DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Patagonia is contrary. Not only in a relativist sense of being that other, that opposite temperate zone in the western hemisphere, but contrary in the way that it defies any kind of definition or description or history. The native people had the distinction of fiercely kicking the Spanish colonists out of the area in the early 1600s. Europeans were too afraid to push back in until the 19th century. This programme showcases one of Patagonia’s gems – the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Torres del Paine is a true spectacle with its huge granite towers - which Chilean Nobel-winning poet Pablo Neruda once described as “The last scream of the Andes before they gently surrender to the ocean” – and myriad flora and fauna. This area of sheer natural beauty and unique landscapes makes for an unforgettable travel experience. This programme includes an evening in the jump-off town of Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. This gives the group the advantage of an early start on Day 2, allowing for further exploration of this magical place.

DAY 1 - Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas
Begin your adventure with an excursion designed to showcase the charm and colour of the villages and towns that dot the shore of Lake Llanquihue, with spectacular views of the omni-present Osorno Volcano accompanying you throughout its duration. The tour will commence in Puerto Montt, where there will be short highlights tour including a visit to the Angelmó Handicraft Market, just a few minutes’ walk from the dock gates. Also included is a visit to the town of Puerto Octay, founded in the second half of the 19th century by German immigrants. Continue south to the historic town of Frutillar including a visit to the Settlers Museum, which features a fascinating collection of 19th-century antiques, clothing, and artefacts gathered from various immigrant German families around the area. Skirting the lake further south, you will soon arrive to Totoral, a tiny dot on the map which happens to have Chile’s best brewery. Here Cerveza Colonos del Llanquihue is brewed according to the German purity laws of 1516 (Rheinheitsgebot), making for a truly artesian and crisp beer. Following the snack, return to Puerto Varas for lunch and check into your hotel for the night.

DAY 2 - Puerto Varas to Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales
In the morning, transfer to the Puerto Montt airport for the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, commence a city sightseeing tour designed to give a clear understanding of the importance of this region of Patagonia by highlighting the very different destinies of the wealthy, European immigrant families, and that of the Native Indians. The first stop will be the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. There will be a visit to two National Monuments that are testament to the staggering wealth produced by the region's large-scale, colonial-era sheep and cattle estancias; the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum and the Sara Braun Palace. The Museo Regional Braun Menéndez is the former residence of Mauricio Braun and Josefina Menéndez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the Magellanic region. Following the visit, a pisco sour cocktail and king crab canapés will be served next door at the Club de la Unión before continuing your journey towards Puerto Natales. En route to Puerto Natales, a stop will be made at one of the most famous and traditional ranches in the region: Estancia Rio Penitente. This is a typical Patagonian Estancia with an English-style country house dating back to the early 1900s. History and tradition have been kept in these remote lands. Your visit will commence with a demonstration of sheep shearing, employed using the very same techniques as those of 100 years ago. Afterwards enjoy a Patagonian style BBQ lunch before continuing across windswept plains to Puerto Natales. This small town sits on the banks of the Sound of Last Hope, and is the ideal jumping-off point for visiting the Torres del Paine National Park. Dinner this evening will be served at your hotel.

DAY 3 - Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park
This morning you will commence your adventure into the heart of Patagonia, starting with a visit to the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers. Leave the hotel to board a motorboat to cruise through the Seno de Ultima Esperanza (“Last Hope Sound”). The exquisite Patagonian landscape unfolds along the way. Your tour includes impressive sights of both glaciers, and the opportunity to enjoy a gentle hike near the walls of ice of the Balmaceda glacier. Lunch will be served at Hosteria Monte Balmaceda, before continuing upstream along the Serrano River to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, considered the jewel of Chilean Patagonia. One of South America’s newest nature reserves, the Park was created in 1959, with the last addition to its acreage in the early 1970s. Famous for its glaciers, lakes and forests, this rugged region is also home to a wide variety of animal species, including guanaco (a relative of the llama), condors and flamingos. Among the sights you will see today are the Salto Grande Waterfall for a short hike and undisturbed view of the rugged beauty surrounding this scenic locale, and the Laguna Amarga lagoon, known for its intense blue colour. Transfer to the Hosteria Las Torres, in the heart of the National Park. Check in and enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

DAY 4 - Torres del Paine National Park to Punta Arenas
After an early start this morning, drive directly to the National Park. The Torres del Paine experience commences with a navigation across the spectacular Grey Lake, with its spectacular, electric-blue icebergs. Across Nordenskjöld Lake, you can enjoy a sensational view of the famous jagged towers that grace numerous publications. Return to Puerto Natales for a charter flight to Punta Arenas. A light lunch will be served en route.

Upon arrival to Punta Arenas you will arrive to the port to rejoin your ship.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Patagonia is one of Earth’s most brilliant gems, and this programme showcases Torres del Paine National Park, a true spectacle of huge granite towers and myriad flora and fauna. This area of sheer natural beauty and unique landscapes makes for an unforgettable travel experience. This 4 day/3 night programme begins when you leave the ship in Puerto Montt. Make your way through beautiful scenes of the Chilean landscape to the jump-off town of Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. From Puerto Natales, you’ll explore this magical place before meeting your ship once again in Punta Arenas.
 
ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN
DAY 1
- Transfer from the port of Puerto Montt
- Tour of Puerto Montt (including the Angelmó Handicrafts Market)
- Half-day Lake District highlights tour
- Lunch at the Merlin restaurant
- Transfer to Puerto Varas
- Dinner at the Puerto Varas Yacht Club

DAY 2
- Transfer to Puerto Montt airport
- Scheduled air flight to Punta Arenas
- City sightseeing tour of Punta Arenas including a cocktail at the Club de la Unión
- Transfer to Puerto Natales
- Lunch and visit to Estancia Rio Penitente
- Dinner at the hotel

DAY 3
- Visit to the Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers en route to the Torres del Paine National Park
- Lunch at Hosteria Monte Balmaceda
- Excursion in the National Park to the Salto Grande Waterfall and the Laguna Amarga lagoon,
- Transfer to the Hosteria Las Torres
- Dinner served at the hotel.

DAY 4
- Half-day excursion in the Torres del Paine National Park
- Transfer to Puerto Natales
- Charter flight to Punta Arenas
- Transfer to the port of Punta Arenas to rejoin the ship

Approximate duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide
- Includes all meals
- We plan to use the following hotels for this programme:
Night 1 – Hotel Melia Patagonia
Night 2 – Hotel Costaustralis
Night 3 – Hosteria las Torres
- Activity level is Moderate

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