Argentina Classic Patagonia Private Hiking Tour
From the Perito Moreno Glacier to Sky-High Peaks
- Available: January, February, March, April, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-8 Guests
Highlights
- Be awestruck by the Perito Moreno Glacier and its colossal wall of calving ice
- Enjoy the best day hikes in Los Glaciares with spectacular views of the Fitz Roy Massif
- Follow riverside trails to Laguna Torre and marvel at its magnificent mountain backdrop
Itinerary
Arrive in El Calafate
Day 1
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 to 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: 2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to El Chalten
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 with the group.
Accommodation: Laguna Condor Cabanas
Transportation: 3-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike along the Rio Electrico to Piedra del Fraile and 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
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 Chaltén 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow Trails to Laguna Torre
Day 6
Wake early for a thrilling day trek in Los Glaciares. We 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 our 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
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.
Transportation: 3-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 16.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
7 to 8 guests from $3,995 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $4,595 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $6,095 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
7 to 8 guests from $3,995 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $4,595 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $6,095 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, February, March, April, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Rodrigo B.
"Ro" was born in the Last Hope Province of Chile and grew up in Patagonia, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He has guided in Patagonia and Canada for more than 15 years, and is an accomplished hiker, kayaker, mountaineer, and photographer-with a keen eye for capturing the natural beauty of Patagonia. He is a certified Mountain guide and kayak instructor and has completed Wilderness Emergency Responder & Medical; (WFR NOLS-EASPA). Ro speaks English, Spanish, and conversational French.
Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.
Tomas M.
A passionate mountaineer, Tomas grew up in Torres del Paine and explored the park on foot, by horseback, and through many climbing expeditions. He was educated at a small school inside the park, which engrained a deep understanding and passion for the history and significance of Patagonia. Today, he continues to enjoy the mountains and landscapes of Patagonia, leading treks for MT Sobek. Tomas is an accomplished climber and a great ambassador of Patagonia's culture. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
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
2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain
Day 4
6-7 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain
Day 5
8-9 hours/13.5 miles hiking with 3,150' elevation gain
Day 6
7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain
Accommodations
Accommodations range from comfortable hotels with modern amenities to scenic mountain cabins.
Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate
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.
Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa
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.
Laguna Condor Cabanas
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.
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 almost any 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 might see armadillo, Patagonian hare, guanaco, Darwin's rhea, vicuna, pudu deer, mara, Magellanic woodpecker, flamingo, and much more. If you are lucky, you will see an Andean Condor or a Puma.
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. If that is not you, call us 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.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
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Guest Reviews
For the average American planning a visit to a place like Patagonia, the gap between the amount of information we (theoretically) have available at our fingertips and the quality of that information is enormous. What a total comfort to know that with MT Sobek, you're in the hands of professionals who have been doing it so long and so well. That was part of why we landed on them as our operators for our dream trip, and everything about the experience they gave us -- from tailored expertise to unswerving professionalism -- confirmed the company's emphasis on excellence.
Alex M.
MT Sobek Guest, Argentina Classic Patagonia Private Hiking Adventure
"MT Sobek has created a marvelous experience into the heart of Patagonia, exposing the hiker to all the wonderful scenery, people and history this incredibly beautiful place has to offer."
Coleen S.
MT Sobek, Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking