Active Adventure in Patagonia's Los Glaciares National Park - 11 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy a spectacular guided hike to Laguna de los Tres
• Go mountain biking between El Chaltén and the Lago del Desierto
• Experience an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip down the Río de las Vueltas
• Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier by kayak

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires & Explore

Welcome to Argentina! Renowned as the "Paris of South America" and the "Queen of El Plata," the capital city of Buenos Aires is defined by passion. This is exemplified in its rich tango heritage and its citizens' limitless enthusiasm for fútbol (soccer), by far the country's most popular sport. When you arrive at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you can relax after a long flight. If you're in the mood to explore, consider a visit to the Obelisco. This iconic obelisk sits right in the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio, which boasts a whopping 16 lanes, making it the widest city street in the world.

Later, you can stop by the Teatro Colón, one of South America's premier opera houses. The Colón's neoclassical facade has been the face of one of the most handsome buildings in Buenos Aires since its opening in 1908. Then stroll through Puerto Madero, an upscale waterfront neighborhood adjacent to downtown. A romantic stroll involves walking over the canal on the Puente de Mujer (Woman's Bridge) at sunset. In the evening, dine at an Argentine steakhouse or parilla, where you can enjoy a thick, juicy steak drizzled with the nation's famous chimichurri (a garlic, herb, and vinegar sauce). 

Day 2: Fly to El Chaltén

This morning, fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate in Patagonia, then catch a three-hour shared transfer to your hotel in El Chaltén. This Patagonian city sits on the shores of Lago Argentino and is known as the gateway to Argentina's glaciers. Try to snag a window seat on your flight in, so you can take in the stunning views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field as you fly over it.

As you drive into El Chaltén, if the skies are clear, you'll be treated to incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy. After checking into your hotel, take the rest of the day to acclimate to the area. Perhaps take a walk in town before spending a relaxing evening sampling El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft-beer bars.

Day 3: Guided Hike to Laguna de los Tres

This morning, embark on a full-day excursion into Los Glaciares National Park. With several trailheads just outside of town, El Chaltén is the perfect starting point for treks into the Fitz Roy range and offers fantastic opportunities for day hikes. Many of these full-day treks can take up to 11 hours, depending on which route you take.

The hike you'll be embarking on this morning is to Laguna de los Tres. The trail leads through an alpine forest, complete with views of Piedras Blancas Glacier all the way up to the lake. Laguna de los Tres earned its name because its shores offer panoramic views of three peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. At the end of the day's 12-mile (20 km) hike, descend the mountain and return to your hotel in El Chaltén.

Day 4: Self-Guided Mountain Biking at Lago del Desierto

The road between El Chaltén and the Lago del Desierto is one of the prettiest routes in southern Patagonia. Today, you'll have the chance to explore it by bicycle, taking in the views of waterfalls and lagoons along the way. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the Lago del Desierto, a journey of about 90 minutes along an unpaved road of 23 miles (37 km). Once you arrive, you could either start the cycle back to El Chaltén immediately or simply spend some time enjoying the area. Walk up to the Huemul Glacier and lagoon, or take a boat ride across the lake.

The bike ride is generally flat or downhill, although it also includes some uphill sections. The road is located in the valley basin of the Río de las Vueltas and runs along the river in several spots. As you go, you'll pass some lovely waterfalls, as well as a historic site where you can take a break. After a few hours of riding, you'll arrive back in El Chaltén, where you can enjoy a refreshing homemade beer after your adventure. 

Day 5: Guided Hike to Laguna Torre

After breakfast, head out of town on foot with your guide for a memorable 12-mile (20 km) hike to Laguna Torre. Traverse a glacial valley that has fascinated geologists due to its perfect "U" shape, the result of the area once being covered by large swaths of ice.

The hike will take you through bright green lenga beech forests and around lagoons until you reach the day's final destination: Laguna Torre. This glacial lake sits at the foot of the sharp granite peak of Cerro Torre, and here you'll find the glacier that feeds the lake as well. After spending some time admiring the views at the lake, return to El Chaltén along the same path.

