Passage to Patagonia - New Itinerary
Glorious lakes, spectacular glaciers and Andean peaks form the backdrop for our programme of outstanding walks through the extraordinary Patagonian landscape.
- Explore Los Glaciers and Torres del Paine
- One of the world's most magnificent wilderness areas
- Outstanding walks in beautiful national parks
Detailed information
| 2008 New Tour Itinerary |
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Day: 1 Depart UK
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Days 2 - 3: Arrive Santiago - 2 nights
We arrive in this amazing city for a tour of the historical sights and a funicular ride to the summit of San Cristobal Park for spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. |
Day 4: Punta Arenas - 1 night
A short flight south, with wonderful views of the glaciers and high peaks of the Torres del Paine.
Days 5 - 8: Torres del Paine National Park - 4 nights
We journey into one of the world's natural wonders with its cluster of snow-covered granite pillars bounded to the south by beautiful lakes and to the north by the awesome glaciers of the Patagonian ice-cap. We will explore the park's three main valleys where the wild and dramatic environment is sancturary to assorted wildlife including nandos, rhea, penguins and flocks of pink flamingos. Walks include a classic trek to the Torres del Paine Lookout, a hike to view the impressive Grey Glacier and a catamaran crossing of Lake Pehoe for a superb walk in the Valle del Frances. Easier alternatives such as shoreline walks beside Lakes Nordenskjold and Skottsberg are available on most days.
Days 9 - 10: El Calafate - 2 nights
Enjoy a walk along the Sendero Area de Fauna with a good opportunity to see guanaco, foxes and nandu. We continue to El Calafate, for a boat trip and trek among the great ice peaks, towers, turquoise blue cracks and small lagoons of the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of South America's most astonishing sights.
Days 11 - 13: Los Glaciares National Park - 3 nights
A scenic drive to El Chalten, a small village nestled at the foot of Mt Fitz Roy and our base for exploring this spectacular area. We walk through the beautiful woods of the Electrico Valley to Piedra del Fraile for views of the north face of Mt Fitz Roy and hike the famous route to Cerro Torre and the Fitz Roy Lookout Point at Laguna de los Tres. Shorter walk options to Laguna Capri and the Adela Lookout Point are also part of the programme.
Day 14: Buenos Aires - 1 night
After our flight from El Calafate we enjoy walks in this evocative capital enjoying a live tango show in this, the city of its birth.
Day 15: Departure to London
Opportunities for a last look at the city before our flight home.
Day 16: Arrive UK
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| About
the walks |
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There will be interesting sights to visit in Santiago, Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires and outstanding walks in the Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks.
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Guided Walks:
Part-day walks cover up to 4 miles, whilst full walking days offer a choice of walks between 8 and 13 miles including harder options such as the Torres del Paine (3,700ft of ascent) and Cerro Fitz Roy (2,296ft of ascent) lookouts. Paths are generally well marked but there will be some rough terrain. |
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| Dates
and prices |
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| 8 November 2007 (13nts) |
£3,419 |
£2,515 |
| 14 February 2008 (13nts) |
£3,589 |
£2,599 |
| 6 November 2008 (13nts) |
£3,589 |
£2,599 |
Single room supplement: £389 (2007 tours), £429 (2008 tours)
* Excludes international and internal flights. Internal flights must be booked in conjuntion with international flights; please ask for details when booking.
# Land itineraries start on day 2 and finish on day 15.
Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Temperatures |
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Each departure takes place in the summer months when the temperature in Santiago and Buenos Aires is usually in the mid 20s degrees C or higher. The parks have their own micro-climates, dependent upon geographical location and proximty to mountains and glaciers; hence, the weather is cooler and more unpredictable.
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| Accommodation |
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Comfortable accommodation in modern hotels and park lodges, some of which enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Where you'll stay
Santiago - 2 nights
Punta Arenas - 1 night
Torres del Paine National Park - 4 nights
El Calafate - 2 nights
Los Glaciares National Park - 3 nights
Buenos Aires - 1 night
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| Flight information |
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Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 22/08/07 (provisional)
Lan Chile & Iberia
Heathrow - Santiago (via Madrid)
Out 18:50 (Thurs) - 07:50 (Fri)
Buenos Aires - Heathrow (via Madrid)
Return 22:45 (Thurs) - 17:50 (Fri)
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| What
the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class air travel UK / Chile on scheduled airlines, with appropriate
in-flight meals.
- All Internal flights.
- 13 nights' accommodation in Chile in twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
- Half Board plus
six picnic lunches.
- Services of an HF Holidays' leader.
- Services of local guides and naturalists.
- Walks, sightseeing and entrance fees for the itinerary as described.
- Travel air-conditioned coach.
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