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Argentina Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ushuaia fin del mundo Ushuaia fin del mundo Marcelo Cossa The name Argentina derives from the Latin argentum which means silver. Argentina is the land of Gauchos, Asado, Mate, Pampas, Tango, and Dulce de leche. The name immediately conjures up the image of big steaks, passionate men and women and long night of eating the best meat of the world and sipping mate, afterwards. The capital city Buenos Aires is the center of the country in all ways except its geographical location. With the R?­o de la Plata, in the east of the country, it is actually the city that is closest to the Old Continent, and probably the most European city in South America. Behind Buenos Aires, the land of the Pampas begins. Many towns with historical centres that go back to colonial are worth visiting. In the west, the Andes mountains offer great outdoor opportunities: hiking, skiing and much more. Patagonia, the far south of Argentina is a rugged and cold land. The area around Ushuaia, southern most city of the counrty, is mild in October to May. It is great for the lovers of nature and wildlife; big glaciers that go directly into the Barney, birds, seals and other arctic animals abound. In the northwestern corner of this dreamed land, deserts and steppes are the most common geographical sites; and in the northeastern part of the country, Iguazú Falls, complete all kinds of climate existing on the Earth... all in one beautiful country. The people are awesome, full of kindness - at least most of the time ;) -, and the weather is mostly pleasant all the year. Many people call this the Paris of the Americas. Every country seems to have its own unique foods and Argentina is no different. You will be hard pressed to go anywhere in Argentina without seeing someone carrying a "mate" (wooden cup) and "bombilla" (metal straw) with "yerba mate" drink (a local herbal tea) in one hand and a vacuum flask (Thermos) slung over their shoulder, ready to top up their mate when empty. Another strange obsession with the Argentine people is their love of ice cream. Locally made ice cream af great quality can be found all over the country in a variety of flavours. Remember to try dulce de leche (caramelised milk) flavoured ice cream. You can also get dulce de leche spread to have on your toast. A must to try. ___________History Edit This The area of present Argentina was relatively sparsely populated until it was colonised by Europeans. Spain established a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires in 1580, and the Viceroyalty of River Plate in 1776. Independence from Spain was declared on 9 July 1816. Centralist and federationist groups were in conflict, until national unity was established and the Constitution promulgated in 1853. Foreign investment and inmigration from Europe aided the introduction of modern agricultural techniques and integration of Argentina into the world economy in the late 19th century. In the 1880s the "Conquest of the Desert" subdued or exterminated the remaining native tribes throughout Patagonia. From 1880 to 1930 Argentina became one of the ten wealthiest nations. Conservative forces dominated Argentine politics until 1916, when their traditional rivals, the Radicals, won control of the government. The military forced Hipolito Yrigoyen from power in 1930 leading to another decade of Conservative rule. Political change led to the presidency of Juan Domingo Perón in 1946, who aimed at empowering the working class and greatly expanded the number of unionised workers. The Revolucion Libertadora of 1955 deposed him. In the 1950s and 1960s, military and civilian administrations traded power. When military governments failed to revive the economy and suppress escalating terrorism in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the way was open for Perón's return to the presidency in 1973, with his third wife, Maria Estela Isabel Martinez de Peron, as Vice President. During this period, extremists on the left and right carried out terrorist acts with a frequency that threatened public order. Perón died in 1974. His wife succeeded him in office, but a military coup removed her from office in 1976. Economic problems, charges of corruption, public revulsion in the face of human rights abuses and, finally, the country's 1982 defeat in the Falklands War discredited the Argentine military regime. Democracy was restored in 1983. Demographics: Unlike most of its neighbouring countries, Argentina's population descends overwhelmingly from Europeans. The basic demographic stock (95% of the population) is made up of descendants of the Spanish colonists, augmented by descendants of later Italian, Spanish and other European settlers. The indigenous (poorly estimated between .5% ) and identifiably mestizo populations (estimated at around 4.5%) There was a sizable population of Afro-Argentinians in the 1800's, but the population has largely intermarried into the larger community and the Afro-Argentinian community today is sparse. There is also a notable population of Gitanos, otherwise known as Roma or Gypsies. in Argentina. Waves of immigrants from European countries arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.. The Patagonian Chubut Valley has a significant Welsh-descended population and retains many aspects of Welsh culture. Other important immigrant groups came from Germany, France, Scandinavia (especially Sweden), the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Eastern European nations, such as Poland, Russia, Ukraine and the Balkans region (especially Croatia and Serbia). The Jewish community in Argentina is comprised predominantly of Ashkenazi Jews of Northern and Eastern European origin, and numbers about 395,379, which is the largest in Latin America and fifth largest in the world. Syrian, Lebanese and other Middle Eastern immigrants number about 500,000, mainly in urban areas. Small numbers of people from East Asia have settled Argentina, mainly in Buenos Aires. The first were Japanese, but Koreans and Chinese soon followed. There was a substantial immigration from other Latin American countries during the 1990s from Bolivia, Paraguay and Chile number about 2,000,000 and 4,000,000. ____________Practical Information Edit This General information to help plan a better trip, country`s weather and what to pack currency, getting their, customs, visas & vaccinations, culture, wildlife and other tools to help prepare your vacation. Please do take into account that prices are in Argentine Pesos (ARS) . Sometimes people may take advantage of you being a tourist and ask you to pay in dollars. They can also charge a lot more than it really costs. So it is useful to know some Spanish frases. A few useful words in Spanish: Si (Yes) No (No) Buen día (Good morning) Buenas noches (Good night) Adios (Goodbye) Gracias (Thank you) Bienvenido (Welcome) Como es su nombre? (What is your name?) De donde es usted ? (Where do you come from?) Yo vengo de… (I come from...) Como está usted ? (How are you) Hacia donde va ? (Where are you going) Cuanto cuesta esto? (How much does this cost?) Diez dólares (Ten dollars) Lo compro (I'll buy it) Lo siento (I'm sorry) Espere un minuto (Wait a minute) Tengo que cambiar dinero (I have to change money) Disculpeme (Excuse me) __________Getting Around Edit This Español Andando It’s a Cultural study tour that will teach you Spanish while learning about the beautiful city of Buenos Aires. It’s an informal and relaxed group course that allows you to learn Spanish in its own context, in a 100% practical way! Espanol Andando It’s a great introduction to the Spanish language and Latin American Culture. Through activities and materials that are specially designed the classes take place in different spots around the city. It’s not just about moving the class to an outdoor setting. We replace the old and impersonal “role plays” with real life situations and use all of the resources of a Spanish speaking city as learning tools. Español Andando is not a school, with Español Andando the school is the streets of Buenos Aires, it's people and it's culture. A perfect choice for those who; ...speak a little bit of Spanish but need to know how to put that knowledge into use. ...are planning on enrolling in a formal course but still feel a bit shy about Spanish. ...don’t speak ANY Spanish, but will be travelling in the region for a while and could use some survival skills. ...are already taking private classes, but would like to take what you study out of the classroom and practise your conversational skills in real life experiences. ...have limited time in the city and want to make the most of it! FORMAL CONTENTS Espanol Andando it's aimed at beginners upto lower intermediate Spansih levels, following a programme that covers the basics of survival Spanish and has nevertheless, the capacity to adapt to the group’s different needs and previous knowledge. You’ll spend three hours every day with a spanish teacher while being exposed to spanish language situations and together, you will work on the skills you need to polish the most. Besides Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills, Espanol Andando also covers a general approach to the Argentinian culture through art, music, tango, food, etc. ITINERARY **Day 1** Learn how to introduce yourself, use basic prepositions and ask for directions while we stroll trough San Telmo and the local Bus Station. **Day 2** Let's walk around Palermo and visit some shops to learn new vocabulary to describe our likes and dislikes. Use a supermarket to learn about local products and how to get them! **Day 3** Read the local newspapers at a downtown cafe. We will use the papers to learn about nouns, adjectives and articles and weather expressions. **Day 4** Learn new vocabulary and use it to describe food and favors practicing what you have learn while having a delicious local specialty! Have a look at some of the media reviews we received for more description about the course! http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,25229-2078435,00.html http://www.tntmagazine.com/travelzone/default.asp?ID=details&feature=561&page=results http://www.nysun.com/article/49271 SCHEDULE Regular sessions are held from Monday to Thursday; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 2-5 PM, and Thursdays 8-11 PM. NEW OPTIONS! GOURMET+ ESTANCIA ANDANDO Spend three days/ two nights at a country house away from the city and learn it all about regional food while you learn how to cook it yourself and practise your language skills. Learn new vocabulary and get to see the real “pampas” Intermediate levels only ONE-ON-ONE If you prefer the personal attention of a teacher then this is the program for you. Work on the things you need the most. Join Andando for the amount of days you prefer! INTENSIVE WEEKEND Not enaugh time in town? Spend Saturday and Sunday covering the main points of our regular program in only two days. Specially designed to enjoy a beautiful weekend in town while learning the basics of Spanish. To reserve your place for any of our programs, please contact info@espanol-andando.com.ar with the following information: __________Getting There Edit This Air Argentina's national