Patagonia

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Restrictions apply, based on availability.
Ask your agent for details today! Click here for terms and conditions.Experience the bold landscape of Patagonia on this adventure through southern Argentina and Chile. Discover the region’s majestic Andes Mountains, glistening glaciers, and cascading waterfalls in Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego national parks. Enjoy European-style villages set against a backdrop of Alpine scenery, the colorful traditions of gauchos on horseback, amusing Magellanic penguins at a penguin colony, and couples dancing to the drama of the tango. Join us on this journey to experience the natural and cultural heritage of this unique region of South America.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Experience the natural splendor of Patagonia on this bold adventure through southern Argentina and Chile.

Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Tour Begins
Begin in sophisticated Buenos Aires • Explore the European architecture, wide boulevards and charming sidewalk cafés that earned it the moniker “Paris of South America” • After a short lesson in the local language, embark on a city tour • See the Recoleta Cemetery, where the tomb of Eva Peron is located; the colorful La Boca neighborhood and the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada • Spend the balance of the day at leisure • This evening, dine on Argentine fare and experience the passion and artistry of an authentic tango show • Meet the dancers and try some steps of your own.

Day 3: Buenos Aires
Enjoy an informal, interactive presentation from a local resident where you can ask questions about daily life in Buenos Aires • Independently explore the charms of Buenos Aires for the remainder of the day • Choose to discover the Parana River delta and its picturesque islands, elegant mansions and craft market on an optional tour, or relax and soak in the city's cultural delights • Browse the boutiques of Calle Florida or visit one of many renowned art museums.

Day 4: Buenos Aires - El Calafate
Fly south to the heart of Patagonia, El Calafate • Tonight, you are a guest at the historic 25 de Mayo ranch • Indulge in the traditional hospitality of this Patagonian estancia • Sip yerba mate tea around a fire • Visit the farmyards and sheep shearing shed for demonstrations • Savor a true taste of Argentina with an asado, a traditional meal of meats grilled over an open fire, plus produce from the organic garden • Enjoy gaucho music and dancing!

Day 5: Perito Moreno Glacier
Wake to sweeping views of Lake Argentino from your lakeside hotel • Experience the Brazo Rico shoreline en route to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the only continually advancing glacier in the world • Admire breathtaking views during a walk along its base • Watch for chunks of ice breaking off and dramatically crashing into the lake • Explore El Calafate’s village of rustic houses with sloping roofs that pierce blue skies.

Day 6: El Calafate - Ushuaia
Journey to “the world's southern-most city,” Ushuaia • Once an Argentine penal colony, it is now the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire” • Stroll the bustling city center, framed by a grand backdrop of mountains and sea • Sit down for a home-hosted dinner with a local Fuegon family • Learn about daily life at the “end of the world” • Relax afterwards at your hotel overlooking the Beagle Channel.

Day 7: Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park - Embark Ship
Today, explore the mountains, forests, glaciers and deep valleys of Tierra del Fuego National Park • Walk the shores of Roca Lake and see evidence of the settlements of the now-extinct Yámana indigenous people • En route to Lapataia Bay (where the Panamerican Highway ends) stop by the post office at the “end of the world” • Return to Ushuaia to experience this famous port town before embarking on the new m/v Stella Australis • Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and get ready for a great adventure in one of the world’s most captivating wilderness regions • Sail through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan as you start your journey through southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego • Interesting on-board lectures on the wildlife, history and geography of this legendary region complete the experience.

Day 8: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
Sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, known as the “End of the Earth” • Disembark here (weather permitting) for a unique perspective on the mystical Cape Horn, a sheer rock promontory • Discovered in 1616, this was a crucial navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic • Go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of a large Yámana settlement • Charles Darwin landed here in 1833 during the voyage of the HMS Beagle • Explore a Magellanic forest of lengas, coihues, canelos, ferns and other native vegetation • This journey rewards you with awe-inspiring views.

Day 9: Agostini Fjord - Águila Glacier
This morning, sail through the desolate Brecknock and Cockburn channels to reach Agostini Fjord, in the heart of Tierra del Fuego • Marvel at the glaciers flowing down the mountains to the sea • After lunch, disembark in Zodiac boats to explore Águila Glacier • Take a walk on the shore of the surrounding lagoon • Learn about the formation of glaciers and their impact on the geography of the region’s channels.

Day 10: Magdalena Island-Punta Arenas, Chile-Disembark Ship - Puerto Natales
Wake with the sunrise and go ashore on Magdalena Island* (weather permitting) • Explore this once essential source of supplies for intrepid navigators crossing the Strait of Magellan • Say hello to the locals - an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins which can be sighted during a walk to the lighthouse • Gain insight into the behavior of this peculiar and adored bird during a fascinating lecture before the excursion • Continue on to Punta Arenas, an important port town for ships rounding Cape Horn, to disembark • Enjoy a panoramic tour and visit a museum highlighting the region’s history • Next, journey to Puerto Natales, gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and some of the world's most incredible scenery.

Day 11: Torres del Paine National Park
Travel to majestic Torres del Paine National Park • Stop at Milodon Cave to view the encased figure of a milodon, a mysterious prehistoric animal • Drive along the banks of lakes Figueroa and Sarmiento • Take in extraordinary views of the snowcapped mountain peaks, crystal-clear rivers and mirrored lakes during a picnic lunch**.

Day 12: Puerto Natales - Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
Depart southern Patagonia • Travel to the Chilean Lake District and end your day in the lakeside village of Puerto Varas, known for its seafood and German cuisine • Take in panoramic views of Osorno Volcano from your elegant mountain resort overlooking Lake Llanquihue.

Day 13: Chiloé Island
Delve into the cultural legacy on Chiloé Island, home to the indigenous Cunco, Chonos and Mapuche peoples • Experience a place full of natural beauty and legends • Board a ferry to Chiloé, the second-largest island in Chile • Witness traditional fishing villages and distinctive native customs • Tour the port town of Ancud and the regional museum • Visit the handicraft markets in Dalcahue and Castro, the island’s capital • Share in a traditional curanto - a delicious seafood stew of shellfish, meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked underground • Learn about daily life from your host • Discover the architectural legacy of the wooden churches on Chiloé • See the fusion of 17th century Jesuit missionary influence and indigenous styles at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 14: Puerto Varas - Santiago
Bid farewell to Patagonia and fly to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital • A city tour includes La Moneda Presidential Palace and Paseo Ahumada pedestrian avenue • Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristobal for sweeping views of Santiago and the Andes • Admire the Statue of the Immaculate Conception • Interact with the locals at a bustling market where delicacies such as Chilean sea bass are abundant • The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 15: Santiago
Venture into Chile’s wine country as you travel to the Maipo Valley • Spend the afternoon touring a bodega and sampling some of the varietals which make this region famous • Discover the bold taste of carmenère, the “lost” ancient cousin of the cabernet grape that thrives in the Andean climate • Enjoy a gourmet meal of Chilean favorites in the countryside and celebrate the end of your journey.

Day 16: Santiago - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/17/2012 - 3/1/2012	$3,299
10/11/2012 - 10/26/2012	$5,049
11/29/2012 - 12/14/2012	$5,349
2/14/2013 - 3/1/2013	$5,349
3/7/2013 - 3/22/2013	$5,349
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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