Patagonia and Mendoza Wine Country
Chile and Argentina

March 11-23rd, 2005
or

March 15-23rd Patagonia Only

Patagonia was always described by early explorers as "a barren land without fresh water, without trees only brackish ponds and dwarf plants". Yet hidden in the heart of this "inhospitable region" exist some of the most beautiful and amazing highlights in the world: from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean; from the desert to the most dense southern beech forest the endless Andes mountain range, the Continental Ice shelf and its glaciers, 3,400-mts-granite-pinnacles offer the visitors the most unforgettable adventure in the world's end.

Paine National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Heritage .  Here we will find incredible fauna including guanacos, condors, pumas and several local animals. We see the beginning of the Ice Shelf and the ever-present Paine Massif, all of which  give the atmosphere the feeling to be in the end of the world. We trek to the legendary Paine Towers going along Ascencio River valley and reaching one of the most magnificent views of Patagonia, the three granite towers and Torres Lagoon.  Other walks take us above massive glaciers and alongside brilliant waterfalls.

The Argentinean Section: this part of the tour offers the culture of Buenos Aires along with the Mendoza wine regions, small wine farms and walks in the area.  We take part in a traditional wine harvest and enjoy local cuisine of the region.

The Patagonia Section:   We spend exlore both the Argentina and Chilean Parks.  Spending time close to the Morano Glacier and hiking to views of Fitx Roy Glacier.  Crossing into Chle we enjoy three nights within the Torres Del Paine National Park and explore by foot and boat Grey Glacier, a portion of the famous "W" route which goes into the valleys of the most interesting part of the Paine Masstif as well as up to the "Torres" or Towers. 

Part I
Mendoza Wine Country: exploring the food and culture of Mendoza

March 11: Arrive Buenos Aires and connection flight to Mendoza

Transfer to domestic airport. Flight to Mendoza. We organize a City tour and then we drive towards the Uco valley, right in the foothills of the highest Andes. Arrive at wine cellars where we lodge at their exclusive Hosteria in the middle of their vineyards. Special Dinner with local wines.

March 13th: Grape Harvest:

We begin our day with a traditional Matte welcome from a local family who introduces us to the history and techniques of Grape Harvesting in Mendoza. We are then transferred to the vineyard to try our lessons by harvesting ourselves with our own row of gapes to cut.  After a successful harvest we enjoy a small tasting of wines and cheeses in the vineyard before moving on to a wonderful lunch.  Afternoon time to relax and enjoy the area surrounding our Quita.

March 12: Vineyard Walk

In the morning we organize a visit to the cellars where the sommelier is going to guide us in the wine tasting that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc in whites and Merlot, Merlot oaked Cabernet Sauvignon and the best Malbec (unique argentine grape) in reds. Then, we start a hike along the Vineyard fields with the omnipresence of the Andes and we organize a pic nic in the middle of the fields with the best homemade tarts, home made salami and the wine cellars wine. We keep hiking and know other parts of the Vineyards. Return to Hosteria for traditional dinner.

March 14 Arrive at Buenos Aires

 Airport reception and transfer to hotel based on mid-morning arrivals from U.S. After a rest, we meet with an historian guide and a cultural city walk is organized for visiting the most interesting corners of the Paris of South America. The tango cradle and the posh area of Recoleta will be visited as well, stopping in the most traditional cafes where intellectuals used to gather in the 1930´s. Dinner with a great tango show with professional dancers.

Overnight: Buenos Aires (Dinner)

Part II: Patagonia: Argentina and Chile

Hiking Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks 

March 15: Travel Day to Patagonia

Flight from Buenos Aires domestic airport to Calafate.  Depart 9:35 a.m., arrive Calafate 13:56 p.m.  We begin our long drive (~five hours due to dirt road) to Chalten. 

Arrive approximately at 7:00 p.m., check in and dinner. If at all possible we will arrange a short walk enroute in order to stretch ones legs but be prepared for a long day…(we are going to the end of the world!)

