Overview
Some of the most spectacular mountains on our planet are found in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, home to the sky-piercing peaks of the Fitz Roy massif. We’ve created an adventure that reveals the very best of this grand-scale paradise, where rivers of ice pour down from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. With two options each day, our hikes lead us to azure lakes for stunning vistas of the spires of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the park’s magnificent glaciers, and we’ll visit the massive ice wall of Perito Moreno, one of Argentina’s natural wonders. Back at our renowned estancias, including Helsingfors and Cristina, with their exclusive wilderness locations, we’ll celebrate each hiking day with home-cooked Patagonian fare and fine Argentine wines.
This was a totally amazing trip! The locations we stayed at, the hikes, accommodations, scenery, food, our leader, Carlos, the whole itinerary...everything was first rate and an unbelievable experience.
— Nancy C., Paris, Ontario
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Buenos Aires / Los Glaciares National Park
From Buenos Aires, we fly to El Calafate and cross the pampas to reach Los Glaciares National Park. From our welcoming inn, Hostería El Pilar, we’ll have phenomenal Fitz Roy views right from the dining room. Our hikes start from the door of the lodge and bring us to Laguna de Los Tres for panoramic views of the jagged pinnacles of Fitz Roy (11,073'), and to Laguna Torre for vistas of the slender spire of Cerro Torre (10,280').
Days 5-7
Estancia Helsingfors / Perito Moreno
Our sublime accommodation here is family-run Estancia Helsingfors, a historic retreat with a stunningly remote location. Once a sheep ranch, it was built in a spectacular location by Finnish pioneer Alfred Ramstrom at the turn of the century. It’s an incredible setting for hikes, and we’ll have the trail all to ourselves as we climb up to Lago Azul, a pristine glacial lake that truly earns its name. Near El Calafate, we take in views of the huge icewall of the Perito Moreno Glacier from a boardwalk trail with the immense Southern Patagonian Ice Field stretching into the distance. It’s a thrill to watch the giant ice blocks plunging into Lago Argentino.
Days 8-12
Estancia Cristina / El Calafate
Estancia Cristina, accessible only by boat, has exclusive access to the Upsala Glacier, South America’s longest. From this famously remote inn, we hike up Cerro Carnero for glorious views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and through a fascinating canyon where marine fossils are embedded in the rock walls. At night, we enjoy fine meals and warm hospitality in this estancia at the end of the world. Return to El Calafate on Day 11 and depart on Day 12 via Buenos Aires, or join our extensions to Iguazú Falls or Paine National Park.
Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails (some steep sections), 2-7 hours a day, altitudes below 4,000 feet. Patagonia can experience extreme weather changes.
