CRC Argentina 2011

 

Central Remedial Clinic

 

 

ARGENTINA 2011

9^th to 20^th March 2011

 

A golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the land of silver!

Located deep in the heart of the South American continent is the largest and dramatically beautiful country of Argentina, the ‘Land of Silver’. This land of infinitely enchanting landscapes is the chosen destination for the Central Remedial Clinic’s 60^th Anniversary and 10^th fundraising Challenge in March 2011.

This twelve day trip departs on March 9^th when the group fly overnight to Santiago, Chile. On arrival we transfer west to Uspallata, the gateway to the Andes, where we will commence the first leg of this amazing Challenge, trekking in the shadow of Mt Aconcagua, America’s tallest peak, a definite highlight!

For the second leg we head to Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range, a bustling city of leafy avenues atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan café’s it makes a restful base for exploring this stunning part of Argentina. This region, rich in natural resources, natural wonders and natural areas, is a traveller’s paradise. There we will remain until March 16^th, taking in the beautiful sights of this amazing area.

The third leg on this adventure takes us to the spectacularly flamboyant capital of Buenos Aires. A smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. The birthplace of the tango and the final resting place of Admiral William Brown, father of the Argentine navy, and Eva ‘Evita’ Perón, this romantic city will enthrall and captivate you with the warmth of its people, who have a tenacious spirit and lust for life that is infectious. A memorial to Irishman Admiral Brown, founder of the Argentinean Navy, the Plaza de Mayo, French style San Telmo, famous for it’s antique markets, Plaza Derrego where street tango can be enjoyed and the Recoleta Cemetery eternal resting place of many a famous figure are among the sights to savour. We join with the Porteños (inhabitants of the port city of Buenos Aires) in celebrating our own national holiday, St. Patrick’s day, which they apparently celebrate with gusto in this amazing city.

 

Visitors to this country will find it easy to get into the swing of things, bringing back long-lasting memories of unforgettable and extraordinary landscapes, fine local wines, enormous steaks and a tango step or two along with new and binding life long friendships.

If you would like to join the Central Remedial Clinic on this amazing and exciting, once in a lifetime adventure, please call into the Fundraising Department / call free phone 1800 612 612 or email jlaughton@crc.ie and we will be happy to forward to you all the details of this incredible adventure.

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~ITINERARY~

DAY 1 ~ Wed. 9^th March - DUBLIN/MADRID

Depart Dublin Airport for Madrid to meet our overnight flight to Santiago, Chile.

 

DAY 2 ~THURS 10^th March - MADRID, Spain/SANTIAGO, Chile/USPALLATA, Argentina

On arrival in Santiago we will be met by a representative from the tour company and we will transfer to our hotel in Uspallata where we will be based for the next two days trekking in the shadow of Mt Aconcagua, the tallest peak on the South American continent.

Time for relaxing and acclimatising before dinner and an early night!

Dinner and overnight at Uspallata Hotel

DAY 3 ~ FRI 11^th March - USPALLATA – Puenta del Inca/ Parque Provincial

After breakfast we depart from our hotel and visit the famous natural bridge "Puente del Inca" on our way to our trekking start point in the 71,000 hectare Parque Provincial Aconcagua, the site of the provinces most prominent attraction the 6,962metre Cerro Aconcagua, the “roof of the Americas”.

Following the Horcones river gully we will trek towards "Confluencia"camp.

Dinner and overnight at the Uspallata Hotel

DAY 4 ~ SAT 12^th March - Minas de Paramillos/ Villavicencio/Mendoza

This morning after breakfast we will checkout of our hotel and board the coach for our first stop and at the Minas de Paramillos. We will commence our trek at the shelter ‘Agua de la Zorra’, heading north we will visit Jesuit ruins, mine caves and petrified forests along the way until we enter the mines at El Gobernador mine tunnel.

After a packed lunch we will head to Villavicencio famous for its hot springs that are known for their mineral and healing properties. The drive from Uspallata to Villavicencio is breathtaking. Named Los Caracoles (the snails), this road winds through formations that have come to be known as 'Darwin's Petrified Forest' as well as passing by some interesting Inca rock paintings.

We will continue our journey to Mendoza and on arrival we will check in to our hotel our base for the next four nights.

Dinner and overnight at The Executive Hotel.

DAY 5 ~ SUN 13^th March - Termas de Cacheuta /MENDOZA

Mendoza - A bustling city of leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafés, it is one of the most beautiful and neat cities in the country. It is an all season destination for trekkers, hikers, climbers, skiers, rafters, bikers and wine lovers alike!

This morning after breakfast we depart our hotel and transfer to our trek start point at Thermas de Cacheuta Hotel from where we will head south towards the Mount Niodo de Condores ridge. We can finish our trek with dip in the natural hot springs

Dinner & Overnight: 4* hotel Mendoza

DAY 6 ~ MON 14^th March - Altos Limpios /Lavalle/MENDOZA

We depart form our hotel and head for Lavalle and start our trek form the forest rangers office in Teltecan. Los Altos Limpios and Teltecan Forest Reservation are rich in flora and fauna.

Lunch: Packed lunch Dinner and overnight at a 4* hotel.

DAY 7 ~ TUE 15^th MAR - Valle de Uco / MENDOZA

This morning after breakfast we leave our hotel for a long walk along different varieties of vineyards growing in the region of the Uco Valley.

Dinner & Overnight: 4* hotel Mendoza

DAY 8~ Wed 16^th March - Mendoza/BUENOS AIRES

We will have any early start this morning as we transfer to the airport to catch our two hour flight to Buenos Aries. We will be met by our ground handlers and will transfer to our hotel. After check-in we will tour Casa Amirilla, former residence of Irishman Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentinean navy and do a tour of the city.

This evening we will experience the passion of Tango as we have dinner at a tango show.

Dinner at a Tango Show Overnight: 4*hotel Buenos Aires

DAY 9 ~ THURS 17^th March - BUENOS AIRES

Today after breakfast we will visit the Navy dock and the new redeveloped district. After lunch we will take a walking tour of the old city incorporating the Admiral Brown memorial, the Plaza de Mayo, French style San Telmo, famous for it’s antique markets, Plaza Derrego famous for street tango and the Recoleta Cemetery eternal resting place of many a famous figure are among the sights to savour. This evening we will join the Porteños (inhabitants of the port city of Buenos Aires) in celebrating our own national holiday, St. Patrick’s day, which they apparently celebrate with gusto.

Dinner in an Irish bar/restaurant Overnight: 4* Hotel

DAY 10 ~ FRI 18^th March - BUENOS AIRES

Today is a free day for shopping, sight seeing and relaxing.

This evening we will have our Gala Dinner

Overnight: 4*hotel

DAY 11 ~ SAT 19^th March – BUENOS AIRES, Argentina/MADRID, Spain

Transfer in the morning to catch our lunchtime flight to Madrid.

DAY 12 ~ SUN 20^th March - MADRID, Spain/DUBLIN

Arrive Madrid in the early morning and await our connecting flight to Dublin

Please note the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.