Patagonia Natural History | Trip Itinerary

Day 1:Buenos Aires. Arrive Buenos Aires, and transfer to your hotel and time to rest. This afternoon enjoy our special Buenos Aires NATURE WALK – A two hour exploration of the Costanera Sur Nature Reserve.

The expansion of the City of Buenos Aires modified and destroyed wildlife native to the Río de la Plata. This process became more acute as the city grew anarchically and seriously contaminated the river and its shores. Several years later a group of local conservationists, walking by, discovered to their great surprise that, during the time the lands by the river in Puerto Madero had been left untouched, Mother Nature had worked uninterruptedly, bringing seeds, sediments and wildlife, transforming this site, abandoned by man, into a true natural paradise; we can say that once again NATURE PREVAILS.

The visit will be led by a foremost naturalist guide that has been the President of a Local conservation Association and who is an expert in native plants, nature and also an amateur birdwatcher. She has ample experience and knowledge about the natural processes in Argentina and will be a source of invaluable information to enjoy Patagonian nature at its most. Hotel Madero or similar.

Day 2:  Buenos Aires-Trelew-Punta Tombo. Transfer to the domestic airport for flights to Trelew. (flights not included). Meeting and greet at the Trelew airport with your guide and drive to Punta Tombo rookery, the most important breeding colony of Magellan penguins in the world. We will walk through a trail that cuts deep into the colony to observe these fascinating birds. Other species such as kelp gulls, skuas, guanay cormorants, giant petrels, dolphin gulls, the Chubut steamer duck, hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes also inhabit the area and may be seen here.

The aim of Punta Tombo reserve is to protect one of the most diverse sea bird colonies in Argentina and the largest Magellan penguin continental colony, housing almost one million individuals.

A rocky 3-km long and 600 m wide mass getting into the sea, covered by sand, clay and gravel and surrounded by large sandy beaches, it offers the largest concentration of birds in the entire Patagonian coast

The area is full of caves, where the penguins lay their eggs and raise their young. We will be able to watch the hectic activity dominating the colony, while some penguins would dig their caves, others would fight over their territories, at the same time that the continuous murmur of their voices would invade the atmosphere.

Punta Tombo is also a paradise for other sea birds that have chosen this site to nest. Kelp gulls and dolphin gulls, skuas, two species of cormorants – the king cormorant and the rock shag-, steamer ducks, snowy sheathbills, and several species of terns and giant petrels are some of the ones we can find nesting in the area.

On the way back to Trelew we will visit Gaiman, a typical Welsh settlement to appreciate the work of the first immigrants to the area and their chapels. Time for welsh tea in one of the original houses. Transfer to Posada LOS MIMBRES (or Hotel Tolosa/Superior room) for a two-night stay. Accommodation and dinner. (B, BL, D)

Day 3:Valdes Peninsula. In the numerous gulfs, bays, inlets and peninsulas along the vast Argentine shoreline of the South Atlantic we find large colonies of marine animals. Owing to the various ocean currents which mix along this coast and thanks to the relatively low traffic and fishing activity, the sea is still rich in plankton, algae, fish and shellfish which in turn serve as food of enormous birds and marine mammal population.

On the way to the Peninsula we will stop to see the wildlife of the area: guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, hairy armadillos, maras and the most important rookeries protecting large colonies of South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, Magellan penguins also inhabit the area along with oystercatchers, dolphin gulls, kelp gulls, cormorants, etc.

When leaving Gaiman we will take RN 3 (national route 3) towards Puerto Madryn. Upon arrival in Puerto Madryn we cross the city (sometimes we stop for a quick visit on the way back) and following the coastal road we get to the peninsula. The first stop will be the visitor center for an interesting overview of the fauna, flora and history of the Peninsula as well as the main places worth visiting in the area. Resume our drive for about 5 km (3 miles) to reach Isla de los Pajaros lookout point and then onto Puerto Piramides, a small village which is the starting point of the whale watching navigation.

