The Pioneer’s Route

Under Butch Cassidy’s Shadow, Penguins, Beaches,

Lakes and Mountains

Departures: From October through May

Meals: Half Board. Air Fare: Not included.

Day 1 - Trelew / Puerto Madryn

Reception at Trelew airport and transfer to Punta Tombo Rockery to admire a magnificent colony of Magellan penguins. Transfer to Puerto Madryn and accommodation at Península Hotel on the waterfront. Dinner.

Day 2 - Puerto Madryn

Continental Breakfast. Full day Peninsula excursion, passing through the Ameghino Isthmus, between New and San Jose Gulfs. We´ll visit Caleta Valdes, the habitat of the sea elephants, and Punta Delgada. Continue to Puerto Pirámide, where there is a Sea Lion Rockery. Luncheon. Return to hotel. (From July to December there is an optional boat excursion from Puerto Pirámide to meet the whales).

Day 3 - Puerto Madryn / Esquel

Continental breakfast. Departure by regular line bus to Esquel, passing Dolavon, town founded by Welsh families; Ameghino Dam, The Altars, which old rocks have achieved the shape of altars due to erosion. Lunch-box on the riverside of Chubut River, at Curva los Gatos (Cats Curve). Then continue to Tecka, a typical patagonic settlement and arrival in Esquel. Accommodation at Tehuelche Hotel.

Day 4 - Esquel

Continental breakfast. Full day visit to Los Alerces National Park, bordering Futalaufquen Lake and Arrayanes River (only 3.000 m. long). After crossing a suspension bridge we arrive to Lago Verde (Green Lake) Starting a 900 mts. walk up to Chucao Port in Menendez Lake, where we will take a catamaran to sail this lake and to admire a beautiful view of Torrecillas Glacier. Arrival at Pto Sagrario where we will see a 2.600 year old tree "Alerzal Milenario" which is named after the Park, apart from cypresses and "cohiues", waterfalls and Cisne River. Return to Esquel. Lunch-box included in this excursion.

Day 5 - Esquel / Epuyen

Continental breakfast. In the morning, Transfer by regular-line bus to Epuyen. Arrival and accommodation at La Carreta. In the afternoon visit El Monje farm, where home-made regional jam and fine fruits are produced. Demonstration of ecological production. Horseback riding at Pilque’s Hill along Epuyen River with local expert guide. Return to the Hotel. Dinner.

Day 6 – Epuyen

Continental breakfast. Departure towards El Maiten for a 2 hs trip on the famous "Trochita" a railway narrow gauge. Visit to the train museum and the maintenance place. Visit to the local "estancias", Epuyen Valley, its lake, and a beautiful inn owned by a french family. Continue to el Hoyo de Epuyen, picturesque valley that resembles a hole as it is trapped between high mountains. Continue to visit Golondrinas and its aromatic plantations. Accommodation. Dinner.

Day 7 - Epuyen / Bariloche

Continental breakfast. Early departure by regular-line bus to Bariloche, passing by Villegas River, Cañadon de la Mosca, Guillelmo Lake, Mascardi Lake and Village. Arrival at Bariloche. Accommodation. Small Circuit excursion, visiting the Campanario Hill; Virgen de las Nieves; Trebol Lake; Playa Bonita (Beautiful Beach); the Panoramic View Point (945 m. high) from where we admire a fantastic scenery; Lopez Bay, Llao-Llao and Victoria Island. Return to hotel. Dinner.

Day 8 - Bariloche

Continental breakfast. Farewell lunch. Transfer to local airport.