Patagonia In Style

Itinerary

• Argentina

  Argentina is the second largest country in South America. located between the Andes mountain range in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. European explorers arrived in 1516. Military campaigns led by General José de San Martín between 1814 and 1817 made independence increasingly a reality. A wave of foreign investment and immigration from Europe after 1870 led to the development of modern agriculture and to a near-reinvention of Argentine society and the economy. The country was neutral during World War II. Political change led to the presidency of Juan Perón in 1946, who worked to empower the working class. Perón's wife, Eva Perón (better known as "Evita") played an important role as first lady. Following a transitional period in 2002 when there was a sharp devaluation in the peso, the country has regained its footing.  Argentina is a focus of increasing tourism centered in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Notable attractions include the Iguazu Falls, Mendoza vineyards, Bariloche mountain resorts, Patagonia glaciers and hiking, and Ushuaia on the tip of the continent.

• Buenos Aires

  Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists.

• El Calafate

  El Calafate is a little village in Patagonia, Argentina. It is situated in the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, about 320 km Northwest from Río Gallegos. The city is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited in the world) and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre.

• Ushuaia

  Ushuaia is the world's second-southernmost city and is located on the southern tip of the island of Tierra del Fuego. Guarded on the north by the Martial mountain range and on the south by the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is a key access point to the southern regions. The city and nearby national park is a popular vacation spot for Buenos Aires. Ushuaia is one of the departure points for Antarctic expeditions and for visiting the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).

• Chile

  Chile is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow coastal strip wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with a coastline that stretches over 6,435 kilometres. Chilean territory extends to the Pacific Ocean which includes the overseas territories of Juan Fernández Islands, the Sala y Gómez islands, the Desventuradas Islands and Easter Island located in Polynesia. Chile's unusual, ribbon-like shape, 4,300 km (2,672 mi) long and on average 175 km (109 mi) wide, has given it a hugely varied climate. Ranging from the world's driest desert, the Atacama in the north, a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south, with glaciers, fjords and lakes. The relatively small central area dominates the country in terms of population and agricultural resources. This area also is the cultural and political center from which Chile expanded in the late 19th century. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. Currently, Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.

• Santiago

  Santiago is the capital of Chile, and its largest city. Two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. Santiago has an excellently preserved city square that is very pleasant for a leisurely walk. It also boasts numerous museums, parks, churches and fine restaurants for dining. For a taste of world renown Chilean wines, visit some of the nearby vineyards for day excursions.

• • Buenos Aires
  • La Boca
  • Legado Mitico Hotel Exterior

  Day 1: Buenos Aires

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer in Buenos Aires with professional driver and English speaking Guide.

  Upon arrival by air into Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), American passport holders are required to pay a reciprocity tax of $131 USD, and Canadian passport holders a tax of $70 USD. Other nationalities will vary. Payment may be done by cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks. For American passport holders,  a receipt will be stapled at the back of their passport and it will be valid for the duration of the passport. For Canadian passport holders, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only.
  Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details. Subject to change without notice.

  Buenos Aires is where it all happens, and we want you to immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and sheer radiance. Enjoy a private guided, half-day panoramic tour, discovering the rich parks and open spaces of the Northern Neighborhood and the eye-catching buildings and grounds of Palermo and Recoleta, in the comfort of a private vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll be driven to the Obelisk; a distinct symbol of the city. After that, you will visit different squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martín, Plaza del Congreso and some of the main avenues such as Corrientes, de Mayo, and 9 de Julio. Enjoy views in the historical neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Montserrat and the elegant neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, and the modern Puerto Madero. Breathe in the fresh air as you pass through parks such as Lezama, Tres de Febrero and the Ecological Reserve. En route you will also get to visit financial and commercial areas and Soccer Stadiums. At the end of your tour you will be dropped back at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Legado Mitico Hotel

  Legado Mitico Hotel is a warm and moving hotel, inspired by history and culture, evoke mythical Argentine characters. In such an atmosphere - refinement, and classicism gracefully combine with the simplicity and informality of current trends. Mythical rooms which treat dreamers to indulging comfort, all of them bear the subtle stamp of the remarkable character that inhabits them and invite guests to dare discover who they really were. Designed for travellers who want to experience the authentic spirit of Argentina, Legado Mitico reflects identity and transmits the conviction that each day will be full of encounters and pleasures for their guests.

