Grand Adventures: Argentina and Chile
with Lake Argentina, Paine National Park & Chilean Lakes,
Special Feature: Strait of Magellan Cruise

The Grand Adventure I
Itinerary I: Departures Every Sunday or Thursday
21 Days from $5099

Itinerary II: Departures Every Friday or Tuesday
20 Days from $4740

Iguassu Falls & Rio Extension
6 Days from $1639

Itinerary 1:
• 2 Nights Santiago, Chile
• 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages
• 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world
• 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic
• 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers
• 3 Nights Australis Cruise–Cruising the Southern tip of South America Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
• 1 Night Puerto Natales–Gateway to Paine National Park
• 2 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine"

Itinerary 2:
• 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic
• 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world
• 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages
• 1 Night Puerto Natales–Gateway to Paine National Park
• 2 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine"
• 4 Nights Mare Australis Cruise–Cruising the Southern tip of South Americ
• 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers

Itinerary I - 21 Days



The Grand South American Adventure: Argentina and Chile with Lake Argentina, Paine National Park & Chilean Lakes, with Special Feature, Strait of Magellan Cruise
Click for larger image
 

Day 1, Sun or Thu: Depart Home City
Day 2, Mon or Fri: Arrive Santiago Morning flight arrival in Santiago and transfer to your selected hotel. You will have the morning to rest and refresh before an afternoon city tour via private car. Enjoy visits to Santa Lucia Hill and San Cristobal Hill before stopping at Bellavista, Santiago's Bohemian district, replete with art galleries, restaurants and theaters.Hotel Peulla, Perez Rosales National Park, All Saints Lake, Chile
Day 3, Tue or Sat: Leisure Day in Santiago (B)
Day 4, Wed or Sun: Santiago to Puerto Montt (Puerto Varas) Fly south to the gateway to Chile's Lake District, Puerto Montt, on the Relancavi Estuary. Puerto Montt Fishing BoatsThere, you will be met for a tour of the quaint fishing village of Angelmo with its open-air crafts market. Continue on to her sister city, Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, and overnight in your choice of hotel. (B)
Day 5, Thu or Mon: Two-Day Lakes Crossing (available all year) Begin this overland journey through pine forests, past tranquil farms, and over broad lakes to Argentina. Bus past Lake Llanquihue to Petrohue and board a boat View of Chilean Lakes from Cathedral Mountaincrossing Lake Todos Los Santos to Peulla (above, right) for overnight. (B, D) (Click here for information on Lakes Crossing and regional map)
Day 6, Fri or Tue: Arrive Bariloche Continue through the Lake District with a bus ride over the Continental Divide into Argentina, cross Lake Frias by boat, and continue on to Puerto Blest by bus. Cruise on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo, and proceed overland to downtown Bariloche and your hotel. (B)

Take in the breathtaking views of the Chilean Lakes from Cathedral Mountain

Day 7, Sat or Wed: Bariloche Tour In town, see the main square and the important government buildings. Then, skirt the lake to Cathedral Mountain for an overview of all the surrounding lakes, hills and mountains that make Bariloche one of the most scenic spots in the world! (B)
Day 8, Sun or Thu: Bariloche to Buenos Aires Fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires, and transfer to your selected hotel. Remainder of the evening at leisure. (B)
Colorful buildings in Buenos Aires "La Boca" DistrictDay 9, Mon or Fri: Buenos Aires City Tour Your private vehicle and guide will drive down 9th of July Avenue, the widest street in the world, past the Colon Opera House to the Plaza de Mayo. Facing the plaza are both the pink Presidential Palace and the National Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the liberator, San Martin. Next, visit the old port district, "La Boca," (left) with its pastel houses and shops. You will have time to browse through the shops for souvenirs. (B)
Day 10, Tue or Sat: Tango Show A day completely free to explore on your own. Sip traditional tea at a local tea shop, or visit one of the estancias in the distant suburbs. This evening, enjoy a motorcoach tour with a typical Argentine beef dinner followed by a Tango performance (below, right). (B, D)The Tango is one of Argentina's favorite national pastimes.
Day 11, Wed or Sun: Buenos Aires to Lake Argentina Transfer to the Municipal Airport in Buenos Aires for a flight to El Calafate in Argentina. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your selected hotel. (B)
Day 12, Thu or Mon: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Today you will take an exciting, scenic tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Depart early in the morning via motorcoach for the Magellan Peninsula, and continue to the cliff overlooking the glacier. You will have several hours to explore this great natural wonder from many different perspectives. This is the only glacier in the world that is still growing, and it encompasses an area larger than cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. The deepBlue iceberg from Perito Moreno Glacier is over 30,000 years old! blue color of the ice is attributed to its age, over 30,000 years. If you are lucky, you will witness one of the calvings, in which 30-foot pieces of ice break off the glacier and crash into the lake. What a show! (B, L)
Day 13, Fri or Tue: Upsala & Onelli Glaciers Cruise Early in the morning depart for a boat trip to the confluence of the northern and southern branches of Lake Argentina.Sea lions on the shores of the Beagle Channel Its big basin has been formed by the glacial erosion of over 15,000 years, and it is filled with the thawing of seven glaciers. Enjoy splendid views of blue icebergs, virgin forests and mountains guarded by the condor, known as the "Senor de los Andes." At midday, have lunch by Onelli Bay, then on the way back, admire Spegazzini Glacier and Peineta Peak. (B, L)
Day 14, Sat or Wed: Lake Argentina/Tierra del Fuego/Australis Cruise Morning transfer to the airport. There, you will board a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost commercial airport in the world, on the island of Tierra del Fuego where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Transfer directly to the pier to commence your exciting four-day adventure on board the M/V Mare Australis or five-day adventure on board the Australis cruise around the southern tip of South America to Punta Arenas, Chile. (B, D)
IMPORTANT NOTE: You may substitute the cruise with an air sector from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, which operates Monday-Friday from Nov-Mar. The approximate cost is $160 per person including taxes. Click here for packages to extend your stay at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.

Sailing on the M/V Via Australis (Sun-Wed) or
Sailing on the M/V Mare Australis (Wed-Sat)

Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season. (See cruise rates and ship specifications at the bottom of this page or click here for deck plans of the M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis.)
M/V Mare Australis and M/V Via Australis.Day 15, Sun or Thu: Cape Horn and Walaia Bay Special navigation into the Beagle and Murray Channels into the open sea to circle Cape Horn, with an opportunity to visit the southernmost point in South America, weather permitting. Here you will get a panoramic view of the famous and mythical Cape Horn, the place where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans merge and the last promontory of South America. (B, L, D)
Day 16, Mon or Fri: Bay of Günter Plushow Glacier Sail the main branch of the Beagle Channel. Disembark at the Bay of the Günter Plushow Glacier and hike near the glacier. After this unforgettable experience, you will continue navigating through O'Brien and Ballenero Channels, Bahía Desolada, Paso Aguirre and Cockburn Channel. (B, L, D)
San Isidro LighthouseDay 17, Tue or Sat: Arrive in Punta Arenas and Transfer to Puerto Natales Early in the morning you will disembark on Magdalena Island, home of a colony of over 120,000 penguins in different stages of breeding. You will then take a walk to San Isidro Lighthouse, which used to guide the explorer sailors crossing the Strait of Magellan. Afterwards sail into Punta Arenas, arriving at 11:00 AM. Now, one adventure ends and another begins. You will be picked up at the pier and transferred to downtown Punta Arenas to meet up with your van transfer to Puerto Natales for an overnight stay. The drive takes about four hours, crossing the Patagonian Plain on a smooth, paved road. (B)
M/V Mare Australis and M/V Via Australis.Day 18, Wed or Sun: Puerto Natales to Paine National Park After breakfast you will depart for your trip to Paine National Park. The drive takes about four hours, and you will stop en route to visit Milodon Cave, where Charles Darwin found the pre-historic fossils of a giant sloth that later led him to the formulation of his theories on evolution. The drive from Milodon Cave to the entrance of Paine Park takes another 1-2 hours via a well-graded gravel road. Visits include Grey Lake and Glacier, Salto Grande (Large Waterfall) and the Park Museum. You will drive by Sarmiento Lake, Figueroa Lake and also Lake Pehoe. Enjoy views of herds of guanacos, nandues, swans, ducks and perhaps even foxes. Rugged "Towers of Paine"Boxed lunch is included. You will spend two nights in the park at the Hosteria Las Torres or similar accommodations, based on availabilities. IMPORTANT NOTE: During high season, December through March, it is advisable to book and prepay these reservations as early as possible. (B)
Day 19, Thu or Mon: In Paine National Park Day at leisure for sightseeing on your own. You may obtain information and purchase tours at the hotel front desk. Tours vary in degree of strenuousness, ranging from full-day hiking excursions to half- or full-day tours via sightseeing van with guide. (B)
Day 20, Fri or Tue: Paine National Park/Punta Arenas/Santiago Early morning transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Santiago and your connecting flight home. (B)
Day 21, Sat or Wed: Arrive Home City



