Our Southern Latitudes series have been carefully developed in order to capture the sheer beauty and pristine exuberance of the most outstanding natural areas in the southern cone of the American continent. Supported by an unsurpassed level of hotels, cruises, guides and excursions, we offer you a unique itinerary where you will be cruising around Patagonia, visiting the southernmost national park in the Americas, touring the enchanting Chilean wine country, marveling at the imposing Iguazu Falls, and savoring the cuisine and cultural scene of the Paris of South America.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in Chile (Santiago) The Chilean capital is an architectural collage of old Spanish colonial charm, European elegance, and North American suburbia. The lack of Indian markets prevalent in other Andean countries is compensated by the attractive downtown area which includes several pedestrian malls with cobblestone walkways lined with shopping galleries, fountains, cafes, movie theaters and ice cream parlors. The day is free to rest after the long-haul flight or take a leisure stroll around picturesque Plaza de Armas and its surrounding colonial buildings and the Central Market, a colorful conglomeration of seafood, fruits, vegetables and flowers, housed in a 19th century wrought iron building.
Get acquainted with Chilean Wines (Santiago) No visit to Chile is complete without tasting the world famous Chilean wines. This morning we leave Santiago and start heading south towards the beautiful Maipo Valley, where the famous Concha y Toro winery is located. Founded in 1883 it sits amidst a beautiful park next to the old family mansion La Chascona, which dates back to the 19th century. Escorted by a local guide we tour the vineyards and then continue with a comprehensive presentation of the winemaking process. At the end of the tour we will enjoy a wine tasting of the different wines offered by Concha y Toro. This evening, back in Santiago, we recommend you head out for the Las Condes District and dine in one of the trendy restaurants. (B)
Sail off to the End of the World (Patagonia Cruise) Today we leave the capital city and depart for the southern lands of Patagonia. Our destination is the city of Punta Arenas, from where the Mare or Via Australis ships will sail off for a four-night exploration of the Patagonia coast. This evening we are introduced to the crew while we enjoy a welcome cocktail. (B,D)
4
Marinelli, the first of the glaciers. Plus Tucket Islet, wildlife galore! (Patagonia Cruise) Located in Ainsworth Bay, in the midst of the Darwin Range, in the distance, one can see the enormous wall of this ice giant of more than 40 meters high. Landing on the beach we embark on a short walk in the silent forest that ends at a beaver dam. Our guides elaborate on the local ecosystem and geography as we progress to a nearby promontory where we cherish at the sight of a large colony of sea-elephants and marine birds. In the afternoon, dolphins escort us to Tucker Islet, a paradise for Magellan penguins - visible from October to March - skua galls (predator birds) and large flocks of cormorants. As the day comes to an end we will sail along a rocky promontory inhabited by a colony of sea lions. (B,L,D)
5
Along the avenue of the glaciers (Patagonia Cruise) We navigate through the main part of Beagle Channel to reach Pia Bay, where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to a lookout point with a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all the way to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we sail again along the northwest arm of Beagle Channel through majestic “Glacier Alley”: Spain, Romanche, Germany, Italy, France and Holland glaciers. (B,L,D)
6
Time to meet the dwellers (Patagonia Cruise) We sail through Beagle and Murray channels to reach and disembark in Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer, 1,394-foot high rocky promontory. This mythical place is known as the “End of the Earth”; a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point. (B,L,D)
7
Ushuaia, the End of the World (Ushuaia) At the southern tip of the American continent lies an extended archipelago rich in legends and history, whose shores have been visited and inhabited by conquistadores, pirates, adventurers, gold chasers, missionaries and scientists. Despite its faraway location, this is a fertile land of verdant forests, prairies colored by a myriad of flowers, snow-capped mountains, millenary glaciers and diverse wildlife. From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, we visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a fantastic natural reserve that changes its appearance with the arrival of each season. We transfer by car to an old ranch, Estancia Rio Pipo. Nearby is the train station where we board the legendary Train of the End of the World, a replica of the original one, which was used to transport prisoners. We enjoy a lovely ride throughout the national park, stopping to observe an Indian settlement and a beautiful cascade. After reaching the end of the line through the impressive Bull’s Canyon gorge, we embark on a hiking excursion along the park trails enjoying the magnificent landscapes and admiring some exquisite views over Beagle Channel and Lapataia Bay. The rest of the day is free to visit the End of the World Museum or relax at your hotel. (B)
