Road Scholar : Home
Patagonia: Hiking At the End of the Earth

Program Number: 3408RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/28/2013 - 11/10/2013; 11/11/2013 - 11/24/2013; 1/20/2014 - 2/2/2014; 2/17/2014 - 3/2/2014;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Argentina
Price starting at: $5,689.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 26; 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Delve into the untamed wilds of Patagonia, a fascinating area located in the southern region of South America. Gain insight into the cultural and natural history of Patagonia to appreciate this unique environment where few humans live and wildlife abounds. Meet locals on a remote ranch and understand why Patagonia is known as “the end of the earth.”




Highlights

• Observe the world’s largest bird in its natural habitat, the Andean Condor.
• Visit one of the most remote and beautiful estancias in all of Patagonia.
• Walk atop one of the largest glaciers in the world with an expert.



Activity Particulars

4-12 miles of hiking over 4-7 hours; rugged footpaths with ascents and descents. Bathroom facilities are not available on the hiking trails--only at the base camps.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Buenos Aires, 2 nights; flight to El Calafate, coach to El Chalten, 4 nights; coach to El Calafate, 2 nights; flight to Ushuaia, 3 nights; flight to Buenos Aires; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Buenos Aires
2 nights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and sophisticated culture of Buenos Aires, considered to be the most metropolitan city in South America. A walking exploration of the city includes historic sites such as the beautiful Colon Opera House and the Recoleta Cemetery, Evita’s final resting place. Enjoy the sensual music and dance of Buenos Aires, the Tango, during a professional performance.



Flight to El Calafate
Coach to El Chalten
4 nights

El Chalten is a village that sits at the base of two of the world’s most dramatic mountains: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Observe the uniquely beautiful mountain environment and its fauna -- highlighted by the world’s largest bird, the Andean Condor. View the surrounding glaciers through the hikes and spend some of the day hiking on the glacier itself. Local experts discuss the geography, geology and ecology of the Andes Mountains.



Coach to El Calafate
2 nights

El Calafate rests in the gateway to Argentine Patagonia, a major commercial center. Here, discover Patagonia’s human history, observe the nearby world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and gain insight into the environmental changes to this ancient land. Spend the morning admiring the world-famous glacier as it calves into Lago Argentino before heading to the airport for the flight down to Tierra del Fuego.



Flight to Ushuaia
3 nights
Flight to Buenos Aires
Departure on overnight flight to the U.S.A.
1 night

Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world. Called Tierra del Fuego, or “Land of Fire,” this area overlooks the famed Beagle Channel. Explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Ushuaia Maritime Museum and Gable Island, and navigate around Martello Island to observe its large penguin rookery. Local experts discuss the fascinating maritime history of this region, including the Straits of Magellan and the Beagle Channel.




