Patagonia: A Wildlife Tour (Nov 2012)

The tours focus on three distinctive regions, begining with eastern Patagonia and the Valdes Peninsula on the coast of Argentina, famous for its Southern Right Whales and Orcas. In central Patagonia the scenic Los Glaciares National Park is the setting for the extremely impressive Moreno Glacier where the occasional, thundering crash as the glacier 'calves' provides added drama to the experience. However, the undoubted highlight of the tour is the ravishing landscape of Chile's Torres del Paine National Park where some of the wildlife encounters Mike experienced were 'among the most memorable' he has enjoyed anywhere in the world. Although limited by the southerly latitude, there is some remarkable wildlife here including special species of bird such as the marvellous Torrent Duck which spends much of its life in raging, white water and, of course, the magnificent Andean Condor. There is also a variety of mammals and if you are really lucky, you may even spot a rarely-sighted Puma.

The main difference between the departures is the wildlife around the Valdes Peninsula. In March Orcas might, with luck, be seen close to shore, but in November Southern Right Whale (which are not present in March) are usually abundant and relatively easy to see. Colonies of Sea-Lion, Elephant Seal and Magellanic Penguin can be seen here at both times of year.

Day 1: Sunday, 4th November

London / Buenos Aires

Please make your way to London Heathrow Terminal 5 to check in by 19.10 hrs for the departure of the British Airways flight BA 245 to Buenos Aires at 21.40 hrs.  It is advisable to double check departure time the day before departure on the BA flight information number 0870 850 9850.  Overnight in flight.

British Airways does not allow seats to be pre-allocated before check in when discounted tickets are used (all our tour operator rates are for discounted, non-flexible/non-refundable tickets).  However you can check in on the website (www.ba.com) 24 hours before departure and request your seats then.  If you have a BA Executive Card of silver status or above you can request your seats in advance.  Otherwise seats will be allocated to you at the airport.

Day 2: Monday, 5th November

Buenos Aires / Trelew / Gaiman

Arrive Buenos Aires International Ezeiza Airport at 08.20 hrs.  Our onward domestic flight is from a different airport and is not until late afternoon.  City tour and lunch before transferring to the Domestic Airport Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newberry domestic airport to connect with Aerolineas Argentinas AR 2878 flight to Trelew, departing at 16.10 hrs and arriving at 18.10 hrs.  On arrival transfer to Gaiman and check in at Posada Los Mimbres where one night is spent. 

Day 3: Tuesday, 6th November

Gaiman / Peninsula Valdes

We will drive 250km from Gaiman to our lodge at the Valdes Peninsula.  Over the next two days we will explore the Valdes Peninsula with visits to colonies of Southern Sea-Lions, Southern Elephant Seals and Magellanic Penguins.  We shall also enjoy some bird-watching.  Weather permitting, on one of these next two days (6th and 7th November), we will take a whale-watching boat tour in Puerto Piramides, and the other day will be spent on land searching for wildlife.  Weather conditions will dictate the decision.  Overnight at Faro Punta Delgada where two nights are spent. 

Day 4: Wednesday 7th November

Peninsula Valdes

If it was not possible to do the whale-watching boat tour yesterday, weather permitting, we shall do this today.  Overnight at Faro Punta Delgada.

Day 5: Thursday, 8th November

Peninsula Valdes / Trelew / El Calafate

Early morning transfer to Trelew for our Aerolineas Argentinas AR 2870 flight to El Calafate, departing at 10.30 hrs and arriving at 12.21 hrs. On arrival, transfer to Hotel Kau Yatun where two nights are spent.  Afternoon bird-watching around El Calafate. 

Day 6: Friday, 9th November

El Calafate

Day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park to visit the famous Moreno Glacier and for bird-watching.  Overnight at Hotel Kau Yatun.

Day 7: Saturday, 10th November

El Calafate / Torres del Paine

Cross the border into Chile and drive to Torres del Paine National Park where five nights will be spent.  The first three nights will be at Hosteria Las Torres, after which we shall transfer to Lago Grey for two more nights.  Afternoon spent exploring Torres del Paine National Park, looking for mammals and birds.  Overnight at Hosteria Las Torres.

Day 8: Sunday, 11th November

Torres del Paine

Exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, searching for wildlife.  Overnight at Hosteria Las Torres.

Day 9: Monday, 12th November

Torres del Paine

Exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, searching for wildlife.  Overnight at Hosteria Las Torres.

Day 10: Tuesday, 13th November

Torres del Paine

Transfer to Hosteria Lago Grey where two nights are spent.  Exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, searching for wildlife.  Overnight at Hosteria Lago Grey.

Day 11: Wednesday, 14th November

Torres del Paine

Exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, searching for wildlife.  Overnight at Hosteria Lago Grey.

Day 12: Thursday, 15th November

Torres del Paine / El Calafate / Buenos Aires

Drive to El Calafate to take our Aerolineas Argentinas AR 1896 flight to Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newberry Airport, departing at 17.10 hrs and arriving at 20.06 hrs. On arrival, transfer to Hotel El Emperador (or similar), where one night is spent.  Dinner under own arrangements.

Day 13: Friday, 16th November

Buenos Aires / London

Morning transfer to Buenos Aires International Ezeiza Airport for the British Airways BA 244 flight to London Heathrow, departing at 14.40 hrs.

Day 14: Saturday, 17th November

London

Arrive London Heathrow at 06.50 hrs.