• • Tango Dancers

  Day 2: Buenos Aires

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Private pick-up from your hotel for a night of Tango like no other at Rojo Tango!
  "Rojo Tango” is an invitation to live and feel the tango intensely. It is an embracing and sophisticated show to experience the pleasure of the tango up to its most minimum details, its harmonic melodies, its rhythm and the feelings and colors coming to live in the dance. Witness a professional performance, offered to a reduced audience. Rojo Tango show takes care of every little detail so that you can experience the essence of Tango. Dancers wear unique costumes, a result of thorough research and an updated innovation in fabrics, embroideries and colors. The hairdos are visually important and match every detail of the costumes and dance. The special lighting enhances the dance's different nuances. Enjoy a fantastic dinner as you see the show.
  Return to your hotel afterwards.

  Accommodation: Legado Mitico Hotel
• • El Calafate
  • Los Sauces

  Day 3: El Calafate - Buenos Aires

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with your very own vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.

  Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to El Calafate. Please note that flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes.

  Accommodation: Los Sauces Casa Patagonica

  Casa Los Sauces is a newly opened hotel situated in El Calafate, a town that has swelled from tourism in recent years due to its proximity to the world-renowned Perito Moreno glacier. Designed by a local architect, it was inspired by the traditional Patagonian estancia. Among four hectares stand three separate guesthouses, with six suites in each, plus another casa for the restaurant, and another for the feng-shui respecting spa. Casa Los Sauces is a boutique hotel which recreates the hospitable and refined spirit of the big farms of the beginning of the last century, is undoubtedly the best way to know, love and discover an area of wonderful beautiful nature; Southern Patagonia. The Casa Los Sauces follows the architectural style typical of the region, which combines native features with european influences. The interior offers a cozy climate.

• • El Calafate Mini Trekking

  Day 4: El Calafate

  One of the best things to do in El Calafate, today you will go on a navigation in front of the Southern wall of the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier, tour through the captivating forest and do the minitrekking over the glacier!

  You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the Bajo de las Sombras quay (port), where you board the ship for the 20-minute ride to cross the arm Rico of Lake Argentino. The ship arrives at a cottage where guides will divide all passengers into groups made up of around 10 people. Each group is assigned two guides, one walks at the front an another at the back.

  Together wih your group and guides, you will begin a 20-minute walk towards the glacier that begins on the lake’s shore and once you arrive at the edge of the ice, you wil be provided with crampons and instructions about how you should use them on the ice. The trek over the Glacier lasts about 1 hour and a half during which you will be able to see the crevasses, seracs, drains and small lakes. The walk is slow, as you walk over an uneven but firm and safe ice surface. Guides will give short talks about the flora, fauna and general glaciology facts of the region and also some information about the unique phenomenon that takes place at the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its breaking-off. When the walk ends, you will return to the cottage walking through the lush magallanic forest.

  On its return to the pier the ship navigates through the channel of ice floes and then approaches the glacier’s walls. You will then be able to get to the glacier's viewpoint where you will have the opportunity to walk along the pathways and admire it from different viewpoints for about one hour before returning to El Calafate.

