with fewer than 8 traveling, we may charge a small group surcharge (typically $100.00-$300.00).
Cost of the Torres del Paine extension is APPROXIMATELY $1895.00, double occupancy. Depending on the number we have for this, we will run it as a small guided trip, or as all-inclusive lodge-based stay with local naturalist guides. Thus this price to be advised but gives you an estimate to make decisions on.
Transportation
Many International airlines serve Santiago, Chile. Lan Chile and Aerolinas Argentinas connect with other airlines to serve El Calafate. Despite being a small airport, there are a lot of flights in and out as it’s on the route to Ushuaia where passengers depart for Antarctica. One flight does go over to Punta Arenas if you prefer to stay on a route through Chile. International airlines to Santiago include American, Delta, Air Canada, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, LanChile and AeroMexico.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
All photos by Carlos Passera, Causana Viajes
|
Close
This Window
