As a destination for active travellers, Patagonia is nothing short of iconic. The very best way to do this South American region justice is to hike all over it. Trek through the crisp air of El Chaltén (with its crazy beautiful Fitz Roy mountain) and then to the area near the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier. In between, marvel at the giant sky, vast views, and big city appeal of Buenos Aires while you revel in a sense of personal triumph. Patagonia's ready and waiting for you.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Laguna de los Tres full-day guided hike (El Chaltén). Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Guided Hike. Perito Moreno Glacier guided tour (El Calafate). Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Catch a glimpse of Mt Fitz Roy, marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier, savour the scenery in Patagonia, enjoy the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle/van, plane.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts).
Itinerary
Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time. As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Opt to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show.
Buenos Aires/El Chaltén
Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private vehicle to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike. Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia.
Enjoy free time to warm up for the upcoming trek, opt to take a short hike to a nearby lookout or explore around town.
El Chaltén
Enjoy a full-day guided hike to the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado viewpoint for spectacular 360° views. Unlike other trails, this trek doesn't descend into a valley; instead, it climbs to provide one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the entire El Chaltén region. This trek takes you along one of the less-traveled trails in the National Park, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
El Chaltén
Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres and if the weather cooperates, a clear view of the Fitz Roy peaks. En route, take in the gradual changes in terrain from tree covered trails to exposed alpine landscapes. Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort.
El Chaltén/El Calafate
Explore one of El Chaltén's many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.
El Calafate
Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. Opt to take a boat ride on the lake to get a different view of the stunning landscape and marvel at how large the glacier is up close. Explore the different metallic walkways that will bring you directly to a spectacular view over the glacier and be amazed by every angle. Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.
El Calafate
Enjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience a full-day ranch experience, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian landscape. Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the gaucho inspired cozy town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay. Opt to take navigation to see other glaciers in the region or go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe.
The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.
El Calafate/Buenos Aires
Fly back to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Fly to the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires, the city of Tango! Enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants, or pre book an evening Tango experience! You'll soon begin to understand the contemplative Argentine way of life.
Get together for one last meal—and a final bottle of wine. This will be your last chance to try Argentina's succulent bife and parrilladas, so dig in and enjoy!
Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
