Argentina, South Patagonia

Reception at El Calafate airport and  scenic drive to the Andean Village of El Chaltén. Stop en route for lunch at a well-known crossroads in the middle of the Patagonian steppes, a meeting point for the first wool caravans that traveled across the region. El Chaltén is our home for the next three nights, and base for some of the most fabulous trekking / hiking trails in Patagonia. Upon arrival, opt for short walks around town or a stop by the local brew pub.

Lodging: Los Cerros Hotel-  Chalten (Superior room) /

(L)

After breakfast  we take the  path along the  Fitz Roy River, and later on deep  into the glacier valley that leads us to the bottom of Cerro Torre  massif. Today, our picnic lunch spot will be at one of Patagonia´s truly spectacular scenarios, with  amazing views of Cerro Torre´s legendary south face, its lake, hanging Glaciers, and   the Egger and Standhard spires.

Lodging  Los Cerros Hotel- Chalten (Superior room) /

(B, L)

Hike: 6 hrs total Difficulty level: Moderate. Effort level: Moderate

This morning a short scenic drive north of town takes us to the starting point of our hike. We start walking into the valley of Rio Electrico,  with great views of Marconi  and Piedras Blancas glaciers. As we follow the path, keep an eye to spot the magnificent Magellanicwoodpecker.  After enjoying lunch at Poincenot camp we continue to Lake Capri, with incredible views of Mt. Fitz Roy’s mountain range, Mt. Saint Exupery and Poincenot peaks.

Lodging: Los Cerros Hotel- Chalten (std room) /

(B, L)

Trekking time: 6-8 hrs on moderate rolling hills. Effort level: Moderate

Optional:    From Poincenot camp, based on good weather conditions, we can opt to go up the last steep hill to Laguna de los Tres for Superb views of  Mt. Fitz Roy hanging  glaciers. Only for very fit individuals.

This morning we leave El Chalten and drive south to Estancia La Leona where  important paleontological findings  have taken place during recent years,  as this sedimentary valley keeps unveiling dinosaur fossils and entire petrified forests. During the early afternoon we continue to the town of El Calafate, and on to Estancia Nibepo Aike, a true Patagonian cattle ranch and our home for the next two nights. The ranch is located within a superb setting at the heart of Los Glaciares National Park,

Lodging: Nibepo Aike Ranch / ( B, L, D)

Morning drive along the southern leg of Lake Argentino, where we’ll set sail by catamaran across the lake to begin our ice trek over the Perito Moreno Glacier (*)The first part of our trekking is on the moraines by the lake shore, until reaching the side of the glacier. From here we wear crampons and walk into the surreal experience of jugged peaks and neon blue crevasses. We enjoy our box lunch and return by catamaran, snapping photos of the glacier’s front wall and fallen icebergs. Later on we walk through the main balconies facing the Canal de los Tempanos, the narrow water channel that separates the peninsula from the huge mass of ice.  Back at the ranch, horses will be ready for an easy ride to some of theEstancia’s most amazing corners at the foothills of the Andes. This evening we learn the secrets of a traditional lamb barbecue as we sip excellent Argentine wines. 

Lodging: Nibepo Aike Ranch / ( B, L, D)

(*)Note:   Age limit for Ice trekking  65 years. Optional activities can be arranged.

Morning drive back to El Calafate airport to board connecting flights

(B)

End of our services.