Travel Review: Custom South America Tour - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru

Thursday 23-Oct-08
QUITO
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, claim baggage and clear immigration and customs. The Ecuadorian currency is now the American dollar so you will not need to change money. You will then be met by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Ecuador is named because of its location on the equator; this country of over 12 million people has one of the most varied topographies and ecosystems (9.2 species per square kilometer) in the entire world. Quito, originally was pre Incan capital, the second one of the Inca empire capitals and refunded in 1534 by Sebastian de Benalcazar, is the Ancient and modern capital of Ecuador. The city lies at the foot of the Pichincha volcano (last eruption 2000) and within 15 miles of the equator. It is the second highest city in South America at over 9,260 ft. A.S.L. Day and night length is almost equal throughout the entire year.

Overnight accommodations at Hotel JW Marriott, including buffet breakfast. The hotel has air conditioning and central heating, several restaurants, a pool and spa, and a bar. - 2 nights.

Friday 24-Oct-08
HALF DAY QUITO CITY TOUR
Today set off with your private guide for a drive around one of the most charming cities in Latin America, declared a "Patrimony of Humanity" by the UNESCO (1978). Enjoy the colonial center of Quito: Independence Square, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Richest Church of America - La Compañia (dating from 1605) with its breathtaking golden altars, The San Francisco Square and Church and the arts and crafts gallery of Tianguez.

Time allowing, a visit to the stone-carved facade of Ecuador's House of Congress depicting scenes from Ecuadorian history.

The tour ends with a trip to the Panecillo Hill, which commands a striking view of Quito, the surrounding valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. (Tour duration approx. 3 h.) (B)

Saturday 25-Oct-08
QUITO/GUAYAQUIL - BALTRA (GALAPAGOS) - SANTA CRUZ
You will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to the airport. Pay domestic airport tax (currently $7.60) and check in for flight.

Quito - Baltra Tame # 193: 9:30A - 11:30A (Flight stops in Guayaquil)

Your Galapagos Entrance Tax and Transit Card have been prepaid.

Upon arrival on Baltra, you will be met and transferred to your ship, the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, a 293-foot, first-class ocean-going cruise ship that carries 100 passengers (Classic suite). You'll board the ship and settle into your cabin. Comfortable cabins feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms and a small sitting area. Experienced naturalists lead shore expeditions to seek out wildlife and help us learn about the fascinating natural history of these volcanic islands. When you're not exploring, you can enjoy the ship's pool, solarium and reading room without experiencing the motion of a smaller vessel.

In the afternoon, you will visit Dragon Hill, a bay located at the northwest of the island. You can see flamingos in marshland lakes and some migratory birds. You will also have the opportunity of seeing Darwin Finches, hood mockingbirds, and lava lizards. This area has arid vegetation where you can find some oppuntia cactus, palo santo (bursera) and some other endemic plants. This place has a wonderful landscape and you can see Rabida Island to the west. In the beach zone you can see some endemic coast plants and also some marine iguanas, sea lions, American oystercatchers, pelicans and a small blue-footed Boobies colony. This visit involves a wet landing and a one mile flat trail (2 hours hiking) (B, L, D)

Sunday 26-Oct-08
BARTHOLOME - SANTIAGO (JAMES)
The first destination is Bartolome, an island of varied volcanic formations with a 350-foot summit and a fabulous 360º view. Depending upon the weather, you may be able to spot five other islands, one of the most spectacular views of the archipelago. You'll make a wet landing in a cove to see a small colony of Galapagos penguins-the only penguins north of the equator. Sea lions are also found here. Explore around the beach among red and white mangroves, salt bush, morning glory and prickly pear cactuses.

This afternoon you'll visit Puerto Egas on James (Santiago) Island. The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen. Intertidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms. Land iguanas are scattered around feeding on exposed algae while Oyster Catchers try to capture Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The trail then leads to the Fur Seal Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where Fur Seals can be seen. Puerto Egas is a good spot for taking pictures. (B, L, D)

Monday 27-Oct-08
FERNANDINA - ISABELA
On the youngest and westernmost island in Galapagos, you'll land at Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unusual Galapagos species can be seen. While the panga driver skillfully eludes the reef to reach the landing site near a small mangrove forest, look for penguins diving off the rocks into the water. Sally Lightfoot Crabs disperse on the lava near the shore and herons, sandpipers and wimbrels explore the mangrove roots. Marine iguanas congregate in larger groups here than on any other island. They are everywhere: basking in the sand, swimming near the shore, grazing on the exposed seaweed in the lava and blocking the way at the landing dock. This is one of the few places where there is the opportunity, if the water is clear, of watching them feed underwater while snorkeling.

