Arrive at San Carlos de Bariloche airport. You will be met by Dez, your guide, and transferred to your hotel. You will have some time to relax and take a deep breath while embracing your new soundings or some free time to explore the local town before the big welcome dinner.

We will all gather at one of the most enjoyed Restaurants, the Kandahar, where we will appreciate some of the best gourmet food Bariloche has to offer. Dez and your guides will brief you on the new exciting adventures for the following days to come. (Overnight in Bariloche)

We will start our day with morning yoga to rejuvenate us from the long flights of the day before and then eat a light healthy breakfast at 10am. We will then transfer to the base of Cerro Lopez for our first hike ascending to the mountain refuge of Cerro Lopez (1620 meters). This breathtaking trek will amaze you with the panoramic views of the lakes, snowy peaks and vegetation.

After a nice light lunch, those of us that are not to tired can hike to the summit (2050 m.o.s.) and enjoy one of the best and most beautiful views of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. As we sit on the mountaintop we can get to know each other a little better while also taking time to write for the first time in our adventure journals.

On the way back we'll travel past Colonia Suiza; an old settlement of Suisse immigrants who arrived when Bariloche was a small village. Their way of life was marked by the mix of the alpine and gaucho cultures and can be clearly seen in the architecture and handcrafts. We will return to Bariloche and relax before we enjoy a dramatic show of traditional Argentina Tango and amazing dinner, giving us time to for inspirational talks about our first days adventure.

We'll wake to our morning Yoga and then a healthy breakfast. We will then transfer to Lago Steffen for rafting in the clear blue waters of the Manso River while being surrounded by one of the most beautiful valleys of the Andes mountain range.

Leaving the hotel during morning we will head to the south of the National Park crossing the first section of the route leading to El Bolsón, passing near Gutiérrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo lakes until arriving at the opening of the Steffen Lake. The Manso River continues it's route from Lake Steffen and this is our departure point of adventure. In this section, between the Lake Steffen and the sawmill Villegas, the river present parts of calm descents, allowing the sighting of a vast amount of birds and enjoying the particular landscape of the Valdiviana forest that predominates the region: an elevated forest formed by colihues, cypresses and larches and a thick cane of underbrush coihues. We will see high waterfalls and will also swim next to the rafts using masks and snorkel to see the bottom of the river and its famous trout. Maybe we can even get a little fishing in- Dez always has time for fishing.

We will then stop for an amazing river side lunch and take in the beauty of the surroundings before continuing on for a few more hours of rafting before we stop for the evening. Our raft guides will set up camp on the white sandy beach banks of the river while you have a choice to take a hike or maybe take a nice horse back ride. Upon returning we will have a traditional asado dinner and hear stories of times past. This is an amazing night. (Over night stay in Tents)

Early morning yoga and a healthy breakfast. We will start our descent on the Manso towards the Chilean border for a distance of twelve kilometers down a clear water river that eventually flows all the way down the Pacific Ocean.

Traveling down class III rapids, we'll see huge Coihue trees, surrounded by amazingly unspoiled wildlife; preserved by its special geography which limited the amount of human presence until not long ago. One can see birds such as King Fishers and Cauquenes and sometimes the less frequent wild boar.

We'll transfer back to the Pasarela Camp, once there we'll have a very tasty asado; one of the highlights of the trip. This will give us time to reflect on the day's adventure and what we can learn from our experiences. After these two amazing days you may be a little tired so maybe its time to enjoy a nice relaxing massage or just some down time which will be good for the mind and body. You will have a free night to relax and enjoy your surrounding of our beautiful town of Bariloche. It will also be New Years Eve- have some fun! {Over night in Bariloche}

Early morning of yoga and a light breakfast. We will then transfer to Valle Encantado- We will travel toward the Northeast on National route 237 along the Limay River to Valle Encantado. The erosion from the wind, rain and rivers has carved strange forms on the volcanic origin rock in a transition environment among the humid forest and the dry steppe. By their appearance these fantasy formations carved in the stone come to life in the visitor's eyes: "The Sentry of the Valley", "The God's Finger", "The Lions".

