N O V5-14 / -17*2 0 1 7

Da r wi n’s A rgent i na : Sc ien ce, Ec o-divers i ty & Cu ltu re*with a bucket-list opportunity to see the celebrated Iguazu Falls!

Leader: Janis Stahlhut Trip #1703 Co-leader: Dick Cable

A breathtaking journey of discovery along Darwin’s trail...Nearly two centuries ago, Charles Darwin dazzled the old world’s scientific community with his comprehensive exploration and study of South America’s vast array of plants, animals, geological formations, and fossils. His work would revolutionize the world’s thinking with his breakthrough theory of evolution.

After exploring the Brazilian coast, Darwin and his crew sailed south, arriving soon at the mouth of Rio Parana, and the sultry cosmopolitan, tango-dancing capital, Buenos Aires. Here our modern day journey picks up Darwin’s trail - in the city that he grew to love for its rich culture and beautiful architecture. Having collected hundreds of specimens along Rio Parana’s tropical estuaries, the H.M.S. Beagle then worked its way down Argentina’s long Atlantic coastline, tracing the eastern Patagonian Steppe. Though

overlooked by Darwin himself, our next stop is a sheltered haven on a half-moon bay: home to an unmatched array of land and sea mammals and birds, all set among stark coastal rocks, pristine beaches, and petrified forests. Here we will be hosted at a private “green hotel” and working Patagonian ranch, Bahia Bustamante.

For those who wish to extend their journey, we will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the famed Iguazu Falls, the exquisite centerpiece of Iguazu National Park.

Our core trip begins in Argentina’s breathtaking capital, Buenos Aires. When Charles Darwin saw the capital for the first time he called it "the most regular town in the world." Today it is a bustling metropolis with a mix of classic European-style and modern architecture and a rich cultural life.

Itinerary:Nov 5: Depart US/overnight flight to Buenos AiresNov 6: Arrive Buenos Aires, transfer to hotel. Program: an introduction to Darwin and his monumental discoveries.Nov 7: B Buenos Aires. In the

morning we will visit the Costanera Sur Nature Reserve, a Pampas wetland abundant with birdlife. The afternoon is spent on an exclusive visit to

The Four Balconies of Buenos Aires, with a professor from the University, using four parks and plazas to introduce us to the city, its history, its everyday life and the peculiar psychology of the “porteño”, the inhabitant of Buenos Aires. You are free in the evening to find a new favorite dinner location, perhaps take in a tango show or explore the nightlife of this cosmopolitan city.Nov 8: B/D We fly to Commodoro Rivadavia and make our way by land coach to our home for the next 4 nights: Bahia Bustamante. After stopping for lunch (not included),we will arrive in the afternoon and have some time to get settled in and begin our exploration of “Argentina’s secret and hidden Galapagos” (NYTimes), perhaps even taking an introductory sailing navigation.

Nov 9, 10, 11: B/L/D We have 3 full days to explore, discover and learn about this unique eco-environment. Leaders will plan some group excursions from the list on the next page, depending on weather, tides and group ability. Unstructured times will

allow you to explore on your own

or relax on the most exclusive sandy beaches with crystal-clear water surrounded by huge red rocks in an atmosphere of unequaled texture and color. With its abundance of geographic “accidents,” Bahia Bustamante is a paradise of discovery. Ideal for nature lovers! Nov 12: B/D We return to Buenos Aires for our final night (unless you are extending your trip with with the Iguazu Falls extension). We will be dined and entertained at a Dinner & Tango Show.Nov 13: B Those not continuining to Iguazu Falls will spend their day exploring Buenos Aires before transfering to the airport for their flights home (Arrive home US Nov 14).

BUENOS AIRES & BUSTAMANTE. November 5-14, 2017

Buenos Aires 1831, “the most regular town in

the world. “

NAVIGATION (3 to 4 hours approx., dependent on weather and tide levels) Sailing along Malaspina Cove and down the archipelago of the Vernacci Islands to visit sea lion and seabird colonies (up to 4,000 animals during the breeding season), Magellan penguins (100,000), seaweed harvesting, mussel crops (learn about the breeding online system being used), and colorful marine bird colonies.

 THE PENINSULA (4 hours aprox.) At Graviña Peninsula we will find 70 km of sand beaches, clear water of the deep blue sea and reddish rocks. Biking, trekking or 4x4 are possible. If the tide is low, natural swimming pools are formed in the rocks, ideal for a dip if the weather is good. The peninsula also houses an archeological site.

PETRIFIED FOREST (4/5 hours approx.) On private land, we take internal tracks driving almost 18 miles (30 km) to the Petrified Forest. At the gully, we travel 60 million years in history to be able to interpret the different pieces. On foot, we arrive at “the Pyramid” where it is possible to listen to Patagonian silence. During the visit, we will be able to observe all kinds of Steppe fauna. We will return walking all along the edge of the hill till we find ourselves again at the starting point. This activity can also be done horseback riding, with an extra cost. 

PENGUIN ISLAND

(3 hours approx.) Home to a small colony of Magellan Penguins. During low tide it is possible to reach the island on foot, giving us the privilege of observing penguins and their nests closely. Along the way we will also be able to observe all kinds of Steppe fauna.

 ARISTIZABAL CAPE (4 to 5 hours approx.) 4x4 to reach Aristizabal Cape, an important rockery cape, which is characterized by its imposing landscape, dominated by the sea, the stone beaches and fauna. Along the way, apart from enjoying the beautiful coastal landscape, we will also be able to observe all kinds of Steppe fauna. Once we reach Aristizabal Lighthouse, we will trek to see Sea Lions, which usually rest here. This is also a nesting areas for many kind of marine birds.

 ROCK CANYON

(4 to 5 hours approx.) Beautiful trekking down the canyon, where there used to exist a river. Today it is dry, offering the possibility of trekking until reaching the sea. Its 15 meter walls are formed by Jurassic rocks, from the Mesozoic era. During high tide it is possible to swim in the natural pools and it is also an archeological site, since aborigines used to visit this area too. The place has special weather conditions, which make it ideal for birdwatching.

 HISTORIC TOUR AND SEAWEED INDUSTRY (1 to 2 hours approx.) Walking tour around the town, learning about its history, its founder, inhabitants, everything! We will also visit the working place where the seaweed harvest is carried out. There we get to know a varied number of species being marketed by Bahia Bustamante, their processes and uses.

 A TYPICAL PATAGONIAN RANCH (4 hours approx.) Bahía Bustamante is part of a group of three Estancias that all together add up more than

80.000 hectares. In each of the Estancias you may understand the production process of wool and meat, and according to the season, you may participate in a day’s work at one of the Estancias, visiting the corrals and learning about the different activities carried out: shearing, weaning, classification or marking of the sheep. During the August shearing season, around 20,000 sheep are shorn across the 3 Estancias. February is the season for weaning, classification and the Ram Sale. Also available: mountain bikesActivities which can be done with an extra cost: horseback riding, kayaking, navigation in Zodiac for photographers.

AT BAHIA BUSTAMANTE: Leaders will determine the activities based on weather, tide assessment and group interest.

The tropical location and sheer beauty led Eleanor Roosevelt to exclaim... “poor Niagara!”Though Darwin did not appear to venture as far up the Rio Parana, where it is joined by the Iguazu River, his crews did venture into the river’s estuaries to gather hundreds of specimens for study.

Itinerary (w/3 nights lodging)Nov 13: B While others depart for their return home, we will continue the journey with a transfer by air to Puerto Iguazu. After we have checked into the hotel, you are free to explore this lovely town on your own.Nov 14: B We will travel by private car to visit the famed Iguazu Falls, awarded one of the new Natural Wonders of the World by the New 7 Wonders Foundation. After a stop at the visitor´s center we will board a small train which connects the

most interesting areas of the park: the upper and lower trails and the Devil´s Throat. We will navigate upstream on the Iguazu

River to approach the amazing Devil´s Throat, the most imposing of the falls. Nov 15: B Leisure day: return to the Iguazu National Park to take a stroll on the “catwalks.” The Iguazu jungle (exceeding 120 feet in height) is home to over 420 different species, (about 40% of all those present in Argentina). Also all the flora and butterflies you might imagine! Or you may decide to take a birding tour, a 4x4/canoe/kayak tour, or a tour of Puerto Iguazu. (These tours are optional - see right column for costs.) Nov 16: B After our final breakfast together, we will be transfered back to Buenos Aires to catch our flights back to the US. If you wish to stay longer in Iguazu Falls or add another night in Beunos Aires we can assist you! (Arrive home on Nov 17.)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION

IGUAZU FALLS. The beautiful center piece of Iguazu National Park.

Nov 13-17, 2017

Optional Tours:BIRDING $242* 4 hrs/easyEarly morning visit including bird watching of endangered and native species in the National Park, according to the season and the interest of the visitors. The guide is one of the most respected and knowledgeable ornithologist guides in Argentina.

4x4 KAYAK/CANOE TOUR$295* 7/8 hoursDepart early by 4x4 to to watch the fauna that prefer the night and the dusk, see the sunrise, and have breakfast in the jungle. Spot exotic birds, butterflies and flora of the jungle, then transfer into canoes and kayaks to explore the shoreline of the Iguazu River, observing the shore birds, flora, and perhaps sighting a few sea turtles sunning on rocks. Soft rapids, lunch on an island and weather permitting a dip in the river.

PUERTO IGUAZU TOUR$100* 3 hrs/easyA tranquil and relaxed stroll in an intimate atmosphere highlighting gardens, small bird feeding, a center for rehabilitation of endangered local species, and the Aripuca monument built from huge logs from the jungle.

*Prices subject to change.

One of the new Natural Wonders of

the World!

TRIP COST: Nov 5-14 / Chasing Darwin & Dancing the Tango $2,950 Nov 13-17 / Optional Iguazu Falls Extension $1,150

PAYMENTS: $1,000 due with application / +$500 if extension chosen; $1,000 (+$500 extension if chosen) due February 15, 2017; balance due by June 15, 2017.

INCLUDES: (see itineraries above for noted B/L/D meal inclusions)Buenos Aires/Bustamante: 7 nights lodging, breakfast at Buenos Aires hotel; all meals at Bahia Bustamante, Buenos Aires park and tour fees; Darwin lecture, dinner & tango show, all activities at Bahia Bustamante except kayaking, horse-riding, zodiac boat tour; airport transfers (if arriving and departing within designated times) and land transfers. Iguazu Extension: 3 nights lodging with breakfast; Iguazu National Park entry (2 day pass), tour of Iguazu Falls; all airport and land transfers (except return to National Park on 2nd day)Plus: Expert professional day-guides fluent in Spanish and English in Buenos Aires, Bahia Bustamante resident activities advisors; AMC-AT leaders CPR/WFA certified, basic travel insurance (medical emergency and evacuation).

DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare of approximately $2,000 ($1100 international, $400 domestic +$300 domestic for Iguazu extension), $160 Argentina entry fee (paid in advance of arrival) additional insurance (trip cancellation recommended), personal expenses such as alcoholic or “special order” beverages, kayaking, horse-riding or Zodiac photographic navigation at Bahia Bustamante, Iguazu Jungle or Pueurto Iguazu tours (see page 4), taxi to 2nd day at Iguazu National Park, meals other than those noted as B/L/D on itinerary.

ACCOMMODATIONS3 star hotels and comfortable guest houses with fully equipped bathrooms, double occupancy. Meals in hotels and restaurants.ACTIVITY AND SKILL LEVEL is moderate with ability to walk/hike on mild, sometimes uneven terrain, mountain bike on easy to moderate terrain. Optional kayaking and horse-riding as your own skill level allows.Because of the special historical and educational nature of this trip, parents may wish to inquire about including their older teen children (16+). Parents will be expected to take full responsibility for their children at all times.

Bibliography

Darwin’s writings: Origins  of  Species,The  Descent  of  Man,  The  Expression  of  Emotion  in  Man  and  Animals,  The  Autobiography  of  Charles  Darwin:  1809-­‐1882  (with  Nora  Barlow),  The  Expression  of  the  Emotions  in  Man  and  Animals,  Volcanic  Islands,  Charles  Darwin:    His  Life  in  an  Autobiographical  Chapter,  and  in  a  Selected  Series  of  His  Published  Letters  (with  Sir  Francis  Darwin),  The  Voyage  of  the  Beagle:  The  Illustrated  Edition  of  Charles  Darwin’s  Travel  Memoir  and  Field  Journal.Other works on Darwin: Who  Was  Charles  Darwin?.    Deborah  Hopkinson  and  Nancy  Harrison;  DK  Biography:  Charles  Darwin.    DK  [David  C.  King];  The  Reluctant  Mr.  Darwin:  An  Intimate  Portrait  of  Charles  Darwin  and  the  Making  of  His  Theory  of  Evolution.    David  Quammen;  One  Beetle  Too  Many:  Candlewick  Biographies:  The  Extraordinary  Adventures  of  Charles  Darwin.    Kathryn  Lasky.    Matthew  Trueman  [illustrator]  (children’s  book);  Charles  Darwin:  A  Biography  (Vol.  1  –  Voyaging)  and  Vol.  2  -­‐  The  Power  of  Place).    Janet  Browne;  Darwin:    The  Life  of  a  Tormented  Evolutionist.    Adrian  Desmond  and  James  Moore;  Darwin  and  Modern  Science.    A.  C.  [Albert  Charles]  

LeadersJanis Stahlhut has been an AMC-AT co-leader and leader since 2008. She has led or co-led trips to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Sicily, mainland Italy, France, Finland, Norway, Peru and Chile. After 13 years as a marketing and public policy specialist, Janis currently is a personal trainer and group exercise instructor.

Dick Cable has been an AMC-AT leader since 2007 and has lead or co-led trips to Yosemite National Park, Mongolia, Sicily, mainland Italy, France, Czech Republic, Nepal

and many other countries. He is an education programming specialist and teaches spinning and group exercise classes. Both are CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified.

Disclosure AMC Adventure Travel trips are run on a non profit basis. Leaders are not compensated except for their travel and administrative costs associated with the trip. A program fee is assessed toward AMC Adventure Travel Excursion program and administrative expenses.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund if the trip does not run. Once a trip has been confirmed to run with a sufficient number of partcipants, no refund will be available unless another suitable participant can be confirmed. Once that participant is confirmed and monies deposited, a refund will be issued. Refunds will only be refunded to the extent that the cost of the trip for other participants is not affected. Participants are responsible for their own airline tickets and cancellation or change penalties. Trip cancellation insurance is advised.

Equipment/clothingSneakers or trekking shoes, daypack, warm clothing suitable for climate changes, rain gear and windbreaker.

Buenos Aires

Iguazu Falls

Bahia Bustamante

For more information or an application please contact:

Janis Stahlhut, jstahlhut@me.com

orRichard (Dick) Cable

r.cable@sbcglobal.net Bahia Bustamante - be inspired!