Following a trail inland, two different types of lava flows can be seen and compared. At the tip of one of the small peninsulas, Flightless Cormorants are found. Without predators on the island, these serpent-necked birds adapted for swimming and not flying, another example of evolution at work in "nature's laboratory."

Largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is composed of six shield volcanoes merged into a single land mass. Wolf Volcano on Isabela is also the highest point in the archipelago. The Galapagos Explorer II is one of only a few faster, better-equipped boats able to make the long journey from the central islands to the visitor sites on the western side of Isabela. The trip is more than worthwhile, however, for the unique species that occur only in this part of the archipelago, and because the landscape, with massive volcanoes silhouetted against the sky, offers a striking contrast to the lower-lying islands of the east.

Located on the north-western tip of Isabela Island, the visit of Punta Vicente Roca is completely by dingy. Blue-footed boobies, masked boobies & pelicans can be seen along the 400-500-feet cliff sides. Also, sea-turtles feed along this shoreline. Reaching a rocky pile of large basalt, there are colonies of fur-seals & marine iguanas in groups, basking in the sun. Sea lions are also present. Continuing along the sheer cliffs, the dingy will approach a secluded cove where, at its end, dark and yellow rocks are superimposed. Here we are close to the large cave that allows for snorkeling or sight seeing. Snorkeling at the cave produces a great variety of marine life, especially marine invertebrates. The water is often murky and very cold as it is called the Galapagos Ice-box. Therefore, one must snorkel very close to the rock in order to see anything but it may produce some of the most exiting snorkeling in Galapagos. Manta rays, sea turtles, sea-lions, sting-rays, many fish, even dolphins & sunfish have been seen and snorkeled with in this bay. Along the cave there are Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked boobies, brown noddies, blue footed boobies and breathtaking scenery. (B, L, D)

Tuesday 28-Oct-08
NORTH SEYMOUR - SANTA CRUZ
North Seymour is a small flat island with a long sandy stretch where sea lions and marine iguanas lounge in the sun. The interior has a Palo Santo Opuntia cactus forest with Blue footed boobies and magnificent Frigate bird colonies. You'll go for an hour and a half walk around the island with a dry landing.

You will board a bus for a 45-minute ride through changing vegetation zones to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here, about 40 giant tortoises live in the wild. By approaching quietly, you can find and observe a turtle on your own. Afterwards, hike to tunnels made by cooling lava. (B, L, D)

Wednesday 29-Oct-08
SAN CRISTOBAL – QUITO – LIMA (PERU)
Situated less than an hour's ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Lobos Islet is a seasonal nesting location for the Blue-footed Booby. Here we will go snorkeling. Alternatively, visit Loberia or Tijeretas or El Junco and the Interpretation Center, donated by the Spanish Government in 1998, this state of the art facility offers both tourist and the locals a complete education on the Islands.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to Quito.

Please note: Galapagos itinerary is subject to change due to Galapagos National Park restrictions.

San Cristobal - Quito Tame # 194: 12:00P - 4:00P (Flight stops in Guayaquil)

Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to the international terminal. Pay Ecuador's departure tax (currently $40.80) and check-in for your flight.

UIO-LIM Flight times to be advised

Welcome to Peru, the third largest country in South America and twice the size of France. This country was home to the very powerful Incas, who fought with the Spaniards for control from the 16th into the 19th century. Upon arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, claim your baggage and proceed to Customs & Immigration. You will then be met by our local representative and transferred to your Lima hotel.

Lima (411ft.), the capital of Peru, was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. It was subsequently the chief city of Spanish South America until the independence of the various republics in the early 19th century. The University of San Marcos was founded in 1551 and a printing press was discovered in 1595, one of the earliest in all of South America. Lima's first theater opened in 1563.

Overnight accommodations at the new (opened June 2007) Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Lima, with daily buffet breakfast included. Conveniently close to the airport, this four star hotel features 130 rooms, restaurant, bar, business center, wireless internet, spa, and beauty salon.

Thursday 30-Oct-08
LIMA - CUZCO
Proceed on your own to the Lima Airport domestic terminal (located across the street). Check-in for flight and pay Peru's national airport tax (currently $6.05).

LIM-CUZ Flight times to be advised

Airport reception in Cuzco and transfer to your hotel. To acclimate to the high altitude (10,750 ft.), we suggest you avoid all alcohol, and drink plenty of water.

Overnight accommodations at the centrally-located Casa Andina Cuzco, breakfast buffet included. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom and television. - 2 nights.

PISAC & OLLANTAYTAMBO DAY TRIP
This morning, depart with your guide for a full-day excursion to the village and ruins of Pisac located 20 miles from Cuzco. After exploring the ruins you will visit a colorful Indian market where you'll be able to trade with locals for a variety of handicrafts, including woolen sweaters and ponchos. Lunch will be served in Urubamba, followed by a tour of the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. (B, L)

Friday 31-Oct-08
CUZCO
Set off on a half day tour of Cuzco and the nearby Inca ruins. Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent, was the capital of the Inca Empire and is considered by many Quechua peoples to be the spiritual center of the world. Much of colonial Cuzco was built on Inca foundations, and your guide will point out Inca stonework along the many streets. Visit the main square, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, as well as a first introduction to Inca stonework at the ruins of Puka-Pukara, Qenqo, Tambo Machay, and the renowned fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco and the surrounding valley. (B)

Saturday 01-Nov-08
CUZCO - MACHU PICCHU
Early morning hotel pick-up and transfer to the train station where you'll set off on a scenic 3 1/2-hour trip through the Urubamba Valley, followed by a 25-minute bus ride up to the breathtaking Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Set in the saddle of a high mountain 1000 feet above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu remained "lost" in jungle undergrowth until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Consequently the city escaped ransacking from the Spaniards and is reasonably well preserved.

Upon arrival you'll set off with your guide to explore the walls, stairways, temples and terraces of Machu Picchu. After lunch served at the Sanctuary Lodge, you'll be free to explore this enchanting place on your own.

For the more energetic, a moderate 2-mile hike up to the Sun Gate offers fabulous views overlooking Machu Picchu. Those in great physical shape (and a strong head for heights) may wish to hike the very steep trail to the top of Huayna Picchu for outstanding views of the entire region. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo, located in Aguas Calientes, in a superior room. Daily breakfast buffet and dinner included. (B, L, D)

The following self-guided excursions are available from the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel:
Nature Walk
Walk along the hotel's trails, visiting the Rocotal Observatory, sacred pre-Inca pictographs and an enchanting waterfall. Discover the fascinating yet fragile ecosystem of the Machu Picchu cloud forest, and learn about its many indigenous plants and animals. The Nature Walk offers guests a glimpse of cloud forest ferns, bromeliads and orchids, as well as an introduction to the Vilcanota river system and a visit to the tea house.

Orchids
Walk through the orchid garden to observe some of the hotel's 372 different orchid species. Discover this extraordinary plant family, which has captured the human imagination for centuries. From the largest orchid flower in the world - the Phragmipedium caudatum, to tiny flowering specimens properly appreciated only through a magnifying glass, there are orchids to amaze both the newly inquisitive and the expert, including species new to science which have been discovered on the hotel grounds.

Birds
Walk early in the morning to take advantage of the optimum time for cloud-forest bird watching. Begin at a river observatory, with the possibility of sighting the sought-after torrent duck and the white-capped dipper. Then proceed to a productive tanager feeding area, where silver-beaked, blue-necked, fawn-breasted and saffron-crowned tanagers can be found. Along the hotel's pathways, be on the lookout for the cock-of-the-rock, the golden-headed quetzal and many of the 18 different hummingbirds identified on the grounds, including the booted racket-tail and the green-and-white hummingbirds, which are native to the area.

Tea
Visit our tea plantations and tea house to discover the wonders of the ancient tea making process, and watch as the freshly picked teas are slowly dried over an open fire, then hand-ground over rocks. A glass of fresh iced-tea direct from Machu Picchu Pueblo's tea house completes the experience.

Twilight Walk
This early evening walk is designed to connect on a spiritual level with the environment and the historical energy of the Machu Picchu area. With special attention placed on nature's core elements, the walk pauses at the Rocotal Observatory to appreciate an enchanting waterfall and sacred pre-Inca pictographs.

Sunday 02-Nov-08
MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Enjoy a full morning visit to the citadel on your own ($37.50 entrance fee and $12 bus fee not included). In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train. Disembark at the Poroy Station, where you'll be met and transferred back to your hotel.

Important note: on the train journey to Machu Picchu, you will limit to one piece of luggage weighing no more than 11 pounds and a total linear dimension (length + width + height) of 62 inches. You may keep excess luggage at your Cuzco hotel.

