Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Australis Cruise, Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, Santiago de Chile. Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruise by RipioTurismo DMC for Argentina and Chile

1006 - Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruises

An amazing 19-night tour visiting Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Cruise to Cape Horn, Torres del Paine and Santiago!
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Enjoy the best of Patagonia with Australis Cruise to Cape Horn!

Well, may be one of the most fascinating tours you can choose if you`re looking to visit Patagonia. The Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruise is a 19-night program that starts in Buenos Aires, place where you will enjoy different interesting points like San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta, Palermo, Puerto Madero and more. Taste the exquisite unique argentinian beef and the “asado”, the local “mate” and the unique Malbec Wine. Enjoy a diner tango show and fly down to Patagonia to visit El Calafate and the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier and other glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Then, we continue to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, navigate the Beagle Channel, taste the exquisite King Crab and the patagonian lamb, and embark aboard the Australis Cruise, a 4-night expedition cruise to visit and disembark in the mythical Cape Horn, and southern fjords and glaciers in this remote area of southern Patagonia. The trip is amazing and include a stop in the penguin colony of Magdalena Island before arrive to Punta Arenas. From there, we will go to Puerto Natales, and visit more glaciers and the incredible Torres del Paine National Park, a highlight in the area. Finally, we will fly to Santiago de Chile, the commercial and financial modern capital of the country. From there, we will visit Viña del Mar and Valparaiso Pier, and taste the local wine in Colchagua Valley and Maipo Canyon.

Are you ready to enjoy our Incredible Patagonia with Australis Cruise Tour? It`s amazing!

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Itinerary

Day 1

BUENOS AIRES: Arrival to the capital city

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina and one of the most important cities in South America. After arriving at the International Airport, called Ministro Pistarini and known by the name of Ezeiza, you will be ready to enjoy the European style in the architecture, history, the unique experience of tango, great gastronomy, and the warmth of the local people called “Porteños”. You will stay 3 nights in this unique city and the first day is free to rest. But, if you`re an active person, interested in make some great activities just after arrival, take a look at our optional tours before continue reading. We have many options to offer for any kind of traveler, check details in the following list:

Our Suggested Hotels
La Boca, Buenos Aires

Day 2

BUENOS AIRES: City Tour & Dinner Tango Show

After breakfast, we will start a 4-hour city tour visiting the best of Buenos Aires. As we told you, Buenos Aires is one of the most european cities in South America, to be honest… the most. And it`s because the european influence in the architecture of the beginnings of the past century, when Argentina was the sixth country in the world…

Our tour includes different areas in the city. We will enjoy La Boca, one of the most famous places, that includes Caminito and Boca Juniors Stadium called “La Bombonera”. Of course, we will visit San Telmo, another traditional place in Buenos Aires. Please note, on sundays the famous San Telmo fair will be opened where you can find many interesting antiques.

Our tour also includes the visit to the traditional Plaza de Mayo, with the Government House called “Casa Rosada”, the Cabildo, the Cathedral, and all the history around this emblematic square. We will see the Obelisk and 9 de Julio Avenue. Then, Colon Theatre, one of the most important opera houses in the world. You can take a guided visit if you want, but it`s important to buy tickets in advance. Check with us about this optional activity with more details.

This tour will allow us to get to know other areas of the city, like neighborhoods of Recoleta, Palermo and Puerto Madero, a renovated dockside area with a rich gastronomy offer, where you can finalize your tour and enjoy a great lunch and taste the local gastronomy.

After this tour, you`re free to enjoy the city at your own. There are many activities to do, like the visit to Colon Theatre with Walking Tour, or the excursion to Tigre Delta.

In the evening, you can enjoy some optional tours, like an amazing Tango Show, or a Buenos Aires by night activity before return to your hotel and rest for our next trip tomorrow. Check our options below.

Day 3

BUENOS AIRES: Enjoying the countryside. Visit to an estancia in the Pampas

After breakfast, we will start our tour to the Pampas, to visit one of the traditional estancias or farms. It`s one of the classic visits you can enjoy during your stay in Buenos Aires. usually called “Fiesta Gaucha” and where we will make activities associated with the local traditions, like the typical “Asado Criollo”, an unforgettable horse riding, and the traditional folklore show. After lunch which is included of course, we will enjoy some gaucho demonstration with horses, in activities called Carreras de Sortijas.

