Ends of the Earth
Argentina / Patagonia / Tierra del Fuego
November 14 - 26, 2005
A SHRINKING WORLD
The world is a very big place, but it seems to be getting smaller
every day. There are certain areas we don’t want to visit (or
can’t) for political or safety reasons. Other places have become
so popular as tourist destinations that they have lost all appeal to
the adventure traveler looking for a truly unique experience. But don’t
lose hope of finding that perfect, out-of-the-ordinary destination!
Toto Tours invites you to come with us to the ends of the earth, literally,
to enjoy an unparalleled Thanksgiving tour in Argentina, including Patagonia
and Tierra del Fuego.
Argentina is a very long country that stretches
halfway down the Atlantic seaboard of South America. It is also a big
country, the eighth largest in the world and the second largest on the
continent. Argentina comprises several geographic regions, from the
subtropical rainforests of the north, through the grassy central Pampas,
to the mountainous glaciers of the south. Its extreme southern edge
is just a hop, skip and a jump (geographically speaking) across the
water from Antarctica, so the southernmost point of land can truly be
called one end of the earth.
The country and its people are known for
their rich mix of cultures and outside influences, and it can at times
seem difficult to get a fix on the place. We encourage you not to try
too hard or its wonders may just elude you. It is a place where you
just need to let the experiences wash over you. After all, adventure
travel is a process of discovery, and not necessarily finding the answers.
It is the process itself that makes the journey so memorable.
Our adventure begins in Buenos Aires,
the ninth-largest city in the world. It is a sprawling metropolis rising
from the Río de la Plata and stretching more than 75 square miles
to the surrounding pampas. With more than one-third of the country’s
39 million inhabitants, Buenos Aires’ identity lies in its 48
barrios (neighborhoods)—each with its own character and history.
Many residents have lived in the same barrio for generations and feel
more of an affinity to their neighborhood than to the city as a whole.
From Buenos Aires we fly to San Carlos
de Bariloche, or simply Bariloche, the gateway to northern Patagonia,
and a land of rugged beauty and wilderness famous for great hiking and
other outdoor sports. The town sits in the center of Nahuel Huapi National
Park and is fronted by an enormous, irregularly shaped lake of the same
name. Bariloche’s grand appeal are the many outdoor activities,
sightseeing drives, boat trips, great restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
The climax of the tour is our exploration
of the archipelago located at the southern extreme of South America.
Rich in history and beauty, it consists of one large, several smaller,
and many tiny islands separated by inlets and channels. The place is
called Tierra del Fuego, the “Land of Fire.” Ferdinand Magellan
named it thus upon his first visit in 1520, because of the enormous
beach fires he observed the aborigines building as a way to keep warm
and also for cooking. Later, Charles Darwin was also amazed at the size
of the fires and the scanty clothing the people wore in this cold place.
Although it is a windswept, perpetually chilly region, the scenery is
absolutely supreme! Fjords of the Andean coastline along the Beagle
Channel and Strait of Magellan rival those of Scandinavia.
Come with Toto Tours this Thanksgiving
to the explore the “Ends of the Earth” with a group of wonderful
men. We will make all the logistical arrangements very easy. All you
need to do is start the process moving, and the sooner the better. Argentina
will capture your heart and fire your imagination with its friendly
people and jaw-dropping scenery. You will be thankful you decided to
join us!
AN URGENT NOTE REGARDING AIRFARE
This is one of the most complicated tour itineraries we have ever created,
involving many flight segments. We looked at all the options, and found
that the only way to make the airfare a reasonable expense for everyone
was to book it all with one carrier—both the international flights
from the U.S. to Argentina, and the internal flights within Argentina.
Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are highly
seasonal destinations. The demand for hotel rooms and airline seats
far exceeds what is available during the few months of the year people
actually want to travel there. The best way to ensure that we can all
fly to Southern Argentina together is to book group airfare on Aerolineas
Argentinas, and the only way they will allow us to offer discounted
domestic flights within Argentina is if those tickets are sold in combination
with international airfare. They have us over a barrel, but they have
a monopoly and can get away with it.
We know that our clients normally prefer
to travel abroad using their own frequently-flown air carriers, and
that is why we almost never set up our tours in such a way that participating
in group airfare is more or less a requirement. This tour is an exception
because of the necessity of moving around the country together at peak
season, and the limited options allowing us to do that.
Aerolineas Argentinas is holding seats
for our group in exchange for a substantial deposit. We will not risk
losing this money, and will therefore be releasing most unsold seats
by August 15. Obtaining additional seats after they have been released
will be very difficult (if not impossible).
It is important that you make your reservation
for this tour before the August 15th cancellation deadline so that you
don’t have to scramble to obtain airfare later. As soon as your
reservation is received, we will put you into direct contact with our
outfitters to purchase your flights using your credit card.
At the end of this page you will find a list
of the air prices for the various portions of the tour. These rates
are hundreds of dollars less than published fares, and the combined
international and domestic prices are comparable to what it would cost
you to purchase just the domestic flights alone. We look forward to
assisting you with your flight arrangements at the earliest possible
date!
ITINERARY
Click on the link above to read about this exciting opportunity to
view the thundering majesty of one of the most amazing waterfalls on
earth before arriving in Buenos Aires. Participation in this element
of the tour will require departure from the U.S. on Saturday, November
12, 2005.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Departure for Buenos Aires
Our group flight on Aerolineas Argentinas departs Miami this evening
at 8:35pm, arriving in Buenos Aires tomorrow morning. Our outfitters
will assist you with add-on airfare to Miami if necessary.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Arrival In Argentina
Our group flight arrives in Buenos Aires at 7:25am this morning. Upon
arrival we are met and transferred to our downtown hotel, located a
few blocks from Florida and Lavalle Street, the main pedestrian streets
of Buenos Aires and where you will find many shops and the gay bars.
The afternoon is at leisure to rest or explore on your own. This evening
enjoy a Welcome Dinner and Tango performance at the famous Esquina
Carlos Gardel restaurant. (Dinner
Included)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Buenos Aires
After breakfast this morning take a city sightseeing tour, visiting
the most interesting districts such as La Boca with the colorful Caminito
Street, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, and Recoleta. We will also visit the
Colon Theater, probably the most important opera house in Latin America.
The remainder of the day is free, and this evening you may want to sample
some of Buenos Aires’ festive gay nightlife. (Breakfast)
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Gaucho Day
Enjoy a full day tour to Estancia La Concepción, one of the
most interesting ranches in the pampas around Buenos Aires. This is
a working cattle ranch where you have the opportunity to experience
part of the daily work of the gauchos ( Argentine cowboys). The Estancia
also has a lovely park with ancient trees and a swimming pool. You may
choose to explore the surroundings on horse back or in carriages. A
typical and delicious asado (Pampas’ barbecue) prepared by the
gauchos will be served for lunch, as well as different kinds of salads
and the best Argentine wines. Later on enjoy afternoon tea served with
pastries. Return to Buenos Aires and the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, November 18, 2005
Bariloche
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Bariloche,
a charming town in the Andean Lake District of northern Patagonia. Our
flight departs at 10:45am and arrives at 1:05pm. Upon arrival we will
be met and transferred to our hotel.
