Spanning Argentina and Chile and called “the end of the world” because of its proximity to Antarctica, Patagonia is the fastest growing South American destination for FIT specialist Avanti Destinations, which strongly encourages customizing an itinerary that includes both countries.
The tour operator has also recently introduced new experiences, including crab fishing, kayaking, bike touring and an estancia (ranch) visit, as well as new hotels in the region.
“Combining Chile and Argentina saves your clients precious vacation time since there’s no back-tracking for the flight home to the same capital city where they arrived,” said Harry Dalgaard, Avanti’s founder and CEO, in a written release. “We offer seven destinations within Patagonia, and the distances are long. Besides, the wildlife and scenery vary from place to place, so your client gets maximum exposure to all that makes this region fantastic by combining the two countries.”
Prime time for visiting Patagonia is October to March, when the temperatures are the warmest, near 65 degrees. September and April are cooler, but with off-peak pricing and fewer tourists. Avanti offers a selection of three-, four- and five-star accommodations.
Two Suggested Itineraries
Avanti’s two-country “Patagonia Explorer” suggested itinerary has two variants: one includes a cruise, the other is strictly land-based. Clients can either fly into Santiago and return home from Buenos Aires or the reverse.
While the suggested itineraries are for 12 days/11 nights, the length and destinations can be tailored to suit the clients’ interests and timeframe.
Time in the capital cities can be reduced with more time added in Patagonia for activities, such as the new crab-fishing adventure with gourmet lunch in Ushuaia ($389), bike tour ($70) or Estancia experience with lunch ($252) in Puerto Natales, or kayaking in Agua Fresca Bay in Punta Arenas ($205).
The land-based Patagonia Explorer offers two nights in Santiago, four nights in Torres del Paine National Park with daily guided tours plus all meals, two nights in El Calafate and three nights in Buenos Aires. Included are all air and ground transfers, private Santiago walking tour, Perito Moreno glacier tour, Buenos Aires city tour, tango show with dinner and daily breakfasts.
The cruise-based Patagonia Explorer provides two nights in Santiago, four nights cruise with daily tours/excursions and all meals onboard a 100-cabin ship, two nights in El Calafate and three nights in Buenos Aires. Same inclusions as the land-based itinerary.
Either itinerary starts at $4,325 per person, double occupancy. The price does not include roundtrip airfare from the U.S.
Visit www.avantidestinations.com
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