Description
Day 1:
Reception at El Calafate airport. Transfer to hotel and accommodation. Free time.
Day 2:
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:
El Chaltén.: This full-day excursion leaves from El Calafate at approximately 7:00 a.m., heading into the heart of Patagonia.
The journey follows the legendary Route 40, tracing the shores of Lake Argentino until reaching the La Leona River. From there, the road continues alongside the canyon for another hour, arriving at the historic La Leona roadhouse, an iconic stop that feels like a living museum of Route 40. Here, a pause is made to enjoy coffee and a traditional Welsh cake.
The route then skirts the vast Lake Viedma, with the towering Andes Mountain Range unfolding in the background. The majestic silhouettes of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre begin to dominate the landscape as the journey approaches the mountain village of El Chaltén.
The entire trip covers 137 miles (220 kilometers) each way and takes approximately three hours, including several photo stops at fantastic panoramic viewpoints of the Patagonian landscapes.
Several self-guided hikes can be completed in a single day, each varying in distance and difficulty, and all accessible from El Chaltén.
One of the shortest is the trail to Chorrillo del Salto, a round-trip walk of 2.5 miles (4 km) that takes about 2.5 hours. Another short option is the route to Condors’ Lookout (Mirador de los Cóndores), just 0.6 miles (1 km) round trip, with an estimated duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
For a longer outing, the hike to Laguna Capri offers a more immersive experience: 4.3 miles (7 km) round trip, taking approximately 4 hours. The trail to Torre Lookout (Mirador del Torre) is slightly shorter, at 3.1 miles (5 km), with an average duration of 3 hours.
Among the longest day hikes is the trail to Laguna Torre, which covers 6.8 miles (11 km) round trip and takes around 6 hours to complete.
All of these routes are self-guided, achievable in one day, and offer direct access to some of the most iconic landscapes in Los Glaciares National Park.
After a day immersed in breathtaking scenery, the return journey to El Calafate marks the end of this adventure.
Day 4:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Ushuaia. In Ushuaia, reception at the airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation and free time.
Day 5:
National Park: Trekking and Canoes: This is a full-day excursion through Tierra del Fuego National Park to Roca Lake. From there, the route continues by canoe through the Park's lakes and rivers toward the Beagle Channel.
The excursion begins between 9 and 9:30 a.m., with hotel pick-up and a drive west along National Route 3.
Upon entering Tierra del Fuego National Park, the group disembarks and starts a three-and-a-half-hour (4.4 miles / 7 km) hike along a trail that passes through some of the park’s most scenic areas, alternating between forest and coastline. Along the way, the landscape features abundant native vegetation: lengas, ñires, coihues, orchids, canelos, notros, and more.
Lunch takes place at a panoramic spot, far from the bustle of conventional tourism, in a heated, comfortable, and spacious shelter. After lunch, preparations for the canoeing portion begin. Waterproof clothing and rubber boots are provided, along with a brief technical introduction to the activity. Canoes seat two passengers each.
With calm rivers, lagoons, and lakes, Tierra del Fuego National Park offers one of the region’s most beautiful settings to explore by canoe. The route follows Lago Roca to the Lapataia River, crosses Laguna Verde, and then flows along the Ovando River toward Lapataia Bay. At the end of the journey, a minibus awaits for the return to Ushuaia, timed with the sunset.
Approximate return time is 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. in winter).
Important:
Wear mountain or trekking shoes (medium or high-top).
Bring a 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 and 70 m / 230 ft.
Distance: 4.4 miles (7 km).
Canoeing:
Low difficulty. For those who prefer not to paddle, it’s possible to continue by vehicle to Lapataia Bay.
Day 6:
A thrilling drive towards the heart of the Tierra del Fuego island crossing the Andes mountains in 4WD vehicles, known as 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.
