The Grand Adventures I & II: Argentina and Chile
with Lake Argentina, Paine National Park & Chilean Lakes
Special Feature: Strait of Magellan Cruise
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M/V Stella Australis Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Itinerary I: Departures Every Thursday - September-April M/V Via Australis Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Itinerary I: Departure dates available upon request - September-April 21 Days from $4095* 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 the Southern tip of South America Ushuaia to Punta Arenas • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" *Note: Rates for cruises are not included in tour prices M/V Stella Australis Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Itinerary II: Departures Every Tuesday - September-April M/V Via Australis Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Itinerary II: Departure dates available upon request - September-April 20 Days from $3565* 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 • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" • 4 Nights Australis–Cruise the Southern tip of South America • 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers *Note: Rates for cruises are not included in tour prices	Click here to open EcoAdventures Grand Adventure I map in new window (18K)
Iguassu Falls & Rio Extension 6 Days from $1639
The Grand Adventure I

M/V Stella Australis Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Itinerary I: Departures Every Thursday - September-April M/V Via Australis Ushuaia to Punta Arenas Itinerary I: Departure dates available upon request - September-April 21 Days from $4095* 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 the Southern tip of South America Ushuaia to Punta Arenas • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" *Note: Rates for cruises are not included in tour prices Iguassu Falls & Rio Extension 6 Days from $1639 Itinerary I - 21 Days

Click here to open EcoAdventures Grand Adventure I map in new window (18K)

Day 1, Thu: Depart Home City

. There you will be met for a tour of the quaint fishing village of

Petrohue and board a boat crossing

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

Day 7, 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, Thu: Bariloche to Buenos Aires Fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires, and transfer to your selected hotel. Remainder of the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 9, 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," with its pastel houses and shops. You will have time to browse through the shops for souvenirs. (B)
Day 10, Sat: Tango Show A day completely free to explore on your own. Sip traditional tea at a local teashop, 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. (B, D)
Day 11, 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, 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 deep 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, 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. 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, 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 Stella Australis or five-day adventure on board the M/V Via Australis cruise around the southern tip of South America to Punta Arenas, Chile. (B, D)
Note: Click here for packages to extend your stay at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.

Sailing on the M/V Via Australis
(Click here for cruise rates & dates - 256K pdf opens in new window)
or
Sailing on the M/V Stella 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 M/V Stella Australis Deck Plans or M/V Via Australis Deck Plans.)
Day 15, Thu: Cape Horn and Wulaia 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, 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)
Day 17, Sat: Arrive in Punta Arenas and Transfer to Paine National Park 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. One adventure ends and another begins. You will be picked up at the pier and transferred to your hotel of choice in Paine National Park. The drive is about six hours via paved and then a well-graded road. You will spend four nights in the park at your choice of all-inclusive property: Hosteria Las Torres, Hosteria Rio Serrano, Tierra Patagonia or Explora en Patagonia. Note: Paine National Park packages are NOT included in the quotes. Click here for rates at the lodges. (B, D)
Days 18 & 19, Sun & Mon: In Paine National Park Park All excursions are included in your hotel package. (B, L, D daily)
Day 20, 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, Wed: Arrive Home City

The Grand Adventure II Departures Every Tuesday 20 Days from $3565* • 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 Australis–Cruise 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 *Note: Rates for cruises are not included in tour prices Iguassu Falls & Rio Extension: 6 Days from $1639 Itinerary II - 20 Days

Click here to open EcoAdventures Grand Adventure II map in new window (18K)

Day 1, Tue: Depart Home City
Day 2, Wed: Arrive in Buenos Aires Afternoon private Buenos Aires City Tour (B)
Day 3, Thu: Leisure Day in Buenos Aires (B)
Day 4, Fri: In Buenos Aires Evening Tango Show (B, D)
Day 5, Sat: Buenos Aires to Bariloche (B)
Day 6, Sun: In Bariloche Bariloche Scenic Tour (B)
Day 7 & 8, 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 the Lakes Crossing and regional map.

Sailing on the M/V Via Australis
(Click here for cruise rates & dates - 256K pdf opens in new window)
or
Sailing on the M/V Stella Australis (Sat-Wed)

Sailing on the M/V Via Australis or M/V Stella 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 M/V Stella Australis Deck Plans or M/V Via Australis Deck Plans.)

