Enchanting Lakes

Pucón San Martín de los Frutillar Peulla Puerto Mont The Lake District 9 days

DEPARTURES GUIDE MEALS AIR FARE Daily from September Spanish - English Breakfast Not included to April, except Sundays. AR 046 An unforgettable circle trip around the region of the lakes in the DAY 06: Pucón / Puerto Varas Argentinean and Chilean . Visit the first class tourist centres Breakfast. Regular bus transfer along the Panamerican Highway southwards of Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, unique for the perfect combina- up to Puerto Varas, passing by the city of Valdivia. Great views of the Andes tion of stone and wood buildings with gorgeous landscapes. Travel along the and the snowcapped volcanos will lead your way. Accommodation. incredibly beautiful Seven Lakes Route and cross the Andes Mountain Range towards Pucón with its dense forests and the Villarica Volcano that domi- DAY 07: Puerto Varas / / Frutillar / Puerto Varas nates the place before continuing on the lake crossing, an incredible experi- Breakfast. Departure to Puerto Montt, capital of the Chilean Lake District, ence of breathtaking views. founded in 1853 by German colonists. City tour visiting the main squares and historical monuments, the port including the fish market of Angelmo where DAY 01: Bariloche there is a large handicraft market full of artisans and lots of fresh shellfish. Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected hotel. Depart from the Continue to the lakeside town of Frutillar. Sightseeing of the village. Return hotel for a half-day sightseeing tour of Bariloche and its outskirts. Drive to Puerto Varas. Brief tour of the city, known as the 'City of the Roses' due along Bustillo Avenue bordering the towards Playa Bonita. to the wide variety of roses all over. Accommodation. Continue to Campanario Hill, where a lift chair will take you to the summit. Enjoy a complete overview of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the mountain peaks of the DAY 08: Puerto Varas / Peulla / Bariloche Lake Crossing Andean Range and the city. Then drive towards the San Pedro and Llao Llao Breakfast. In the morning you will set out along the southern shore of the Peninsulas. Visit San Eduardo Chapel and admire the view of the Llao Llao lake to Ensenada. Even the hardest among the adventurers will find it diffi- Hotel and Puerto Pañuelo, starting point of most lake excursions. Cross the cult not to stop and take a few photos on approaching the Volcano. bridge that connects Nahuel Huapi Lake and Moreno Lake and proceed to The first real stop however, will be at Petrohue Falls (entrance fee not includ- López Bay. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Nahuel Huapi Lake from the ed as it has to be paid directly). This series of rapids and waterfalls were Panoramic Point, a natural balcony facing the Moreno Lake. Return to formed a long time ago by the cooled lava from the volcano towering behind Bariloche. Accommodation. them. They form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of thundering water flow. Afterwards board the catama- DAY 02: Bariloche / San Martín de Los Andes ran and get ready to cross (All Saints Lake), sur- Breakfast. Departure to San Martín de los Andes through the Seven Lakes rounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are thickly forested. As you Road. This scenic route that borders the northern margin of Nahuel Huapi pull away from the source of Petrohue River, the view is quickly stolen away Lake will take us to , a little village surrounded by dense by the impressive size and proximity of the ice-capped Osorno Volcano forests and towering mountains. The road has mountain stretches and goes behind. The rest of the morning will be spent sailing. Southbound, high above through dense woods of huge coihues. Proceed along the Seven Lakes Road the forested shore, you will see the peculiar shape of Puntiagudo Volcano and passing by Correntoso, Falkner and Villarino Lakes, among others. Arrive at a seires of waterfalls. Upon arrival in Peulla, at the eastern end of the lake, San Martín de los Andes, a lovely alpine village situated at the Lacar Lake you will have time for lunch (optional). This is the heart of Vicente Pérez shore. Accommodation. Rosales National Park. You can enjoy here a lovely hike to the Cascada de la Novia (Bride’s Cascade) amidst native growth Valdivian Rainforest, quite an DAY 03: San Martín de Los Andes amazing vegetation for these southern latitudes. In the afternoon continue by Breakfast. Departure to Quila Quina, located 18 km away, where you can still motor coach through Pérez Rosales Pass and into . On the see the ancient houses belonging to the Mapuche Curruhuinca group (Indian Argentine side, you will board a ferry to go across Frías Lake followed by a tribe). Visit the Arroyo Grande Cascade, a source of carbonated mineral short bus ride up to Puerto Blest from where the final sailing across Nahuel water, and admire the rupestrian paintings of the area. Continue to Chapelco Huapi Lake will finally take you to Bariloche. Upon arrival at Puerto Pañuelo, Ski Center to appreciate the panoramic view of the Lanín Volcano and Lacar transfer to hotel in Bariloche. Accommodation. Lake. Return to San Martín. Accommodation. DAY 09: Bariloche DAY 04: San Martín de Los Andes / Pucón Breakfast. Departure transfer to the airport. Breakfast. Early departure by motorcoach from San Martín de los Andes to cross the Andes to through Tromen Pass. It will take you quite a long time to forget this fascinating crossing. While ascending through Lanín LACAR LAKE: National Park, the landscape will change many times until you finally rise ANDES: above the tree-line in the mountain slope. Close to the route, the 3,776 meters