Forests and bushy vegetation dominate these environments, where the cypress of the cordillera has a privileged importance in these landscapes. Flying above this scenery, the majestic Andean condor finds ideal locations for nesting and resting on the nearby steppe. In an incomparable environment, we will hike where we will be able to visit caves with aborigine paintings that give us testimony of an ancient culture of more than 9700 years old.

We will sit on top of some the most beautiful rock formations and visualize years that have passed in this ancient landscape. Will come to the base of some of the best climbing Bariloche has to offer. Here Dez will give you the chance to take part of some basic rock climbing. After a day in the field with intimate contact with nature, comfortable cabins await us. We will have time to take part in meditation and relaxation techniques allowing your sprit to catch up with your life's adventures and we will have the opportunity to delight ourselves with a magnificent dinner of Patagonia Lamb or healthy vegetating dishes. (Early night- big day ahead)

We wake early to yoga and a light breakfast and then transfer to Pampa Linda; A valley that lies at the base of Cerro Tronador (3478 m.o.s.), and the associated glaciers Castaño Overo Glacier (2000 m.o.s.). This will be a day to remember! For thousands of years a thick icecap has covered the summit of Cerro Tronador. From its three peaks, eight descending tongues of ice model the landscape. With incessant movement, they dig down and push everything out of their way, rolling away the stones, gravel and earth. This slow yet steady task can be seen by visiting the Black Snowfield.

This giant, called Anon by the aboriginal population, is 3,478 meters high and is the highest peak in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its present name, Tronador, refers to the roaring sound produced by the constant breaking off of enormous blocks of ice.

We will arrive over Manso Superior River up to Pampa Linda where the gauchos will be waiting with horses to take our packs up the mountain. We will follow on an easy trail that is surrounded by cascading waterfalls and beautiful views of the Glacier and snow Peak Mountains. We'll continue to walk along the ridge to the refuge, enjoying a wonderful view of the glacier and the snowed peak mountain. We will spend the rest of the daylight relaxing and viewing the condors that fly close by so close you feel like you can touch them. This would be a good time to write in your journals and take in the amazing beauty or maybe some light stretching while sitting on top of the world. This will keep us relaxed and our minds clear for the journey to come. We will then enjoy a wonderful dinner with Niko, the hut keeper. {Over night in tents}

After eating breakfast and our morning yoga we will venture out onto to the glacier for an amazing tour. We will eventually arrive to beautiful crevasses that will take your breath away giving you the feeling of a true mountaineer- without the dangers.

After enjoying a nice trek we will have to say good by to the mountain and descend back to Pampa Linda where a beautiful lodge awaits us where we will relax with inspirational talks before dinner in anticipation of the coming day. Some of you may wish to take a walk before dinner and see one of the surrounding waterfalls or take a horseback ride.

Early morning yoga next to a beautiful river and then following a healthy breakfast, we'll start are trek north towards the valley that takes us to Paso de las Nubes (Passage of the Clouds).

The path follows the course of the Alerces River, were we'll be able to appreciate the great diversity of the Andean-Patagonic forest, with it's enormous trees and highland marshes. We will come to our camp for the evening and will have time to sit at the base of the Glacier and reflect on the uniqueness of are hike as the sun starts to set. We then start to settle in to the dinner tent and enjoy a lovely dinner and reflect back to an amazing day we just had. You will then have a choice to sleep in tents or follow Dezs' lead of sleeping under the stars. {Over night in Tents}

We'll start with Yoga in the bright morning light and then a light breakfast. After, we will make our way down the valley of the Frias River. From here we'll see the glacier that gives birth to this river. Suddenly the forest will change: It's the Valdivian rainforest, with the millenary arch trees, cypresses of the Guaitecas, giants ferns and moss that cover the ground, giving this part of the journey a fairytale feel. Walking amongst hundreds of century old trees makes this trekking very special.

