Itinerary
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Day 1
Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata. The city has a spectacular legacy of architecture and parks, and its citizens consider themselves European. It is famous for the tango, superb restaurants, and the best shopping on the continent. The city has numerous museums related to history, and art in its many forms; fine, modern, decorative, popular, sacred and arts and crafts, as well as theatre and popular music. It is also known for its preserved homes of noted art collectors, writers, composers and artists. Upon arrival by air into Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE), American passport holders are required to pay a reciprocity tax of $131 USD, and Canadian passport holders a tax of $70 USD. Other nationalities will vary. Payment may be done by cash (Argentine Pesos or American Dollars), credit card or travelers checks. For American passport holders, a receipt will be stapled at the back of their passport and it will be valid for the duration of the passport. For Canadian passport holders, the reciprocity tax will be valid for one entry only. Please consult with the Argentine consulate for full details. Subject to change without notice. Enjoy a private airport (International) transfer in Buenos Aires with professional driver and English speaking Guide. Loi Suites Recoleta is located in the most elegant area of the city, at walking distance from museums, art galleries and shopping areas, historical architecture and beautiful parks. A tropical Winter Garden with swimming pool and restaurant complete the relaxing atmosphere anyone would wish for in an upscale hotel. Overnight at Loi Suites Recoleta. |
 Buenos Aires |
 Loi Suites Recoleta |
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Day 2
El Calafate El Calafate is a little village in Patagonia, Argentina. It is situated in the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the southwest part of the Santa Cruz Province, about 320 km Northwest from Río Gallegos. The city is an important tourist destination as the hub to visit different parts of the Los Glaciares National Park, including the Perito Moreno Glacier (one of the most visited in the world) and the Cerro Chaltén and Cerro Torre. Enjoy a private airport transfer in Buenos Aires with a professional driver and English speaking Guide. Fly from Buenos Aires domestic airport to El Calafate. Please note that flights are subject to changes based on availability. The flight duration is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. Enjoy a private airport transfer with your very own vehicle, driver and English speaking guide. “El Calafate Balcony” is doubtlessly an activity where visitors can feel the quietness created by the silence in that place. Moreover, visitors have the possibility of gazing at the immensity of a landscape where the steppe’s dryness gives way to civilization until it blends into the Argentino Lake and the mountains. The trip sets off from El Calafate to later on reach 1050 mts above sea level until it reaches the first Balcony where visitors enjoy a panoramic view of El Calafate and the Eastern side of the Argentino Lake. With no clouds in the sky, visitors may also be able to see both the Chaltén and Torre mounts as well as the condor’s flight. The trip goes on until it reaches the Stones’ Labyrinth, an 85 million year-old Cretacic formation where vehicles start descending towards the “Sombreros” stones, the place chosen to have a snack and something to drink. Without leaving the Argentino Lake’s image behind, the trip back to Calafate begins in order to complete the 35 kilometre tour. It includes: a snack: coffee, tea and madeleines Duration: 3 hours Alto Calafate Hotel is fortunate to have are unbelievable view of sunrises and sunsets as the sky takes over the Patagonia region. The 103 rooms are welcoming, with excellent bedding and contemporary furnishings accompanied by gorgeous views. The hotel's chef is responsible for the succulent grilled meats and other specialties which are enjoyed by guests. One may choose to easily take the shuttle bus into town to sample the local restaurants. Make use of the hotel swimming pool, steam room, and sauna, or simply wander the area. The Perito Moreno glacier lies not far off from the hotel, and it is definitely one of the most interesting sights to catch. Overnight at Alto Calafate Hotel. |
 El Calafate |
 El Calafate Balcony |
 Alto Calafate |
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Day 3
El Calafate One of the best things to do in El Calafate, today you will go on a navigation in front of the Southern wall of the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier, tour through the captivating forest and do the minitrekking over the glacier!