This afternoon we tour the Nahuel Huapi Lake
coast, visiting the picturesque area of Puerto Pañuelo, the Llao
Llao peninsula and some viewpoints from which to admire the Nahuel Huapi
Lake, the snow-capped Andes Mountains, and the thick Patagonian beech
forests. The dramatic Andes and their interesting basaltic formations
are beautifully reflected in the lakes and ponds, and there is an excellent
chance that we will see Andean condors. Stopping along the way at a
lavender plantation, continue on to Paso Cordoba for dinner at the most
famous restaurant in town, Familia
Weiss, where you can savor wonderful local
specialties. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Enjoy a full day tour of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the first protected
area of Latin America and one of the largest parks in Patagonia. It
has stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, several blue lakes, a diverse
wildlife and ancient beech forests. Board a boat for a ride across Nahuel
Huepi Lake to Puerto Blest, viewing the wonderful scenery of forests,
snow-capped mountains, and very possibly, another appearance of Andean
Condors! Disembark at Puerto Blest to enjoy lunch at a restaurant with
gorgeous views of the mountains. Our lake journey continues to admire
stunning Mount Tronador and its hanging glaciers. After reaching Puerto
Cantaros, breathe the pristine air as we walk through the dense Valdivian
Forest to the picturesque Los Cantaros Cascade (waterfall). Returning
to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Southern Patagonia
This morning is free to sleep in late, enjoy a leisurely breakfast
and the amenities of our hotel, or go souvenir shopping. After lunch
our group transfers to the local airport for a 2:15pm flight to El Calafate,
the main entry point to Southern Patagonia, arriving at 4:00pm. This
charming town lies on the southern coast of the turquoise-colored waters
of Argetino Lake, one of the largest glacier lakes in Patagonia. Upon
arrival, transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free
for hiking, exploring, or relaxing. Don't miss the “Mate Tea Time”
in early evening. This is a typical tea of Argentina. Check with the
hotel to ascertain the scheduled time for tea. (Breakfast)
Monday, November 21, 2005
Los Glaciares National Park
After breakfast enjoy a full day visit to Los Glaciares National Park,
where we admire the Perito Moreno Glacier. This imposing ice river is
roughly 2 miles wide and more than 2,000 feet high, descending from
the Patagonian Continental Ice Field, provoking thunders and ice cracks
during its advance. Because of its breathtaking beauty UNESCO declared
it a “World Heritage Site” in 1981. Lunch will be at a modest
restaurant, the only one in the Park, which offers a menu of good homemade
food. (Beverage is not included.) Returning to our hotel, the remainder
of the afternoon and evening are free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Upsala Glacier & Onelli Bay
On this second day’s exploration of Los Glaciares National Park,
we drive to Puerto Bandera, located about 31 miles from El Calafate.
Embark on a catamaran which will sail through the North Arm of Argentino
Lake until it approaches the front wall of Upsala Glacier (the park’s
largest) going through an amazing obstacle course comprised of the icebergs
which constantly break off the glacier wall. From here we continue navigating
through Onelli Channel and upon reaching Onelli Bay we disembark to
start a ¾-mile hike through the Andean Patagonian Forest to a
secluded lagoon strewn with icebergs deposited from the surrounding
Onelli, Bolado, and Agassiz Glaciers. Lunch will be at the rustic and
charming Onelli Restaurant. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of
the afternoon and evening are free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Ushuaia
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our 12:33pm flight to Ushuaia,
the southernmost city of the world, arriving at 1:48pm. Ushuaia is the
capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego. Situated on the border
of the Beagle Canal and surrounded by the Mounts Martial, this city
offers a unique landscape in Argentina made up of mountains, sea, glaciers
and woods. Its climate, in spite of its geographical situation, is not
as severe as you might expect, since both the mountains and the sea
soften it. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel. The
remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating town. (Breakfast)
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Tierra del Fuego National Park / Beagle Channel / Thanksgiving Celebration
After breakfast depart our hotel to take a tour by bus or by train
(depending upon schedules) of the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Return
to our hotel for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a catamaran
cruise on the Beagle Channel, sailing on icy waters past soaring snow-covered
peaks in this wildly beautiful area. The Beagle Channel is home to a
colony of sea lions.
Tonight enjoy Thanksgiving / Farewell Dinner
at Kaupe
Restaurant, with its outstanding food, atmosphere
and views. Dinner will include king crab, Patagonian lamb barbecue and
other local specialties from the “End of the World.” (Breakfast
/ Thanksgiving Dinner)
Friday, November 25, 2005
Homeward Bound
After breakfast enjoy a morning at leisure before our transfer to the
airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery airport. The
domestic flight departs at 2:23pm and arrives in Buenos Aires at 5:48pm.
From there we transfer to Ezeiza International Airport for our flights
back home. The group flight departs Buenos Aires at 11:15pm, arriving
in Miami early tomorrow morning. (Breakfast)
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Home
Our group flight arrives in Miami this morning at 6:23am. Clear customs
and continue on to your home destination. (No
Meals)
Click on the link above to read about an optional four day tour extension
to a nature reserve in Argentina that is an absolute must-see for all
wildlife lovers. It is so pristine it could be considered the Argentine
equivalent of the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Participation in this
post-tour extension will have you returning back home on Tuesday, November
29, 2005.
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