Overnight accommodations at the centrally-located Casa Andina Cuzco, breakfast buffet included. (B)

Monday 03-Nov-08
CUZCO – LIMA – SANTIAGO (CHILE)
Hotel pick-up and transfer to the Cuzco airport. Pay the local airport tax ($4.28) and check in to depart.

CUZ-LIM Flight times to be advised

Upon arrival, connect with your international flight

LIM-SCL Flight times to be advised

Welcome to Santiago de Chile! Upon arrival at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, claim your baggage and proceed through customs formalities. After paying Chile reciprocity tax of $131 (It can be paid with a credit card, and good for the life of your current passport) you'll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Parts of this country were inhabited by the Incas of Peru until Spanish conquistadores began arriving in the 16th-century. Santiago (1,560ft), founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, is the fifth largest city in South America. The Andes are in full-view from Santiago throughout most of the year and the Rio Mapocho flows through from east to west.

Accommodations Hotel Plaza San Francisco, standard room, breakfast included. The deluxe Hotel Plaza San Francisco is located in Santiago's center, adjacent to the colonial San Francisco church, near the Government Palace, Opera House and blocks away from the Museum of Fine Arts The recently remodeled hotel has 156 elegantly furnished rooms and 16 suites. Rooms are decorated with hardwood trim, fine tapestries, and elegant furniture with modern, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning systems, Internet access, room safes, and cable TV. The hotel has a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna Jacuzzi, gym and spa services. - 2 nights. (B)

Tuesday 04-Nov-08
FULL-DAY SANTIAGO & VINEYARD TOUR
After breakfast, you'll embark on a full-day city tour of Santiago and outlying vineyards. The city tour begins in the historic old quarter of the capital. In the city center, observe the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the former Congress building, the Supreme Court, the Cathedral, and the recently restored Plaza de Armas square. You will visit the nearby Pre-Columbian Art Museum. Proceeding along Alameda, Santiago's main artery, you can see the Union Club, the Universidad de Chile, the San Francisco Church, erected between 1586 and 1628, and Santa Lucia Hill, site of Santiago's foundation in 1541.

You will drive up to San Cristobal Hill for a spectacular panoramic view of Santiago and the impressive Andes mountain range. Crowning the hill is the imposing statue of Virgin Mary. Drive through the upper residential districts of the city and Providencia, an area renowned for its shopping and nightlife. On the outskirts of the city you will pass along Parque Forestal and the beautiful Mapocho Station.

Continuing out of town southeast to the River Maipo Canyon, traveling along Andean foothills and villages. Optional lunch stop en route before your Concha y Toro vineyard visit, one of the best-known vineyards in South America. Visit the premises and ancient cellars, on a guided tour including a little wine-tasting. (B)

Wednesday 05-Nov-08
SANTIAGO – PUNTA ARENAS – TORRES DEL PAINE
You will be picked-up at your hotel and transferred to Santiago's national airport. Pay domestic airport tax (approximately US$8) and check in for flight.

SCL-PUQ Flight times to be advised

After claiming your baggage, you'll be met at the airport and set off on a 5-6 hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. On the way, you'll stop at fjord-like Puerto Natales (During the low season, you will also stop at Ñandu Park. During the high season, you will stop at the Penguin Colony of Seno Otway). You'll also pass by Figueroa Lagoon and several beautiful lakes, keeping your eyes peeled for guanacos, ostriches, black-necked swans, flamingos and condors along the way. National Park entrance fee is included.

Upon arrival at Hosteria Grey, you will be assigned to your comfortable accommodations. After settling in you will be orientated to the lodge and the surrounding region. The impressive Andean massifs of Torres del Paine are surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and lagoons, which together make this national park famous throughout the world for the richness of its natural beauty. Accommodations are in standard room with daily breakfast included. (B) – 3 nights

Thursday 06-Nov-08 and Friday 07-Nov-08
TORRES DEL PAINE
You will have the option to sign up for half and full day excursions once at the hosteria. (B)

Some of the excursions available are:

HALF DAY EXCURSIONS:
Hiking to the Lookout Point and Mount Ferrier (4 hours)
Monte del Ferrier, located close to the hosteria, offers an unforgettable excursion for hiking lovers. Although the summit is located at almost 5000 feet and mountaineering experience is required to ascend it, those with average physical abilities can reach the lookout at 2000 feet. You will hike through a meandering landscape full of lakes, mountains, and lush vegetation, arriving at a point where you can identify many of the park's lakes and the Pingo and Grey Glaciers. ($45-50 per person according to the number of participants)

