Description
Day 1:
Reception at El Calafate airport. Transfer to hotel and accommodation. Free time.
Day 2:
In the morning, after breakfast, depart to Full Day Glaciers National Park Excursion including Minitrekking on the Glacier: One of the most immersive experiences available within Los Glaciares National Park. The day begins early, with departure from El Calafate and transfer to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, located 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) from the park entrance and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the glacier. A short navigation across the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino—about twenty minutes—reaches the opposite shore of the Magallanes Peninsula.
From there, a small group, under the guidance of bilingual certified mountain guides begins a coastal hike of roughly thirty minutes leading to the southern margin of the Perito Moreno Glacier. At this point, metal crampons are fitted with technical assistance, followed by basic instructions on their use and a brief overview of glacial formation, regional flora, and fauna.
The ice walk, of moderate difficulty, lasts about one hour. Though the surface is uneven, it is stable and secure. Along the way, the glacier reveals crevasses, moulins, and a palette of shifting blues.
The return follows a different trail through the forest, offering a new perspective on the glacier. Back at the shelter, there is free time for a meal before boarding once again. During the final stretch of the navigation, the boat approaches the glacier’s frontal wall, allowing for a full sense of its scale from the water.
The excursion also includes time to explore the walkways overlooking Perito Moreno, either before or after the trek. Due to safety considerations, this activity is not available to anyone under 10 or over 65 years of age, or to individuals who are pregnant, have obesity, or physical limitations. Required clothing includes trekking or athletic footwear (rubber boots, après-ski boots, and high heels are not permitted), thick socks (preferably wool or cotton), long pants, warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, and sunglasses.
Day 3:
In the morning, after breakfast, depart in Excursion Full Day Chalten Adventure: This is a full day excursion which allows the visitor to enjoy one of the most complete trekking paths in El Chaltén, have lunch by the shore of Capri Lagoon, take unbelievable photographs and return to El Calafate at night, tired and happy of having been part of a true Patagonian experience.
Details:
Departure from El Calafate is early in the morning, bordering Lake Argentino until La Leona river. Through its canyon the route is traversed so as to get to the antique road hotel "Paso la Leona". There, a brief stop is made in order to rest and then the journey continues along the border of Lake Viedma where the first sights of the imposing Fitz Roy can be seen in the background. Total travel time up to El Chaltén is about 3 hours; it may vary according to road and weather conditions.
The icon to visit once in El Chaltén is the colossal mount Chaltén or Fitz Roy, with its defying rocky needles that challenge the most daring mountaineers in the world.
No special skills required, only the will to enjoy a leisure day, accompanied by a mountain guide who will show you the trail and share the journey with you.
We have chosen a path that permits to tour the area with practically no ascensions, alternating flat terrain with descents, untill arriving back in Chaltén town.
Participants meet with the guide very close to Hostería El Pilar from where, at 11:15, the trek to one of the most spectacular panoramic points of Los Glaciares National Park starts. Afterwards, the trail goes though an autochtonous Lenga and Ñire wood of exceptional beauty sheltered from the wind, until reaching a view of Piedras Blancas Glacier. This spot is some 90 minutes from the starting point.
Then the trekking continues up to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy, called El Chaltén in aborigin language, a word that means "vulcano". At 2 PM approx. the base campsite is reached where a mountain lunch inclusive of hot soup, main course and dessert is served inside a cozy eating tent in order to relax and recover your energies.
At 3.30 PM approx. the campsite is left to descend obtaining new views of river Las Vueltas, Lake Viedma and Rosado hill. The group is back in El Chaltén by 6 PM. From there and after having spent a great journey in contact with nature and mountains, return in bus to El Calafate begins with an estimated time of arrival at 9PM
TIPS:
Do carry sunglasses, solar protector, comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket and warm clothing. A small backpack is almost indispensable to put your personal items in it so as to be able to walk safely with your hands free.
Day 4:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Ushuaia (not included in final price).
In Ushuaia, reception at the airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation and free time.
Day 5:
In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Full Day Excursion National Park: Trekking and Canoes: This is a full-day excursion that will take you through Tierra del Fuego National Park to Roca Lake. From there, you will paddle through the Park's lakes and rivers up to the Beagle Channel.
The excursion begins between 9 and 9:30 a.m., when your guide will pick you up at your hotel. Take National Route 3 west.
Once you reach Tierra del Fuego National Park, you will disembark from the vehicle and begin a three-and-a-half-hour (7 km) hike along a trail that runs through the most beautiful part of the park, sometimes through the forest and sometimes along the coast. All around you will see abundant vegetation: lengas, ñires, coihues, orchids, canelos, notros, etc.
The excursion then stops for lunch at a panoramic location, away from the hustle and bustle of conventional tourism, in a heated, comfortable, and spacious shelter. After lunch, preparations for the canoes begin. The guide will provide you with waterproof clothing and rubber boots and give a brief technical briefing about the activity you will be participating in. Two passengers sit in each canoe.
Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its beautiful and tranquil rivers, lagoons, and lakes, is one of the most beautiful landscapes to explore in these safe canoes. The first stretch goes from Lago Roca to the Lapataia River, then crosses Laguna Verde, and finally travels along the Ovando River, which flows into Lapataia Bay. At the arrival point, the minibus to return to Ushuaia will be waiting for you and the sunset will set the scene.
The return time is approximately 6:00 PM (4:00 PM in winter).
Important:
Wear mountain or trekking shoes (medium or high-top).
Bring a good warm jacket and a raincoat, even in summer.
Activity Details:
Hiking:
Moderate intensity. 3:00 - 3:30 hours total.
Elevation Gain: 170 m / 560 ft.
Elevation Gain: 70 m / 230 ft.
Distance Traveled: 7 km / 4.4 miles.
Canoeing: Low difficulty. If you don't want to paddle, you can continue by vehicle to Lapataia Bay.
Day 6:
In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Full Day Excursion Off road Lakes: The adventure begins around 9 a.m., departing from the hotel and heading north along National Route 3. As the Beagle Channel fades into the distance, the landscape opens up to reveal Mounts Olivia and Cinco Hermanos on the horizon, while the expansive Carbajal Valley, known for its peat bogs, dominates the foreground.
The journey continues toward the Tierra Mayor Valley, a stunning area framed by Mounts Bonete and Alvear, where glaciers and permanent snow drape down from the highest slopes, creating a breathtaking scene. Further along, the road passes through Cerro Castor, the region’s main winter sports center, where activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding are enjoyed during the snow season.
The ascent carries on until reaching an elevation of about 1,475 feet above sea level, crossing the Andes. From the Garibaldi Pass viewpoint, sweeping panoramic views unfold over Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano, a natural spectacle that captivates visitors year-round.
The route proceeds to the old Bronsovich sawmill, where Provincial Route 119 begins. After roughly 6 miles, the adventure takes to the Off Road circuit, following an old loggers' trail that winds through a centuries-old lenga forest, with occasional natural obstacles along the way.
The path leads to the shores of Lake Fagnano. In this deep, cinematic forest setting, a mid-morning break is taken to enjoy coffee, tea, and biscuits. The off-road journey continues for approximately one hour, tracing the lake's edge, alternating between shoreline, forest trails, and even sections where the vehicle crosses through shallow water.
After completing the Off Road segment, the excursion continues to a beautiful spot near the lake, ideal for savoring a traditional lunch while taking in the stunning surroundings. The return to Ushuaia marks the end of the day, with arrival expected around 5 p.m.
Day 7:
Breakfast and, at scheduled time, transfer to airport.
End of our services.
Please contact us if you wish to extend your stay in this destination or continue your trip elsewhere in Argentina!