You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the Bajo de las Sombras quay (port), where you board the ship for the 20-minute ride to cross the arm Rico of Lake Argentino. The ship arrives at a cottage where guides will divide all passengers into groups made up of around 10 people. Each group is assigned two guides, one walks at the front an another at the back.
Together wih your group and guides, you will begin a 20-minute walk towards the glacier that begins on the lake’s shore and once you arrive at the edge of the ice, you wil be provided with crampons and instructions about how you should use them on the ice. The trek over the Glacier lasts about 1 hour and a half during which you will be able to see the crevasses, seracs, drains and small lakes. The walk is slow, as you walk over an uneven but firm and safe ice surface. Guides will give short talks about the flora, fauna and general glaciology facts of the region and also some information about the unique phenomenon that takes place at the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its breaking-off. When the walk ends, you will return to the cottage walking through the lush magallanic forest.
On its return to the pier the ship navigates through the channel of ice floes and then approaches the glacier’s walls. You will then be able to get to the glacier's viewpoint where you will have the opportunity to walk along the pathways and admire it from different viewpoints for about one hour before returning to El Calafate.
This tour lasts approximately 5 hours (between navigation and trekking)
Recommendations: a) Age: Due to the level of effort and difficulty that it entails, this excursion is not advisable for the following: people over 65 years old, children under 10, people with overweight or some type of disability. b) Footwear: Any type of sport footwear, for example running/ tennis shoes or trekking boots. Thick woolen or cotton socks are reccommended. Rubber boots and high heels in women are not admitted. Passengers are only provided with crampons. c) Clothing: Sportive (long trousers for both sexes). It is advisable to wear a t-shirt, a sweater and a waterproof jacket/coat. Sunglasses, sunblock and gloves are also reccomended as well as a cap or a hat in case it is too cold. d) Lunch: Passengers must take their lunch boxes and only the groups which take the excursion during the morning have 40 minutes to have lunch at the cottage. Once embarked towards the Glacier, there are no purchasable products. Lunches are easily provided at most hotels, just ask them to prepare this for you. e) Smoking: It is forbidden to smoke during the excursion; neither on the boat, the forest, or the ice nor at the cottage. f) Physical state: Normal. Passengers must know that they will walk slowly for approximately three hours through varied and irregular ground such as ice, forest and stones. Pregnant women, people with heart condition or other serious health conditions are not admitted. g) Difficulty: It is easy, but relatively more complicated for elder people with vertigo or unhealthy physical conditions Overnight at Alto Calafate Hotel. |
 El Calafate Mini Trekking |
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Day 4
Puerto Bories Puerto Bories, about 4 km from downtown Puerto Natales, was a sheep meat and wool processing plant of the Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego. Pioneers arrived from Europe in the late nineteenth Century to the Last Hope Province, giving life to a thriving industry based on sheep farming. Such development resulted in the construction of the Bories Cold-Storage Plant in 1915 were processed, frozen and further exported as meat and wool to the European markets.This industrial plant was fully operating during nearly seven decades, generating employment and contributing to the population growth in the Patagonia, being largely responsible for the foundation of Puerto Natales in 1911.
This industry was autonomous thanks to its operational departments and “estancias”. At full capacity the plant worked an average of 150.000 and 250.000 sheep per year, employing 100 permanent staff during the entire year and reaching 400 workers during periods of higher production (January to April).
The Cold-Storage Plant was constructed in "Post Victorian Industrial" architectural style and features of number of British machinery examples which reflect the technology of the beginning of the Twentieth Century. The frigorifico complex presents is part of the industrial history of the Puerto Natales area. In 2010, the frigorifico was restored into a hotel. A driver from the Singular Patagonia will pick you up at the hotel lobby for a shared transfer from El Calafate, Argentina to the Singular in Patagonia, Chile. The transfer time takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the time spent at border controls. The hotel is located in the converted “Frigorifico Puerto Bories”, a post-Victorian cold-storage plant built in 1915. This industrial complex was originally built by the “Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego” to process and export frozen meat to Europe. The cattle came from all over the Patagonia, including across the Andes in Argentina. ARRIVING AT THE SINGULAR PATAGONIA The factory was in operation for 70 years, generating work and contributing to the development of the region. After a long period of neglect, the building was restored to its former industrial grandeur and as a result of the meticulous conservation, was declared a National Monument in 1996. Overnight at The Singular Patagonia. |
 The Singular Patagonia |
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Day 5
Puerto Bories Choose from a wide range of options during your stay at The Singular Patagonia.
Basic, Medium and Experts level activities are available at your disposal; from trekking to horseback riding, to kayaking, you are sure to have a fantastic day exploring this beautiful landscape! Following is a list of some of the expeditions available, for more details please ask you Sales Consultant:
Basic Level
Full Day: Trekking Sierra Baguales, Trekking and sailing – Isla Focus, Discovering Torres del Paine National Park
Half Day: Sailing to Punta Jamón, Visit to Shotel Aike Wetland – Cerro Castillo, Visit to Puerto Bories Industrial Museum, Puerto Natales, Land of Pioneers, Cycling around Puerto Natales
Medium Level:
Full Day: Sailing around the Patagonia Fjords: Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers and Lago Azul, Horse riding to Puerto Bories
Half Day: Cycling around Laguna Sofía, Trekking Seno Ultima Esperanza or Last Hope Sound overlooking point, Trekking to the Mylodon Caves, Trekking and Watching Andean Condors, Horse Riding around Laguna Sofía – Las Cuevas, Horseback Riding to Mylodon Cave, Horse riding to Puerto Bories
Expert Level:
Full Day: Trekking to the base of Torres del Paine and The Wonders of Torres del Paine National Park Overnight at The Singular Patagonia. |
 Kayaking |
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Day 6
Puerto Bories A variety of expeditions await for you to explore the Patagonia today! Overnight at The Singular Patagonia. |
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Day 7
Santiago Santiago is the capital of Chile, and its largest city. Two decades of uninterrupted economic growth have transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with extensive suburban development, dozens of shopping malls, and impressive high-rise architecture. Santiago has an excellently preserved city square that is very pleasant for a leisurely walk. It also boasts numerous museums, parks, churches and fine restaurants for dining. For a taste of world renown Chilean wines, visit some of the nearby vineyards for day excursions. Upon checking out, you'll be met by a driver for your shared transfer to the airport in Punta Arenas. The transfer takes approximately 4 hours. Fly from Punta Arenas to Santiago. The flight duration is approximately 3.5 hours. Please note: Direct flight is subject to availability at time of booking. Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking. Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver. Situated in the exclusive area of Las Condes, in Santiago, the Atton El Bosque is perfectly placed for those who want easy access to the city. Clean and well-maintained, the 240 rooms are decorated in neutral colors with modern effects. Each room includes air conditioning and heating systems, mini bar, and internet. Dine on authentic Chilean fare, and choose from a range of international dishes. Friendly service and hospitality are one of the highlights of this hotel. Visit the business center for internet use, and try out the gym and swimming pool for a bit of a workout. Overnight at Atton El Bosque Hotel. |
 Santiago |
 Atton el Bosque |
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Day 8
Santiago After being met by your guide and private vehicle at your accommodation, you'll be brought towards Vitacura neighborhood to visit Alonso de Cordova Avenue boutiques, an elegant neighborhood where you will be able to visit the best shops in town and where you'll find “ Lapiz Lazuli “(semi-precious stone found only in Chile and some places in Afghanistan) jewellery shop. Continue on to Parque Arauco Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the country. After getting your fill of shopping, relax on the drive to "Handicraft Los Dominicos town " where you'll find a plethora of traditional Chilean handicraft. Enjoy a private airport transfer in Santiago with a private guide and driver. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
 Los Dominicos Artisan Town |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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