Hiking around the Margarita and Marco Antonio Lagoons (3 hours)
Located a few hundred yards from the hosteria are these lagoons, which are surrounded by lush vegetation and where a vast array of birds may be seen. These lagoons are an ideal destination for soft hiking and nature watching and to enjoy fantastic views of the lake, the Grey Glacier, and the Paine Range. ($45-50 per person according to the number of participants)

Hiking to the Grey River Canyon (3 hours)
Fed by the namesake lake and glacier, the Rio Grey has carved the rock through the years forming a deep canyon with vertical walls more than 90 feet high. This short, easy hike begins at the hosteria and takes you to the feet of these big walls along paths of lush vegetation. ($45-50 per person according to the number of participants)

Navigation to the Grey Glacier (3 hours)
The Grey is the biggest of all glaciers that can regularly be visited in the park. This natural marvel of impressive dimensions constitutes the end of the Southern Ice Field can be visited and admired in all its magnitude by sailing through the lake aboard the hosteria's Grey II vessel. Departing from Hosteria Lago Grey, you will sail among multicolored and multi shaped icebergs for about half an hour to approach the glacier's front wall, divided in two by an island where landings are permitted. Here it will be possible to appreciate the infinity of crevasses and risings of the snowdrift. ($90 per person)

Navigation in zodiac around the icebergs to Lookout Point (2 hours)
In the event current conditions prevent navigation to the Grey Glacier, this alternate trip is offered. You will depart from the pier near the hosteria and cruise to the source of the Grey River, usually full of icebergs. After navigating between them, disembark at the lookout area. From here, you will follow a path to a lookout point from where you will see the glacier and the Torres del Paine.

Walk to the Pingo Valley (3 hours)
The Pingo River valley offers multiple attractions and surprises. If you don't have enough time to reach the waterfalls of the Pingo River, this easy trekking will lead you to the stream called Los Salmones (the salmon stream).At this place, hidden behind Patagonian vegetation, the river spills its crystalline water into small bowls carved in the rock, surrounded by a spectacular background. ($45-50 per person according to the number of participants)

Kayak Navigation Rio Grey (2½ hours)
Something different and relaxing will be to take a kayak down the quiet waters of the Grey River. Starting from the Hostería Lago Grey at the pier, you will have a technical briefing. Then you will let the water take you downriver. You will enter the Echoes Canyon, with high and vertical walls with very interesting formations. Some aquatic birds and abundant vegetation will be your companion during the trip. Once this area is crossed, the main peaks and majestic landscape of the Paine mountain range will appear in front of you. The tour ends at the Rio Grey Bridge. Return by vehicle to Hosteria Lago Grey. ($40, per person)

Kayak Navigation among the ice floes on Lago Grey (2 hours)
After a technical briefing at the Hostería Lago Grey pier, we you will start this spectacular navigation where you will navigate among the majestic and gigantic icebergs of the Grey Glacier. The ice has traveled through 17 kilometers of the lake pushed by hardy winds and has adopted amazing forms. They finish where finally they are going to melt after thousands of years. Here, you will be able to be in contact with these imposing masses of ice, to relax and to enjoy this marvelous crossing. ($40, per person)

FULL DAY EXCURSIONS:
Hiking to the Rio Pingo Waterfall (8 hours)
Depart with your guide for a full day hike to the Cascada Rio Pingo. This relatively flat, easy walk through lush vegetation follows the Rio Pingo for the first half of the trek and joins up with the river at these beautiful waterfalls. After enjoying a box lunch at the falls, you will begin the return to the hosteria. You will stop at the "Chorillo de los Salmones" (Small spout of the salmons) on the way back. ($65-70 per person according to the number of participants)

Excursion to the Valle del Frances (12 hours)
You will be transferred by private vehicle to the Pudeto area, from where you will cross Lake Pehoe by boat. From there, it is a moderate 2-hour hike to the imposing Valle del Frances (Valley of the Frenchman). After crossing the source of Grey River in your zodiac boat, you will follow a path that will take you to the Pehoe sheltering area. The striking Valle del Frances continues in the distance, penetrating between Paine Grande to the west and Los Cuernos (The Horns) to the east. You will hike through forest landscape with spectacular glaciers descending from the mountains above you, toward the Campamento Italiano (Italian Camp) from where you may continue hiking. If conditions and time allow, you could reach the Campamento Britanico (British Camp), a spectacular spot from where you will be able to get an impressive view of the Torres del Paine. A boxed lunch will be served along the way. You will then return to the hosteria by the same route. ($175-200 per person according to the number of participants)

Trek to the base of the Towers (12 hours)
Depart the hosteria by private overland transfer to Hosteria Las Torres, located in the Laguna Amarga area. From here you will continue on foot or horseback (optional) through the Ascencio Valley toward the base of the Torres del Paine. Traveling through dense forests you will eventually dismount and continue on foot to a lagoon whose waters reflect the imposing granite needles of Torres del Paine. A box lunch is included. You will return to the hosteria by the same route. ($140-150 per person according to the number of persons.)

