Argentina 2020 Eclipse Expedition
Dec. 5 to 15, 2020
It is nature's most awe-inspiring spectacle. Engulfed as the Moon's shadow sweeps by, the world seems to turn upside down during totality. It's an emotional experience that can only be understood by those who experience it.
Tour leader Mike Simmons has chased eclipses since 1979. In 2006, Mike founded Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) to build relationships between people in different countries and cultures through the universal interest of astronomy. Mike has traveled the world meeting astronomy enthusiasts and educators connected by a passion to share our place in the Universe with others.
Now you can join Mike on these travels as OneSky Expeditions brings astronomy community members face-to-face. We’ll learn about each other’s cultures and what astronomy means to each of us. Our similarities far outweigh the differences. It's sightseeing and nature's grandest spectacle with an added dimension.
Itinerary days devoted to AWB programs:
We leave the tourist trail behind as we meet with fellow astronomers, educators, and fellow members of the worldwide astronomy community. While details are still shaping up, activities will likely include visiting schools to hand out eclipse glasses and give presentations, meeting amateur astronomers, observing the best objects of the southern skies , and more.
TOUR LEADER
Mike Simmons, Eclipse Chaser, Astronomer, Educator
Renowned outreach astronomer, eclipse chaser, and Founder and Past President of Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) Mike Simmons will be leading your eclipse tour. Mike has been sharing astronomy with the public for more than 40 years, and has been an total eclipse chaser since 1979. With a passion for sharing celestial and cultural experiences with others, Mike has chased eclipses to far-flung locations around the world, from China to Iran to a peak in the Andes of South America.
Interactions with locals during an eclipse trip showed Mike how astronomy is a universal interest that transcends cultural differences. In 2006, Mike founded Astronomers Without Borders to unite astronomy and space enthusiasts around the world through these common interests. During the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, Mike led 100 Hours of Astronomy, the largest global astronomy event ever. He is now widely recognized as a leader in astronomy activities worldwide.
Mike is also a writer and photographer, having contributed to Scientific American, Astronomy, and Sky and Telescope where he is a Contributing Editor. He regularly gives public talks, both in the US and abroad, on his experiences and his views on breaking down cultural, religious and political borders and improving international relations through astronomy.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
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Hotel accommodations as listed or similar with private bath/shower
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Daily breakfast at the hotels, Lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch & D- Dinner). Vegetarian and special dietary needs arranged upon written request.
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Transfers and tours as listed by AC Bus
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Private eclipse viewing arrangements- Tent, chairs, tables, hot/cold beverages and lunch is served during eclipse
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Services of local English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours and excursions
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Entrance fees to monuments, guide & driver fees, Parking etc.
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Services of an expert Tour Manager
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Enrichment program of lectures and special events
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Personal listening devices
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Bottled water on buses during sightseeing tours & excursions
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Travel Documents- provide one month or more prior to departure
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Eclipse viewing glasses
ITINIRARY
DAY 1 – SAT. Dec. 5: ARRIVE BUENOS AIRES
Your tour begins in Buenos Aires, the capital of the nation. This romantic city is often referred to as ‘the Paris of South America’ because of its French-style architecture and elegance. Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Buenos Aires nightlife provides its own inhabitants and visitors with numerous entertainment possibilities. This evening following a tour briefing you will attend an unforgettable tango show performed by the best dancers and singers, while enjoying a delicious meal. This is the perfect way to live Buenos Aires, the city of tango. Return to the hotel. RECOLETA GRAND HOTEL (Deluxe Studio Room) – D
DAY 2 - SUN. Dec. 6: BUENOS AIRES TOURING
Breakfast at the Hotel. Your morning is at leisure to walk around the city. We recommend visiting Planetario Galileo Galilei on your own or other places of interest to you. Given that most people are used to a different hemisphere, this planetarium in Buenos Aires offers an all new celestial experience. Shaped like the planet Jupiter, this eye-catching space museum is located in the beautiful parks of Palermo. Planetario Galileo Galilei offers a 360-degree space show, astronomical courses, and various exhibits.
Your sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires this afternoon allows you to discover the magic of this cosmopolitan city, capital of Argentina. The magnificence of the Northern Quarters, Palermo and the beauty of its parks and buildings, Recoleta with its French style architecture, bars and cafes; the imposing Colon Theater, one of the five most important opera houses in the world; Plaza de Mayo (May Square), the Government's House (The Pink House), The Old Cabildo (Town Hall) and the Metropolitan Cathedral; San Telmo, residence of the aristocracy until the turn of the XIX century. The colors of La Boca, picturesque quarter of Italian immigrants; and the fashion area of Port Madero with its many bars & restaurants round off this excursion.
