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Day 1: Pta. Arenas - Pto. Natales
Reception at the airport and transfer to our travel agency in
Punta Arenas for a brief meeting and
final arrangements. In the afternoon, take the public bus
from Punta Arenas to
Puerto Natales (3 hours).
Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park
Half an hour drive out of Puerto Natales, we visit the
Milodon Cave, where in 1896 the remains
of a prehistoric giant ground slough were found. We continue overland
and enter Torres del Paine National Park
near Laguna Amarga, where we observe hundreds of guanacos and enjoy the
first vistas of the Paine towers that rise above the immense pampas.
Numerous stops and short walks allow us to get to know the national
park from up close. With views of the incredible Cuernos we follow the
gravel road until we reach the turquoise colored Salto Grande waterfall.
On the western side of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve rests Lago
Grey. Walking along its southern pebble stone beach, we take a closer
look at the mansion-sized icebergs that flow in the lake and get a
distant view of Grey Glacier, one of the 48 main glaciers of the
Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Return to
Puerto Natales.
[B, L]
Day 3: Perito Moreno Glacier
Overland road trip from Puerto Natales to El Calafate, Argentina
(4� hours). We continue towards one of Patagonia's most spectacular
glaciers, Perito Moreno, which is
part of Los Glaciares National Park. Its 200-foot tall wall of frozen
water is known for its huge masses of ice that break off and fall
noisily into Lago Argentino, to the amazement of onlookers.
With a bit of luck, you will experience this dramatic natural
phenomenon up close. We return to
Puerto Natales in the late evening.
[B]
Day 4: Ultima Esperanza Sound
Today's boat trip takes us through
Ultima Esperanza Sound, which in 1558
was Juan Ladrillero's "last hope" to find the entrance of the Strait
of Magellan. As we sail to
Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers,
we visit a cormorant colony,
watch sea lions at play and spot
majestic condors flying high in the sky. Upon arrival in
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park,
we go for a light walk of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the front of
Serrano Glacier. On the return to Puerto Natales we stop for lunch at
Estancia Perales, a typical Patagonian farm. Later, you take the public
bus back to Punta Arenas.
[B, L]
Day 5: Punta Arenas
Morning at your leisure. Transfer from the hotel to the airport according
to your flight schedule.
[B]
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