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Argentina & The Atlantic Patagonia

For Travel Agents Only

 

 

ARGENTINA FAM TO THE ATLANTIC PATAGONIA

BUENOS AIRES, PENINSULA DE VALDEZ & USHUAIA

 

MARCH 23 - 30, 2025
8 days / 7nights

MARCH 23 SUN ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer yourself to hotel Double Tree by Hilton for 2 nights.
At night, Dinner and Tango show with plenty of wine at Gala Tango

MEALS TODAY: DINNER

MARCH 24 MON BUENOS AIRES: City tour (5 hours)
After breakfast, you will attend a morning sightseeing tour around South America’s most elegant capital. On the way, we will see Plaza de Mayo and the buildings that surround it: Casa Rosada (Government Place), Cabildo (Old City Hall) & the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue on to see the monumental Congress Building and its Square. Along the famous 9th de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world, we will see the Colon Theater, a famous Opera House that stages the most important artists and musicians from all over the world. We will also visit the old San Telmo neighborhood, La Boca neighborhood with its famous Caminito alley, Puerto Madero, Palermo Park with Jacarandas and Palo Borracho trees which flower in spring and late summer, the Polo Field and the historical Recoleta Cemetery with its ornate memorials. (FOR  THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN IN BUENOS AIRES BEFORE, WE"LL OFFER AN EXCURSION TO VISIT THE DELTA TIGRE AREA)

MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST & SNACKS

 

MARCH 25 TUE  BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA AM FLIGHT AR 1878 650AM-1030AM

PM BEAGLE CHANNEL -Sea Lions & Bird Island
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel Las Hayas.
In the afternoon, we will depart to the Beagle Channel. Have your camera ready to photograph the 600 pounds male sea lions, who are surrounded by their harems, only 3 yards away, posing specially to look elegant. This is one of many unusual pictures we can take during the trip.
We will sail in a very comfortable vessel around Bridges Islands, the Archipelago, and Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. This is a remote-controlled lighthouse “that is at the end of the world” that was built on an island off of Southern Argentina. We will then sail opposite Túnel Farm where some archaeological work takes place. Here you will see colonies of cormorants, albatrosses, petrels, "cauquenes" (Chloephaga), etc. This is an excellent opportunity to watch sea mammals and birds without disturbing them in their natural habitat.

MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST

MARCH 26 WED  USHUAIA: FULL DAY LAPATIA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, full day tour to Lapataia National Park.
At 7.5 miles westward from Ushuaia lies the entrance to Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only one with a seacoast in Argentina consisting of 126,000 acres. Here we can find Lengas trees which are native to the southern Andes, Sour cherry trees, Nires trees, Calafate bushes, and flowers such as orchids, violets and senecios can be seen.
A trip around this national park, with the panoramic views of the Beagle Channel framed by the mountains and forest, will immerse us in nature, to breathe in the sea and forest air. We follow the road that traces a very thin strip in the mountain foothills; we go past peat bogs, beavers dams and finally we arrive in Lapataia River. After crossing the river, the road becomes winding and full of bushes with some panoramic views like Verde Lagoon. Kaikenes and storks come here every summer.
If the passenger wants to feel like the main character in a short story, we suggest taking the hike along the path that leads to Negra Lagoon or Beavers Path to interpret these curious animals work.
The end of the Lapataia Bay marks the end of National Route 3 also know as the Pan American highway. It is here that the old inhabitants of this area left their legacy: the shelly deposits and some incredible archaeological sites. Before returning to Ushuaia, we stop at Roca Lake whose color changes according to the weather. There we will savor a chocolate coffee.

MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST & BOX LUNCH

MARCH 27 THU  USUAHIA / PENNSULA DE VALDEZ FLIGHT AR 1893  920AM-1130AM    

PM Paleontology Museum
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Peninsula de Valdez. On arrival transfer to hotel Posada de Madryn.
Afternoon Tour of the Museum of Paleontology The Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio is a science research and exhibition center.
The permanent exhibition is a journey into the natural past of Patagonia. It begins about 10,000 years ago, with the first human settlements in the area. In each room, specimens from both terrestrial and marine life forms are shown for each geological period, up to the early Paleozoic. The Mesozoic hall depicting the giant dinosaurs of Patagonia is perhaps the most popular attraction in the museum. The journey continues to the mini theatre with a film showing the evolution of the Universe back to the Big Bang itself.
The exhibition also offers a view into the Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio largest, state-of-the-art preparation laboratory, where fossils are carefully cleaned and separated from the rock encasing them. Visitors here can witness the progress of actual work done on the most recent fossil findings.
MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST

MARCH 28 FRI  PENINSULA DE VALDEZ Full day Estancia San Lorenzo and Penguin Colony
After breakfast we will depart for The Estancia San Lorenzo. A Nature Reserve which is located within the Peninsula Valdés Protected Natural Area, 100 miles from the city of Puerto Madryn, in the province of Chubut, in the Argentine Patagonia. A large colony of Magellan penguins is located on its coast, with an estimated population of 600,000 penguins per season. San Lorenzo is the largest and most spectacular Continental Penguin Colony known. An hour later, we arrive in the charming, friendly village of Puerto Pirámides for a boat tour to see sea lions, Orcas and Cormorants from December to March. Our next stop is the Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional Patagonian sheep farm that shelters the world’s largest Magellan penguin colony. For lunch we can taste the renowned and tasty Patagonian lamb BBQ. Then, we will visit the phenomenal penguin rookery located 4 Miles from the farmhouse. Our next stop is the Wildlife Reserve Punta Norte, where depending on the time of year we can observe Southern Sea lions, Southern Elephant seals and eventually Orcas. On our way back to Puerto Madryn, we make a stop at the Visitor Center Carlos Ameghino, a compendium of the natural wealth of the peninsula. Along the journey we will have a good chance of spotting local wildlife such as guanacos, rheas (South American Ostrich), foxes, armadillos, and even skunks. Mid-afternoon return to your hotel.
MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST & LUNCH

MARCH 29 SAT  PUNTA NINFAS full day tour
After breakfast full day tour to Punta Ninfas. Our vehicles will pick us up from our hotel early in the morning to begin our journey to Punta Ninfas, 44 miles from Puerto Madryn. We will explore one of the most pristine and virgin areas in our destination. All the wildlife sightings, with our naturalist guide, will take place within the boundaries of Estancia El Pedral. A diversity of stunning wildlife in its natural habitat can be observed such as Magellan penguins (September to March), Cormorants, Sea Lions and Elephant seals. Land mammals and birds such as Guanacos, Rheas and Hares will be crossing our way frequently. Throughout the tour you will be offered drinks, as well as a full box lunch, and a sweet treat later in the day before starting our trip back to the hotel.
MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST, BOX LUNCH & SNACK

 

MARCH 30 SUN  PENINSULA DE VALDEZ-BUENOS AIRES FLIGHT AR 1893 250PM-445PM
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take flight to Buenos Aires and connect to your destination.
MEALS TODAY: BREAKFAST

 

INCLUDED:

TARA TOURS TOUR CONDUCTOR. Hotel accommodation for 7 nights including room taxes and service charges. Tours as noted including entrance fees and English-speaking tour guide on a private basis. Transfers for all local flights. Meals as mentioned in itinerary. Local airfare from B.Aires  to Puerto Madryn-Ushuaia and back to B.aires. Tips to tour guides, drivers, and porters.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare. Cost of passports, personal items, alcoholic beverages, Travel & Health insurance, vaccinations or Covid tests and any other services not mentioned in itinerary.

LAND TOUR RATES PER AGENT (double) US$2,950; Companion: US$3,350

For further information and registration form, please send your request to: famtrips@taratours.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming for 2025

 

El Salvador & Nicaragua (May 1-8)  Guatemala & Belize (Nov 3-10) , Peru & Kuelap (TBA) ; Brazil & The Pantanal (TBA)

 

 

For further information email us at: famtrips@taratours.com or

tara@taratours.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information about our Fam Trips to Latin America

Please e-mail us at:  famtrips@taratours.com

 

FAM TRIP TO PERU

Amazing Nazca Lines "The Extra Terrestrials of Peru plus The Lost City of the Inkas

"Machu Picchu"

 

8 days/7 nights

DEC 4 WED. AM ARRIVE-LIMA: PM Half Day Lima City tour and Larco Museum
Arrive in Lima, Capital of Peru. After going through customs and immigration, you will transfer on your own to the new HOTEL PULLMAN Lima-Miraflores.
PM Enjoy a private sightseeing tour of modern and colonial Lima known as the "City of Kings” and founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1,535 it was the most important city in the Americas during the Spanish Viceroy times. The first stop is Huaca Pucllana, a huge archaeological site which was an important ceremonial and administrative center of the Lima culture. We will then head to the historic center of Lima, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Here we see the Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive buildings from the colonial era. These include the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace, and many other landmarks. We will visit the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the tomb of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Then we will walk one block to the Santo Domingo convent. It is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru.
Finally, you will visit the fantastic Larco Museum with more than 15,000 pieces from Inka and Pre-Inka times. Here you can see a wide range of artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and metal work. Then, you will return to your hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Hotel Pullman Lima-Miraflores
MEALS: None

DEC 5 THU. LIMA-CUZCO-URUBAMBA-SACRED VALLEY:
Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to your hotel. On the way we will stop at the wonderful Inca town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and ceremonial center. We will spend about an hour exploring these magnificent ruins, visiting the incredible Temple of the Sun, and seeing huge blocks of rock that were perfectly carved by Incan master stonemasons. Ollantaytambo is a fine example of Inca agricultural construction and hydraulic engineering, with a complex series of stone water sources. We will see the extent of the water system when we return to the town, where the fast-flowing water channels built by the Incas are still in use today. Walking towards the town square, we will have great views of the ruins above us, as well as the Inca granaries built into the surrounding mountain slopes. Here we can also observe the daily life of Ollantaytambo, where many of the locals still wear traditional clothing. OVERNIGHT: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
MEALS: Breakfast

DEC 6 FRI. URUBAMBA - OLLANTAYTAMBO- MACHUPICCHU
This AM we head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The two-hour train journey is a memorable experience as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills. Upon arrival we will walk to the bus for a short but zigzagging ascent up the road to Machu Picchu. Here we will begin an approximately two-hour guided walking tour of this incredible archaeological site. We will see the most famous and spectacular parts of this extensive complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and other key locations. Once we have finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we have lunch and afterward a bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes where you can relax, enjoy thermal hot springs, or walk around the colorful markets throughout the town.
OVERNIGHT: Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DEC 7 SAT. MACHU PICCHU-AGUAS CALIENTES TO CUSCO
Morning is at leisure to explore the area on your own. We recommend you either pre-book an optional early morning visit to Machu Picchu with bus ticket and enjoy the sunrise over the ruins and watch the mist rise over the mountain top citadel at dawn or climb Huayna Picchu.
Optional services:
Second entrance to Machu Picchu- Cost per person $90. (Only Entrance Fee and Bus Tickets).
Wayna Picchu- Cost per person $105 (Only Entrance Fee and bus Tickets).
In the afternoon, we will board the train back to Poroy. Upon arrival we will transfer by bus to our hotel in Cusco.
OVERNIGHT: At the beautiful Aranwa Cusco Boutique & Museum Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast

DEC 8 SUN. CUZCO CITY TOUR & VISIT RUINS NEARBY
Morning tour of Cuzco, considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, rises 11,400 feet above sea level. Founded in the 15th century by the Incas, it was later conquered by Spain, whose influences can still be seen in the dramatic architecture known as Cusco Baroque. We will first head to the wonderful Koricancha, next door to Santo Domingo Church. The Koricancha was the most sacred and most important temple in the Inca Empire. Its walls were covered with gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals – all made of pure gold and silver – decorated its rooms and hallways. Then, we’ll head to Cusco Cathedral, located on the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on top of the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art by the Cusco School of painters, and its main altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver relief work.
Our next stop is the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which sits on a hill above Cusco. Here you will see some of the finest examples of Inca stonework and construction, including massive rocks that were carefully cut and perfectly fitted together to form the walls. Then, continue to Tambomachay Archeological Complex, also known as the Inca spa. Inca hydro-engineering is apparent here with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls running through the terraced rocks. Return to your hotel
OVERNIGHT: Aranwa Cuzco Boutique & Museum Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast

DEC 9 MON. CUZCO-LIMA-PARACAS
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to lima. We will meet our local tour guide and be transferred by private van/bus to Paracas Bay.
OVERNIGHT: San Agustin Paracas
MEALS: Breakfast

DEC 10 TUE. NAZCA LINES
Transfer to the local Ica airport. Then board a smaller plane for a flight over the Nazca lines. Each passenger will have noise-canceling headphones through which you can hear the informative narration by the pilot. The pilot will take you over all the main geoglyphs, which span over an area of roughly 19 square miles. It is fascinating to think how the Nazca Lines were made and for whom. Transfer back to your hotel in Paracas.
Overnight HOTEL SAN AGUSTIN PARACAS
MEALS: Breakfast

DEC 11 WED PARACAS-BALLESTAS ISLANDS-LIMA
The trip to the Ballestas Islands will begin at 8:00AM, after we transfer to the harbor and head out into the Bay of Paracas. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the islands. On the way, we will pass the famous El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph built by the Paracas culture around 200BC. While its exact purpose is unknown, some theories suggest it represents the trident or lightning rod of the god Viracocha, and might have served as a sign to sailors, who could easily see it from the sea. When we reach the islands, we will have about an hour to explore by boat. There, you can see a magnificent view of the islands and the various residents that live there. The guide will point out many of the animals in the area such as the Humboldt penguins, and an incredible number of seabirds, including gulls, terns, pelicans, guanay cormorants and blue footed boobies. We will also be able to spot hundreds of fur seals, sea lions, and maybe marine otters if you are lucky. Once we finish, we will transfer back to your hotel in Paracas. In the early afternoon you will depart Paracas for Lima airport (3h30m ride) to connect with your international flight back to USA. End of services.

MEALS: Breakfast

 

E-mail us for the application and registration form to Tara@taratours.com

 

INCLUDING:

Hotel accommodations for 7 nights with room taxes and service charges. • Daily breakfast.• Transfers for local flights to/from  airport and train station (transfers are private, except bus up to M.Picchu). • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees. • VISTADOME train.  • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima. Tara Tours Tour conductor with a minimun of 8 agents. Private Transportation Lima-Ica-Lima, local flight Ica-Nazca-ica, Shared boat ride to see Ballestas Islands. Tips to tour guides, airport porters and bus/van drivers. Local airport taxes.

 

NOT INCLUDED:

•Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Travel & Health Insurance. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax upon leaving Peru $28.00 (Usually inlcuded in your international air ticket).

 

THIS FAM TRIP IS SOLD OUT