Patagonia Adventure Trek Dates & Rates
Brochure
This is an ideal introduction to the spectacular world renowned parks of Patagonia, without the need to commit to long walking days. From the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous 3000m spires of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. We continue across the border to Chile and take a stunning cruise from Puerto Natales via the Balmaceda Glacier into Torres del Paine National Park. We explore on foot the vast pampas and forests, home to herds of Guanaco and hopefully spot Andean Condors circling near the base of the dramatic granite 'Towers of Paine'. After each exhilarating day walk we return to our comfortable hotel or lodge, for a wholesome meal and warm bed.
Why not combine with one of our Antarctic cruises for the ultimate expedition!
dates & prices
9 nights / 10 days
Name: Patagonia Adventure Trek (PTG01)
Dates: 01-12-2013 to 10-12-2013
Dates: 01-12-2013 to 10-12-2013
Embark: El Calafate, Argentina
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Price: US$3780 per person, twin share.
Combine this trek (PTG01) with our 'A Taste of Antarctica' (ANP97) for the ultimate expedition! Book now to receive 25% discount off both trips. Terms and conditions apply.
9 nights / 10 days
Name: Patagonia Adventure Trek (PTG02)
Dates: 10-12-2013 to 19-12-2013
Dates: 10-12-2013 to 19-12-2013
Embark: El Calafate, Argentina
Inclusions: View inclusions for this trip
Price: US$3780 per person, twin share.
Combine this trek (PTG02) with our 'Christmas in Antarctica' (ANP98) for the ultimate expedition! Book now to receive 25% discount off both trips. Terms and conditions apply.
Itinerary
| TRIP | DATES |
| 9 nights / 10 days | 01-Dec-13 to 10-Dec-13 |
| 9 nights / 10 days | 10-Dec-13 to 19-Dec-13 |
Save 25% with our Patagonia trek and Antarctic voyage combos. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more information.
On arrival into El Calafate, please make your own way to the group hotel (details provided in your final documents). This township, founded in 1927, is best known as the 'national capital of the glaciers' and is the gateway to the Patagonian Los Glaciares National Park including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the town or walk down to Lake Argentino to watch the waterbirds. You will have a briefing in the afternoon to meet your guide and learn about your upcoming adventure. Overnight Calafate (Hotel Rincon or similar).
Day 2 – Drive to El Chalten
This morning we depart Calafate for the drive across Patagonia and the arid Argentine pampas to El Chalten (approx 4 hours). The village of El Chalten is in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park and it's from here that we make our day trips. The afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight El Chalten (Hotel La Aldea or similar). (B,D)
Days 3 - 4 – Day walks to view Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
Over the next two days we include day walks to the base camp of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Mount Fitz Roy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre. For a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world - in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south runs a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follow the line of the Chile/Argentina border. The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the itinerary. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the beech trees and the flowers bloom profusely and we are here at the best time to enjoy it. Overnight El Chalten (Hotel La Aldea or similar). (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales
Today we leave El Chalten and drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening you may like to sample king crab by the waters edge in one of the seafood restaurants. Overnight Puerto Natales (Hotel Weskar or similar). (B)
Day 6 – To Torres del Paine by boat on Serrano River, via Balmaceda Glacier
This morning we leave Puerto Natales and journey towards Torres del Paine National Park and its fabulous scenery. We board a boat and travel down the fjord, pausing at the Balmaceda Glacier en-route. We then change onto zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before reaching Torres del Paine. Overnight in Torres del Paine (Hotel Tyndall or similar). (B,L,D)
Days 7-8 – In Torres del Paine, day walks
Over the next few days we plan to view the highlights of the park on foot. The trekking level will depend on the group's level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of this park, including the base of the towers, require a 6-7 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the park, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the day. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you – the scenery is really awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. The next two nights are spent in Torres del Paine. Overnight Hotel las Torres. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Drive to El Calafate/Punta Arenas
We drive for approximately 7-8 hours across the steppes following the face of the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, with great rolling hills dotted with stunted beech trees. We plan to arrive in Calafate or Punta Arenas in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with time for last minute shopping or indulging the 'dulce du leche' a dessert you will by now be familiar with! Overnight Hotel Rincon de Calafate (or similar). (B)
Day 10 - El Calafate/Punta Arenas
Today PTG01 will end in El Calafate, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement, or board a flight to Ushuaia to join our 'A Taste of Antarctica' voyage. Those on PTG02 will have the option to spend an extra night in Punta Arenas for the opportunity to join our 'Christmas in Antarctica' voyage.
Save 25% with our Patagonia trek and Antarctic voyage combos. Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Activities
| TRIP | DATES | ACTIVITIES |
| 9 nights / 10 days | 01-Dec-13 to 10-Dec-13 | |
| 9 nights / 10 days | 10-Dec-13 to 19-Dec-13 |
How to Prepare
How to Prepare for a Trek Expedition
To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some important pre-departure information to help you prepare. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.
Trip Grading: These trips feature a moderate trek. This means you will often venture into more remote country and will cross mountain passes, however altitudes are relatively low, reaching no higher than 4,300m/14,000ft. The trek is suitable for anyone who loves hill walking and leads a healthy, active lifestyle. As a minimum we recommend you start training four to six months prior to the trip, walking for at least 3km, three times a week.
Is your passport valid?
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.
Visa arrangements
Depending on your destination you may require a visa. For travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, a visa is currently not required for visiting Argentina and Chile for tourism purposes.
A visa IS required for Australian citizens visiting Nepal.
**Please keep in mind visa and passport requirements for countries you will pass through to reach your trek destination.**
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility.
Travel insurance
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from remote areas.
Emergency contact details
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.
Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.
FAQ's
How to Book
Contact us
If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (Freecall within Australia).
Complete a booking form
Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth. Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.
Download the booking form here.
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view the terms and conditions.
Preparation for your voyage
On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.
Aurora Expeditions - Your Personal Travel Agent
Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers. Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.
We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.
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