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Images of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is exceptionally dynamic, sophisticated
and overwhelming. An exquisite combination of a European atmosphere and the charm
of Latin American cities. This tour provides an in-depth
introduction to its history, its architecture, the culture of its people, its
anecdotes and secrets. A three-hour journey that offers the fundamental keys for
understanding the paradigmatic areas of the city: the lively and frenzied downtown
area, the "aristocratic" northern neighborhoods and the working class southern
districts. We visit the highlights of Buenos Aires, acknowledging
the transformation of a village that grew into a mega polis. Enjoy
the best introductory private tour to Buenos Aires learning about the main highlights
of this unique cosmopolitan city with our historian expert guides. Since
you will be doing this tour with a private vehicle and guide, you will have the
freedom of enjoying each attraction at your own pace, making all the stops you
want, enjoying personal assistance and care from our specialized guide. Tour
itinerary: Downtown (Plaza de Mayo – 1st Stop), Montserrat, San Telmo, La
Boca (Caminito – 2nd Stop), Puerto Madero, Palermo Chico, Bosques de Palermo and
Recoleta (Cemetery – 3rd Stop). The 3 places were we stop may also vary according
to your preferences. Duration: 3 hours Guide:
private English speaking historian guide Transfer: private
vehicle Includes: transfers + historian guide |
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Folklore musician
Folklore musician with a charango
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A Delightful and Authentic
Tango Evening
at La Ventana We invite you to experience an evening
of passion, charm, beauty and sensuality; a night of Tango at La Ventana. La
Ventana is one of the first-class tango places of
Buenos Aires, and we consider it the best tango show in town. La Ventana is located
in the very heart of San Telmo neighborhood, in an impressive historic building.
Its interior architectural style is absolutely preserved, and creates the ideal
setting for an unique experience: 35 artists for each show including: 2 tango
orchestras, 10 tango dancers, 2 singers, and a colorful folklore band. The
tango show at La Ventana is an amazing journey to the core of tango history, as
you will see on stage the different and authentic tango styles each with its particular
music, dancing style, and costumes. You
will have the honor of listening to the live music of one of the best tango orchestras
ever: "La Gran Orquesta de Juan D'Arienzo" directed by the Maestro Carlos Lazzari.
Not only will you hear some of the best tango musicians alive, but also you will
enjoy seeing some of the best tango dancers and singers on stage. To
enrich this show experience La Ventana has also included a short but very colorful
Argentine folklore show with many talented folklore musicians that we are sure
you will also enjoy a lot. The dinner menu
consists of several traditional and international dishes, accompanied with argentine
wines. Tango show
duration: approximately 1 hour and 45 minute (of which 20 to 25 minutes is for
the folklore show). The
pickup time is usually between 7:30 and 8 PM, and return time after dinner and
the show is usually around midnight.
Transfer: group transfer
Includes: transfers + dinner with beverages and wine |
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Magellanic Penguins' Refuge:
Punta Tombo Rookery
Penguins are definitely one of the cutest and most charismatic
animals on Earth. Dressed up a in a tuxedo-like suit, 1.5
to 2 feet (50 to 70 centimeters) high and weighting from 9
to 11 pounds (4 to 5 kilograms), hundreds of thousands of
Magellanic Penguins will be our hosts in our visit to the
Punta Tombo Reserve. Punta Tombo is a rocky piece of land
that projects into the sea. It hosts soft gravel beaches,
sea shell beaches, coastal dunes and outcrops of volcanic
red rock. In this reserve we will visit the Magellanic Penguin
rookery (the breeding ground of penguins), which represents
the largest continental breeding colony of Magellanic penguins
in the World (apart from Antarctica).
The Magellanic Penguin is a sea
bird. It is an excellent swimmer, but it is not able to fly.
It is able to swim at a speed of 5 miles (8 kilometers) an
hour using their fins as propellers and their feet as a rudder.
Adults have a black back and a white chest with a double black
band. Both sexes have the same colors. Sexism is inexistent
between them; both of them defend their nest, incubate the
eggs and feed the nestling with fish and squid.
Located 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Puerto Madryn and
62 miles (100 kilometers) from Trelew, this protected area
spreads over 210 hectares harboring a Magellanic Penguins
population of over half a million.
It’s mid September when hundreds of thousands of Magellanic
Penguins come in from the sea to nest on land. They build
their nests under the bushes, in caves and in open places.
Most of the caves are found near the coast, where the soil
is softer for digging. They usually return to the same nests
year after year The eggs are incubated for 40 days by both
parents. New-born penguins weight about 2.8 ounces (80 grams)
and are covered by grey feathers which are shed in February
and March.
