Argentina

Small group tours

Legendary Route 40 to the South

Patagonia Overland

When Darwin visited Patagonia on one of his many trips, he fell in love with this land, which is geologically and biologically unique. At that time, only nomads inhabited this vast region, which remained virtually unexplored until the last century. Even now, it is still one of the loneliest places on Earth. In order to appreciate the true essence of Patagonia, you have to feel its vastness and the best way to do this is to travel by land. On this itinerary we visit amongst others the famous ‘Cueva de las Manos’, Mount San Lorenzo and end in El Calafate. We will be lodging in beautiful Patagonian ranches and reaching the most hidden corners of the country, in magnificent National Parks. The tour is escorted locally, rather than from the UK and the small group of maximum 8 passengers, may consist of several different nationalities. Should the departure dates not suit your requirements, the tour can be operated any time with a minimum of two passengers.

Season: October to April
Level of difficulty: Easy (explanation)
Type: Sightseeing and long hours driving. Lodge based.
Group size: Between 2 and 8 passengers

Guide: Spanish, English, Italian

Highlights:

• Views seldom seen - discover new wonders
• Accommodation in genuine estancias
• Experience the vastness of legendary Patagonia
• Meet the local inhabitants

Itinerary

8 days / 7 nights

Day 1: Comodoro Rivadavia
Arrival in Comodoro Rivadavia. Depending upon arrival time, we will visit the Cerro Cheque lookout point, which can be considered the landmark of the city. Time permitting, we will also visit the Punta del Marques Provincial Park, which protects an interesting colony of sea lions. Accommodation at the Hotel Austral in superior rooms.

Day 2: Comodoro Rivadavia, Puerto Deseado
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We drive south from Comodoro Rivadavia. The sights will be small white sand beaches and elevated peninsulas, rising 100m from the deep blue sea. Time and weather permitting we will stop to enjoy a short hike. The first part of the drive travels parallel to the old railway tracks, which linked the Andean estancias and steppe to Puerto Deseado. Arrival in Puerto Deseado, a fishing port with a deep estuary, which was first explored by Magellan in 1520 and subsequently by Thomas Cavendish in 1586. In the afternoon we will board a zodiac craft and navigate the Deseado Estuary. This is one of the richest biological areas in Patagonia, with five species of cormorants. Total drive: 270km of paved road. Overnight at the Hotel Los Acantilados.

Day 3: Puerto Deseado, Los Antiguos Telken: Crossing The Legendary Patagonian Steppe
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The paved road that connects Puerto Deseado with Perito Moreno travels by the most important oil producing area in Patagonia. Lunch in an authentic local bar, ‘El Pluma’, close to the Deseado River valley. In the afternoon, resume our trip crossing the legendary steppe, a memorable experience. We will visit Lake Buenos Aires, the second largest in Latin America after Titicaca, and the tiny village of Los Antiguos, capital of the fine Argentine blueberries. Evening arrival at the Estancia Telken, a simple and cosy place.

Day 4: The Cave of the Painted Hands, La Oriental
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We resume our trip on Route 40, to the Bajo Caracoles Hotel, from where we take a detour to the West, to reach La Estancia La Oriental, in the heart of the Perito Moreno National Park. This is one of the least visited national parks in Argentina, which treasures not only amazing wildlife but also some of the most spectacular vistas in Patagonia. Prior to arriving at the Estancia, we will visit the famous Cave of the Painted Hands, in the Pinturas River Valley. We resume our trip to Bajo Caracoles and on to Perito Moreno National Park. Total drive: 300km (230km on gravel road and 70km on paved road).

Day 5: Perito Moreno National Park
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Full day dedicated to exploring this amazing National Park. We will be amazed by the fauna, which includes lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, flamingoes, geese, upland geese swans, piches (a small armadillo), all framed by the imposing Andean range and the San Lorenzo Mount as a background. Here we find the lakes basin of the National Park, with the Belgrano, Nansen, Volcan, Azara, Escondido and Burmeister lakes. All of these provide the best environment to find the tame guanaco and with luck, we might be able to spot the shy huemul. For those who would like to continue further, we can attempt the summit of Cerro Leona, which will reward us with the aerial view of this magnificent park, a symphony of colors. Overnight at La Oriental.

