6 days · El Calafate · Argentina
Southern Patagonia from El Calafate: the glaciers, Lake Argentino, and the mountains behind it.
Six days in Southern Patagonia, based in El Calafate. Navigate the icy waters of Lago Argentino, get up close to the majestic Perito Moreno, embark on a full glacier cruise, and choose your own adventure at the historic Estancia Cristina. El Chaltén with the shorter walks up to the viewpoints, private airport transfers, and guides throughout. The perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure at the edge of the world.
- Length
- 6 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Spanish / English
- Departs
- every day
Itinerary
Day by day
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Day 1
Day 1: Optional Transfer From Commander Armando Tola International Airport To Calafate City
- Start your Patagonian adventure with a smooth and comfortable transfer from El Calafate Airport to your hotel or Airbnb in town. Avoid waiting times and crowded shuttles—your personal driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, ready to assist with luggage and take you directly to your destination in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Safe, punctual, and hassle-free. (Hotel night in Calafate City Center)
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Day 2
Day 2: Boat Blue Safari in Perito Moreno Glacier
- This is the one that gets you close to the Perito Moreno Glacier. A short crossing by boat, a guided walk through Patagonian forest, and time on the panoramic walkways.
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Day 3
Day 3: Trekking in Chalten From Calafate
- Two of the easiest walks out of El Chaltén: Chorrillo del Salto, a 20-meter waterfall in the forest, and the Mirador de los Cóndores, which looks over the valley, the town and the Fitz Roy range. Ideal for families, beginners, or travelers short on time, this tour offers gentle trails and high-impact landscapes in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park.
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Day 4
Day 4: Full Glaciers Day Tour
- An extraordinary full-day glacier cruise experience that glides you through Lago Argentino’s North Arm, passing colossal icebergs and glaciers like Upsala, Seco, Heim Sur, Peineta, and Spegazzini. Disembark at Spegazzini Base for a scenic forest trek, lunch at the panoramic Spegazzini Refuge, and a visit to the Agostini viewpoint overlooking the tallest glacier wall in the park. Available in both morning and sunset formats for a magical Patagonian finale.
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Day 5
Day 5: Estancia Cristina
- 1- Pick-up from hotels in El Calafate early in the morning.
- 2- Transfer to Puerto de la Cruz (Punta Bandera).
- 3- Navigation through the North Arm of Lago Argentino to the Upsala Channel (viewpoint from the limit of navigation).
- 4- Disembark at Estancia Cristina.
- 5- Groups split according to the selected experience:
- Option 1 – Classic Experience
- 6- Guided visit to the Costumbrista Museum (former sheep shearing shed).
- 7- Introduction to the story of the pioneering Masters family.
- 8- Guided walk to Río Caterina, waterwheel, the chapel, and the historical ranch.
- 9- Free time and optional lunch.
- Option 2 – Discovery Experience (4×4 + Short Hike)
- 6- Off-road ascent in 4×4 vehicles along Cordón Feruglio (9.5 km).
- 7- 20-minute hike over glacial terrain to the Upsala Glacier Viewpoint.
- 8- Time to admire the panoramic view of Upsala Glacier, Lago Guillermo, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
- 9- Return to the ranch for free time and optional lunch.
- Option 3 – Trekking Experience (4×4 + Long Hike)
- 6- Off-road ascent in 4×4 vehicles along Cordón Feruglio.
- 7- Hike to Upsala Glacier Viewpoint.
- 8- Begin 14 km descent through the Fossil Canyon, observing unique marine fossils exposed by glacial erosion.
- 9- Picnic break (box lunch not included).
- 10- Continue descending to the valley and the lake shore for pick-up.
- 11- Return navigation to Puerto de la Cruz.
- 12- Transfer back to El Calafate hotels (arrival around 7:30 PM).
- Option 4 – Horse Riding
- 6- Introductory talk at the stables.
- 7- Horseback ride through the valley of the estancia.
- 8- Relaxing time at the Pearson Refuge.
- 9- Lunch at the refuge.
- Restrictions: minimum age 6 years old. Weight limit: 95 kg / 15 stone / 210 lbs.
- (Hotel night in Calafate city center)
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Day 6
Day 6: Optional Transfer From Calafate City To Commander Armando Tola International Airport
- Finish your trip in Ushuaia with a reliable and comfortable transfer from the city center to the airport. Enjoy a stress-free departure with a private pickup at your accommodation, no delays, and no shared transportation. A professional driver will help with your luggage and drive you straight to the airport in a modern vehicle with air conditioning, ensuring a smooth, safe, and on-time journey.
What's included
- ✓ Hotel pick-up and drop-off in El Calafate
- ✓ English speaking tour guide
- ✓ Round-trip navigation on Lago Argentino
- ✓ Guided activities according to selected experience (Classic, Discovery or Trekking)
- ✓ Use of 4x4 vehicles (for Discovery and Trekking options)
Not included
- — Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park (required)
- — Airport Transportation
- — Meals and Beverages
- — Personal travel insurance
- — Gratuities
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Passport or ID
- National Park entrance ticket or cash to pay it
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Proper Clothing
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Water bottle
- Cash or card for extras
- Trekking shoes (especially for Discovery and Trekking options)
Know before you go
- The tour dates depend on the supplier's availability. Once you complete the payment for the package, you will receive the final itinerary by email.
- The number of hotel nights is included, and transportation can be selected as an additional service.
- The entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park is not included and must be paid upon arrival at the park entrance. The ticket is valid for one day only; however, if you visit again the next day, you receive a 50% discount by presenting your previous day’s ticket (valid for consecutive visits).
- Regarding food and beverages, this depends on each tour. If not included, you are welcome to bring your own lunch box or snacks. At Perito Moreno Glacier and Spegazzini Glacier, there are restaurant and snack bar facilities available inside the park.
- The Estancia Cristina tour is subject to weather conditions; navigation to Upsala may be partially limited if icebergs block the path.
- Children participating in the horseback ride pay the full rate.
- The trekking option requires high physical demand and is recommended only for experienced hikers.
- In Chalten, Both trails are open year-round, although snow or ice may affect accessibility in winter (May–Sept).
- Chorrillo del Salto can also be reached by bike or vehicle; there’s a bike lane along Route 41.
- These two circuits are ideal for those with limited hiking ability.
- The Mirador de los Cóndores is one of the best spots for photography, especially at sunset or on clear days.
Meeting point
El Calafate
Frequently asked
How much does it cost?
US$1,547 per person. The price on the card is the whole price.
How long does it take?
6 days.
What's included?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in El Calafate, English speaking tour guide, Round-trip navigation on Lago Argentino, Guided activities according to selected experience (Classic, Discovery or Trekking), Use of 4x4 vehicles (for Discovery and Trekking options).
What's not included?
Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park (required), Airport Transportation, Meals and Beverages, Personal travel insurance, Gratuities.
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