Highlights of Patagonia


Cover some of the most stunning glacial scenery in the world – from the jagged, snow-capped peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Torres del Pain to the gigantic and still-advancing icescape that is Perito Moreno Glacier. On this Patagonian adventure, start with a tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, then head to frontier town El Chalten to tackle the likes of Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Continue to El Calafate, where the marvels of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are just a hop, skip and jump away. Then, explore the famed Torres del Paine National Park in Chile – keeping your eyes out for grazing guanacos and the famed Los Cuernos. If you’re short on time, but keen to explore Patagonia to its fullest – this trip is for you.

8 days, from

$5,395

per person

GROUP SIZE

12 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

3
Trip code: GGCB
Style: Original
Theme: Explorer

Details

Countries Visited:  Argentina
Accommodation: Hotels (6 nights) Camping (1 night)
Transportation: Public bus , taxi , plane
Included Meals:

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 1 lunches
  • 1 dinners

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 12
Minimum Age: 14

  • Hike the incredible Laguna de los Tres through thick woodlands, over streams and past granite spires to the famed blue lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.

  • Listen to the thunder as cracks form in the spectacular wall of ice that is Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive, blue-hued natural wonder is constantly breaking and reforming.

  • This tour is like a bucket list special on Patagonia, hitting the most-wanted with time to decompress in between sightseeing.

  • This tour starts with a bang in Buenos Aires, with a walking tour and tango class to make the most of your limited time in the capital.

  • Trekking is what small group travel was made for – let someone else take care of the permits and accommodation so you can focus on soaking up the views with new friends.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style, it may well steal your heart. Attend a group meeting at 2 pm. The adventure begins straight after the meeting with a two-hour orientation walk that visits Avenida de Mayo, Cafe Tortoni, Florida Street, Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cabildo, Catedral de Buenos Aires) and Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo). Continue to Palermo to participate in a tango class. In a private space a professional tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, then give a sultry demonstration. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to join an hour-long beginner’s class to learn some of the basics. Following the tango class, you may want to head to one of the many parilla's (steak houses) in the area. Transfers back to the hotel are not included however taxis are easy to find and inexpensive.

Day 2: El Chalten

Fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours), then travel by van to the frontier town of El Chalten, north of Glacier National Park (approximately 3.5 hours). Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here in order to reach the glaciers and mountains. Take it easy and drink in the views today in preparation for your trek tomorrow.

Day 3: El Chalten / Trekking day

Rise and shine for the first day on trekking. Begin with perhaps the most famous of all Patagonia’s trails -- Laguna de los Tres. Ascend from El Calten on an approximately 9-hour trek through incredible landscapes. Walk through woodlands sprouted framed by granite cliff, over crystal-clear streams and towards the three frosted peaks of Mt Fitz Roy. Along the way you’ll see numerous glaciers, but the primary reward on his trek come at the end of a steep climb: glacier de los Tres and the blue lagoon that lies before it at the base of Mt Fitz Roy.

Day 4: El Chalten / Trekking day

Today is as clear as the mountain air, so you can decide whether to recuperate or tackle another trail. If you can’t wait to explore further, then perhaps head out on the Laguna Torre trail. Aside from the first two kilometres, there’s very little ascent on this trail, which leads to a beautiful glacier lake at the base of Cerro Torre. Hiking there and back will take around 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make.

Day 5: El Chalten / El Calafate

Take a private transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate. Use the opportunity to relax and unwind after your two days of adventures on foot. The drive should be around 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic.

Day 6: El Calafate/Perito Moreno Glacier visit

Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and at 3 km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. Take the steps of a lifetime as you embark on a guided glacier walk. When it's all over, return to El Calafate for the night.

Day 7: Buenos Aires

Take an included flight back to Buenos Aires. The afternoon is free to further explore the city.

Day 8: Buenos Aires

The trip ends after breakfast.