Argentina

As the second largest South American country and the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina’s size encompasses an incredible diversity of landscapes. From the Andean Northwest, to the lush grazing grounds of the plains, Argentina is rich in natural resources and terrain of all kinds. Rivers, rainforests, deserts and beaches — not to mention bustling cities — mark this country that comprises nearly the entire southernmost tip of its continent.
Accommodations
Buenos Aires: Comfortable, centrally located hotel. El Chalten: Comfortable lodge near town. El Calafate: Centrally located hotel. Ushuaia: Comfortable hotel overlooking the Beagle Channel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Dazzler Suites - Recoleta
  Buenos Aires, Argentina 2 nights
   Senderos Hosteria
  El Chalten, Argentina 4 nights
   Hosteria La Estepa
  El Calafate, Argentina 2 nights
   Las Lengas Hotel
  Ushuaia, Argentina 3 nights
 Dazzler Suites - Recoleta
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Dazzler Suites hotel is located in Buenos Aires’ upscale Recoleta neighborhood, near green spaces, boutiques, shopping malls, and restaurants. The hotel is on the same block as the famous Paseo de La Recoleta and its many restaurants and is also around the corner from the historic Recoleta Cemetery. The Ministro Pistarini – Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is approximately 18 miles from the hotel and the domestic airport, Jorge Newberry Airport (AEP), is only 5 miles away.
  Contact info: Junín 1743 (between Guido and Vicente Lopez Streets)
Buenos Aires,  1113 Argentina
phone: +54 -11-20505858
web: www.dazzlersuitesrecoleta.com/en
  Room amenities: Kitchenette and tableware (only microwave), table and chairs, electric lock, safety deposit box, air conditioning, radiator heating, minibar, cable TV, telephone, bathroom with tub, and Wi-Fi Internet free of charge.
  Facility amenities: Wi-Fi in common areas and rooms, buffet breakfast, computers for guest use, sauna, massage services, 24/7 front desk, wooden patio deck, room service, bell boy, laundry and dry-cleaning, luggage storage, cradles, local newspaper, wake-up services, mail/courier service, fax/photocopies service, 24/7 emergency medical assistance, and airport-hotel-airport transfer services (additional charges).
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Subject to availability. Room type and rates are subject to availability. Please contact your program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on additional hotel nights for your program.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Senderos Hosteria
Type: Hotel
  Description: Hosteria Senderos is a cozy, 21-bedroom hotel located within the Los Glaciares National Park. The hotel's architectural style is reminiscent of 1920s Patagonian farms. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre from the comfort of their warm and comfortable accommodations.
  Contact info: Perito Moreno Street
El Chaltén,  Santa Cruz Argentina
phone: +54 -2962-493336
web: www.senderoshosteria.com.ar
  Room amenities: Bedrooms have heating, internal telephone, closet space, safety deposit box, teak floors, and private bathrooms with bathtub/shower, hairdryer, and toiletries. The rooms are quite small when compared to U.S. standards.
  Facility amenities: Buffet American breakfast, wine bar, log fireplace corner, reading room, room service, lunchbox, laundry service, transfer in/out, and tour information desk.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Hosteria La Estepa
Type: Hotel
  Description: The small hosteria is located 5 km from downtown Calafate on the way to the Perito Moreno Glacier. The property was designed in a style typical to Southern Patagonia. Large windows throughout the hotel offer views of Lago Argentino and Calafate.
  Contact info: Avenida Libertador 5310
El Calafate,  9405 Argentina
phone: +542902493551
web: www.hosterialaestepa.com
  Room amenities: Each room occupies an area of 27 square meters and has large windows, a telephone, and a private bath with hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: This cozy hotel in El Calafate has 26 rooms, a restaurant, bar, lounge area, internet access, and laundry service.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Las Lengas Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Las Lengas Hotel sits on a hill overlooking the Beagle Channel and is within 10 minutes walking distance from Ushuaia's downtown area. The two-storied hotel has 46 guest rooms and modern amenities.
  Contact info: Goleta Florencia 1722
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego,   Argentina
phone: +54 -2901-423366
web: www.laslengashotel.com.ar
  Room amenities: Safety deposit box, heating, phone, cable TV, and private bathroom with hairdryer. Rooms have mountain or water views.
  Facility amenities: Business center, 24 hr front desk, restaurant, bar, laundry services, emergency medical service, complimentary WiFi, luggage storage, and parking.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: Subject to availability. 
  Check out time: 10:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Arrivals at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Program orientation begins at 4 p.m. at the hotel. You will be staying at Dazzler Suites - Recoleta that night.
  End of Program:
Afternoon flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (EZE) & international flight connections to US. Internal flight times are subject to change without notification and adjustments will be made accordingly. You will be staying at Las Lengas Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocal entry fee into Argentina. The fee has to be paid by travelers PRIOR TO ARRIVAL in Argentina and it can only be paid online (with a credit card) at one of the following websites: www.provinciapagos.com.ar or at www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/. We strongly suggest reviewing the following tutorial prior to submitting your reciprocity fee payment: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions.pdf#zoom=100 Passengers must present a copy of the official payment receipt with a valid passport upon arrival in Argentina. The receipt will be sent electronically by Argentina's immigration service to the email address submitted during the payment process. Please note that the official receipt contains a bar code and is titled "Tasa de Reciprocidad/Reciprocity Rate." Passengers who are unable to show proof of payment upon arrival will be denied entry.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Buenos Aires
  Transportation to site: Taxi services are available at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (aka Ezeiza International Airport). Municipal taxis for Buenos Aires are available outside both terminals at authorised taxi ranks (journey time: 45 minutes). Companies Transfer-Express and Manuel Tienda León operate a chauffeur service between the international airport and downtown Buenos Aires, departing from both terminals.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Ushuaia
  Transportation from site: The program ends with a flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Participants will already be at the airport to check-in for their international flights to the US.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
(Monday, November 11)
   
