MAIN TOUR STARTS IN PUNTA ARENAS, Chile on October 21, 2008
Tour can be taken in segments, please call us for a shorter option.

Oct. 21 Tue. Punta Arenas, (Chile) Torres del Paine Park

Our main tour starts in Punta Arenas where we begin our drive into Torres del Paine Park. We will arrive at our hotel at an ideal time to take pictures of the sunset over the Paine Peaks. B, one night. B/D

Oct. 22 Wed. Lago Grey ­ Estancia Guido
Today we will have options for different hikes around this impressive lake and Southern Ice Field. At the end of the tour a short transfer to the northeast area of the Park to the historical Estancia Cerro Guido, two nights. B/L/D

Oct. 23 Thu. Torres del Paine
We dedicate this day to one of the most photographed and spectacular hikes in the park: The Torres Trail. From here the trail leads us through the forest and an unforgettable landscape to Las Torres base camp. We trek one hour more to reach the Las Torres Viewpoint, an amazing natural amphitheatre at the bottom of the vertical granite towers that reach 2800 meters height. B/Box L/D

Oct. 24 Fri. Torres del Paine ­ Calafate (Argentina)
During this fascinating day we cross the Chilean Patagonia through rolling grasslands with views of the magnificent Southern Andes into Argentina. Overnight in Calafate. Hotel Los Alamos, one night. B/L

Oct. 25 Sat. Calafate ­ Perito Moreno ­ Estancia

The most beautiful view from the lodge is  that of an enormous iceberg that has calved  off the Grey Glacier and now serenely floats   down the entire length of the lake

Helsingfors In the morning we drive along beautiful Lago Argentino to the most famous of the glaciers in the world; massive Perito Moreno, one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing. Here we hike around the glacier with a chance to walk on the glacier itself ­ a once in a life time experience!

In the afternoon we will travel towards El Chalten, known as the National Capital of eco-adventure tourism overshadowed by stunning Mount Fitz Roy for overnight at Estancia Helsingfors where we stay two nights. B/Box L/D

During the early XX century, a Finnish adventurer, Alfred Ranström, settled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, on the SW shores of Lago Viedma. As a memory of his fatherland, he named his estancia after his country's capital city: Helsingfors (Helsinki in Swedish). Here he lived with his wife, Marie Lisau and their children, lightening up this wonderful spot, never imagining that they would be the main characters in one of Patagonia's most touching stories. During the 60's, a traditional family from the province of Santa Cruz bought this beautiful land, and since 1995 they have been receiving visitors from all over the world who wish to discover Patagonia through a unique and exclusive experience such as we offer at Helsingfors. The lodge is surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, protected by lush woods which give way to a panoramic view of the lake, Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes Mountains. It has 8 rooms with a private bathroom, decorated and designed with an exquisite taste, combining colors and textures that blend in with the environment. Guests share their experiences around a large fireplace in the living area or enjoying a drink at the bar. A refined cellar with Argentine and Chilean wines accompanies the delights of a sophisticated regional cuisine.

Oct. 26 Sun. Estancia Helsingfors

Today we can trek or horseback ride along the impressive Andean crests, navigate the glacier lakes or stay at our lovely estancia. B/L/D

Oct. 27 Mon. Estancia Helsingfors - Estancia La Quinta (Chalten)
In the morning we drive along roads with spectacular views of the Andes to our next Estancia located under the gaze of famous Fitz Roy. Estancia La Quinta, two nights. B/Box L/D

Oct. 28 Tue. Estancia La Quinta

Full day excursion in the Fitz Roy Area with wonderful photo opportunities of the Fitz Roy peaks. Here again we will have a choice of hikes from strenuous to very easy. B/L/D

Oct. 29 Wed. Estancia La Quinta ­ Calafate - Bariloche ­ Rio Hermoso
This morning we fly to Calafate and on to Rio Hermoso in the Lanin National Park, a pristine fishing and hunting preserve in the northernmost Patagonia. Rio Hermoso Hotel, 2 nights B

Located on the shores of Lake Lácar, within the Lanín National Park, San Martín de los Andes is a paradise of peace and quietness, immersed in an environment of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and magical forests. Originally a military settlement, today this typical mountain village dazzles visitors with its particular buildings, raised in wood and stone, which provide its characteristic warmth and charm.

Oct. 30 Thu. San Martin de los Andes
Today we will spend the day exploring the beautiful area of the Seven Lakes and the city of San Martin de los Andes. B

Oct. 31 Fri. San Martin de los Andes - Bariloche
In the late afternoon we will arrive in Bariloche, one of the most important tourist destinations in South America and one of the main attractions in Argentina. The city is surrounded by forests, lakes and crystalline rivers, sheltered by the Andes mountain range, where some of the peaks covered by eternal snow can be seen. Overnight at Las Cascadas , a small exclusive hotel on the shores of beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi. Two nights B

Nov. 01 Sat. Bariloche
Today time to enjoy your hotel, shop for souvenirs and Bariloche’s popular Swiss style chocolates, or have an afternoon tea experience at the famed Llao Llao Resort. B

Nov. 02 Sun. Bariloche ­ Buenos Aires
A short flight to Buenos Aires will bring us back to this South American most sophisticated city. In the evening Dinner and Tango Show. B/D

Nov. 03 Mon. Buenos Aires

Half day city tour which will highlight the beginning of the Tango dance and music. B

Nov. 04 Tue. Buenos Aires - USA
Morning free. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination: Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu or some extra days in Buenos Aires. B

Because of the limited space at the Estancias and on the cruise this tour is limited to 12 participants. We urge those who wish to take the Mare Australis cruise to send their deposits now to guarantee space. We have been able to secure 2007 prices for the Cruise cabins we are holding. Book early!

Please contact us for tour cost and payment options.

Oct. 17-21 Pre-tour Cruise

All inclusive cruise AA cabins with meals, drinks and excursions/transfers as specified while in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.
Cruise Deposit due now $300.00 per person non refundable.
Land deposit due $600.00 per person for Main Land tour starting in Punta Arenas, Chile on Oct. 21, 2008

Please call us for further details, (415) 924-4627 or (800) 569-6228