The Invitation | Airfare | Travel Plan | The Itinerary

The Travel Plan

Santiago Restaurant

There are a few days in Santiago to explore the sights in and around this wonderful city. You may even go to Mt Aconcagua. Then you take a flight Eastward across the Andes to the home of Tango, Buenos Aires. This stop will allow time to explore this brilliant city before flying South across the pampas to El Calafate.

The tour will head first for El Chalten at the foot of the Fitz Roy Massive. This will be our base for some days as we walk through grass covered alpine meadows and wonderful forests. There are carpets of wildflowers, babbling streams and towering above, huge awe inspiring peaks. The walking is easy and the rewards outstanding. This area is one of the most beautiful walking spots in the world. We will base ourselves in a local hostel and participants can do a variety of day or even multi-day trips.

Shopping in Puerto Montt

From Chalten one can walk to the Climber Base Camp right at the foot of Mt Fitz Roy. Another special walk is to the foot of Cerro Torre which is one of the most difficult peaks to climb in the world. This amazing granite spire is truly magnificent. Every person who walks the dry, well graded trails around these fabulous peaks leaves with memories that endure for the rest of their lives. there is also great shopping and excellent dining available. From Chalten we travel to El Calafate in Argentina. This is the access point for visits to Glaciers National Park. Here condors soar over ice-wracked terrain from another era. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the biggest glaciers on the world outside of Antarctica. The power and visual impact is amazing. There will also be time to have a walk on the glacier, take in the Upsaala Glacier and to sail amongst icebergs floating in frigid waters.

From El Calafate it is only a bus ride to the unbelievably beautiful Torres Del Paine National Park. Here magical lakes are surrounded by enormous granite spires. The lush countryside is populated with guanacos (a proud and attractive cousin of the llamas) and the lakes teem with bird life. We plan to spend several days walking and/or driving around this fantastic place. The photo opportunities alone are stunning. Here you can see flamingos, rheas and a wealth of other wildlife. Once again, there are alternatives to walking. Whatever you do, the photo opportunities are legion. Waterfall in the French Valley

Cuernos Del Paine

Torres Del Paine is a World Heritage Site. Spectacular views are available from virtually every corner of the park whether you're walking, driving or having coffee or a meal in a quality restaurant.

Artisans Shops, Puerto Netales

After Torres Del Paine we drive to the picturesque town of Puerto Netales. On the way we will visit the cave of the prehistoric bear-like creature called the Miladon. After Netales we head for Punta Arenas the Southern-most city of Chile. Here you can sail on the Magellan Straits and see penguin and see lions. We finish with a party and the next day the group disperses as people start their onward journeys.

Some people might stay on a while, others might head for Inca areas etc. the beauty of the airfare included is that it is continent based, not mileage. A huge variety or options are available. From South America you can return home via Europe and either Asia or Africa.

For information on this itinerary, please e-mail us at au_travel@bigpond.com.au.