airline is Aerolíneas Argentinas (AR). Other airlines serving Argentina include Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, American Airlines, British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Copa, Delta, Iberia, LAN, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, Lufthansa, Pluna, South African Airlines and United Airlines. Approximate flight times From Buenos Aires to London is 18 hours (depending on connection), to Los Angeles is 16 hours, to New York is 14 hours 15 minutes, to Singapore is 29 hours 30 minutes and to Sydney is 16 hours. International airport Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) International Airport 50km (31.5 miles) from the city. There is a bus service to the city operating every 30 minutes between 0500-2300 (travel time – 30 minutes). Taxis are also available. Airport facilities include a bank restaurants bureau de change duty-free shops and car hire (Avis Dollar and Localiza). There is also a coach connection to Jorge Newbery airport (locally called Aeroparque) for domestic flight connections. Departure tax US$18. For flights to Montevideo (Uruguay) the departure tax is US$8. Passengers in transit and children under two years of age are exempt. Sea The main ports are Buenos Aires Quequén and Bahía Blanca. There are ferry connections down the Paraná River from Paraguay and ferries and hydrofoils link Buenos Aires with Montevideo in Uruguay. Rail The major direct international route is from Buenos Aires to Asunción in Paraguay. There are also direct rail links with Bolivia Brazil Chile and Paraguay. The timetables and journey times are often disrupted and delays can be expected. Road Argentina has a network of aproximately 217 762km (136 101 miles) of roads of which around 156 789km (97 993 miles) are paved. There are well-maintained road routes from Uruguay Brazil Paraguay Bolivia and Chile. Coach Direct daily services between Buenos Aires Puerto Alegre São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Contributors January 03, 2006 change by giorgio ___________Economy Edit This Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. The country historically had a large middle class, compared to other Latin American countries, but this segment of the population was decimated by a succession of economic crises. Since the late 1970s the country piled up public debt and was plagued by bouts of high inflation. In 1991, the government pegged the peso to the U. S. dollar and limited the growth in the monetary base. The government then embarked on a path of trade liberalisation, deregulation, and privatisation. Inflation dropped and GDP grew, but external economic shocks and failures of the system diluted its benefits, causing it to crumble in slow motion, from 1995 and up to the collapse in 2001. By 2002 Argentina had defaulted on its debt, its GDP had shrunk, unemployment was over 18%, the peso had devalued 75% after being floated, and inflation was hitting again. However, careful spending control and heavy taxes on now soaring exports gave the state the tools to regain resources and conduct monetary policy. In 2003, import substitution policies and soaring exports, coupled with a lower inflation and expansive economic measures, triggered a surge in the GDP, which was repeated in 2004, creating jobs and encouraging internal consumption. Capital flight decreased, and foreign investment slowly returned. The influx of foreign currency from exports created such a huge trade surplus that the Central Bank was forced to buy dollars from the market, which it continues to do at the time, to be accumulated as reserves. Since the crisis, Argentina has grown 27% (8,8% in 2003, 9% in 2004 and 9,1% in 2005) and it seems it will continue like this as investment is in a good percent of the GDP, inflation is under control, people are consumpting, credit is coming back, unemployment has fallen below 10% in just 3 years, exports get records numbers each year and the government is starting to re-pay the defaulted debt. ___________Health Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more) Rabies A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed. [more] a ids As a physician in Belize and had Dengue myself. Ibuprofen works well for the fever and aches, and, in my opinion, is not a risk for hemmorhagic fever (which has never been seen in Belize, as far as I know). ___________Day Trips Edit This Tigre Tigre kram123 Fly Fishing and duck hunting [Add Day Trip] Day trip to Tigre Edit This Tigre Tigre photo by: kram123 If you are in Buenos Aires and want to see a nice landscape take the train to Tigre, in the suburbs. From Retiro Train Station you will have about an hour trip till Tigre (trains finish there, you won't get lost). You can see the artisans fair, buy fresh fruits, and take a boat trip along the islands of Delta. Boat trips to explore the islands will take a minimum of half a day, but if you enjoy nature at its best , try a full day or overnight. Both ublic and private boat tours are available, being the last more expensive. Some boat tour more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 5411 4 8243366 url: www.barbacharters.com.ar address: beruti 3000 email: slbengo@ciudad.com.ar __________Beaches Edit This photo Argentine beaches are known for their sand content. [Add Beach] Pinamar Edit This photo Pinamar is located less than 400km south of Buenos Aires, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the Buenos Aires Province. coordinates 37°06'44?S, 56°51'51?W , Pinamar is one of several small seaside communities that line the coast. Since Pinamar's main attraction is the ocean, it is a fairly quiet town during the winter months. Tourism is what fuels the economy during the summer. It has 22 kms of wide beaches along it and the close town of Carilo is a great place to relax on its peaceful wood-hostels. The beaches are just beautiful. Please come see the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 54 02254 494338 url: www.pinamarweb.com address: Av Bunge 645 email: webmaster@pinamarweb.com Mar del Plata Edit This Mar del Plata (population 550,000) is an Argentine city located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the Buenos Aires Province, 400 km south of Buenos Aires. As an important fishing port, industry concentrates on fish processing. The area is also host to other light industry, such as textile and food manufacturing. Located nearby are stonemasons which are used in construction. As part of the Argentine recreational coast, tourism is one of Mar del Plata's main economic activities. Between five and seven million tourists visit Mar del Plata every year, more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.mardelplata.com __________Festivals Edit This These are the festivals, the cities and months World Tango Festival: Buenos Aires, January Art BA Fair: Buenos Aires, May Gualeguaychu Carnival: Gualeguaychu (Entre Rios province), January-February Creamfields: Buenos Aires, November OktoberFest Argentina: Villa General Belgrano (Cordoba province), October International BA Festival: Buenos Aires, September Semana Musical Llao Llao: Bariloche, September BA Tango Festival: Buenos Aires, February-March Tilcara Carnival Festival: Tilcara (Salta province), March BA Gay Parade: Buenos Aires, November Contributors January 04, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Festival] La Rural Edit This major agricultural and equestrian show; Palermo, Buenos Aires; late July. World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::::Bahia blanca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bahia Blanca is the second largest seaport in Argentina. The city has its own Walmart. Everything else is quite Argentinian. It is a good place to have a fun time and plenty to see. Email me at bluewaterdown@yahoo.com for more information. ::::::::::: Bariloche Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cerro Catedral Cerro Catedral me Bariloche is well known as a posh ski resort in the Argentinian Andes. But the town has a lot more to offer than just ski slopes. There is a great National Park nearby, and there are many hiking, biking, rafting and other outdoor activities waiting for you. Every season in Bariloche has its own special charm. Winter brings the excitement of skiing and the graduate trips that arrive between july and september. Fishing tackle in November, long, hot days in summer and crowded chocolate shops at Easter are typical of the changing seasons. Bariloche's tourist area is located near the Centro Cívico, with the main shopping and business area centered on Mitre street, and to a lesser extent, Moreno and intersecting streets. There are chocolate factories, shops selling smoked food and knitted garments, restaurants and fast food outlets, tourist agencies, shows, and everything else that a first-class tourist resort can offer. Parapointing is available from the top of the ski resort during the summer months. Jumping off a mountain on a parachute is quite a thrill. Horseback riding and extensive trails are also available in the area. __________Sights Edit This Bariloche - Lago Gutierrez Bariloche - Lago Gutierrez Diego Moretti [Add Sight] Bariloche Cathedral Edit This Bariloche - Lago Gutierrez Bariloche - Lago Gutierrez photo by: Diego Moretti Built in 1946, under the name Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi -Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi- it belongs to the National Parks Administration and has been declared a National Historical Monument. The Bariloche diocese was created in 1993. Its bishop is Monseñor Rubén Frassia. Every Christmas a concert is given at the cathedral by the "Coro de Niños y Jóvenes Cantores de Bariloche" -Bariloche Children and Young People's Choir- together with other choirs and local musicians. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] The "Centro Cívico" Edit This Inaugurated on March 17, 1940, this was Argentina's first civic center. Designed by architect E. de Estrada, it was built from "ciprés" and "alerce" wood and stone quarried from Carbón mountain. A monument to Julio A. Roca stands in the center of the square. The Centro Cívico was declared a National Monument in 1987. The square is surrounded by buildings hosting the Police Station, the ex-post office and ex-customs offices (now an exhibition salon), the Offices of the Municipal Secretariat of Tourism, the Town Hall, Museum and Sarmiento Library. There is a large clock in the more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Patagonia Museum "Francisco P. Moreno" Edit This Inaugurated by Parques Nacionales in 1940, the museum is located at the east end of the Centro Cívico. It was named after Francisco P. Moreno, who explored the Andes and Patagonian rivers, and donated to the government the lands which were to become Argentina's first National Park (see information on Nahuel Huapi National Park). The museum's first director was Enrique Artayeta. Parques Nacionales acquired the museum's first anthropological and historical collection, which has since increased along with the findings of researchers. There are various sections, including natural more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::::::Cafayate Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cafayate Cafayate Hugo van der Flier Cafayate is wine growing in a very rough and desert-like environment. If you have the opportunity go visit one of the bodegas, like Etchart or Michel Torino. The white Argentinian torrontes they make over here is famous. Cafayate is a town located at the central zone of the Valles Calchaquíes in the province of Salta, Argentina. It sits 1,683 meters above mean sea level, at a distance of 1,329 kilometres from Buenos Aires, 227 from Tucumán, 311 km from Jujuy and 365 km from Catamarca. It has about 12,000 inhabitants and the population is about 11,785 The town is an important tourist centre for exploring the Calchaquíes valleys, and because of the quality and originality of the wines produced in the area. It was founded in 1840 by Manuel Fernando de Aramburu, at the site of a mission. In 1863 the Cafayate Department was created, of which Cafayate is the capital. :::::::::::Cordoba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Rio Anisacate Rio Anisacate almafuerte Ask any Argentinian about their favorite part of the country and many will respond: the province of Cordoba. This region, in the centre of the country and about 800 km from the capital Buenos Aires, is known to be a hot spot for those who want to enjoy pure, rough nature. Mountains, rivers, lakes, forest, you can find everything in Cordoba. Surrounded by nature you will also find famous villages like for example Villa Carlos Paz, Mina Clavero, Villa General Belgrano and San Marcos Sierra. Besides, the capital of the province, also named Cordoba, is an interesting town full of movement. _________Practical Information Edit This If you want to move around in the province of Cordoba you have a wide network of buslines available (all leaving from the main bus terminal in the capital). Another option is renting a car at the airport or in the centre of the capital. You have to realise yourself that driving a car is a risky adventure. Another interesting option is taking private owned "remises". Ask around in the area where you are if they now a person who runs a remis service. In every village there is always a person who wants to make some extra money with this. Don't expect luxury cars, be sure the car is safe enough though. For tourists from Europe or the USA a remis is a good and cheap option to move around in the capital or the close surroundings. With a "remis" driver you can negociate a fixed price for the trip or for f.e. a day trip. __________Day Trips Edit This Rio Anisacate Rio Anisacate almafuerte Villa Los Aromos, 70 km south of Cordoba city is a very nice small town, nice to relax. The village itself has nothing special to offer, it is really a holiday place. In the summertime many Argentinians rent houses over there and the offer for rental is good. Main attraction is the river Anisacate, which is a beautiful place to swim. Beware of the sudden rising of the river, sometimes it can be dangerous after periods of rainfall. Villa Los Aromos (and all the villages around, like La Bolsa or Alta Gracia) can be reached from Cordoba Capital with the bus service of Sierras de Calamuchita, leaving from the bus terminal in the capital. Contributors February 25, 2005 new by almafuerte (1 point) [Add Day Trip] Capilla del Monte / Cerro Uritorco Edit This Another beautiful day-trip from Cordoba capital is Capilla del Monte, about 100 km North of the city. This town attracts many spiritual people because of its nearby Cerro Uritorco, a mountain which possesses special powers. From the top of the mountain, which is easy to climb, you have a beautiful view of the surroundings and you might meet some UFO's (it is said that people have seen UFO's there). Capilla del Monte can be reached from the bus terminal in Cordoba by taking buslines from El Serra or La Calera. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.capilladelmonte.com.ar ::::::::: Corrientes Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Corrientes is one of the oldest cities of Argentina. Located some 1000 km from Buenos Aires at the confluence of the Parana and Paraguay rivers it is a pleasant place to stay a few days, although you shouldn't expect anything spectacular. The pattern of the city is that of a perfect grid. The Plaza 25 de Mayo is the centre of town (heard that one before) but the attractions are spread out all over all the city. For shopping head for the Junin mall between Salta and Catamarca streets. The shady riverside Parque Mitre is a perfect place to relax. The Convento de San Francisco on Mendoza street is one of the nicest attractions. The Museo Historico and the Museo de Bellas Artes are both well worth a visit too. Accross the river is Resistencia the capital of the Chaco province - the city of sculptures with statues on every city park, sidewalk and square. :::::::::::Esquina Corrientes Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see romms romms Corrientes has “Paye” says the popular saying from the area. Paye in the land of the acient Guaranies means majesty, the leyend says whoever visits Corrientes falls in love completely. Posada hambare is exactly like that, it’s a place where you’ll fall in love and you’ll never forget it. It is the best place to perceive fluvial essence of the Mesopotamia. The place is unique for its nature and its environment, it is located in front of the Corriente’s River giving the most spectacular view from the house. That River begins at the Esteros del Ibera and ends up by the Esquina’s port, crossing by unexplored landscapes fulfilling by its beauty along its way, making the River become the only in the world that does not have villages or small towns in its way until its end at Paran’s River. Esquina is a very old fishermen’s town and it still exist a doubt about its time of foundation. It seems a place taken from time, with its traditional streets and pass ways decorated by the famous trees of lapachos. Its church, its houses and its warm-hearted people clearly show the influence from the Spaniards and Italians. Posada hambare is an ideal place for a perfect holiday, it is a place that allows you to do absolutely everything; such as relaxing, enjoying and simply fascinating yourself. It is the place where you’ll live the majesty of “Paye”. :::::::::::: Humahuaca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Humahuaca Humahuaca Paolo Zanotti Located in the North West of Argentina, the Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the major tourist sights. The colonial architecture and the barren landscape will remind the traveler of Peru and Bolivia. The town of Humahuaca is located on the Rio Grande, at an elevation of 3000 meter. There are a few nice old churches and the famous Clock Tower in the cabildo, but for most tarvelers Humahuace servers as a base for exploring the region. Tilcara is worthwhile, it has a few museums and the pre-Hispanic pucara is well worth a visit as well. A few kilometer to the south the hillside cemetery of Maimara is a great photo opportunity. ::::::::::::Iguazu falls Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Iguazu Falls Iguazu Falls Jay Glicksman Although commercialized and touristy, the Iguazu falls are definitely worth a visit. They are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, and can be reached from both sides as well as from Paraguay. Legend attributes their origin to the anger of a god who lost the girl he loved. When you look down the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's throat) you will believe that there is some truth in this story. Iguazu falls are the second largest in the world after Victoria Falls in Africa and are deservedly one of the seventh wonders of the world. Their height isn't so inspiring as is their length - the falls seem to go on and on in the distance. When the water level of the river is high, the whole ridge is almost covered in the huge expanse of water pouring over. At other times, when the river level is lower, the amount of water is less and trees are rocks jump out from the fall wall providing a beautiful break in the water. Their are multiple approaches to the falls, both from above and below. At some points you can get so close that you will feel the spray from the falls on your face. The Iguazu falls is formed at the edge of a volcanic flow where the rock suddenly changed hardness and wore away. What's sad is there was a second, even larger, fall that was destroyed when the river was dammed. Besides the falls, you can enjoy a walk through the bush where you will be delighted with sights of monkeys and tucans playing in the forest. For those who would like to see the falls from both sides, it is only a short taxi ride across the border to Brazil. It is suggested that the Brazil side should be seen first, as, although stunning, is not quite as awesome as the Argintinian side, and this way leaves the best until last. You should give yourselves at least half a day on each side and preferably more. __________-Sights Edit This iguazu falls dec. 2006 iguazu falls dec. 2006 marcel hollenstein/switzerland Misiones Province The Iguazu falls are located in Argentina's Misiones Province. This provice is stunning and known for its dark red clay soil and brilliant green trees. The countryside here is like nowhere else in Argentina and is very striking. Near the Iguazu falls you can go to a point near the river which on the border of the three countries - Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. You can even see the city lights of Paraguay in the distance. _________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Inter-City Bus Edit This Jump on a comfortable inter-city bus to get to the Iguazu Falls/Misiones province. These buses go from most cities to everywhere in the country. There may no be a direct one from your city, so go via Corrientes first. type: By Rail World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::Ituzaingó Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see In summer, this beach town attracts huge crowds from nearby Corrientes, Brazil and Paraguay to its sandy Río Paraná beaches. A cozy town with hotels that offer great value, it´s a nice stopover en route to Iguazú. At least in winter, the people are extremely welcoming and friendly. On the most important beach is an excellent restaurant - the only one in town where you can eat the tasty river fish, such as Suribí. From town you can also do a free guided visit to the Yacyreta dam. It created a lake that feels like a sea when your standing on the dam. :::::::::Jujuy Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Puente San Martin Puente San Martin Emma Ray If you´re travelling north from Buenos Aires, this might be the first time you really feel like you`re in South America. Jujuy still is an Argentine city, with western-style cafés and shops. But it has a large Quechua population, which gives this town a very intercultural feel. Except during the siesta, which is taken dead serious here, there is always a pleasant chaos in town. Do bring your earplugs if you intend to sleep at night. Around the bus terminal lodging is redicously cheap, but it´s always noisy there. A good night´s sleep is essential to apreciate the feel of this town. This can be a good base for exploring the magnificent Andes by rented car, north to the Quebrada de Humahuaca or west to the Salinas Grandes and back through the valley where the superexpensive ´Tren a las Nubes` passes. Also don´t miss the road between Salta and Jujuy which is not used by the busses. Most of the road goes through spectacular forested mountains. :::::::::: La Rioja Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see La Rioja, the capital of the province with the same name is located in the west of Argentina, close to the border with Chile. The city is set at the foot of Velasco mountains and it is an excellent base for exploring the valleys, mountains, rivers and narrow passes of the region. Nice detail: notorious ex-president of Argentina, Carlos Menem, is from La Rioja and used to govern this province for many years. Another detail: in the province of La Rioja good wine is being produced. :::::::::::Mar del plata Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Mar Del Plata Mar Del Plata Jeff Tannehill Mar del Plata is an Argentine city located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the Buenos Aires Province, 400 km south of Buenos Aires. Mar del Plata is one of the major fishing ports, and the biggest seaside beach resort in Argentina. With a population of 541,733 (2001 census), it is the 7th largest urban area in Argentina. . Also: . Mar Del plata recieves millions of visitors every year during the summer months in December through March. In addition, hundreds of thousands of people flood there from all over the Buenos Aires province on weekends throughout the year. Wikipedia states that: "As part of the Argentine recreational coast, tourism is one of Mar del Plata's main economic activities. Between four and six million tourists visit Mar del Plata every year, occasionally quadrupling the number of residents. Mar del Plata has sohpisticated tourist infrastructure to cater to the industry and as such, casinos, theatres and other tourist attractions are all located there." . Of special interest to the visitor are Argentina's leading brand of Alfajores -- Havanna --- which originate from Mar Del Plata. Havanna's started operation in 1947 and has its head office and main base of operations is here. . Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/mardeplata.htm & from Baber :::::::::Mendoza Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Aconcagua mount- South wall from Horcones valley Aconcagua mount- South wall from Horcones valley Raul Vazquez Mendoza is the most important city of the West of Argentina. Set at the foot of the Andes mountains at an altitude of 760 meters, it is only 200 km from Santiago in Chile. The city was founded in 1561, and although this is not an Earthquake free zone, there are quite a few historic buildings of interest in the centre. The Ruinas de San Francisco mission in the Ciudad Vieja, the Museo Fundacional and the Parque San Martin are main attraction in town. On saturdays you should visit the Plaza Espana, where a artisans market is held. For a cup of coffee, choose one of the sidewalks terraces on Avenida San Martin. Around Mendoza there are many wineries one can visit. Other interesting options around are skiing in los Penitentes or a visit to Uspallata to explore the mountains or to the Aconcagua on the Chilean border to have a look at South America's highest mountain the Cerro Aconcagua. ________ars and Cafes Edit This BELIEVE IRISH PUB YOUR LOCAL IN MENDOZA Colon 241, Cuidad, Mendoza 0261 4295567 believepub@hotmail.com :::::::::Mocona Falls Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Upload By fabiandahmer@gmail.com Upload By fabiandahmer@gmail.com CARLOS YUNIS The Mocona falls are a spectacular sight, that would be quite touristy if it wasn´t for the nearby Igauzú Falls. The Río Uruguay drops no more than 20 meters at this place, but the falls are as wide as three kilometers as the falls are diagonal on the already wide river. For the moment there is no infrastructure on the Argentine side of the river to get close to the falls. Hence getting to the viewpoint in the middle of the river implies wading through the shallow river water. It´s refreshing and not dangerous, but it is a little tyring. On the Argentine side the place can be visited from El Soberbio (cheap good value place to stay right next to the bus terminal, ask in the closest bar) or other nearby towns. From El Soberbio you can arrange a day trip with four wheel drive (50 to 100 peso per person). Construction of a good road is in progress, so within a couple of years there should be buses up to the site. Although there is hardly any traffic, you might get lucky and get a ride from other tourists going to Mocona. At 5 kilometers from the falls there is a place to stay for those who want to have more time to explore the falls and the surrounding wonderful jungle. In the wet season (December to February) the falls may disapear under the rising water levels. :::::::::.Reconquista Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Port Reconquista Port Reconquista Joel Goyette Reconquista may not be the big tourist city you would jump at the chance of travelling to. No bright lights, casinos, streets of restaurants or theme parks here. But if you're looking to experience part of "small-town Argentina" while not going too small, Reconquista is a good place to check out. With a population of 70,000 people Reconquista is small without being scarily so. Nearby Avellaneda is 4km across the river and it's 25,000 residents add to the general population of the area. Reco (as it's fondly known as to the locals) is located in the north of the province of Santa Fe, near the Rio Parana. It is a city traditionally designed with all streets parallel to eachother, interspersed with many green plazas (small squares). The main central plaza is a popular meeting point of the city's youths. In the university holidays and feriados (public holidays) when the students come home, the plaza is full of people doing laps in their cars along the narrow streets, friends sitting near their cars or on the curbside driking a Quilmes (beer) and eating hamburgers from the caravan parked nearby. It is here that they will come before heading out to one of the city's nightclubs. Here there is little choice. Chicano, located on Calle Obligado and Habegger, is the city's main nightclub. Recently moved from Avellaneda, some of the older clubbers think it has lost it's orignal charm, but it is still a fun place to go to dance the night away and meet up with friends. Here, tourists will experience cumbia music and will learn the dance that is less complicated than salsa, but still a lot of fun. Pancho Villa attracts an older crowd on Friday and Saturday nights, but gets very packed on Thursdays with the younger crowd. This two storey club is actually quite small and extremly hot, but is still a lot of fun. There are a few restaurants and bars around the intersection of Obligado and Habegger - near Chicano. It is nice to come here in the evening to have a drink or enjoy some traditional Argentinian food such as empanadas and milanesas. The stretch of highway between Avellaneda and Reconquista fills with walkers and cyclists in the summertime who make the most of the warm weather to get some exercise. At times the humidity can be very oppressive leaving anyone who dares go for a walk drenched in sweat, but it is a nice walk all the same. ::::::::::Rosario Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_2 Rosario's main claim to fame is the disputed fact that it was the bithrplace of Che Guevara - the apartment building Entre Rios 480 can be visited. The city is located some 300 km upstream form Buenos Aires on the west bank of the Parana. It is one of the economic powerhouses of the Pampas. The centre of town is the area around the Plaza 25 de Mayo and the pedestrianized streets of San Martin and Cordoba - great for shopping. The main attractions in town include a few Museums (Historico Provincial, de la Ciudad, Bellas Artes) and the Monumento nacional de la Bandera. :::::::::Salta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Salta is the perfect starting point for excursions to the clouds. Salta is the perfect starting point for excursions to the clouds. Axel Estable Salta is located in the Lerma valley in a mountainous region in the North-West of Argentina. The town has quite a few nice colonial mansions and churches and is a good base for exploring the region. The city centre is small enough to explore on foot. To Plaza 9 de Julio is the real centre of town, and here you find the Cathedral dating back to the 1850s and the Cabildo. East of the centre is the Cerro San Bernardo which can be reached by cable car (spanish: teleferico - depart from Parque San Martin) and from which you get a great view over the city. The small suburb or San Lorenzo is a good destination for a short excursion (20 minutes away, AR$9 by taxi) - stroll in the park or go further into the forest on one of the many hiking trails that start there; go on a horseback ride up the hill to get a great view of Salta, or simply walk around this very nice neighborhood to see the the colonial-style houses the rich Saltenos live in. From Salta, there is a variety of excursions that will take you up in the mountains for fantastic views. On Avenida Buenos Aires, one block south of Plaza 9 de Julio, you will find several agencies providing 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or even 4-day excursions / trekkings (recommended: MoviTrack - excellent service and great fun). Go to Cachi (West) for one day to see landscapes reminiscent of the desert of Arizona, Cafayate (South) for breath-taking rock formations, or Jujuy (North) for a trip into the rainforest. The main attraction in Salta is the Tren A Las Nubes (train to the clouds). This 15-hour train ride (only runs on saturdays) takes you to 4,200 m of altitude, to the large viaduct La Polvorilla and the small Indian village of San Antonio de Los Cobres. Tourguides on the train will tell you a lot of interesting information during the ride; Indian artisans will sell you hand-made alpaca sweaters for US$8; and folk bands will play traditional music on the way back. The ride is long (especially the last 2 hours, after nightfall) and a bit pricey, but WELL WORTH IT. The scenery will take your breath away. _______Getting There Edit This Salta has easy and cheap plane connections, but only from Buenos Aires. Otherwise, the very comfortable buses are a good choice to practically anywhere. A schedule of some of the most popular routes can be found at http://www.saltatravel.com. From Salta you can continue to Chile by Bus, (passenger train is not working anymore). Are two buses companies every Tuesdays Thursday and Sunday, depart ar 7:00 AM arrive to San Pedro de Atacama 7:00 PM. To Bolivia, Iguazú Fall, and the rest of Argentina: daily buses with many companies. If you need buses information ask at: info@balance-evt.com.ar __________Day Trips Edit This Cuesta del Obispo Cuesta del Obispo Balance Travel Adventure EVT Mystical Cachi This tour begins in the Lerma Valley, then going through the dense mountain jungle in Los Laureles and reaching the Escoipe Gorge and La Cuesta del Obispo (Bishop’s Slope), which is a mountain path that leads to Piedra del Molino, at 3348 m.a.s.l. After this, Los Cardones National Park. Then, the picturesque town of Cachi where have to visit the Archaeological Museum (it houses vestiges of several native cultures of the region, since its first inhabitants) and the Church. in the afternoon come back to Salta. Cafayate Colors: First, the Lerma Valley (where Saltenian Tobacco is grown) until reach the rail station of “Alemanía”; then, the unique Las Conchas Gorge which has several geological formations created by wind and rain erosion and which received different names such as La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat), El Anfiteatro (The Amphitheatre), El Sapo (The Frog), El Fraile (The Friar), Los Castillos (The Castles), Las Ventanas (The Windows) and other. When you reach Cafayate, visit some wine cellars, where you will learn about how grapevines are grown, the making of wines and you will be able to taste excellent wines. Then we have lunch, take a stroll around the town and, in the afternoon, come back to Salta, doing several photo stops. Puna and Salt Flats: In the way, you will pass the traditional town of Quijano and then, reach to the impressive Toro Gorge. Stop and take a stroll in the pre-Incan city of Tastil. Then, continue the trip to San Antonio de los Cobres, which is a small mining town, to have lunch. In the afternoon, take the famous 40 national route, which takes us to the Salt Flats, Where you will see the magnificence of the Puna. Then, go down the impressive Lipan Slope till we reach the picturesque Purmamarca town (Province of Jujuy), with its famous Seven Colour Hill. Then, come back to Salta. Andean Humahuaca: This tour offers the possibility of knowing the wonders of the Humahuaca Gorge, in the Province of Jujuy, which was declared Humanity’s Patrimony. You will also visit small towns such as Purmamarca, with its distinctive architecture and its Seven Colour Hill, Tilcara, where visit El Pucará (Pre-Incan city) and the Archaeological Museum, Uquía, well-known for its Church which houses paintings from the Cuzco School. lunch in Humahuaca, famous for its Gorge, and in the afternoon come back to Salta. ::::::::::Tandil Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Tandil Tandil Mariana Zumalacárregui Tandil is a nice town to visit, the setting is beautiful with the Sierras de Tandil as being the highest mountains of the province of Buenos Aires and the Atlantic Ocean at not too far distance. For more info in English (sit is not very good, but ok): www.tandilnet.com ::::::::::::Tierra del fuego Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Shipwreck close to Cabo San Pablo Shipwreck close to Cabo San Pablo Andreas Persson The Tierra del Fuego is the big island on the southern tip of Argentina and Chile. It's a treat for adventurous travelers and offers great outdoor opportunities. After the long trip through Patagonia, its a refreshing change to start seeing green trees, and life again. Tierra Del Fuego is beautiful. Too bad its so difficult to get to. Ushuaia , the southernmost city in the world, is the best place from where you can start exploring the island. ___________Ushaia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see From the water front in Ushaia From the water front in Ushaia Jack Sellards Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, is an area which has a great variety of possibilities to live an unforgettable summer. Special excursions, trekking, horse riding, sport fishing, mountain bike, journeys through unexplored sites, navigations on modern catamarans or comfortable sailing boats which will take you along the Beagle Channel, to the Cape Horn and the Antartic Continent. But if you prefer land tours you can discover the circuits in the city knowing about the history and culture of the people, of the first habitants, the richness of the Museum of the End of the World or the Maritime Museum, the ancient convicts train of the world's southern-most city turned into an amazing tourism ride or climb close to the Martial Glacier, or visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, the Harberton and Moat Ranches or go through the Heart of the Island to meet the picturesque little town called Tolhuin or the Chepelmut and Yehuin Lakes. All these excursions are plenty of an unexpected flora and fauna which you never thought to find in this region of the planet. From may to september you will find the best conditions for the cross-country and down-hill ski, with excellent ski slopes placed in wonderful landscapes, enjoying the pleasure to ski around glaciers, high decidious forest and deep valleys. The Centro Invernal Monte Castor is the newest down-hill skiing centre in Argentina. Situated at just 15 minutes from Ushuaia city, by pavemented road. It was built at the Krund mountain, offering more and better snow conditions from may to october. The chair-lift can be reached by a new generation equipment. After a healthy exercise you can share a typical meal, lamb barbecue, kingcrab or a chocolate, a journey on snowcats or on sledge dogs. ::::::::::::Tucuman Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see City of Tucuman City of Tucuman www.montanastucumanas.com Argentina offers so much in one country - snow, waterfalls, countryside, large cities. It's because of this that they call it the land of five continents. Tucuman is part of the fifth - the desert. Although the desert may not conjure images of beauty for all, las sierras de Tucuman (the hills of Tucuman) certainly are quite spectacular. A bus ride will take you out of the city, and over to the hills - a barren, isolated area that is sparsely populated. The top of the hills offer a spectacular view of the few animals that survive up here, cactus', more hills and at some points the city layed out far below. There are particular places where tourist buses will stop and it is here that the Argentineans come to sell their native goods. These include cute things such as jewellery, flutes, dolls and other small souvenirs. Some may also offer tricks and games and may ask tourists to make a bet to see if they can beat them. If you decide to do this be careful!!!! They are tricky, and if you avert your eyes for a second or even blink, they will beat you! Deep in the hills you will find las ruinas de los Quilmes (the ruins of the Quilmes Indians). It is here that the Quilmes had their homes, their village, which was later destoryed. The ruins remain and you can walk around the stone walls which once separated houses, streets and other facilities. It is fascinating to walk through an area that was home to a people thousands of years ago. If you remain here until sunset you will have a fantastic view of the sun setting behind the mountain miles away and the open plain in front of you slowly descending into darkness. Although the city itself isn't amazing, it does have it's interesting aspects. These include the government house which is lit up at night with hundereds of light bulbs. Tours of the goverment building can also be taken. ___________Getting There Edit This By bus, from buenos aires you reach tucuman in around 15 hours. comming from cordoba: 8hs, rosario: 11hs, mendoza: 12hs, parana/santa fe:9hs, mar del plata:19 hs. the distances are> Buenos aires 1250kms, Rosario 970kms, Mendoza 1020kms, Cordoba 590kms, Salta 340kms, Parana 800kms, Posadas 1400kms, ?Mar del Plata 1670kms, La plata 1300kms, Neuquen, 1800kms, Ushuaia 3700kms. By plane, just 1,50 hs to buenos aires, 0,50hs to cordoba and 0,25 h to salta. By rail, 25 hs to buenos aires and 19 to rosario. Contributors September 04, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Global transport mode] Inter-city Buses Edit This Tucuman is something of a 20-24 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires. This may seem daunting, but it is very do-able with the excelent inter-city transport that exists in Argentina. If you like, it is not a bad idea to stop off and visit other places along the way. If travelling from Buenos Aires, Rosario, Santa Fe and Corrientes are good cities to take a look at. Get on one of the comfy inter-city buses that go through almost any mid-size city in Argentina. If you are going from Retiro in Buenos Aires just look for the "north" section of boleterias (ticket booths) and enquire more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::::Uspallata Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Uspallata Uspallata Hugo van der Flier Uspallata is a village between Mendoza and Chile. 7 Years in Tibet was recorded partially in the mountains near this village. From the small village you can go up to Puente del Inca, Aconcagua, Barreal and rent bicycles to explore the beautifull surroundings.

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ARGENTINA "Patagonia", La Ruta Atlantica Viaggio in Patagonia, La Ruta Atlantica Fino alla fine del mondo. Una fuga dove lo spazio è senza confini. IL VIAGGIO Un bellissimo itinerario che combina le attrazioni più famose della Patagonia con un emozionante percorso terrestre lungo la costa atlantica, dove si potrà conoscere la vera, maestosa e silenziosa Patagonia, e dove osserverete nel loro ambiente naturale e incontaminato innumerevoli animali selvatici, lontano dalle folle dei turisti IL CILE e L'ARGENTINA Gradisci altre informazioni utili sull'Argentina e il Cile? clicca qui Gradisci altre informazioni sulle località dell'Argentina? clicca qui IL CILE e L'ARGENTINA Consigliato: Medio grado di difficoltà. Dedicato a chi ama la natura in tutte le sue espressioni più spettacolari e vuole avere modo di vivere la Patagonia vera. Clima: Le stagioni sono invertite rispetto alle nostre e l’estensione del paese influisce sulla varietà dei climi. In Patagonia e Terra del Fuoco il clima è freddo e ventilato, variabile e meno rigido di quanto si immagini. Escludendo le riserve faunistiche, abbandonate dagli animali da metà aprile a metà settembre, l’Argentina è visitabile tutto l’anno. Aspetti pratici: Si utilizzano fuoristrada adeguatamente attrezzati; Trekking: nella zona di Cerro San Lorenzo (7° giorno) e di El Chalten (8°, 9° giorno) sono inclusi trekking di difficoltà medio-bassa (spesso non inferiore alle 3 ore). Per chi non se la sente è possibile effettuare passeggiate più semplici, così come passeggiate più lunghe ed impegnative per gli audaci. IL PROGRAMMA 1° giorno Italia, Buenos Aires Partenza per Buenos Aires. Pasti e pernottamento a bordo. 2° giorno Buenos Aires All’arrivo, trasferimento all’hotel riservato. Nel pomeriggio, visita della città. Pernottamento. 3° giorno Buenos Aires, Trelew, Punta Tombo, Trelew (240 km) Prima colazione e trasferimento in aeroporto. Partenza per Trelew. All’arrivo, visita di Punta Tombo, la colonia di pinguini più grande al mondo. Pranzo. Al termine, sistemazione all’hotel riservato a Trelew e cena. 4° giorno Trelew, Penisola Valdes, Trelew (520 km) Prima colazione e giornata dedicata alla visita della riserva faunistica della Penisola Valdes, dove è possibile incontrare colonie di leoni ed elefanti marini. Pranzo. Al termine, rientro in hotel e cena. 5° giorno Trelew, Foresta Pietrificata Sarmiento, Perito Moreno (860 km) Prima colazione e partenza per Sarmiento, con visita della Foresta Pietrificata. Al termine, sistemazione all’hotel riservato a Perito Moreno e cena. 6° giorno Perito Moreno, Rio Pinturas, Lago Posadas (320 km) Partenza di prima mattina verso la valle del Rio Pinturas, con visita della grotta de Las Manos Pintadas, che custodisce importantissime pitture rupestri di epoca preistorica. Pranzo al sacco. Proseguimento per l’estancia riservata a Lago Posadas e cena. 7° giorno Lago Posadas, Cerro San Lorenzo, Lago Posadas Prima colazione e trekking (3 ore circa) per l’esplorazione lungo il fiume Oro Canyon. Pranzo. Cena e pernottamento. 8° giorno Lago Posadas, El Chalten (570 km) Prima colazione e partenza, in direzione sud, per El Chalten, base di partenza per ascensioni alle mitiche vette del Fitz Roy e Cerro Torre. Pranzo al sacco. Sistemazione all’hosteria riservata e cena. 9° giorno El Chalten Prima colazione e partenza per un trekking (3 ore circa) al punto panoramico da cui si potrà ammirare il Fitz Roy. Dopo il pranzo, visita in auto al Lago del Deserto. Al termine, rientro in hosteria e cena. 10° giorno El Chalten, El Calafate, ghiacciaio Perito Moreno, El Calafate (380 km) Prima colazione e partenza per El Calafate, costeggiando i laghi Viedma e Argentino. Pranzo e, nel pomeriggio, visita del ghiacciaio Perito Moreno. Al termine, trasferimento all’hotel riservato a El Calafate e cena. 11° giorno El Calafate Prima colazione e giornata a disposizione. Cena e pernottamento in hotel. 12° giorno El Calafate, Buenos Aires Prima colazione e trasferimento in aeroporto. Partenza per Buenos Aires. All’arrivo, trasferimento all’hotel riservato. 13° giorno Buenos Aires, Italia Prima colazione e trasferimento in aeroporto. Partenza per l’Italia. Pasti e pernottamento a bordo. 14° giorno Italia Arrivo in giornata. Possibilità di estensione di 3 giorni / 2 notti a USHUAIA Albergo di categoria 3 stelle, trattamento di mezza pensione con escursioni. Tour condiviso con altri passeggeri, guida di lingua italiana multilingue. Incluso ed escluso Sono inclusi: - Passaggi aerei con voli di linea in classe economica. -Sistemazione negli hotel indicati con trattamento da programma. -Tutti i trasferimenti e le visite menzionate nel programma, con guide come indicato negli “Aspetti pratici”. Sono esclusi : - Quota di apertura pratica. - Quota assicurativa. - Tasse aeroportuali italiane. - Tasse aeroportuali argentine. - Tasse di entrata ai parchi nazionali (Penisola Valdes: USD 10; Punta Tombo: USD 7; Foresta pietrificata: USD 5; Grotta de “las manos pintadas”: USD 7; Ghiacciaio Perito Moreno: USD 12). - Tasse di uscita dall’Argentina (circa USD 20). - Escursioni facoltative. - Pasti non indicati, bevande, mance ed extra in genere. - Tutto quanto non espressamente menzionato in “Sono inclusi”. Partenze 14 giorni / 11 notti Partenza da Roma Partenze quota per persona in camera doppia supplemento camera singola 2 e 30 marzo 2008 € 2.605 € 450 5 e 26 ottobre € 2.895 € 450 30 novembre € 2.610 € 450 21 dicembre € 3.210 € 450 Quote valide al raggiungimento dei 4 partecipanti Supplemento per partenze da altre città da € 48 Partenze individuali (ogni domenica) disponibili su richiesta Supplemento estensione a USHUAIA per persona in doppia da € 533 :::::::::::PATAGONIA: ARGENTINA E CILE La Patagonia in Fuoristrada Viaggio in Patagonia: La Patagonia in Fuoristrada Dalla costa dell’Atlantico a quella del Pacifico, spaziando tra due Paesi e le loro immense distese. Un territorio di una vastità che lascia allibiti, dove si può procedere per giorni accompagnati solo dal volo di un condor e dal movimento rapido dei cirri bianchi. Per molti è il luogo abitato più selvaggio della terra, fatto di distese, fiumi, laghi, vulcani e montagne, poderosi ghiacciai. IL VIAGGIO Fino alla fine del mondo. Una fuga dove lo spazio è senza confini. La natura sovrana. L'uomo silenziosa minoranza, in balia del vento e dello scorrere dei chilometri e del tempo scandito dall'orologio vitale della natura. Qualcuno ha detto che la Patagonia è un viaggio di meditazione…"la nostra mente davanti alla bellezza delle sue montagne, delle sue coste, delle sue estensioni immense, popolate solo dal vento, dai guanachi e dai condor, non potrà fare a meno di lasciarsi andare a pensieri che la nostra quotidianità non ci permette più". Un viaggio che affascina chi della natura vuole scoprirne la grandezza e maestosità. Dalla pampa sconfinata del Sud dell’Argentina al paesaggio antartico, dalle torri granitiche del Parco Los Glaciares ai ghiacciai spettacolari del Lago Argentino, sino al Parco Torri del Paine nella Patagonia cilena. Atacama: nuvole di fenicotteri rosa colorano la laguna Chaxa, al centro dell’arido Salar di Atacama e sedimentazioni multicolore rendono vunerabile la Cordigliera del Sale agli agenti erosivi, creando scenari, come la Valle della Luna, che invitano al silenzio interiore. Verso le cime delle Ande, attraversando la pampa e i suggestivi paesaggi dell’altopiano, si scoprono i famosi geyser di El Tatio, un immenso terreno geotermico attorniato da alte cime dove all’alba, sotto i primi raggi del sole, si sprigionano alti getti di acqua calda creando un gioco di luci molto suggestivo. Patagonia: un nome fatto di storie vere e di leggende che popolavano la nostra mente fin da piccoli; che vive del fascino della pampa, delle Ande e delle immense Cordigliere, di mari e di venti burrascosi che hanno impregnato la letteratura, di animali fantastici come il puma, ma anche di cormorani, leoni di mare e pinguini. Di valli profonde che scendono dalle Ande portando i ghiacciai fino all’Oceano. La terra dove il nome Terra del Fuoco non è solo una denominazione di fantasia, perchè dire “fine del mondo” significa proprio essere nell’estremo limite della terra. Un “grande” viaggio, non solo uno dei miti dei viaggiatori; in un Paese che difende strenuamente la poesia dei suoi spazi brulli battuti dal vento, dei suoi monti, della sua gente. Un Paese che permette ai viaggiatori di trovare, laggiù tra Cile e Argentina, in fondo alle Ande, in un ambiente forte, la Terra e l’Uomo. IL CILE e L'ARGENTINA Gradisci altre informazioni sull'Argentina e il Cile? clicca qui Gradisci altre informazioni sulle località dell'Argentina? clicca qui Gradisci altre informazioni sulle località del Cile? clicca qui IL PROGRAMMA 1° giorno ITALIA – SANTIAGO Partenza con volo di linea per Santiago del Cile. Pasti, film e pernottamento a bordo. 2° giorno SANTIAGO DEL CILE – CALAMA – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA Arrivo e proseguimento per Calama. Noleggio fuoristrada. Trasferimento a carico dei passeggeri con fuoristrada noleggiato per San Pedro de Atacama e sistemazione in hotel. Pernottamento. 3° giorno SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA Prima colazione in hotel. Giornata libera. Auto a noleggio. Pernottamento in hotel. 4° giorno SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – SANTIAGO Prima colazione in hotel. Giornata libera. Auto a noleggio. Trasferimento libero in aeroporto a Calma e partenza per Santiago. Arrivo, trasferimento in hotel. Pernottamento in hotel. 5° giorno SANTIAGO - COYAIQUE - LAGO GENERAL CARRERA – LOS ANTIGUOS Dopo la prima colazione, trasferimento in aeroporto e partenza per Coyaique/Balmaceda. Arrivo e incontro con l’assistente locale. Si passa dal Cile all’Argentina, con una lunga tappa molto spettacolare, attraversando il passo La Llave circondando il secondo lago piu grande dil Sudamerica. Continuando dal lato argentino che diventa Lago Buenos Aires, arrivo al villagio Los Antiguos. Pernottamento in hotel. Pensione completa. 6° giorno PERITO MORENO - RIO PINTURAS - LAGO POSADAS Al mattino, si parte per la valle del Rio Pinturas dove ci fermeremo per visitare la grotta de las Manos Pintadas. Questa grotta, considerata la Cappella Sistina dell'arte preistorica di queste latitudini, si trova nello stupendo canyon di Rio Pinturas. Qui centinaia di impronte di mani in negativo, riprodotte in moltissimi colori, si sovrappongono le une alle altre. Secondo gli studiosi le pitture corrispondono a quattro periodi o stili differenti: il più antico risale a circa diecimila anni e si caratterizza per le scene di caccia nelle quali si vedono gruppi di cacciatori che inseguono greggi di guanacos in colori rosso, viola ed ocra. Nel secondo gruppo stilistico, tra i cinque e i settemila anni fa, il tema centrale sono gruppi di guanacos più statici. Si vedono rappresentati con i cuccioli e la figura umana non è vincolata agli animali, bensì viene disegnata di fronte, stilizzata, con gambe corte e un solo braccio. Queste stupende pitture, considerate le più antiche del Sud-America, furono eseguite molto probabilmente da cacciatori paleolitici che arrivarono dall'Europa attraverso lo stretto di Bering. Arrivo al villaggio di Lago Posadas nel tardo pomeriggio e pernottamento in hotel. 7° giorno LAGO POSADAS - CERRO SAN LORENZO Dopo la prima colazione si effettua un trekking di circa 1,30 ore, accompagnati dalla nostra guida , dedicato all’esplorazione del fiume Oro Canyon, includendo una passeggiata alla vista panoramica del lato Nord del Monte San Lorenzo (3.770 mt). Pernottamento 8° giorno LAGO POSADAS - EL CHALTEN Ci dirigiamo ancora in direzione sud verso la zona dei ghiacciai, in un paesaggio caratterizzato dalle sterminate distese di cespugli tipici della "pampa patagonica". Sullo sfondo ci accompagna lo spettacolo maestoso della catena montuosa da cui svettano il Cerro Torre e il Fitz Roy. Arrivo nel pomeriggio a Chalten, piccolo villaggio ai piedi di queste due cime colossali. Sistemazione in hotel. 9° giorno EL CHALTEN Una facile escursione a piedi di circa 3 ore conduce al Mirador del Fitzroy, di fronte alla famosa e spettacolare montagna, meta ambita da tutti gli scalatori. Tra le ardue vette della terra questa montagna non è tra le più alte ma certamente fra le più temibili. Battuta da piogge e venti della pampa, irta di guglie ribelli e di torrioni ghiacciati, ha sempre ispirato agli uomini un riverente senso di terrore. Nel pomeriggio escursione in auto allo scenografico Lago del Deserto, passando per il Glaciar Los Huemules. Possibilita’ a scelta di trascorrere la giornata con trekking di circa 7 ore a/r, accompagnati da una guida di montagna, alla Laguna Torre. Qui sorge il campo base "Cesare Maestri", costruito dal celebre scalatore italiano, il primo alpinista a completare l'escursione della imponente cima del Cerro Torre (3.128 metri). Ritorno a Chalten e pernottamento in hotel. 10° giorno CHALTEN - CALAFATE - GHIACCIAIO PERITO MORENO Costeggiando i laghi Viedma e Argentino ci si trasferisce ancora verso sud. I laghi si aprono tra alte montagne, piccole vallate, fiordi che si insinuano tra foreste e ghiacciai e baie piene di fascino, Ai piedi della "mesa" di Miguens si trova il piccolo paese di Calafate (1700 abitanti) che si affaccia sulle acque turchesi del lago Argentino, Da lì si prosegue per il Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Incorporato nel 1981 nella lista del patrimonio mondiale dall'UNESCO per le sue caratteristiche estetiche e naturali uniche al mondo. Dall'immensa massa di ghiaccio della calotta dello "hielo continental", si distaccano 47 formazioni glaciali fra le quali figurano i ghiacciai Viedma, Uppsala, Onelli e il Perito Moreno. Nel pomeriggio visita al Perito Moreno, che è uno dei pochi ghiacciai esistenti sulla terra ad avanzare e non retrocedere, come avviene per la maggior parte di essi: si allunga di circa 100 metri all'anno. Situato fra il Brazo Rico e il Canal de los Tempanos, ha un fronte di 5 km ed un'altezza di 60 metri sopra il livello dell'acqua del braccio meridionale del Lago Argentino. Dopo la visita al ghiacciaio, ritorno a Calafate. Pernottamento in hotel. 