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Destinations: Patagonia, Argentina, Chile
Travel Style: Classic Expedition
Activity Level: 3 - Medium
Group Size: Min 1, Max 16
Age Range: 18 to 65+
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Special Departures
Itinerary Overview
Trip Highlights
Connect with nature as you explore the breathtaking backcountry of Patagonia
Lodge in beautiful boutique hotels, some of the region’s most sustainable accommodation
Travel through stunning mountain passes, pristine alpine lakes, massive glaciers, and even the famous towers of Torres del Paine
Explore unique Fauna and Flora and engage with the region’s rich history and culture
Journey Overview
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Welcome to Southern Patagonia!
El Calafate is located in the Patagonian steppe, dry and dramatic. It is on the border of Lago Argentino (Argentina’s biggest lake) and is considered the capital of the glaciers. It is the gateway to visit the world-renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world that is still advancing.
Day 1 Arrive in El Calafate
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Arrival Airport: El Calafate International Airport (FTE)
Upon arrival you will be taken to the hotel (private service) and have the rest of the day to relax or explore the areas around the town (such as hiking out to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful Patagonian sunset or immerse yourself into the Glaciarium Museum where you will learn about the glaciers process). In the evening return to your hotel for a delicious welcome dinner and relaxing evening before you start your adventures your next day.
Accommodation: Esplendor Calafate Hotel, Design Suites Calafate Hotel, or Madre Tierra (D)
Day 2 El Calafate - Full Day Perito Moreno Glacier
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In the morning, we’ll drive to to Glaciers National Park for a full day experience at the Perito Moreno Glacier tour. Get prepared to play with the giants!
Glaciers National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and home to 200 approximately glaciers. Half of this park is occupied by the campo de hielo patagónico (Patagonian ice field), the largest ice field after Antarctica. You will travel 40 km (about 25 miles) from El Calafate to the park, enjoying the views of the Patagonian steppe. Once inside the park you will take the walkways to explore the different viewpoints, and you’ll feel really close to the Perito Moreno Glacier. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a piece of ice break off and fall from the glacier wall to sink forever into the lake.
After this visit you will take a boat ride that will take you close to the 80 meter (262 feet) high ice walls of Perito Moreno! You’ll never feel closer to this gigantic and impressive natural masterpiece. At the end of this exciting day, we’ll take you back to your hotel in El Calafate.
Accommodation: Esplendor Calafate Hotel, Design Suites Calafate Hotel, or Madre Tierra (B,L)
Day 3 From El Calafate to El Chalten
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During the morning you we’ll pick you up at your hotel in a minivan to start your 3 hour long trip to El Chaltén.
You’ll travel along the famous Route 40, surrounded by the Patagonian steppe, pass through La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma and where stands La Leona Road house, the place where the famous thieves, Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid hid for a month. We’ll make a stop so you can enjoy the bar and see the historical center. After discovering other rough gems of this particular landscape (we’ll make some photo stops if the weather is nice), we’ll reach El Chaltén, where you will check into your hotel.
Our local hiking guide will meet you upon arrival at your hotel to give you a map and a brief welcome orientation of the area.
El Chaltén is the top rated hiking destination in Argentina .This charming little village, located at the foot of Fitz Roy Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forest, is the start point for most hiking trails. A paradise for sunny walkers and hikers alike. Enjoy your first afternoon of leisure in Patagonia to relax in the local brewery or explore the surrounding areas—Maybe stroll around a little waterfall.
Accommodation: Senderos Hosteria, El Puma Hosteria, or Chalten Suites (B,D)
Day 4 El Chalten - Full Day Trekking Laguna de los Tres
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After a delicious breakfast transfer to El Pilar, where the hiking trail for today's adventure begins. We will start by walking in a dense forest of lengas, that protect us from the winds coming off the Continental Ice Field. Right from the start we are able to see lots of different glaciers; Marconi, Eléctrico, Cagliero and in the distance, towards Lago del Desierto, the Vespignani glacier. The path is easy as it’s quite flat and the climbs are gentle. We arrive at our first viewpoint, Piedras Blancas glacier and a bit later we leave the forest and end up in a clearing where we can admire in all their splendour the peaks of “S”, Saint Exupéry, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet.
From here we continue for a few more minutes until we arrive at Poincenot camp ground, located in beautiful lenga forest inhabited by countless varieties of birds, which will accompany us with their song until we reach the campground Río Blanco. This is the base camp for the most adventurous climbers who will attempt to conquer these granite masses.We then climb 400m in about an hour until we arrive at Laguna de los Tres. On arriving at the highest point on the path, we are rewarded by the majestic views of Fitz Roy, the glacier de los Tres and its lagoon. The grandeur of this location makes you feel very insignificant. From here we circle Laguna de los Tres and head towards the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier. Again, the breathtaking views are unforgettable.
After a rest and a bite for lunch, we will start the descent and walk back to El Chaltén.
Accommodation: Senderos Hosteria, El Puma Hosteria, or Chalten Suites (B,L)
Day 5 El Chaltén to El Calafate
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Enjoy an early walk around town or a short hike during the morning walking to El Chorrillo del Salto, 3-4 hours away from the village, where you will get to see Condors Viewpoint.
In the afternoon board your bus back to El Calafate. The 3 hour-long drive back will be a good opportunity to rest or just relax enjoying the the passing landscape at your window. Once you arrive at El Calafate, you will be dropped you at your hotel. You can take a brief walk to see downtown and enjoy a typical Patagonian appetizer in one of the local bars.
Accommodation: Esplendor Calafate Hotel, Design Suites Calafate Hotel, or Madre Tierra (B, D)
Day 6 From El Calafate to your Next Destination
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After an extraordinary Patagonian adventure, it’s time to say goodbye. We will continue onwards to the El Calafate Airport, or We’ll rise bright and early and drive to Punta Natales to continue our adventure in Torres Del Paine National Park. If you’re looking for even more adventure and excitement, join us on one of our trip extension trips!
Departure Airport: El Calafate International Airport (FTE)
+ 3-Day Extension to Torres Del Paine National Park
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Drive through the Patagonian steppe (you might be able to see rheas, guanacos, Patagonian hare, and even condors!) until you reach the border to Chile at Cancha Carrera. We’ll keep on traveling amid isolated and windy landscapes, occasionally punctuated by guanacos and native green-orange tinted bushes: Here you’ll truly feel the momentous solitude which characterized Patagonia.
The park will unveil its enthralling natural beauties little by little. Through winding road, we’ll make different stops to have a close up view of Cascada Paine (Paine Waterfall), Paine Range at Lake Sarmiento and of Paine Horns at Lake Nordenskjold. Depending on the weather, we’ll perform a 1 hour long walk to reach the lake and get closer to the striking horns. At midday, and after having stopped by the Lago Pehoé Viewpoint to gaze the vastness of French Valley, we’ll enjoy lunch at this mountainous backdrop. At the end of this fabled excursion, we’ll take you back at El Calafate or Puerto Natales.
+ 4-Day Extension to Santiago
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Spend some time in Santiago, marveling at the beauty of this vibrant Chilean city. Over the next two days, we’ll explore open-air markets, visit the home of legendary poet Pablo Neruda, and eat local cuisine in the heart of Patagonia.
+ 4-Day Extension to Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Travel across Patagonia to Buenos Aires—a stunning, cosmopolitan city. With rich history and culture permeating every inch of this unique city, there’s never a dull moment! Tour iconic landmarks, engage with the locals, and dine on some of the best cuisine Argentina has to offer.
Dates & Prices
From $3800 / person | All inclusive package including accommodation for all nights, in-country transport by private bus, train, or flight, lecture and instruction materials from our expert guides, all activities, and meals as listed on the itinerary. *International Airfare and Visa Fees are not included.
+ Single Supplement: +$1,000 per person (please note that this will be added to your booking if traveling without a companion traveler in your same accommodation)
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Expedition Route
This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort & adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local peoples and cultures, while experiencing all the historical & culinary highlights along the way.
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7 days from $3,800
Limited to 16 travelers
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For select travel dates until December 2024
Offer expires March 31st, 2024