Los Glaciares Winter Experience

Day 1: Transfer to El Chaltén; Hosteria El Paraiso

Today you'll take a bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén where you can settle in to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hosteria El Paraiso, or similar

Day 2: Choice of private guided trek; Hosteria El Paraiso

Today you'll undertake a private guided trek. The destination will be discussed with your guide in the morning. There are three possible routes, depending on your preference and the weather conditions. You can choose two of the options below:

1. Laguna de los Tres – You can trek this route from El Chaltén as a there-and-back route retracing your steps, however it's much better to drive out to Hosteria Pilar and start from there. The route ascends approximately 800m after starting out on a forest path with views across to Glacier Piedras Blancas. There's a steep final ascent to Laguna de Los Tres – a great place to stop for lunch if conditions permit. The descent takes you to the wonderful Laguna Capri which also offers great views up to the massif.

Length of hike: 7-9hrs, 22km

2. Laguna Torre – On this hike you ascend through a perfect glaciated valley up to the the Laguna Torre with its wonderful views to Cerro Torre and the glacier. It's an easier hike than the Laguna de Los Tres, only ascending 250m-350m, depending on whether you continue up to the Maestri viewpoint.

Length of hike: 5-6hrs, 20km

3. Loma del Pliegue Tumbado – This trek takes you to the south of the Fitz Roy massif, offering a different perspective on the mountains as well the view south to Lake Viedma. Although the altitude gain is significant, the route is relatively easy going – keep an eye out for fossils!

Length of hike: 6-8hrs, 16-18km

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hosteria El Paraiso, or similar

Day 3: Private guided trek; Transfer to El Calafate; Hotel Kapenke

Today you'll undertake another private guided trek. Again, the destination will be discussed with your guide in the morning.

In the evening you'll take a bus to El Calafate and stay there overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Kapenke, or similar

Day 4: Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier; Hotel Kapenke

Today you'll take an excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll have several hours to enjoy the wonders of the glacier from the walkways and viewing galleries, with their different perspectives. Chances are you'll get to see huge chunks of ice calve of the face of this advancing glacier and crash into the water below.

Optional Extra – In some months you can opt to add on an ice-hike on the glacier. There are two options. The first gives you around 1hr 40mins on the ice itself as part of a two hour guided tour (available August through June). The second option, for more active visitors, gives you around 3.5hrs on the ice, including your lunch (available September through April).

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Kapenke, or similar

Day 5: Bus to El Calafate Airport

Today you'll take a transfer to El Calafate Airport for your onward flight. 

Meals: Breakfast