Visit Patagonia’s most magnificent glaciers and experience the breathtaking and awe-inspiring rugged scenery of southern Argentina. Travel by boat for a close-up look at the Perito Moreno, Upsala Glacier and Spegazzini glaciers; hear the creaking and squealing of the slow-moving massive rivers of ice and walk on the ancient ice of Viedma Glacier. Hike the famous Laguna de los Tres trail through Los Glaciares National Park for views of striking Mount Fitz Roy and surrounding peaks.
Upon arrival, private transfer to selected hotel.
Departure from the hotel to Perito Moreno Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage designation situated within Los Glaciares National Park some 80 km from El Calafate, driving through typical Patagonian steppe landscape and keeping an eye for Argentino Lake and interesting bird species. Reach Perito Moreno glacier, which extends 30 km (19 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi), and walls that reach up to 60 meters (100-195 feet) in height and ice with depths of 250 to 350 meters (800-1150 feet). The impressive creaking and squealing, with the occasional thunderous roars, is a stark reminder of the glacier’s constant movement. Walk on the trails by the western wall to admire this impressive wonder of nature. After the tour, return to the hotel. National Park entrance fee included.
Transfer from the hotel to Punta Bandera to board an expeditionary boat to navigate Argentino Lake, through Spegazzini canal to Spegazzini glacier for a close-up look at the glacier, rising 80 to 135 meters (262 – 443 feet) above the lake; disembarking on a tranquil area for a guided trek tour. Then, sail to Upsala Glacier, where the lake is packed with a dazzling array of colorful and odd-shaped ice floes. Weather permitting, observe the Upsala glacier from a distance. Lunch onboard amidst this stunning landscape. Navigation to Canal de los Témpanos towards the Northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Note: the itinerary is subject to change based on the captain’s criteria to guarantee passenger safety.
Transfers to/from the hotel and Premium Gourmet Experience included.
OPTIONAL: End the excursion at Moreno Port at no additional charge.
At the appropriate time, private transfer to selected hotel in El Chalten.
The trek begins at the Laguna de los Tres trailhead. After an hour of uphill walking, arrive at the first lookout of Mount Fitz Roy. Another 2-hour walk leads to the Rio Blanco campsite. From here it is one more hour along the trail to reach Laguna de los Tres. At this lake, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Mount Fitz Roy. Laguna Sucia and Lago Viedma are also visible in the distance. Enjoy a packed lunch and a bit of rest before continuing the hike along the Rio Blanco valley for views of Piedras Blancas Glacier. The last part of the trail takes one more hour and leads to El Pilar Lodge where a private car waits for the transfer back to El Chalten (11 mi/17km).
The path to the Torre Lagoon begins in town and after a slight slope, it goes through a small ñire forest. From this point, the circuit gains altitude and follows the course of the Fitz Roy River until reaching a viewpoint at the river’s deep canyon and to Margarita Cascade. The surrounding landscape is the Fitz Roy River valley and its winding course of water framed by the unique Solo Mount; the background is the Adela Mountain Chain and the huge Torre Mount. After an hour of walking, arrive at Torre Mount Viewpoint, where a short stop will allow you to admire the magnificent landscape: Torre Mount and its glaciers.
Back on the path, huge lenga forests will be crossed as well as millennial glacial moraines and bottomlands originated by old river courses. Along the way, plenty of birds will be appreciated, like the Magellanic Woodpecker, one of the largest in the world. After two hours, reach Torre Lagoon, often inhabited by astonishing icebergs, a result of Torre Glacier’s front fallings.
Different paths over the glacial moraine allow access to viewpoints. At the Fitz Roy River’s source, zip lines can be found; these are used by climbers to get to Torre Glacier and to approach the mountain’s base to begin the climb. Visit the De Agostini Camp, used as a Base Camp by climbers from all over the world and it’s full of typical Patagonian wildflowers in Spring. After a break for lunch, return to El Chaltén.
Box lunch included.
Length: Between 7 and 8 Hours – 19 km round trip
Difficulty: Low to Medium
Experience required: Fit. No trekking experience required.
Each participant must have the following personal equipment: small backpack, water, hat, sun glasses, waterproof jacket, polar sweater, gloves, sunscreen and trekking shoes.
At the appropriate time, private transfer to the airport.
Get more information about “Perito Moreno & Upsala Glaciers with Fitz Roy Mountain I”.