The Grand Adventure II

20 Days from $4740


Itinerary II

• 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic

• 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world

• 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages

• 3 Nights M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis Cruise–Cruising the Southern tip of South America


• 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine"


• 1 Night Puerto Natales–Gateway to Paine National Park

• 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers

The Grand South American Adventure: Argentina and Chile with Lake Argentina, Paine National Park & Chilean Lakes, with Special Feature, Strait of Magellan Cruise

Lake Llanquihue, ChileDay 1, Fri or Tue: Depart Home City
Day 2, Sat or Wed: Arrive in Buenos Aires Afternoon private Buenos Aires City Tour (B)
Day 3, Sun or Thu: Leisure Day in Buenos Aires (B)
Day 4, Mon or Fri: In Buenos Aires Evening Tango Show (B, D)
Day 5, Tue or Sat: Buenos Aires to Bariloche (B)
Day 6, Wed or Sun: In Bariloche Bariloche Scenic Tour (B)
Day 7 & 8, Thu & Fri or Mon & Tue: Two-Day Lake Crossing to Puerto Montt Begin this overland journey through pine forests, past tranquil farms, and over broad lakes to Argentina. Bus past Lake Llanquihue to Petrohue and board a boat crossing Lake Todos Los Santos to Peulla mountain lodge for overnight. (B, L, D) Click here for information on Lakes Crossing and regional map.
Day 9, Sat or Wed: Puerto Montt/Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (B)
Day 10, Sun or Thu Puerto Natales to Paine Park (B)
Approaching Peulla mountain lodge on the shores of Lake Todos Los Santos.Day 11, Mon or Fri: In Paine Park (B)
Day 12, Tue or Sat: Paine Park to Punta Arenas/Embark Australis Cruise: Sailing on the M/V Via Australis (WED-SUN) or M/V Mare Australis (SAT-WED) (B, D)
Note: Rates for cruises are not included in tour prices. (See cruise rates and ship specifications at the bottom of this page or click here for deck plans of the M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis.) IMPORTANT NOTE: You may substitute the cruise with an air sector from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, which operates Monday-Friday from Nov-Mar. The approximate cost is $160 per person including taxes. Click here for packages to extend your stay at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.
Day 13, Wed or Sun: Ainsworth Bay/Marinelli Glacier/Tucker Islet With the first light of dawn, navigate Almirantazgo Fjord. Disembark in Ainsworth Bay near Marinelli Glacier for a walk to see the beaver dams, and the Magellan forests, as well as a close-up view of a colony of sea lions. In the afternoon, visit a small colony of Magellan penguins at Tucker Islet, where dolphins may likely join you. (B, L, D)
Day 14, Thu or Mon: Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers Sightseeing of Garibaldi Glacier and the impressive snow-covered mountains of the Darwin Range. Disembark at the coast of the Garibaldi Inlet to take an adventurous excursion where you will appreciate the wild vegetation and forests on the slopes of the mountains. Disembark at the Pia Glacier and hike to an observation point. (B, L, D)Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 15, Fri or Tue: Cape Horn and Puerto Williams Navigation through the Beagle and Murray Channels to disembark at the Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) National Park. Weather permitting, you will get a panoramic view of the famous and mythical Cape Horn, the place where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans merge and the last promontory of South America. Disembark at Puerto Williams, the southernmost town in the world. (B, L, D)
Day 16, Sat or Wed: Arrival Ushuaia/Fly to El Calafate Arrive Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. (B)
Day 17, Sun or Thu: Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour (B, L)
Day 18, Mon or Fri: Full-Day Upsala and Onelli Glaciers Cruise (B, L)
Day 19, Tue or Sat: El Calafate/Buenos Aires/Connections Home (B)
Day 20, Wed or Sun: Arrive Home City

Rates Include: All airfares within South America are included in the rates & are subject to change without notice. Airfares from/to North America are not included. Call 800-326-5025 for airfares from major US cities.

Hotel Category
Bariloche Town Center, Argentina
Tour Rates Per Person
Itinerary #1
21 Days
Itinerary #2
20 Days
 
Dbl
Sgl
Tpl
Dbl
Sgl
Tpl
Tourist Class
$5099
7349
4799*
$4740
6985
4435
First Class
$5499
8199
5170
$5135
7835
4799
Deluxe Class
$6139
8799
n/a
$5870
8435
n/a
Deluxe Plus Class
$7399
10000
n/a
$7035
9635
n/a
Bariloche Town Center
*Substitute Americas Towers for Bisonte Palace in Buenos Aires

NOTE: Cruises on board the M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or v/v are NOT INCLUDED in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category & season. (See cruise rates and ship specifications at the bottom of this page or click here for deck plans of the M/V Mare Australis or M/V Via Australis.)


Hotels in Category
City
Tourist Class
First Class
Deluxe Class*
Deluxe Plus Class
Santiago
Providencia or
Eurotel or Torremayor
Puerto Varas
Puelche (Sup rm)
Peulla
Bariloche
Llao Llao (Mtn. View)
Buenos Aires
Sofitel (Dlx rm)** or
Park Hyatt Duhau or
Four Seasons (Prem. rm)
Lake Argentina
Los Notros (Cascada FAP)
Puerto Natales
Martin Gusinde or
Charles Darwin or
Weskar Patagonia
CostAustralis (Sea View)
Paine National Park
Hosteria Las Torres or Hosteria Pehoe or similar, based on availabilities
*Note: Sheraton Hotels may be substituted in Santiago and Buenos Aires
**Note: Four Seasons Hotel Premium room may be substituted in Buenos Aires



Cruises - M/V Mare Australis & M/V Via Australis

The M/V Mare Australis & M/V Via Australis have been specifically constructed and equipped with the latest navigation and safety technology for expedition cruising off the southern tip of South America. They are both 233 feet long and 42 feet wide, accommodating 132 passengers in 64 spacious cabins. All of the attractively decorated cabins are 15 sq. meters (approx. 161.5 sq. ft) with picture windows, private bathrooms and either two lower beds or one double bed, heating, closet and safe-deposit box. Each ship features a spacious open top deck for admiring the spectacular southern scenery, and a gift shop, game room, infirmary and small library. With a crew of 40 plus lecturers and guides, passengers enjoy maximum attention, excellent cuisine and fine Chilean wines.

M/V Mare Australis & M/V Via Australis
Cruise Rates Per Person September 2008-April 2009
4-Day Cruise
Ushuaia-Punta Arenas
(with sailing of Cape Horn)
M/V Mare Australis WED-SAT
M/V Via Australis SAT-TUE
5-Day Cruise
Punta Arenas-Ushuaia
(with sailing of Cape Horn)
M/V Mare Australis SAT-WED
M/V Via Australis TUE-SAT
Cruise Category
Low
High
Holiday
Low
High
Holiday
B
$1050
1330
1460
$1400
1770
1950
A
$1410
1790
1970
$1890
2400
2640
AA
$1490
1890
2080
$1980
2510
2770
AAA
$1560
1970
2170
$2080
2630
2890
Triple (B Cabin)
Triple Cabin is the same per person rate as the rate for the double cabin in any category.
Single (B)
$1890
2330
2570
$2510
3110
3410
Note: Single rate in all category cabins will have a 50% surcharge over its double occupancy rate.
Low Season SEP 27-OCT, 2008 & MAR 15-APR 22, 2009
High Season NOV-DEC 29, 2009 & JAN 03-MAR 17, 2009
New Years DEC 30, 2008-JAN 02, 2009
Click here for Deck Plans
Technical Specifications
Vessel Name
M/V Via Australis
M/V Mare Australis
Category Expedition Cruise Expedition Cruise
Gross Tonnage 2750 (TRG) 2664 (TRG)
Length 71.83 meters (235 feet) 71.83 meters (235 feet)
Draft 3.30 meters Draft: 3.15 meters
Breadth 13.4 meters (44 feet) 13.4 meters (44 feet)
Shipyard ASENAV (Chile) ASENAV (Chile)
Construction Year 2005 2002
Engines
2 Cummins diesel main engines at 850 hp each
Electricity

Cabins are equipped with 220 volt plugs. Bathrooms have plugs for both 220 volts and 110 volts.

Lifeboats

2 SOLAS lifeboats, 14 life rafts for 25 passengers each and 2 life rafts for 12 passengers each.

2 SOLAS lifeboats, 14 life rafts for 25 passengers each.

Safety

The M/V Mare Australis and M/V Via Australis were built according to SOLAS 2001 and MARPOL 73/78 updated standards for Worldwide oceanic navigation and finished in November 2002 and December 2005 respectively. Both vessels have a classification certificate issued by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), with the notation of “Passenger Vessel.”

