TIERRAS VIVAS
A Whole World of Experincie

Plateros 319 Cusco - Perú - 2008
Telefax: 051 84235211
Cell Phone: 051 849702020 / 849948212
Marinescu 9 - Cluj Napoca - Rumania.
Phone: 0040745427084 - 00400752346714.
email: info@tierrasvivas.com
MSN: tierrasvivas@hotmail.com
Skype: tierrasvivas
http://www.tierrasvivas.com/

Patagonian Footsteps

Trip styles: Adventure
Activity:
CODE: APF
Duration: 13 days
Country: Chile, argentina
Region: Puerto Madryn-El Calafate
Physical rating: Adventure
These trips are required to walk from 4 to more hours and generally during days, and travelling in different means of transportation (domestic flights, local buses, train, boat, kayak, bike, horse and foot). accommodations are basic, for instance, hotel, hostal, familiar houses, lodges, or camping, so we recommend to be fit, and before coming out here, do an or two hours walk.
Price: USD 1100.00
Local payment: USD 400.00

Overview
Leaving Puerto Madryn to visit Valdés Peninsula with its sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, dolphins and whales, we begin our tour of Eastern Patagonia. Indigenous birds, guanacos, and Darwin’s rheas will accompany us as we go. On our way to Comodoro Rivadavia, the city which lives at the fast pace of the oil industry, we will be able to appreciate fossils and archeological remains.
We pass through the towns of Caleta Olivia, Pico Truncado and Las Heras as we make for ‘La Cueva de Los Manos’ (The Cave of Hands), an archeological site of spectacular cave paintings more than 9000years old. In the midst of the guanaco and rhea you are taken by surprise at the depth of the Río Pinturas canyon, which conceals this most amazing local example of cave art on its walls and in its caves. The Perito Moreno National Park will then treat us to its beautiful Lenga (deciduous beech) forests and two different lake systems, whose waters end up in different oceans, and in which you can find glaciers, waterfalls and fossil remains. Our stay in El Chaltén, the national trekking capital, is marked by hidden lakes, ranches, glaciers and the imposing presence of the mountains Fitzroy and Torre. At the city of El Calafate we will sail from Puerto Banderas, on Lago Argentino, to observe the Speggazzini, Onelli, and Upsala glaciers, and relish the unique experience of trekking on the majestic Perito Moreno glacier.
From here it is possible to join up with one of our optional extension tours: ‘Tierras del Fuego Tour’ or ‘Torres del Paine National Park’
 
  
 
Itinerary
 
 
Day 1: Puerto Madryn, briefing and welcome dinner at the campsite. 
Day 2: Included tour to Península de Valdés, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.
Day 3: Travel to Comodoro Rivadavia. Box lunch on route. Set up the campsite and spend the night in this city, full of oil companies.
Day 4: We will cross the patagonian desert to geta t the hands cave, nearby Bajo Caracoles where we will sleep.
Day 5: Hands cave (Cueva de las Manos)
Optinal tour to the hands cave (painting cave of 9.000 years old) and the panoramic view of the Paints River (Río Pinturas ) Canion.
Day 6: We keep travelling down south to El Chanten, Argentina’s trekking capital
Dia 7: Optional trekking tour to Torre Glacier
Day 8-9-10 Early in the morning optional trekking tour to Cerro Fitz Roy. Transfer to El Calafate, from where we can take optional tours to Speghazzini, Onelli and Upsala glaciers, also the lake tour to Lago Argentino to spot the famous Moreno Glacier. 
Day 11-12: Torres del Paine
Today we cross the border to Chile, to get into Torres del Paine National Park, where we will spend the next 2 days visiting this awesome place!!
Day 13: Back to El calafate, transfer out to the airpot and end of our services.
 
Is this trip for me?
 
Route: Puerto Madryn-Peninsula Valdez-Comodoro Rivadavia-Bajo Caracoles-Hands Cave-El Chalten-Cerro Torre-El Calafate-Torre del Paine
Crew: Local guides when necessary
Accommodation: at hotels, estancias, hostels and campsites
Highlights: Whale wathing, full day tour to Moreno Glacier, without navigation
Meal: All meals while on camping
Transport: Overland Transportation
 
Depending on number passengers:
Toyota Hilux 4X4
Mercedez Benz truck 1720. for 18 Passenger capacity
 

 

Not included in this trip?
  • Local Payment USD400
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Meals indicated as “free meals”
  • Entrances to the Nacional Parks
  • Optional Tours
  • Transfer IN
  • Pre & post tour accommodation
  • Internacional and domestic flights and departure tax
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips, baggage portage and other extras not specified.
 


Introdution
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us, (remember we are in south america). Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit traveling, with Tierras Vivas can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
Please contact us for more information if needed.
 


Day 01: Puerto Madryn

Arrival time, you will be transferred to the campsite. Briefing and presentation of the trip. Setting up of camp and welcome dinner.


Day 2: Península Valdés

Breakfast. Free day. Optional activity: tour of Peninsula Valdés, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. and excursion to watch the rich variety of marine fauna to be found here (elephant seals, penguins, dolphins, whales). Return to campsite and dinner.


Day 3: Península Valdés - Comodoro Rivadavia

After breakfast we move on to the city of Comodoro Rivadavia, 450 km away. Box Lunch. Setting up of camp and dinner.


Day 4: From Comodoro Rivadavia to Bajo Caracoles

After breakfast we leave for Santa Cruz province, where we find an unusual landscape: Patagonian desert sprinkled with oil extraction pumps working in continuous circular motion. We pass through the towns of Caleta Olivia, Pico Truncado and Las Heras, and finally reach the Ranch Cueva de las Manos, close to Bajo Caracoles, where we stay the night. Lunch and dinner included.


Day 5: Cueva de las Manos

Breakfast at the ranch. Optional activity: excursion to Cueva de las Manos. Here we can marvel at the 9000 year old cave paintings. Amongst the guanaco and ñandu you are taken by surprise at the depth of the Río Pinturas canyon, which conceals on its walls and in its caves the most amazing local example of cave art. You are free for dinner at the ranch.


Day 6: From Estancia Cueva de las Manos to El Chaltén
After breakfast we leave for El Chaltén, the National Trekking Capital. At this spot we experience a magical combination of spectacular glaciers, hidden lakes, ranches, Lago Viedma and the imposing presence of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.  We will camp. Lunch and dinner included.


Day 7 – Cerro Torre

Breakfast. Optional activity: excursion to Torre Glacier, led by mountain guides who will instruct us in the use of crampons, indispensable for this activity. We will spend another night in our camp.Dinner at campsite.


Day 8: Cerro Fitz Roy
 
Breakfast. Optional excursion: Cerro Fitz Roy (known as Chaltén by the indigenous people) where you will be able to appreciate one of the best views of this impressive mountain peak from the Poincenot base camp. Packed lunch. In the afternoon transfer to El Calafate. Lodging at hostel. You are free for dinner.


Day 9: To Upsala Glacier
 
Breakfast and optional activity: set off for Puerto Banderas, from where you will begin one of the most complete lake excursions, and enjoy great views of large glaciers like Speghazzini, Onelli and the magnificent Upsala. In the afternoon we return to our lodgings in Calafate. Free for dinner.


Day 10: Perito Moreno Glacier

Breakfast. In the morning we will sail on Lago Argentino towards the Perito Moreno Glacier, in order to relish the experience of walking on the ice. Packed lunch and dinner included.


Day 11: From El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park
Day 11 – From El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park
We leave El Calafate after breakfast and head for Cancha Carrera, where we cross the border, and carry on till we get to Torres del Paine National Park. We go in by Guardería Sarmiento, the Lago Nordenskjöld Panoramic Viewpoint and Cuernos del Paine, arriving finally at Lago Pehoé. We will camp for the night. Lunch and dinner included.


Day 12: Lake Nordenskjold


After breakfast we go to El Salto Grande of Rio Paine, and from there we take a 45 minute walk which takes us to the Lago Nordenskjöld Viewpoint. From here there is a great view of Los Cuernos del Paine and Valle del Francés. We then return to the camp. Lunch and dinner included.



Day 13: Cerro Ferrier View Point – Lake Grey and El Calafate

After breakfast we make our way to Lago Grey and from there go on a 45 minute walk along the coast, where we find ice floes piled up which have broken off the glacier.  We go up to the Cerro Ferrier Viewpoint from where we get an excellent panoramic view.
After lunch we return to El Calafate. Transfer out.


Dossier

Important Notes:
1) Shorter/longer stays, hotel upgrades and extra trips all possible.
Please contact our sales department for more information or check out our Taylor Made section.
 
2) Visas: You may be required to obtain a travel visa, also all countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT''''''''S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

3) This trip is not available between May and September due to weather conditions.

Accommodation:  
Simple Hotels, estancias, hostels, camping

Joining Hotel:  
The following place will be used in Puerto Madryn, so please check the location details in your voucher.

Campiste in Puerto Madryn
Camping Municipal Sud
R.S. Peña 250
Tel. +54 2965 471 924
Puerto Madryn 


Joining Instructions:  
This trip begins in Puerto Madryn, at the hotel listed above. The transfer IN-OUT are not included in the cost of the tour, unless specified. When you leave customs at the airport, you will find the counters of the transfer companies, you can get a taxi there to go to your hotel listed in your voucher. If you arrange in advance a transfer with Tierras Vivas, you will be met by a driver holding a banner with your name on it. This driver will be waiting for you by the exit of the arrivals lounge, so keep an eye out for the banner. You will be transferred to your hotel. At the time of booking please inform Tierras Vivas of your flight information to book this transfer.
You will be met on day 1 by our local operador/representative and will be briefed on the adventure ahead. If no one is there upon arrival at the hotel, look or ask for a message at the reception desk and the information will be waiting for you.

Arrival Complications:  

We don't expect any problems, and or should you, but if for any reason you can not commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader/local operator or to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader/local operator, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our local operatos/representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point Hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Local Emergency Contact
If you need emergency assistance, you can contact us locally at the following phone numbers:
Cell. + 54 9 11 54 77 68 46

Should you need to contact Tierras Vivas during a situation of extremely serious need, someone from our Operations staff will answer a mobile line at any time. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as posible

Phone: +51 842 352 11
Mobile: +51 849 702 020 


Checklist of what to take:

      * Passport (with photocopies)
      * Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      * Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      * USD cash
      * Credit and debit cards
      * Vouchers and dossier
      * Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      * Camera and film
      * CD/MP3 player
      * Reading/writing material
      * Binoculars
      * Cover for backpacks
      * Fair sized daypack
      * Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably water proof)
      * Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
      * Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately         
        $5USD/day-these are high quality and warm)
      * Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
      * Thermal underwear
      * Fleece top
      * Windproof/waterproof jacket
      * 3 shirts/t-shirts
      * Sun hat
      * 1 pair of shorts
      * 1 pairs of long trousers
      * 2 pair hiking pants/track pants
      * Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
      * Sport sandals
      * Sun block
      * Sunglasses
      * Toiletries (biodegradable)
      * Watch or alarm clock
      * Water bottle
      * Pocket knife
      * Small flashlight
      * First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids,      
         anti-histamine, tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-
         hydration powder, and extra prescription drugs you may be  
         taking).

Meal Budget:  
Daily allowance USD30 for meals not included. For additional expenses, please contact our sales department for more information.
sales@tierrasvivas.com
 

Emergency Fund:  
Please, make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) need a change to our planned tour. This is a rare occurrence! But you never know…

Departure Tax:  
USD18 Argentina

A Couple of Rules:  
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts you  at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Tierras Vivas travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The explotation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader/local operators has the right to expel any member of the group/tour if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance:  
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a trip with us, you will not be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader or local operator, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Responsible Travel:  
Tierras Vivas has been responsible to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Keeping in Touch:  
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Ciber cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact.


AVAILABILITY & PRICES

This trip is not available between May and September due to weather conditions.

Cost per pax: USD1100

+

Local Payment : USD400

Local payment

Most of our adventure trips involve a local payment.
This amount is the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour,  allowing us to keep our tours at a competitive price, passing our costs savings on to you.