Discover the majestic mountain beauty of Argentinian Patagonia on this classic one-week fully guided private hiking adventure! See the famous Perito Moreno Glacier with its cracking and calving wall of ice before heading to the mountain village of El Chalten. From your base, set out to explore remote forest trails along the Rio Electrico and follow breathtakingly beautiful paths in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. Be amazed by pristine glacial lakes and iconic snow-capped peaks, including the magical pairing of Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre. Enjoy restful nights at comfortable hotels and cozy cabins.
Discover the majestic mountain beauty of Argentinian Patagonia on this classic one-week fully guided private hiking adventure! See the famous Perito Moreno Glacier with its cracking and calving wall of ice before heading to the mountain village of El Chalten. From your base, set out to explore remote forest trails along the Rio Electrico and follow breathtakingly beautiful paths in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. Be amazed by pristine glacial lakes and iconic snow-capped peaks, including the magical pairing of Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre. Enjoy restful nights at comfortable hotels and cozy cabins.
Be awestruck by the Perito Moreno Glacier and its colossal wall of calving ice
[Description] => Be awestruck by the Perito Moreno Glacier and its colossal wall of calving ice
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Enjoy the best day hikes in Los Glaciares with spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif
[Description] => Enjoy the best day hikes in Los Glaciares with spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif
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Follow riverside trails to Laguna Torre and marvel at its magnificent mountain backdrop
Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, you will be met by an MT Sobek representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
Meals: Dinner
Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier
Day 2
Enjoy a day trip into the southern end of UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park to see the renowned Perito Moreno glacier. At this very active glacier, a 200-foot-high headwall continually calves massive blocks of ice into the lake with a thunderous roar - an awesome spectacle of nature's power at work. Admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile guided footbridge walk. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the glacier before returning to El Calafate for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
Activity: 4-hour private van transfer; 2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to El Chalten & Los Glaciares National Park Trails
Day 3
After breakfast, set out on a drive to the mountain village of El Chalten in the heart of Patagonia. Marvel at scenic views of Lago Argentino and Lago Viedma, with their rugged mountain backdrops, at viewpoints along the way. Settle into the Laguna Condor Cabañas on the banks of the Rio de Las Vueltas and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Laguna Condor Cabanas
Activity: 3-hour private vehicle transfer
Transportation: 3-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike along the Rio Electrico to Piedra del Fraile & Lago Electrico
Day 4
From the trailhead at Rio Electrico Bridge, hike along the Rio Electrico Valley, which progresses gently uphill from west to east. Pass through a beautiful lenga forest to reach Piedra del Fraile, one of the first refuges in the area, protected from the winds and offering comfort to the world's most experienced climbers, as well as to trekkers arriving in the area for the first time. This less travelled path boasts impressive views of the north face of Fitz Roy and solitude, and the lenga forest is alive with the sounds of native birds. Wind conditions permitting, emerge back into open terrain and cross the boulder field of a glacial valley to reach the shores of Lago Electrico, fed by the Marconi Glacier. Return to the Laguna Condor Cabañas for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Laguna Condor Cabanas
Activity: 6-7 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Laguna de Los Tres
Day 5
Rise early for a short transfer back to the trail head at Rio Electrico Bridge, before setting out on an easy walk through a beautiful forest with impressive views of Piedras Blancas Glacier as well as the Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery, and Poincenot Peaks. After passing Poincenot Camp, begin a steep climb up to Laguna de los Tres — a challenging effort, but worthwhile for its superb views of Fitz Roy and its hanging glaciers. At the top take in the beautiful surroundings before hiking back to El Chalten via the secluded and very scenic Laguna Capri.
Accommodation: Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa
Activity: 8-9 hours/13.5 miles hiking with 3,150' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow Trails to Laguna Torre
Day 6
Wake early for a thrilling day trek in Los Glaciares. Walk through a varied landscape formed by glaciers and stop for commanding views of the south face of Cerro Torre — sought after by photographers and climbers the world over. Reach the pinnacle of your trek at Laguna Torre, a beautiful glacial lake set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre, with its iconic pointy spires and hanging glaciers. Raise a toast to your adventure in Patagonia at your farewell dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa
Activity: 7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to El Calafate & Depart
Day 7
Depart from El Chalten after breakfast and return to El Calafate Airport, in time for early afternoon connecting flights to Buenos Aires, or your next destination.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Luciano C.
