Dates April 9–24, 2007
Leaders Jeff Foott and Alejandro Ronchetti
Fee $5,295 from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

At the southern tip of South America lies an area surrounded by the South Atlantic on its east, the storm-ridden South Pacific on its west, and to its south the tempestuous, Antarctic-influenced “Southern Ocean.” The land is Patagonia, a vast windswept semi-arid plateau that encompasses over one-third of Argentina and Chile. Changed little since its discovery by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, Patagonia is an immense natural reserve offering an array of alluring wildlife and scenic habitats to tempt the naturalist and outdoor photographer.

Comparable in size to Washington, Oregon and California, the flat temperate desert plain of Patagonia rises to meet the jagged granite spires of the Southern Andes. Verdant forests, fed by the meltwaters of an 8,000-square-mile ice cap to the west, surround pristine lakes that are considered to be among the world's most beautiful. Here the images of craggy snowcapped peaks lie reflected in the cold, blue water. Massive glaciers grind on their slow course, calving blue icebergs into these jewel-like lakes.

 

This Patagonia tour concentrates on panoramic landscape and wildlife imagery in two incredible national parks. We’ll shoot in the spectacular mountainous region of the Andes at Los Glaciares National Park where we should have outstanding photo opportunities at the Fitzroy Massif (11,073 feet) and Cerro Torre (10,280 feet). In the Patagonian autumn, beech forests provide a fiery colorful contrast to the landscape.

Our other photographic highlight will be our days spent at the foot of the dramatic peaks of the “Towers” and “Horns” of Torres del Paine National Park. The tumultuous weather of the southern hemisphere’s autumn season produces a wide variety of dramatic lighting conditions. We should have plenty of time to photograph these magnificent mountains in the wondrous light of sunrise and sunset. At “Paine” we have reserved excellent accommodations at Pehoe Lodge for five nights, offering comfortable rooms, good meals and affording views of ineffable beauty.

Join Jeff Foott and Alejandro Ronchetti for our journey to a place called a “Living Eden” in a stunning film aired on Public Television—Jeff was one of the principal filmmakers. This exciting Photo Safari can be combined with our Orcas of Argentina’s Valdés Peninsula tour to create one of the most spectacular Patagonia photo journeys ever offered!



Day 1
Depart on overnight flights from the US to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2 (Apr 10)
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel. Afternoon visit to Costanera Sur Wildlife Preserve and Palermo Lake. (D)

Day 3
We fly to El Calafate. Afternoon photography at Laguna Nimez Wildlife Preserve. (BLD)

Day 4
Explore one of South America’s most spectacular and active glaciers, the Perito Moreno, as it flows into the southern arm of Lago Argentino. Here we can closely observe great chunks of chill-blue ice calving from the glacier into the lake. (BLD)

Day 5
Drive to El Chalten at the foot of the Fitzroy Massif. (BLD)

Days 6–7
The jagged spine of the Andes is the backdrop for this—one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness areas. We are provided with awesome views of Fitzroy and Cerro Torres. Amidst
these granite spires we should see Andean condors gliding effortlessly. Optional early morning hike to Capri Lake for photography at first light. (BLD)

Day 8
We drive to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. (BLD)

Days 9–12
We’ll have four full days in Torres del Paine where the famous and utterly captivating granite massif will consume our attention with the constant play of light across their sheer vertical walls. The compelling grandeur of these jagged peaks will be complemented by the fiery colors of autumn foliage and by the abundant and relatively unwary wildlife within the park. (BLD)

Day 13
We “shoot” our way through gaucho country to Puerto Natales, photographing en route. (BLD)

Day 14
We return to El Calafate. (BLD)

Day 15 (Apr 23)
Fly to Buenos Aires, transfer to the international airport for flights home. (B)

Day 16
Arrive home.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.