Collette > Patagonia

Patagonia
14 Days starting from $3,499

Countries Visited:
Argentina, Chile

 

Length: 14 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: South and Central America
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3466
   
 
About This Tour


Experience Patagonia’s bold landscape on this 14 day Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour of southern Argentina and Chile. See the majestic Andes, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. Discover European-style villages nestled in Alpine scenery, known for chocolate and fondue. Experience the colorful horseback traditions of gauchos, the South American cowboy. Cruise the historic and beautiful Beagle Channel, home to sea lions and albatross. Spend three nights in vibrant Buenos Aires. Gain insight through lectures by experts on glaciology, indigenous cultures and tango. Experience Fuegon hospitality with a home-hosted dinner with a local family in Ushuaia.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
11 Breakfasts (B); 1 Lunch; 8 dinners (D)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BUENOS AIRES Panamericano Hotel & Resort 
BARILOCHE Hotel Edelweiss
PUERTO VARAS Hotel Bellavista 
PUERTO NATALES Hotel Cort Australis

EL CALAFATE Campokau Yutan
USHUAIA Hotel Del Glaciar
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary baggage handling.
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Experience the beauty of Patagonia on this adventure through southern Argentina and Chile. Discover the region’s majestic Andes Mountains, glistening glaciers and cascading waterfalls as well as the colorful traditions of gauchos on horseback and couples dancing to the drama of the tango.

Day 2
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Your tour begins in the sophisticated city of Buenos Aires. European architecture, wide boulevards, and charming sidewalk cafes have earned it a reputation as “the Paris of South America.” This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city before a special welcome dinner.

Day 3
Buenos Aires
Venture into the Argentine countryside and visit a typical estancia (ranch), where gauchos demonstrate their impressive horsemanship. Enjoy a true taste of Argentina with a delicious asado, a traditional meal, accompanied by typical gaucho music.

Day 4
Buenos Aires - San Carlos de Bariloche
Fly south to the beautiful city of San Carlos de Bariloche, nestled at the foot of the Andes. Glacial blue Lago Nahuel Huapi laps at its shores, snow-covered mountains dominate the horizon, and charming European architecture envelopes you.

Day 5
San Carlos de Bariloche
Today is yours to explore beautiful Bariloche independently. You may choose to indulge in the region’s famous chocolate or take a stroll along the scenic lake.

Day 6
Bariloche - Puerto Varas, Chile
The dramatic and renowned Lake Crossing awaits you today as you travel from Argentina to southern Chile on a series of lake cruises. Your adventure ends in the quaint lakeside village of Puerto Varas.

Day 7
Puerto Varas - Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales
Travel this morning to the city of Punta Arenas, located on Chile''s Strait of Magellan, once a main stop for sailors rounding Cape Horn. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Punta Arenas before journeying through the Patagonian wilderness to the city of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and some of the world''s most incredible natural scenery.

Day 8
Torres del Paine National Park - Puerto Natales
At Milodon Cave, view the encased figure of a milodon, a mysterious prehistoric animal believed to have once lived in this area. Then travel into the majestic Torres del Paine National Park and drive along the banks of lakes Figueroa and Sarmiento.

Day 9
Puerto Natales - El Calafate, Argentina
Travel through the heart of Patagonia today and cross back into Argentina as you approach El Calafate, gateway to the glaciers. Your hotel is part of an authentic Patagonian ranch, offering first-class traditional hospitality reflecting the local lifestyle.

Day 10
Perito Moreno Glacier - Lake Argentino
Experience the beautiful Brazo Rico shoreline of Lake Argentino en route to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. With a wall of ice over 60 feet high, Perito Moreno is the only continually advancing glacier in the world.

Day 11
El Calafate - Ushuaia
Depart El Calafate and journey to Ushuaia, “the world''s southern-most city,” where the afternoon is at leisure. This evening experience a home-hosted dinner with a local Fuegon family.

Day 12
Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Ushuaia
Enter beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park. Visit La Roca, the idyllic wooded forests of the park, followed by a spectacular sightseeing cruise of the Beagle Channel, home to sea lions and cormorants.

Day 13
Ushuaia - Buenos Aires
Return to lively Buenos Aires for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, dine on typical Argentine fare and experience the passion and artistry of an authentic tango show!

Day 14
Buenos Aires - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in Buenos Aires.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
2/20/2009 - 3/5/2009
$3,499
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3/20/2009 - 4/2/2009
$3,499
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10/9/2009 - 10/22/2009
$3,549
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11/6/2009 - 11/19/2009
$3,549
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2/5/2010 - 2/18/2010
$3,549
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2/19/2010 - 3/4/2010
$3,549
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3/12/2010 - 3/25/2010
$3,549
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Know Before You Go....

The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price and must be purchased with the air portion of your vacation.

Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Single accomodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.

Some passengers must pay an enterance fee upon arrival into Chile (currently $131 for US citizens and $132 for Canadian citizens. Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon entering and exiting Argentina are approximately $40 USD. THese fees are at your own expense.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Chile is Eastern Standard Time (during daylight savings time). Buenos Aires is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (during daylight savings time).
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for South America is 220.
Elevation
Buenos Aires - 36 ft above sea level Bariloche - 2933 ft above sea level Puerto Varas - 288 ft above sea level Puerto Natales - 9 ft above sea level

Local guest speakers enhance your understanding of their rich cultures, history and geology with these fascinating expert presentations:
• Gain an appreciation for the complex history and cultural significance of the Tango during a lecture in Buenos Aires, where the passionate dance originated.
• Learn about the indigenous tribes that once inhabited the Patagonia region, including their origins, territories and way of life, as well as the events that brought about their extinction.
• Participate in a riveting discussion on the glaciology of Patagonia. Your expert lecturer will explain the various colors of the ice, why glaciers move, and why some are retreating while others are advancing.

Know Before You Go....

The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price and must be purchased with the air portion of your vacation.

Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Single accomodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.

This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.

Some passengers must pay an enterance fee upon arrival into Chile (currently $131 for US citizens and $132 for Canadian citizens. Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon entering and exiting Argentina are approximately $40 USD. THese fees are at your own expense.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Chile is Eastern Standard Time (during daylight savings time). Buenos Aires is 1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (during daylight savings time).
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for South America is 220.
Elevation
Buenos Aires - 36 ft above sea level Bariloche - 2933 ft above sea level Puerto Varas - 288 ft above sea level Puerto Natales - 9 ft above sea level
   
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