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Map of Highlights of Patagonia including Argentina

Trek the best of Patagonia on this action-packed Argentina adventure

From the jagged, snow-capped glory of peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre to the gigantic and still-advancing icescape that is the Perito Moreno Glacier, this action-packed Patagonia adventure covers some of the most stunning glacial scenery in the world. Start with a tour of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, then head to frontier tow El Chalten to tackle the likes of Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. Continue to El Calafate, where the marvels of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field are just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Start
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Destination
Argentina
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
GGCB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hike the incredible Laguna de los Tres through thick woodlands, over streams and past granite spires to the famed blue lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy.

  • Listen to the thunder as cracks form in the spectacular wall of ice that is Perito Moreno Glacier. This massive, blue-hued natural wonder is constantly breaking and reforming.

  • This tour is like a bucket list special on Patagonia, hitting the most-wanted with time to decompress in between sightseeing.

  • This tour starts with a bang in Buenos Aires, with a walking tour and tango class to make the most of your limited time in the capital.

  • Trekking is what small group travel was made for – let someone else take care of the permits and accommodation so you can focus on soaking up the views with new friends.

Is this trip right for you?

  • You can’t have incredible glaciers and frozen lakes in warm weather, so be prepared for cold. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. From November to March temperatures can fluctuate between 5ËšC--20ËšC with strong winds.

  • The fitter you are, the more you'll get out of this trip. While only one trek is scheduled, it is a full-day endeavour that can be quite challenging. There will also be opportunities to partake in other hikes which require a moderate to high level of fitness.

Traveller in Patagonian Wilderness
Perito Moreno glacier, Calafate, Patagonia
Hiker on Fitzroy mountain, El Chalten, Patagonia
Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia
Local guitar player in Buenos Aires, Argentina
argentina buenos aires colourful building
Trek through El Chalten in Argentina with Intrepid Travel
Take a break from trekking to take in the breathtaking views in El Chalten, Argentina
Trek through the national parks of El Chalten in Argentina

Itinerary
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Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ultimate cosmopolitan city. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style, it may well steal your heart. Attend a group meeting at 2 pm. The adventure begins straight after the meeting with a two-hour orientation walk that visits Avenida de Mayo, Cafe Tortoni, Florida Street, Plaza de Mayo (Casa Rosada, Cabildo, Catedral de Buenos Aires) and Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo). Continue to Palermo to participate in a tango class. In a private space a professional tango couple will explain the dance’s origin and history, then give a sultry demonstration. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to join an hour-long beginner’s class to learn some of the basics. Following the tango class, you may want to head to one of the many parilla's (steak houses) in the area. Transfers back to the hotel are not included however taxis are easy to find and inexpensive.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Orientation Walk
  • Buenos Aires - Tango class
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Make sure you’ve had something to eat prior to the welcome meeting, as the activities begin immediately, and you may not have a chance to eat again until evening.

Fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours), then travel by van to the frontier town of El Chalten, north of Glacier National Park (approximately 3.5 hours). Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here in order to reach the glaciers and mountains. Take it easy and drink in the views today in preparation for your trek tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise and shine for the first day on trekking. Begin with perhaps the most famous of all Patagonia’s trails -- Laguna de los Tres. Ascend from El Calten on an approximately 9-hour trek through incredible landscapes. Walk through woodlands sprouted framed by granite cliff, over crystal-clear streams and towards the three frosted peaks of Mt Fitz Roy. Along the way you’ll see numerous glaciers, but the primary reward on his trek come at the end of a steep climb: glacier de los Tres and the blue lagoon that lies before it at the base of Mt Fitz Roy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Chalten - Day hike to Laguna de los Tres
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
This trek is considered moderate. While the terrain itself is not difficult, wind and rain can be challenging depending on the weather.

Today is as clear as the mountain air, so you can decide whether to recuperate or tackle another trail. If you can’t wait to explore further, then perhaps head out on the Laguna Torre trail. Aside from the first two kilometres, there’s very little ascent on this trail, which leads to a beautiful glacier lake at the base of Cerro Torre. Hiking there and back will take around 7 hours, depending on how many stops you make.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • El Chalten - Day hike to Laguna Torre - USD264
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a private transfer from El Chalten to El Calafate. Use the opportunity to relax and unwind after your two days of adventures on foot. The drive should be around 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and at 3 km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. Take the steps of a lifetime as you embark on a guided glacier walk. When it's all over, return to El Calafate for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
PERITO MORENO TREK:
Please note the maximum age limit for this activity is 65. The operator that runs this will not make any exceptions, even with a doctor’s certificate. Those 65 and older will instead be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier. Weather depending, your guide may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint) of the site.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
For both Optional activities today, full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to hold places on these activities. Delays to provide this information may result in missing out on a ticket.

Take an included flight back to Buenos Aires. The afternoon is free to further explore the city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Buenos Aires - Orientation Walk
  • Buenos Aires - Tango class
  • El Chalten - Day hike to Laguna de los Tres
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Patagonia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

All travellers on Intrepid trips (outside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER - MINI TREK
Please note the maximum age limit for this activity is 65yrs old.

START TIME:
This trip starts with a Welcome Meeting at 2pm of day 1.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement is available on this trip.

LATE BOOKINGS:
Bookings within 45 days from departure may incur in late booking airline fees. If applicable, this will be informed at the time of booking.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:
This trip includes a domestic flight. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15Kg for check in luggage.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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