Excursion to Paine's Lookout Points and Waterfalls (8 hours)
Torres del Paine National Park offers special surprises for all visitors. This excursion gives you a chance to view several aspects of the towers and horns, including the most imposing ones. You depart the hosteria for the Visitors Center in the administrative headquarters of the park. There you will receive a general orientation in front of a large model of this magnificent World Biosphere Reserve. You will then proceed to the lookout point of Cerro Condor (Condor Hill) where you will have a spectacular sight of the Lake Pehoe area and the "horns" (Los Cuernos). A large number of Condor nests are found here, so it is not uncommon to spot these majestic birds in flight. Later you will continue toward the Salto Grande del Rio Paine. After observing this imposing waterfall you will continue to the Mirador del Lago Nordenskjöld, from where you can look directly across the lake to the magnificent Cuernos del Paine. A boxed lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue to the Cascadas del Rio Paine. The journey will pass by herds of Guanacos. You will return to the hosteria via the Lago Sarmiento. ($140-150 per person according to the number of participants)

Descending the Serrano River (8 hours)
Depart the hosteria by private vehicle for the Serrano River, where you will board zodiac boats and cruise down the meandering course of the river. At one point you will reach an impassable waterfall where you must disembark and proceed to a second boat waiting below the falls. You will continue the journey downriver to the Seno de Buena Esperanza (Sound of Good Hope). In the distance you can observe the beautiful Geike and Thyndal Glaciers that are part of the Southern Ice Field. Continuing downriver, you will disembark at a pier and follow a path that will take you to the foot of the Serrano Glacier's massive ice wall, which calves ice blocks to an inner lagoon surrounded by dense lengas and coigües. A box lunch will be served. You will return to the hosteria afterwards. ($200-230 per person according to the number of participants)

*Prices may vary according to currency exchange rate.

Saturday 08-Nov-08
TORRES DEL PAINE – EL CALAFATE (ARGENTINA)
You will be transferred to the town of Cerro Castillo on the Chilean border. Board the scheduled bus to El Calafate.

Arrival in El Calafate. Reception and transfer to ESTANCIA ALICE, located 20 km out of El Calafate, on the way to the Perito Moreno glacier. The estancia has 16 very simple and nicely decorated rooms all of them with private facilities. The lobby offers a private restaurant, exclusive for guests, and a living room.

After a welcome of hot tea, coffee and homemade snacks, a walking tour of the estancia will introduce you to the estancia and surrounding area: trekking paths to Lago Argentino, sheep herding by trained dogs, birdwatching flamingo, swan and over 40 migrating species. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the estancia. The estancia offers lots of activities that are included in your stay (horse rides, guided trails, hiking trails, mountain bikes, etc.). The day ends with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue. (B, D)

Example of horseback ride (not included in package price): Begin a full day ride to Mt. Frias. Following a valley to Mt. Frías, at 1100 m. up a canyon, through a Nothofagus forest, we reach the ridge with spectacular views to Lakes Roca and Argentino. If the weather is fine we will be able to see as far as the Torres del Paine in Chile. Return to the ranch, for a cup of tea and cakes and having experienced the typical Patagonian steppe, with the possibility of wildlife watching (guanacos, pumas, and condors). Box-lunch included.

Sunday 09-Nov-08
PERITO MORENO MINITREKKING
From El Calafate, the journey continues across the last portion of the plateau, a landscape of glaciers and enormous snowfields stretched out across the mountains. Los Glaciares National Park, in the sub-Antarctic Continental Ice-cap, is known as the "Third Pole" and extends over 60,000 sq.km (23,000 sq. miles), giving birth to several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. Pay the Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee ($20US paid in pesos). Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, and statistics are mind-boggling. The main wall is over 200 feet tall and almost 3 miles wide. Every now and then enormous pieces of ice break down and fall with thunderous noise into the lake. This area was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The wildlife of the area includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles, ashy-headed geese, etc.

