Join the ranks of those who have marveled at some of Patagonia's most astounding treasures on this trip. Set out from El Calafate and El Chaltén to experience exhilarating hikes, where you'll be treated to magnificent views of Argentina's lakes, mountains, and glaciers.
Rising early, we'll drive to the Cerro Castillo border, then proceed to El Calafate, nestled on Los Glaciares National Park's edge, where we might meet other travelers. A local guide will brief us over lunch in Calafate before we transfer to El Chaltén, a quaint outpost at Mount Fitz Roy's base. The journey passes through remote dirt roads, pampas, and by Viedma lake. Upon arrival in El Chaltén and hotel check-in, we’ll rest up for the adventures ahead.
Note: The following excursions around El Chaltén might vary in order. For more details about trekking distances and walking time see our Trekking Chart.
Overnight Hostería Senderos (3 stars) or similar, El Chaltén.
Meals: Lunch or Box Lunch.
Today we do a full day hike along the Cerro Torre trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with the majestic Mount Torre in the background. We walk eastwards through beech forests towards Fitz Roy river. We continue towards Base Camp de Agostini and then do a short hike to Laguna Torre, admiring the western view of Cerro Torre and the Adela range. Icebergs can be seen, peacefully floating on Laguna Torre.
We stop at various points to appreciate the view and enjoy a picnic. Later, we return to El Chaltén following the same trail. Upon our return, we enjoy a dinner at one of Chaltén’s cozy restaurants before heading back to our hotel from the previous night.
Overnight Hostería Senderos (3 stars) or similar, El Chaltén.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
Today we trek to Laguna Los Tres, with a great view of Mount Fitz Roy - the landmark of Los Glaciares National Park! We start hiking towards Laguna Capri, passing its northern corner. Then we follow the Fitz Roy Trail up to Blanco river, passing the mountaineering camp Poicenot. Finally, a short steep trail takes us to Laguna de Los Tres where we witness one of the park’s most marvelous scenes - the turquoise-blue of the lagoon framed by Fitz Roy’s spires and glaciers. The perfect moment to enjoy our picnic and soak up the scenery! When everyone’s ready we hike back to Laguna Capri and continue along the trail back to tiny Chaltén.
Overnight Hostería Senderos (3 stars) or similar, El Chaltén.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
A new day, a new hike! After an hour through enchanting lenga beeches and ñire forests, we'll reach Pampa de las Carretas for views of Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Huemul glacier. The trail reenters the forest, promising sightings of birds, then opens to a mountainous terrain leading to Pliegue Tumbado. Here, discovering 100-million-year-old marine fossils is common, with vistas spanning Fitz Roy River Canyon, Cerro Torre, Madre and Hija Lagoons, and Cóndor Lagoon. A different vantage offers views of Lake Viedma, Túnel River Valley, and Paso del Viento. Our return to El Chaltén to collect luggage precedes a scenic drive back to El Calafate, where dinner and the hotel await.
Overnight Hotel Kosten Aike (3 stars) or similar, El Calafate.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
Following an early breakfast, we embark on a minibus to Perito Moreno glacier, reaching Bajo de las Sombras. There, a brief boat ride on Lago Rico brings us to the glacier's wall. A guide will share insights on glacier formation and local geology before a short walk to the glacier edge for our ice trekking adventure, equipped with crampons. The trek offers stunning views, concluding at an ice bar for whiskey.
After lunch, we explore the footbridges for panoramic views of the glacier's north side, enjoying the scenery at our pace, before returning to Calafate for the night.
Optionally, the "Big Ice" glacier hike is available on Perito Moreno (additional costs apply, age 18 to 50 years only).
Overnight Hotel Kosten Aike (3 stars) or similar, El Calafate.
Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch.
Today marks the end of our memorable trip... Adios Patagonia, hopefully, we’ll meet again! After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport and we’re free to continue traveling on our own or to take another extension with Cascada.
*Alternatively, you can end your trip in Punta Arenas (additional costs apply).
Meals: Breakfast.
Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