The sight of this enormous penguin population is absolutely
overwhelming. The Zoological Society of New York, together
with Argentine scientists, has intensively been studying this
colony since 1982. This is the reason why it is possible to
see animals identified with metal rings, as well as nests
and bushes marked with either plastic tapes or nails driven
in the ground. It is in this protected area where penguin’s
chicks take their first swimming lessons, mainly in small
tidal pools, before starting their migratory trip.
Our guide will take you through special paths between
thousands of penguins where you will be fully introduced into
the world of the Magellanic Penguin.
Difficulty: low
Duration: About 10 hours.Approximate traveled distance: 229 miles (366 kilometers). Approximately 16 miles (25 kilometers) of the road in our journey is unpaved (gravel roads).
Guide: shared English/Spanish
speaking guide
Transfer: shared vehicle.
Includes: transfers + entrance ticket to Punta Tombo Reserve
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The Commerson's Dolphins Discovery
Embark on this grand adventure to discover one of the unique sites in the
world where you can see one of the smallest and most beautiful dolphins
ever: the Commerson’s dolphins or toninas overas (named after botanist Philibert
Commerson who first observed the species in 1787). This uniquely charismatic
marine specie can only be found around Kerguelen Island in the Indian Ocean,
and around the tip of southern South America, specifically near the
middle coastal area of Argentina (45º30’S) and southwards to Tierra del
Fuego, including the Straight of Magellan, the Falkland Islands and
Drake's Passage. Although the biggest Commerson's dolphins population is
in the Argentine shores, this magnificent species can be found in
smaller quantities at Punta Arenas in Chile.
The Commerson's dolphin is
a small, stocky dolphin with no obvious beak. There is a smooth slope
leading from the mouth to blowhole, which is set slightly left of centre.
The dorsal fin is also rounded, and is located just behind the middle of
the back. Body color is startling, and develops with age. In the young,
the pattern is muted grey on black, often appearing uniform. Later, this
grey pales into white. The head is black, with a white throat. The dorsal
area from the fin backward is also black, and a black patch is located on
the undersides, linking the flippers, which are also dark. The rest of the
body is white apart from a black genital patch. Size ranges from 4 to 6
feet (1.25 to 1.7
meters), and their
average weight is 110 pounds (50 kilograms). Commerson's Dolphins
are remarkably easy to identify because of their stunning combination of
white and black. They are coastal, preferring waters of less than 330 feet
(100 meters) deep. They take food from the sea bottom, such as Krill or other crustaceans, fish, squid or
octopus, and other invertebrates.
We will depart in our zodiac boat from Playa Union, which
is located 54 miles (87 kilometers) from Puerto Madryn and
62 miles (100 kilometers) from Trelew, this protected area
represents one of the few colonies of Commerson's Dolphins
in the world. We will head to Engaño Bay to enjoy tons of
opportunities to see the Commerson's dolphins playing and
showing off near our boat. Commerson's Dolphins are usually
seen in groups of less than 10 animals. Occasional aggregations
of 100 or more are also seen. They are swift swimmers and
aerial acrobats. They are known to ride bow waves and to engage
in various types of leaps. Commerson's dolphins prefer relatively
shallow coastal waters. They often swim upside down. The live
up to approximate 18 years old.
This nautical trip lasts 1 hour and a half.
Difficulty: low
Duration: 1 hour and fifteen minutes
Guide: Boat captain
Transfer: shared vehicle. This tour is done during the same day of the
Punta Tombo rookery tour. Approximate traveled distance: 229 miles (366
kilometers). Approximately half of the road in our journey is unpaved.
Includes: transfers + entrance
ticket to Punta Tombo Reserve +
Commerson's dolphins
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Elephant Seals
Orcas
Caleta Valdes
Choiques
guanacos
maras
Black necked cormoran
seagul
Grey Fox
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A Unique Marine Fauna Haven: Tour to Peninsula
Valdes Peninsula Valdes is one of the largest marine
wildlife reserves in the world, and a true paradise for marine wildlife lovers.
Declared a natural heritage by the United Nations, it has an unsurpassed variety
of marine wildlife species. A delightful visual feast of penguins, elephant seals,
whales, sea lions and orcas (killer whales) can be enjoyed in the peninsula area.
Prepare to experience a super close-up and unique encounter with some of the most
amazing marine animals, in their natural habitat of Peninsula Valdes Reserve.
Peninsula Valdes is like an island united to the
continent by a 22 miles (35 kilometers) long strip of land called Carlos Ameghino
Isthmus. After 48 miles (77 kilometers) we do our first stop at a small interpretation
center in the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, from where you can see San Jose Gulf and
Nuevo Gulf. On the top floor of this Interpretation Center you will find a set
of potent binoculars from where you will be able to see in detail both gulfs and
the Isla de los Pajaros (Bird’s Island). The distance between both gulfs is only
4 miles (7 kilometers) at the narrowest part of the Isthmus.
