6/03/2018

Amigos Tour of Patagonia 2019

DAY 1 Thursday 3rd January 2019 Sydney / Santiago / Puerto Montt FLIGHT DETAILS: Depart Sydney on LA800 @ 1110 Arrive Auckland 1620 Flight time - 3h.10m Depart Auckland on LA800 @1815 Arrive Santiago @ 1325 Flight time – 11h.05m Depart Santiago on LA445 @ 1639 Arrive Puerto Montt @ 1824 Flight time – 1h 55m This morning we will depart Sydney on our LATAM flight to South America with a brief stop in Auckland. As we cross the International Date Line we ‘gain’ a day so will arrive in Santiago also on Saturday where we connect with our flight onto Puerto Montt. This area contains a series of magnificent lakes cutting through and strung along the foothills of the Andes. On arrival we will be met and taken to our hotel for 2 nights. Meals inflight

DAY 2 Friday 4th January Puerto Montt This morning is at leisure to recover from yesterdays flight. This afternoon we will be taken on an interesting tour of the town and fascinating seafood market. (B)

DAY 3 Saturday 5th January Puerto Montt – Skorpios II Cruise After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to the pier and board our cruising vessel the MV Skoripos II for our all inclusive educational 5 night cruise.

The MV Skorpios II was built in 1988 at the Skorpios shipyard in Chile. Her cabins, toilets and dining-room were remodeled in 2012. The ship has a capacity of up to 106 passengers distributed in 5 decks. All cabins have private toilet facilities, plasma TV and background music. The ship has two comfortable lounges, and an ample dining room.

We will weigh anchor at 12pm from Puerto Montt. Sailing through the archipelago of Llanquihue we will see the city of Calbuco in the Ancud Gulf. At approximately 430pm we arrive in the port of Quemchi on the island of Chiloé. Here we will disembark on small boats towards the picturesque village where we can visit a handicraft market, cafes, the museum of the Chilean author Francisco Coloane and stroll around the beautiful streets. After re-boarding our cruise vessel by 6:30 pm we will continue to sail south along the archipelago of Chiloé, crossing the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight. (BLD)

DAY 4 Sunday 6th January Skorpios II Cruise This morning we navigate through the channels of Moraleda and Ferronave. We will arrive at the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre at approximately 11:00 am. We will disembark in this village within the Chonos archipelago. We will walk through the streets, see a typical Patagonian rainforest and enjoy the views from a local lookout.

This afternoon we navigate through the channels of Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Casma. We arrive Islote Barrientos by 4pm, where we disembark on smaller boats to approach interesting rock formations and to visit one of the largest bird colonies in Chile. Here we may see kelp gulls, rock shags, red-legged shags and imperial shags. These birds are often accompanied by South American fur seals. We then head south, arriving at our destination for tonight at approximately 10:00 pm. We will be in Caleta Quesahuen or Punta Leopardos, 20 nautical miles from the Glacier of San Rafael.(BLD)

DAY 5 Monday 7th January Skorpios II Cruise This morning we cross the channel of Tempanos to the entrance of the lagoon San Rafael and the famous San Rafael Glacier. We will anchor approximately 2 km. from the glacier and weather permitting, take smaller boat excursions among the multicolored icebergs. At approximately 4pm we will set sail in the direction of Quitralco-Fjord. (BLD)

DAY 6 Tuesday 8th January Skorpios II Cruise At approximately 8am we berth at the pier of Quitralco. After breakfast we can enjoy inside and outside hot springs with temperatures of 32º C and 38º C. If weather permits there may be smaller boat excursions to the inside of the Fjord. At approximately 5pm we will set sail again towards Chiloé, navigating through the channels of Moraleda and Pérez Norte. (BLD)

DAY 7 Wednesday 9th January Skorpios II Cruise We navigate through the channel of Leucayec overnight, crossing the Gulf of Corcovado around 5.30am. If we are lucky we may see humpbacks or blue whales in this zone. We will continue sailing along the east coast of Chiloé, arriving at Islote Conejos at approximately 11:00 am. We will disembark on small boats to visit this island inhabited by Magellan penguins and birds. We then sail past the islands of Lemuy and Chelín. Late this afternoon we arrive in Dalcahue where we can visit the handicraft market, the church and just stroll along the promenade. Tonight we enjoy a farewell Captains dinner as we sail back towards Puerto Montt. (BLD)

DAY 8 Thursday 10th January Skorpios II Cruise / Puerto Varas This morning we enjoy an early breakfast on board while docking in Puerto Montt. We disembark at 9am and will be transferred to our hotel in Puerto Varas for tonight. We will visit the scenic town of Fruitillar with its impressive views of the Osorno Volcano. (B)

DAY 9 Friday 11th January Puerto Varas / Bariloche – Southern Lakes Crossing After an early breakfast this morning we will be collected from our hotel for a full day scenic adventure. The Southern Lakes Crossing is a combination of bus and boat travel traversing this spectacular area. We will travel by coach around the shores of Llanquihue Lake. After entering the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park we will visit the famous Petrohue Falls. We will then cross Todos los Santos Lake (also known as Esmeralda, Emerald in English), seeing Margarita Island, the Osorno Volcano, and the peaks of Puntiagudo and Tronador Mountains. We will stop at Peulla, where we will complete Chilean Immigration and Customs procedures.