high Lanín Volcano stands high above the rest of the surrounding mountains NEUQUEN with its majestic conical snow-capped peak. Native Araucaria trees, known

by some as the Monkey Puzzle Tree, dominate the landscape. Upon arrival in SAN MARTÍN DE L Pucón, transfer to the selected hotel.

DAY 05: Pucón Breakfast. Day for active excursions to explore Pucón. Some options are

climbing the local Villarica Volcano, rafting at the Trancura River or visiting OS the Huife hot springs. Accommodation. /22 AGE P The Southern Lakes Circuit

Va. La Angostura Bariloche

Pto. Varas

Argentina - Chile 8 days

DEPARTURES GUIDE MEALS AIR FARE Daily from September Spanish and bilingual Breakfast Not included 1st. to April 30th., (English - German - except Mondays. Italian - French) AR 047 The region of the lakes gathers a group of National Parks of DAY 07: Puerto Varas / Lakes Crossing / Bariloche incredible beauty. Vast extensions of virgin forests surrounding Continental breakfast at hotel. In the morning you will set out along the uncountable lakes, with the remarkable backdrop of the Southern Andean southern shore of the lake to Ensenada. Even the hardest among the adven- Patagonic Cordillera where nature offers a different scenery for each season turers will find it difficult not to stop and take a few photos on approaching of the year. Along the Seven Lakes Route, visit a picturesque vil- the Osorno Volcano. The first real stop however, will be at Petrohue Falls lage situated by the Espejo Lake and Villa La Angostura, a lovely village set in (entrance fee not included as it has to be paid directly). This series of rapids a wonderful spot between the Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi Lakes, and cross and waterfalls were formed a long time ago by the cooled lava from the vol- the border into Chile for a glimpse at the astonishing Valdivian Forest to cano towering behind them. They form an impressive sculpture of extruded come back later on to Argentina crossing the lakes by ferryboat and bus. volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of thundering water flow. Afterwards board the catamaran and get ready to cross Todos Los Santos DAY 01: Bariloche Lake (All Saints Lake), surrounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at hotel. thickly forested. As you pull away from the source of Petrohue River, the Balance of the day at leisure. view is quickly stolen away by the impressive size and proximity of the ice- capped Osorno Volcano behind. The rest of the morning will be spent sailing. DAY 02: Bariloche / Villa La Angostura Southbound, high above the forested shore, you will see the peculiar shape of Continental breakfast. Departure from Bariloche along Nahuel Huapi Lake up Puntiagudo Volcano and a seires of waterfalls. Upon arrival in Peulla, at the to Villa La Angostura, passing by Puerto Manzano, set in a lovely spot, sur- eastern end of the lake, you will have time for lunch (optional). This is the rounded by beaches, and Península Huemul with its impressive Coihue and heart of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. You can enjoy here a lovely Cypress woods. Visit Villa La Angostura. Accommodation at a charming local hike to the Cascada de la Novia (Bride’s Cascade) amidst native growth ‘posada’ by the lake. Valdivian Rainforest, quite an amazing vegetation for these southern lati- tudes. In the afternoon continue by motor coach through Pérez Rosales Pass DAY 03: Villa La Angostura and into Argentina. On the Argentine side, you will board a ferry to go across Continental breakfast. Day at leisure to enjoy some of the following optional Frías Lake followed by a short bus ride upto Puerto Blest from where the final excursions: sailing across Nahuel Huapi Lake will finally take you to Bariloche. Upon a) Navigation from the pier to the Arrayanes Wood (Myrtle Wood). Sail for arrival at Puerto Pañuelo, transfer to hotel in Bariloche. Accommodation. half an hour until Quetrihue pier, located in the south of the peninsula of the same name. Disembark to admire the marvelous myrtle woods, whose trees DAY 08: Bariloche have an average of 18 meters of height and are protected by the National Continental breakfast. Transfer to local airport. Park Bureau. Those who are willing to, can return to Villa La Angostura, walking some 12 km among cypress, coihues, radales and palo santo woods. b) Bayo Mount excursion: the lift chair used during winter by the skiers, will transport you to the summit. Once there, mountain bikes are provided along with the necessary equipment to go down the mount, stopping to take beauti- BARIL ful pictures from the panoramic points. Those who prefer to stay at the hill- foot, may prefer a visit to Río Bonito Cascade (36 meters high) startingly OCHE: arousing in the middle of the woods. Return to hotel. RIO NEGRO:

