Essence of Patagonia

The Four Balconies Tour draws first-time visitors into the stormy past and cosmopolitan pulse of Buenos Aires by highlighting four disparate areas of this magnificent city. You’ll visit La Plaza de (25 de) Mayo: named to commemorate the city’s declaration of independence from Spain, here dissidents still gather for major political demonstrations. The most famous are Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo (The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) whose weekly marches have continued for thirty years as they demand answers about the disappearance of their sons during the notorious Dirty War. Other areas of interest include Parque Lezama, La Boca neighborhood, Plaza San Martin and Recoleta, one of Buenos Aires’ most stylish neighborhoods, with wide boulevards, elegant homes, fashionable shops and art museums as well as the city’s most popular tourist attraction, the Recoleta Cemetery. The Four Balconies Tour will orient you to the geography of Buenos Aires, explain some of its idiosyncrasies and make it obvious why this beautiful city is called the Paris of South America. After your tour, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia. Transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon enjoying this charming lake-side town. (B)

Morning transfer from El Calafate to the pier at Puerto Bandera. Here you board the estancias catamaran for a 3 hour navigation across the northern arm of Lake Argentino with forays up the Upsala Chanel to view the face of the Upsala Glacier (weather permitting), among icebergs and stunning scenery. Entering the Cristina Channel leads to the famous estancia surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and glowing blue icebergs floating in the lake. Arrive mid-day to meet the guides of the estancia to discuss the available activities. Enjoy a local lunch before heading out on your chosen excursion. After exploring the area settle into the estancia for the night. (B,L,D)

The lodge offers several activities to explore the area, here are a few of our favorites:

Estancia Exploration – First you will head to the old Secadero de Ovejas (literally, the Sheep Dryer, the building where the sheep were kept after bathing) which has been transformed into a comfortable dining area with full panoramic windows that capture the beauty of the area. After a healthy lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and visit the Chapel, the nearby Rio Caterina, the museum (the old sheep shearing warehouse) and the orchard, amongst other sights.

4×4 Tour – We begin the day in our all-terrain vehicles heading up hill across the Cordon Feruglio. We drive through a landscape that until recently was covered by glaciers and has a great geological interest. Reaching 550 meters above sea level we can view the majestic Upsala Glacier from an angle only possible at the Estancia Cristina. We also see the Andes Mountains, Bertrand hills and part of the southern Patagonian ice fields. We take plenty of time to walk, explore and photograph this beautiful area. The whole tour takes about four hours.

Horseback Riding – There are two easy horseback riding options, each two hours long including time to enjoy a box lunch. The rides are not demanding and are appropriate for most participants, though previous riding experience is recommended. Both routes travel to lookout points from which to enjoy the amazing vistas far down the valleys. Upon arrival at the estancia, you can discuss which of the two riding excursions you prefer with your guide.

After breakfast you’ll head out on the excursion of your choice (horseback riding, hiking, 4×4 tour, etc.). Return for lunch before departing the estancia around 5 PM. The cruise back to Punta Bandera is about two hours then it is a one hour drive back to El Calafate. Settle into your hotel for the evening. (B, L)

This tour allows you to spend the day gazing at the most famous glacier in South America from several angles. You’ll glimpse your first breathtaking views of the glacier down a narrow arm of Lago Argentino with the majestic backdrop of the Andes. As spectacular as this is, the view pales compared to the experiences you’ll have later today. From El Calafate, it is about a two-hour drive on a paved road to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here you will spend time on the catwalks, taking in the mesmerizing views of the constantly calving glacier. The areas wildlife includes Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles and ashy headed geese. An hour-long afternoon tour starts at Bajo de las Sombra where you’ll board a vessel to cross Lake Rico, passing icebergs. On reaching Iceberg Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance to allow passengers time to photograph the Perito Moreno Glaciers wall and watch for falling chunks of ice. You will be returned to El Calafate in the afternoon. (B,L)

Your tour of Patagonia ends with a transfer to the El Calafate airport in time to connect with your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival transfer to the international airport. (B)