Argentina Patagonia
10 Days / 9 Nights

Argentina's claim to the wild and wondrous region of Patagonia. Abundant in wildlife, Argentinean Patagonia boasts a colony of three-quarter million Magellan penguins and is the only continental breeding area of the incredible Sea Elephant. It is also the site of the only growing glacier in the world, the Perito Moreno, and the magical land of Tierra Del Fuego.

Day 1
Arrival in Buenos Aires. Afternoon Tour of Buenos Aires City - In this tour of Argentina's cultural and political capital, you will get a sampling glimpse of the diverse districts that make up this grand city. Explore the highlights of the city. Visit the colorful "Boca" district and the elegant North Quarter and Palermo Park. See the government "Casa Rosada" - pink house, the Colon Theater, May Square, and drive down the famous 9th of July Avenue. Tango show and Dinner.

Day 2 - Full Day Estancia excursion and Fiesta Gaucha
In today's excursion you get the chance to learn about and admire the traditional dances, songs, and meals of the Argentine gaucho by taking part in a real Gaucho Festival. The party is held at a beautiful country residence, in an old ranch situated on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. (AB,L)

Day 3
Transfer to airport for flight to Trelew. Transfer to Punta Tombo rookery to admire a magnificent colony of millions of Magellan penguins. (AB)

Day 4 - Full Day Excursion to Valdes Peninsula
Morning departure to Punta Norte Wildlife Reservation, the only continental breeding place of enormous herds of seals and sea elephants. Next, visit the sea lions' habitat at Puerto Piramide. On your way back stop at Isla de los Pajaros (Birds' Island) to see a wide variety of marine birds: cormorants, gulls, Antarctic pigeons, herons and albatross among others. The bird-nesting season is September through May. Note: In October and November it is also possible to take an optional whale watching boat trip. (AB)

Day 5 - Trelew / Ushuaia
Transfer to the airport in Trelew for a flight to Ushuaia in remote Tierra del Fuego. Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering. Free afternoon to visit the End of the World Museum. (AB)

Day 6 - Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel Boat Excursion
Today set out for a drive to the National Park of Tierra del Fuego known for its lichen covered forests. You will also cross the Pipo River and visit Ensenada, Roca Lake, and Lapataia Bay. Afternoon Boat Excursion to Isla de Los Lobos - Sail through Ushuaia Bay and admire the beautiful city of Ushuaia, continue to Estancia Tunel and the historic Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs. Brief stops at the Sea Lions Island and Birds Island on your way back to Ushuaia. (AB)

Day 7
Flight to El Calafate, a developing town located on the shore of Lake Argentino and the southern gateway to The Glaciers National Park. Transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Enjoy the serenity of this lake's wide stretch of blue-gray waters reflecting the beauty of surrounding forests and snowcapped peaks. (AB)

Day 8 - Full Day Excursion to Upsala Glacier and Onelli Bay
Travel to Punta Bandera to enjoy a launch sightseeing trip to the Upsala Glacier sailing among icebergs that have broken off. In case this excursion can't be done, you will have an alternative tour. (AB)

Day 9 - Full Day Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
Today you'll visit one of the world's largest continental glaciers that are continually expanding, the so-called Continental Ice Block of Patagonia. Surrounded by the towering Andes peaks you can feel the magic isolation of these gigantic masses of ice. Every three to four years a worldwide renowned event takes place. The fascinating crash of Perito Moreno Glacier's ice wall. The deep silence of this imposing scenery is broken when huge blocks of ice fall away from the main wall and into the lake with thunder-like sounds. Optional Mini-Trekking on Perito Moreno. (AB)

Day 10
Transfer to Rio Gallegos for flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flight home. (AB)

*** End Of Our Services ***

Hotels to use: Plaza Marriott in Buenos Aires, Rayentray in Trelew, Las Hayas Hotel in Ushuaia, Posada Los Alamos in El Calafate. Land cost per person for 2010: Prices available upon request.