Best of Argentinean Patagonia
6 Days - Departs daily
Explore Patagonia's magnificent Los Glaciares National Park, an area of icy beauty, rugged, towering mountains and pristine lakes. Your trip will begin in El Calafate, the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier and from there, you’ll explore the mountains near El Chalten where you will find some of Patagonia's best trekking with options suitable for people of all abilities.
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Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the best of South America’s glaciers, the spectacular Perito Moreno.
- Challenge yourself on day treks to Argentina’s most spectacular mountains, Mount Torre and Mount Fitzroy.
- Try local cuisine, including the famous lamb of Patagonia.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Extend your Patagonian adventure across the border into Chile's world famous Torres del Paine National Park.
- Combine this trip with a visit to the whale watching mecca of Peninsula Valdes
- Try your hand at trout fishing.
Arrive in El Calafate
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
El Calafate, located on Lake Argentino, a green glacial lake covering over 1,600 square kilometres, hooks you with it's irresistible attractions including the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier and is a great option to access both Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks.
Perito Moreno Glacier incl. Nautical Safari
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel for your excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in South America and one of Patagonia's only advancing glaciers. The glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 metres above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino and a total ice depth of 170 metres.
You'll go first to the glacier's less frequented north face to marvel at its splendour. You'll observe and hear giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Your guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park, and then we'll continue on to the footbridges and take a break to enjoy the surroundings. You'll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from a closer viewpoint.
After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we'll drive back to Calafate where you will spend the evening.
**For those after something a little more adventurous, we can offer a ‘Mini trekking' excursion where you hike into the core of Perito Moreno Glacier and experience its surreal beauty. Let us know if you'd like more details on this excursion.
Breakfast included.
Regular Transfer - El Calafate Hotel to El Chalten Hotel
Today you will be picked up from your hotel in El Calafate for the 3 hour ride to your hotel in El Chalten. The drive covers isolated roads across the pampas (lowlands) and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. As you enter Los Glaciares National Park you will enjoy spectacular views of the impressive Mount Fitz Roy. The small village of El Chalten is located beside the Río de las Vueltas, at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains, both popular for trekking.
Please note this is a shared transfer and may require a wait at El Calafate airport before everyone is accounted for, and before the scheduled service is ready to depart to El Chalten. If you would prefer a direct private transfer please ask your travel consultant to arrange it.
Please note that this is a remote location and the only current schedules are 8am and 6pm departures. Closer to the date, we will try to organise a different time but it is due to availability.
Breakfast included.
El Chalten - Free Day (Private)
Today is at your leisure to enjoy one of the many short self guided treks or to just relax and take in the views.
From El Cahalten there are some short walks like Chorrillo del Salto waterfall (1 hour) or Cascada Margarita (2 hours) and Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints (2 hours). Then there are 2 harder options which are the most popular but both are ‘up and back’ so if tired you can always turn back. Details of these 2 treks as follows;
Laguna Torre
One of the classic treks of El Chaltén that will take you to the Torre lagoon, at the foot of the amazing Adela range, Torre and Grande glaciers and the incredible Cerro Torre.
Distance: 18 km round trip
Total approximate time: 6-9 hours (return).
Difficulty: moderate – really not a hard walk, just quite long
Laguna De los Tres / Cerro Fitzroy
This is the most sought trek and viewpoint, with spectacular sights of the Fitz Roy massif. This natural viewpoint is undoubtedly the most famous of all walks closer to the imposing walls of Fitz Roy mount and its surrounding granite peaks.
Distance: 22 km round trip
Total approximate time: 7-10 hours (return).
Difficulty: medium. Particularly hard for the final part
Breakfast included.
El Chalten - Free Day (Private)
Today is at your leisure to enjoy one of the many short self guided treks or to just relax and take in the views.
From El Cahalten there are some short walks like Chorrillo del Salto waterfall (1 hour) or Cascada Margarita (2 hours) and Los Cóndores and Las Águilas viewpoints (2 hours). Then there are 2 harder options which are the most popular but both are ‘up and back’ so if tired you can always turn back. Details of these 2 treks as follows;
Laguna Torre
One of the classic treks of El Chaltén that will take you to the Torre lagoon, at the foot of the amazing Adela range, Torre and Grande glaciers and the incredible Cerro Torre.
Distance: 18 km round trip
Total approximate time: 6-9 hours (return).
Difficulty: moderate – really not a hard walk, just quite long
Laguna De los Tres / Cerro Fitzroy
This is the most sought trek and viewpoint, with spectacular sights of the Fitz Roy massif. This natural viewpoint is undoubtedly the most famous of all walks closer to the imposing walls of Fitz Roy mount and its surrounding granite peaks.
Distance: 22 km round trip
Total approximate time: 7-10 hours (return).
Difficulty: medium. Particularly hard for the final part
Breakfast included.
Regular Transfer - El Chalten Hotel to El Calafate Hotel
Today you will be picked up from your hotel in El Chalten for the 3 hour ride to your hotel in El Calafate . The drive covers isolated roads across the pampas (lowlands) and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. As you enter Los Glaciares National Park you will enjoy spectacular views of the impressive Mount Fitz Roy. The small village of El Chalten is located beside the Río de las Vueltas, at the base of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy mountains, both popular for trekking.
Please note this is a shared transfer and may require a wait at El Calafate airport before everyone is accounted for, and before the scheduled service is ready to drop you off at your hotel in El Calafate. If you would prefer a direct private transfer please ask your travel consultant to arrange it.
Please note that this is a remote location and the only current schedules are 8am and 6pm departures. Closer to the date, we will try to organise a different time but it is due to availability.
Breakfast included.
Comfort
El Calafate, Argentina - Hosteria Sierra Nevada
El Chalten, Argentina - Hotel Lunajuim
Superior
El Calafate, Argentina - Alto Calafate
El Chalten, Argentina - Hosteria Senderos
Deluxe
El Calafate, Argentina - Xelena Hotel
El Chalten, Argentina - Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
Whats included?
- Accommodation in single or twin rooms with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Small group tours with English speaking guides
- Shared transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Hotel rates are based on twin share in lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. Single supplement will be applied if travelling alone or if you wish to have a room to yourself.