Los Glaciares National Park

Argentina

Venture into the ice-capped wilderness of Argentine Patagonia. This park of 4,460 square kilometres is the second largest in Argentina and is covered by ice fields from which 13 major glaciers descend into two lakes, Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Close to the lakeside resort of El Calafate are several towering glaciers, which creak and moan as they deliver icebergs into the lakes below. To see this, almost within touching distance, is one of nature’s most incredible experiences. The Park is a popular with trekkers and climbers during the summer months. El Calafate is linked by road with Puerto Natales allowing easy access to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:  El Calafate/Los Glaciares National Park

Arrive at El Calafate Airport. The transfer will be waiting to take you to enjoy a tour to the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. Today, you will leave in the morning to visit the renowned Perito Moreno glacier, unique on the planet with its constant forward movement. Along the 85 km (53 miles) distance that you will drive to get to the park, you will discover many Andean pre-cordillera sites that are worth seeing or recording on camera and at the Argentino Lake you will access the National Park “Los Glaciares”. Along Brazo Rico River you will start to spot the floating icebergs until you finally are able to grasp in all its awe this natural wonder considered a World Heritage site by the United Nations. You will take the pathsways and enjoy some time to observe and to have lunch. Then, in the afternoon you will go to the hotel.

Note: Please bear in mind that your flight should arrive in the morning in order to be able to do the glacier excursion on this day. After the excursion you will be transferred to the hotel. The estimated travelling time between the park and the hotel is approximately 1.5 hours. Overnight in Los Glaciares National Park. (Dinner)

Day 2:  Los Glaciares National Park

Nibepo Aike Estancia offers a program designed for those guests looking for an exclusive service. Ideal for those who prefer to have a bilingual guide at their disposal and to have the freedom to explore on their own and/or join in the activities proposed by the estancia. During your stay you will have the following services: Accommodation with full board (breakfast, lunch or picnic, and dinner). Non- alcoholic drinks and wine offered by the house during meals. Guided activities in private within the property: hiking, horseback riding, bicycles, guided tour of the facilities, shearing demonstration, working with the farm personnel. One guide per reservation. Gourmet check-in with a welcome drink. Bilingual English/Spanish guide. One pair of espadrilles per person. A laundry service. One surprise souvenir per room. Overnight in Los Glaciares National Park. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Day 3:  Los Glaciares National Park

You can enjoy doing activities provided by the Estancia, such as working in the corrals and participating in authentic rural life. You can explore the ranch, discovering its flora and fauna. The Rio Cachorro valley, the shore of Lake Argentino, the border landmark, the posts and the slopes of the Cerro Cristal are part of the routes that can be done on foot, on horseback or by bicycle; From certain panoramic points you can see the Perito Moreno Glacier and the hidden Glaciers, the southernmost point of the National Park. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).

Day 4:  Los Glaciares National Park/El Calafate

At the agreed time you will be transferred to El Calafate airport to take your flight. This transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours. (Breakfast).

Glacier Perito Moreno panoramic view of ice and mountains in argentina. Los Glaciares National ParkEstancia Cristina, Los Glaciares National ParkHigh icebergs and catamaran float in the Lago Argentino, El Calafate, Argentina.Lago Roca, El Calafate ,Parque Nacional Los Glaciares republica Argentina,Patagonia, cono sur, South America

El Calafate Tours

Full and half day tours available from El Calafate.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Departing in the morning from El Calafate and after 80km by road you will reach the view point area in front of Perito Moreno Glacier. The panoramic point has various balconies at different levels connected by pathways and stairs which can be traversed completely during the tour to appreciate this impressive glacier from the different view points. The more adventurous can go trekking alongside Lake Argentino observing the glacier as you go.

El Chaltén Full Day

You will travel along Provincial route 11 upto the junction of route 40 leaving Lake Argentino on your left. Continue along route 40 upto Provincial route 23 leaving Lake Viedma on your left and you will arrive at El Chalten. Once there passengers will be transferred to Refugio Laguna Condor which is located amongst wonderful scenery and on the west bank of De Las Vueltas River, 20 km north of El Chalten. There you will have a 3 course lunch. After lunch you will be transferred to Punta Bandera harbour to board a boat to sail across the bay. The lake's depth allows for a pleasant cruise near the shore-line and from where you can observe Fitzroy and Huemul mountains. The boat will sail across the front wall of Viedma glacier which rises upto 40 meters over the lake level. You can observe large icebergs whilst navigating along this front wall. This area is the perfect place to listen to the informative talks on Glaciology given by the guide from the National Park. After approx 2.5 hours you will depart towards Tunel Bay and the return to Calafate will by road in the evening.