After lunch we then cross the Vicente Perez Rosales Pass to the Argentine Immigration and Customs point. We will travel by catamaran across Frias Lake to Puerto Alegre where we again board a bus to take us to Puerto Blest. From Puerto Blest to Puerto Panuelo is again by boat, this time on the famous Nahuel Huapi Lake. On disembarkation at Puerto Panuelo we will be met and taken to our comfortable hotel for three nights. (B)

DAY 10 Saturday 12th January Bariloche / Andes Tour Bariloche, situated on the shore of the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi is an internationally recognised ski resort with steep streets and wooden chalets perched Swiss style upon a glacial moraine at the foot of Cerro Otto. This morning we will be collected and taken on a pleasant tour following the southern shore of the Lake Nahuel Huapi. On a good day, we might catch sight of the highest mountain of the area, El Tronador (The Thunderer), whose snow capped peaks rise to 3,554 metres. We will follow the southern edge of Lake Moreno under the steep cliffs of Mount Lopez to the spectacular Panoramic Point for a magnificent view looking back towards the Andes that we have just traversed. The breathtaking view includes Lake Moreno, the Llao Llao Hotel, and the northern arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi with Victoria Island in its centre. The peaks of the Andean Chain, including Mount Lopez, Capilla and Millaqueo rise to the west of the lakes. (B)

DAY 11 Sunday 13th January Bariloche Today is at leisure. Options include exploring the township, hiking, horseriding or relaxing in the unique surrounds of our hotel. (B)

DAY 12 Monday 14th January Bariloche / El Calafate FLIGHT DETAILS: Depart Baroliche on AR1872 @ 1045 Arrive El Calafate 1230 Flight time - 1h.45m After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to El Calafate. On arrival in this quaint Patagonian town we will be met and taken to our hotel for two nights. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore. (B)

DAY 13 Tuesday 15th January Perito Moreno Glacier After an early breakfast this morning we will be collected for our full day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier. This glacier has become a favorite Patagonian destination thanks to its impressive expanse, accessibility and continuous movement. We will be taken on a scenic drive to Los Glaciares National Park, so named for the abundance of glaciers found here. We will be driven past Lago Argentino, framed by majestic peaks and icy islands.

We will have the opportunity to stretch our legs and go on an easy walk along park pathways for diverse views of Perito Moreno’s 200-foot-(60-meter)-high, blue-tinged walls. Watch closely to see giant slabs of ice detach from the glacier and slide into the surrounding lagoon. Loud cracking noises are sure to alert you to any movement! We will then enjoy cruise through the lagoon in front of Perito Moreno for approximately 1 hour. We will sail along the massive glacier wall and in between floating icebergs for an awe-inspiring watery perspective on this natural wonder. After exploring the park, we will relax on the return drive to El Calafate, arriving back in the early evening. (B) * There may be an optional ice trekking adventure available today.

DAY 14 Wednesday 16th January El Calafate / El Chalten After breakfast this morning we will be collected and driven approximatey 212km to the hiking township of El Chalten and our accommodation for 2 nights.

Considered the Argentinian capital of hiking, El Chaltén emerged as a result of a territorial dispute with neighboring Chile, which was finally settled in 1997. This event made it famous worldwide among lovers of adventure sports, especially hikers. It is the closest community to the base of the famous Mount Fitz Roy. The majestic presence of Mount Fitz Roy is unquestionable. Almost year round, its summit is covered by a cloud the primitive dwellers of the area mistook for smoke. This is how it got its name, as "chaltén" stands for "smoking mountain" in the native language. The mountain has been named Mount "Fitz Roy", to pay tribute to the first climber who made the summit of this particular and beautiful rock massif.

