Patagonian Trails
This trip is for those looking for the opportunity to walk amongst some of the finest mountain scenery in South America. As the dark shadows of winter recede and the snow begins to melt, the mountain trails of Patagonia come alive with those lucky enough to travel to the southern end of the Andes.
This trip is for those looking for the opportunity to walk amongst some of the finest mountain scenery in South America. As the dark shadows of winter recede and the snow begins to melt, the mountain trails of Patagonia come alive with those lucky enough to travel to the southern end of the Andes to witness nature in all its splendour. From El Calafate we visit the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier on its 30-kilometre-long, torturous journey down the mountainside before crashing into Lake Argentino. The creaking of the glacier as it slowly advances and the sound of huge sections of ice falling into the lake is something you won’t forget for a very long time. El Chalten is the centre for three fabulous days of mountain walks that will lead you to the base camps of magnificent Mount Cerro Torre and the Fitzroy massif. Returning to our lodge each afternoon, these relatively easy hikes offer stunning vistas and the opportunity for anybody with a moderate level of fitness to stand in awe at some of Patagonia’s most famous mountains. At the end of this short adventure, why not consider flying to Ushuaia where you can embark on one of our Antarctic voyages to the frozen continent?
Day 1: El Calafate
On arrival in El Calafate you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Calafate town. In the evening you will meet your local trek leader who will hold a pre-departure briefing (normally around 6:00pm). Please check the notice board or ask at Reception to confirm the time and place of your meeting.
Day 2: El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier - El Calafate
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
A short drive brings us to the Perito Moreno Glacier. UNESCO declared the Glaciers National Park a World Heritage Site in 1981. Thirteen glaciers descend and flow into the Viedma and Argentino Lakes to form the Patagonian Continental Ice Field. During our visit to the park we will witness the most impressive of the glaciers, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which descends to the surface of the water across a five-kilometre frontage and reaches a height of sixty metres. The vivid hue of the ice floes and the dull roar of huge chunks of ice breaking away from the glacier, is unforgettable. Our full day excursion includes a mini-trek on the magnificent glacier. We return to El Calafate in the evening.
Day 3: El Calafate - El Chalten - 220km
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Today we catch the bus from El Calafate to the town of El Chalten. El Chalten is our base for three days of trekking in the Glaciers National Park where the Fitzroy Massif (3,375m) towers above the surrounding peaks. A walk this afternoon allows us to see the majestic massif and other stunning vistas.
Day 4: Fitz Roy Base Camp & Laguna de los Tres - 24km - 9 hours trek
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
A full day trek leads us to the Fitz Roy base camp and on to the Laguna del los Tres. It’s a relatively easy walk on good trails that offer us uninterrupted views of the rocky towers on the range. The section of trail from the base camp up to Laguna del los Tres is quite steep and often windy, but definitely worth the effort.
Day 5: Cerro Torre Base Camp & Laguna Torre - 15km - 7 hours trek
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
After breakfast we trek to the base of the granite needles of magnificent Cerro Torre (3102m), which lies on the shore of Laguna Torre. Laguna Torre is located at the end of the Torres Glacier and is shadowed by the sheer walls of the mountain.
Day 6: El Chalten - Optional activities
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Today you can embark with your trek leader on the demanding trek to Pliegue Tumbado, which rewards with spectacular views of both Cerro Torre and Fitzroy. If you wish to take an optional excursion this can also be done although this is not included in the cost of the trip. You can take optional excursions to the Viedma Glacier, including a trek on the ice, or visit beautiful Lago Del Desierto close to the Chilean border. Your tour leader will be on hand to provide details of all optional excursions available.
Day 7: El Chalten - El Calafate - 220km
Meals included: 1 breakfast
In the early morning we travel by bus back to El Calafate where our tour ends on arrival at approximately midday; however, this time may vary due to road and weather conditions. If you require accommodation in El Calafate tonight and any other subsequent nights, it is possible to book this when booking your tour. Please ask your travel agent. If you are planning to depart El Calafate tonight, we advise that you do not book to depart until at least after 3pm.
TRIP INCLUDES
- The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local leader and mountain guide
- 3 days of treks in Los Glaciares National Park including to the Fitz Roy Base Camp, Laguna de los Tres, Pligue Tumbado and Cerro Torre
- Mini-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
- Free day in El Chalten
- Entrance fees
- Arrival transfer
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International flights
- Airport departure taxes
- Visas where required
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Any optional tours or activities during free time
- Tips
- Items of a personal nature
CANCELLATIONS:
20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable