Argentina, Wildlife Tours

The Wonderful Wildlife of Argentina and Chile

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Tailor-Made Tour
15 Days
From 8070
Country Combo
Whale Watching

Tour Introduction

15 Days from  8070 per adult. Prices based on rates applicable at the time of costing which may vary. Please ask for a definitive quote

We designed this itinerary to reveal the best wildlife and landscapes of Argentina and Chile while staying in very comfortable hotels and traditional estancias. Start with an informative tour of Buenos Aires, then transfer south to the spectacular Valdes Peninsula where, depending on season, highlights could include close encounters with enormous elephant seals, southern right whales, hunting orcas and vast nesting colonies of penguins. There will also be a full day to explore Los Glaciares National Park and its stunning Perito Moreno glacier. From El Calafate, cross the border into Chile for the iconic Torres del Paine National Park for great wildlife viewing in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes – you could even see puma. Chile’s beautiful Lake District and mysterious Chiloé Island, and Barriloche back in Argentina, add further wildlife and cultural interest and you end with a tango show back in Buenos Aires. A truly unforgettable tour which combines the two of South America’s most impressive destinations in a logistical and complementary way.

Full Itinerary

Price from  8070 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires

Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon guided tour of the city. The tour will include visits to the blue-collar neighborhood of La Boca where tango originated, San Telmo where the city was first founded, the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Recoleta with its French architecture and 19th century cemetery where Eva Peron is buried.

Staying at Legado Mitico. Includes Breakfast.

Day 2
Valdes Peninsula

Transfer to the airport and fly to Trelew. Met on arrival and transfer to the Valdes Peninsula. Designated a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO and a Natural Protected Area of Argentina, the wild 1,545 square mile peninsula protrudes 62 miles eastwards in to the South Atlantic. Afternoon excursion to visit the calving site of the enormous southern elephant seal.

Staying at Punta Delgada. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 3
Valdes Peninsula

Full day exploration of the Valdes Peninsula. The activities will depend upon the season but could include visiting the huge colonies of nesting Magellanic penguins, haul-out sites of southern sea lions and boat trips to see southern right whales or hunting orcas. There are also herds of guanacos and many seabirds to see.

Staying at Punta Delgada. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
El Calafate

Transfer to Trelew and fly to El Calafate. The rest of the day is at leisure

Staying at Kosten Aike. Includes Breakfast.

Day 5
El Calafate

Full day exploring the magnificent 18-mile long Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. The excursion will begin with informative walks around the side of glacier and later an exhilarating mini ice trek on the glacier itself. There will also be a boat trip along the huge wall of the glacier that gives a chance to see massive blocks of ice break off with a loud crack and crash into the lake to form icebergs.

Staying at Kosten Aike. Includes Breakfast.

Day 6
Torres del Paine National Park

Transfer across the border into Chile and to Torres del Paine National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Staying at Eco Camp. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 7
Torres del Paine National Park

Full day of guided activities in Torres del Paine National Park, considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Activities can include treks up to the massive “three paines” peaks themselves; walking through the scenic Patagonian steppe; mountain biking excursions and wildlife spotting including a chance to spy a puma. Herds of guanaco, chilla and Andean foxes, Patagonian skunk, Darwin’s rhea and Andean condor are some of the species that could also be seen.

Staying at Eco Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Torres del Paine National Park

Another full day of activities in the National Park. NB: If interested, request a specialist puma tracker to assist in spotting one of the elusive cats – Torres del Paine is one of the few locations in the Americas where puma are seen regularly, and some of the cats are now quite habituated to humans.

Staying at Eco Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Lake District

Transfer to Punta Arenas and fly to Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile’s beautiful Lake District. Met and transfer to Puerto Varas passing stunning landscapes including the Calbuco Volcano en route. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Staying at Cabanas del Lago. Includes Breakfast.

Day 10
Lake Distict

Full day exploration of Chiloé Island, the largest in the Chilean archipelago. The ferry ride across to the island often produces sightings of Peale’s dolphins and South American sea lions. There will be the chance to see local towns, traditional wooden churches and stilt houses and learn about the past and present life of the islanders. A boat trip to the Punihil islands will offer a chance to see a mixed colony of Humboldt and Magellanic penguins and maybe marine otters too. Return to Puerto Varas in the evening.

Staying at Cabanas del Lago. Includes Breakfast.

Day 11
Lake District

Transfer by road and boat back into to Argentina, arriving at Bariloche in the afternoon.

Staying at Villa Huinid. Includes Breakfast.

Day 12
Lake District

Full day of excursions including a cable car ride up to Cerro Campanario for a 360-degree view of the lakes and mountains. Later, enjoy a trip along the fascinating Circuito Chico to include Moreno lake, San Eduardo Chapel, Puerto Pañuelo, Llao Llao Hotel and Playa Bonita beach.

Staying at Villa Huinid. Includes Breakfast.

Day 13
Lake District

A day at leisure for optional activities, or perhaps explore the town and surrounds independently.

Staying at Villa Huinid. Includes Breakfast.

Day 14
Buenos Aires

Transfer to the airport and fly to Buenos Aires. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. In the evening enjoy a farewell traditional Argentine dinner and tango show.

Staying at Legado Mitico. Includes Breakfast.

Day 15
Depart Argentina

Transfer to the airport and catch your international flight home.

Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

Argentina Buenos Aires and La Pampa

Legado Mitico

Overview

Legado Mitico is an intimate 11-room hotel located on a leafy street in the trendy Palermo district of Buenos Aires with its wide choice of bars and good restaurants. The individually-themed rooms are spread across three floors and all have en suite, cable TV and a minibar. The common areas are plush and provide plenty of space for relaxing and reading.

Facilities include a large lounge, rooftop Jacuzzi, sunny terrace, library, bar and classic cafeteria with plenty of comfy chairs and a wall-to-wall library. Light meals (sandwiches, pies and soups) are served until midnight, and a drinks service is available 24 hours a day. The staff are very friendly, speak good English, and are happy assist with restaurant and sight-seeing recommendations.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
11
Facilities

Cafeteria, lounge, 24 hour bar service, library, cable TV, mini bar, outside terrace, laundry and dry cleaning services, luggage storage and air conditioning.

Optional Activities

Relaxing, dining, visiting the bars.

Argentina Patagonia

Faro Punta Delgada

Overview

Faro Punta Delgada, formerly a lighthouse and training ground for the army, is a simple estancia on the Valdes Peninsula. It has a scenic location on a cliff looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean on the Punta Delgada headland. There are five simple en suite rooms with basic amenities and Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas of the hotel.

There is an attractive restaurant with wide panoramic windows looking out to sea, a well-stocked bar and lounge, games area with dartboard and pool table, and billiards is also available. The food is well-presented and consists of tasty regional dishes: a buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant in the mornings.

The hotel is within walking distance of a huge southern elephant seal breeding colony. Many activities can be undertaken from the hotel and there is a private area of beach to explore.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
5
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, games room, Wi-Fi in the communal areas,

Local Wildlife

Southern elephant seals, sea lions, southern right whales, large seabird colonies, guanacos and possibly orcas and dolphins.

Optional Activities

Horse-riding, walking trails, 4x4 excursions, and bicycles are available to explore on.

Argentina Patagonia

Kosten Aike

Overview

Kosten Aike is a comfortable hotel in downtown El Calafate, the gateway to magnificent Los Glaciares National Park and the impressive Perito Moreno, one of Patagonia’s three advancing glaciers. It is a remarkable sight, especially when large icebergs calve from the main glacier and fall, almost as if in slow motion, into the lake, causing a loud cracking sound and huge splash.

The hotel offers 80 rooms, all with private bathrooms and TV, minibar, telephone, safe, heating and free Wi-Fi. There are two suites, two apartments and special rooms can be provided for those with disabilities.

The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, bar, lounge, sauna, gym and games room and provides laundry, childcare, massage and room services.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
80
Facilities

Restaurant, lounge, bar, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, minibar and phone in room, gym, sauna, games room, massage, childcare, laundry and room service.

Optional Activities

Excursions to Los Glaciares National Park.

Argentina Patagonia

Villa Huinid

Overview

Villa Huinid is a superior-class hotel facing beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is just a 5-minute drive from the town of Bariloche allowing easy access for those wishing to explore the town while staying away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

There are 70 modern rooms with private bathrooms, heating and climate control, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, phone and minibar. Most of the standard rooms overlook the lush garden whilst the majority of the rest overlook Lake Nahuel Huapi.

The name Villa Haunid officially refers to the detached five-star cabanas which sleep from two to 10 guests and have kitchen, BBQ deck, cable TV, safety deposit box, individual climate control and hydro massage tub. The five-star Hotel Bustillo and three-star Hotel Pioneros are situated behind the villas on the hillside.

The complex offers restaurants, bars and lounge areas, well-appointed spa and massage treatment service and an indoor swimming pool.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
91
Facilities

Restaurant, lounge, bar, children’s play area, indoor heated swimming pool, spa and treatment room, laundry service, room service, free Wi-Fi, climate control, telephones, minibar.

Optional Activities

Excursions in and around the city of Bariloche could include the cable car up to Cerro Campanario or the Circuito Chico.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

British Airways has direct daily flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires. There are also flights from the UK on Air France via Paris, Air Europa and Iberia via Madrid, TAM via Sao Paulo, and Lufthansa via Frankfurt.

Best Visited:

January to January

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

John Melton

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965