We continue our journey and 15 miles (25 kilometers) later we arrive to the tourist
village of Puerto Piramides (Pyramids Port) where we prepare to enjoy an included
whale watching boat adventure. The sailing will last
one hour and fifteen minutes and we will then return back to port.
We continue our journey heading to the southeast eastern point of the peninsula:
Punta Delgada (Delgada Point). The entire road after Puerto Piramides is an unpaved
gravel road. After 50 miles (79 kilometers) we reach Punta Delgada, where Punta
Delgada lighthouse is located. This lighthouse is a navy base since 1905.
It is in Punta Delgada where three different beaches spread over a 4 mile (6.4
kilometer) coastal line gathering one of the largest concentrations of Southern
Elephant Seals, a major attraction for researchers and travelers.
Peninsula Valdes offers the chance to watch Southern Elephant Seals without having
to travel to remote islands, since this is the only continental territory in the
world where this species is found. One of the
characteristics of these species that most impresses travelers is their large
size and enormous weight. Males reach up to 15 feet (5 meters) long and weigh
up to 4 tons while females can be 10 feet (3 meters) long and weight up to 1 ton.
Males have a proboscis or inflatable snout that makes them look like land
elephants, which has been the reason of their name. Though
there is a stable colony in Peninsula Valdes all year round, about 40,000 Southern
Elephant Seals arrive to the Peninsula from August to March for reproduction and
to shed their skin. They are polygamists and form large harems of more than 10
females. They can spend three months at sea, diving day and night for fish. They
head for the beaches when it's time to shed their skin or for breeding season.
An outlook located near a cliff will give us the chance of enjoying a panoramic
look at the elephant seals colony. The
Southern Elephant Seal has a sub Antarctic distribution it's population is estimated
to be around 700,000, of which 20,000 arrive between August and March to breed
and change their skin in Peninsula Valdes. They are located all along the external
coast of Peninsula Valdes.
During the entire reproduction season they fast (abstain from eating), loosing
from 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 7 kilograms) per day. Elephant Seals are excellent
divers. They can go as far as 4500 feet (1.500 meters) deep, or average depths
of about 1200 feet (400 meters) and stay under water for periods of 2 hours. They
are polygamists and form large harems. Southern
Elephant Seals, when not fighting for their harems, spend most of their time lying
in the sun. As we stroll down the beach we will be able to hear the loud roars
of the male elephant seals which are used as a warning signal to other male elephant
seals that are getting too close to their harem. If the intruder ignores the warning
and comes even closer to the harem, the 2 elephant seals will eventually end up
fighting one another in a contest for sexual domination. Our
next stop is in Caleta Valdes, a natural channel, which lodges a large variety
of marine fauna. Caleta Valdes has the most spectacular panoramic views of the
Peninsula Valdes. It is a sheltered inlet which is especially important for the
peninsula biodiversity. Elephant Seals and orcas can be seen from a viewpoint
that overlooks the sea. Elephant Seals can be seen throughout
the year, especially between August and March, when they are in higher numbers
than in the other months. It is possible to go down a cliff in Caleta Valdes by
a stair, from which the Elephant Seals and the geological formations of the cove’s
spit can be seen. Depending on weather conditions, orcas
or killer whales can be seen from October to November and from February to April,
when they feed on young elephant seals. Orcas are mammals
that belong to the family of cetaceans, but unlike the whales they have teeth.
They can be seen in Peninsula Valdes from February to April in Punta Norte Region
and from October to November in Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada region. The orca
is predominantly black, except for its white abdomen and a back fin with a white
spot behind it which scientist use for its identification.
Orcas are the greatest predator of the seas. They eat several fish species, sea
lions, sea tortoises, elephant seals, sharks and penguins. The Orcas of Peninsula Valdes are specially well known for their unique strategy of intentionally
stranding on gravel beaches to capture Sea Lions and Elephant Seals calves. The
orcas of Patagonia are the only orcas in the world that use this dangerous hunting
method in which they swim very quickly onto the beach, leaving two thirds of their
body out of the water. They then grab an elephant seal or sea lion with their
mouth and jump back into the water with energetic dorsal movements. Finally, they
share their hunt with the other members of their group. It is known that hundreds
of killer whales die each year during this hunting act, as they expose themselves
to dehydration if they are unable to move back into the water after making a kill.
Specialized emergency help units must be used to rescue these animals quickly.
