Full Patagonia Adventure -
Trek through Glacier National Park,
see Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy, Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaïa
Day 1: Arrival day
Meeting at Buenos Aires airport and transfer to town, briefing and welcome dinner.
If there is time in the afternoon, we'll organize a guided visit of Buenos Aires for those who are interested.
Day 2: National flight to El Calafate
We will meet our local guides at the airport of El Calafate. They will bring us to our hotel .
The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Our briefing early evening is followed by our welcome dinner.
Day 3: Bus to El ChaltEn - Laguna Capri
After breakfast we take our bus for the 220 km long drive to El Chaltén, a small and picturesque village at the foot of Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre massif. We make a stop half way to enjoy local pastries and hot coffee.
We will pack our rucksacks with everything necessary for 3 nights and 4 days, during which time we'll stay overnight in fully equipped camps in Glacier National Park (Los Glaciares). We hike up a gentle slope on Fitz Roy trail to gain height over the River de las Vueltas valley up to the first viewpoints of the Fitz Roy massif. Our hike to Laguna Capri will take us no more than 2 hours on an easy trail. Once at our Laguna Capri Full Camp, we leave our gear in our tent and we enjoy an afternoon walk to the sightseeing points around the lagoon.
Day 4: Cerro Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres
After breakfast, carrying only a day-pack, we hike along the Fitz Roy trail up to Rio Blanco, the climbers' base camp to the east side of the mountain. From here a steep 1h trail leads us to one of the most spectaculars viewpoints of the National Park: Laguna de los Tres, offering close up views of Fitz Roy massif spires and glaciers. About 5-6 hours
Day 5: Cerro Torre
Today we make it around Laguna Capri to get to the Madre Lagoon and Hija Valley and down to Fitz Roy river valley, where we meet the Cerro Torre trail, which we follow to Cerro Torre Full Camp.
Walking time 3 to 4 hrs.
Day 6: LaGUNA & Glacier Torre - El Chalten
In the morning we visit Laguna Torre again to reach the old Maestri base camp, located on along the north moraine of the lagoon. Late in the afternoon we walk back to Chaltén along Fitz Roy river valley.
Walking time 4 to 5 hrs.
Day 7: El Chalten - El Calafate
Morning hike of 5 hours, before taking the bus in the afternoon to our next destination, El Calafate. Roughly a 4-hour bus journey.
Day 8: El Calafate -Perito Moreno Glacier
We dedicate this day to one of the World's Natural Wonders: the Moreno glacier. This ice field flows down from the Patagonian ice field, At 22.000 square kilometers it is the third largest glacier area in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland. A short trail will lead us from the shores of the lake to the upper viewpoints.
Day 9: El Calafate - Torres del Paine National Park
Getting an early start, as we will be driving 6 hours to reach the Torres del Paine National Park and our campsite. The drive is one of the most stunning of the trip as an abundance of wildlife and towering peaks will make this an incredible experience. Stopping several times along the way for short hikes will allow us to get closer to the wildlife and also to stretch our legs. Camping in the luxury of our full camp with hot showers, electricity and a delicious meal.
Day 10: Paine Towers - Ascensio River Valley
A short, one-hour drive allows us to get to the start of our 8-hour hike which will take us deep inside the Paine Massif. A rather rugged hike awaits us as we make our way to the three magnificent towers of Paine. Stunning views all around will be our reward for such a hard day's work. Back to our camp for the night.
Day 11: Lake Pehoe crossing - French Valley
A short, early morning drives takes us to start of our journey on board the catamaran which crosses Pehoe Lake twice per day. We will carry only the necessary items for two days and one night away from our camp. Once across the lake, we can begin our walk along the French Valley Trail, which skirts Paine Grande on its southern slopes. Reaching the high point on the trail will mean a hike of roughly 8-9 hours. Camping for one night.
Day 12: Lake & Glacier Grey viewpoints
One of the most impressive hikes of the journey as we skirt the edge of Grey Lake and Glacier, making our way to the south end of the lake where huge calving glaciers fall into the lake. We make our way back the same way before taking the boat back across the lake and to our base camp. Roughly 8 hours of walking.
Day 13: Puerto Natales - Río Grande
Departing at first light, we will have a long drive ahead of us as we make our way to Tierra Del Fuego and back into Argentina. Stopping several times along the way such as in the small fishing village of Ultima Esperanza will give us the true color of the land and of its inhabitants. Using a ferry to cross the Straights of Magellan will be an unforgettable experience. Once in our camp, a typical meal or Patagonian style lamb, hot showers and good wine will reward us after a long day in the vehicles.
No hiking.
Day 14: Río Grande - Tierra Mayor valley
The first half of the day will be spent on a local ranch learning how the Gauchos deal with cattle and sheep using highly trained dogs. We will also get a window into the world of these rugged adventurers who have braved the winds and revolution over the last centuries to forge an existence on these barren steppes. An afternoon hike takes us to the Laguna Esmeralda, where imported beavers from Canada have completely modified the landscape. 4 hours of hiking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 15: Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego National Park- Beagle Channel boat trip
A short drive leads us to Ushuaïa, the southernmost city in the world. We will drop off our luggage and continue to Tierra Del Fuego National Park and hike all morning admiring the glaciers crashing into the sea. In the afternoon, a boat will be chartered to take us out to the Beagle Channel to admire the marine mammals and birds, which inhabit the area. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16: UshuaIa - Ushuaia Airport
Our last morning together before taking the afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires. The morning can be spent visiting the town of Ushuaïa, its museums and interesting architecture.
Farewell dinner in Buenos Aires.
Day 17: Buenos Aires - Departure day
Transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport, departure.