** Every year between mid June and December the Eubalaena Australis type of whales (commonly known as Southern Right Whale) come to the calm waters of the Nuevo Gulf at the Peninsula to mate and give birth to their calves. Optionally during the season we will embark in a short navigation to sight these giants of the sea. A “must do” experience! Additional cost approximately $75-$85 US.

From Puerto Piramides the next stop is Punta Delgada, the southernmost tip of the Valdes Peninsula. This area is particularly interesting for its elephant seal colony (Mirounga leonine).

Following Punta Delgada we reach Caleta Valdes, another interesting rookery of sea lions and elephant seals colonies.

Depending on the time of the year we may continue North towards Punta Norte where it might be possible to observe the famous Orca – Orcinus Orca – if lucky and during high tide and most likely during March and April. This means an extra 400 km. Or drive across along the Peninsula by the Lowlands and salt beds in the heart of the area to reach Puerto Piramides again and then drive back towards the entrance and then to Puerto Madryn and then Gaiman.  (B, L, D)

Day 4:  Gaiman-Trelew-Ushuaia.  Morning at leisure until the time of the flight to Ushuaia.

At Los Mimbres, Marcela, the host and a Patagonian passionate will offer activities (some of them at an additional cost) such as a Visit to the Geological Park Bryn Wyn or a visit to the Egidio Feruglio Museum that exhibits many of the findings of the geologists and paleontologies working in Patagonia in search of traces of the giants of the Mesozoic. www.mef.org.ar

Transfer to the airport to fly to Ushuaia. Arrival to the southernmost city in the world. Meet and greet at the Airport and transfer to HOSTERIA LOS NARANJOS/ALTOS DE USHUAIA/ ALTO ANDINO USHUAIA OR SIMILAR. Check-in for a three-night stay.  (B)

Tierra del Fuego contains all the different ecosystems, which typify Patagonia on a single island: South Atlantic coast, bushy steppe, Andes surrounded by glaciers, snow, lakes and forests. As if it weren’t enough the island also has its unique sub-Antarctic rainforest. Unexpectedly lush beech forests are covered with a magic carpet of green mosses, lichens waving in the wind in this seemingly enchanted forest.

Day 5: Harberton Ranch-The History of the Pioneers.    This excursion is the perfect introduction to Tierra del Fuego, its history, its magnificent natural history and traditions. We start from Ushuaia driving East towards Puerto Almanza (75 km) a small fisherman´s village. Short hike in the coast and resume our trip to Estancia Harberton. This estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries to reach the area - Rev. Thomas Bridges- and was managed for many years by Ms Natalie Goodall, a foremost naturalist in the area.

We visit the estancia and then board a small zodiac boat for 15 passengers to navigate to Gable Island (the largest in the Beagle Channel) where we stop for lunch, a 2 ½ hour demanding hike on the island and then resume our navigation to the Penguin rookery at MARTILLO ISLAND, the domain of the Magellanic Penguin and a few Gentoo Penguins. **Note penguins arrive at the rookery beginning of November**. The unique location of this island (close to the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters merge) allows for an incredible variety of rich subaquatic life, making it an amazing spot for birdwatching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross). Return to Harberton and then back to Ushuaia. (B & BL)

**For operation reasons or weather conditions the outline of the activities during this day can be changed to enhance the experience of visitors to the area.

*** Very important : This excursion operates beginning November 1st, so for the September & October departures, we change the tour for a visit to this area but concentrating in the Gable Island which we reach with our duckies (boats or Canadian canoes). No navigation and no penguins**

Day 6: Tierra del Fuego National Park.  Half day visit to Tierra del Fuego NP in a private car – exclusive to our small group. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km soft trek (3.5 hour walk – uneven terrain) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Lapataia Bay. Hiking through this beech forest we will able to look for the Magellan woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean condors. Return to Ushuaia. Afternoon at leisure to explore on own or navigate the Legendary Beagle Channel. (B)

Day 7: Ushuaia- El Calafate. Transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate. Arrival in El Calafate, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the HOTEL de CAMPO KAU YATUN. Check-in for a 2-night stay.  Formerly part of the Estancia 25 de Mayo this beautiful, yet simple hotel, offers the best facilities for a relaxed and pleasant stay and a nice retreat after a day out into the wilderness. It is only 7 blocks from city center, making it very convenient for a stroll and a quick visit to El Calafate.