  This tour lasts approximately 5 hours (between navigation and trekking)

  Recommendations:
  a) Age: Due to the level of effort and difficulty that it entails, this excursion is not advisable for the following: people over 65 years old, children under 10, people with overweight or some type of disability.
  b) Footwear: Any type of sport footwear, for example running/ tennis shoes or trekking boots. Thick woolen or cotton socks are reccommended. Rubber boots and high heels in women are not admitted. Passengers are only provided with crampons.
  c) Clothing: Sportive (long trousers for both sexes). It is advisable to wear a t-shirt, a sweater and a waterproof jacket/coat. Sunglasses, sunblock and gloves are also reccomended as well as a cap or a hat in case it is too cold.
  d) Lunch: Passengers must take their lunch boxes and only the groups which take the excursion during the morning have 40 minutes to have lunch at the cottage. Once embarked towards the Glacier, there are no purchasable products. Lunches are easily provided at most hotels, just ask them to prepare this for you.
  e) Smoking: It is forbidden to smoke during the excursion; neither on the boat, the forest, or the ice nor at the cottage.
  f) Physical state: Normal. Passengers must know that they will walk slowly for approximately three hours through varied and irregular ground such as ice, forest and stones. Pregnant women, people with heart condition or other serious health conditions are not admitted.
  g) Difficulty: It is easy, but relatively more complicated for elder people with vertigo or unhealthy physical conditions

  Accommodation: Los Sauces Casa Patagonica
• • Ushuaia
  • Mare Australis

  Day 5: El Calafate - Ushuaia

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with your very own vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.

  Domestic flight between El Calafate and Ushuaia. Flights are subject to availability. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

  Enjoy a private pier transfer with professional English speaking guide and driver.

  A port tax of $30 USD per person has been prepaid for you.

  Embark on a great cruise adventure this afternoon. Check in at San Martín 245, Ushuaia, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Cruise ship boarding from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterwards, the ship departs for “the uttermost part of the earth.” Our excursion will take us through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego.

  Accommodation: Mare Australis (3 Night Cruise)

  The Mare Australis cruise sails across the Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego regions, primarily to Punta Arenas and through the strait of Magellan. Acting as the vessel for South American exploration, the Expedition Cruiseship is host to 64 cabins, each with private facilities, closet, and large windows illustrating picturesque views of the sea. Meals take place in the dining room, where one may feast on enticing Patagonian epicurean delights. Sip on Chilean and Argentinean wines in between bites. Later, spend some time on the promenade deck, and absorb the surroundings. Otherwise, visit the small library, which is filled with books, video, and audio equipment.

• Day 6: Cape Horn - Ushuaia

  We sail through the Beagle and Murray channels to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark (weather permitting). Cape Horn is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory, and in the past it was the only entrance to the Pacific Ocean. This place is known as the “End of the Earth”, and it's the last territory before Antarctica. 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 Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point.

  Accommodation: Mare Australis (3 Night Cruise)
• • Piloto and Nena glaciers

  Day 7: Puerto Williams - Ushuaia

  In the morning we sail through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Our adventure begins in the Zodiac boats to explore Alakaluf Fiord, where we will see beautiful waterfalls and observe the Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. The intense blue color of Piloto Glacier due to its compression and age draws attention. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels.

  In the afternoon we enter Agostini Sound, a spectacularly beautiful area located in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range in Tierra del Fuego. Here we can view glaciers descending from the mountains, some of which reach the sea. We will head to Águila Glacier where we will disembark to take an easy walk along a beach bordering a lagoon surrounded by mountains until reaching a spot in front of the glacier. We can get to know Patagonia’s cold rainforest and the movements that molded the region’s geography.

  Accommodation: Mare Australis (3 Night Cruise)
• • Santiago
  • Ritz Carlton Santiago

  Day 8: Santiago - Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

  Fly directly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Flights are subject to availability. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours. Note * Flight may stop in Puerto Montt OR flight may be Direct, you will be advised at time of booking.

  Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins that we can watch during our walk to a lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. The island’s penguins migrate in April; as a replacement we visit Marta Island, to observe a sea lion colony. After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.

  Enjoy a private pier transfer with professional English speaking guide and driver.

