Fitz Roy Lakeside Retreat

Day 1: Arrival into El Calafate; Private Transfer to Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel

You'll take a private transfer from the airport or bus station to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you'll have a chance to explore El Calafate town and choose from one of its excellent restaurants.

Accommodation: Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 2: Perito Moreno Excursion - Mayo Spirit Boat & Hike

You can't visit this part of the world without visiting the captivating Perito Moreno Glacier, and we'll take you there on an unforgettable, unique day trip. Driving west out of town, you will then board a comfortable expedition boat which will take you into the different branches of the immense Argentino Lake, arriving in the afternoon at the north face of the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

You'll spend some time watching its spectacular display of calving ice and the formation of deep blue icebergs from the water and afterwards explore the walkways and viewpoints from land, right in front of both faces of the glacier.

This afternoon/evening is for you to enjoy at your own pace; you may wish to check out one of the world's few glacier museums or have time at your leisure in El Calafate town.

You may wish to ice hike on the glacier (known as Minitrekking)—please enquire about this when reserving your trip if interested.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Los Ponchos Boutique Hotel or similar

Day 3: Private Transfer to El Chalten; Afternoon Trek to Cerro Torre; Hosteria Senderos

In the morning you'll be transferred to El Chalten in good time for a beautiful privately guided trek crossing old glacial moraines and wet plains formed by the previous courses of the river until you arrive at the Cerro Torre Viewpoint. After a rest and lunch, you will return along the same trail.

The length and difficulty of this trek can be tailored to what suits you. 

You'll spend the evening at Hosteria Senderos, located at the feet of Mount Fitz Roy with its charming aesthetics inspired by old Patagonian farms.

Length of hike: 7-8hrs, 18km/11.2 miles

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hosteria Senderos or similar

Day 4: Laguna de Los Tres Trek; Transfer to Lago del Desierto; Boat Ride to Aguas Arriba Lodge 

Today is your chance to get up close to the iconic and imposing Mount Fitz Roy and trek one of the most iconic day hikes in the world. You'll take a private transfer to the trailhead away from the crowds, starting from El Pilar, traversing through the lush forest near El Chalten, passing various glaciers crystal clear streams and lagoons, to reach the breathtaking Laguna de Los Tres. You'll likely take lunch here with views of Fitz Roy for company. While this trek is steep in places, the spectacular panoramas once you reach the top make it totally worth it.

In the afternoon, you'll be driven to Lago del Desierto to take the boat to Aguas Arriba Lodge—a lovely way of accessing this remote gem of a retreat. You can also hike there (around 5/6km).

It's hard to overdo the superlatives for Aguas Arriba Lodge an enchanting retreat built to blend in with the natural environment over a decade ago by its passionate owners Pata and Ivor.

Length of hike: 8-9hrs, 20km/12.4 miles

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Aguas Arriba Lodge

Day 5: Aguas Arriba Lodge - Excursion I

Choose from many half or full-day treks (easy to challenging) from your base at Aguas Arriba. You'll decide on them the night before with your guides. 

We recommend the trails heading to the south of Lago del Desierto (3 hours each way). This is a great way to start your visit to this area and make you realise how remote the Lodge is!

Also take time to relax, enjoying the wonderful food, reading nooks, yoga dome, deck chairs and views on offer from all parts of Aguas Arriba. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Aguas Arriba Lodge

Day 6: Aguas Arriba Lodge - Excursion II

Today, you could go in search of the Huemul Glacier for some spectacular views, or perhaps head north from the Lodge on the trail to the northern end of the lake. From here it's possible to continue trekking further to the Chilean border.

There are plenty of options for fly-fishers in the area around the Lodge if that would suit you better—although please let us know if you want that to be part of your itinerary. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Aguas Arriba Lodge

This itinerary is an example of how you could spend your time at Aguas Arriba but you can take it at your own pace. Please see the list of options on the excursions page. 

Day 7: Boat to Punta Sur; Private Transfer to El Calafate Airport

In the morning you'll take the boat back from Aguas Arriba to Punta Sur, then be transferred to the airport with a stop in El Chalten. The journey time is approximately 5-6 hours so we recommend booking your onward flight for after 5pm that day.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch