Patagonia Hiking

As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Opt to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show.

Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia. Enjoy free time to warm up for the upcoming trek, opt to take a short hike to a nearby lookout or explore around town.

Enjoy a full-day guided hike to the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado viewpoint for spectacular 360° views. Unlike other trails, this trek doesn't descend into a valley; instead, it climbs to provide one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the entire El Chaltén region. This trek takes you along one of the less-traveled trails in the National Park, offering unparalleled panoramic views.

Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort.

Explore one of El Chaltén's many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.

Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.

Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the gaucho inspired cozy town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay. Opt to take navigation to see other glaciers in the region or go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe. The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.