DAY 04: Lago Espejo Continental breakfast. Departure on a half day tour to Villa Traful. Along the Seven Lakes Road, bordering the Espejo Lake and passing by Portezuelo, you will finally reach the lake and Villa Traful, with typical picturesque mountain roof-tiled wooden constructions, with ample gardens separated by natural fences. There you will taste a typical tea with cakes in a local tea house. Return to hotel.

DAY 05: Villa La Angostura / Puerto Varas Continental breakfast. Departure by regular bus towards the Chilean border up to Puyehue Pass, where it is possible to cross the frontier by land, climb- ing the imposing Andes Range up to 1,308 meters. On the Chilean side you will find the Puyehue Hot Springs and the hotel of the same name, and further on, the city of Osorno. Accommodation at hotel.

DAY 06: Puerto Varas Continental breakfast. Departure on a tour to Frutillar, a charming German style village located by the and with a spectacular view of the Osorno Volcano. Housing the most complete museum in the area, which

exhibits samples and relics from the German pioneers. Return to hotel. /23 AGE P Bariloche & Old Patagonian Express

Bariloche

Esquel

Bariloche - Esquel 6 days

DEPARTURES GUIDE MEALS AIR FARE Thursdays from Spanish - English According to itinerary Not included September to April

AR 043 A fascinating tour around two of the most beautiful National Parks in Patagonia. The Nahuel Huapi National Park with its main attactions: RIO NEGRO: the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the city of San Carlos de Bariloche on its shore. CASCADE: ALERCES NA A first class tourist centre with the most important ski resort in the area, and the special touch provided by its typical stone and wood buildings combined with the gorgeous surrounding landscape. The Los Alerces National Park, with its particular physionomy produced by a complex system of lakes and rivers. Follow Butch Cassidy´s steps and hiding places in these beautiful prairies and bushy forests. The Old Patagonian Express, one of the few narrow-gauge railways in the world, appears as the TIONAL P main attraction situated nearby, with a captivating itinerary in the mythical Patagonic steppe. ARK:

DAY 01: Bariloche Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Depart from the hotel for a half-day sightseeing of Bariloche and its outskirts. Drive along Bustillo Avenue bordering Nahuel Huapi Lake towards Playa Bonita. Continue to Campanario Hill, where a lift chair will take you to the lookout at its summit. Enjoy a com- Day 03: Bariloche / Esquel plete overview of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the mountain peaks of the Andean Range Continental breakfast. Departure to El Bolsón, a quiet village situated in a and the city. Then drive towards San Pedro and Llao Llao Peninsulas. Visit San spectacular valley with its own microclimate that allows an important pro- Eduardo Chapel and pass by the Llao Llao Hotel & Resort and Puerto Pañuelo, duction of fine fruit (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and the like), hops, the starting point of most lake excursions. Cross the bridge that connects home-made cheeses, trout, home-made beer, woolen garments and handi- Nahuel Huapi Lake and Moreno Lake and proceed to López Bay. Enjoy a breath- crafts. In the 70's it was home to many ecological communities and radical taking view of Nahuel Huapi Lake from the panoramic point, a natural balcony cultural movements such as the famous "hippies" that still live in the area. On facing Moreno Lake. Return to Bariloche. Accommodation. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays a Craft Fair is held. Get on board the Patagonian Express (known as 'La Trochita'), to travel across this land of Day 02: Bariloche legends that leads to adventure, where nature never fails to impress the visi- Continental breakfast. Full day visit to Estancia Fortín Chacabuco, located 20 tor with its mountains, lakes, forests and rivers. 'La Trochita' is one of the km from Bariloche and 23 km from the airport, in Neuquén province. It has few steam narrow gauge trains still running in the world; an attractive part 5,000 hectares dedicated to sheep breeding (it was the first one in Argentina of the mythical Patagonian history. Even a short ride through this amazing that used frozen sperm for artificial insemination). It was built in 1883 when steppy landscape allows to see sheep cattle ranches and maybe flocks of gua- General Villegas ordered to build the Chacabuco Fort, in the fight against the nacos and ‘ñandus’ (kind of ostriches). Arrival at Esquel and transfer to the aborigines. As it is located in the transition between the precordillera and the hotel. Accommodation. steppe, it shows an interesting diversity in flora, fauna and soil. In the west- ern area you can find snow until summer, as well as valleys, lakes and rivers. Day 04: Esquel In the eastern parts the climate is much more arid and the vegetation poorer. Continental breakfast. Visit to the Welsh colony of situated 25 km This typical Patagonian estancia allows us to taste the famous Patagonian from Esquel, whose name means "City of the Mill" in Welsh, because the first 'asado' (Argentine barbecue), watch stags, go for a walk, horseback ride or wheat mill in the this area was built here in 1918. It is interesting to visit the just relax and enjoy the landscape. Return to the hotel. Welsh Museum that, located where the mill used to be, houses the memories of the first colonies of immigrants. Continue to the frontier with Chile to visit De Nant & Fall Cascades and a replica of a floury mill of the last century. Return to Trevelín to have the chance to taste some delicious home-made

ARRA pastries typical of the Welsh cuisine at a traditional tea house (optional). Return to Esquel. Y ANES WOOD: Day 05: Esquel Continental breakfast. Full day excursion to Los Alerces National Park pass- ing by Futalaufquen Lake, Arrayanes River and Verde Lake. Walk bordering

RIO NEGRO: Menéndez River until Chucao Pier, in Menéndez Lake. Embark there for a visit to the majestic 'Alerzal Milenario' (Millenary Larch Wood) formed by ancient trees more than 3,000 years old, 60 meters high and 2.60 meters in diameter. The circuit allows to appreciate big coihues, lakes, the beautiful cascade and Cisne River and the Torrecillas glacier. Box lunch included. Return to Esquel.

Day 06: Esquel /24 Continental breakfast. Transfer to the airport to to board the flight to Buenos

AGE Aires. P