Itinerary | Trip Details | Bookmark and Share

DAY 1, El Calafate
Arrive at El Calafate airport (flight not included). Meet your transfer at El Calafate airport and continue on to the hotel. Overnight in this pleasant little town on the shores of Lago Argentino.

DAY 2, Glacier National Park
Take a full day excursion into Glacier National Park, declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the hike, visit the main vista point for an awesome panoramic view of this glacial colossus and the continental ice shelf. A spectacular drive west towards the lofty peaks reveals the dynamic Moreno Glacier. Keep an eye out for condors, rheas, eagles or flamingos en route, but the real star of the day is stunning Moreno Glacier, at the southern terminus of Glacier National Park. Sliding down from atop the southern continental ice field, Moreno's 60-m (197 ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of Ice Bergs), creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force. A one-hour boat ride is also included which allows for close-up views of the approaching front wall of the glacier. Return to El Calafate for the night.

DAY 3, El Chaltén
Drive to El Chaltén, a village at the foot of Mount FitzRoy; the village takes its name from the original Indian name for the peak. It is recommended that you stock up on food in El Chalten, as it can be pretty scarce on en route. Travel along the Argentino & Viedma Lakes, with views of the FitzRoy Massif and surrounding mountains as we approach El Chaltén. Keep your eyes peeled enroute for some of the unusual wildlife of the region, including lesser rheas and guanacos.

DAY 4, Rio Blanco Base Camp
The scenery around El Chalten is spectacular and the best way to enjoy it is by hiking through it although there are also some boat trips that can be taken as a more relaxing way to enjoy the area. Today's hiking recommendation is the following optional hike. Trek for a full day (grade: moderate) to Rio Blanco Base Camp and Laguna de los Tres vantage point for an absolutely stunning view, weather permitting, of the complete FitzRoy Massif. Mt. Guillaumet, St. Exupery, Mermoz, Juarez and other mountains form the jagged group. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. FitzRoy (11,073 ft), almost two miles of vertical wall in a single bound. Continue the walk to Piedras Blancas glacier, if you have the extra energy. The majority of the hike is of moderate difficulty, however the last 45 minutes to the viewing point is difficult but the view is worth it and is one of the highlights of the Patagonia trip. Total hiking time: 7 to 9 hours (11 miles).

DAY 5, Cerro Torre Valley
For today, our recommended optional hike is through the Cerro Torre Valley (Los Glaciares National Park. Grade: easy to moderate) to Torre Lake and Glacier for a close view, weather permitting, of the awesome spires that make up Cerro Torre (10,178 ft) and its neighbours. A treacherous cap of ice known to climbers as “the mushroom” tops this slender needle of granite. Stop by the lake for some relaxation upon your return. Total approximate hiking time: 6-7 hours (13 miles).

DAY 6, Departure Day
Drive back to El Calafate and transfer to the airport. It is important to note that you will arrive back into El Calafate around noon on this day. Please do not book your flight out of El Calafate before 3:00pm