Afternoon visit to the Glaciarium Museum with its shuttle transfer service. This Museum is maybe the best introduction to understand Patagonia and its incredible glaciers. www.glaciarium.com
The Glaciarium is a center for learning and interpretation of the glaciers in Argentina and Worldwide. It is an interactive exhibition with an educational purpose as well as very entertaining, modern and engaging (B)

Between the 48 and 51 South parallels, the Andes Range is covered by a large extension of permafrost known as the Patagonian continental ice cap, which stretches for 560 miles from north to south. So large it is, that it is also called “the third pole” after its huge concentration of ice. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, such as the famous Perito Moreno glacier.

Day 8:  Los Glaciares National Park-Perito Moreno Glacier/Trekking on the Glacier. Transfer to Los Glaciares National Park, which is part of the sub-Antarctic Continental Ice Cap, known as the “Third Pole”, which extends over 23,000 square miles and gives birth to several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. Board zodiac boats to cross Argentino Lake in front of the towering ice walls of Perito Moreno glacier and navigate around the ice blocks which are constantly calving from it. Land on an uninhabited beach and hike on the glacier (no additional equipment or experience is necessary). The wildlife of the area includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles, ashy headed geese, etc.
Note:  Transportation from el Calafate to the glacier is in a shared basis, does not include a guide, and does inlcude free time to explore the glacier look-outs.

Note: Entrance to Los Glaciares National Park is not included, and will be collected at the park. Current entry fee is 45 Argentine Pesos, and must be paid in local currency. USD are not accepted. (B, BL, D)

Important Notes for Minitrekking

The excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” bay- about 6 km before the glacier Balconies- where you embark for a 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier’s front walls and Icebergs Channel.-

We will disembark on the opposite shore, where mountain guides will lead us to a small shelter. After checking the last details, abilities and a short briefing and safety procedure, the participants, divided into groups of 20, head - along the lake’s shore- to the edge of the glacier, where the guides will don us crampons to start our exploration of the glacier.

The two hours circuit that follow will introduce us to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible and different kind of blue. Together with the hike the guide will introduce us to this amazing area: flora, fauna and general glaciology and the particular behaviour of the Perito Moreno Glacier cycle.

After this unforgettable experience we hike back through the forest to the shelter, where we return the crampons, and have lunch on a small beach by the Glacier before navigting back to the boardwalks to observe the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier.

• Gear: Comfortable sports wear, long trousers, warm sweater or pile, water or windproof jacket, sun glasses, sun block, gloves.
• Ages: Between 12 and 60 years old.
• This tour is NOT recommended for:  Travelers older than 60 years old people and children under 12 years old, as they are not allowed to participate; Pregnant women; people with vertigo, overweight, or some kind of difficulty to walk on their own or who need assistance to move around.
  • In the case that passengers over 60 years feel that they are able to do so and are fit enough, we will ask them to sign a release form that states that they have read the conditions to join this trek and that they are able to perform this activity. Final decision on participation is subject to approval by the ice-trekking office. 
• This trek operates from Late September to the end of April (weather permitting)

Day 9: El Calafate to Buenos Aires.
Morning at leisure to explore El Calafate or do activities organized by the hotel Kau Yatun (panoramic 4WD explorations, horseback rides, etc.). Transfer to the airport to fly back to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Madero or similar.  Check-in for an overnight stay. (B).

Day 10: Buenos Aires
Day at leisure to enjoy the bustling city. Transfer to the International airport to fly back home.  (B).
** Rooms will be available till noon. There is a possibility to leave the luggage at the hotel´s deposit until the time of the transfer to the airport.
Late check out on request and maybe subject to an extra cost.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL-Box Lunch, D=Dinner