Explore the wilds of the Argentine Patagonia by ascending Mount Frias in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoying the wonders Los Glaciares National Park with the opportunity to trek across Perito Moreno Glacier.
Due to the adventurous nature of this program and the amount of walking over uneven terrain, we do not recommend it for guests with walking difficulties of for those who use a wheelchair or scooter.
Special Note: Guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read the airline stipulations below with regards to bringing this equipment on the tour.
DAY 1
Once you fly into the Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, you will be met near the luggage claim area and transferred to the Emperador Hotel or similar for the night.
Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available earlier, this cannot be guaranteed. If your flight arrives early in the day, you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee immediate check-in.
The remainder of the day and evening will be at your leisure with all meals on your own.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to the Buenos Aires domestic airport. Bring only what is necessary for the next few days for the trip to El Calafate, including medications, valuables and documents. The bulk of your luggage should be left in the hotel storage with all the bags labeled with your name and ship cabin number. They will be transferred to the pier for embarkation on Day 4.
When the flight lands in El Calafate, you will transfer to the 4-star Xelena Hotel in El Calafate. Located in the southwestern tip of the Argentine Patagonia, the town is known for its easy access to the Los Glaciares National Park, home of the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier and hundreds of others.
After lunch on your own, you will begin your exploration of the wilderness on the outskirts of El Calafate by ascending Mount Frias in a 4x4 vehicle. As you ascend the trail, you will stop on occasion to take in the spectacular views of Argentino Lake and beautiful Torres del Paine National Park. If it’s a clear day, you may be able to see Mount Fitz Roy, the highest peak in Los Glaciares National Park. The journey up and down Mount Frias will be a magnificent introduction to the area’s natural beauty.
Upon returning to the Xelena Hotel, you will have time to relax and freshen up before dinner at the hotel.
DAY 3
DAY 2
On this day guests will have one of two options to be decided with your guide when you are on the program:
Option 1 - Safari Nautico
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to Los Glaciares National Park, an expansive protected area covered by an ice mantle. After reaching the Patagonic Andean forest, you will pause for photos at the Curve of Sighs, a lookout where you will have the first view of the Perito Moreno Glacier rising majestically above the landscape.
Next proceed to the "Bajo de las Sombras" port located 7km from the glacier catwalks. Once there, board a large catamaran style boat to navigate the Lago Rico where you will be able to appreciate the amazing walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier, its icebergs and its continuous and thunderous collapses over the Lago Rico. One stop is made approximately 300 meters (984 feet) from the southern wall of the glacier, to take a closer look at the landscape. No physical effort is required on this option.
Return to the National Park for lunch at one of its restaurants. After lunch join the rest of the group and approach the glacier by walking down catwalks that will present several other panoramic viewpoints of this wonderful creation of Mother Nature. Chances are, you will see and hear large chunks of ice calving from the glacier and thundering into the water of Lago Argentino. It will be an experience that you will not soon forget.
Option 2 - Mini Trek
Guests participating in this option must be between the ages of 10 and 65 years old and in good physical condition to participate. Guests older than 65 will not be able to participate due to insurance liability coverage provided by the operator for the trek. This is non-negotiable.
Due to the level of effort and difficulty, the mini-trekking activity is also not suitable for guests that are overweight, pregnant, have a physical or mental condition that affects attention, walking or coordination, have a peripheral or central cardiovascular condition, use a stent, pacemaker or other prosthesis, take anticoagulants, have respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma or emphysema, or have varicose veins degree III. For this glacier experience, the trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you will walk is irregular, but firm and safe. While the trekking itself is not overly vigorous, this excursion is considered strenuous.
Following an early breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to Los Glaciares National Park, an expansive protected area covered by an ice mantle. After reaching the Patagonic Andean forest, you will pause for photos at the Curve of Sighs, a lookout where you will have the first view of the Perito Moreno Glacier rising majestically above the landscape.
A 20-minute sail across the Rico Arm will present breathtaking views of the glacier’s front walls. Arriving at the opposite shore, you will be greeted by specialized mountain guides, who will lead you to a small shelter. From here, small groups will follow their guides along the lake’s shore, towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice, you will strap on your crampons and be briefed on their use.
During the two-hour trek that follows, you will be introduced to the fascinating glacial landscape, with its small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and ice formations of the most incredible blues. You will also learn about the general glaciology of the region and Perito Moreno Glacier in particular. After your glacier hike, a stroll through the forest will bring you back to the shelter. A box lunch is provided during this tour.
Later, you will join the rest of the group and approach the glacier by walking down catwalks that will present several other panoramic viewpoints of this wonderful creation of Mother Nature. Chances are, you will see and hear large chunks of ice calving from the glacier and thundering into the water of Lago Argentino. It will be an experience that you will not soon forget.
After this day which is sure to amaze, all guests will return to the hotel, where dinner will be served.
DAY 4
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the airport for the flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the pier for embarkation. If time permits, you will first enjoy a tour highlighting the city’s major neighborhoods and attractions.
Points of interest include the main square Plaza de Mayo, which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada presidential headquarters, the colonial town hall and the cathedral. You may also drive to Caminito and see the colorful tin houses of La Boca and proceed through the elegant Barrio Norte on the way to the Recoleta Cemetery, an above-ground cemetery lined with mausoleums and statues.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive on your international flight.
Meet and greet and transfer to the Emperador Buenos Aires hotel
3:00pm hotel check in
The remainder of the day and evening at your leisure
Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Emperador or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. A transfer is not included for guests arriving independently before the program start date.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided. Guests will then be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2 – timings below are subject to actual flight details – this is a sample itinerary
7:00am Buffet breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Transfer to the Buenos Aires domestic airport
8:15am Check-in for your flight to El Calafate
9:45am Fly to El Calafate (flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:00pm Arrive and transfer to the Xelena Hotel; lunch on own
3:00pm Depart for Mount Frías
7:00pm Return to the hotel
8:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Xelena Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
6:00am Early breakfast for guests opting to do the Mini trek
6:30am Depart for Los Glaciares National Park for the trek – lunch box provided
7:00am Buffet breakfast at the hotel for guests taking the optional Safari Nautico
8:30am Safari Nautico group transfer to Los Glaciares National Park
9:30am Safari Nautico boat ride to the glacier
1:00pm Safari Nautico group - lunch inside the national park
2:30pm Both groups view Perito Moreno Glacier from the catwalks
Time at leisure in the park to follow
5:30pm Return to the hotel
8:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Xelena Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4 – timings below are subject to actual flight details – this is a sample itinerary
7:00am Buffet breakfast and check-out of the hotel
9:00pm Transfer to the airport and check-in
12:00nn Fly to Buenos Aires (flight details TBA and subject to change)
3:30pm Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the ship for embarkation
Expected Weather
Seasons in South America are exactly opposite of those in North America. Rain can fall any time of the year. In Buenos Aires, a hot and humid climate should be expected during the summer (December-March). The average high in the summer is 90F/32C and the average low is 65F/18C.
The climate in El Calafate is primarily dry and its extremes of cold and heat are moderated by the influence of Lake Argentino. In summer the weather is dry, sunny, cool and windy; the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius (68°Fahrenheit), but it can reach a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius (86°Fahrenheit). Minimum temperatures can fall to 10ºC (50°F).
What to Bring
Light, loose clothing, good hiking boots or shoes and a warm jacket for cooler temperatures at El Calafate. Bring mosquito repellant as well.
Currency
The official Argentine currency is the peso. U.S. dollars are accepted in most places. In Brazil the currency is the Brazilian real
Electricity
220 volts A.C. (50 Hz). We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor if required.
Luggage
The luggage weight restrictions on domestic flights are:
5kg/11lbs for carry-on luggage
15kg / 33lbs for checked-in luggage
Excess luggage will be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires and brought to the ship for embarkation. Don’t forget to bring medications, valuables and documents with you.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at Oceania Cruises at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase, otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Accommodations
Xelena Hotel
Rene Favaloro, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4328-1340
Emperador Buenos Aires Hotel
Av. del Libertador 420, Buenos Aires, Argentina ?
Phone: +54 11 4131-4000?
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
?1 night in Buenos Aires at the Emperador or similar (deluxe room) including breakfast
?2 nights in El Calafate at the 4-star Xelena Hotel or similar (Run of house room) including breakfast
?Transfers
?English-speaking guides
?Local English-speaking escort to accompany the group throughout
?Half-day Buenos Aires sightseeing (time permitting)
?Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier(Mini trek or Safari Nautico)and entrance fees
?Cerro Frias 4x4 excursion
?Luggage porterage
?Economy-class flights between Buenos Aires and El Calafate (direct flights not guaranteed)
?1 lunch (1 soft drink included per person) and 2 dinners (2 soft drinks included per person)
?Excess luggage storage in Buenos Aires
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Land cost Excludes
?Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
?Gratuities to drivers and guides
?Any meals or beverages not listed above
?Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights
?Any necessary visa fees
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
