Grand Adventure I - 22 Days with 4 Nights Cruise M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas September 2023-April 2024 Tour Departure Dates will vary – consult with your EcoAdventures Destination Specialist from $3895* Itinerary - 22 Days: • 2 Nights Santiago, Chile • 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages • 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world • 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic • 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers • 4 Nights Ventus Australis or Stella Australis-Cruise the Southern tip of South America • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" *Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season. Click here for cruise rates. EcoAdventures Grand Adventure I 2023-2024 - 283K PDF

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Grand Adventure II - 20 Days with 4 Nights Cruise M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis Cruise Punta Arenas to Ushuaia September 2023-April 2024 Tour Departure Dates will vary – consult with your EcoAdventures Destination Specialist from $3390* Itinerary - 20 Days: • 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic • 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world • 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" • 4 Nights Ventus Australis or Stella Australis–Cruise the Southern tip of South America • 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers *Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season. Click here for cruise rates. EcoAdventures Grand Adventure II 2023-2024 - 196K PDF

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Day 1: Depart Home City

. There you will be met for a tour of the quaint fishing village of

Petrohue and board a boat crossing

Take in the breathtaking views of the Chilean Lakes from Cathedral Mountain

Day 7: Bariloche Tour In town, see the main square and the important government buildings. Then, skirt the lake to Cathedral Mountain for an overview of all the surrounding lakes, hills and mountains that make Bariloche one of the most scenic spots in the world! (B)
Day 8: Bariloche to Buenos Aires Fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires, and transfer to your selected hotel. Remainder of the evening at leisure. (B)
Day 9: Buenos Aires City Tour Your private vehicle and guide will drive down 9th of July Avenue, the widest street in the world, past the Colon Opera House to the Plaza de Mayo. Facing the plaza are both the pink Presidential Palace and the National Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the liberator, San Martin. Next, visit the old port district, "La Boca," with its pastel houses and shops. You will have time to browse through the shops for souvenirs. (B)
Day 10: Tango Show A day completely free to explore on your own. Sip traditional tea at a local teashop, or visit one of the estancias in the distant suburbs. This evening, enjoy a motorcoach tour with a typical Argentine beef dinner followed by a Tango performance. (B, D)
Day 11: Buenos Aires to Lake Argentina Transfer to the Municipal Airport in Buenos Aires for a flight to El Calafate in Argentina. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your selected hotel. (B)
Day 12: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour Today you will take an exciting, scenic tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Depart early in the morning via motorcoach for the Magellan Peninsula, and continue to the cliff overlooking the glacier. You will have several hours to explore this great natural wonder from many different perspectives. This is the only glacier in the world that is still growing, and it encompasses an area larger than cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. The deep blue color of the ice is attributed to its age, over 30,000 years. If you are lucky, you will witness one of the calvings, in which 30-foot pieces of ice break off the glacier and crash into the lake. What a show! (B, L)
Day 13: Iced Rivers Tour The Ice River Express tour from El Calafate is an exceptional day excursion, discovering the icy rivers in the South of Argentina. This Patagonian glacier full day tour invites you to sail across the northern waters of Lake Argentina and sightsee the stunning natural landscapes of the towering ice walls and the immense icebergs of the Los Glaciares National Park. This spectacular Glaciers Boat Tour will pick you up from El Calafate and take you to the nearby Punta Bandera Harbour, where your glacier boat excursion will depart. Navigate the northern arm of Lake Argentina across the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake. Cruise up the Upsala channel, towards the spectacular Upsala Glacier allowing you to sightsee the mesmerizing natural landscapes of icy, deep blue rivers and enormous icebergs floating past. The boat tour then continues on to the Spegazzini Channel, where you will get the chance to see the Seco Glacier, finally reaching the highest Glacier in the National park, the Spegazzini Glacier, with its spectacular steep, dramatic icescape that curves down the mountainside into the lake. As this breathtaking Patagonian Glacier tour comes to an end you are transported back to El Calafate, via Punta Bandera Harbour. (B, L)
Day 14: Lake Argentina/Tierra del Fuego/Australis Cruise Morning transfer to the airport. There, you will board a flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost commercial airport in the world, on the island of Tierra del Fuego where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Transfer directly to the pier to commence your exciting five-day adventure on board the M/V Stella Australis or the M/V Ventus Australis cruise around the southern tip of South America to Punta Arenas, Chile. During the night you traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands. (B, D)
Note: Click here for packages to extend your stay at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.

Sailing on the M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis (Click on the ships' links above for more information, deck plans and photo galleries.) M/V Stella Australis M/V Ventus Australis Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season. (click here for M/V Stella Australis Cruise Rates, Departure Dates, Technical Specifications & Photos) (click here for M/V Ventus Australis Cruise Rates, Departure Dates, Technical Specifications & Photos)

Day 15: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay Around the break of dawn, M/V Ventus Australis crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, you will go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition — and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland — Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the 'End of the Earth.' The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, you anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region's largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station — which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area — passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooded mountain behind the bay. On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Pía Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier You continue overnight around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, M/V Ventus Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning you are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking you take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. Or you can opt for a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.) 

Making your way further west along the Beagle Channel, you enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion. Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking. This time you hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord. The walk is demanding — very steep, negligible trail, rough footing — and not for everyone. For those who choose to stay onboard, the captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Agostini Sound - Águila Glacier - Cóndor Glacier You sail through the Cockburn Channel early in the morning and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range — some of them reaching the water. This morning you will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. You will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views. In the afternoon, you approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac — and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area. (B, L, D)
Day 18: Arrive in Punta Arenas and Transfer to Paine National Park Early in the morning you will disembark on Magdalena Island, home of a colony of over 120,000 penguins in different stages of breeding. You will then take a walk to San Isidro Lighthouse, which used to guide the explorer sailors crossing the Strait of Magellan. Afterwards sail into Punta Arenas. Meeting service at the port and transfer to Paine National Park. The drive is about six hours via paved and then a well-graded road. You will spend four nights in the park at your choice of all-inclusive property: Hosteria Las Torres, Hosteria Rio Serrano, Tierra Patagonia or Explora en Patagonia. Note: Paine National Park packages are NOT included in the quotes. Click here for rates at the lodges. (B, D)
Days 19 & 20: In Paine National Park All excursions are included in your hotel package. (B, L, D daily)
Day 21: Paine National Park/Punta Arenas/Santiago Early morning transfer to Punta Arenas Airport for your flight to Santiago and your connecting flight home. (B)
Day 22: Arrive Home City

The Grand Adventure II - 20 Days M/V Stella Australis 4 Nights Cruise Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Tour Departure Dates Vary - Inquire M/V Ventus Australis 4 Nights Cruise Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Tour Departure Dates Vary - Inquire Note: The ships follow the same itinerary but on different days of the week. • 3 Nights Buenos Aires–Sophisticated and chic • 2 Nights Bariloche–One of the most scenic spots in the world • 2 Nights Chilean Lakes Region–Breathtaking scenery & quaint fishing villages • 3 Nights Paine National Park–Magnificent "Towers of Paine" • 4 Nights Ventus Australis or Stella Australis–Cruise the Southern tip of South America • 3 Nights Lake Argentina–Windswept forests and glaciers *Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season.Click here for cruise rates. EcoAdventures Grand Adventure II 2023-2024 - 196K PDF Itinerary - 20 Days

Click here to open EcoAdventures Grand Adventure iI map in new window (18K)

Day 1: Depart Home City
Day 2: Arrive in Buenos Aires Afternoon private Buenos Aires City Tour (B)
Day 3: Leisure Day in Buenos Aires (B)
Day 4: In Buenos Aires - Evening Tango Show A day completely free to explore on your own. Sip traditional tea at a local teashop, or visit one of the estancias in the distant suburbs. This evening, enjoy a motorcoach tour with a typical Argentine beef dinner followed by a Tango performance. (B, D)
Day 5: Buenos Aires to Bariloche (B)
Day 6: In Bariloche - Scenic Tour In town, see the main square and the important government buildings. Then, skirt the lake to Cathedral Mountain for an overview of all the surrounding lakes, hills and mountains that make Bariloche one of the most scenic spots in the world! (B)
Day 7 & 8: Two-Day Lake Crossing to Puerto Montt Begin this overland journey through pine forests, past tranquil farms, and over broad lakes to Argentina. Bus past Lake Llanquihue to Petrohue and board a boat crossing Lake Todos Los Santos to Peulla mountain lodge for overnight. (B, L, D)

