Los Glaciares Winter Experience
Are you hoping to travel before March 2023?
Patagonia's a big trip and we know how crucial it is to get it right. As you’re considering travelling in the next couple of months, we want to be upfront with you…
Finding available accommodation is proving almost impossible in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks. While not uncommon, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation this year.
Alongside this, Swoop are also currently focused on ensuring that all of the logistics are in place for our booked travellers who are due to head south shortly.
Swoop has therefore decided to no longer accept any new bookings departing before the beginning of March 2023.
As alternative options, here’s what we suggest:
Option A:
Push your trip back and choose to travel instead in early 2023. April onwards has more accommodation options still available. The Patagonian autumnal colours are stunning and trails less crowded.
Option B:
Defer your Patagonia adventure by 12 months, benefitting by getting exactly the trip you want without compromise, and lock in plans now while there’s still good availability.
If you are able to be flexible on your travel dates, the next step would then be for us to arrange a time to talk through the options.
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I want to travel before March 2023
Unfortunately we can’t currently help with short notice trips to Patagonia. Sign up to our newsletter to get some Patagonia travel advice and inspiration!
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I’m flexible and could travel later
Trip type
Guided Activity
Trip length
5 Days
From
$900
Location
Los Glaciares
Los Glaciares Winter Experience - 5 - $900
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Day 1: Transfer to El Chaltén; Hosteria El Paraiso
Day 2: Choice of private guided trek; Hosteria El Paraiso
Day 3: Private guided trek; Transfer to El Calafate; Hotel Kapenke
Day 4: Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier; Hotel Kapenke
Day 5: Bus to El Calafate Airport
Start from El Calafate and end at El Calafate
Landmarks visited on Los Glaciares Winter Experience
Operator's Itinerary
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
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Please note this trip is not operating during the 2022 season, but you may be interested in our Winter Highlights of Torres del Paine trip.
Includes
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches
- Accommodation: 2 nights in hotel in El Chaltén, 2 nights in hotel in El Calafate
- Transfer to El Chaltén and El Calafate
- Transfer to Perito Moreno Glacier
- English and Spanish-speaking guide
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Any extra/optional excursions
- Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
- Personal travel insurance
- Entrance fees to National Parks
- Bus station tax
- Gratuities/tips
- International and domestic/in-country flights
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