Day 6: Perito Moreno, Estancia La Maipu
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Full day driving south, through the legendary Patagonian Steppe to Lago San Martin. Along the way we stop to see local fauna, such as lesser rheas, hares, the Mara (Patagonian hare), foxes, piches and guanacos. Lunch at La Siberia, located between Route 40 and Lake Cardiel. Arrival at Lake San Martin, one of the best kept secrets in Patagonia and one of the most spectacular in the area, with deep emerald waters. Accommodation at Estancia La Maipu and dinner. Total drive: 520km on gravel road.

Day 7: Estancia La Maipu
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day hike to Vega de la Medialuna, Laguna Talca and a Condor nesting site. This area shows the transition between the Patagonian steppe and the Andean Forest. We will have amazing views of the estancia, the pens, Lake San Martin and the Peninsula Avellaneda below. The trail cuts into the Southern Beech Forest with species of Nothofagus, such as lenga and ñire, old man's beard and fungi, such as the Llao Llao. Excellent opportunities to observe the local fauna, such as the woodpecker, Magellanic geese, flamingoes, eagles and condors. Overnight at the Estancia La Maipu.

Day 8: Lago San Martin, Calafate
(Breakfast)
Drive back to Route 40 and then turn west again to reach El Calafate. Arrival by noon and transfer to your hotel or airport.

Prices

Please enquire for prices.

Prices include:

• Accommodation in superior tourist class (combination of 4 and superior 3 star hotels) all with private facilities and breakfast. Estancias have been chosen for their service and landscape.
• Round trip transfers between airport and hotels at every destination
• Private services in Buenos Aires
• Services to be shared with a small group (maximum 8-9 participants in vehicle)
• Assistance of expert naturalist guides
• Meals as stated on the itinerary (lunch may be packed lunch, dinner does not include beverages)
• Entrance fees to parks and reserves

Prices do not include:

International and domestic air tickets; Argentine departure taxes of USD 18 per person for international flights and USD 5 per person for domestic flights from El Calafate; tips for luggage handling and optional gratuities for guides and crew; extras and personal expenses

Important notes

1. Guaranteed Departures. Departures have been set in order to form groups locally.
2. Hotels / Estancias. Hosterias and estancias for this program have been chosen for their customized service and for their local colour. Owners themselves are the host in these properties.
3. The Guide & Vehicle.
   Day hikes: Are from easy to slightly demanding from one to six hours
   Guides: Spanish, English and Italian
   Vehicle: Minibus Mercedes Benz Exprinter - 2003. Eight reclining and comfortable seats.
   

Suggested extensions

• Iguazu Falls & Buenos Aires. Either before or after your trip.
• Valdes Peninsula (before your trip)
• Additional nights in El Calafate at the end of the trip.
• Mare Australis cruise – Passengers can board the Mare Australis in Ushuaia and debark in Punta Arenas. From here you may visit Torres del Paine National Park and then return to Argentina.
• Torres del Paine National Park. Easily accessible and well linked to El Calafate via buses to Puerto Natales.

Notes

Participants must be prepared to travel long distances by car
Meals are based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian or any other special diet must be requested at least 15 days prior to departure

Packing List

• Day pack
• Trekking shoes (that have been broken in) and / or riding boots.
• Comfortable gym shoes for resting.
• Warm parka and windbreaker.
• Polar wear / warm sweater.
• Light pullover / sweatshirt.
• Gloves, hat / cap, sunglasses.
• Sunscreen / sunblock, soap and towel.
• Torch with extra batteries.
• Water bottle.
• Gaiters (optional).
• Camera and lots of film.

Weather conditions
The weather is highly unpredictable. Particularly in spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, as violent westerly storms sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. Strong westerly winds are usually at their worst from November to January, but typically continue through the end of April. Temperature can vary a lot too, ranging from -5°C to 25°C, averaging 15°C.