Patagonia
What a novelty for a Kiwi: go south! In Patagonia, the bottom tip of South America, you’ll find the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, as well as a pristine wilderness of stunning beauty.
This is real explorer territory: sail around Cape Horn, through the Straits of Magellan, walk on Tierra del Fuego – but do it in comfort, with a cosy cabin to return to after a leisurely dinner comparing notes. Maybe you saw sea elephants today, or orca, or penguins. How did your photos of the glistening blue glaciers turn out? How many icebergs did you count – and did your alpaca gloves and hat keep you warm? Can you think of a better word for Punta Arenas than just ‘colourful’?
The spectacular granite peaks of Torres de Paine are a magnet for trampers: along the way, explore ancient beech forest, look for guanacos on the plains and condors overhead. If you go in spring, the deep blue alpine lakes are surrounded by wild flowers: camp beside one, or stay in a mountain lodge. Soft or hard, your Patagonia experience will be unique.
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Recommended
End of the Earth
This challenging 15 day exploration of one of the world's most pristine wilderness settings: Patagonia! Mountain hiking, camping and an unlimited supply of clean, fresh air are all yours on this adventure full of activity and scenery. Starting in Buenos Aires with connecting flights to El Calafate and onto El Chalten, it is from this base that you will take a full day hike within Glacier National Park's northern tip, home to the third largest ice field on earth. Enjoy wildlife sightings of condors and flamingos, camp among the dramatic granite pillars in the Torres del Paine National Park and visit a penguin colony at Otway Sound. A Beagle Channel cruise is also included to observe its interesting marine wildlife.
Patagonia and Chilean Fjords
Patagonia is an anicent landscape carved by Mother Nature out of ice and rock. You will discover this spectacular region of rugged peaks, forests and lakes from a comfortable selection of hotels in Argentina and Chile. At sea, you will travel through stunning fjords and close up to ice-blue glaciers on this 4 day expedition cruise. Enjoy a zodiac ride up the Beagle Channel looking for wildlife, before embarking aboard the expedition cruise ship M/V Mare Australis to sail to Cape Horn. Visit the impressive Moreno Glacier from Calafate, before returning to Buenos Aires by air.
Perito Moreno and Upsala Glaciers
From the town of El Calafate visit the world famous Perito Moreno Glacier, where you will witness the spectacle of icebergs calving from the icy waters . A boat ride on Lago Argentino enables us to absorb the wide expanses of Argentina's largest lake and visit the face of the massive Upsala Glacier. This short tri extension takes you into a remote and incredibly beautiful part of the world, where the forces of nature are at their best.
Something Different
Paine & Fitz Roy Adventure
Spend five days trekking in the Torres del Paine National Park taking you to the base of the giant Towers of Paine, the Grey Glacier and the beautiful French Valley. In Argentina vist the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, along with day walks to Lagunas de los Tres, Fitz Roy Base Camp and Laguna Torre at the foot of the giant Cerro Torre. This tour can easily be linked to an ice expedition to Antarctic to enjoy the frozen continent.