South America – Argentina and Chile

Dates Feb 08 — Feb 23, 2008

Activity Level Moderately active

With its dramatic wide-open landscapes, sea-swept glaciers, and the rolling hills of the pampas: Patagonia has inspired generations of explorers. During this Patagonian adventure, explore the Valdivian Coastal Range, which is home to the world's smallest deer, the world's second largest woodpecker, and several rare carnivores. Visit Torres del Paine National Park, with its surreal, windswept steppes and granite peaks. By sea, cruise for four days among fjords and glaciers aboard one of Patagonia's most renowned expedition ships, the 64-cabin Via Australis. Spy sunbathing seals, cormorants, and penguins. Along the way, expert naturalists will give talks and lead discussions to further enhance the experience.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.

Highlights

• See an array of unique wildlife, such as guanacos, rheas, red foxes, Patagonian hares, flamingos, austral parakeets, condors, and Magellanic penguins.
• Explore the Valdivian Coastal Range, a World Wildlife Fund-ptotected temperate rain forest.
• Enjoy the comforts of Hosteria Lago Grey, a resort overlooking a lake in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park.
• Cruise through the fjords of Beagle and Cockburn channels and the Strait of Magellan aboard one of the area's finest expedition ships, the Via Australis.
• Hike and walk at Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, and Pia Glacier.

Pre-Tour Extension

Optional Pre-tour Extension to Santiago

February 6-8, 2009

Spend three days in Santiago, Chile's dynamic capital city, before the start of the tour. Enjoy two nights in the Plaza El Bosque Park and Suites while exploring this sophisticated metropolitan area. Stroll among the statue-studded gardens, Spanish colonial homes and shops, galleries and international cafes while enjoying spectacular views of snowcapped mountains. Visit La Chascona, one of three houses owned by Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, and indulge in a special wine tasting.

Post-Tour Extension

Optional Post-tour Extension to Iguazu Falls

February 23-26, 2009

At the end of the main tour, spend an additional evening at leisure in Buenos Aires and fly the next morning to Iguazu to begin a two-day exploration of Iguazu Falls. Explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the World Heritage site and enjoy time walking and hiking.