Day 6: Raft the Río de las Vueltas

At a predetermined time, meet your rafting guide and head out for an adrenaline-fueled adventure down the Río de las Vueltas. The excursion will start at the rafting base camp, where you will learn how to use a dry suit, as well as the basics of paddling as part of a team.

Then, once you're ready, start your descent down the river, a distance of about 10 miles (16 km). The first section is gentle, allowing you some time to get used to your paddles. Later, enter the rapid zone, admiring the unique sedimentary formations of the canyon as you move along the river. Return to town in the evening and spend some time relaxing in the local eateries, breweries, or wine shops. 

Day 7: Ice Trekking at Cagliero Glacier

Begin today's adventure by transferring to the Los Huemules Reserve just outside of El Chaltén. Start by hiking to the Laguna Diablo through a dense lenga beech forest on a well-maintained trail. Here you'll gear up for the next part of the trip, a hike that skirts the northern margin of the lake on very irregular terrain until you reach the via ferrata. This gentle rock climbing route has been prepared with steel wires and artificial steps so that passengers can move autonomously with specially-designed harness belts.

Before beginning this section, your guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment and brief you on how to traverse the moraine (glacial landform) safely. After completing half a mile of the harnessed course, you'll be rewarded with stunning close-up views of the Cagliero Glacier. From here, your guide will fix each participant with crampons and do a brief lesson on ice hiking. For the next one-to-two hours, you'll explore the glacier on foot, depending on your group's physical level and climatic conditions. Then return the same way you came until you meet your transfer back to El Chaltén.

Day 8: Transfer to El Calafate & Explore

Start your day with a three-hour transfer back to El Calafate. Upon checking into your hotel, relax and spend the afternoon exploring the town and its surroundings. Options include browsing the local shops, doing some souvenir shopping, and hanging out at patio cafés. You could also check out the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve or prime yourself with information on the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This multi-media center has an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational information about glaciers, as well as a bar made entirely out of ice.

For dinner, be sure to sample the local cuisine and try some Argentine staples such as roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas. Wash it all down with a great glass or two of malbec from the Mendoza wine region.

Day 9: Kayak at Perito Moreno Glacier

Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier in a unique manner as you enjoy a kayaking excursion on the waters of Lago Argentino. Early in the morning, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to your group meeting point, where you will meet your expert kayaking guide. The guide will provide you with more information on today's activities, as well as a safety briefing and basic paddling lesson.

Your paddling adventure will begin at Iceberg Beach, where you'll make your way toward the glacier up until you're about 1,970 feet (600 m) away. From this distance, you'll be able to feel the force of the ice crumbling and hitting the waters below. After enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime experience, return to the beach for a boxed lunch. Then, take some free time to visit the walkways around the area before returning to El Calafate for the night. 

Day 10: Glaciar Sur Adventure Tour

Today's excursion will take you to the less-traveled corners of Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the pristine natural beauty of the park's hidden glaciers. Meet your driver in the morning and travel for 37 miles (60 km) along a dirt road known as the Camino de las Estancias until you reach a jetty at the southern edge of the park. After sailing for one hour, disembark and begin a 1-mile (2 km) trek to the famous Lago Frías.

Cross the lake and land on the opposite side to begin your second hike, with a distance of 3 miles (4.5 km). Trek through a forest of centennial lenga beech trees and then through an ancient glacier valley. Finally, you'll reach the upper part of Lago Frías, which is covered by icebergs and offers views of the Dickson, Cubo, and Grande glaciers. After lunch, begin your return journey as you reflect on the stunning panoramas you've seen here. 

Day 11: Depart El Calafate

Say goodbye to El Calafate today as you pack up and transfer to the airport. A short, 30-minute drive will take you there. Once arrived, catch a flight to Buenos Aires and then onward to your final destination. ¡Buen viaje!

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