According to ISM (International Safety Management Code), imposed by IMO (International Maritime Organization), the ships have a SMC (Safety Management Certificate), which guarantees the operation under international safety standards as well as the protection of the environment.

The ships also have complete navigation systems (echo sounder, radar, GPS and the modern communication system integrating it to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, GMDSS), emergency generator, fire stations, smoke detectors in every cabin, corridor and lounge and a sprinkler fire suppression system installed in all areas of the ship. The machine room is also equipped with a CO2 fire extinguisher bank for increased fire prevention.

Protection of the Environment

The protection and preservation of nature is a permanent preoccupation of Cruceros Australis. For such purpose, we use specialized processes to prevent damaging the beautiful spots of the region, such as the separation of oil waste and other contaminating fluids, which are later deposited at port; compacting and deposit of garbage at port, and a sewage and solid waste treatment plant.

Required clothing for Australis cruise expeditions.
Cabin with twin beds, M/V Mare Australis
Cabin with double bed, M/V Mare Australis
Cabin with twin beds
Cabin with double bed

Cabins B, A and AA are the same size (approx. 161 sq. ft.) with picture windows, private bathrooms and either two twin beds or one double bed. They vary only by location. Category B cabins also have an upper pull-down berth for triples.

CLOTHING: We want your stay on our cruise ships to be comfortable. We recommend sports clothing for both women and men. Summer nights and sometimes during the day the Patagonian climate is cold. We recommend sweaters, jackets, pants and rain garments during the excursions. For exploring and walking, gloves and a pair of firm shoes or boots are suitable.


Iguassu Falls and Rio Extension
6 Days/5 Nights from $1639

Day 1: El Calafate to Buenos Aires Arrive from El Calafate, and transfer to your selected hotel. (B)
Day 2: Buenos Aires to Iguassu Falls Fly northward to Iguazu Falls, Argentina for a tour of the mighty falls from the Argentine side. Walk along the river’s edge in this semi-tropical area inhabited by a myriad of flora and fauna. Cross small bridges over smaller waterfalls, climb up the embankment to lookout points, and finally arrive at the main part of the falls, the Devil's Throat. After the tour, transfer to Iguassu National Park in Brazil to stay at the Tropical Hotel Das Cataratas located right at the falls. (B)
Hire a helicopter for an aerial view of Iguassu Falls
Day 3: Iguassu Falls Visit the falls from the Brazilian vantage point. Here you have a magnificent overview of the entire horseshoe-shaped falls with over 250 separate cataracts. (B)
Day 4: Iguassu Falls to Rio de Janeiro You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, you will be transferred to your hotel of choice. You will have the remainder of the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 5: In Rio Take a full-day motorcoach tour to Corcovado, Rio's highest mountain, crowned by the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy exceptional views, then continue via the scenic route through Tijuca rainforest. Stop for lunch before continuing to Praia Vermelia where you begin the two-stage ascent by cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay and Rio de Janeiro. (B, L)
Day 6: Depart Rio Enjoy another full day free in Rio for shopping and sightseeing on your own before a late afternoon transfer to the airport. (B)
Day 7: Arrive in Home City

Hotel Category
Tour Rates Per Person - Iguassu Extension
Low Season
High Season
 
Dbl
Sgl
Tpl
Dbl
Sgl
Tpl
Tourist Class
$1639
2399
1629
$1659
2535
1700
First Class 
$1729
2669
1719
$1740
2729
1760
Superior First Class 
$1779
2765
n/a
$1799
2845
n/a
Deluxe Plus
$1975
3191
n/a
$1995
3235
n/a
NOTE: Low Season: MAY 01-JUN 30, AUG 01-SEP 30 & DEC 01-DEC 20.
Rates are not valid during Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter Week or Carnival.

Hotels in Category
Rio's Dois Hermaos
Rio's Dois Hermaos
City
Tourist Class
First Class
Superior First Class 
Deluxe Plus Class
Iguassu Falls
Rio de Janeiro
Praia Ipanema
(Dlx Ocean View)
Sofitel Rio Palace
(Dlx Ocean View)


EcoAdventures, Inc.
16375 Monterey Street, Suite E
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
CST #1011294-10
800-326-5025
408-465-8181
Fax: 408-465-8177

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