February 2025
We are delighted to announce our VETS Adventure Series expedition to Patagonia & Buenos Aires, with visits to both Chile and Argentina, hiking on foot and traveling by vans to look for pumas, condors, guanacos, rheas and much more in the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park.
We will also have an optional post-trip to Iguazu Falls & Hummingbirds.
Veterinarians will be earning Continuing Education credit as they travel with their Families to an amazing and beautiful part of the world.
February 2025
2/7 - 2/15
The Main Trip starts with your arrival in Santiago, Chile on Thursday February 6th or Friday, February 7, 2025. There is a flight to Puerto Natales that you will need make (on LATAM) that leaves at 10:00am on February 7, so we suggest you should arrive no later than 7am if you want to comfortably make that flight! We will book the LATAM flight for you!!
For those arriving a day early (on February 6), we suggest you arrive at the Courtyard Marriott and the morning of February 7th the group will fly a scheduled flight to Puerto Natales, then a quick bus ride to the Costa Australias Hotel in Puerto Natales. The next morning, we will take a scenic but short drive to Torres del Paine National Park and our hotel, the Rio Serrano.
Note: Because we are all flying in at different times and on two different days, we will not have a welcome dinner on Feb 7th, but will instead enhance our Welcome Dinner at the Rio Serrano on February 8th!
February 8, 9 & 10
We’ll spend three nights in the park with mornings and afternoons available to enjoy hotel activities (most inclusive, no extra charge) and/or to explore the park in small groups with guides. We’ll have vehicles and guided trekking options including: finding the wild pumas and multiple tours of various areas of the park searching for guanacos, flamingos, Cara Cara birds, ibis, ducks, geese, owls, woodpeckers, rheas, red or gray foxes, condors, flamingos, swans, majestic mountains, glacial lakes and rivers; and much more.
The viewscapes of the glaciers, glacier fed lakes and rivers, the flora of Patagonia and the mountains will amaze you. You’ll need moderate ability to walk on uneven ground to do most treks, and we can create a group sightseeing experience for those that need easy walking only (not for pumas). The geography does not allow for travel by wheelchairs/walkers and/or crutches. Walking sticks are essential for hiking and will be provided. Good mobility is essential for the pre-trip, main trip and post-trip. Included activities through the hotel include use of the gym and more. Extra fees may be required for some hotel activities including spa treatments and horseback riding.
We’ll have vehicles with guides with various hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Puma sightings are occasional on the morning treks but are generally more successful in the afternoon because our guides will have found them (we hope) while the Pumas were hunting in the morning, and then follow them to the puma’s mid-day siesta-site. Afternoon treks begin before the pumas start hunting again are our best chance to find them as they finish their naps and follow them while they hunt. We are not allowed off-road in the park, but Pumas are acclimated to the presence of people so, once they are found, they are often not too far away.
For half day treks, our plan is to return to the hotel each day for lunch and a break, then go trekking/sightseeing again in the afternoon. Full day treks will take . . . the full day. And lunch will be provided somewhere along the journey.
February 11
we’ll drive to Puerto Natales (1.5 hour drive) with a stop at the Mylodon Cave to stretch our legs. Then we’ll proceed to our charter flight over the Andes, arriving midday in the town of El Calafate, Argentina. We’re hoping for fantastic views of the mountains on the flight, weather permitting. After a short flight, we’ll arrive in El Calafate and head to our hotel.
Optional activities are available, for a fee, or you can relax, go for a walk around the lake (often with a variety of birds including flamingos), or visit the town on your own. Optional for-a-fee activities such as horseback riding, a zipline, visiting a Glaciarium, Cuevas Walichu, etc. are also available. Our plan will be to stay at the Xelena Hotel.
GLACIARIUM Cost: $75 per person The GLACIARIUM is a modern interpretive glaciological centre, and one of the few Glacier Museums in the world. The understanding of glaciers and environmental awareness are our main subjects.The exhibits include models, dioramas, photographs, screens, interactive representations, a 3D documentary, and other modern resources that provide an enriching experience. See below for pictures of the GlacioBar at the Glacarium! Transportation is included.
One of the highlights of the Glaciarium is likely to be the GlacioBar— the frozen bar in the basement. They’ll give you a warm coat and gloves and you’ll pony up to an ice bar made with . . . (wait for it) . . . ice! Cold drinks are their specialty 🙂
Horseback Riding Cost: $165 per person
El Galpón del Glaciar is a magical place to enjoy a horse back ride. Private horseback riding with unique routes that allow us to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Argentino, the Andes, the Centinela River, the ice floes on the lake, the extensive countryside, and the incredible flora and fauna of the Patagonian steppe.
Our group will gather back at the hotel late afternoon to depart to Estancia (Ranch) El Galpon del Glacier for dinner. It’s about 20 minute ride to the ranch, and then our group will be welcomed with wine and cheese appetizers, followed by a dinner at the ranch with music. We will shuttle back to our hotel after dinner.
February 12
we’ll visit the Upsala Glacier. Our trip to Upsala includes a boat ride across Lago Argentino (the largest lake in Argentina), a private trip up the mountain in 4 X 4’s for amazing views from above Upsala, lunch at a historical sheep ranch and a return across Lago Argentino. Dinner will be at our hotel.
February 13
we’ll all visit/touch/see the Perito Moreno Glacier, and those under 65 have the option to trek on the Perito Moreno glacier. The more mature people will enjoy tours of the glacier without the trek. (This is an ‘insurance issue’ and we are working on it, but we cannot promise these treks on the glacier will be available for those over 65.)\
February 14 (Happy Valentine's Day)
We fly to Buenos Aires (~3 hour flight), referred to as “the Paris of South America.” Known for its historic architecture and delectable cuisine, we’ll enjoy our two days of touring, tasting and the tango.
Included are tours of the city, a traditional tapas lunch, and options such as wine tasting, cooking classes, cultural tours, a theater visit and more. Dinner will be on your own.
One Option for dinner this night is . . . The ArgentinianExperience (Cooking class with dinner – NON PRIVATE) Cost: $145 per person 7:30pm (we will depart at 6:45pm from the hotel)
Connect with the roots of Argentina by its food! You will be received with a Patagonian trout tartar and then start with the Empanadas preparation. Learn how to use the traditional technique and fill your Empanadas with gourmet fillings! Enjoy a classic picada and steak with provoleta cheese, chorizo sausage, tender lion and more. Try Queso y Dulce and prepare your own alfajores with biscuits, dulce de leche, chocolate and coconut shavings! A different way to have dinner while learning new recipes to take home.
February 15
There are some tour choices for the morning/early afternoon on February 15.
- Wine Tasting Cost: $132 per person Duration: 3 hours Timing: 10am
- Guided by a bilingual sommelier, and snacks are paired with the wine tasting (cheese, raisins, almonds and walnuts). Argentina’s vineyards were originally established by Spanish monks in the 1500’s. Their primary wine production area is in Mendoza Valley, located on the eastern side of the Andes Mountain Range. Wine Production in Argentina rivals that of some European countries, particularly their red wines. Buyers may especially be interested in wines with a uniquely Argentinean character such as Malbec.
- Biking Tour Cost: $95 per person Duration: 4 hours Timing: 9am – 1pm One of the most interesting ways to discover Buenos Aires is on a bike!
- Cooking Class Cost: $188 per person Duration: 4 hours Timing: 11am
- In this class, our chef will introduce clients to the art of preparing empanadas (small bites) and some traditional dishes of Argentina. You will be taught how to identify the filling inside from meat, corn, ham and cheese or many others, then you will be cooking these delicious ingredients up to fill your empanadas. Each participant of the booking class will receive an apron and chef hat, but your true prize is to have the delicious lunch you make and tasting it with a glass of wine and bring home with you all the recipes.
- Tango Workshop Cost: $115 per person Duration: 1 hour Timing: 10am
- A 60 minute private Tango lesson will be waiting for you in a dance Tango house, where you will learn the steps of Argentina’s traditional dance, as well as the history behind it. Experience this extraordinary passion and see how, after 1 hour, you will not only be able to dance, but to feel Tango. “Rather than with the feet, Tango is danced with the heart”. This elegant, sensual dance and its rhythms will leave a lasting impression on you!
February 15 with A Grand Finale Dinner and Show at the Café Los Angelitos Tango Show.
But Wait, That's Not All!
Pre-Trip (Sold Out)
Penguins
There are only three places you can see these Kings on this planet (the other two are the Falkland Islands and a few areas in the Antarctica).
During this optional pre-trip visit you’ll have your choice between a King Penguin Excursion or Whale Watching on the first day and then we will all see the Magellanic Penguins + visit Estancia Olga Teresa on the second day!
Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Arrive in Punta Arenas
You will arrange your arrival in Punta Arenas on February 5 (you’ll fly through Santiago, and this may take up to two travel days to get to Punta Arenas).
There is a good airport Punta Arenas and a centuries-old historic town. We start with a welcome event at our hotel the evening of February 5, 2025. We will have a Welcome dinner at 7:30 at La Yegua Loca.
On February 6, you will have two options:
- Option 1a: King Penguins – You will be transferred to the airport for a short (20 minute) flight to the island of Tierra del Fuego and then an ~2.5 hour ride by van to visit a small permanent colony of King penguins. King penguins are the second largest penguin the planet, coming in a bit shorter and lighter than the largest of the penguins, the Emperor Penguin.
- Option 1b: Whales – Instead of visiting the King Penguins, we will go Whale Watching on a larger boat = a smoother ride on the ocean. You will leave at 3:30 am for a light breakfast and the Whale Navigation Tour.
On Friday February 7, we’ll visit Isla Magdalena in the middle of Magellan’s Straits where there are about 50,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins. We will do an exciting and historical crossing of the Magellan Straits (you’ll get a certificate celebrating this historical occasion.)
The chicks will be almost ready to head to the sea and the island will be abandoned by the parents and chicks about 30 days after our visit.
We sail across the Strait of Magellan to the Magdalena Island. After arriving in Laredo Bay, the group will board a private boat and sail for 45 minutes to arrive at the Magadalena Island, where we will stop for 1 hour with our guide to know the natural habitat of the Magellanic Penguins – one of one of the largest colonies in Chile.
The pre-trip group will return to Punta Arenas after their penguin visit and being our drive to Puerto Natales.
Along the way, we will stop at Estancia Olga Teresa, where we will have lunch and view Condors. After this excursion, we will drive to Puerto Natales, where we will spend the night. Puerto Natales is a town on a fjord with a deep-water port for ocean going vessels that’s so far inland that it’s east of the Andean mountains and very close to the border with Argentina!
On February 8th, we’ll depart following an early breakfast and drive to Torres del Paine, arriving a few hours ahead of the main group’s arrival from Santiago.
The Pre-trip group will enjoy a special tour of Torres del Paine, and we will keep our eyes out for the Pumas!
Post-Trip
Iguazu Falls & Hummingbird Sanctuary
POST-TRIP to Iguazu Falls and Hummingbirds is also an option, taking you to the amazing Iguazu Falls north and west of Buenos Aires. Iguazu Falls marks the area where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet.
On February 16, we will Buenos Aires for the Iguazu Falls. You will have the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls from the Argentina side. You have the options of seeing the falls on your own or enjoying them by boat. We will provide more details as we get closer to the trip. Dinner is on your own. Overnight at the Hotel Melia.
On February 17, we will visit the Iguazu Falls. Shuttle over to Brazilian side of Falls to look at the falls for 60-90 minutes (no rafting on the Brazilian side), then lunch at Brazilian Buffet Restaurant Porto Canoas. After lunch, we shuttle back to the Argentinian side, where people can have the opportunity to do the great adventure boat ride.
The Iguazu Falls are a truly a ‘wonder of the world, and we have a great program that will allow you to visit them on the Argentine side and the Brazilian side (they provide very different perspectives), and to raft under them in a zodiac-like raft on the Argentine side (you will get wet, cameras not recommended).
After a stop at our hotel to dry off we’ll depart to visit a hummingbird garden in town with several species and a hummingbird expert. The Jardin de Los Picaflores is a hummingbird garden in Puerto Iguazu with more than 30 species of hummingbirds in residence (there are 124 known hummingbird species.)
We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, head back to our hotel (which is in the park and walking distance from the Argentine side of the falls).
Other beautiful birds and the raccoon-like coatimundi are frequent visitors to the hotel area.
On February 18, there may be time to visit the falls again (based on your flight schedule) and then transfer to the airport for the flight back to the airport in Buenos Aires to connect with our evening/night flights home or elsewhere.
Pricing
Pre-Trip
Penguins
- Double Occupancy $3,950 Per Person
- Single Occupancy $4,495 Per Person
Main-Trip
Patagonia
- Double Occupancy $10,350 Per Person
- Single Occupancy $12,500 Per Person
Post-Trip
Iguazu Falls/Hummingbirds
- Double Occupancy $2,495 Per Person
- Single Occupancy $3,100 Per Person
- $3,000 pp initial deposit at registration. $4,000 if you are registering for the post trip to Iguazu Falls. The pre trip to King and Magellanic penguins is sold out but we’re looking for some more space so do let us know if you want to be on the wait list.
- 50% of any remaining balance is due on or before June 1, 2024
- The outstanding balance must be received by August 15, 2024 (if paying by check you need to mail before the due date so we receive the funds on or before the due date).
Credit Card
You may use a credit card and we’ll add 3.5% to partially cover cc fees associated with processing. Note that charges on a credit card will be to Going Places Travel, Inc.
Check
Checks should be mailed to:
Going Places Travel
ATTN: VETS Adventure Series
1677 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709