Argentina: 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
Exploration of Mendoza, 2-3 hours, easy to moderate
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you are met at the airport and proceed directly to your hotel for the next three nights, a country house-style property located in a picturesque village called Chacras de Coria, only 20 minutes from the regional capital of Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s best-known wine routes and gastronomic venues. The hotel reflects the art of combining Andean stone with typical desert wood, resulting in a natural, modern aesthetic. The 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 to your room and a traditional lunch at the hotel, you set off for an introductory walk to acquaint you with the surroundings. You explore the Plaza de Independencia and Emilio Civil en route to General San Martin City Park. Originally designed as a place to train the Argentine Army, locals and travelers alike now explore its beautiful Rosedal or rose garden and Cerro de la Gloria (Mt. Gloria). Atop Mt. Gloria, sweeping views unfold of Mendoza with the backdrop of the Andes mountain range. This afternoon you return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner at a favorite restaurant within walking distance, toasting the start of your adventures with wines from surrounding vines. Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 2
Full day wine tour of Lopez and Toso Estates; 2-hours walking, easy
Following a good night’s rest, you wake to a satisfying breakfast at your hotel. Mid-morning, you set off for the Bodega Lopez. One of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, Bodega Lopez was established in 1898. A family establishment for four generations, the vineyards are at the base of the majestic Andes. Following a comprehensive tour of the winery, you have the pleasure of sampling some of the many varieties produced here. You then depart Bodega Lopez on foot, traversing rows of vines and continuing down tree-lined roads. Upon arrival at the Toso Estate, you meet your guide, Alejandro Toso, an agronomist engineer whose family’s vineyard is one of the oldest in the region. Among the growing vines, he provides a detailed explanation about the different leaves, grapes, and techniques of cultivation. In the heart of the vineyard—aromatic with the smell of the earth and the fresh breezes coming off the nearby mountains—appetites are whetted for the next quintessentially Argentine experience: the asado. 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.
You return to your hotel in the late afternoon with time to enjoy its pool and grounds, or simply relax. Later, you venture out for dinner at a celebrated restaurant in the city of Mendoza. Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 3
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 in the direction of the snowcapped Andes Mountains, and the starting point for a full day’s invigorating walk. The day’s destination is 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 dedicated mountain climbers worldwide. The drive follows the Rio Mendoza river through the small town of Potrerillos, into the Uspallata Valley, past Mount Penitentes (a local ski area), and over the famous bridge of the Incas, a geological and historical site where Incans soaked in the curative hot spring waters. The walk is a moderate route into the Horcones Valley, which eventually leads to 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 toward the south face of Aconcagua and provides incomparable views of the snowcapped peak. A picnic lunch is unpacked in the fresh air, in full view of Mount Aconcagua.
Returning to your hotel later in the day, you may enjoy your final evening in Mendoza as you wish, either by opting to stay at your hotel and enjoying a gourmet meal in the hotel’s dining room, or following your guide’s suggestions for a nearby restaurant within walking distance. Lares de Chacras, Chacras de Coria

DAY 4
Transfer to Bariloche (half day of travel). Cerro Llao-Llao; 3 hours, easy to moderate, 650-ft elevation gain and descent
Today you fly to northern Patagonia, better known as the Lakes Region of Argentina, not far from the border with Chile, a geography of peaks, lakes, and unique forest. Upon arrival at the airport, you proceed to your hotel for the next four nights, a lakeside property located on the San Pedro Peninsula, just 25 minutes outside the city of Bariloche. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery of forested hills and crystalline lakes, the hotel is perfectly situated for your explorations of the region. 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.
After settling in, you then venture out to the scenic Llao-Llao Municipal Park. A sustained ascent brings you to a mirador, or lookout; you will want to have your camera ready! The wooded path leads past giant Coihue trees, which may be up to 500 or 600 years old; the colorful Arrayán trees, a variety of myrtle with twisted branches and smooth, red peeling bark; and the ever-present cypress with thick hanging moss. The walk culminates at the edge of Nahuel Huapi Lake, where glacial waters tempt the hardy for a brisk swim. Later in the afternoon, you return to the hotel with time to relax before a fine dinner in the hotel’s intimate restaurant, which serves locally produced Argentinean meat and local organic vegetables, prepared on the grill or in its clay oven. Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 5
Isla Victoria; 4 hours, easy to moderate
Today’s excursion begins by navigating across the sparkling waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake and up to Victoria Island, rich in natural beauty, and part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, one of Argentina’s oldest and largest parks. The island itself was originally called Nahuel Huapi, meaning Tiger Island, in the aboriginal Mapuche language; this name was later applied to the entire lake. The 12-mile-long island is full of centennial cypress, native trees, and exotic fauna. You set off on a trail leading past isolated beaches and among a network of unique trees such as the ancient Arrayán, with its ever-cold cinnamon-colored bark and white flowers. A natural wildlife reserve, Victoria Island is 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. Returning to your hotel in the later afternoon, you may choose to unwind in its spa facilities. Dinner this evening is at a favorite pub-style restaurant not far from the hotel. Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 6
Patagonian Steppe; 4 hours, 700-ft elevation gain and descent, easy to moderate
Today is dedicated to exploring the Patagonian steppe—immense, in places rugged and harsh, the steppe is a unique habitat characterized by vastness of land and horizon, with evidence of human history dating back over 12,000 years. Extending from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, the geography is made up of high plateaus, long ridges, and deep valleys with a geological composition of sand, rocks, and volcanic ash. The low, bushy and thorny vegetation that is typical of the region is home to a variety of fauna such as guanaco, foxes, maras (the Patagonian rabbit), and condors. The day starts at Laguna de Los Juncos, with its unusual rock formations with condor nests above, and with spectacular views looking over the Pichi-Leufu River Valley. At the highest point of the walk, your guide prepares a typical Patagonian lunch. A sustained descent leads to the walk’s conclusion, and you return to the hotel in the later afternoon.
You are free, this evening, to head to a nearby restaurant, or perhaps to stay in and enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, which also specializes in homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 7
Brazo Tristeza Balcony; 4 hours, 650-ft elevation gain and descent, easy to moderate; Optional afternoon of easy kayaking Please note: a short section of this walk 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.
Early risers this morning may wish to take a short walk, following the path down from the hotel to the lakeside dock. Following breakfast, you depart for Bahia Lopez, the start of the day’s walk. The route begins near the rocky beach of Nahuel Huapi Lake, along a wide, wooded trail, a gradual but steady ascent, flanked by purple mutisia wildflowers. After a short, steep rocky section (***the section that could be uncomfortable for those who have concerns about vertigo***), you are rewarded with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, including the 12,000-foot, glacier-capped Mount Tronador, an extinct volcano that constitutes the border between Argentina and Chile. Upon arrival at a natural balcony, carved out of the 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 soaring in the wind. Condors are among the largest flying birds in the world, and to see them on the wing is truly a breathtaking sight.
After descending from the loop walk and returning to the hotel, this afternoon, a kayaking option is available for those who wish to enjoy the scenery 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. Others may wish to take the afternoon to relax at the hotel or perhaps enjoy its spa. Another option is to take a taxi to downtown Bariloche for shopping opportunities. Tonight you celebrate your final evening together in true Argentine style at an exclusive private restaurant featuring local organic gourmet cuisine and fine Argentinean wines. Hotel Aldebaran, Bariloche

DAY 8
Departure
Following breakfast this morning, you say adios to your newfound friends. Airport transfers are provided for departures, either to Buenos Aires for additional time exploring the city or connecting to an international flight home, or continuing your Patagonian travels with a Southern Patagonia extension.

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. 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)
10/28/2012 - 11/5/2012	$5,198
11/18/2012 - 11/26/2012	$5,198
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
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 $975. 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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