  Accommodation: Ritz Carlton

  Experience The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago – an unforgettable five-star hotel well situated in an upscale neighbourhood of Santiago . With all the frills and dazzling decor that make hotels a treat to visit, the acclaimed Ritz Carlton is all this and more. Stay in one of its 205 rooms, which are noted for marble fixtures, and high quality bedding and linen. All rooms feature classic decor and panoramic views of the city. Feast on gourmet culinary accomplishments, from Mediterranean preparations to buffet-style pastries and a chocolate temptation buffet. Later, spend time lounging by the indoor pool with a book. Absorb views of the Andes and the city. Otherwise, sit down at the bar and try one of the 100 martini varieties.

• • Los Dominicos Artisan Town

  Day 9: Santiago

  After being met by your guide and private vehicle at your accommodation, you'll be brought towards Vitacura neighborhood to visit Alonso de Cordova Avenue boutiques, an elegant neighborhood where you will be able to visit the best shops in town and where you'll find “ Lapiz Lazuli “(semi-precious stone found only in Chile and some places in Afghanistan) jewellery shop. Continue on to Parque Arauco Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the country. After getting your fill of shopping, relax on the drive to "Handicraft Los Dominicos town " where you'll find a plethora of traditional Chilean handicraft.

  Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Legado Mitico Hotel Exterior

  Legado Mitico Hotel

  Legado Mitico Hotel is a warm and moving hotel, inspired by history and culture, evoke mythical Argentine characters. In such an atmosphere - refinement, and classicism gracefully combine with the simplicity and informality of current trends. Mythical rooms which treat dreamers to indulging comfort, all of them bear the subtle stamp of the remarkable character that inhabits them and invite guests to dare discover who they really were. Designed for travellers who want to experience the authentic spirit of Argentina, Legado Mitico reflects identity and transmits the conviction that each day will be full of encounters and pleasures for their guests.

  • More information
• • Los Sauces
  • Los Sauces

  Los Sauces Casa Patagonica

  Casa Los Sauces is a newly opened hotel situated in El Calafate, a town that has swelled from tourism in recent years due to its proximity to the world-renowned Perito Moreno glacier. Designed by a local architect, it was inspired by the traditional Patagonian estancia. Among four hectares stand three separate guesthouses, with six suites in each, plus another casa for the restaurant, and another for the feng-shui respecting spa. Casa Los Sauces is a boutique hotel which recreates the hospitable and refined spirit of the big farms of the beginning of the last century, is undoubtedly the best way to know, love and discover an area of wonderful beautiful nature; Southern Patagonia. The Casa Los Sauces follows the architectural style typical of the region, which combines native features with european influences. The interior offers a cozy climate.

  • More information
• • Mare Australis

  Mare Australis (3 Night Cruise)

  The Mare Australis cruise sails across the Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego regions, primarily to Punta Arenas and through the strait of Magellan. Acting as the vessel for South American exploration, the Expedition Cruiseship is host to 64 cabins, each with private facilities, closet, and large windows illustrating picturesque views of the sea. Meals take place in the dining room, where one may feast on enticing Patagonian epicurean delights. Sip on Chilean and Argentinean wines in between bites. Later, spend some time on the promenade deck, and absorb the surroundings. Otherwise, visit the small library, which is filled with books, video, and audio equipment.

  • More information
• • Ritz Carlton Santiago

  Ritz Carlton

  Experience The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago – an unforgettable five-star hotel well situated in an upscale neighbourhood of Santiago . With all the frills and dazzling decor that make hotels a treat to visit, the acclaimed Ritz Carlton is all this and more. Stay in one of its 205 rooms, which are noted for marble fixtures, and high quality bedding and linen. All rooms feature classic decor and panoramic views of the city. Feast on gourmet culinary accomplishments, from Mediterranean preparations to buffet-style pastries and a chocolate temptation buffet. Later, spend time lounging by the indoor pool with a book. Absorb views of the Andes and the city. Otherwise, sit down at the bar and try one of the 100 martini varieties.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote