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)

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. Enjoy a hearty lunch at El Establo, where a traditional Patagonian Lamb roast will be served. Following lunch, head out on your pre-selected excursion, exploring the grounds of the estancia by mountain bike on easy to moderate trails,  on a horseback excursion, or hit the rock walls again, trying out rock climbing or back at the Via Ferrata. 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 dinner back at the Estancia this evening.

Begin the day with a private transfer from Estancia Bonanza to El Calafate in the mid-morning after breakfast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the afternoon to relax or explore El Calafate town at your own pace.

In the evening, enjoy a Greet & Eat Dinner with a local family, where you will share a three-course homemade meal that includes soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Your host will introduce you to Argentine customs, daily life, and traditional cuisine in a warm and welcoming home setting.  During these Greet and Eat experiences it is customary to bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a souvenir from your home country or town as a small piece of cultural exchange for the local hosts, though a friendly smile is always appreciated as well.

Today you head 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! 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, 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). 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, an even 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!

Today ends your Patagonia adventure. Transfer to the airport to begin your journey back home.