Behold the breathtaking wilds of Argentine Patagonia without ever roughing it, an experience that makes this adventure all the more enjoyable. Explore the great outdoors by biking through the mountains, climbing among boulders to a summit, rappelling down the side of a mountain and hiking the oldest trail in Patagonia. Cruising alpine-like lakes allows you to relax while taking in the glorious views, as does an extraordinary night of glamping and star-gazing. A passionate tango performance highlights the evening in Buenos Aires.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Rio de Janeiro, where a tour representative will meet and accompany you to the airport for a scheduled flight to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival at the Ezeiza International airport in Buenos Aires, you will transfer to the hotel with your local guide.
After settling in, you will enjoy the passionate melodies of tango during a memorable performance while dining at the Rojo Tango cabaret. After the show, you will return to the hotel and spend the evening.
DAY 2
After breakfast, meet your local representative for a transfer to the airport. Check in for a flight to Bariloche.
You will fly to San Carlos de Bariloche, a resort area known as Little Switzerland for its beautiful scenery reminiscent of the Alps. Here, nature blends rich greens and gentle blues in a myriad of streams and lakes framed by snow-capped peaks.
Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Correntoso Lake and Spa Hotel in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia. Founded in 1917, the hotel is located near the mouth of Correntoso River, where it enters Lake Nahuel Huapi at the foot of the Andes.
After check-in, enjoy a 3-course lunch at Las Balsas or a similar venue.
Then enjoy a pleasant bike ride from the hotel to the laid-back town of Villa La Angostura, where you will be treated to a Patagonian ice cream before returning to the hotel for dinner.
NOTE: The mountain bike trail chosen will depend upon the weather and the physical conditions of the bikers. The maximum altitude reached during this tour is 928 meters (3045 feet) above sea level and the minimum is 780 meters (2559 feet) above sea level.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you will transfer to the pier and board a private boat for a scenic cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island. Along the way, you will enjoy a cup of maté tea and alpine views of Cerro López and Cerro Capilla.
You will disembark at the island’s Playa del Toro pier, where the trekking will begin. The guides will select a hiking path according to the group’s physical abilities. Maximum elevation for this hike will be 250 meters (820 feet). Trail surfaces include boardwalks and mostly wide natural paths The elevation gain/loss is 200-500 feet depending on the option chosen on the day.
While stopping to view cave paintings, you will begin to understand the long history of human presence on this island. You will then ascend to a viewpoint from which you can observe Cerro Millaqueo, Isla de los Gansos and the surrounding Andes mountain range. Trail surfaces include boardwalks and mostly wide natural paths, which are not strenuous.
The journey will continue to La Escuelita, a school that also serves as a central place of community for the local people. From there, you will descend to Totoras, a small municipality on the other side of the island. The beach there is sheltered by trees that include pataguas, myrtles, monkey puzzles and larch. Trail surfaces include boardwalks and mostly wide natural paths with uneven ground.
You will continue on through the Swiss Vallecito up to the Central Zone and on to a nursery to see how the surrounding woodlands are being reforested with native species. The next stop will be the house of Anchorena, a school for park rangers and a museum with exhibits that showcase cave paintings, canoes and the lifestyle of the indigenous people that once lived in the area.
You will then hike north along a coastal path to Aserradero Viejo, where you will notice the difference between the native forest and the invasive one. You may spot deer or pheasants along the way. Towards the end of the hike, the types of vegetation will change, all of which the guide will point out and explain. Once you descend to the Bay of Antepuerto, lunch will be served.
After lunch, we return to the boat and navigate back to the pier with drinks and blankets in case of a late-afternoon chill.
The night will be spent at Vinagre Stream glamping under the stars in tents inspired by those used by Bedouin nomads. The tents will be domed or belled depending on the weather and ground conditions. The linens for the mattresses are 300-thread count sheets. There is also a gazebo in the common area, a separate eco-bathroom with hot water showers and LED lights and a chef on site.
A 3-course dinner will be served at the glamping campsite.
That evening, you will observe the stars while an expert explains the southern celestial skies.
NOTE: You must bring a backpack or small handbag for the glamping overnight. Larger luggage will go from the Correntoso Hotel in Villa La Angostura to the LLao Llao hotel in Bariloche via truck.
DAY 4
After breakfast you will drive to Bahía López and board a private boat. This side of the lake is one of the most stable places to navigate, and the depth of Brazo Tristeza gives the sensation of traveling through Nordic fjords, protected from the wind and with little waves that ensures calm waters on days of Patagonian winds.
While cruising, you will pass a beautiful glacially formed landscape full of wildlife. You may spot birds such as great grebes, coots and condors. If it is a clear day, you may see Mount Tronador in the distance. It is the region’s highest mountain and always snow-covered.
Upon disembarking, you will hike for about two hours through the forest to a waterfall. There black-crowned night-herons often feed on the trout in the waters.
A gourmet 3-course lunch will follow back at the glamping site. After which, a boat will take you back to the dock, from which you will transfer to Llao Llao Hotel. Located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the 1940s Canadian-style hotel features architectural elements such as Norman roof tiles, cypress logs and local green stone. The hotel rises from the hill between Lake Moreno and Nahuel Huapi and is framed by Mount López and the majestic Mount Tronador. The scenery is reminiscent of alpine climes.
Dinner will be served at the hotel, where you will spend the next two evenings.
DAY 5
Today's adventure will begin by walking the oldest trekking path in Patagonia, the one that the Palotinos priests followed through the forests to the longstanding refuge of Cerro López.
This is just a warmup before reaching the viewpoint of Brazo Tristeza, from which you may hear the waterfall that descends from Cerro Capilla. This is the part of the adventure where you climb among boulders as you ascend to the first summit. There you will participate in a ritual of adding a rock to the stone pyramid made one stone at a time by previous visitors.
From there a short hike leads to the stone of the Lion King, a natural balcony over Brazo Tristeza with majestic Cerro Tronador as the background.
To reach the summit is a 3 km (1.86 mile) walk. Although it’s not strenuous, you should be in good physical condition.
You will then rappel down the mountain, where lunch awaits you, during which you will hear stories about the native Tehuelches, their culture and how they cooked in ancient times.
On the return, you will cross Gandalf Bridge and follow the Flintstones Trail to the Brazo Tristeza viewpoint and continue down to the beach.
In total you will rappel 30 meters (98 feet) from the summit to the end. It will take between 5-7 minutes to descend.
Upon arriving, you will ease into a 2-person kayak and paddle to Moreno Lake, where you will eventually disembark and transfer back to the hotel. A farewell dinner will be served at Fuegos Patagonia. A Bedouin tent will serve as a refuge.
DAY 6
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will transfer to the airport for a flight from San Carlos de Bariloche to Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, a guide will be waiting at the arrivals hall to accompany you on the transfer to the cruise terminal to re-board your cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
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. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
7:00am Disembark the ship in Rio de Janeiro
7:15am Proceed to the port terminal for security screening
7:30am Depart for the drive to the airport
9:00am Arrive and check-in
11:15am Fly to Buenos Aires (flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:45pm Arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport, go through Customs and Immigration
4:00pm Proceed to your hotel and check-in
8:30pm Dinner and tango show at Rojo Tango
Overnight at Alvear Art Hotel Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:00am Early wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out
5:30am Proceed to the Buenos Aires domestic airport
6:00am Arrive at Buenos Aires domestic airport and check in
7:30am Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche (flight details TBA and subject to change)
09:55am Arrive at San Carlos de Bariloche airport
12:00pm Drive to Correntoso Hotel
2:00pm Proceed to Las Balsas or similar venue for lunch
3:00pm Visit Villa La Angostura and the surrounding area by bike
6:00pm Return to the hotel
8:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel
DAY 3
9:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out
10:00am Transfer to pier for embarkation
10:15am Cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake
Arrive at Victoria Island for hiking with lunch
6:00pm Arrive at glamping camp
8:45pm Dinner at the glamping camp and stargazing
Overnight at Vinagre Stream Glamping
DAY 4
8:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the glamping camp
9:45am Transfer to the pier for embarkation
10:00am Cruise Nahuel Huapi Lake
Disembark in Brazo Tristeza
Hiking and gourmet lunch
4:00pm Proceed to your hotel and check-in
8:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
DAY 5
9:00am Wake-up call, breakfast provided by the hotel
10:30am Hiking, rappelling and kayak activity at Palotinos
Gourmet picnic lunch
4:00pm Return to your hotel
7:00pm Farewell dinner
Overnight at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
DAY 6
6:00am Wake-up call, breakfast at the hotel and check out
7:30am Drive to Bariloche Airport
8:30am Arrive at Bariloche Airport
10:05am Fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:10pm Arrive at Buenos Aires domestic airport, collect luggage
1:00pm Transfer to the port
1:45pm Approximate arrival at the pier and re-embark the ship
Expected Weather
Buenos Aires: Min: 21°C (69.8°F) / Max: 29°C (84.2°F)
San Carlos de Bariloche: Min: 10°C (50°F) / Max: 25°C (77°F)
What to Bring
Sports footwear (closed-toe running shoe or hiking type), sandals with straps or water safe shoes for kayaking, synthetic warm clothing, lightweight jacket, waterproof windbreaker, loose-fitting trousers and t-shirts, casual evening attire including a sweater. Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Bring a small handbag that can be used for your belongings for the glamping overnight.
Local Currency
The legal tender currency in Argentine Peso. You should bring some of their own currency and change it into pesos little by little. ATM withdrawals that reflect the current exchange rate are the best way to keep up with the fluctuating value of the peso. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most retail establishments.
Electricity
The electrical current is 220-230 volts (U.S. standard is 110-15 volts). Most hotels are equipped with dual voltage outlets for your convenience, however, we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required. Guests should check with their local Argentinian embassy for any visa requirements for their nationality. This program begins in Brazil and ends in Argentina.
Luggage information:
Due to flights, luggage allowance is 1 piece of carry-on hand luggage up to 8 kgs/17 lbs and 1 piece of checked luggage up to 15 kgs/33 lbs.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program 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 or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
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 OCI 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 neither Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator is responsible.
Hotels
Alvear Art Hotel
Suipacha 1036, Buenos Aires
Phone: +54 11 4114-3400
Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel
Av. Siete Lagos 4505, Q8407 Villa La Angostura, Neuquén
Phone: +54 11 4803-0030
Vinagre Stream Glamping
LLao Llao Hotel & Resort
Av. Ezequiel Bustillo Km. 25, R8401 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro
Phone: +54 294 444-8530
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotels listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests:
• 1 night at the Alveart Art Hotel in Buenos Aires or similar hotel
• 1 night at the Correntoso Lake & Spa Hotel or similar hotel
• 1 night at Vinagre Stream Glamping (Glamping Tent)
• 2 nights at LLao Llao Hotel & Resort or similar hotel
• English-speaking guide for all services in Buenos Aires, Bariloche and Villa La Angostura
• Breakfast daily
• Lunch with beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5
• Dinner with beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) on Days 1-5
• Porterage at hotels and airports (based on 1 piece of luggage per person)
• Entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park
• Local escort to accompany the group throughout the program
• Economy-class flights per the itinerary
Program Excludes for guests:
• All other accommodations
• Personal and incidental expenses including room service, telephone, laundry, mini bar
• Any meals or beverages not listed
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• All services not mentioned
• Excess or overweight luggage 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.
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. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