Return to the hotel is around 5 pm, and you have some free time for rest, or may be enjoy some of our optional activities available below. We`re ready to help you

Again, evening is free to choose any of our available activitites. Check below

Day 4

BUENOS AIRES: Good bye to the big city

After breakfast, free time until transfer to the local airport to take flight or to pier to take boat to our next destination.

See optional excursions available and details in the list below

EL CALAFATE: Arrival to the gate to the glaciers

Arrive at El Calafate, one of the most important destinations in Patagonia because it`s the gate to visit Perito Moreno and many other glaciers in the area. After check-in, you have free time, but if you`re an active person, you can choose any of the available options that can be added to your arrival day. Check options below

 

Our Suggested Hotels

Day 5

EL CALAFATE: The incredible Perito Moreno Glacier

After breakfast, we will start our visit to one of the highlights of Patagonia: the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier.

El Calafate is located 80 km from Perito Moreno Glacier, along a 50 km paved road. The last 30 are within Los Glaciares National Park.
During the first 40 km you travel through the Patagonian steppe which is very typical in the area, but once you enter the National Park there is a real change in the vegetation, now  formed by ñires (nothofagus antartica), guindos (nothofagus betuloides) and lengas (nothofagus pumilio); also some isolated canelos (drimys winteri) and many-colored flowers, among them the intense red-colored notro (embothrium coccineum), the typical flower of the Andean Patagonian forest.

Once at the Glacier, the visitor is overwhelmed by the impressive spectacle and can appreciate the many unforgettable vistas of the glacier from the walk paths. You will have free time to enjoy this show. You can see enormous blocks of ice falling into the lake with a thunderous crash. It`s an amazing show of nature. There is a restaurant, a snack bar, restrooms and a pay campsite within the Moreno Glacier area.

You can choose some good options that can be added to the visit, like the mini trekking to walk over the ice of the glacier or the Nautical Safari which is navigation to see the glacier from the lake. Take a look at this option below

This is a full-day excursion. Return to the hotel is late in the afternoon.

Day 6

EL CALAFATE: Free day. Choice of activities!

After breakfast, we keep this day free, so you can choose one of the full day boat navigations available, to visit different glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Take a look at the different options available below.

Day 7

EL CALAFATE: Transfer out to the airport

After breakfast, you have some free time until transfer to airport or bus station to continue your trip. If you leaves in the afternoon, you can choose an interesting optional activity from our list below.
Good bye El Calafate!

USHUAIA: Arrival to the end of the world

Welcome to Ushuaia, well known as the southernmost city in the world, and gate to many different cruises visiting Cape Horn and Antarctica. After arrival, our guide will be waiting for your transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free, but depending your arrival timming, you can enjoy some of our optional activities. Check information below

Our Suggested Hotels

Day 8

USHUAIA: Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel Navigation

After breakfast, we will start our first visit. Tierra del Fuego National Park is located only 12 km from Ushuaia and it`s a very natural environment to be enjoyed. When you arrive you can buy tickets to one of the main attractions in the area: the Train of the End of The World. The train is optional and you can see details below. After that, an

d once in the park, you are going to see different species of trees in a very characteristic forest, something as bushes, beech trees, ñires, Indio’s beard and flowers in an extension of 63.000 hectares. Of course, we will stop many times during our visit to enjoy the panoramic views and take great photos.

From there, we are going to go to Verde Lake and then to Lapataia Bay, places where you could see beaver dams and peatlands. On our way back, we will stop on Lake Roca called also Acigami, to take our last photos of the national park. Return to Ushuaia city will be around 13:30 hs and you have some free time for lunch. Let me suggest the unique King Crab, or taste the incredible Patagonic Lamb!

After lunch and in the afternoon, just walk to the port located few steps from the centre, to embark in a cathamaran to enjoy the Beagle Channel. This navigation towards the Sea Lions Island, Birds Island and the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. We will see a colony of sea lions and Imperial Cormorants among other birds.

Heading back to the city, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Ushuaia city and the mountains. Return is around 5.30 pm depending the season. Free time and overnight

Day 9

USHUAIA: A variety of options to choose

Today, we keep the day free for you, but there are many options to choose: You can visit Fagnano and Escondido Lakes, enjoy an incredible trekking to Laguna Esmeralda, or enjoy a wonderful 4×4 ride to the heart of the island

Day 10

USHUAIA: Good bye to the end of the world

After breakfast, free time until tranfser out to airport for your flight to next destination. If you have time in the morning, you can enjoy some of the optionals below. Say goodby to Ushuaia, the city of the end of the world…

AUSTRALIS CRUISE: Departure from Ushuaia

Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure.