Big males can weight more than 8 tons, be 29 feet long
(9.5 meters) and their dorsal fin can be up to 6 feet (2 meters) high. Females
weight 5 tons and are 18 feet (6 meters) long. Females’ life expectancy is 50
years while life expectancy for the male is only 30 years. When held in captivity
average life expectancy is significantly reduced (5 to 10 years).
You will also see in the Peninsula Valdes many prairie and bird species such as
guanacos (American Llama), rheas, hairy armadillos, hares, grey foxes, ostriches,
and oyster catcher. After a long journey we start our
return back to Puerto Madryn. Difficulty: low.
Duration: About 10 hours. The whole tour is 250 miles (400 kilometers) long. Only
63 miles (100 kilometers) are done on paved road, the rest is done on unpaved
roads (gravel roads). Guide: shared English/Spanish
speaking guide Transfer: shared vehicle.
Includes: transfers + entrance fee to Peninsula Valdes Reserve + Whale Watching
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Whale Watching Boat Adventure
A population of highly endangered Southern Right Whales
(Eubalaena Australis) uses the clear and protected waters
of the Nuevo and San José gulfs to mate and give birth to
their calves (baby whales). The estimated weight for an adult
Southern Right Whale is 35 to 55 tons, with a length of 39
to 52.5 feet (12 to 16 meters). The weight of a newborn calf
is 3 tons and its length is 13 to 14.5 feet (4 to 4.5 meters).
Most of the world's whale
species show ventral grooves and a dorsal fin, but the Southern Right
Whale lacks both. The top jaw is long and thin, measuring a quarter of its
total body length. Callosities on their backs and on the sides of their heads are
one of the distinctive characteristic of the Southern Right Whale. Each
whale has a unique callosity pattern which does not vary and therefore
makes it possible to perfectly identify them, as it is done by scientists.
Callosities are to this whale are as fingerprints
are to humans.
On the top of their heads
they possess two external blowholes instead of one as most whales do. One
of the most outstanding characteristics of the Southern Right Whales is
the way in which they exhale two columns of air containing water particles
that emerge forming a “V” which can be observed from some miles or
kilometers away.
The boat that you will navigate in has been equipped with
the latest security equipment in order to be able to safely
enjoy this unique experience. Moreover, boat captains are
trained and qualified to make a close approach and ensure
an excellent whale watching experience without disturbing
or hurting the whales. For example, engines are turned off
when whales approach and captains avoid direct approaches
to whales.
One of the most
distinctive characteristic between the Southern Right Whale and other
Whales species is that it is very friendly and playful, specially the
young whales. The Southern Right Whale is known for its tameness, slow
movements and especially because of its curiosity. It is definitely a safe
animal to approach, even when it comes close enough to touch the boat.
Right whales was the name chosen for this whales by the whale hunter, as
they thought this whale was the "right whale to hunt", as they are
very easy to approach to, the live close to shore, provided large
quantities of valuable oil, meat and whale-bone, and conveniently floated
when dead.
Their friendly and curious character, as opposite from other whales,
surprises travelers who are usually deeply touched with the sociable and
curious behavior of these friendly whales.
While
you will definitely see a lot of dorsal fin movements and breathing, to
see a whale jump is the ultimate goal and not to be missed on camera.
The surface activities of the southern right whale include:
- Breaching:
leaping clear out of the water, spinning and then landing with a huge splash.
- Lobtailing: raising the tail and then
crashing it down on the water.
- Slapping: raising a flipper and slapping
it on the water.
- Headstanding: a vertical position with
tail held high in the air.
The sailing will last one hour and fifteen minutes. We
then return back to port.
Difficulty: low.
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
(done during the Peninsula Valdes tour).
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Panoramic Hiking Experience
Prepare
to enjoy an amazing hiking & sightseeing experience, delighting
yourself with some of the most impressive panoramic views
of Patagonia.
You'll
be picked up in the morning by our expert hiking guide in
a private vehicle. Our destination is the Cerro Llao Llao
(Mount Llao Llao), definitely the most beautiful short hike
in this region. The hike on the Llao Llao Hill can be rated
as easy/moderate as it involves some 250 meters or 750 feet
of elevation gain, covering a distance of around 6 kilometers
or 4 miles. This itinerary takes you through an amazing forest
of "southern beeches" and native bamboos, to strategic panoramic
points that will allow you to enjoy and take pictures of unique
panoramic views.
The hike
at Llao Llao hill lasts approximately 2 hours.
After enjoying
this spectacular hike and panoramic views, you will go with
our guide to Cerro Campanario. On the way, you'll stop to
shoot some pictures by the best panoramic point of the road,
where you'll enjoy a direct view of the Llao Llao Peninsula.
The way
up Campanario Hill will be done with a chairlift. The views
from Mount Llao Llao are mid range panoramic views, but at
Mount Campanario you'll enjoy long range panoramic views.