The Paris of South America (Buenos Aires) Today depart for the so-called Paris of South America. Buenos Aires has always been known as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It charms its visitors with its unique fusion of modernity and tradition, where sleek skyscrapers coexist with gracious colonial buildings and wide avenues packed with elegant boutiques and chic restaurants contrast with quaint neighborhoods, where tango is still danced in the streets and patrons gather in small cantinas to chatter the evenings away. Due to varying flight schedules no activities have been planned for today so the rest of the evening is at leisure. (B)
Touring the city plus some Tango action (Buenos Aires) This morning meet your guide for a lovely excursion around some of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic neighborhoods. Our guide will pick out some of the city’s highlights such as Plaza de Mayo, the cathedral and Casa Rosada to illustrate the history of Argentina. Moving on to San Telmo, the oldest district in the city, admire old colonial houses, churches and famous antique shops and ateliers. This bohemian district is a favorite with artists and writers who boast that no area in the city evokes the old Porteno spirit as San Telmo. In the evening attend a fabulous Tango show in one of the best venues in the world, rounded up with a delightful dinner featuring traditional dishes and excellent Argentinean wines. (B,D)
At leisure (Buenos Aires) You have a final day to explore the city at your own pace. Do some shopping in the elegant galleries and boutiques, have coffee at the chic cafes, tour the picturesque Italian neighborhood of La Boca or embark on a cruise tour down the Parana River. At night head for the elegant Palermo District or the trendy Madero area, dine on prime Argentine cuts and enjoy a cocktail in the trendy pubs and bars. (B)
“The Big Water” (Puerto Iguazu) Iguassu is one of the most impressive natural monuments in the Americas. The roar and grandiosity of the falls contrasts with the tranquility of the surrounding national park, where coatimundis and other small mammals ramble at ease. The spectacle of almost 300 falls precipitating over the Iguazu River forming a myriad of rainbows is a memory to be cherished forever. Upon arrival in Puerto Iguazu, you will be transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, a beautiful property with commanding views of the famous falls. This afternoon, in the company of our local guide, walk along the numerous walkways and bridges with a chance to observe the myriad birds and butterflies that abound in the lush surroundings. After admiring the spectacular Bozetti and San Martin Falls at close range, board a picturesque train for a 30-minute ride through the forest. At the end of the trail is the belvedere overlooking the famous Devil’s Gorge, a thunderous, most impressive fall, which was immortalized in the movie “The Mission”. (B)
More falls (Puerto Iguazu) You have a full day at leisure to enjoy the area on your own. We recommend the Great Adventure, a fascinating excursion where you are taken on a special boat to the foot of the falls, or a helicopter ride over the national park, a great chance to view the falls from a different perspective and learn where all that water comes from. (B)
Depart Argentina Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departure flight. We recommend you extend your trip with a visit to Rio de Janeiro, the balm Northeast or the mighty Amazon. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $3,298 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
June Special : Book any 2010 departure and receive a $75 per person discount!
FACTS
Departure: Mondays and Thursdays from October through April
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Type of services: Private throughout except for the activities at the Mare Australis, which are conducted on a small group basis.
Highlights: The Chilean wine country; cruising around Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego; Lapataia National Park; a guided walking tour and a Tango show in Buenos Aires; wondrous Iguazu Falls.
Travel documents: American citizens require a tourist visa to enter Brazil. If your are planning to visit the Iguassu Falls in Brazil, please check with your closest Brazilian consulate or the Brazilian embassy in Washington DC for further information.
Inclusions: All ground and sea transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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