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 and hear the creaking and squealing of the slow-moving massive rivers of ice. See the mighty condors in their natural habitat and enjoy spectacular views over the El Calafate region and Argentino Lake. Spend a day on a traditional Patagonian ranch and taste delicious Argentinean wines and local cuisine.
Upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, private transfer to selected hotel.
Today enjoy a full-day adventure of mini trekking over Perito Moreno Glacier. Depart for Bajo de las Sombras Bay around 9 a.m., where you will embark on a catamaran to cross the Rico Arm of Lago Argentino, for a 20-minute sail across the lake, along the south wall of Perito Moreno Glacier. Once at the refuge, you will be welcomed by specialized trekking guides who will offer a brief lecture about glacier behavior and the particularities of the local forest. A short hike through a dense lenga forest will take you to the glacier edge. There, you will be provided special crampons to walk on the ice and will receive instructions about how to walk on the ice. The hike over the glacier, about one hour long, is particularly attractive since it allows you to be in close contact with the millenary ice, its peaks, fissures, small inner lagoons, and deep blue drains. Another highlight is no doubt the excellent view of the lake and the land on the other side of the lake that you can get from the ice surface. Once you are back at the refuge, you will have free time for lunch (box lunch included) fully admiring this amazing wonder of nature, and you will finally cross the lake again and get to the area of the paths in front of the glacier to have a short walk there so as to see the glacier from another viewpoint before returning to El Calafate. Entrance to the National Park included.
Important: This excursion is only suitable for people between 8 and 65 years old, depending on their physical conditions, but it does not require any special training. It is advisable to take sports clothing, trekking boots or tennis shoes with rubber sole, sweaters, water-proof jackets or raincoats, sunglasses, sun-tan and gloves.
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.
Nibepo Aike retains the essence of the old Patagonian estancias. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares, bounded by the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino and the border with Chile, set in the Andes mountain range. Dedicated to cattle rearing with a breeding herd of Hereford and many remnants from the times when sheep production was at its height, it is an ideal spot for immersing yourself in the life of an authentic Patagonian estancia.
Included: Lunch, quiet hike, and “Gauchos” proofs (*): reins testing, horse’s meekness, and the expected manual sheep-shearing demonstration, unique in the area for its characteristics, joined to an explanation about wool’s classification and baling.
(*) The “Gauchos” proofs depend on weather conditions.
Horseback riding included (1 hour, shared with other people. Max 10 people).
This 4×4 excursion to Cerro Frias starts at the foot of the Andes, taking an unforgettable journey in Patagonia. Explore the spectacular mountains of El Calafate aboard a 4×4, specially adapted to provide maximum comfort and safety in rough terrain.
The 4×4 will pick you up and set off on a dirt road to start the journey through the steppe to the shore of Lake Argentino. After journeying along the edge of the lake, you’ll cross the Centinela River and climb up to the highest plateau in the area, 1300 meters above sea level. From here you can see Mount Fitz Roy and the incredible glacial Lake Argentino.
Cerro Frias offers several different trails that adapt to the needs and shapes of visitors. Trekking through the mountain’s southern slope, many panoramic points are reached. The landscape combines steppe and lenga trees forests that host different types of plants and animals ready to be discovered by the adventurous’ clever eyes.
After this stop, the vehicle will descend from the plateau to an area of dunes, sand banks, and a beach.
Recommendations: Comfortable and warm clothes, suitable for the activity, trekking shoe ware.
Includes: About 2 hours of 4×4 ride, lunch at Cerro Frias Quincho Restaurant (beverages not included), and about 2 hours of trekking. Return to the hotel.
At the appropriate time, private transfer to the airport.
Get more information about “Unique Glacier National Park Experience”.