Day 13, 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, 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)
Day 15, 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, Wed: Arrival Ushuaia/Fly to El Calafate Arrive Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. (B)
Day 17, Thu: Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour (B, L)
Day 18, Fri: Full-Day Upsala and Onelli Glaciers Cruise (B, L)
Day 19, Sat: El Calafate/Buenos Aires/Connections Home (B)
Day 20, 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.

	Tour Rates Per Person		Itinerary #1 21 Days		Itinerary #2 20 Days
			Dbl	Sgl Supp	Dbl	Sgl Supp
	Tourist Class	2012	$4095	850	$3565	675
		2013	$4550	945	$3850	750
	First Class	2012	$4500	1199	$3839	1000
		2013	$5000	1290	$4265	1120
	Deluxe Class	2012	$4765	1495	$4035	1195
		2013	$5295	1579	CALL	1275
	Deluxe Plus Class	2012	$6650	3699	$6249	3000
		2013	$7275	4075	$6779	3330
Bariloche Town Center	*Substitute Americas Towers for Bisonte Palace in Buenos Aires
NOTE: Cruises on board the M/V Stella 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. Click here for M/V Stella Australis Deck Plans or M/V Via Australis Deck Plans.)

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

M/V Stella Australis
Cruise Itineraries - Cruise Dates & Rates - Technical Specifications - Deck Plans - Photo Gallery

Adventure cruise specialist Cruceros Australis newest ship is the 210-passenger M/V Stella Australis, launched in December 2010. The M/V Stella Australis has one hundred 177-square-foot cabins, all featuring picture windows, independent climate controls, bathrooms and satellite phones. The ship's three lounges — the Sky Lounge, the Darwin Lounge and the Yamana Lounge — are all equipped with audio-visual equipment for educational presentations throughout the voyage. There is also a reception area, a dining room and an exercise room. The five-deck M/V Stella Australis was purposely built for cruises to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. An observation lounge overlooks the bow, has a bar, small library and video and audio equipment for lectures, with a second lounge higher up on the ship. The M/V Stella Australis also features a game room with tables for cards and a collection of board games, a small shop and a first-aid room. There is no better ship to cruise Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn in comfort, safety and style than the M/V Stella Australis.

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M/V Via Australis
Cruise Itineraries - Cruise Dates & Rates - Technical Specifications - Deck Plans

The M/V Via Australis has been specifically constructed and equipped with the latest navigation and safety technology for expedition cruising off the southern tip of South America. The ship is 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. feet) with picture windows, private bathrooms and either two lower beds or one double bed, heating, closet and safe-deposit box. The M/V Via Australis 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.

Cruise Departure Dates & Rates September 2012-April 2013 Click here to download PDF (256K) - opens in new window Cruise Itinerary Map - 4 Days/3 Nights M/V Stella Australis & M/V Via Australis (click on map to enlarge 52K - opens in new window) Cruise Itinerary Map - 5 Days/4 Nights M/V Stella Australis & M/V Via Australis (click on map to enlarge 52K - opens in new window) Note: Ships are in dry dock mid-April to mid-September

Note: Cruises Ushuaia/Punta Arenas or v/v are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season.

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Technical Specifications
Vessel Name	M/V Via Australis	M/V Stella Australis	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.
Category	Expedition Cruise	Expedition Cruise
Gross Tonnage	2750 (TRG)	4500 (TRG)
Length	71.83 meters (235 feet)	89.0 meters (292 feet)
Draft	3.30 meters	3.30 meters (10.83 feet)
Breadth	13.4 meters (44 feet)	14.6 meters (48 feet)
Decks	5	5
Shipyard	ASENAV (Chile)	ASENAV (Chile)
Construction Year	2005	2010
Engines	2 Cummins diesel main engines at 850 hp each	2 Cummins diesel main engines at 1400 hp each
Electricity	Cabins are equipped with 220 volt plugs. Bathrooms have plugs for both 220 volts and 110 volts.	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.	Exact details not available yet, but similar to Via Australis.
Safety	The M/V Stella 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 December 2010 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.

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 Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas located right at the falls. (B)
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

Rio's Dois Hermaos	City	Tourist Class	First Class	Superior First Class	Deluxe Plus Class
	Iguassu Falls	Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas (Stnd rm)	Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas (Sup rm)	Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas (Sup rm)	Orient-Express Hotel Das Cataratas (Dlx rm)
	Rio de Janeiro	Oceano Copacabana	Praia Ipanema or Excelsior	Praia Ipanema (Dlx Ocean View)	Sofitel Rio Palace (Dlx Ocean View)