Once we get to Lake Frias an embarkation will take us to Puerto Alegre. Close to there, in Puerto Blest, we'll get on to a ship and sail around the vast Lake Nahuel Huapi, towards Puerto Pañuelo in the Llao Llao peninsula. Our final dinner will be at a very special place where we will view a slide show of our amazing journey while enjoying some of the best food and wines of Argentina. {Over night Bariloche}

A sad day indeed- Dez will have to say goodbye to her amazing women adventurers as one by one you will head back to your home far, far away. You will leave with your heads held high with a renewed spirit and personal empowerment. You will say good-bye to your new life long friends.

That is Best of Both Women's Adventures! Best possible explores in unison.

Dates

• Dec 27 2007- Jan 6/08
• Jan 24 2008 - Feb 3 2008
• Feb 14 2008 - Feb 24 2008

Prices

• $2,700 double occupancy
• single supplement $350

Deposit

A $500 non refundable deposit is required to make the reservation with either visa, mc, or money order or cashiers check.
The remaining amount is due 60 days prior to arrival date.

• Valid passport plus 2 copies of "photo page" of passport and photocopies of your domestic and international air tickets. Put copies in different locations, i.e. carry-on bag and checked-in bag and also leave a set at home.
• Airline tickets

• Backpack -sturdy, large enough to hold all your gear Daypack or fanny pack, for carrying water bottle(s), rain gear, camera
• Luggage tags and luggage locks
• Passport pouch or money belt
  

• The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary-this will help you and the field staff.
• Lightweight, casual, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when traveling
• Comfortable walking shoes
• One or two nice outfits for dinners
• Hiking shorts, synthetic and quick-drying
  
• Lightweight pants, synthetic and quick-drying
  
• Midweight fleece or wool sweater
  
• T-shirts (at least one synthetic and quick drying)
  
• Long-sleeve shirt (for evenings and additional insect protection)
  
• Swimsuit
  
• Underwear
  
• Socks - hiking and liner (wool or synthetic). 5 or 6 pars
  

• Sun hat
  
• Fleece or wool hat (for climb)
  
• Lightweight liner gloves (for climb)
  

• Rain jacket , waterproof and breathable
  
• Warm fleece jacket
• Light sweater or vest

• Lightweight hiking boots/ and trail shoes. They should be water proof or very water resistant and ankle high- at one point you will be hiking in snow and will need the support. If new, you must break in for a few weeks before trip.
  
• Water sport sandals or booties (for rafting)
  

• Two 1-qt water bottles or hydration system
• Personal first-aid kit
• Toiletry kit
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Sunglasses and retainer strap
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
• Daypack cover (in case of rain)
• Insect repellent 100% get good brand
• Good sleeping bag
• Trekking poles

• Camera, lenses, film, batteries
• Binoculars
• Reading and writing materials
• Travel alarm
• Laundry soap
• Plastic bags, various sizes
• Motion sickness remedies
• Ear plugs
• Travel pillow

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage. This caution is in case your luggage is delayed.
  
• Space for luggage is very limited - please pack lightly.
  
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet. Examples of these fabrics would be Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
  
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags work great for sorting out dirty or wet clothing.
  
• You may want to bring a rain cover or some trash bags to protect your daypack or camera, should it rain.
  
• Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff will be happy to help you with gear questions. dez@bestofbothadventures.com or call 787-823-0610 . The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Most days we will get an early start (6:30 or 7a.m.). We will have a warm-up yoga session, followed by breakfast. We then will head out for the days adventure and part way through we will enjoy a healthy energy-boosting lunch.

After we finish the active day we will enjoy a delicious dinner as well as a demonstration or presentation with creative activities to REKINDLE YOUR sprit and open up your creative vision. We usually finish in the evening by 9:00 PM.

The staff is an inspiring and spirited group of women!!!

You will have the chance to travel with women who are both phenomenal athletes and articulate teachers. You will receive cutting-edge instruction with heartfelt support and encouragement. The staff we have allows opportunity for individual guidance, safe supervision of all activities, and personal attention to your feelings and needs.