You'll land on an uninhabited beach and hike onto the glacier. (No additional equipment or previous experience needed.) The wildlife of the area includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis and black-chested buzzard-eagles. Return to your overnight accommodations in the afternoon. Box lunch included.

Note: maximum age limit - 65 years.

Monday 10-Nov-08
EL CALAFATE - USHUAIA
Transfer to the airport in El Calafate. Pay departure tax (18 pesos - US$7) and check in for flight.

FTE-USH Flight times to be advised

Airport reception and transfer to your Ushuaia hotel.

Accommodations at Hosteria Los Fuegos. The Hosteria, surrounded by lengua woods, has nine rooms, each equipped with central heating, phone, security box, and hair dryer. Rooms are decorated with craft furniture and have views of the Young Nires, Lengas and Coihues Woods and to the Olivia River. The hotel also has a restaurant, wide video room, internet service, fax and massage services available. Breakfast included. - 3 nights. (B)

Tuesday 11-Nov-08
TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
You'll be picked up at your hotel for a full day visit to the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, start a 2-mile trek to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest you will be able to look for the Magaellanic woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Reaching a clearing near the water, embark on a 15 passenger zodiac boat and head toward Isla Redonda for lunch. You'll have time to take a short walk on the island while your guide prepares lunch. Don't forget to send a postcard from the island which has the southernmost post office (at least the stamps that cancel postage!). On the way back to Lapataia Bay, watch for cormorants and sea lions, albatross and petrels. Upon arrival hike an old trail to Laguna Verde, where you will board the vehicle back to Ushuaia. (B, L)

Wednesday 12-Nov-08
HARBERTON RANCH - YAMANING GABLE DAY TRIP
You'll be met at your hotel and begin your scenic drive east along the Beagle Channel to Puerto Almanza (75 km) a small fishermen’s village. The estancia at Harberton belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries to reach the area - Reverend Thomas Bridges - and was managed for many years by Ms. Natalie Goodall, a foremost naturalist in the area. You'll visit the estancia and then board zodiac boats to navigate to Gable Island, the largest in the Beagle Channel, where a short but steep climb brings you to a refuge where you will have lunch. After lunch, guests may wish to remain at the refuge and relax or go for a strenuous 3-hour hike around Gable Island. When the hikers return, the group continues in the zodiac to the Penguin rookery at Martillo Island, the domain of the Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. The unique location of this island, close to the convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans allows for an incredible variety of rich sub aquatic life, making it an amazing spot for birdwatching. The penguins arrive in November when they make their nests and breed; they inhabit the colony until around February. Look for petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatrosses. Return to Harberton for tea by the Larsiphasak River and then back to your Ushuaia hotel (B, L)

Thursday 13-Nov-08
BEAGLE CHANNEL
In the morning, make your way to the port (some hotels provide complimentary shuttle service) for a navigation on the stormy waters of the Beagle Channel. The Beagle Channel is located south of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, overlooking the islands that extend all the way to Cape Horn. It was first discovered by the Fitz Roy expedition of 1830, and later again by Charles Darwin in 1833. The first Anglican settlers arrived in 1860. You'll cruise close by several islands, including Seals Island where you may witness petrels, cormorants and sea lions at close quarters. Port tax is included.

USHUAIA - BUENOS AIRES
You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport. Check in to depart and pay airport tax (13.5 pesos - US$5)

USH-AEP Flight times to be advised

Upon arrival at the National Airport (Aeroparque) in Buenos Aires, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires (75ft), the capital of Argentina (derived from the Latin word for silver), was originally founded by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. However, fighting with the native Indians was fierce and the settlement was abandoned. It was not until 1580 that a permanent colony was established for Spain by Juan de Garay. The city lies on the Rio de La Plata* estuary and spreads over 124 square miles. Much of this thriving cosmopolitan city has been rebuilt since the turn of the 20th century so few of the original buildings exist.

*Plata means silver or money. The Rio de La Plata is said to be the river that boats navigate to find the famous Gold City of the Incas.

Overnight accommodation at the Hotel LoiSuiteS in an Executive Studio, breakfast included. The LoiSuiteS Hotel is located in the Recoleta area of Buenos Aires. Decorated in light colors, the hotel's ambiance is elegantly modern with sleek lines and simplistic contemporary artwork. All rooms are suites with air conditioning and two phone lines. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, restaurant, and business center and an atrium dining area where breakfast is served. The location in the heart of La Recoleta allows close access to shopping, restaurants and cafes and outdoor craft markets. - 3 nights. (B)

Friday 14-Nov-08
FOUR BALCONIES OF BUENOS AIRES
Set off on a half-day, privately-guided tour of Buenos Aires in which a professor of the University uses four parks and plazas of Buenos Aires (Plaza de Mayo, Parque Lezama and La Boca, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta) to introduce visitors to Argentina, its history, contrasts, contradictions and the peculiar psychology of its inhabitants. This tour is a great way to introduce you to the different, colorful districts of Buenos Aires and determine where you may wish to return.