Lucho lives in El Chalten, Argentina, at the base of the Fitz Roy Massif. He is a certified professional AAGM (Argentinean Association of Mountain Guides) mountain and trekking guide and for over 20 years has been involved in many types of outdoor expeditions in Patagonia and beyond. He has been to the summit of Cerro Fitz Roy, traversed the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, climbed in Bolivia's Cordillera Real, climbed in the Swiss Alps and in the Yosemite Valley of California. Lucho is also an avid skier, kayaker, and photographer.
Welcome to Argentina! Upon arrival at El Calafate Airport, you will be met by an MT Sobek representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Expect day hikes between 5 to 9 hours on rocky, sometimes steep, mountain terrain in Los Glaciares National Park. The weather can change drastically, causing temperatures to fluctuate rapidly. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4-hour private van transfer; 2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
3-hour private vehicle transfer
Day 4
6-7 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain & loss
Day 5
8-9 hours/13.5 miles hiking with 3,150' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
Day 7
3-hour private vehicle transfer
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Accommodations range from comfortable hotels with modern amenities to scenic mountain cabins.
Posada Los Alamos is a grand red-bricked hotel, surrounded by soaring poplar trees, in the heart of El Calafate. It's 144 comfortable rooms, with either garden or mountain views, are pleasantly furnished and come with modern amenities. Choose to unwind with a game of golf or a treatment at the hotel's Humus Spa, and enjoy dinner at La Posta restaurant.
Located just steps from the main street of town yet close to trailheads, Destino Sur offers both convenience and an escape to nature. Each room is colorfully decorated and equipped with wooden furniture, a king-size bed, and lots of amenities. Indulge in a spa massage, or relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi.
These wilderness cabanas are located in a private forest setting about 10 miles north of El Chalten. The cozy timber lodge is built on the shore of Rio de Las Vueltas and boasts unique views of Fitz Roy's north face. The fabulous dining room exudes a warm feel, just right for those Patagonian nights.
Weather
Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the other. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and bright sun.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec
El Calafate
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
El Calafate
67
48
65
46
62
43
62
42
65
46
El Chalten
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
El Chalten
47
35
50
37
45
34
40
30
43
33
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our local staff will meet you in the Arrivals Hall at the El Calafate Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Can my vegetarian diet be accommodated?
Argentina is known for its outstanding asado (or BBQ), chimichurri, and meat empanadas, but we can accommodate a vegetarian (or even vegan) diet with advance notice.
I hear the weather is always windy in Patagonia. Is that true?
Patagonia is known for its strong winds, but that is what creates the dramatic and beautiful, windswept landscape! We will help you prepare for the weather of Patagonia.
What wildlife will I see in Argentina?
You are likely to see Andean condor, guanaco, Darwin's rhea, armadillo, Patagonian hare, Magellanic woodpecker, crested caracara, and much more. If you are lucky, you may also spot Puma, pudu deer, vicuna, pygmy owl, and flamingo.
Is this an appropriate trip for a beginner hiker?
You will get more enjoyment out of this adventure if you have some full-day hiking experience. For private departures, the hikes can be shortened according to your preferences but if you do so, you won't reach the iconic views at Laguna de los Tres or Laguna Torres - the high glacial lakes that lay at the foot of the peaks. Call us to learn more, or for our recommended level-2 or 3 hiking trips that we think you will enjoy.
When is the best time to visit Argentinian Patagonia?
Patagonia's high season is mid-November through March. This is summertime in South America. Late October and early November are also worth considering, for spring flowers, and April for fall foliage - temperatures tend to be colder but many hikers and photographers find the beauty of these seasons to be well worth it.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The minimum age for this private trip is 16 years old.