Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Patagonia

Walk Rating: Easy to moderate terrain; average of 4 to 6 miles per day with occasional options

Internal Airfare: Mandatory internal airfare of $1,000.00 will be added to your tour price. Airfare cost subject to change.

All accommodations while on tour, including boutique inns and upscale city hotel, all private baths

All meals included; alcoholic beverages not included

DAY 1
Buenos Aires City Tour; 4 hours, easy city walking
This afternoon the group meets at your Buenos Aires hotel, Loi Suites Recoleta, for a short orientation and a city tour. Loi Suites Recoleta is located in the very heart of the most elegant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. The hotel, just steps away from the Pilar Church, the Recoleta cemetery, art galleries, and hundreds of lively restaurants and bars, is ideally situated to make the most of the city’s varied attractions and nightlife.
Buenos Aires is undoubtedly the Latin American city that most resembles the cosmopolitan and aristocratic atmosphere of European capitals. Beyond this Buenos Aires, however, lies another one: the small, colored houses of La Boca and the tango that you see, live, and feel in the streets of San Telmo. This mixture of the modern and historical makes Buenos Aires an original and irresistible metropolis. Exploring the city’s highlights through a cultural perspective culminates with a visit to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where you explore the "streets" of ornate mausoleums.
You celebrate your first day in Buenos Aires with dinner and drinks at an exclusive tango venue, El Viejo Almacén. It has been said that only in Buenos Aires could the tango be born. Only in this haunting city of immigrants could music of such emotional depth spring forth and take hold of a population. A musical ode to feelings of longing, passion, and love, the sounds of the tango fill the air.

DAY 2
San Antonio de Areco; full day at Estancia with 2-hour walk or horseback riding option, easy to moderate
You begin the day with a 1½-hour drive to the traditional gaucho town of San Antonio de Areco for un dia de campo, or a day in the country. San Antonio de Areco is located in the pampas, or fertile grasslands, surrounding Buenos Aires. En route, your guide recounts the fascinating history and traditions of the gaucho (loosely translated as cowboy).
Today’s first stop is a visit to the famous silversmith workshop and museum of Juan José Draghi, whose work to this day is sought after by kings and collectors worldwide. Here you observe the behind-the-scenes life of the precious gift and know-how still passed from father to sons. Following this visit, you have time to further explore the small town, perhaps visiting the gaucho museum, taking in local life by walking through the park, or sipping a cortado (espresso cut with a dash of hot milk) at the old general store.
You continue on to a private estancia, or ranch. Dating back to the 1800’s, many ranches in this area were used as posthouses or wayside inns on the Camino Real—the Royal Road—from Buenos Aires to the north of the country. You are welcomed with freshly made empanadas and refreshment as you watch a gaucho demonstration. For lunch you savor a typical Argentine asado, or barbecue/roast of fine beef, and sip wines under a canopy of ancient trees on the lush lawn of the estancia.
Following a leisurely lunch, you have the option of a scenic two-hour walk through the surrounding pampas on foot, or you can saddle up the well-tempered criollo horses and explore the area in true gaucho style, or you may remain at the estancia to simply relax and absorb the soothing views of the pampas.
Later, dinner is served at a restaurant within walking distance of your Buenos Aires hotel.

DAY 3
Transfer to Mendoza; half day of travel. Exploration of Mendoza; 2-3 hours, easy to moderate
You rise early this morning and transfer to the domestic airport for an approximately two-hour flight to Mendoza. Upon arrival, you are driven to your hotel for the next three nights, Lares de Chacras, located in a picturesque village called Chacras de Coria, only 20 minutes from the regional capital of Mendoza, a center of wine routes and amazing gastronomic venues. The country-style house reflects the art of combining Andean stone with typical desert wood, bringing out a natural, simple, and modern look. Its swimming pool, set in a garden, promises tranquil afternoons and calm nights. This area of ranches is renowned for its warm microclimate and scenic location at the base of the Andes.
Following time to settle in and a traditional lunch at the hotel, you set off for an introductory walk to get acquainted with your surroundings. A nice warm-up walk on your first day in this beautiful region. This afternoon you return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner at a favorite restaurant within walking distance.

DAY 4
Full day wine tour of Flichman and Toso Estates; 2 hours, easy
Following a good night’s rest, you wake to a satisfying breakfast at your hotel. Mid-morning, you set off for the famed Finca Flichman. One of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, Finca Flichman was established in 1910. Today the winery is surrounded by vineyards and stands at the base of the majestic Andes. Many of the varieties produced at this state-of-the-art winery have received high international praise and awards; after completing a tour, you have the pleasure of sampling a few.
You depart Finca Flichman on foot and make your way through vineyards and down tree-lined roads. Your guide, Alejandro Toso, whose family’s vineyard is one of the oldest in the region, is an agronomist engineer. Within the vineyards, he explains in detail the different leaves, grapes, and techniques of cultivation. Walking deep into the vineyard—aromatic with the smell of the earth, the air crisp and fresh as it sweeps down from the mountains in the background—appetites are whetted for the next quintessentially Argentine experience: the Asado. This is a participatory feast, you learn about Argentina’s barbeque tradition as you help prepare it, which is an art in itself! Enjoying the fruits of your labor under the poplar trees of the vineyard, you taste some of Mendoza’s best Cabernet and Malbec wines, while savoring insights from your wine expert.
Dinner this evening is at a celebrated restaurant in the city of Mendoza.

DAY 5
Horcones Valley; 4-5 hours, moderate, 400-ft elevation gain and loss, walks are at an elevation of over 9,000 feet
Today you set out early for a two to three hour scenic drive towards the snowcapped Andes Mountains, and the starting point for an invigorating walk. You explore the Horcones Valley at the base of Mount Aconcagua, which, at 22,944 feet, is the highest mountain in South America and, as one of the famed "Seven Summits," a magnet for devoted mountain climbers worldwide. The drive follows the Rio Mendoza pass through the small town of Potrerillos, through the Uspallata Valley, Mount Penitentes (a local ski area), and the famous bridge of the Incas, a geological and historical site where Incans soaked in the curative hot spring waters.
Today’s walk is a moderate hike in the Horcones Ravine, which encircles Mount Aconcagua. Your extremely accomplished mountain guide—who has summited Mount Aconcagua 32 times!—accompanies you through rolling terrain at over 9,000 feet. Wildflowers flank the path, which leads you toward the south face of Aconcagua and provides spectacular views of the snowcapped peak. A picnic lunch is unpacked in the fresh air, in full view of Mount Aconcagua.
This evening you are served an authentic dinner.

DAY 6
Transfer to Bariloche; half day of travel. Cerro Llao-Llao; 3 hours, easy to moderate, 650-ft elevation gain and loss
This morning you fly via Buenos Aires to northern Patagonia, better known as the Lakes region. Upon arrival in Bariloche, you proceed to your home for the next three nights—the Hotel Aldebaran. Located on San Pedro Peninsula, the hotel is only 25 minutes from Bariloche City. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery of woods, hills, and crystal lakes, this hotel is an excellent choice to discover Patagonia. Its ten exclusive rooms, overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake, feature individual balconies and access to the deck.
The incredible views are sure to inspire you to stretch your legs after your journey. So, after settling in, you head out to Llao-Llao Municipal Park, arguably the most photographed area in all of Bariloche. You enjoy an invigorating steady climb to a mirador, or lookout—so be sure to have your camera ready! The wooded path leads past giant Coihue trees, which may be 500 to 600 years old, and the colorful Arrayán trees, a variety of Myrtle with twisted branches and smooth red peeling bark, and the ever-present cypress with rich hanging moss. The walk culminates at the edge of Nahuel Huapi Lake, where glacial waters tempt hardy explorers for a brisk swim.
This afternoon, you return to the hotel with time to relax before a lovely dinner. The hotel’s restaurant specializes in homeade pastas and wood fired pizzas.

DAY 7
Isla Victoria; 4 hours, easy to moderate
Today’s excursion begins by navigating across the cold sparkling waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake and up to the millenary Victoria Island, which hosts a universe of natural attractions. Victoria Island was originally named Nahuel Huapi, meaning Tiger Island in the aboriginal Mapuche language, and later this name was applied to the entire lake. Victoria Island is located in Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is the oldest and most important park in Argentina. Gliding across crystal clear waters, you reach the island of Centennial Cypress, native trees, and exotic fauna.
You disembark on the 12-mile-long island and begin the walk. Internal trails take you to isolated beaches and past various unique trees such as the ancient Arrayán, with its ever-cold cinnamon-colored bark and white flowers. Victoria Island is a natural wildlife reserve and home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. If you are quiet and a little lucky, you might spot deer or pheasant. You enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on the island during this full-day visit.
Dinner this evening is at a favorite "pub" style restaurant near the hotel.

DAY 8
Brazo Tristeza Balcony*; 4 hours, 650-ft elevation gain and loss, easy to moderate. Optional afternoon of easy kayaking
This morning you rise to the beauty of the surroundings. Early risers may wish to follow the path down to the lakeside dock.
Following breakfast, you depart for Bahia Lopez, the start of a morning walk. The path leads along the rocky beach of Nahuel Huapi Lake, along wide, wooded trails, all the while steadily climbing. Wildflowers along the trail, include the purple Mutisia. After a short, steep, rocky, section*, you are rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, including the 12,000-foot, glacier-capped Mount Tronador, an extinct volcano that today establishes the frontier between Argentina and Chile. Upon arrival at the walk’s destination, a natural balcony carved out of granite cliffs by glaciers, you can relax and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared high in the mountains—food for the body and spirit. With luck, you may spot giant condors playing in the wind. Condors are among the largest flying birds in the world, and to see them on the wing is truly breathtaking.
This afternoon, a kayaking option is available for those who wish to enjoy Patagonia from another vantage point. This easy, guided paddle on Nahuel Huapi Lake is a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon in Bariloche. The waters are generally calm, and the lake is edged with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. For those who wish to take the afternoon off to relax at the hotel or perhaps enjoy the spa, the afternoon is free. You may also opt to take a cab to downtown Bariloche for shopping opportunities.
Tonight you celebrate your final evening together in true Argentine style at an exclusive private restaurant.
Please note: There is a short section of this walk that requires crossing a wooden bridge with a steep drop-off on one side. If you have any concerns about vertigo, we strongly urge you to phone our office.

DAY 9
Following breakfast this morning, you say adios. A transfer to the airport is provided for departures. For some guests, this may mean flying back to Buenos Aires for additional time exploring the city or connecting to an international flight home. For others, the journey may continue on a southern Patagonia extension.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/20/2010 - 3/28/2010	$4,998
10/23/2010 - 10/31/2010	$4,998
11/20/2010 - 11/28/2010	$4,998
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Sample wine in unique Mendoza bodegas

Isla Victoria in the emerald green Nahuel Huapi Lake

Tango dancing at El Viejo Almacen

Asado: an Argentine experience

Hike through Horcones Valley

Buenos Aires' colorful neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, and Recoleta

Walk Rating: Easy to moderate terrain; average of 4 to 6 miles per day with occasional options

Single Supplement Rate begins at $900. This rate could change based on departure date.

Your Guides
Daniel Catania
Born in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, Daniel earned his guide certification through the Mountain Guides Argentine Association. He now makes his home in the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, where he pursues his love of mountaineering, skiing, and photography. As a director and instructor for the Andean Club Ushuaia, Daniel is able to share his love of the Argentine landscape. He brings this knowledge of and passion for his country to our Argentina tour!

Martin Begino
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Martin Begino makes his home in Ushuaia, the capital of the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego and claimed as the world’s southernmost city. As a guide for almost twenty years, Martin brings with him extensive experience and his love for nature. Martin is the president of the Ushuaia Mountain and Ski Club and speaks four languages. Walking with Martin through Argentina, guests gain a complete understanding of all things Argentine!

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Internal Airfare: Mandatory internal airfare of $1,000.00 will be added to your tour price. Airfare cost subject to change.

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