National Geographic rated the view from Cerro Campanario as
one of the 7 most beautiful view in the world!
You'll take the
chairlift back to the road and our guide will take you back
to your hotel.
Depending on weather conditions the charlift
to Campanario Hill may be done before the hike at Mount Llao
Llao.
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Duration: half
day (4 hours approximately)
Guide:
private English speaking hiking guide
Transfer: private vehicle
Includes:
transfers + tickets for chairlift at Cerro Campanario + mineral water
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Enjoy one of these exciting full day Patagonia
tour options: VIP Navigation in the Lakes Region, Horseback at the Patagonian
Lake District or Rafting to the border with Chile on the Manso River.
You
can choose between the following 3 options. Click on any tour option below to
see detailed information and photos. OPTION
1: VIP Navigation in the Lakes Region (with visit to Victoria Island and Myrtle
Forest)
Delight yourself with a beautiful navigation on the
deep blue Nahuel Huapi lake, hiking beautiful trails on the Victoria Island, and
visiting a Myrtle Forest unique in the world.
The VIP section is located above
the boat standard section, has a privileged view, more ample and comfortable seats,
and some complimentary drinks and snacks are served (long half day). more
OPTION
2: Horseback Riding Experience at the Patagonia Lake District
Prepare to enjoy a horseback riding experience at The Baqueanos Complex, located
amongst high mountains in a spectacular setting of forest, rivers and lakefront
in the heart of the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Patagonian Lake District...
more
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3: Rafting to the Chilean Border over the Manso River
Get
ready for an exciting adventure day full of adrenaline and fun in the class III
and IV rapids of the Manso River. This journey starts at Bariloche and you will
paddle all the way to the border with Chile! Fasten your adventure belts and bring
your towel... you`ll be completely soaked from head to toes!...more
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Crampons
South Wall of The Perito Moreno Glacier
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Multi Adventure on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Part 1: Glacier trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier
Prepare to experience a one of a kind adventure trekking on the mighty Perito
Moreno Glacier, located in the Glaciers National Park. The UNESCO declared this
site a natural heritage in 1981 because it harbors the longest existing glaciers
outside of Antarctica (covering 75.3 square miles or 195 square kilometers). You
will have your own private vehicle for the transfers and the assistance of a private
guide for the visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier. After 1 hour and forty
minutes we arrive to "Bajo las Sombras" (beneath the Shadows)
port. We prepare for a 15 minutes sailing bordering the south wall
of the Perito Moreno Glacier, in the Rico branch of Argentino Lake. You will admire
it's 262 feet (80 meters) height, which is only 1/7 of it's total height! The
full height of the south wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier is approximately 1834
feet (560 meters). An iceberg only displays 1/10 to 1/7 of its entire mass above
the water, being the biggest portion of these "ice giants" under water.
After crossing to the opposite shore, our guides who
are specialized in glaciology, will welcome you. Groups
of 10 to 15 travelers are defined. Our guide will give you
an informative explanation about Glaciers and an introductory
lesson to glacier trekking. We will provided with snow treads
(sort of crampons) that the guides will attach to your boots
or trekking shoes. Although it is not strictly necessary,
if you request them, our guide will provide you with pickets
(poles) to make your trek over the glacier easier.
This trek lasts about an hour and a half, and it doesn’t
have any serious difficulty. The crampons are specially
designed to make you fell as stable on ice as you would
be walking without them on a regular not slippery surface.
Remember that this activity was designed and planned for
beginners with no experience at all, not for experts. Moreover,
strict and high security measures are involved throughout
all the activity.
Unfortunately this tour cannot be
done by people who have problems with motor skills.
The glacier trekking experiencetakes 1 hour and 40 minutes
and it is 1 mile long(1 kilometer and 600 meters), so it
is not a very demanding activity.
As we plod along the Perito Moreno Glacier we discover cracks and notice the different
shapes that the glacier adopts because of climactic factors, as well as the distinct
tones and colors of the ice itself. These latter can range from an intense white
to a dark blue. These color changes are due to the pressure of different layers
of ice, a pressure that over the course of thousands of years changes the tonality
of the ice. By analyzing their colors, scientists can determine the ice age.
After this pleasant outing on Patagonian ice we will engage in a short trekking
in a Magellan forest, which will take you to a splendid lookout station situated
above the forest. Here you will have lunch while you admire the Perito Moreno
Glacier right in front of you!.
We recommend preparing your lunch at the hotel or local
food shops during the day before the tour because there
are no places to buy food at the glacier refuge. The hotels
and local food shops are used to prepare lunch boxes, which
are of very good quality. They cost approximately from US$
15 to US$ 30 depending on the type of lunch box.
After lunch we will cross Argentino Lake again
until arriving back to the initial port. However, on the way back our boat will
stop 985 feet (300 meters) away from the south wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier
so you can take beautiful pictures of this amazing and unique natural attraction.
This transfer back to port takes 30 minutes. Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Half day Guide: shared English/Spanish speaking guide
Transfer: group vehicle + group motorboat. This tour is
done during the same day as the Perito Moreno Glacier Panoramic
Boardwalks.
Includes: transfer + guide
+ entrance fee to Glaciers National Park (does not include lunch)
Part 2: Visit to panoramic boardwalks which overlook
the might Perito Moreno Glacier After enjoying the trekking on the Perito
Moreno glacier we will head to the panoramic boardwalks that overlook the Perito
Moreno Glacier. There are 7 different strategically located panoramic balconies,
with distances ranging from 460 to 2100 feet (140 to 640 meters) from the starting
point of the trail. Each balcony is situated at a different height and distance
relative to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Except the trail to the southern balcony
which implies going down a long descendant path, all the trails have an easy level
of difficulty, but all balconies are worth seeing because each of them will provide
you a different and unique view of this spectacular glacier. The Perito
Moreno Glacier is one of the few active glaciers in the world. Every now and then
its 197 feet (60 meters) face casts off entire walls or chunks of ice that fall
into the waters of the Brazo Rico or the "Canal de los Tempanos" (Iceberg
Channel), and then float along the channel towards the main body of the Argentino
lake. Smaller sections break off constantly. Once you’ve heard the crackle of
breaking ice and seen the immense sheets of ice walls plunging precipitously into
the waters, you’ll realize that you’re witnessing one of the most impressive spectacles
in the World and a must-see attraction of a life time. The Breaking
of Perito Moreno Glacier The phenomenon known as "the breaking of the glacier"
happens when the front of the glacier reaches the Magallanes Peninsula closing
the water passage towards the Iceberg Channel originating a natural dam which
stops the flow of the water from the Rico arm to El Canal de los Témpanos. Therefore
the waters in the Rico Arm begin to raise their level pressing against and eroding
the ice that starts to weaken, and water starts to filter through. The first ice
detachments take place, increasing with the water flow, until a tunnel is formed.
Finally, the tunnel falls in a wonderful spectacle separating Perito Moreno Glacier
from the Magallanes Peninsula. The volume of water passing through during major
breaks has reached 26.000 yd3 (20.000 m3) per second. From the catwalks
you will notice the different shapes the glacier adopts because of climactic
factors, as well as the distinct tones and colors of the ice itself.
We will then return to our hotel in El Calafate. Difficulty: Easy
Duration: one and a half hours Guide: no guide Transfer: shared
vehicle - approximate traveled distance: 100 miles (160 kilometers). This tour
is done during the same day as the Multiadventure on the Perito Moreno Glacier.
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Navigation to Upsala, Onelli
and Spegazzini
Glaciers
(in boat VIP section) You will be
taken in the morning to Puerto Bandera (Port of the Flag) to board our boat that'll
take you into the North Arm of Lake Argentino to navigate among icebergs and to
the front of the imposing Upsala Glacier. You will enjoy being at the exclusive
VIP section of the boat. This section is located above the boat standard section,
has a privileged view, much more ample and comfortable seats, and an exclusive
assistance for the VIP guests. The Upsala Glacier is the largest glacier
within the continental patagonic ice, even though it has suffered severe losses
during the last years. It owes its name to the Swedish city of Upsala, which university
promoted the first glaciology studies in the area. The height of its walls range
from 197 to 262 feet (60-80 meters) and its surface is of 232 square miles (595
km2), it is 37 miles long (60 km), and 3-4 miles wide (5-7 km). The total basin
surface of this glacier is of 390 square miles (1000 km2). The dept of the lake
at the front of the glacier is of about 3280 feet (1000 meters). From
there you will continue on the Onelli Channel and you will disembark in Onelli
Bay. Landing in Onelli Bay you find ourselves surrounded by forests. A typical
patagonic forest where "lenga" and "guindo" are generally
covered of "usnea" (lichens), commonly called "old man's beard".
