Early afternoon departure from El Calafate following the route 11 and then take the route 9 which runs parallel to the South bank of the Santa Cruz river, the longest river in the province of the same name since its waters flow from Lake Argentino to the Atlantic. While driving along this gravel road, we will be able to sight the fauna of the area (guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, and piches (small armadillos).
We reach PIEDRABUENA, and drive then North to Isla Pavon (Pavon Island) where the Argentine Commander Luis Piedrabuena set his company in 1859.
Total km drive: 295km (200 gravel road and 95 of paved road)
Approx. time: 6 hours
Meals: Box-lunch. & D.
The First Coastal National Park of Argentina
35 km South of the Santa Cruz river we drive E to reach the Atlantic Ocean and the National Park. Monte León is a unique example of Southern Patagonia's unspoilt, majestic environment.
It´s unbelievable beaches on the South Atlantic, cliffs, caves and wind swept, gully-scarred, tableland are home to a rich biodiversity, including a penguin rookery with an estimated 30,000 nesting couples.
This will be a full day dedicated to enjoying the wildlife of the area. The National Park –created in 2003- protects the coastal wildlife of Southern Patagonia as well as the Patagonian steppe environment. Inside the National Park there are several soft hikes-
To the Penguin rookery (Magellanic penguins) along the Beach
Hike to Cabeza de Leon a lookout point of incredible beauty
Visit to the sealions rookery and the Island of Monte Leon, site of rock cormorant nesting
Return to Isla Pavon. Accommodation.
Total km drive: 130km (60 gravel road and 70 of paved road)
Approx. time: 7 hours
Meals: B- Box-lunch. & D.
Morning Northbound drive towards Puerto Deseado. On the way (and after 300 km) we turn W to visit the amazing MONUMENTO NATURAL BOSQUES PETRIFICADOS (Petrified Forests) in Jaramillo. This is an amazing Geological reserve where we will walk between huge petrified forest dating from the Jurasic era (130 millions of years), immersed in a lunar landscape and with the contrasting colors of the steppe as a backdrop.
Afternoon we resume our trip to get to Puerto Deseaso, the best natural pier in Patagonia and icon of the stories and history of great seamen together with pirates and buccaneers that navigated the Southern seas since 1520
Puerto Deseado is located at the mouth of the Ria Deseado (Estuary Deseado), 40 km long with a rich wildlife.
Accommodation at LOS ACANTILADOS Hotel. Dinner.
Total km drive: 611km (102 gravel road )
Approx. time: 8 hours
Meals: B – box –L & D.
On board a safe zodiac boat we will navigate the Ria Deseado. The sea waters, the currents and depth turn the waters of the estuary in a blend of greens and blues and also the site of a very interesting marine fauna.
This is a natural reserve where SouthAmerican sea lions and dolphins wander close to the coast, The marine birds – rock cormorants, Magellanic penguins, skuas and gulls – are part of the landscape. It is also possible to navigate to Isla Pinguino (Penguin island) –weather permitting – to observe the gentoo penguin.
Afternoon visit to Cabo Blanco lighthouse , a promontory from where we will be able to observe one of the few fur seals colonies in Argentina.
Return to Puerto Deseado.
Total km drive: 200km of gravel road
Approx. time: 8 hours
Meals: B- box –L & D.
Northbound drive to Comodoro Rivadavia. The first part of the drive goes parallel to the old tracks of the train that linked the estancias in the Andes and the steppe to the port in Puerto Deseado and which operated till 1978.
From Caleta Olivia, (about 80 km South of Comodoro Rivadavia) the landscape changes dramatically. The sights will be of small beaches of white sand and elevated peninsulas of upto 100m, from the deep blue sea. Time and weather permitting we will stop to enjoy a short hike in the area. Afternoon arrival in Comodoro Rivadavia. Accommodation at AUSTRAL HOTEL.
Total km drive: 270km of paved road.
Approx. time: 5 hours
Meals: B- box-L- D-
Transfer to the airport.
Meals: B-
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES. Departures have been set in order to form groups.
HOTELS / ESTANCIAS : In this program we have chosen what we
consider to be the Best Available accommodation. There are not many options,
mostly small hotels with clean and comfortable but simple facilities. The
ones included are:
ISLA PAVON – HOSTERIA ISLA PAVON
PUERTO DESEADO – HOTEL LOS
ACANTILADOS
C. RIVADAVIA. AUSTRAL HOTEL
THE GUIDES & VEHICLE . DAY HIKES:
Are from easy to slightly demanding from one to six hours
GUIDES: Spanish – English
and Italian
VEHICLE. Minibus Mercedes Benz Exprinter- 2003. Eight reclining
and comfortable seats. RECOMMENDATIONS* Participants must be prepared for long
drives. * Participants are to travel with health insurance* Meals are based
on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be
informed at least 15 days prior to departure
KONTAKT PATAGONIEN - ARGENTINIEN