 Evening: Depart from various gateways in the US on flights to Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Buenos Aires - Program Orientation/Introduction to Wine Tasting.
(Tuesday, November 12)

Note: Elevation in Buenos Aires: Sea level.

Light city walking in Buenos Aires.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be provided on the international flight to Buenos Aires.
 Morning: On arrival at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (a.k.a. Ezeiza International Airport) participants will be required to undergo standard Immigration and Customs procedures. The local Road Scholar representative will be waiting--with a Road Scholar sign--for participants (group flights only) outside the secured/restricted arrivals area.

Transfer to the hotel.

Early check-in is based on hotel availability and is at the discretion of the hotel. Participants will be able to store luggage at the hotel until their rooms become available. Early check-in can only be guaranteed by booking/paying for an additional night at the hotel. Those interested in reserving an additional night should contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for assistance.

NOTE: The airport is located approximately 22 miles outside of Buenos Aires and the drive into the city normally takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own, with several options nearby. Please check with the hotel front desk or your group leader for suggestions.
 Afternoon: Join your group leader at 4 p.m. for a program orientation at the hotel.

Before dinner, enjoy an introduction to wine tasting hosted by a local sommelier.

Until the 1990s, Argentina produced most of its wine for domestic consumption. Now, it is the world's fifth top producer and exporter of wine. The Malbec has become Argentina's signature red wine and consistently earns high ratings by international wine professionals.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Take the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy some of the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires during a walk (approx. 5 blocks) to a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Dazzler Suites - Recoleta
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Walking Exploration of Buenos Aires & Tango Show.
(Wednesday, November 13)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: This morning, join your group leader in a walking exploration of Buenos Aires. Some of the city's most famous historical sites are within walking distance of your hotel, including the Recoleta Cemetery (where Evita was buried) and the beautiful Colon Opera House.
 Lunch: On your own, to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: Free time to enjoy Buenos Aires at your own pace.

Sometimes called the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires is known for its sophisticated, cosmopolitan inhabitants and its non-Spanish European influences (Parisian architects designed many of the buildings). Stately mansions, broad boulevards, artists' quarters and lively sidewalk cafes bring to mind the grandeur of Europe.
 Dinner: Tango show and dinner.

A way of life for the people of the city, the tango pulsates with the lifeblood of romantic Buenos Aires. The dance has its origins in the brothels and tenements of late 19th-century Buenos Aires and was a synthesis of Spanish and Italian music, Negro candombe and bawdy Gaucho verse. It was popularized by legendary performers like Carlos Gardel and soon spread from the fringes to the middle class, and then to the elegant salons of Buenos Aires. The tango has enjoyed a modern resurgence and as the country's most famous cultural export it is a staple of Buenos Aires nightlife.
   
Accommodations: Dazzler Suites - Recoleta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: El Chalten - Flight to El Calafate/Transfer to El Chalten
(Thursday, November 14)

Note: Elevation at El Chalten: 1,325 ft

The flight from Buenos Aires to El Calafate takes about 3.5 hours. The drive from El Calafate to El Chalten will take approximately 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Free time to enjoy the many wonders of Buenos Aires before starting your Patagonian adventure.

Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate (FTE).
 Lunch: Light snack provided on the flight.
 Afternoon: Upon arrival, we will start our 220 km drive north along Argentine Lake to El Chalten, a small highland town nestled between spectacular Patagonian mountains (the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre). Box lunch will be provided on the transfer.