Note: People taking this tour should be fit as it demands physical effort.

Mini Trekking

Depart from El Calafate towards Bajo la Sombra wharf where you will embark the boat to cross over to Rico Arm. After 20 minutes disembark on the opposite shore and proceed to a shelter where the guide will organize you into groups of upto 20 people. When you reach the glacier the guide will fit your footwear with crampons. Walking on the glacier takes almost 1.5 hour and during which crevasses, seracs, drains and small lagoons can be observed. This mini trekking is on an irregular but firm and secure ice surface. During the journey back to the wharf the boat will navigate close to the ice wall.

Note: Bring a box lunch with you. This tour is only available to persons aged 10-60 years.

Cristina Estancia Wild Trek

Your departure will be from Punta Bandera at 08:15 and you will be sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier. Once through the Cristina channel you will disembark in a bay where the Masers family used to dock their vessel, Cristina. From here you will hike along the Peninsula from where you will have amazing views of the Upsala channel and glacier. The trek will end at approximately 13:30 when you get to the Patagonian ice viewpoint and stop for lunch. After lunch start the return hike. The total length of the hike is 10 km (6 miles) and difficulty level is medium.

Note: Bring a packed lunch with you. The option to have lunch at the estancia is not available as the vessel docks in a different area. People suffering from back, knee and ankle problems or vertigo and pregnant women are not permitted to take this tour.

Nautical Safari Tour

You board the vessel at Baja de las Sombras bay, some 6 km from the glacier viewpoint. Sail along Rico Lake and enjoy spectacular views of the iceberg flows which have come from the walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier. On arrival at the southern point called The Ice Flow Channels the vessel will sail at a prudent distance of the glacier wall allowing you to see the magnificent sliding of huge ice portions.

This trip is an add-on to the Perito Moreno Glacier tour.

El Chaltén Trekking

Enjoy self-guided trekking in the El Chalten area where you can hike through famous trails towards Fitzroy mountain, Capri Lagoon and Torre Lagoon amongst others. The tour begins from your hotel in Calafate at 07:00. Head towards Route 40 which skirts Lake Argentino, crosses the Santa Cruz and La Leona Rivers and arrive approximately 1hr 15mins later at Hotel La Leona where you will have coffee and home-made cakes. Afterwards continue along Lake Viedma with the Andes in the background and prior to reaching El Chalten you will stop at the view point for Viedma glacier. Enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Viedma glacier, Fitzroy and Torre mountains. After 3 hours on the bus and some 220 km you will arrive at the mountain village of El Chalten. You will visit the National Park Information Center and then from your base at Pudu Lodge you will receive a lunch box, a map and some recommendations about the numerous trails and attractions in the area so you can choose the most interesing ones to visit. You will have 6 hours to visit different trails, view points and lagoons. At 18:00 you will return to El Chalten and aftewards continue the journey back to El Calafate.

Note: People taking this tour should be fit as it demands physical effort.

Classic Cristina Estancia

Your departure will be from Punta Bandera at 08:15 and you will be sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala Glacier. Continuing through the Cristina channel at approx 11:30 you will reach the disembarkation point at the estancia. You will then have a guided walk and tour around the estancia. Afterwards there will be a 2.5-hour hike to Los Perros waterfalls which is surrounded by woods and has a panoramic view of of the Caterina Valley and river as well as the estancia. The return by boat will be at 17:30 and your arrival at Punta Bandera will be at approximately 19:00.

Note: Please reserve lunch at the estancia the day before the tour or bring a packed lunch with you.

Nibepo Aike Estancia

After a 60 km (50 mile) drive from El Calafate we arrive at the estancia situated on the banks of Roca lake. You will be welcomed with tea, homemade pastries and jams. You will then take a walk on the banks of the lake and the outskirts of the estancia. You can also enjoy some horse riding near Andino Patagonico forest (optional, at extra cost). Watch an old sheep shearing demonstration with scissors. Enjoy a typical lamb barbeque.

Rivers of Ice

From Calafate you will head towards Punta Bandera some 60 km away. The first part of the sailing is on the northern arm of Lake Argentino across the Boca del Diablo, the narrowest part of the lake. Then you will go to the Upsala Channel and the Spegazzini Channel and you will be able to see, at the end of each channel, the respective glaciers. The navigation is amongst spectacular icebergs of immense size and various shapes. From the boat you will see, amongst others, the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers the largest and highest, respectively, out of all the glaciers in the Park. For those passengers wishing to make this trip more exclusive there is also the option of the Captains Club. This room with capacity for 18 passengers includes an open bar with cafeteria and drinks, breakfast, appetizer, lunch and a toast with the Captain. Furthermore you will have a preferential location within the boat and a host and guide available throughout the tour.

Note: Bring a packed lunch with you.

El Chaltén with Desert Lake Full Day

Collection time from your hotel in El Calafate is at 07:00. The route to El Chalten is 220 km and you will have two stops. The first stop will be at Hotel La Leona and the second stop will be at the view point for Viedma glacier. From here you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the glacier and Viedma Lake and Fitzroy and Torre mountains. After travelling for 3 hours you will arrive at the beautiful mountain village of El Chalten. From the village you will travel 37km along a gravel road, following the De La Vueltas river until you arrive at Desert Lake. Once there you will board the boat and it will take 20 minutes navigation to reach the Vespignani Reserve. During the navigation you will be able to see the Huemul and Vespignani glaciers and the north face of Fitzroy mountain. On arrival at the reserve you will be greeted by the local guide who will provide you with information about the auto-guided trails. There are three treking options of varying degrees of difficulty. From the two trails with the greatest degree of difficulty it is possible to see Vespignani glacier and to also get an incredible view of Fitzroy mountain. After trekking you will have a break for lunch. At approx 16:00 hours you will return to El Chalten and then onwards to El Calafate where you will arrive at approx 20:30.

Note: People taking this tour should be fit as it demands physical effort.

Cristina Estancia Discovery

Your departure will be from Punta Bandera at 08:15 and you will be sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier. Continuing throught the Cristina channel at approx 11:30 you will reach the disembarkation point at the estancia. Then you will have a guided visit to the Costumbrista museum in the old shearing shed. Afterwards you will go uphill in a 4x4 vehicle for approx 10 km (6 miles) on a montainous road to arrive at the continental ice shelter. From here you will hike for approximately half an hour. From that point you will have amazing views of the eastern side of Upsala glacier, Guillermo lake, southern Patagonian ice fields and the Andes mountains. Return to the boat via the estancia and the boat departure is at 17:30. Arrive at Punta Banderas at approximately 19:00.

Note: Please reserve lunch at the estancia the day before the tour or bring a packed lunch with you.

El Calafate Balcony 4x4 Ride

You leave El Calafate and drive up 1000 metres above sea level on the east face of Hyliche hill. You will arrive at a balcony to enjoy panoramic views of Argentine lake, El Calafate, Fitzroy and Torre mountains. Then you will head off to the stone maze, an 85 million year old cretaceous formation, at Estancia Anita. Afterwards you will set off down the hill to the formation known as Piedra de los Sombreros before returning to El Calafate.

Hotels

Los Cerros del Chaltén Boutique Hotel

Located in El Chaltén, Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, lakes and Fitz-Roy Mountain.

Facilities include free private parking and a tour desk. The rooms of Don Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa combine rustic materials with natural and neutral colours. All rooms are equipped with a minibar, a seating area, and an en suite bathroom. The property's tour desk offers hiking trips to Laguna Torre, Piedra del Fraile, and the glaciers. Guests can enjoy traditional Patagonian dishes, as well as international dishes in the restaurant. The bar serves a wide variety of drinks, including Argentinean wines and regional liquors.

Facilities
Sauna, spa and wellness centre, including hot tub.
Games room.
Bar and restaurant.
24-hour front desk, concierge service.
Rooms
Double or twin rooms, standard and superior available.
Superior rooms have a hydro-massage bath.

Posada Los Álamos, El Calafate

Posada Los Alamos is situated in the heart of El Calafate, close to Argentino Lake. 

Rooms have views over the organic garden and the mountains beyond. An extensive breakfast buffet offers a choice of American, Argentinean or Patagonian food. La Posta Restaurant serves an a la carte menu of international and regional specialties including Patagonian lamb. The hotel also features two bars. Los Alamos provides a full range of modern spa facilities and an indoor pool with ceiling-to-floor windows.

The hotel has its own small 18-hole par 3 golf course, and can arrange trips including horse riding and exploring the Moreno Glacier.

El Calafate Airport is 20 km away.

Facilities
Spa, indoor swimming pool.
Games room and golf course.
Bar and restaurant.
Fitness centre.
Rooms
Standard and studio rooms, Junior Suite, Royal Suite.
Studio room and suites also have an amenities desk, armchairs, robes and slippers.
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