Crossing the forest, through approximately 872 yards (800 meters), we reach Onelli
Lagoon, where glaciers Onelli (45 km2/18 square miles), Bolado (16 km2/6 square
miles) and Agassiz (31 km2/12 square miles) meet. This lagoon is usually full
with icebergs, detachments of ice from the glaciers. Upon finalizing the
crossing of the forest you will see the Onelli Lagoon where you will visualize
the Onelli, Bolado and Heim Glaciers. At noon you will have free time
for lunch. Then you will embark and navigate towards the Spegazzini Channel, to
see the Seco, Spegazzini and Heim South Glaciers. The Spegazzini glacier
was named after the botanist Carlos Spegazzini who made the first studies of the
local flora. This glacier has a surface of 26 square miles (66 km2) and it is
15.5 miles long (25 km), and 1 mile wide (1.6 km). The height of its front (262-443
feet/80-135 meters) is an outstanding characteristic. It is the highest glacier
within the National Park. The Seco Glacier's surface is of 1.5 square
mile (4 km2) and clearly shows the receding process of a glacier. By the
end of the afternoon you will return to Puerto Bandera (Flag Port). If
conditions aren't favorable to enter the Onelli area, you will disembark at Puesto
de Vacas, a beautiful site where we you will see a shelter formerly used by expeditions
to the Continental Ice Cap.
Important: when very large icebergs are present
on the navigation route, the access to the Upsala Glacier
area or to disembark in the Onelli bay is not possible.
In these situations the tour is changed and instead of visiting
theses areas, a navigation next to the Perito Moreno Glacier
is added. When it is not possible to disembark for lunch
in Onelli bay, you will have to take a lunch box to have
lunch on the boat.
Difficulty: low Duration: full day Transfer:
vehicle and motorboat (in VIP section). The VIP section is located above the standard
section, has a privileged view, much more ample and comfortable seats, and an
exclusive assistance for the VIP guests. Includes: transfers + entrance
ticket to Glaciers National Park | | |
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Prepare for our exciting and thrilling
exclusive adventures at the Ends of the Earth. You can choose between
the following 2 tour options. Click on any tour option to see detailed
information and photos.
OPTION
1: The Odyssey Of Ushuaia’s Discovery- The Gable Expedition -
For your spirt of adventure we have arranged this ultimate adventure
experience that involves paddling in a duckie on the Beagle Channel,
a visit to Harberton Estancia, a motorboat tour to the Penguin Island,
and a hiking experience on the awesome virgin Gable Island (full
day)... more
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Prepare for our exciting second
adventure day at the Ends of the Earth. You can choose between the
following 3 tour options. Click on any tour option to see detailed
information and photos.
OPTION
1: Hiking and Navigating at the Ends of the Earth
Hiking in the National Park and navigation in a motor zodiac along
the Beagle Channel to Redonda Island and Lapataia bay (full day)...
more
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OPTION
3: Engineers of Nature: The Beaver 4x4 Expedition
You will access the natural habitat of beavers through challenging
mud tracks and beautiful Ends of the Earth landscapes on our 4x4
off road vehicles. In this exciting experience you will learn about
these fascinating "engineers of nature" which skillfully
build dams, lakes, shelters, knocking out trees with their powerful
teeth (4 to 5 hours duration)... more |
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On the Argentinean side you can get super close
to the falls
The power of the falls at the Devil's Throat 
On the Argentinean side you can get super close
to the falls 
The Iguazu Falls are located inside a Jungle
habitat 
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Argentinean Side of the Iguazu Falls (private
tour) We will arrive at the Iguazu
National Park and board an ecological train that will take us to the footbridges
which lead to one of the most impressive sites of the Iguazu Falls: La Garganta
del Diablo (The Devil's Throat). At this particular point, a great number
of cascades converge.The Devil's Throat owes its name to the overwhelming sound
created by the waterfalls, since this is where the largest flow of water concentrates.
At this point our guide will invite you to close our eyes
and hear the roar of the falls. When you open your eyes, you will fully appreciate
the overpowering strength of the waters that fall with an incredibly strong impact,
creating a mist and fog so thick that the bottom of the Devil's Throat cannot
be seen.
We will then begin traversing the higher circuit or road of
the Falls. In our stroll we will cross two footbridge circuits: the higher (superior)
and lower (inferior) circuits. As their names imply, both will allow you to appreciate
two totally different perspectives of the Falls. Either from their base or from
their highest point, the Iguazu Falls will earn your amazement and admiration.
Through the 3/4 mile (1200 meters) of the superior circuit, you will enjoy
the views from the top of the Dos Hermanas, Alvarez Nuñez and Lanusse Falls.
Afterwards we’ll stroll along the inferior circuit, which will allow you
to get really close to the Falls, practically touching them and feeling their
“rain” as we approach them.
Throughout the mile (1600 meters) of the inferior
circuit we will get to know the beautiful Bozzetti, Mbigua, Ramirez and Chico
Falls.
Since you will be doing this tour with a private vehicle and guide,
you will have the freedom of enjoying each attraction at your own pace, making
all the stops you want, enjoying personal assistance and care from our specialized
guide.