11° giorno CALAFATE - LAGO ARGENTINO – CALAFATE Giornata a disposizione. Possibilità di effettuare, se le condizioni meteorologiche lo permettono, l'escursione facoltativa in barca lungo il Brazo Norte, per la visita al vasto fronte dei ghiacciai Uppsala e Onelli, meno spettacolari del Moreno ma resi suggestivi dagli iceberg che ne incorniciano le sponde. La navigazione nel Brazo Norte è particolarmente avventurosa e affascinante perché si ha la vista migliore sul ghiacciaio e s'incontrano tanti iceberg galleggianti alla deriva. Il Lago Argentino è il terzo del Sudamerica per dimensioni dopo il Titicaca ed il Buenos Aires, con una superficie complessiva di circa 1560 Km quadrati. Ritorno all'hotel di Calafate. 12° giorno CALAFATE - TORRES DEL PAINE (CILE) Dopo la prima colazione si parte in direzione del territorio cileno, fino a raggiungere il Parco Nazionale di Torres del Paine. La strada scorre su colline ed estese pampas, in un susseguirsi di affascinanti paesaggi, nella regione patagonica. Successivamente si entra nella più spettacolare “Riserva della Biosfera Mondiale": il Parco Nazionale delle Torres del Paine, in cui coesistono le più disparate specie animali: puma, volpi, , protetti dalla variegata vegetazione, in cui predominano l'erica ed i licheni . Il lago Nordenskjold, dalle acque color smeraldo, lambisce la base delle colline ed è sorgente delle spettacolari e roboanti acque del Salto Grande, che precipita verso il lago Pehoe, sullo sfondo degli imponenti picchi del Paine. Pernottamento in hotel 13° giorno TORRES DEL PAINE Prima colazione in hotel. Il viaggio continua lungo le sponde del lago, per osservare il bel Salto Chico. Sull'altro versante del lago, potremo osservare il lento scorrere delle imponenti pareti del ghiacciaio. Sulla via del ritorno, il giro continua attraverso la Laguna Amarga, con un'eccezionale veduta sulle impressionanti Torri del Paine. In serata arrivo in hotel, a Puerto Natales, e pernottamento. 14° giorno PUERTO NATALES – PUNTA ARENAS – SANTIAGO Prima colazione in albergo. Trasferimento in aeroporto e partenza con volo per Santiago. Arrivo, trasferimento e sistemazione in albergo. Pernottamento. 15° giorno SANTIAGO – ITALIA Prima colazione. Trasferimento in tempo utile in aeroporto e partenza con volo per l'Italia. Pasti, film e pernottamento a bordo. 16° giorno ITALIA Arrivo in Italia in mattinata. Fine del viaggio. ESTENSIONE FACOLTATIVA ALL'ISOLA DI PASQUA E' possibile abbinare al viaggio l'estensione all'Isola di Pasqua. 15° giorno SANTIAGO - ISOLA DI PASQUA Prima colazione in albergo. Trasferimento in aeroporto e partenza con volo per l'Isola di Pasqua. Snack a bordo. Arrivo, trasferimento e sistemazione in hotel. 16° giorno ISOLA DI PASQUA Prima colazione in albergo. Cena e Pernottamento in albergo. Intera giornata di escursione per visitare siti Orongo e Akivi 17° giorno ISOLA DI PASQUA Dopo la prima colazione, escursione dell'intera giornata al Vulcano Rano Raraku, dove furono costruiti la quasi totalità dei Moai, le misteriose statue che si trovano un po' dappertutto sull'isola. Visita ai siti archeologici di Tongoriki, Te Pito Kura e alla spiaggia di Anakena e escursione con visita al vulcano Rano Kau, e dei Templi Vinapu, dove si è riscontrato nella lavorazione della pietra una singolare somiglianza con i metodi utilizzati in Perù. Box lunch. Pernottamento in albergo. 18° giorno ISOLA DI PASQUA Prima colazione in albergo. Giornata libera. Pernottamento in albergo 19° giorno ISOLA DI PASQUA - SANTIAGO Prima colazione in hotel. In tempo utile trasferimento in aeroporto e partenza per Santiago. Snack a bordo. Arrivo trasferimento in hotel. Pernottamento. 20° giorno SANTIAGO – ITALIA Prima colazione. Mattinata libera. Trasferimento in tempo utile in aeroporto e partenza con volo per l'Italia. Pasti, film e pernottamento a bordo. 21° giorno ITALIA Arrivo in Italia in mattinata. Fine del viaggio. Incluso ed escluso Sono inclusi: - Volo intercontinentale in classe economica. - Voli interni in classe economica. - Sistemazione negli hotels descritti o simili. - Trattamento come da programma - Noleggio auto 4x4 a Calama (tipo Mitsubishi Katana) con chilometraggio illimitato e CWD NOTA BENE: Per guidare la vettura noleggiata a Calama occorre avere almeno 24 anni essere in possesso di patente. Viene richiesto un numero di carta di credito a garanzia - Ingressi ove previsti - Tour i fuoristrada in Patagonia - Trasferimenti, visite ed escursioni private con guida locale - Assicurazione medico bagaglio/rischio zero Sono esclusi : - Tasse aeroportuali italiane da includere nel biglietto (€ 220,00 circa) - Bevande, mance, pasti non menzionati, extra in genere. - Tasse aeroportuali e/o di uscita da pagare in loco - Estensione all' Isola di Pasqua - Tutto quello non specificato in "Sono Inclusi" Operativo voli Iberia Milano Malpensa - Madrid 30/12/2007 19.10 - 21.15 Lan Chile Madrid - Santiago 30/12/2007 23.55 - 9.40 Lan Chile Santiago - Madrid 13/01/2008 19.45 - 13.00 Iberia Madrid - Milano Linate 14/01/2008 20.15 - 22.15 Partenze Partenza di gruppo in programmazione Partenze individuali Partenze individuali tutto l'anno Quote Pernottamento e prima colazione (tranne 5° giorno in pensione completa) QUOTA DI PARTECIPAZIONE IN CAMERA DOPPIA PER PERSONA: € SUPPLEMENTO SINGOLA: € ESTENSIONE ALL'ISOLA DI PASQUA (IN CAMERA DOPPIA): € Quota confermata al raggiungimento dei 10 partecipanti Il programma è basato su orari, cambi, tariffe dei trasporti in vigore al 10 luglio 2007. L’eventuale oscillazione valutaria +/- 3% comporterà l’adeguamento delle quote di partecipazione 20 giorni prima della partenza (calcolato sul 70% del valore del pacchetto turistico). Invia il programma di questo viaggio ad un amico... Per informazioni o prenotazioni scrivi ad atacama@atacama.it oppure chiama i nostri operatori al numero 030 8922696 ::::::::::ARGENTINA E CILE La strada andina tra Argentina e Cile viaggio in Argentina e Cile: La strada Andina Uno spettacolare viaggio tra sconfinate pianure e maestose vette, immensi ghiacciai, foreste secolari e laghi di smeraldo lungo la mitica strada andina tra Argentina e Cile. IL VIAGGIO Consigliato: Medio grado di difficoltà. Di impronta sportiva è dedicato a chi ama il contatto con la natura selvaggia e ricerca itinerari fuori da sentieri battuti. Clima: Le stagioni sono invertite rispetto alle nostre e l’estensione del paese influisce sulla varietà dei climi. In Patagonia e Terra del Fuoco il clima è freddo e ventilato, variabile e meno rigido di quanto si immagini. Escludendo le riserve faunistiche, abbandonate dagli animali da metà aprile a metà settembre, l’Argentina è visitabile tutto l’anno. Aspetti pratici: Il tour viene operato ad uso esclusivo. Si utilizzano fuoristrada adeguatamente attrezzati; sono previsti accompagnatori/guida di lingua italiana. Sono previsti alcuni trekking di difficoltà medio-bassa. Le sistemazioni sono in “hosterias” o “estancias”, spesso di gestione famigliare, pulite e confortevoli. IL CILE e L'ARGENTINA Gradisci altre informazioni sull'Argentina e il Cile? clicca qui Gradisci altre informazioni sulle località dell'Argentina? clicca qui Gradisci altre informazioni sulle località del Cile? clicca qui IL PROGRAMMA 1° giorno Italia, Buenos Aires Partenza per Buenos Aires con volo di linea. Cena e pernottamento a bordo. 2° giorno Buenos Aires Arrivo in aeroporto e trasferimento all’hotel riservato. Pomeriggio dedicato alla visita della città. 3° giorno Buenos Aires, Trelew, Punta Tombo (240 km) Prima colazione, trasferimento in aeroporto e partenza per Trelew. All’arrivo, partenza per Punta Tombo, che ospita la colonia di pinguini di Magellano più grande al mondo. Pranzo. Al termine, rientro in hotel e cena. 4° giorno Trelew, Penisola Valdes, Trelew (520 km) Prima colazione e partenza per l’escursione alla riserva faunistica della Penisola Valdes (colonie di leoni ed elefanti marini). Pranzo. Al termine, rientro in hotel e cena. 5° giorno Trelew, Esquel (Parco Nazionale de los Alerces) (600 km) Prima colazione e partenza per Esquel, ai margini del bellissimo Parco Nazionale de los Alerces. Pranzo. Sistemazione nell’hotel riservato e cena. 6° giorno Esquel (Argentina), la Junta (Cile) (320 km) Prima colazione e partenza lungo la Carretera Austral, attraverso ghiacciai e alti vulcani. Pranzo. Sistemazione nelle camere riservate dell’Hotel La Junta e cena. 7° giorno La Junta, Parco Nazionale Quelat, Coyaique (Cile) (300 km) Prima colazione e partenza per il Parco Nazionale Quelat, una delle aree meno frequentate, ma più belle del Cile. Pranzo e prosecuzione per Coyahique, con visita di Puerto Puyuhuapi. Cena e pernottamento in hotel. 8° giorno Coyaique (Cile), Lago General Carrera, Perito Moreno (Argentina) (550 km) Prima colazione e rientro in Argentina. Pranzo e proseguimento fino a Perito Moreno. Cena e pernottamento nell’hotel riservato. 9° giorno Perito Moreno, Rio Pinturas, Lago Posadas (320 km) Prima colazione e partenza per la visita della grotta de Las Manos Pintadas, con reperti a risalenti a 10.000 anni fa. Pranzo tipico e prosecuzione per l’estancia riservata a Lago Posadas. Cena e pernottamento. 10° giorno Lago Posadas, Cerro San Lorenzo, Lago Posadas Prima colazione e passeggiate nei dintorni. Rientro in estancia per il pranzo. Nel pomeriggio, possibilità di visitare le caverne degli indio Tehueche. Rientro in estancia e cena. 11° giorno Lago Posadas, El Chalten (570 km) Prima colazione e partenza verso El Chalten, base per ascensione alle celebri vette Cerro Torre e Fitz Roy. Pranzo al sacco. Sistemazione all’hostaria riservata a El Chalten e cena. 12° giorno El Chalten Prima colazione. Escursione a piedi di circa 3 ore fino al punto panoramico sul Fitz Roy. Pranzo e visita al Lago del Deserto. Rientro in hostaria e cena. 13° giorno El Chalten, El Calafate, Ghiacciaio Perito Moreno (380 km) Prima colazione e partenza per El Calafate. Proseguimento per il ghiacciaio Perito Moreno. Pranzo e rientro al El Calafate, cena nell’hotel riservato. 14° giorno El Calafate Prima colazione e giornata a disposizione. Cena in hotel. 15° giorno El Calafate (Argentina), Parco Nazionale Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales (Cile) (450 km) Prima colazione e partenza per il Parco Nazionale Torres del Paine. Pranzo. Cena e pernottamento nell’hotel a Puerto Natales. 16° giorno Puerto Natales (Cile), El Calafate (Argentina), Buenos Aires (330 km) Prima colazione e rientro a El Calafate. Partenza con volo diretto a Buenos Aires. All’arrivo, trasferimento all’hotel riservato. 17° giorno Buenos Aires, Italia Prima colazione e trasferimento all’aeroporto. Partenza per l’Italia. Pasti e pernottamento a bordo. 18 n Italia Arrivo in giornata. 18° giorno Italia Arrivo in giornata. HOTEL Buenos Aires (Argentina) • 2 notti • Hotel**** Trelew (Argentina) • 2 notti • Hotel*** Esquel (Argentina) • 1 notte • Hotel***1/2 La Junta (Cile) • 1 notte • Hotel***1/2 Coyhaique (Cile) • 1 notte • Hotel**** Perito Moreno (Argentina) • 1 notte • Hostaria Lago Posadas (Argentina) • 2 notti • Estancia El Chalten (Argentina) • 2 notti • Hotel*** El Calafate (Argentina) • 2 notti • Lodge*** Puerto Natales (Cile) • 1 notte • Hotel*** Incluso ed escluso Sono inclusi: - Passaggi aerei con voli di linea in classe economica. - Sistemazione negli hotel indicati con trattamento da programma. - Tutti i trasferimenti e le visite menzionate nel programma, con guide come indicato negli “Aspetti pratici”. Sono esclusi : - Quota di apertura pratica. - Quota assicurativa. - Tasse aeroportuali italiane. - Tasse aeroportuali argentine. - Tasse di entrata ai parchi nazionali (Penisola Valdes: USD 10; Punta Tombo: USD 7; Parco Nazionale Los Alerces: USD 10; Parco Quelat: USD 20; Grotta de Las Manos Pintadas: USD 7; Ghiacciaio Perito Moreno: USD 12; Parco Nazionale Torres del Paine: USD 32). - Tasse di uscita dall’Argentina (circa USD 20). - Escursioni facoltative. - Pasti non indicati, bevande, mance ed extra in genere. - Tutto quanto non espressamente menzionato in “Sono inclusi”. Partenze 18 giorni / 15 notti Partenza da Roma Partenze quota per persona in camera doppia supplemento camera singola 15 marzo 2008 € 3.720 € 650 18 ottobre € 4.170 € 650 15 novembre € 4.170 € 650 6 dicembre € 4.170 € 650 Quote valide al raggiungimento dei 4 partecipanti Supplemento per partenze da altre città da € 48 Partenze individuali (ogni giovedi' e sabato) disponibili su richiesta Invia il programma di questo viaggio ad un amico... Per informazioni o prenotazioni scrivi ad atacama@atacama.it oppure chiama i nostri operatori al numero 030 8922696

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Itinerario 1 Argentina/Cile Itinerario 1 Attraverso la Patagonia e la Terra del Fuoco a bordo di una Volkswagen Testo e foto di Adriano Socci Punto di partenza e arrivo: Trelew Lunghezza: ca. 3000 km Durata: 12 gg. Mezzo di trasporto: voli interni, auto a noleggio (Volkswagen VW Golf 1,6) Difficoltà: lunghi percorsi su strade sterrate, forte vento e repentini cambiamenti delle condizioni climatiche Prezzo: 1600 euro (escluso volo da/per l’Italia) Patagonia e Terra del Fuoco: luoghi dove lo spirito si nutre della grandezza del paesaggio, la libertà si fa ghiaccio immenso e il vento scuote l'anima. E poi, la Penisola di Valdes, un'esperienza unica dove si ha la possibilità di osservare elefanti e leoni marini, orche e le acrobatiche evoluzioni delle balene franche australi. Primo giorno: Trelew - Punta Tombo - Trelew (circa 240 km) Pinguino di Magellano a Punta Tombo Pinguino di Magellano a Punta Tombo Lasciamo l'autunno piemontese quando ormai gli alberi si spogliano delle foglie e ci ritroviamo, dopo 21 ore di volo e 3 cambi d'aereo, a Trelew, nel bel pieno della primavera patagonica. L'impressione, però, non è quella di essere arrivati in Patagonia. Il sole splende alto in cielo, fa' caldo e non c'è un fil di vento. Siamo, infatti, ad appena 1.500 km a sud di Buenos Aires ovvero, come si suol dire, alle porte della Patagonia. Siamo qui, dove incomincia la Patagonia, per vedere la fauna marina di due importanti riserve naturali, la Reserva Natural de Punta Tombo e dell'Area Protegida Provincial della Península de Valdés. Vivremo gli ambienti dei grandi paesaggi montani e dei maestosi ghiacciai e le atmosfere del clima inospitale per cui la Patagonia è famosa, in seguito, nel corso del nostro viaggio. Ritirata l'auto presa a noleggio, dall'aeroporto partiamo immediatamente alla volta della riserva di Punta Tombo. Nonostante la stanchezza accumulata in tante ore di volo non tralasciamo la visita alla colonia di pinguini più numerosa della terra! I tempi sono strettissimi: sono le quattro e mezza del pomeriggio e la riserva chiude al tramonto, intorno alle otto. Inoltre, dobbiamo percorrere 120 km di strada sterrata per raggiungerla. Come se tutto questo non bastasse, pochi chilometri dopo aver imboccato la ruta provincial 1, buchiamo. Restiamo per qualche minuto incerti sul da farsi. Ritorniamo o proseguiamo? Se continuiamo contravveniamo ad una regola cui non si deve mai disobbedire viaggiando sulle strade della Patagonia ossia mai azzardarsi senza una ruota di scorta. Questo per almeno tre ragioni: l'alta percentuale di forature procurate dalle brutte strade, le lunghe distanze che separano un centro abitato dall'altro e la scarsa densità demografica. Beh, se non avevamo ancora ritrovato gli ambienti patagonici senza dubbio stavamo già vivendo lo spirito di un viaggio in queste terre: gli imprevisti e l'avventura. Dopo l'indecisione iniziale, sostituiamo la ruota e violiamo la regola: proseguiamo diritti verso Punta Tombo! Sono le diciannove in punto quando entriamo nella riserva. Inizialmente rimaniamo delusi perché mentalmente associavamo l'immagine dei pinguini all'acqua, al freddo e al ghiaccio: ebbene, nulla di tutto questo è Punta Tombo. Sì, c'è naturalmente il mare, ma vediamo un solo pinguino in acqua, diversamente il paesaggio è arido, fatto di rocce e cespugli spinosi, ma proprio in mezzo a quest'inaspettato ambiente si trovano migliaia di pinguini di Magellano. L'immagine che li accompagna, almeno questa, di uccelli buffi e curiosi, è fedele. Essendo la stagione degli amori i maschi stanno davanti alle tane da loro stessi scavate sotto i cespugli, nella terra, mettendo in bella mostra il loro petto bianco. All'interno ci sono le femmine che covano le uova deposte qualche settimana prima. L'area della riserva è grande e i pinguini sono tantissimi e sparsi ovunque. Indimenticabile sarà il ricordo dei loro echeggi, qualcosa a metà strada tra il raglio dell'asino e il grugnito del maiale. Prima di ritornare a Trelew chiediamo all'addetto della biglietteria se è possibile riparare la ruota, ci risponde che il gommista lo troveremo in città. Non ci resta che incrociare le dita. Nel frattempo si è fatto buio. Dopo due ore e mezza di strada sterrata ed isolata, avvolti dal buio della notte, senza nessuna luce all'orizzonte se non quella dei fari della nostra auto, arriviamo, finalmente, a Trelew. Ci sistemiamo nel primo albergo che troviamo (Hotel Argentino, 37$ a persona) e andiamo a mangiare ( Casa di Juan, circa 17$ a persona). Sono le undici di sera di questo primo interminabile giorno. Secondo giorno: Trelew - Puerto Piramide - Penisola di Valdes - Puerto Piramide (circa 368 km) coda di balena franca australe a Puerto Piramid Coda di balena franca australe a Puerto Piramid Con una nuova ruota di scorta partiamo più sereni per la Penisola di Valdés sperando di essere un po' più fortunati e lo saremo perché non bucheremo più per tutto il viaggio. A Puerto Madryn perdiamo tempo poiché non riusciamo a trovare la deviazione per la ruta 42. Su questa strada, che si snoda lungo la costa, dopo 15 km s'affaccia la spiaggia del Doraddillo da dove si possono vedere le balene a soli 30 m dalla riva. Rimaniamo delusi: pur tenendo gli occhi ben sgranati verso il mare non avvistiamo alcun cetaceo. Stufi di aspettare proseguiamo verso la nostra meta, fiduciosi di poter ammirare le balene a Puerto Piramide. Quando riprendiamo l'asfalto siamo al raccordo con la ruta provincial 2, ancora 40 km ed entreremo nella riserva marina di Valdés. Sull'istmo Ameghino la strada corre in mezzo all'oceano; alla fine dell'asfalto ecco profilarsi Puerto Piramide. Da qui hanno inizio le immense emozioni che proveremo al contatto con la vita oceanica di questi straordinari posti. Il rifugio offerto da spiagge ed insenature attira una gran quantità di mammiferi marini senza pari nel mondo, il tutto concentrato in questa zona limitata denominata, appunto, Penisola di Valdés, non a caso riconosciuta dall'UNESCO patrimonio dell'umanità. Puerto Piramide è incantevole, protetta com'è dalla bella baia e nascosta da alte falesie. Arrivati sulla spiaggia c'informiamo sulle escursioni di whale watching, le gite in barca per osservare le balene. Non badiamo al prezzo (20 USD a paersona), tra l'altro uguale per tutte le agenzie, ma all'orario di partenza. Così dieci minuti dopo salpiamo verso il mare aperto. Per via del fondale basso un trattore trascina l'imbarcazione fin dove l'acqua diventa sufficientemente profonda affinché galleggi. Giunti al largo, lucide schiene nere emergono rompendo la superficie del mare: si tratta di tre balene che sembrano giocare proprio intorno alla nostra barca. Le balene compiono le loro evoluzioni a pochissima distanza da noi. E' un incontro incredibile. Le stesse scene si ripetono quando si materializzano davanti all'imbarcazione altre due balene che sembrano ancora più estroverse delle prime. Queste ultime mostrano per intero la loro suadente coda e passano ripetutamente sotto lo scafo, a volte emergono dall'acqua con la testa rivelando la caratteristica che contraddistingue le balene franche australi ossia le callosità biancastre che hanno sul capo. Ad un certo punto, in lontananza, vediamo il classico sbuffo della balena e subito il timoniere si dirige in quella direzione. E' una balena con il suo piccolo. Inseguendoli con la barca, ad un certo punto, assistiamo ad una scena commovente: la mamma emerge quasi completamente in superficie con sopra il cucciolo. Dall'imbarcazione si leva un' unanime esclamazione di meraviglia! L'unico aspetto negativo è costituito dal mare mosso, accentuato dalle onde anomale procurate dalle balene che fanno dondolare la piccola imbarcazione. Lo stesso trattore che ci aveva trascinato in mare ci aspetta in mezzo all'acqua per riportarci a riva. Per ovviare al senso di malessere e nausea procuratoci dall'escursione consumiamo un frugale pranzo in un bar. Un’ empanada e una coca cola saranno sufficienti a ristabilirci. Partiamo per il tour della penisola. Sulla sterrata per il faro di Punta Delgada appaiono in successione la Salina Grande e la Salina Chica. In entrambi questi bacini salati, che colpiscono per la curiosa colorazione rossa che contrasta con il verde circostante vediamo grossi uccelli volare radenti all'acqua. Seguendo alcuni suggerimenti datici sul posto, non scendiamo fino alla spiaggia di Punta Delgada ma puntiamo su Punta Cantor e Caleta Valdés. Prima di arrivare a Punta Cantor, lungo la strada che corre alta sulle falesie e solo di tanto in tanto fa intravedere il mare, ci assale il desiderio di fermarci e sporgerci dall'alto per ammirare il panorama. Quello che vediamo è sensazionale: centinaia di leoni ed elefanti marini stesi al sole sulla spiaggia. Lo spettacolo è struggente. A Punta Cantor riusciamo a scendere, lungo un sentiero, quasi fino alla spiaggia per osservare da vicino quanto veduto precedentemente dall'alto. La mole degli elefanti marini maschi è paurosa. Sono dei bestioni di tutto rispetto! Sono tre, quattro volte più grandi delle femmine e dei leoni marini. Qua e là se ne vedono alcuni trascinarsi faticosamente, altri emettere dei muggiti selvaggi. A Caleta Valdés troviamo ancora spiagge affollate da colonie di mammiferi marini. Qui i nostri sguardi sono attirati da due orche marine che nuotano nell'acqua, non lontano da riva. Le accompagniamo con i nostri sguardi finchè non si dileguano nello sconfinato oceano. Il periplo della penisola prevederebbe ora Punta Norte, ma, ormai, siamo ampiamente appagati dalle tante specie viste; oltretutto, tra poco il sole tramonterà e perciò decidiamo di ritornare. Prendiamo l'unica strada che divide in due la penisola passando per l'interno. Tagliamo quindi il