There are many different hikes & trails available here which are suitable for all ages and abilities. Tonight you may wish to join us as we enjoy a characteristic Argentine restaurant, with wine, meat, and local flavors. (B) Day 15 Thursday 17th January El Chalten Today is at leisure and options will be given by our local guide. We will learn about the geology, the glaciology, the flora and the fauna of this region. From the numerous viewpoints of the Park we may observe condors and eagles in flight, as well as appreciate panoramic views of El Chaltén and the mountain massifs. (B)

DAY 16 Friday 18th January El Chalten / Torres Del Paine National Park After an early breakfast we will have a big day travelling across the border of Chile to Torres Del Paine National Park and our all inclusive accommodation for the following 4 nights. We will be staying in unique accommodation and each day you can choose from a variety of different activities according to your interests and level of fitness. On foot or by horseback, gentle or more physically demanding, you will be able to experience the extent of the geography and wildlife of this area. We will also learn about the cultural identity of this Patagonian region. Full board and an open bar are included throughout our stay. (B) • Please note that whilst most activities are included there are a few available such as fly fishing and horseback riding which are offered at an additional cost. • Included excursions are based on a minimum of 3 passengers per excursion and a maximum of 9 passengers per guide. Any excursion with only 1 or 2 guests will be considered “private” and will incur an additional cost.

DAY 17, 18 & 19 Saturday 19th to Monday 21st January Torres Del Paine National Park Each day we will choose from the wide list of excursions that Patagonia Camp offers. Enjoy the chance to meet all the corners and marvels of Patagonia, with excursions inside the Torres del Paine National Park and other exclusive excursions across the surroundings of the camp. Patagonia Camp was the first luxury camp in South America, having close contact with nature. It is located on the shores of the big Toro Lake, in front of the Paine Massif, 74 km away from Puerto Natales and 15 kilometres from the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park.

Patagonia Camp has 18 yurts with a minimally invasive design; all of them featuring a stunning view of the Toro Lake and the Paine Massif. All yurts have central heating, private bathroom and terrace, and a beautiful dome to enjoy the sound of wind, the changeable clouds of Patagonia or a star-filled night.

Patagonia Camp has a restaurant where we will enjoy the best local gourmet gastronomy with excellent wines from Matetic Vineyard. (BLD)

DAY 20 Tuesday 22nd January Torres Del Paine National Park / Puerto Natales / Santiago After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to Puerto Natales for our flight to Santiago via Punta Arenas. On arrival into Santiago this evening we will be transferred to our hotel for tonight. (B)

DAY 21 Wednesday 23rd January Santiago After breakfast we will be taken outside the city to see the countryside surrounding Santiago and visit one of their famous wineries. We will enjoy lunch together before our late checkout and transfer to the airport for our return flight to Sydney departing just after midnight. (BL)

DAY 22 Thursday 24th January Santiago / Sydney FLIGHT DETAILS: Depart Santiago on LA801 @ 0110

DAY 23 Friday 25th January Arrive Sydney FLIGHT DETAILS: Arrive Auckland 0505 Flight time – 12.55hr Depart Auckland on LA801 @ Arrive Sydney 0915 Flight time – 3.55hr Welcome home!

Tour Cost per Person in Australian Dollars: Based on twin-share: $14,100 Based on triple-share: $13,120 Single supplement: $3,790 Business Class upgrade: On request (Sydney/Santiago/Sydney) • Skorpios II cabin upgrade available on request Payable by cash, direct deposit or cheque. (Surcharge applies for Mastercard or Visa)

Travel Insurance is compulsory: Please let us know if you would like us to arrange this for you.

Your Tour Holiday includes: • Economy-class airfares throughout. • Accommodation in comfortable hotels (4+ *) with private facilities • All airport transfers as described with English speaking guides. • 5 night Skorpios Cruise on “Parthenon deck” including all meals, open bar and excursions • 4 night Patagonia Camp program including all meals, beverages and range of activities as described • All city and sightseeing tours as described with English speaking guides. • All admission fees on such tours. • Meals as indicated: B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner • All ground transportation as described. • All touring vessels. • Re-confirmation of all onward flights

Not included: • Passport & Visa Costs. • Optional excursions at Patagonia Camp such as fly fishing or horse riding. These are detailed in the attached flyer • Excess baggage. • Items of a personal nature. • Travel Insurance. • Tipping.

Documentation: For all international travel you must be in possession of a passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining from the date that you return to Australia. You should also have ALL of the visas required for the countries you will be travelling to. Please check with us regarding which visas you will require, as we can assist you with this.

How to Reserve Your Place on this Tour: • Please telephone 1300 264467 or email [email protected] requesting your place

• Our booking form and booking conditions for the tour will them be forwarded to you. Please complete this form and return it with your deposit of $3000 per person to secure your place. Due to peak season in Patagonia we need to prepay for some services well in advance to confirm our reservation

• Payment of your tour balance is then required 90 days before your departure.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

“Feliz viaje” or happy travelling!