Board the Australis Cruise at 18:00 (6 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote ports of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands. Passengers say goodbye to the lights of Ushuaia… It´s the beginning of a great experience.

Disembark in the mythical Cape Horn aboard the incredible Australis Cruise Expedition - RipioTurismo DMC for Patagonia

Day 11

AUSTRALIS CRUISE: Disembark in Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay

Around the break of dawn, the Australis cruise crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition — and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland — Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the “End of the Earth.” The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

You can enjoy our lecture room, to learn more about these amazing areas in that portion of America. Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station — which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area,  passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these, you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coihues, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay. It´s an amazing great excursion. Return back to the ship and free time to review your amazing day.

Day 12

AUSTRALIS CRUISE: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers

Overnight we continue our Patagonia glacier tour around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel, and Cockburn Channel. After find and rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, the Australis ship tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. It´s a great excursion! After disembarking we start a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea, or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time we hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding — very steep, negligible trail, rough footing — and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.

Enjoy the incredible Australis Cruise Expedition to Cape horn and southern fjords and glaciers in Patagonia by RipioTurismo Incoming Tour Operator in Chile and Argentina

Day 13

AUSTRALIS CRUISE: Agostini Sound. Aguila and Condor Glaciers

Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range — some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac — and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Penguin Colony of Magdalena Island with Australis Cruise Expedition by RipioTurismo Incoming Tour Operator Argentina and Chile

Day 14

AUSTRALIS CRUISE: Magdalena Island Penguin Reserve & Arrival to Punta Arenas

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April — when the penguins dwell elsewhere — this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions.

After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

*Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island.

After disembarkation, if you continue with an organized tour, transfer to airport in Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales hotel or Puerto Natales bus station to continue with your itinerary. If you only booked the cruise, end of our services.

PUERTO NATALES: Arrival to the Ultima Esperanza Sound

Arrival to Puerto Natales bus station or Punta Arenas Airport and transfer to your hotel in Puerto Natales. The city is located at the opening of Ultima Esperanza Sound, and from here you will visit amazing places sush as Torres del Paine National Park or Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. After check in, free time to enjoy walking the city, or just rest to be ready for the next day.

Our Suggested Hotels

Day 15

PUERTO NATALES: Excursion to Torres del Paine National Park

After breafkst, we will start one of the best excursions you can do in Patagonia. Yes, it`s the visit to Torres del Paine National Park. So, after picking up all the passengers from their accommodations, the tour starts around 8:00 am ready to take the first pictures. Our first destination is Milodon’s Cave, the place where in 1895were found remains of a prehistoric animal, and nowadays there is a replica of that mammal together with detailed information of the glaciological process of how the cave was formed.
After this, we will go to Cerro Castillo to have a short break and enjoy snack services, coffee shops and souvenir stores.

From that point, we will go to Torres del Paine Park where the first natural sceneries we will see are: Sarmiento Lake Lookout, Paine’s towers, Paine’s horns and Almirante Nieto Hill. Regarding fauna, the most predominant animals you will see are guanacos, lesser rhea and condors, considering that in the park also live foxes, hares, rufous-collared sparrow and the lion of America: the mountain cat.

Inside the park we will know the turquoise lakes such as Pehoé and Nordenskjold, waterfalls and mountains covered in ice. A walk of 15 minutes is necessary to get close to Salto Grande waterfall.

After lunch, the visit continues with a walk along the shore of the Grey Lake from where you can see small icebergs and at the back the great Grey glacier. Depending on the needs, the return can be on the same route or else using the new road and leave you at you accommodation place. Free time and overnight

Day 16

PUERTO NATALES: Choice of activitites available!

After breakfast, we keep the day free, so you can choose any of the optional activities you can find in the list below.

Day 17

PUERTO NATALES: Good bye Ultima Esperanza Sound!

After breakfast, fee time to enjoy Puerto Natales until your transfer to the bus station or Punta Arenas Airport to continue with your itinerary.

Remember to add an unforgettable Cruise Expedition aboard Skorpios III Cruise and visit southern glaciers and fjords in the Chilean Patagonia!

 

SANTIAGO DE CHILE: Arrival to the capital city

Arrival to Santiago Merino Airport, in Santiago de Chile. The Chilean capital has become a good choice for international business travelers, developing a reputation as a calm and clean city with a good quality of life. It`s one of the most important and populated cities in South America. Most government activities take place in Santiago’s downtown area, which is home to La Moneda (the presidential palace), Plaza de Armas, and the Judicial and Executive Branches. There are also many museums and shopping malls.Districts such as Providencia, Bellavista, Las Condes, and Vitacura offer a dazzling array of businesses, shops, and restaurants as well as a bustling nightlife.

Chile's Flag Santiago is also located near many attractions such as the beach house of poet Pablo Neruda, Isla Negra, ski resorts located around 60 km from the city, spots in the Andean foothills like Cajón del Maipo, the port of Valparaíso, which is about an hour from Santiago, and Viña del Mar and other summer resorts on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Options for enjoying the mountains and sea are always right at your fingertips in Santiago.

After arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Free time for to rest, or may be if you`re interested, you can book any of the optional activities below

Our Suggested Hotels

Day 18

SANTIAGO DE CHILE: Enjoying the best of the capital city

After breakfast, in the morning, our guide will be waiting for us for our first visit. We will enjoy a city tour to discover one of the most modern capitals of South America.

Santiago is a cosmopolitan and vibrant capital that perfectly combines tradition and modernity. The tour will allow you to know the origins of the city and emblematic places like the Cathedral, the Post Office, the Plaza de Armas, and the famous Palacio de la Moneda, the house of the Chilean government. You will discover the traditional neighborhoods of the historic center. We visit Santa Lucía hill, called Huelén by the natives, a real urban oasis in the heart of the center. Learn more about the history of Chile and enjoy privileged views of the capital and the mountains surrounding the city. The second part of the tour will take you to the east, to see the financial area of Santiago, and watch modern buildings. Duration is around 4 hours. Return to the hotel and free time.
Please note, there are many optional activities available for the afternoon. Check options below

Day 19

SANTIAGO DE CHILE: Visiting Viña del Mar and Valparaiso

After breakfast, our guide will be waiting for you to start our visit to Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, in the direction to Chile`s coast. We drive through the country’s main wine- producing areas, so we can admire the vineyard-covered landscapes along the way which is fascinating.  We will stop to take some great photos of this important area.  Again in the route we will continue to the coastal road known as the Camino de la Pólvora, arriving at Valparaíso, considered the cultural capital of Chile and full of colors and unique views of the pier and the city over the hill. We will visit the Muelle Prat, a historic dock filled with dozens of colorful boats. From Plaza Sotomayor, the main gateway to Valparaíso from the sea, you’ll immerse yourself in the old quarter, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Place.

We will visit the House-Museum of Pablo Neruda, called as La Sebastiana. You’ll then reach Paseo 21 de Mayo, a natural viewpoint at the bottom of the Artillería Hill, where you’ll be able to take in a panoramic view of Valparaíso’s view from the blue sea to the city and the surrounding mountains.

Our next step is the visit to the city of Viña del Mar, whose name in Spanish means “Vineyard of the Sea”. The coastal town is also often called the Garden City, and you’ll soon see why when you visit sights such as the iconic Flower Clock on the side of Castle Hill. Free time for lunch and then, some free time to enjoy the beach, after return to your hotel in Santiago de Chile.

 

Day 20

SANTIAGO: Good bye Santiago!

After breakfast, free time to enjoy the city until your transfer to the airport. If you leave the city in the afternoon or evening, you can choose any of our optional activities you can see below.

Goodbye Santiago!

End of our services. We can personalize your program, by adding or deleting nights, add new destinations, or make any necessary change. Just let us know. Optional activities you can see below each day, are just suggested options. You can add any of these activities to your quotation, or ask for any other available in each destination.

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IGUAZU FALLS EXTENSION PROGRAM

Iguazu Falls is one of the most incredible places in the world, recently declared as one of the new 7-wonders of nature, and Unesco World Heritage. It`s an amazing show of nature, and a must-see if you visit Argentina or Brazil. Are you ready?

DAY 1 – Arrival to Iguazu!
DAY 2 – Visit Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side with up to 8 km of trails to enjoy nature!
DAY 3 – Visit Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side with a great bus ride and a panoramic view of the falls
DAY 4 – Transfer out. Good bye Iguazu Falls, magic of nature!

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SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA EXTENSION

Are you ready to enjoy one of the most fascinating places on earth? You can add a 3-night extension and visit this incredible place in the chilean north!

DAY 1 – San Pedro de Atacama. Welcome!
DAY 2 – Toconao, Highland Lagoons and Atacama Salt Flat!
DAY 3 – Visit Tatyo Geysers and Puritama Hot Springs
DAY 4 – Good bye Atacama Desert!

It`s just a suggested program, we can make any change you need.

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