Intrepid Travel  >  Latin America 2008  >  Browse pages 36-53  >  Latin America 2008

south america patagonian wilderness Active 15 days, ex Buenos Aires itiNerary... Day 1 Buenos aires With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style - Buenos Aires residents are certainly proud of their city. There are many sights in the heart of *plus Local Payment US$500 Physical culture shock the city with churches, cathedrals and historic buildings aplenty. Why not take the chance to practice those tango skills at one of Buenos Aires famous milongas? Days 2-3 el calafate/Perito Moreno Glacier We fly south from Buenos Aires to the shores of Lago Argentino and El Calafate, our gateway to the Glacier National Park. After a spectacular drive, we have a full day to marvel at the amazing scenery of Perito Moreno Glacier - listen to the crack of ice and watch as it plunges into the waters below. This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, and is an amazing 3 km wide and 35 km long. Days 4-5 el chalten/Glacier National Park Hike the glacial valleys and ice fields of the Glacier National Park. Hikers and climbers congregate here from the world over and the atmosphere is laid back and very outdoors-oriented. The hikes here are moderate with a few challenging sections and, of course, the views are spectacular. Days 6-9 torres del Paine National Park/ Puerto Natales Cross the border to spend time trekking in incredible Chilean Patagonia, where we will spend the next three nights camping out among the dramatic peaks and strange wildlife. Once a sheep estancia, the Torres del Paine National Park is intensely beautiful countryside, where condors and pink flamingos abound; there is also some of the worlds best trout and salmon fishing. Sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls and striking mountain scenery call for exploration. Day 10 Punta arenas Once an important stop along the Californian gold rush route, Punta Arenas is still an attractive city. Take an optional boat excursion to see the penguins of the Otway colony or a take a walk and explore the elegant plazas. Days 11-13 ushuaia Visit the southernmost city in the world, the gateway to Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Cruise Beagle Channel to observe marine wildlife along the parks small islands and inlets. Days 14-15 Buenos aires Wander through the grand boulevards of elegant Buenos Aires and explore the various neighbourhoods. Take time to explore the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace where Evita once appeared on the balcony in front of adoring fans . Above: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Glacier, Chile - Nathan Kellett Below: Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina - Vance Haywood accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (11 nts), camping (3 nts) traNsPort Plane, minibus, boat, local bus, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals All meals while in Torres del Paine BuDGet Allow US$325 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sun from Nov to Apr GuaraNtee Subject to min 4 Notes Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.61 out of 5 start 2008 06 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27 Jan 10 Feb 24 Feb 02 Mar 16 Mar Finish 20 Jan 27 Jan 03 Feb 10 Feb 24 Feb 09 Mar 16 Mar 30 Mar 30 Mar 13 Apr 09 Nov 23 Nov 07 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28 Dec 2009 04 Jan 13 Apr 27 Apr 23 Nov 07 Dec 21 Dec 28 Dec 04 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 25 Jan 01 Feb 08 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 01 Mar 08 Mar 15 Mar 25 Jan 01 Feb 08 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 01 Mar 08 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Mar 22 Mar 29 Mar 05 Apr 12 Apr 05 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr " hike throught the ice fields of Glacier National Park " trek the Patagonian wilderness " Witness nature in action at the Moreno Glacier " see the otway penguins at Punta arenas " camp out among the dramatic peaks of chilean Patagonia " explore the lakes and waterfalls of torres del Paine National Park " relax in the plazas of Buenos aires gXu triP coDe 50