Patagonia Adventure

Day 1: Arrive El Calafate

On your arrival in El Calafate, make your way to the group hotel. A transfer can be booked on request for an additional cost. You will meet your guide in the evening for a group briefing.

Day 2: Perito Moreno Glacier

The trip begins this morning around 8am, when we are met by our group leader. We head towards the Andes to the edge of the icecap for a full day tour to this impressive glacier that advances across Lago Argentino. We spend several hours wandering the many paths that offer different vantage points of this calving glacier. The glacier is 4 km wide and 70 metres high and descends to the surface of the lake, almost cutting the lake in two. Occasionally massive pieces break off and fall into the lake becoming icebergs and creating huge waves in the process. The groans and creaks of the active glacier precede dramatic falls of the ice face. Overnight in hotel. *Lunch is not included today. We recommend that you purchase supplies in El Calafate.

Day 3: Drive Calafate to El Chalten

The drive takes approx. 5 hours with scenery of great rolling hills and the occasional herd of guanaco and sometimes rhea. You may even spot the odd Condor gliding high above the broad Patagonian pampas. On arrival in El Chalten, the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town. Overnight in hotel.

Days 4-5: El Chalten - in Los Glaciares National Park

El Chalten is a village in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park from which we make our day trips. Options include day hikes to the base camp of Cerro Torre or Fitzroy Base Camp. Mount Fitzroy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre - for a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world - in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south run a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follow the line of the Chile/Argentina border. The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the itinerary. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the Patagonian flowers bloom profusely. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Puerto Natales

We begin today with a drive of five to six hours to the fishing village of Puerto Natales situated on the Ultima Esperanza Fiord. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 7: Boat trip to Torres del Paine National Park

A spectacular day cruising towards Torres del Paine National Park, we enjoy impressive glaciers tumbling down from the mountains and beautiful panoramic views. Many past travellers rate this as one of the best days on this trip. From Puerto Natales we join our boat trip to the massive Balmaceda Glacier which calves into the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. After lunch in a beautiful location on the fjord, we continue onto the National Park by Zodiac.The Towers of Paine are right before us, as we enter the National Park. This boat trip certainly is the best and most interesting way to arrive into Paine. We plan to arrive at the park in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in lodge.

DAYS 8-9: Day walks Torres del Paine National Park

When we first see the great granite pinnacles of Paine it is worth remembering that the Andes is the youngest chain of mountains in the world. One can imagine the great pressures and movements of the earth that created these spectacular peaks. The trekking level will depend on the group’s level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of this park, including the base of the towers, require a 6-7 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the park, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the experience. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you for most other trekking areas in the world – the scenery is really awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. Overnight in lodge.

Day 10: Return to Calafate

We drive for approximately 7-8 hours across the steppes following the face of the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, with great rolling hills dotted with stunted beech trees.We plan to arrive in Calafate in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure , with time for last minute shopping or indulging the ‘dulce du leche’ a dessert you will by now be familiar with!

Day 11: Trip concludes

Trip concludes in El Calafate.