Patagonia's Mountain Landscapes
Torres del Paine, Fitzroy Massif & Cerro Torre in Autumn

		Patagonia Photography Tour Details
		Dates	Apr 16–May 1, 2009
		Leader	James Martin and Alejandro Ronchetti
		Fee	$6,295 from Punta Arenas, Chile
		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 convenient accommodations at Pehoe Lodge for five nights, offering comfortable rooms, good meals and affording views of ineffable beauty.

Join James Martin for our journey to a place called a "Living Eden" in a stunning film aired on public television.



Day 1
Depart on overnight flights from the US to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2 (Apr 17)
Arrive in Santiago and continue on late flights to Punta Arenas. (D)

Day 3
We "shoot" our way through gaucho country to Torres del Paine, stopping en route at Estancia Lolita where images of unique Patagonian wildlife will be possible. (BLD)

Days 4–7
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 the sheer vertical walls. The compelling grandeur of these jagged peaks will be complemented by the fiery colors of autumn foliage and by the relatively unwary wildlife within the park. (BLD)

Day 8
After a last morning in Torres, we depart for El Calafate. (BLD)

Day 9
Explore one of South America’s most spectacular and active glaciers, the Perito Moreno, by boat 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 and capture stunning images of the blue ice formations of the western wall. (BLD)

Day 10
Drive to El Chalten, located at the foot of the Fitzroy Massif, where we will be based for four nights. (BLD)

Days 11–13
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 Torre. 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 14
We drive to Puerto Natales, Chile. (BLD)

Day 15 (Apr 30)
Drive to Punta Arenas for afternoon flights to Santiago and overnight flights to the US. (B)

Day 16
Arrive home.