You may want to spend some time this evening seeing the milongas (tango dances) in San Telmo, gaze at the huge monuments such as the Obelisk on Avenue 9 de Julio and sip fine wines at fancy restaurants in Palermo. HOTELRECOLETTA– BL
Day 3 - MON. Dec. 7: BUENOS AIRES / IGUASSU– ARGENTINIAN SIDE OF THE WATERFALLS
After an early breakfast, transfer & fly to Puerto Iguazú in the northeast corner of Argentina today. The mighty Iguazú Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the group will be visiting the falls from both sides. The falls are over 2 km in length and consist of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 meters high. This makes them higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. A visit to the Argentinean side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. Take al Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls an exhilarating experience. Return back to your hotel in the evening. FALLS IGUAZU HOTEL- BD
As of July 1st, 2017, all guests visiting Iguassu Falls are required to pay an eco-tax designed to help fund the preservation of the surrounding region. This tax cannot be prepaid, and is instead collected at your Iguassu Falls hotel upon check-in. This tax applies to all travelers and costs $20 ARS (Argentine Pesos) per person, per night for a maximum of two nights.
Day 4 - TUE. Dec. 8: Brazilian side of Falls / BUENOS AIRES
Breakfast at the hotel Laterenjoy a half day guided tour to explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Drive to the Brazilian National Park side of the falls, crossing the Brazilian border. You may want to look at some authentic Brazilian hand-made crafts before starting the short drive through subtropical, lush jungle with spectacular palm trees and lianas until you reach the proper start of the Iguazú Falls Walk. At the beginning take time to marvel at the panoramic view of the enormous Iguazu Falls emerging in front of you in all their spectacular magnificence. Walk the 1,200 meters long footbridge to experience this natural wonder from a different perspective. You will discover that these falls across the river - although they belong to Argentina - can only be seen from the Brazilian side. Take a panoramicelevator to get an even more impressive sight of this amazing scenery.
Time free until the late afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer to RECOLETTA HOTEL- BL.
Day 5 - WED. Dec. 9: BUENOS AIRES / PUERTO MADRYN
After Breakfast fly to Puerto Madryn, the quaint coastal town of Puerto Madryn is the gateway to wonderful Peninsula Valdes and Patagonia’s prime wildlife spotting experiences. Rest of the day is free.YENE HUE HOTEL- BL
DAY 6 - THU. Dec. 10: PENINSULA OF VALDES EXCURSION
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, we will spend the day exploring the riches of the Valdes Peninsula. A harsh yet spectacular environment, this remote peninsula is a haven for Patagonian marine and terrestrial wildlife including massive colonies of South American Sea Lion and Southern Elephant Seal. The abundance of afterbirth and young pups here attracts the attention of several scavengers and predators, including the striking Killer Whales that are known to beach themselves along this coastline to capture prey, as well as Southern Giant Petrel and unique Snowy Sheathbill that forage through the remains. The rocky coastline may hold Imperial and Rock Shags alongside the commoner Neotropic Cormorants.
Estancia San Lorenzo- Land of PenguinsSan Lorenzo is a sheep farm stretching over 5,000 hectares has a 4600-meter-long coastline on the San Matias Bay. On the property there is an awesome breeding colony of Magellanic penguins with approximately 200,000 penguins including both adults and juveniles. Together with Magellanic penguins, San Lorenzo offers the possibility of observing elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, owls, cavies and a great diversity of birds. Eventually, also Right whales and orca can be sighted. The activities offered by Estancia San Lorenzo will bring you closer to nature. There are also places to spot fossilized giant oysters.
The Valdés Peninsula is renowned for its large population of marine wildlife but with over 180 different bird species migrating to the peninsula or living here throughout the year, it’s also one of the most important birding destinations in Argentina. Expect to see: South American, royal and sandwich terns, Black-browed albatross, Southern giant petrel, Blackish and American oystercatchers, Magellanic penguin, Brown skua, Variable hawk, Great egret, Turkey vulture & Burrowing parrot.
Return back to Hotel in Puerto Madryn in the evening. YENE HUE HOTEL – BL
DAY 7 - FRI, Dec. 11: PUERTO MADRYN
Breakfast at the Hotel. The whale watching trip starts from a small village called Puerto Piramids. Going along the coast on both sides, the first stop is at La Lobería (sea lion colony), which is closer to Puerto Pirámides and has got 2000 specimens of whales. Sail along the coast allows us to watch many cormorant colonies. They build their nests against the cliff and there they also breed and raise their babies. Cruise also offers opportunity to observe and photograph other specimens of the coastal bird fauna. The engines are stopped when the ship gets far from the coast, silence interrupted only by the sounds of penguins, seagulls, gulls and cormorants. Something silvery and white jumps next to the ship and the strong sound of a body splashing the sea are heard. To complete this feast some dolphins always show up to jump and play in complete freedom along the Whales. Enjoy lunch at the village before returning to Puerto Madryn.YENE HUE HOTEL – BL
Your afternoon is at leisure or take an optional tour from the following:
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Snorkeling with sea lions
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Kayak with sea lions
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Scuba diving
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Horse riding along the beach
Note: Advance reservations are required due limited availability
DAY 8 - SAT, Dec. 12: PUERTO MADRYN / LAS GRUTAS
Breakfast at Hotel and travel to Las Grutas, a beach resort located in the Atlantic coast of the province of Río Negro. Its beauty resides in a beach sheltered by the cliff, and mainly the warmth of its waters, which can reach 25 degrees Centigrade in some areas. No doubt it's the hottest beach village on the Patagonian coast. Its main attractive consists of its magnificent beaches, white sand and deep blue, transparent waters. Being in the very heart of San Matías Gulf, and having medium sized cliffs, this place has little or no wind at all, something incredible for Patagonia. Check in to your Hotel in time for lunch. Rest of the evening is free. TERE VADO HOTEL – BL
DAY 9 - SUN, Dec. 13: LAS GRUTAS
Breakfast at the Hotel. Time free to take optional tours from following:
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Bird watching tour
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Kayaking
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Scuba diving
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Golf
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Wind surfing
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Fishing
Note: Advance reservations are required due limited availability.
