The Best of Patagonia

The afternoon is free for you to relax and settle in. We suggest a stroll along the seafront and a meal at one of the beachfront restaurants. Just ask your Argentina travel specialist for advice and recommendations. (Meals -B)

This is the spring home of a herd of southern right whales, generally arriving in late August and staying until mid-December, although some can be seen as early as June. From here you'll take a boat trip around the bay to watch these immense creatures gliding past, Premium service will include zodiacs for a more personal experience with the wildlife. Following your boat trip you'll return to Puerto Madryn with the evening free. (Meals - B)

Following arrival the remainder of the day will be free for you to spend at your leisure. Warming up by a cozy fire-place in your hotel and enjoying some delicious Patagonian food is highly recommended. (Meals - B)

Premium Service passengers will have the option to canoe around the bay for an alternate perspective on the coastline, then later on after lunch take an afternoon boat trip aboard a Zodiac and sail across the bay to Redonda Island enjoying stunning views back across the park. (Meals B, Premium L)

Premium Service includes the above mentioned, but the sailing trip continues on towards the Chilean Military Township of Puerto Williams, through Mackinlay Pass to Martillo Island. Here you will take a break to visit a Magellan Penguin colony, before continuing the trip to Harberton Ranch where you'll be able to disembark to investigate the area. On the way back you'll also see Remolino Ranch where archeological activities are currently taking place. (Meals B)

The region is also home to high mountains and the immense ice-caps of Los Glaciares National Park, which was added to the World Heritage List in 1981. The pleasant village of El Calafate is often used as a base for hiking and exploring trips into the national park. Visitors can take boat trips across the lakes and walk through forests of poplar, willow and pine, and on to the glacier fields. (Meals - B)

As you approach the glacier you'll be able to see and hear huge blocks of ice breaking off and falling into the waters of the lake. Premium Service passengers will have the opportunity to take a short, or more extensive, hike onto the surface of the glacier and experience spectacular views across its vast blue expanse. (Meals - B)

One involves a relaxed afternoon around Estancia Cristina and the other one a beautiful hike or horse ride to a nearby mountain. Upon arrival at the estancia you will enjoy a delicious Patagonian lunch in the restaurant, which has fabulous views. You'll then visit the main house, the chapel and the museum. Walking tracks around the estancia are framed by the Caterina River, the mountain chain of the Andes and Lago Argentino. If you choose to hike or horse ride you will reach the Carnero Mountain. From there you can admire views of the mountain chain and its glaciers, returning in the evening to your hotel in El Calafate. (Meals - B)