Late afternoon/early evening arrival at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in town, near the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Senderos Hosteria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: El Chalten - Hiking at Fitz Roy/Poincenot Base Camp.
(Friday, November 15)

Note: Elevation at El Chalten: 1,325 ft

This is a full-day hike with a challenging ascent during the trek from Poincenot Camp to Laguna de los Tres. The hike will be done in a loop covering approximately 10 miles.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: We will drive 15 km north to Hosteria El Pilar, the starting point for the trails that lead to the Fitz Roy basecamp. We will follow the Rio Blanco until we reach the Poincenot Camp. From the camp, we will attempt the ascent to the Laguna de los Tres-- a steep climb that will be rewarded by amazing views of the Fitz Roy and its surroundings. We will enjoy views of Cerro Torre and its satelite parks as we explore the area and visit the lower base camp, used by climbers who come here to challenge the world's toughest mountains.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch in the area.
 Afternoon: After lunch we will retrace our steps back to El Chalten. We will attend a natural history lecture upon our return to the hosteria.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare. Your program leader will be available to offer suggestions.
   
Accommodations: Senderos Hosteria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: El Chalten - Field Trip to Viedma Glacier
(Saturday, November 16)

Note: Elevation at El Chalten: 1,325 ft
Elevation at Viedma Glacier: on same level as El Chalten.

Boat ride from Bahia El Tunnel to Viedma Glacier takes approximately 1 hour each way. The glacier walk (using crampons) will cover a distance of approximately 1.25 miles.



   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After breakfast, we will drive to Bahia El Tunel on Lago Viedma (approx. 45 mins). A boat will take us across a corner of the lake (one hour) to the snout of the Viedma Glacier, where it calves into the lake. We will disembark and walk atop the glacier with the help of simple crampons which the group leader will help mount on your boots. Site lecture: Glaciology.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch during our field trip.
 Afternoon: Return to El Chalten.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Senderos Hosteria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: El Chalten - Lago Torre Hike/Views of Torre Glacier and Cerro Torre.
(Sunday, November 17)

Note: Elevation at El Chalten: 1,325 ft

The hike to Lake Torre takes place on mostly flat terrain and covers a distance of approximately 6.8 miles (650 ft approx. elevation gain). This activity takes between 5-6 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: Today's hike to Lake Torre will begin from our hotel, following the Fitz Roy river valley on a good path. When we reach the first lookout point, we will be able to see great views of the Mount Torre-Adelas mountain range and the magical spire of Cerro Torre. We will continue our walk on flat terrain towards Lake Torre and will arrive at one of the two camp sites used by climbers attempting the daring ascent of Cerro Torre. We will hike to the recent moraine around Lake Torre and climb over it in order to view the lake and the Torre Glacier tumbling into its waters. If the skies are clear, Cerro Torre's thrusting silhoutte will surely make a lasting impression on all.
 Lunch: We will enjoy our boxed lunch beside the lake.
 Afternoon: Return to El Chalten and attend a lecture at the hotel.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Senderos Hosteria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Scenic Transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate
(Monday, November 18)

Note: Elevation at Calafate: 772 ft

The drive from El Chalten to El Calafate should take approximately 4 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After breakfast, we will begin our drive to El Calafate.

The small town of El Calafate is situated near the southern shores of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Long before the creation of national parks began to attract visitors to the area, locals made a living from herding sheep and trading wool. By the late 1920s, the Argentinian government decided to promote settlements in the less populated areas of the country, leading to the official founding of the town of El Calafate. Present day Calafate is a stepping point for tourists, hikers, and nature lovers to explore the spectacular glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park. Torres del Paine National Park, located southwest of Calafate, can be reached by car in approximately 5 hours.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch.
 Afternoon: Resume transfer to El Calafate, arriving in the early afternoon. Check-in at hotel, followed by time at leisure.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hosteria La Estepa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Boat Ride to Estancia Cristina via Upsala Glacier.
(Tuesday, November 19)

Note: Elevation at Estancia Cristina: 1,640 ft
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After a 30 minute bus trip to Puerto Bandera's harbor, we will board a boat to Estancia Cristina. The boat ride will take us via the Upsala Glacier, in the far north fjord of Lago Argentino. Estancia Cristina is located on one of the more remote arms of the lake. For many years English settlers made this their home and became well-known among explorers, climbers, and adventurers who used the estancia as a starting or finishing point for their excursions to the Ice Cap. Padre Agostini and Eric Chipton are two famous explorers who spent time at the estancia.