Join fellow tour members this evening to visit our exclusive eclipse viewing site so participants can familiarize themselves TERE VADO HOTEL – B
Note: Store luggage with Hotel after the check out time. B
DAY 10 - MON, Dec. 14: LAS GRUTAS – Total Solar Eclipse watching
After Breakfast transfer to our exclusive eclipse viewing site scouted by our Eclipse experts. Arrive early with plenty of time to set up for the eclipse. From our exclusive site you can view 2 minute 8 seconds of eclipse where the Sun elevation will be 72 degrees above the northern horizon. It will take about 2 hours 51 minutes for the entire eclipse process. Las Grutas generally experiences clear skies in December nevertheless a bus will be at our disposal to travel along the eclipse path to seek out a clear location for viewing, if needed. A leisurely day to observe the eclipse beginning at 11.55 AM, totality occurs at 1:18 PM and the partial phases end at 2:45 PM. Buffet Lunch, water, soft drinks & Snacks, tables and chairs are provided at the viewing site. Return to hotel after the eclipse and rest of the day is free for independent activities or take an optional tour. TEREVADO HOTEL -BL
DAY 11- TUE, Dec. 15: LAS GRUTAS / PUERYO MADRYN / BUENOS AIRES
Breakfast at the Hotel and time free until transfer to Trelew airport to board flight to Buenos Aires. Meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the evening is free for independent activities.HOTEL RECOLETTA-B
DAY 12- WED, Dec. 15: BUENOS AIRES / DEPART
Breakfast and day free to explore city ort shop on own. Transfer to International airport for your homewards flight.
Note: Store luggage with Hotel after the check out time. B
TOUR PRICES:
Double Occupancy: $ 7,995.00 per person sharing
Single Room- $ 8,945.00
PLEASE NOTE: Group air rates from major US cities will be negotiated with the airlines and offered to participants (usually 11 months prior to departure). Airlines may require purchase of International air to receive low domestic (internal Argentina) travel rates or rates may be combined for both International and internal Argentina.
Arrival transfer in Buenos Aires is included for participants arriving on group travel flights or at same time as group travel airline. Those making own International travel arrangements can either join at Hotel on own or purchase a private transfer. Additional costs apply. Higher rates for Internal Argentina flights may also apply (subject to Airlines rules).
NOT INCLUDED:
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International and domestic Argentina airfares.
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Optional excursions
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Tips (restaurants, hotels, guides, drivers, Tour Manager etc.)
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Personal expenses
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Baggage handling and Porterage
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Services not mentioned in the program
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Travel Insurance
PAYMENTS & TERMS
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An advance payment of US$1,000.00 per person and a completed Reservation Form are required to secure your reservation.
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A second payment of US$ 2,500.00 per person is due on or before Feb. 5, 2019.
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Balance payment in full is due on or before Aug.1, 2020.
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Cancellations must be in writing, by email, fax or letter to A Classic Tours Collection (ACTC). Penalties/refunds will be calculated based on date of receipt of written notice by ACTC.
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Cancellations made from the time of booking through Nov.4, 2019, will incur a US$750.00 per person cancellation fee.
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Cancellations made between Nov. 5, 2019 – Jul.31, 2020, will incur a US$2,500.00 per person cancellation fee.
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Cancellations received after Aug. 1, 2020, are fully non-refundable.
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Change fee of $75.00 per person/ per change applies for any change in land travel arrangements made after booking. No additional charge for additional services such as stopovers, pre & post tour extensions arranged through ACTC. Change fees on air travels apply as per airline policies. Please check at time of booking.
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Itinerary is subject to change due flight schedules and other implications beyond our control. ACTC Tours reserves the right to change itinerary, Hotels without prior notice.
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All tour prices, taxes quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs and costs that were in effect/ negotiated at the time of publication (May 6, 2019). Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. Due to currency fluctuations, oil prices, taxation changes by local authorities, increase in entrance fees to monuments may be added to your tour fee. You will be advised of details and costs prior to departure.
Traveler Health
It is each traveler’s responsibility to take all appropriate medical advice prior to booking as to whether or not they are fit enough to undertake this trip. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your travel investment. We have contracted "A Classic Tour" for travel arrangement. Please contact this company for further information and insurance inquiries.
A Classic Tour
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(888) 605-TOUR (8687)