Patagonia's renowned Lake District & Los Glaciares National Parks in Argentina

Patagonia's Lake District is a scenic wonderland of deep blue lakes, brilliant wildflowers, and the craggy peaks of the Andes, while the lands to the south offer even more scenic surprises—sprawling glaciers and an array of lakes and mountains of unimaginable beauty.

Your active days will include kayaking on sparkling waters, walking on glaciers feeding into luminous lakes, and hiking and riding horses (in true Gaucho style!) on the vast golden Patagonian steppe with foxes, guanacos, and soaring condors as your only companions. At the end of each day, you'll unwind in remote, beautifully restored, historic estancias or small intimate hotels that reflect Patagonia's engaging charm and ambiance.

We'll spend three days exploring Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on foot and by kayak. At the foothills of the Andes, the park is famous for its luminous lakes and rich wildlife, including chucaos and huemul deer. Next, it’s off to the vast Patagonian steppe and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier, the world's third-largest reserve of fresh water and the only glacier in the region that maintains its ice mass. Our final destination is the Estancia Helsingfors, on the remote southwestern shore of Lago Viedma. When not admiring the hosteria’s jaw-dropping views (the sheer north face of Cerro Fitzroy, for one) we’ll explore the Viedma Glacier with its ice caves and floating icebergs, and take a hike through the Patagonian Andean forest along steep trails to remote Lago Azul.

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Activities

Moderate hiking and lake kayaking (no previous experience required), optional horseback riding

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Patagonia's beautiful Lake District—"The Mediterranean of Patagonia!"
• Stay in two of Patagonia's most beautiful and historic estancias: Alta Vista and Helsingfors
• Explore the impressive Perito Moreno and Viedma glaciers up close, including a walk on the Perito Moreno glacier itself!

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Buenos Aires End Location: Buenos Aires

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and enjoy an afternoon tour of this cosmopolitan city.

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  Day 2 : Nahuel Huapi National Park

  Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia's Lake District. Transfer to your hotel in a natural mountain setting overlooking a lake on the San Pedro Peninsula. Afternoon nature hike through the surrounding woodlands.

• Day 3 : Climb of Bella Vista

  Drive to El Tambo and hike to the pre-summit of Bella Vista.

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  Day 4 : Kayaking on Lago Nahuel Huapi

  Fly to Calafate, then drive to Alta Vista, a charming estancia located near the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier.

• Day 5 : Estancia Alta Vista

  Transfer to San Carlos de Bariloche and fly to Calafate, on the shore of Lago Argentino and then drive to the charming Estancia Alta Vista, located in the vast Patagonian steppe.

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  Day 6 : Perito Moreno Glacier Mini-Trekking

  Short cruise past the three-mile-long face of the glacier, then take an easy hike on the glacier (crampons provided—no experience needed). Afterward, you'll go to a viewpoint for fabulous vistas of the glacier face and a chance to watch huge chunks of ice calve into the lake.

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  Day 7 : Visit Estancia Anita – Estancia Helsingfors

  Horseback ride to nearby Estancia Anita to learn a bit about sheep farming in Patagonia. If you're not up for horseback riding, you can hike or bike there as well. Return to Alta Vista, then transfer to Estancia Helsingfors, located on the shores of Lago Viedma with breathtaking views of the Andes, including the sheer north face of Cerro Fitzroy.

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  Day 8 : Estancia Helsingfors

  Today we'll have time to enjoy the activities available at Estancia Helsingfors, such as fishing and horseback riding. If you’re up for more adventures, a short hike will take you to a nearby lagoon inhabited by pink flamingoes and white swans. You may also want to set aside a few minutes to enjoy the dramatic and colorful sunset over the peaks of the Andes.

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  Day 9 : Lago Azul hike

  Hike or ride horses to remote Lago Azul, remarkable for the intensity of its deep blue hue.

• Day 10 : Fly to Buenos Aires

  Drive back to Calafate and fly to Buenos Aires.

• Day 11 : Fly Home

  A free day to explore Buenos Aires, with evening transfer to Ezeiza Airport for homeward-bound flights.

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  Loi Suites Recoleta

  This five star hotel is located in the most elegant area of the city, at walking distance from museums, art galleries, shopping areas, historical architecture and beautiful parks.

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  Estancia Helsingfors

  Surrounded by a majestic natural landscape and protected by lush woods which give way to a panoramic view of the lake, Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes Mountains, this lodge has 8 rooms with private bathrooms.  A refined cellar with Argentine and Chilean wines accompanies the delights of a sophisticated regional cuisine.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File