TANGO SHOW AND DINNER
You will be transferred to a Buenos Aires restaurant for dinner and a tango show. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B, D)

Saturday 15-Nov-08
BUENOS AIRES
Argentina’s capital is said to be South America’s most European city. Discover its many secrets on your own today. (B)
*We offer a wealth of half and full day tours in and around Buenos Aires. Don’t hesitate to consult us if you have any particular interest.

Sunday 16-Nov-08
BUENOS AIRES – IGUAZU
You will be picked-up and transferred to Buenos Aires' National Airport (Aeroparque). Check in at airline ticket counter to depart.

AEP-IGR Flight times to be advised

On arrival at Puerto Iguazu airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations at the Sheraton Iguazu Hotel in a Standard Falls View room, breakfast included. - 2 nights. (B)

Monday 17-Nov-08
IGUAZU + IGUAÇU FALLS (ARGENTINA/BRAZIL)
Iguazu Falls are considered by many to be the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world, perhaps because of the 200 streams that emerge from the rainforest to form a myriad of gorgeous falls, large and small, which mingle so graciously with the surrounding vegetation. This region is one of the greatest ecological reserves of the world and it has been has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Included in your stay here is a full-day excursion to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, with private bilingual guide. The thunderous roar of crashing water and the multi-colored mist rising above the falls is a truly impressive sight. You and your guide will explore the upper and lower trails close to the falls. You will be able to take the train and then a short hike to the look out point over the Devil's Throat, with impressive views of waterfalls on three sides. Park entrance fee is included. Also included is a half-day tour to the Brazil side of the falls (Brazil Visa required) (B)

Tuesday 18-Nov-08
IGUAZU – IGUAÇU (BRAZIL) – RIO DE JANEIRO
Morning at leisure and transfer to the airport at the appropriate time.
US CITIZENS NEED A VISA TO ENTER BRAZIL

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and has the sixth largest population. The tropical redwood pao de brasil gave the country its name.

IGU-GIG Flight times to be advised

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The Portuguese first landed here in 1500, but Rio de Janeiro was settled by the French in 1555 and taken over by the Portuguese in 1567. Rio (90ft.) is famous for its natural setting and Carnival. The city was declared the capital of Brazil in 1834 and remained so until 1960.

Overnight accommodations at the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro, in an ocean front (luxury) room, with daily breakfast and city tax included.

Located between the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro is ideally situated for visitors wishing to enjoy Rio's best seashore. The five stars hotel features all the amenities and entertainment you would expect, including a tradition dating back to the 40's: Tea Lounges. There are 355 rooms and 33 suites, 2 non smoking floors, a VIP "Imperial Club" business floor, international and French cuisine, a coffee shop, an English pub, 10 meeting rooms for up to 2500 guests, business center, 2 swimming pools, fitness center and sauna, beauty saloons and shops.

The rooms have safe, mini bar, WI-FI wireless internet access, RJ-11 plug, private bathroom with bathtub, hair dryer and phone. - 3 nights. (B)

Wednesday 19-Nov-08
RIO DE JANEIRO'S SUGARLOAF AND CORCOVADO
SGL is SIB
You will be picked up and driven along different districts of the city, arriving at Cosme Velho Station for a cog-wheel tram ride to the top of the Corcovado Mountain and its famous statue of Christ, the Redeemer. After a typical Brazilian barbeque lunch, you will then go through a tunnel that crosses the Corcovado Mountain to arrive to Rio de Janeiro's downtown, where the Sambodromo (Carnival takes place here) and the Cathedral are located. You will pass through the Lapa District, towards the Flamengo Park and Urca to climb the mountain by cable car. (B, L)

Thursday 20-Nov-08
RIO DE JANEIRO
This day will be at your leisure to further explore the so called “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Wonderful City) on your own. (B)
*We offer a wealth of half and full day tours in and around Rio de Janeiro. Don’t hesitate to consult us if you have any particular interest.

Friday 21-Nov-08
RIO DE JANEIRO
Hotel pick-up and transfer to Galeao's international terminal. Pay Brazil departure tax (some $36) and check-in for your departure. (B)