Walk Patagonia proposes a different kind of programme for enjoying Glaciares National Park. El Calafate and El Chaltén will be the starting points in an adventure of getting to know some of the most famous glaciers and mountains in the world. This is a programme that includes some of the most important highlights of Southern Patagonia. The Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Torre, Mount Fitz Roy, and the incredible lakes which run in diverse paths that cross the most beautiful forests of the region. It also includes quality and comfortable hotel accommodation, mountain refuges and campsites to complete a programme that allows us to live a unique and unforgettable experience in full contact with nature.
Arrive into El Calafate. Depending on what time you arrive you might have time for visiting the centre, bird watching at Laguna Nimes or visiting Glaciarium – the ice museum – a great introduction to Patagonia! (And maybe a drink in the ice bar?!).
– Overnight: Hotel in El Calafate.
Your day will begin with an hour’s journey to the port where you will embark on a boat ride that gives you a unique approach to the glacier. The drive follows a beautiful route around the edge of Lake Argentino. There will be time for photo stops along the way and you may even be lucky enough to spot condors and eagles.
Once you have stepped aboard, the boat will take you along Canal de Los Témpanos toward the northern face of the glacier. Before you reach the glacier, the lake branches off and you will enter Seno Mayo until you get to Bahia Toro where black sand meets glacial blue waters. You will hop out here and take a short walk through beautiful coihue forest, typical of the Patagonian Andean region. Finally, you arrive at an impressive waterfall and fascinating rock formations. Your guide will tell you all about the fauna and flora, glacial formations and the history of Perito Moreno, not just a glacier but a person, too!
On return to the boat, you will continue the ride before making a second stop for another forest walk and a closer look at Glacier Mayo. You will embark once more for an hour’s boat ride that will take you right up to the northern face of Perito Moreno. You will spend some time watching its spectacular display of calving ice and the formation of deep blue icebergs.
After disembarking at the bottom of the walkways opposite the glacier, you will have the opportunity to explore along the paths, which offer brilliant views of the glacier from a different perspective.
If you are lucky you will also see some ice calving, creating great waves on the lake. You will have time for wandering around and enjoying the views. There is a cafeteria at the glacier for snacks and hot drinks. At the end of the day you will catch the 18.30 bus to El Chaltén. We will pick you up at the bus station and transfer you to your accommodation. We will have a short briefing about the following days’ activities..
– Overnight: Hotel in El Chaltén.
The day starts with a 30-minute transfer from El Chaltén to Río Electrico. From here we start walking along the Electrico valley, through an enchanting lenga forest until we arrive at Piedra del Fraile, about 2 hours later. This will be our home for the night. After a short break and some lunch we continue along the valley towards the Pollone Glacier. The trek here is against the prevailing winds from the Continental Ice field.
We are able to appreciate raw nature at its best; pure rock and ice. Along the way we admire a different angle of Mt Fitz Roy, its Northern Face. After a short break at this hidden lagoon at the base of the mountains we return to our refuge to enjoy a hot meal and rest.
– Walking: 6 hs
– Distance: 15 Km
– Overnight: Piedra del Fraile Refuge
After breakfast we head back to the Eléctrico bridge and head for Piedras Blancas glacier viewpoint. We then continue on Poincenot campsite.
After crossing the river the path ascends steeply up to Laguna de los Tres, the closest we can get to Fitz Roy without doing anything technical.
The effort is all made worthwhile by the breath-taking views we get at the top; of Mt Fitz Roy, its satellite mountains and the view of the valley we have been walking along. Weather permitting; we will have lunch at the lagoon. We will then start the descent towards our next camp. From here we can continue to enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and glaciers.
– Walking: 7/8 hs.
– Distance: 17 Km.
– Overnight: Poincenot Campground.
After breakfast we will continue through the beautiful lenga forests past the lagoons – Madre, Hija and Nieta.
The path is quite flat, a break after the climbing of the day before! After a couple of hours we will drop in to the glacial valley that takes us towards Laguna Torre. This valley is loved by geologists and photographers for its perfect “U” shape. At the end of the valley we will find the Laguna Torre, its glacier and the famous Mt Torre – considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb.
After lunch at the lagoon we head back towards Chaltén along the Fitz Roy River valley.
– Walking: 7/8 hs
– Distance: 21 Km
– Overnight: Hotel in El Chaltén.
The bus to EL Calafate departs at 8 o’clock, arriving in at the airport at about 10.30/11am so you can catch any flight 12 o’clock onwards End of Services