Difficulty: low
Duration: full day
Guide:
private English speaking guide
Transfer: private vehicle
Includes:
transfers + entrance ticket to Iguazu National Park | | | | |
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Exciting Close-up Nautical
Adventure by the Iguazú Falls
This ride in a double engine motorboat will take you as
close as possible to the falls. You will be able to take the
most outstanding close-up photos and live an experience that
you will definitely treasure in your memories.
At the inferior circuit we reach a small pier where you
will board a double motor boat.
You will first hear our boat’s motors roaring just meters
away from the glory of the Falls where you can take some pictures.
Then, the boat rapidly accelerates to get nearer and nearer
to the Three Musketeers fall. You will get so close to the
falls that a fine and refreshing drizzle will soak you
from head to toes.
You then approach the second strongest fall after the devil's
throat, the San Martin Fall.
This is definitely an adventure of a lifetime.
After navigating 12 minutes, you will go back to port.
Difficulty: Easy on the boat ride part but travelers have
to go down a 33 feet (100 meters) stairs to go to the boat
pier, this can be hard for people with walking difficulties.
Duration: 12 minutes
Guide: no guide
Boat: double-engine motorboat
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Brazilian Side of the Iguazu Falls (private
tour) On this half-day private tour you will enjoy the
beautiful panoramic views that can be seen from the Brazilian side of the Iguazu
Falls.
The Brazilian side consists of only one footbridge, which we will
traverse in its entirety.
Since you will be doing this tour with a private
vehicle and guide, you will have the freedom of enjoying each attraction at your
own pace, making all the stops you want, enjoying the personal assistance and
care from our specialized guide.
Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately
Guide: private
English speaking guide
Transfer: private vehicle
Includes: transfers
+ entrance ticket to Iguaçu National Park | | |
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Foz Tropicana Bird Park ("Parque Das
Aves") If you enjoy seeing the most exotic
and magnificent bird species with outstanding close up opportunities in a natural
environment, then you will definitely love the visit to Foz Tropicana Bird Park.
The Foz Tropicana is a World-Class Bird Park located just meters away from the
main entrance to the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Brazilian side of the falls) and
it is the most important bird preservation park in Latin America. You will have
the chance to come into very close contact with many rare and colorful birds in
large naturally landscaped walkthrough aviaries within a beautiful Atlantic Rain
Forest natural environment. The Bird Park covers an area of 16 hectares; however,
only 5 hectares are so far developed, the rest is presently kept as a conservation
area.
This tour will allow you to get acquainted with and admire more
than 150 different species from all around the world, one third of them in danger
of extinction. You will follow an approximately 1 mile (1500 meters) path which
winds through the forest and large walkthrough aviaries.
Expect colorful
birds flying and passing above your head, and friendly Toco toucans.
In
addition you will also admire Caiman Crocodiles, Boa Constrictors, Marmosets monkeys
and Butterflies. There are 25 species of butterflies which coexist in the
same environment with humming birds, which can only find in the American Continent.
There are many species of humming birds, Brazil has 80 of them. They are the only
birds which can fly in all directions including sideways, backwards and upside-down.
While hovering, the wing beat rate in smaller humming birds averages 70 - 80 wing
beats per second. Their heart beats over 1000 times per minute during aggressive
encounters with other humming birds. Humming birds' principle source of energy
is plant nectar, and the major protein intake comes from arthropods (small insects
and spiders). Before the introduction of the humming birds, spiders were a great
problem in the butterfly house. They spun webs in every corner and caught the
butterflies in large numbers. Two humming birds were introduced and proceeded
to destroy the spider population by taking newly hatched spiders out of their
webs before they were big enough to become a threat to the butterflies. It proved
to be an accidental but very successful example of biological control!
The construction of this bird park had to be carried out carefully in order to
prevent any damage to the native forest. The overriding theme of the exhibits
was to provide environmental enrichment for the birds by giving them as much space
as possible in naturally landscaped aviaries. The Bird Park has more than 900
birds of 150 species. Two thirds of the birds are native South American and the
other third were imported subtropical species from other continents.
All
birds seen in the Park originate from zoos, breeders authorized by IBAMA (Brazilian
Institute of Environment) or rehabilitation centers. The Bird Park does not accept
birds of unknown origin. All animals are registered and an annual report is given
to the Brazilian Zoological Society and IBAMA.
Duration: 1 hour approximately
(can be more depending on the time available)
Guide:
self-guided
Transfer: private vehicle
Includes: transfers + entrance
ticket | | | | |
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Important: It doesn't matter if it's your first time or if you are an expert in the activities included in our trips, we will always personalize each activity to match your level of expertise. You just relax, enjoy and have fun! |
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