Patagonia Los Glaciares Adventure

A morning flight brings travelers to El Calafate to start their Argentina trip. Upon arrival, a four-hour drive leads to Chalten through mountains, lakes, and rivers. In the evening, guests settle into their hotel room in Chalten.

Start early for a full-day hike to Laguna de los Tres. The first 10 km take you through open and forested areas with great views of Mt. Fitz Roy. After crossing the Rio Blanco, the toughest part begins—a 50-minute climb up a 45º slope. The effort is well worth it when you reach the tranquil Laguna de Los Tres, where you'll enjoy one of Patagonia's, if not the world’s, most impressive panoramic views. Have lunch and take in the sight of granite, ice, and sky before returning to El Chaltén for a free evening and restful night.

Distance: 13 miles (21 km) 
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
Highest point: 3904ft (1190m)
Approximate Elevation gain: 1870ft (570m)

After breakfast, hike through the glacial valley of the Fitz Roy River in El Chalten, surrounded by stunning mountains and glaciers. Early in the trail, enjoy panoramic views of Solo Mountain, the Adela and Grande ranges, Cerro Torre, and Mount Fitz Roy. The mostly flat path winds through Andean beech forests, leading to the front moraine. A final uphill climb takes you to the rocky crest, where you take in the icy beauty of Lake Torre. Walk down to the lake’s shore or explore the ridge before returning to the hotel.

Distance: 11 miles (18 km) 
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest point: 2066ft (630m)
Approximate Elevation gain: 1607ft (490m)

After breakfast, begin your rafting trip on the Las Vueltas River. Start in calm waters before moving on to exciting rapids. Along the way, enjoy the views of rock formations near Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Distance: 6 km (4 m) of calm, winding waters + 10 km (6m) of type III and III+ whitewater
HRafting time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate/High

Today, head out to one of Patagonia's most dramatic views, starting with a transfer to Estancia Bonanza. To reach the Estancia, from Chalten, travel 12 km along Route 41, also known as the National Sovereignty Scenic Route of the Huemul Trail, following the Rio de Las Vueltas River. Reach the suspension bridge, which you cross on foot before continuing the trip in a 4x4 vehicle to the Estancia.  From the Estancia, hike a short half day through native lenga forests and climb a Via Ferrata, accompanied by an experienced mountain guide. Spend the night in one of four transparent capsules set on a rock wall 270 meters high, with views of Mount Fitz Roy, the Andes, and the Patagonian landscape. Stay safe and comfortable while experiencing nature and the Patagonian wind. OVO is designed to protect against wind and rain while offering a unique experience of the region. Each capsule has 360-degree views and three levels: a bed on the upper floor, a lounge in the middle with a dry toilet, and a bottom level with a netting hammock that provides the ultimate experience of being suspended high above the land.

Important: Guests must have mobility and flexibility for the Via Ferrata activity. Recommended age: 16–65 years. Weight limit: 110 kg per person.

After checking out of the OVO pod, head back to Estancia Bonanza to experience a day at one of Patagonia's traditional estancias. Here, explore the grounds of the estancia by mountain bike on easy to moderate trails. Enjoy winding through the Nires and Lenga forests and soaking up the views of the surrounding mountains, stretching your legs and building an appetite for a traditional Patagonian lamb roast later. At Bonanza, enjoy a delicious Patagonian lamb roast and the traditional Curanto al hoyo. This is an experience you can't miss! 

**Alternatively, if mountain biking is not of interest, discuss with your trip planner the option to swap your activity for a guided horseback ride, for an additional cost. 

 

Today you will say your goodbyes to your new Estancia family and be transferred back to el Chalten. Take in your last bit of time in this quaint Patagonian town, stretching your legs on the viewpoint walks at the edge of town, or grabbing snacks and empanadas from the local market. This afternoon, you will take a shared transfer back to el Calafate. Explore the town at your own pace, settle into your hotel, and get some rest before your big day tomorrow. 

Today you drive into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares for views of the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive glacier stretches over 3 miles wide at its front and rises more than 20 stories high—a must-see on your Patagonia journey! You take a boat ride across Lago Argentino, passing by the towering blue ice wall and keeping an eye out for floating icebergs. After reaching a small beach, you begin a hike through the beech forest to the glacier's icefield, where you have the opportunity to walk on the glacier using crampons (the trek has a minimum age of 10 and a maximum age of 65, with alternative options for younger or older travelers). You enjoy lunch on the glacier's lateral moraine, taking in the impressive landscape and listening to the sounds of ice cracking and crashing into the lake below. 

Contact us if you are interested in the Big Ice Adventure, a more active excursion that spends more time on the ice. Click here for more details. 
If you are older than 65, contact us for alternative glacier exploration options!

End of adventure. Bid farewell and take your flight back home.