Patagonia Glacier Explorer *8 Day*

From Buenos Aires we head south to the mountains, lakes and glaciers of Argentina\'s Parque Nacional los Glaciares. Spend two full days trekking in one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, where we\'ll see stunning vistas stretching out in all directions. Next we\'ll board a cozy yacht for two days of cruising glacial Lago Argentino and watching for Patagonia\'s unique wildlife.

Day 1 Arrive Buenos Aires  

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and embark on an afternoon cultural and architectural tour of Buenos Aires. Walk through historic streets, visit the city's famous landmarks, and wander through the area called the "Paris of South America" before choosing one of the many restaurants for a delectable dinner.

Day 2 Fly El Calafate, onward to El Chalten (B)  

A morning flight takes you to the lively town of El Calafate to begin your Argentina travels. Upon arrival, you'll begin the four-hour drive across the rugged landscape toward Chalten. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent geography of the region as you drive through the mountains, passing stunning lakes and winding rivers. This evening, settle in to your comfortable room in your hotel in Chalten.

Day 3 Laguna de los Tres (B,L)  

You'll awake early this morning to begin a full day hike to Laguna de los Tres. The first 10 km gradually ascend through open and forested areas, with stunning views of Mt. Fitz Roy as you proceed. Your route crosses the Rio Blanco before you begin the toughest part of your trek - a fifty-minute climb that zigzags up a 45º slope. Your efforts are more than rewarded when you arrive at the eerily still glacial Laguna de Los Tres, where one of Patagonia's (and, quite possibly, the world's) best panoramic vistas stretches out before you! Enjoy lunch and feast on the views of the colossus of granite, ice, and sky, before heading back down to El Chalten for dinner and a good night's sleep. 8 hrs hiking covering 13 miles (21 km).

Day 4 Laguna Torre (B,L)  

Today is another full day of hiking up to Laguna Torre. Ascend from the De las Vueltas River valley through dense southern beech forests, and enjoy views of the jagged Mount Torre-Adela range in the distance. You'll continue climbing gradually until you reach Laguna Torre, where you'll be rewarded by a stunning vista: majestic Mount Torre, flanked by the Adela mountains, high peaks, and glaciers spilling blue-white towards the lagoon. Eat lunch by the shores of the lagoon before hiking back to El Chalten for the evening. 6 hrs hiking covering 11 miles (17 km).

Day 5 Board the Crucero Leal (B,D)  

Enjoy a leisurely morning in El Chalten before the four-hour transfer back to El Calafate. From El Calafate you’ll be transferred to the pier at Puerto Bandera (~50 km) to board Mar Patag's Crucero Leal, your home for the next two days. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board.




Day 6 Exploring Lago Argentino (B,L,D)  

After breakfast, the captain and crew will welcome you. The boat departs at 9 am, heading north across Lago Argentino to Punta Avellaneda. Float by ghostly icebergs, a reminder of the nearby Upsala Glacier--at nearly 7 km wide, it is one of the largest in the park. You'll eat lunch while passing through the Canal de las Americas, surrounded by fantastic scenery. This afternoon, you'll have the chance to admire the Spegazzini Glacier, an enormous river of ice that spills down a rocky slope toward the lake. Watch the colors of the setting sun reflect in the ice before we anchor at Puerto Las Vacas and enjoy dinner on board.

Day 7 Perito Moreno Glacier (B,L,D)  

After a hearty breakfast, spend the morning cruising across the Canal de los Tempanos, up to Bahia Alemana, where lunch is served. This afternoon continue sailing until you reach the famed Perito Moreno Glacier, more than three miles wide and more than 20 stories high--a highlight of your Patagonia travels! Sail by the massive wall of blue ice, absorbing the magnificence of the glacier's anatomy and listening to its thunderous concerto of groaning and cracking ice crumbling into the lake below. Return to Puerto Bandera to disembark, and transfer back to El Calafate for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 Return Home (B)

Catch your flight to Buenos Aires and connecting flights homeward, or with more time, take a trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier, cross into Chile to visit Torres del Paine or head north to Iguazú Falls to continue your Argentina travel adventures.
  

US$2415

J F M A M J J A S O N D
8 days starting and ending in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sun-Sun.
Tour Code: PGE8
Single Supplement:  US$630









Travel Highlights Parque Nacional de los Glaciares
Mt. Fitz Roy
2D Cruise
Lago Argentino
Perito Moreno Glacier
Chalten
El Calafate

Accommodations:  5 nights comfortable hotel, 2 nights small cruise boat

Food Includes:  All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:  local flights, private vans, buses, small yacht, your own feet!

Notes:  Flights Buenos Aires-El Calafate-Buenos Aires not included. Please add US$540/person (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff:  Min 2, Max 14, Patagonian guides and crew throughout

Personal Budgeting:  Allow US$120 for meals not included, US$18 International airport departure tax, US$7 local airport taxes, US$60 for optional excursions, $17 Entrance Fee to the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Buenos Aires: Share US$75, Single US$150

Is it for Me?  A moderately active Argentina tour itinerary of massive glaciers, jagged mountains, glacier lakes, and wonderful wildlife. Hiking is moderate to challenging, and travelers should be fit.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount