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Highlights of Los Glaciares

Trek the two main hiking trails in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina – Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre – with a warm and comfortable hotel to return to each evening. You'll discover the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier and surrounding fjords on a boat trip, with an option to try ice-hiking and kayaking.

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Highlights of Los Glaciares

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Trip type

Private

Trip length

5 Days

From

$1,415

Location

Los Glaciares

Highlights of Los Glaciares - 5 Days - $1,415

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén

Day 2: Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; El Chaltén

Day 3: Trek to Laguna Torre; El Calafate

Day 4: Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier; El Calafate

Day 5: Transfer to El Calafate Airport

Start from El Calafate and end at El Calafate

Landmarks visited on Highlights of Los Glaciares

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén

After a transfer from El Calafate Airport to El Chaltén, you'll be free to explore the town for the afternoon.

Transfer duration: 3hrs

Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén


Day 2: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres; El Chaltén

This group guided trek begins with a transfer to the trailhead at El Pilar, located 17km to the north of El Chaltén. The journey itself is enjoyable for the lovely views of the valley, the Río de Las Vueltas, as well as the impressive Cordon de Los Condores. After about 20mins you'll start to see Mount Fitz Roy from a different angle.

You'll then set out on the trek, navigating through a dense forest of lengas that provide protection from the winds coming off the Continental Icefield. From the start, you'll be able to see various glaciers; Marconi, Electrico, Cagliero and in the distance, towards Lago del Desierto, Glacier Vespignani. The trail is easy as it's quite flat and the climbs are gentle.

After arriving at the first viewpoint, Glacier Piedras Blancas, walk on into a clearing where you can admire the peaks of 'S', Saint Exupery, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet, in all their splendour. From here, continue on for a few more minutes until you arrive at Poincenot campground, located in the beautiful lenga forest inhabited by countless varieties of birds which will accompany you with their song until the Río Blanco campground is reached. This is the base camp for the most adventurous climbers who will attempt to conquer these granite masses.

After the campground, you'll climb for about an hour (400m) until you arrive at Laguna de Los Tres. On arriving at the highest point on the path, majestic views of Fitz Roy, and the Glacier de Los Tres will reward you. There will be time to soak up the view before circling Laguna de Los Tres and heading to the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier. Again, the stunning views are unforgettable.

After resting for a picnic lunch, you'll start the descent and walk back to El Chaltén. En route, you will pass varied landscapes, crystal clear streams and Laguna Capri – a favourite spot for photographers. After visiting this lagoon, drop down into the valley where El Chaltén is located.

Transfer duration: 30mins

Length of hike: 8-9hrs, 20km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén


Day 3: Hike to Laguna Torre; El Calafate

From El Chaltén, head off on this group guided hike along the Laguna Torre footpath. After a short climb you'll enter a small ñire wood and from here the path starts to gain height and straighten up alongside the River Fitz Roy until it arrives at a viewpoint of the river canyon and the Margarita waterfall. The panorama presents the valley of the River Fitz Roy and its meandering course with the backdrop of the unique Mt Solo, the Adela range and the impressive Mt Torre.

After about an hour of walking, you'll arrive at the Mount Torre viewpoint. Make the most of the magnificent views of Mount Torre, the Adela range and glaciers while having a short break.

You'll then walk onwards for around 2hrs through grand lenga forests, crossing old glacial moraines and wet plains formed by the previous courses of the river until you arrive at Laguna Torre. On this section there is always the possibility of spotting a wide range of birds, including the Magellanic woodpecker. At Laguna Torre, it is usual to see huge icebergs that have calved from the face of Glacier Torre.

Laguna Torre is also the source of the River Fitz Roy. This river may be crossed by using the Tyrolean rope; used by the climbers to access Glacier Torre and to get to the base of the mountain they aim to climb. Walk to the Agostini camp, where climbers from all over the world stay – it's a lovely route with a chance to see the abundance of wildflowers endemic to Patagonia, if visiting in the spring.

After a rest and lunch at Laguna Torre, you'll commence the trek back to El Chaltén from where you'll travel to El Calafate.

On arrival in El Calafate, you'll take a private transfer to your hotel.

Length of hike: 7–8hrs, 18km roundtrip

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in El Calafate


Day 4: Trip to Perito Moreno Glacier; El Calafate

You simply can't visit this part of the world without visiting the captivating Perito Moreno Glacier. This group guided excursion will begin with a one-hour journey to Puerto Bandera that follows a beautiful route around the edge of Lake Argentino. There will be time for photo stops along the way and you may even spot condors and eagles.

From Puerto Bandera a boat will take you along Canal de Los Tempanos toward the northern face of the glacier. However, before you reach the glacier the lake branches off and you will enter Seno Mayo, following it to Bahia Toro where black sand meets glacial blue waters. You will hop out here and take a short walk through beautiful coihue rainforest, typical of the Patagonian Andean region.

Finally, you'll arrive at an impressive waterfall and fascinating rock formations. Your guide will tell you all about the fauna and flora, glacial formations and history of Perito Moreno.

Once back on the boat, you'll make a second stop for another forest walk before embarking once more for an hour's boat ride right up to the northern face of Perito Moreno. Here you can watch its spectacular display of calving ice and the formation of deep blue icebergs.

After disembarking at the bottom of the visitor walkways opposite the glacier, you'll have the opportunity to explore the walkways which offer brilliant views of the glacier from a different perspective.

You'll then return to El Calafate to stay the night.

You can add on the following excursions at an additional cost (please enquire for the latest rates). These excursions take a full day and are alternative options to the boat trip detailed above:

Ice hike on the glacier – Learn more of the behaviour of the glacier and its natural environment; you will be mesmerised by countless blue lagoons, deep cracks, and huge sinkholes. There are two ice hiking options which give you different amounts of time on the ice: the shorter 'Minitrekking' (1hr 40mins on the ice; age limit 10-65 years) and the 'Big Ice' which is aimed at more adventurous visitors (3hrs 30mins on the ice, age limit 18-50).

Kayak – See a different perspective of the glacier by paddling through the icy waters to get a closer look at the northern face (90mins paddling time; minimum age of 14 years)

Transfer duration: 1hr to Puerto Bandera; 90mins back to El Calafate

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in El Calafate


Day 5: Transfer to El Calafate Airport

After a final breakfast at the hostel, take your private transfer to El Calafate Airport, ready for your onward flight.

Transfer duration: 20mins

Meals: Breakfast

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What our customers think of Highlights of Los Glaciares

Highlights of Los Glaciares trips scored 4.5/5 from 96 reviews

The day spent with a private driver and guide exploring different areas of the park - spoting different animals, gaining a better understanding of the geologic history of the park, and hiking to viewpoints. This was a quiet and peaceful day where we saw few others. Personally, I enjoyed the solitude of this day over the heavily occupied trek to the base of the Towers. (That was still a good day but with so many people, it was hard to stop on the trail and just take in the view)

Travelled: March 2024

Celeste -

Watching a Guanaco run to the bathroom spot right after our guide told us that they have designated potty spots!! What a crack up!!

Travelled: March 2024

Anonymous -

Great weather and views of Torres from Patagonia Camp

Travelled: March 2024

Denise -

Reaching the end of the Base trail in Torres del Paine.

Travelled: March 2024

Richard -

There are so many to choose from. I think it was the French Valley hike in Torres del Paine national park. We had perfect weather, warm and no wind if you can believe that.

Travelled: March 2024

Anonymous -

The Laguna dos Tres hike.

Travelled: February 2024

Maureen -

Hiking out to the waterfall by myself, without poles (Hint - take poles) It was worth it in the end. Also, just all-around beautiful scenery everywhere. Kayaking was also great fun!

Travelled: February 2024

Vicki -

Hiking to the base of the towers (or the Laguna de Los Tres hike).

Travelled: February 2024

Ron -

Vastness of the landscape was awe inspiring.

Travelled: February 2024

Jacq -

First view of towers Glaciers up close

Travelled: February 2024

Paul -

Completing the W at age 64

Travelled: February 2024

Cynthia -

The W Trek Hike which is fabulous. Great guide and experience.

Travelled: February 2024

Chau -

So many: 1) Seeing the penguins in Ushuaia 2) Hiking the Laguna de los Tres trail with views of Mt Fitz Roy 3) Taking the boat to see the Perito Moreno Glacier 4) Amazing meals in El Chalten 5) Getting engaged overlooking the Condor viewpoint!

Travelled: January 2024

Andrew -

Reaching the base of the Torres!

Travelled: January 2024

Jacquiline -

Hiking to the base of the towers

Travelled: January 2024

John David -

hiking on our own on a few of the torres del paine trails.

Travelled: January 2024

Isabel -

1. Statues in Rapa Nui 2. Beagle Channel and Woolya bay, Tierra del Fuego Cape Horn landing

Travelled: January 2024

Phil -

The whole trip was memorable so it is hard to pinpoint the most memorable. Generally the spectacular scenery.

Travelled: January 2024

Stephen -

Eating lunch at the base of Fitz Roy towers on a clear day.

Travelled: January 2024

Karel -

Laguna Azul, the Laguna de Los Tres hike

Travelled: January 2024

Elizabeth -

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Book now to guarantee your price for the 2024-25 season at only a 10% increase. We expect the operator’s rates to increase further in the coming months, and we guarantee you will not pay more for your trip if you book before then. If the final rate is less than initially quoted to you, the lower rate will be honoured.

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Prices for the 2024/25 season based on two people sharing with shared excursions and transfers:

Mid-range hotel: from USD $1,555 per person

Boutique hotel: from USD $1,765 per person

High-end hotel: from USD $1,885 per person

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With private excursions and transfers:

Boutique hotel: from USD $2,115 per person

High-end hotel: from USD $2,230 per person

Chaltén Camp: from USD $2,835 per person (to be confirmed)

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Spots are still available for the current 2023/2024 season at 10% less than the above quoted rates.

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Contact us for a bespoke quotation.

Additional Notes

Accommodation options – See our guide to hotels in El Chaltén.

Optional activities – Ice-hiking on Perito Moreno Glacier costs USD $275 per person for the 'Minitrekking' option and USD $700 per person for the 'Big Ice' option. Kayaking at the glacier costs USD $225 per person. All activities must be booked in advance.

Includes

  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in hotel in El Calafate; 2 nights in hotel in El Chaltén/Chaltén Camp
  • Boat trip to Perito Moreno 
  • Two group guided day hikes
  • Transfer from El Calafate–El Chaltén
  • All excursions included in itinerary
  • Private transfer to El Calafate Airport on Day 5
  • All private transport included in itinerary
  • English and Spanish speaking guide
  • National park entrance fee

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Bus terminal tax (around USD $2 in El Chaltén and USD $2 in El Calafate)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Trip?