We organize the groups to accommodate all fitness levels and levels of experience. Don't worry if this is your first time on a mountain trail, if you have not done much hiking, or if you are experiencing yoga for the first time -we LOVE to introduce the JOYS of these activities!

Air routes from the US to San Carlos de Bariloche Argentina

American Airlines and Lan Chile (Lan is part of the one world alliance so you will receive points towards American Advantage miles)
1-800-433-7300

Arrive in Bariloche: Dec 27 2007, Jan 24 2008, or Feb 14 2008

Depart Bariloche: Jan 6 2008, Feb 3 2008, or Feb 24 2008

Note: Your departure day from your home may be 1 day before the arrival date since many flights are overnight. Also you will arrive home 1 day after you leave Bariloche in most cases.

From JFK New York connecting through Santiago Chile

Depart

• LAN 531 10:30 pm arriving at 12:40 pm overnight flight into Santiago (stop in Lima no plane change arrive 6:10am depart 7:20am)
• LAN 971 depart 3:35pm arriving in Bariloche at 5:30 pm

Return

• LAN 972 departs Bariloche at 6:05pm arrives Santiago 8pm
• LAN 530 departs Santiago at 9:05pm arrive JFK at 7:30 am overnight flight (stop in Lima at 10:50pm and out at 11:50pm no plane change)

Price: $1,244.50 to $1,286.50/person

From Miami International connecting through Santiago Chile

Depart

• AMERICAN 957 departs Miami at 11:20 pm arrive Santiago at 9:36 am(overnight flight)
• LAN 971 departs Santiago at 3:35pm arriving to Bariloche at 5:30pm

Return

• LAN 972 depart Bariloche 6:05 pm arrive Santiago at 8pm
• AMERICAN 982 depart 10:05pm arrive Miami 4:25 am(overnight flight )

Price: $1,091.50 to$1,276.50

From LAX International connecting through Santiago Chile

Depart

• LAN 601 Depart LA 12:45 pm arrive Santiago 6:35 am overnight flight(Stop in Lima 12:05 am and out 1:15 no plane change)
• LAN 971 departs Santiago at 3:35 pm and arrives Bariloche 5:30 pm

Return

• LAN 972 Depart Bariloche at 6:05 pm arrive Santiago 8pm
• LAN 600 departs Santiago at 10:35 pm arriving LA at 7:05 am overnight flight (stop in Lima 12:20am leave 1:30 am no plane change)
  

Price: $1,243.50 to $1,422.50

From Dallas to Bariloche

Depart

• American 945 departs 9:10 pm non stop arriving at Santiago 9:41 am
• LAN 971 departs Santiago 3:35 pm arrive Bariloche 5:30 pm

Return

• LAN 972 departs Bariloche 6:05 pm arrives Santiago 8 pm
• American 940 departs 11:40 pm and arrives Dallas 6:30 am

Price: $1,260.50 to $1,874.50

From Chicago to Bariloche

Depart

• American 538 departs 5:40 pm arrives Miami 9:40 pm
• American 957 departs Miami 11:20 pm arrive Santiago 9:36 am
• LAN 971 departs Santiago 3:35 arrives 5:30 pm

Return

• LAN 972 departs Bariloche 6:05 pm arrives Santiago 8pm
• American 912 departs Santiago 10:40 pm arrives Miami 5:07 am
• American 1085 departs Miami 7:20 am arrives Chicago 9:38 am

Price: $1263.50 to $1733.50

Most Likely! We adapt to most levels of fitness.

Through the programs we offer you can choose to walk/hike, walk/run, or run. We teach you practical skills for hiking in the mountains -useful for both beginners and experienced.

We have a variety of options for you depending on your experience and desire for challenges.

We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the adventure. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

Keep in mind that some adventures are harder then others. See each adventure for details for tips on how to get ready. See training tips for Patagonia.