Active Adventure in Los Glaciares National Park - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Explore

Welcome to Argentina! Renowned as the "Paris of South America," the capital city of Buenos Aires is famous for its rich tango heritage, exciting food scene, and its citizens' limitless enthusiasm for fútbol (soccer). When you arrive at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you in a private car to your hotel, where you can relax after a long flight.

After a quick recharge, venture out for some sightseeing. Visit the Obelisco, which sits right in the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio. With a whopping 16 lanes, it's the widest city street in the world. Teatro Colon, one of South America's premier opera houses, is among the many buildings along the avenue. Continue to Puerto Madero, an upscale waterfront neighborhood adjacent to downtown. Walking across the Puente de Mujer (Woman's Bridge) at sunset is a treat. Do as the locals do and have a late-night dinner in a parrilla, or Argentine steakhouse.

Day 2: Fly to El Calafate, Visit the Glaciarium

In the morning, catch a flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is also known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel and getting settled, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing. Get ready for tomorrow's visit to the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This interactive museum offers hands-on displays and an ice bar where you can take a break for drinks. 

Day 3: Perito Moreno Glacier Hike

After breakfast, you'll travel to Los Glaciers National Park to trek on Perito Moreno Glacier. On this full-day excursion, you'll walk over Perito Moreno's surface while equipped with crampons and an ice ax. It's a perfectly safe activity, as certified bilingual guides will accompany you. Enjoy crossing deep blue ice crevices and hiking over meltwater streams as you experience Perito Moreno up close.

After your expedition on the glacier, you'll have plenty of time to appreciate it from one of the many viewing platforms in the park. These platforms are accessible via a network of walkways that run along the shores of the lake. They offer sweeping views of the glacier, making for great photo opportunities.

Day 4: Free Day in El Calafate

Take a free day in El Calafate. If you'd like to explore the outdoors, check out the birds at the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve just outside town. Rent a kayak and go paddling, take a tour of lesser-known glaciers in the area, or go horseback riding on a nearby ranch. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest at your hotel.

Day 5: Transfer to El Chaltén

Today you'll enjoy the incredibly scenic three-hour ride to El Chaltén. This small Patagonian village, nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," sits on the shores of Lago Argentino. Like El Calafate, it's a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with towering peaks rising 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above the windswept landscape. As you drive into El Chaltén, enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy.

Check in to your hotel, then take the rest of the day to acclimate to the area. If you're up for a short outdoor adventure, well-marked trails lead away from town. Or walk around the village and have a relaxing evening in one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars. Sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas for dinner. Then get some rest before tomorrow's early start. 

Day 6: Hike to Laguna de los Tres

This morning you'll embark on a full-day excursion into the national park. Today's hike through an alpine forest will take between eight and eleven hours, depending on pace, and cover around 16 miles (26 km). Your destination is Laguna de los Tres, a gorgeous lagoon facing panoramic views of three peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. Along the trek, you'll also take in views of Piedras Blancas Glacier. Break for lunch at the lagoon, then descend toward El Chaltén via the photogenic Laguna Capri. Relax in El Chaltén in the evening.

Day 7: Hike to Mirador Cerro Torre

Today, you'll leave town on foot with your guide. This trek is gentler than the Laguna de los Tres hike—there isn't nearly as much of a steep uphill ascent. Instead, you'll be traversing a glacial valley that has fascinated geologists due to its perfect "U" shape, the result of the area once being covered by large swathes of ice. The total distance of this hike is 15 miles (24 km), and it takes about six hours to complete.

The hike will take you through bright green lenga 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 you'll also see the glacier that feeds the lake. After spending some time at the lake and admiring the views, you'll return to El Chaltén along the same path.

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Patagonia? Check out these other Patagonia itineraries, explore other ways to spend eight days in Patagonia, or discover the best time to visit Patagonia.