Overnight: Hosteria (next three nights same). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The next few days involve hikes within Los Glaciares National Park which has been declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1981.  Extending from Cerro Fitzroy in the north to Cerro Stokes in the south, this park includes over 13 glaciers that come from the Patagonia Ice Cap into numerous glacial lakes, including Viedma Lake, one hundred miles long and the third largest lake in all of South America.

** Order of treks on day 4 and 5 can be inverted according to weather conditions

March 16 Full day trek to spot Fitz Roy Glacier

Our trek takes us along the Rio de las Vueltas, crossing the Blanco River in order to view the famous Fitz Roy Mount (3,375 m/11703 ft; “Chaltén” in Tehuelche language).  8 to 9 hour hike from / to Hosteria.  Hike rating: moderate to demanding.  Daypack (box lunch, water, additional clothes for variable weather conditions)

Overnight: Hosteria (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

March 17: Full day Cerro Torre Upper Valley trek to Torre Mount: - El Chaltén

Our walk today takes us into the Cerro Torre Upper Valley, dominated by the magnificent granite needle of Cerro Torre, Egger and Stanhart Peak. From the summit of the hill at the end of the valley we are awarded spectacular views of Mount Torre and an easy trail up to Lago Torre.   Approximately 7 hours round trip from Hosteria. Hike rating: mild to moderate. Daypack (box lunch, water, additional clothes, etc.)

Overnight Hosteria (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

March 18: Early departure from Chaltén. Drive to Calafate. Moreno Glacier Ice Trek

Early morning transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate, 265 km southward, passing Lakes Viedma and Argentino. Possible afternoon Ice Trek on Moreno Glacier, the last advancing glacier on the continent.  The Glacier Ice Trek depends on group decision, timing and other options available. The Ice Trek is with other people and sort of a tourist adventure. This may be an interesting experience for people who have never walked on ice.   No weight, crampons provided in the place. Maximum 2 hour walk on the ice. Grade: very easy

Overnight: Calafate (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

March 19: Drive to Paine

Depart Calafate early morning. Drive from El Calafate to the Chilean frontier town of Mount Castillo (245 km.) and then northwards 70 km to Torres del Paine National Park; arrival mid-day.

Arrive into Torres del Paine by Laguna Azul, visiting Laguna Azul, Paine river cascade, Big Fall with a short walk, Administration center and then lodge at Hosteria Pehoe (next three nights). Dinner

March 20: Grey Lake & Glacier. Afternoon Walk to Pehoe Hut.

Early drive (1 hr) to lake Grey's southern end where we’ll take a boat across Lago Grey, passing pieces of the Glacier larger than our boat. At the end of the lake we arrive at the face of the Grey Glacier. After ample time to marvel at this calving glacier we are dropped off at Grey Hut and being the beautiful hike back about (5-6 hours), stopping for lunch with vista of the lake and Glacier.  Late afternoon we arrive at Refuge (mountain hut) at Lago Pehoe. We then board a catamaran at Pehoe traveling to Pudeto where we are met and transferred to our hotel.  Overnight Pehoe Hosteria. Dinner

March 21: Torres Del Paine Hike

Today offers the most rewarding trek in the park, approximately 8 hours/12 miles for those who are up for it, Trek to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine where the towers (Las Torres) rise majestically before us, and the glacial lake is visible below: The famous Torres del Paine (9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Shorter option available or horseback option box lunch + dinner. Overnight at Hosteria Pehoe.

March 22:  Depart Paine
Transfer to Calafate, Argentina and on to a beautiful estancia lunch gastronomical interest . Dinner

March 23: Return to Buenos Aires for Evening flight Connections to USA.

Transfer to Calafate airport for flight to Buenos Aires and evening flight to USA

  Please be aware that Patagonia is indeed in a remote region close to the "end of the world" and requires extensive time to travel to within this remote and rewarding area.   We have organized the program to include as much hiking as possible and limit travel days.