Once at the estancia, enjoy a lecture about life on the estancias of Patagonia. The estancias were settled in the late 19th century by hardy immigrants from a multitude of European countries. The harsh weather and landscape, and the remoteness of the region, made for challenging living conditions.
 Lunch: Estancia dining room.
 Afternoon: This afternoon you will have free time to enjoy optional activities at the estancia such as a hike in the valley, horseback riding, or fishing.

Return to Calafate.
 Dinner: Hotel dining room.
   
Accommodations: Hosteria La Estepa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Field Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier/Fly to Ushuaia/Tierra del Fuego's Maritime History.
(Wednesday, November 20)

Note: Elevation at Ushuaia: Sea level.
Elevation at Perito Moreno Glacier: 574 ft

Slow-paced walking on flat terrain.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: This morning we will have the chance to get close up views of one of the most famous geological sights in the world--the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is located at the far end of Lago Argentino and approximately 75 km from El Calafate.

Perito Moreno calves into Lago Argentino. Huge chunks of ice break off from the glacier and end up as icebergs in the lake. Perito Moreno is one of the few glaciers that is stable, with seasonal fluctuations in the position of its snout.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch.
 Afternoon: Early this afternoon, we will board a flight to Ushuaia (less than an hour).

Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Field trip to the Maritime Museum with a lecture on Ushuaia's maritime history (if the flight is delayed, activities will be scheduled for the day, we are flying back to Buenos Aires).

Ushuaia's Maritime Museum occupies the building that was used as a national prison until it was closed in 1947. The historic building also houses the Prison Museum, the Antarctic Museum José Maria Sobral, and the Marine Art Museum.

The museum devotes itself to preserving Tierra del Fuego's maritime history. Its collection includes scale models of ships and detailed information about the explorers, pirates, and indigenous people who sailed the waters around this southernmost region of Argentina.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Las Lengas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Ushuaia - Hike & Canoe in Tierra del Fuego.
(Thursday, November 21)

Note: Elevation at Ushuaia: Sea level.

Approximately 3.5 hours of light walking on park paths along the Beagle Channel, looking for local flora and fauna. Canoeing (1.5 hours) in rivers and lagoons to Lapataia Bay. Participants who do not wish to paddle can opt to take part in a Zodiac boat ride.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After breakfast, we will drive for 30 minutes down the Pan American Highway to its very end, at Tierra del Fuego National Park. Enjoy a full day of hiking and canoeing in the park.

Park trails wind through forests of stunted beech trees along the edge of the Beagle Channel. Across the channel, it is possible to see the mountains of Chile's easternmost islands--Hoste and Navarino.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch.
 Afternoon: Continue with hiking and canoeing activities in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Return to the hotel.
 Dinner: On your own, to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Las Lengas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Ushuaia - Field Trip to Estancia Harberton/Gable Island/ Penguin Rookery.
(Friday, November 22)

Note: Elevation at Ushuaia: Sea level. Approximately 2.5 hours of light to moderate walking on island trails. Boat ride from the estancia to Gable Island takes about 1.5 hours each way.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After breakfast transfer to Estancia Harberton (2.5 hr drive).

Estancia Harberton was first established by British missionary, Thomas Bridges, and his wife in the late 1880s. The family-owned and operated ranch now accepts visitors who explore the estate for a chance to learn about rural life in the region. Some of the points of interest include the flower gardens, family cemetery, wood shop, boathouse, and woolshed. The working ranch also includes a nature museum, the Museo Acatushú de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes, founded by American biologist Rae Natalie Prosser.

Once at the ranch we will enjoy a boat ride around Martillo Island to observe its large penguin rookery and then navigate to Gable Island for a 2.5 hour walk investigating its natural and cultural treasures.

The main attraction at Martello Island is its large colony of Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. Visitors are not allowed on land, so we will observe these endearing creatures from our boat as we navigate around the site. Also be on the lookout for skuas, cormorants, petrels, albatrosses, and seagulls attracted by the nutrient-rich waters around the island.

