Trekking in Patagonia

We arrive in El Calafate and check in to the hotel. We can explore the town on our own, or together for those who wish. In the evening, we meet for a group dinner to get to know each other and go through the itinerary for the coming days.

Today, we will experience one of the world's most impressive and living natural wonders. We set course west toward the Chilean border. After about a two-hour drive, we arrive at Los Glaciares National Park to see the Perito Moreno Glacier. Here, we board a catamaran to sail right up to the massive glacier wall. With a bit of luck, we will witness the dramatic sight and hear the thundering roar as enormous blocks of ice break off and plunge into the cold, turquoise water. After the boat trip, we head up to the visitor center for a short walk with views of the glacier. We can also grab a coffee and a bite to eat before returning to El Calafate during the afternoon.

We start the day with a scenic drive from El Calafate to El Chaltén. The roughly 220-kilometer journey takes us through the vast, magnificent Patagonian landscape, past steppes, sparkling lakes, and the first glimpses of the Andes Mountains in the distance. We will take time for photo stops along the way. In El Chaltén, Argentina's official trekking capital, we leave our main luggage behind before driving the last short stretch toward Río Eléctrico and Hostería El Pilar (448 m). Here, we begin our hike into the beautiful Fitz Roy Valley. The trail offers fantastic views all the way up to our camp. Upon arrival at Poincenot Camp (774 m), we pitch our tents and prepare for dinner under the open sky.

We start early by crossing the rushing Fitz Roy River using a zipline system (rope and harness). Once on the other side, we begin the brisk ascent toward Paso de las Agachonas. Paso de las Agachonas (1,450 m) is a spectacular and exposed mountain pass squeezed between raw, jagged peaks. Up here, we are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers. Crossing the pass requires surefootedness, there is no marked trail here, and we must safely navigate rough, unpredictable, and rocky high-mountain terrain. After conquering the pass, we begin the descent toward Laguna Toro (671 m). The landscape that meets us here is nothing short of striking. If we are lucky, snow-capped peaks will reflect in the mirror-still water, and a truly special sense of peace and isolation rests over this campsite.

Get ready for an unforgettable day featuring two of the area's absolute classics on a single leg. We start at the crack of dawn and hike up the steep trail to Laguna de los Tres. The reward is magical: up here, we experience the sunrise casting a fiery red and golden glow over the east face of Fitz Roy. After soaking in the magnificent view, we hike back down, pick up our luggage, and continue our trek past the lakes Laguna Madre and Laguna Hija, where we enjoy panoramic views over the Torre Valley. The trail winds onward through deep, ancient lenga forests, over historic moraine ridges, and across flat riverbeds before we finally reach Laguna Torre. At the shores of Laguna Torre, a beautiful sight awaits us: large, blue-and-white icebergs floating lazily on the water after calving from the Torre Glacier.

The day starts by crossing the Río Túnel, an exciting river crossing carried out either via zipline or by wading through the icy water. We then begin a long, challenging ascent, making our way up through ancient moraines, scree, and snowfields toward Paso del Viento (1,550 m). When we reach the top of the pass, the landscape opens up, revealing the Southern Patagonian Icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) stretching out as far as the eye can see. Standing here in the wind and looking out over this massive, white sea of ice is a goosebump-inducing natural spectacle. After taking in this majestic scene, we descend to our camp near the Paso del Viento hut (924 m), where we pitch our tents for the night.

We continue our journey along the edge of the mighty Viedma Glacier. The trail winds up and down through raw, rugged terrain. After a few hours of hard work, we reach Paso Huemul (1,016 m). From here, we enjoy a stunning view of the point where the glacier plunges directly into Lake Viedma. A long and steep descent toward the shores of the lake begins from the pass. It is a real test for the knees, but the reward at the bottom is worth every single step. We arrive at Bahía de los Témpanos (Iceberg Bay), where we pitch camp right by the water's edge. Here, we fall asleep to the sight of massive, bluish ice blocks drifting silently past, right outside our tent openings.

We start the morning at a relaxed pace by the shores of Lake Viedma, enjoying a final cup of coffee as we watch the icebergs float by. We then set off on today's leg, where the trail crosses the open, dry, and wind-swept Patagonian steppe. As we trek, the barren landscape flattens out and gradually softens. After about 6 to 7 hours of hiking, the houses of El Chaltén finally appear in the distance. It is a fantastic feeling to see civilization again, we have completed the legendary circuit around the entirety of Cerro Huemul and its mighty world of glaciers. The final stretch from the trailhead to the hotel in El Chaltén is completed by car.

We press on with our descent, and today, we set our sights on the vibrant town of El Chaltén. Our trail meanders beside a lively river, leading us gradually down to the lowlands. As we tackle the final pass of our journey, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and teeming wildlife. At last, we arrive in Chaltén, greeted by the comforts of civilization. Our quaint hostel awaits, promising a well-deserved rest. Reacquainting ourselves with the conveniences of town life, we relish the contrasting experiences of our adventure.

We start the day with transport from the hotel to a traditional estancia (ranch) located in Los Glaciares National Park, right on the shores of Lake Roca. After a warm welcome, you can choose how to explore the beautiful surroundings of the ranch, either on a peaceful hike or on horseback alongside real gauchos. After the activity, we gather at the shearing shed for a demonstration of how sheep shearing was done in the old days. Finally, we come together in the barbecue pavilion, where the master asador (pitmaster) has prepared a true Patagonian feast: Patagonian lamb slowly roasted on a spit over an open fire. As we enjoy the meal against the backdrop of the Andes Mountains, our hosts share stories of the tough pioneers who first settled this rugged region. After lunch, we drive back to El Calafate.

After a good night's sleep in El Calafate, this day is entirely at your leisure. El Calafate offers charming shops and cozy cafes, or you can choose to spend the day on an optional excursion from the town.

After a good breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport in El Calafate to catch our flight to Buenos Aires. Once we have checked in to our hotel, we head out into the streets to take in the vibrant atmosphere of this exciting city.

Today is entirely at your leisure. We can head to the city's oldest district, San Telmo, where the streets feature cobblestones, colonial architecture, and charming antique shops. We can visit the waterfront area where Italian immigrants built houses out of corrugated iron and leftover paint, or stop by the political district with the famous pink presidential palace. There are also opportunities to take in a tango show or enjoy a drink at one of the city's countless bars.

We take an afternoon flight back home, leaving the morning free to soak up a little more of the Argentine atmosphere.

Another adventure has come to an end, what will your next one be?