Passage to Patagonia
Glorious lakes, spectacular glaciers and Andean peaks form the backdrop for our programme of outstanding walks through the extraordinary Patagonian landscape.
- Explore Torres del Paine and the
Moreno Glacier
- One of the world's most
magnificent wilderness areas
- The lively cities of Santiago and
Buenos Aires
Detailed information
| 2009 Tour Itinerary |
 |
Day 1: Depart UK
|
|
Days 2-3: Arrive in Santiago (2 nights) to tour the
historical city, walk in the nearby La Campana
National Park and enjoy wine tasting at Viña Errazuriz
and dinner at Meson Nerudiano. |
Day 4: Fly south into Patagonia to Punta Arenas (1
night) with a walking tour of this pioneer town.
Days 5-8: Visit Otway Sound penguin colony and
Puerto Natales and journey into the breathtaking
Torres Del Paine National Park (4 nights) with its
soaring granite peaks, lakes and glaciers. Walks
include a classic trek to the Torres del Paine lookout,
a hike to view the impressive Grey Glacier and a
catamaran crossing of Lake Pehoe for a superb walk
in the Valle de Frances. Easier alternatives such as
shoreline walks beside Lake Nordenskjold, with
fantastic views of the Paine towers, are available on
most days.
Days 9-10: Enjoy a morning walk in the Sendero
Area de Fauna with a good chance to see guanaco,
rhea and nandu. We cross the border and continue
to El Calafate (2 nights) where we visit the mighty Moreno Glacier, with its amazing blue colours, 80
metre high walls and the ever present sounds of the
creaks and groans of the advancing ice. We can take
the option of a boat cruise on the turquoise blue lake
next to the glacier, or a memorable walk on the
glacier itself.
Days 11-13: drive across the plains to El Chalten (3
nights). Close to the soaring peaks of the Fitzroy
ranges and the ancient Patagonian ice fields, this is a
mecca for walkers, trekkers and climbers. We hike
the route to Cerro Torre and the stunning Fitzroy
viewpoint at Laguna de Los Tres and also the route
to Laguna Torre for views of the Adela chain and
Cuatro Dedos (Four Fingers). Shorter walks options
including Laguna Capri are also part of the
programme.
Day 14-15: Drive back to Calafate and fly to
Buenos Aires (2 nights) where we walk through the
vibrant and sensual capital and perhaps enjoy an
optional tango show with dinner.
Day 16: Arrive UK
[Back to the top]
| About
the walks |
|
There will be guided tours of the cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires, visiting the Chilean winelands and the
countryside close to Santiago and outstanding walks in the Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National
Parks, including the Moreno Glacier and Mount Fitzroy.
 |
Guided Walks:
Part-day walks cover up to 4 miles, whilst full walking days offer a choice of walks
between 8 and 13 miles including harder options such as the Torres del Paine (3,700ft of ascent)
and Cerro Fitz Roy (2,296ft of ascent) lookouts. Paths are generally well marked but there will be
some rough terrain. |
[Back to the top]
| Dates
and prices |
|
| 12 February 2009 (14nts) |
£3,540 |
£2,085 |
| 29 October 2009 (14nts) |
£3,410 |
£2,085 |
| 3 December 2009 (14nts) |
£3,410 |
£2,085 |
Single room supplement: £450.
* Excludes international and internal flights. Internal flights must be booked in conjuntion with international flights; please ask for details when booking.
# Land itineraries start on day 2 and finish on day 16.
Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
[Back to the top]
| Temperatures |
|
Each departure takes place in the summer months when the temperature in Santiago and Buenos Aires is usually in the mid 20s degrees C or higher. The parks have their own micro-climates, dependent upon geographical location and proximty to mountains and glaciers; hence, the weather is cooler and more unpredictable.
[Back to the top]
| Accommodation |
|
Modern city centre hotels in Buenos Aires and
Santiago. In Patagonia we stay in comfortable
lodges located in the heart of the national
parks, including 3 nights at Hosteria La Torres
in the Torres del Paine National Park.
Where you'll stay
Santiago - 2 nights
Punta Arenas - 1 night
Torres del Paine National Park - 4 nights
El Calafate - 3 nights
Los Glaciares National Park - 3 nights
Buenos Aires - 2 night
[Back to the top]
| Flight information |
|
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 23.09.2008 (provisional)
Iberia
Heathrow - Santiago (via Madrid)
Out 18:50 (Thurs) - 07:50 (Fri)
Buenos Aires - Heathrow (via Madrid)
Return 22:35 (Fri) - 17:50 (Sat)
[Back to the top]
| What
the holiday includes |
|
- Return economy class air travel UK / Chile on scheduled airlines, with appropriate
in-flight meals.
- All Internal flights.
- 14 nights' accommodation in twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
- Half Board plus
six picnic lunches.
- Services of an HF Holidays' leader.
- Services of local guides and naturalists.
- Walks, sightseeing and entrance fees for the itinerary as described.
- Travel by air-conditioned coach.
[Back to the top]
|