Disembark at Gable Island.

Gable Island is the largest island in the Beagle Channel, located in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. The island once served as home to the Yamana people and early European settlers, but now it remains uninhabited. Trails traverse the island, allowing visitors to explore its pebbled shoreline, grassy hills, streams, evergreen Magellanic forests, and windswept landscapes carved by ancient glaciers.
 Lunch: Boxed lunch.
 Afternoon: Continue with walking explorations of Gable Island.

Mid-afternoon, sail back to Estancia Harberton and board bus for transfer back to Ushuaia.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Las Lengas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Flight to Buenos Aires/Overnight Flights to the U.S.
(Saturday, November 23)

Note: The flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires usually takes 3.5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
 Morning: After breakfast, enjoy some free time to do last minute packing or to rest before your flight to Buenos Aires.
 Lunch: On your own, to explore local fare.
 Afternoon: Transfer to the airport to catch flight to Buenos Aires.

Because flight schedules in Argentina are prone to regular changes, our arrival time in Buenos Aires this afternoon may be fluid. Our flight will usually be directly into the international terminal at Ezeiza, in which case we need only cross the street to the other terminal. If our flight takes us into Aeroparque, the domestic terminal in the city, we will be transferred out to Ezeiza for our flight home.
 Evening: This evening we'll depart for home on our overnight flight.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Arrivals in the U.S.
(Sunday, November 24)
   
 Arrive To: International flights arrive in the U.S.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes


Author: Carolyn McCarthy


Description: Contains 276 pages of containing route descriptions that range from day trips to multiday treks. Maps, information about distances, permits, and levels of difficulty are a helpful guide for the traveler interested in exploring the southern regions of Argentina by foot.



In Patagonia


Author: Bruce Chatwin


Description: Chatwin's classic account of his journey through the "uttermost part of the earth." Evocative descriptions, notes on the history of the region, and remarkable anecdotes from a remote and starkly beautiful part of the world. “A travel book to stand on the shelf with Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham, and Paul Theroux.” —The New York Times Book Review.



The Whispering Land


Author: GeraldDurrell


Description: Durrell, a zoologist and author, has written several books about his expeditions in search of animals for zoos. In this book, he provides an account of his travels through windswept Patagonian shores and tropical forests in the Argentinean wilderness while searching for additions to his private zoo.



Dusk on the Camp: A Journey in Patagonia


Author: Sara Mansfield Taber


Description: Taber and her husband lived in Patagonia in 1978-79 and in 1984-85 at an isolated camp on the coast to study whales. Initially confident of their own self-sufficiency, they were soon driven by the early winter evenings, the relentless winds, and the isolation to seek company, befriending local families. A moving picture of the Patagonians’ warmth and stoicism in the face of loneliness and unceasing hard work.



Lonely Planet Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay


Author: Lonely Planet


Description: Written in the great tradition of Lonely Planet guidebooks, this publication provides a good overview of the history and cultures of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. It also has useful travel advice, maps, and suggestions on interesting places to explore.



Lonely Planet Phrasebooks: Latin American Spanish


Author: Roberto Esposto


Description: This portable phrasebook provides a useful mix of everyday phrases, words and expressions used in different Spanish speaking countries in Latin America. Learn the nuances of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.



Patagonia: Natural History, Prehistory & Ethnography at the Uttermost End of the Earth


Author: Colin McEwan, Luis A Borrero, & Alfredo Prieto


Description: This is the story of the first hunter-gatherers to colonize the lower half of South America. The first European contacts led to tales of a race of giants and, ever since, Patagonia has exerted a special hold on the imagination. Tragically, by the mid-twentieth century, the last remnants of the indigenous way of life had disappeared forever. The essays in this volume trace a largely unwritten history of adaptation, survival, and extinction. Accompanied by 110 striking photographs. 192 pages.



The Penguin History of Latin America


Author: Edwin Williamson


Description: Williamson traces 500 years of history from the time of Columbus and the Spanish Conquest to the present day. An excellent and very readable history in a compact size.





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