Click here for the Lakes Crossing map (opens in new window)

Day 9: Puerto Montt/Punta Arenas/Paine Park The drive is about six hours via paved and then a well-graded road. You will spend three nights in the park at your choice of all-inclusive property: Hosteria Las Torres, Hosteria Rio Serrano, Tierra Patagonia or Explora en Patagonia. Note: Paine National Park packages are NOT included in quotes. Click here for rates at the lodges. (B, D)
Days 10 & 11: In Paine National Park (B, L, D Daily)
Day 12: Paine Park to Punta Arenas/Embark Australis Cruise After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night you cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as you enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Note: Click here for packages to extend your stay at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego.

Sailing on the M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis (Click on the ships' links above for more information, deck plans and photo galleries.) M/V Stella Australis M/V Ventus Australis Note: Rates for cruises are NOT included in the quoted tour rates. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category and season. (click here for M/V Stella Australis Cruise Rates, Departure Dates, Technical Specifications & Photos) (click here for M/V Ventus Australis Cruise Rates, Departure Dates, Technical Specifications & Photos)

Day 13: By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. You go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains. Leaving the Ainsworth Bay tour behind, you sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets. After lunch, you board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April — when the penguins live elsewhere — this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers You sail overnight around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Ventus Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning you head for Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. After disembarking you take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. Or you can opt for a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king. Back onboard the ship, you continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries — Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Wulaia Bay and Cape Horn During the early morning you navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region's largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station — which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area — passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum — letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers — an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Arrival Ushuaia/Fly to El Calafate Arrive Ushuaia and transfer to the airport for your flight to El Calafate. (B)
Day 17: Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour (B, L)
Day 18: Full-Day Iced Rivers Tour (B, L)
Day 19: El Calafate/Buenos Aires/Connections Home (B)
Day 20: Arrive Home City

Rates Include: All airfares within South America are included in the rates & are subject to change without notice. Airfares from/to North America are not included. Call 1-800-326-5025 for airfares from major US cities.

	Tour Rates Per Person (Minimum of 2 passengers to operate) Trip operates September-April		Itinerary #1 22 Days	Itinerary #2 20 Days
			Dbl	Dbl
	Tourist Class	2023-2024	$3895	$3390
	First Class	2023-2024	$4060	$3650
	Deluxe Class	2023-2024	$4500	$3950
	Deluxe Plus Class	2023-2024	$6290	$5650
Bariloche Town Center
NOTE: Cruises on board the M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or v/v are NOT INCLUDED in the quoted tour rates above. The cruise rates are additional, based on the category & season. See M/V Stella Australis Cruise Rates, Ship Specifications and Deck Plans. See M/V Ventus Australis Cruise Rates, Ship Specifications and Deck Plans. NOTE: Rates do not include the stay in Towers of Paine National Park. See Patagonia: Towers of Paine for hotel selections, details and rates on the all-inclusive properties in Paine National Park. IMPORTANT NOTE: Itinerary #1: The airfares Santiago to Puerto Montt, Bariloche to Buenos Aires to El Calafate to Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas to Santiago are NOT included in the rates. Rates may vary from $1150 to $1500 per person, depending on availability of space. Itinerary #2: The airfares Buenos Aires to Bariloche, Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas, Ushuaia to El Calafate to Buenos Aires are NOT included in the rates. Rates may vary from $975 to $1140 per person, depending on availability of space.  Any airfares quoted are subject to change without notice, and cannot be guaranteed unless tickets have been issued. Airfares from/to North America are NOT included.