This is an archived page. For information about the Trust's conservation project in Patagonia, see the project pages

Patagonia Wildlife Tour 2001

In conjunction with Trips Worldwide

(see www.tripsworldwide.co.uk for further details and a booking form)

Led by John Burton: Co-founder and CEO of the international wildlife charity World Land Trust, and author of numerous natural history books.

Saturday, 27 October 2001

16:05 Check in at London Heathrow on IB3171, 18:05 Depart London Heathrow
21:20 Arrive Madrid connect on to AR1191, 22:55 Depart Madrid

Sunday, 28 October 2001

When you arrive in Buenos Aires at 07:20 you will be met by an English-speaking guide. From the airport you will be transferred to your hotel, Hotel Castelar. After a short rest you have an afternoon city tour. In the evening you are invited to a Welcome Dinner.

Monday, 29 October 2001

Today you will be transferred to the domestic airport for the flight to Puerto Madryn. In Puerto Madryn you will be met by Carol & Carlos Passera (Directors of Causana Viajes and WLT Representatives in Patagonia). You will then be driven to your hotel, Hotel Bardas.

Tuesday, 30 October 2001

Early Departure to the Golfo San Matías area where the land protected by WLT is located. You will visit the Estancia, and explore the area. The Estancia covers 9.000 hectares of Patagonian steppe in a good conservation condition. Hills, plateaus, creeks, native vegetation and wildlife make up a representative portion of the region. More than 10 kilometers of coast add another rich and varied ecosystem to the area. The Patagonian steppe has a total area of 750.000 square kilometers. Low bushes give the appearance of a desert but in its apparent monotony this "desert" hides an enormous variety and diversity. More than 120 different species of native plants survive on the steppe. Wildlife is no less important, around 12 species of terrestrial mammals, 160 species of birds and 11 species of reptiles inhabit the steppe.

Wednesday, 31 October 2001

Today will be concentrated on the observation of flora and fauna in the area of San Matías. The coastal area located within the San Matías gulf, gives the place unique characteristics and a rich diversity of marine life. Gigantic marine mammals such as Southern Right Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sealions and Southern Elephant Seals are the highlights, together with birds like the curious Magellanic Penguins. These species and a large number of marine birds (including the migratory ones) give a great diversity to the zone. The San Matias gulf shores are part of the International Wetlands Program.

Thursday, 01 November 2001

Today will be dedicated to exploring the Península Valdés. You will go on a whale watching boat trip from the tourist village of Puerto Pirámide. During the trip you may see the forty- foot long Southern Right Whales, that come to the waters of the Golfo Nuevo to mate and give birth. You will also see a number of birds including Mourning Sierra Finches, Great Shrike Tyrants, Burrowing Owls, Elegant-crested Tinamous, Patagonian Mockingbirds and Rusty-backed Monjitas. Rheas, Southern Elephant Seals and Maras may also be spotted.

Friday, 02 November 2001

Early morning drive to Punta Tombo to visit the penguin colony. You will have plenty of time to admire the Magellanic Penguins. Also keep your eyes open for Guanacos (a relative of the Llama), Elegant-crested Tinamous, Armadillos, Steamer Ducks, Oystercatchers, Terns, Petrels, Cormorants. Overnight at Hotel Libertador in Trelew.

Saturday, 03 November 2001

Transfer to Trelew Airport for the flight to Ushuaia. In Ushuaia you will bemet and taken to your hotel, Hotel Los Nires. The rest of the day is free to relax.

Sunday, 04 November 2001

Full day exploration and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park. The green of the Sub Antarctic Andean Beech Forest and the wild flowers, like Dog Orchids and Primulas, contrast with what you have already seen. Tall and Low Deciduous Beech and Winter's bark are a few of the trees you will be identifying. We will be trying to spot the beautiful Magellanic Woodpecker and the smaller Patagonian Sierra Finch or White-throated Treerunner.

Monday, 05 November 2001

Full day tour to the Estancia Haberton on the island of Tierra del Fugo.

Tuesday, 06 November 2001

You will be taken on a morning boat trip out into the Beagle Channel where you stop at small islands full of wildlife such as fur seals, sea lions and many sea birds including Nesting terns, Skuas, Kelp geese, Snowy Sheathbills, Albatrosses, Magellanic Penguins and Southern Giant Petrels. In the afternoon you will be driven to Rio Gallegos for your flight to Buenos Aires (or helpfully the new airport of Calafate). In Buenos Aires you will be met and taken to Hotel Castelar.

Wednesday, 07 November 2001

Today you will have a full day tour to the Los Glaciares National Park, to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. Overnight at hotel in El Calafate.

Thursday, 08 November 2000

This morning you will be driven to Rio gallegos for your flight to Buenos Aires (or the new airport of Calafate). In Buenos Aires you will be met and taken to Hotel Castelar.

Friday, 09 Novemebr 2001

This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to London at 20.00. Check in at Buenos Aires is 22.00. Depart Buenos Aires on AR1190.

Price per person based on 2 people sharing a twin room: £3,524

PRICE INCLUDES

Flights as detailed on itinerary, WLT tour leader, accommodation as listed, all meals, transfers, all excursions mentioned in the itinerary accompanied by an experienced English-speaking local tour guide, all entrance fees to national parks and monuments.

PRICE EXCLUDES

Transfers described as 'under your own arrangements' or by taxi, all excursions described as available options, local Airport departure taxes, travel, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.