Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival at the airport in Buenos Aires, you will be greeted by a local representative and transferred directly to your hotel, for a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Get settled into your room, freshen up and enjoy your first evening amidst the lively streets of this colorful city! (This service is on a private basis.) (This service is on a private basis.)

Buenos Aires

The cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires is the colorful capital of Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is steeped in culture, unique to this extraordinary country. Feel the rhythm with tango dancers in the streets of La Boca, discover the history behind Recoleta's neighborhood attractions and wake your senses up with delicious flavors in the Palermo district. Buenos Aires is a great base from which to explore a variety of iconic Argentine experiences.

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel in El Chalten. (This service is on a private basis.)

El Chalten

El Chalten is nestled in the heart of the Southern Patagonian Andes, at the base of the iconic Fitz Roy Mountain. This destination is an adventure lover's paradise, with close proximity to the Los Glacieres National Park in the north. The region offers everything from leisurely walks that showcase epic lookout points, to expedition style trekking and even mountaineering. Other activities include camping, climbing, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching or visiting the legendary Estancias in Santa Cruz. No matter what you are here for, El Chalten promises to keep you captivated.

Full Day Cerro Torre Trek

Mount Torre, often known as Cerro Torre, is famous for its pristine beauty and notorious for the difficulty of its climb. Countless expeditions attempt to master its summit every year, with Cerro Torre widely considered to be one of the most challenging mountains in the world. With vertical walls, dramatic changes in weather and winds of more than 100 kilometers per hour, this is not a place for the faint hearted or inexperienced, if looking to reach the top!

Not to worry though, as your moderate hike adventure today, will be far less strenuous! The trail begins with a gradual and gorgeous ascent towards El Mirador. This scenic lookout point will be the perfect chance to catch your first unhindered glimpse of Mount Torre. From El Mirador, you will hike the short distance down to the Fitz Roy river valley along flat land, trekking among shrubs and other native flora, adapted to this pristine environment. The trail will lead you into an enchanting woodland and eventually, you will reach the last great glacial area surrounding the lake. Finishing up on the banks of Laguna Torre, you will be welcomed with a reward of the breathtaking view of Mount Torre and the Torre glacier. No photograph could ever do justice to this truly memorable sight, so take your time to admire it to the fullest!

Full Day Laguna de los Tres Trek

Today, enjoy a full day of trekking to Rio Blanco base camp and Laguna de Los Tres vantage point for a stunning view (weather permitting) of the complete Fitz Roy massif. The jagged group is formed by Mt. Guillaumet (8,461'), St. Exupery (8,392'), Mermoz (8,963'), among others. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. Fitz Roy (11,072'), almost two miles of a vertical wall in a single bound. For those with extra energy, you trek further to Piedras Blancas Glacier (1,863').

Most of the hikes today are moderate to difficult as you walk through native lenga tree forests. However, it will start to get increasingly difficult as you reach the viewing point (3,871'). The journey will be steep and with some big loose rocks in the path. The view is worth it and will sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Patagonia!

TREK DETAILS
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Duration: 7 - 9 hours
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gained: 1,863' - 3,871' (This service is on a private basis.)

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (This service is on a private basis.)

El Calafate

The small town of El Calafate is located on the southern border of Lake Argentino, in the great Patagonia region of Argentina. This quiet little town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier and the Cerro Torre. The Perito Moreno Glacier is the largest advancing glacier in the world. Due to its idyllic location, the opportunities for outdoor adventure are unparalleled. From hiking through snow capped mountain peaks and cycling around wide open lakes, to trekking the icy surface of glaciers and paddling past ice blocks in kayaks, you can find it all!

Mini Trekking Perito Moreno Glacier

Depart from the hotel towards Los Glaciares National Park entrance and Ventisquero Perito Moreno (westwards, 80km, 1 hr easy drive, paved route, no toilet on route).

This excursion begins in the embarking pier located in “Bajo de las Sombras” bay- about 6 km before the glacier Balconies- where you embark for 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying the views of the glacier’s front walls and Icebergs Channel. You disembark on the opposite shore, where specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the last details, groups of 20 follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice the guides put each participant a pair of crampons on, and explain how to use them.-

The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues. The trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm and safe. You will receive explanations about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region and also about the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture. After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter, and onto the boat, to head back to the port.

Slow drive along panoramic zigzag road for 15 km to visit to main vista point, boarding Lago Roca lake shores. Upon arrival, stop for 2-3 hrs for short walks in the area along the 3.5 km “pasarelas” vantage point in front of the glacier (up and down wooden and fenced loop-trail). The Perito Moreno glacier was declared a "Mankind Heritage Site" by the UNESCO.

During the short walks, you will be able to witness the ice detachment phenomena, with the hollow sounds of ice falling and becoming smaller floating glaciers. Periodically the glacier advances over the L-shaped Argentino Lake forming a natural dam which separates the two halves of the lake when it reaches the opposite shore. With no escape route, the water-level on the “Brazo Rico” side of the lake can rise by up to 30 meters above the level of the main lake. The enormous pressure produced by the height of the dammed water finally breaks the ice barrier holding it back, in a spectacular rupture event. This dam/rupture cycle is not regular and it recurs naturally at any frequency between once a year to less than once a decade.

Return to Calafate is by the same route.

*Please note park entrance fee cannot be included and must be paid directly (currently 500 pesos, approximately $28)

Duration: 8 hours
Driving time: 80 km / 1.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate / requires no special skills
Elevation: none
Restrictions for the minitrekking: + 10 years old and - 65 years old. Not advisable for pregnant women, people with overweight or some types of disability. (This service is on a group basis.)

Sadly, your journey must come to an end today. However, you will be leaving with unforgettable memories and the experience of a lifetime! After checking out of your hotel in 4:00PM, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time to board your flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival, check into your international departure flight home.

We hope you had an incredible trip and we wish you safe and pleasant travels onward! (This service is on a private basis.)