Argentina First Class in 21 Days

21 days - 20 nights

Day 1 - Arrival to Buenos Aires

Welcome to Argentina. Reception and transfer from Ezeiza International Airport (Buenos Airtes City) to the hotel.

Day 2 - A walking tour of Buenos Aires and a coffee in the Tortoni

Breakfast in the hotel. We start the walk in the barrio of Recoleta getting to know the Plaza Francia, the colonial church of la Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the cemetery where Eva Peron was buried and the La Biela Café, one of the most popular cafes. After, we pass by Retiro with its important train stations and the English Tower and the impressive San Martin plaza where we can see the tomb of the fallen heroes of the Falkland Island war. From the plaza we take the pedestrian Calle Florida, the busiest shopping street, with its beautiful Galerías Pacífico mall, until Avenida Córdoba where we descend to Puerto Madero. The city side of Puerto Madero consists of renovated wharf buildings that have been converted into offices and exclusive restaurants that were part of the booming 90s. The other side, connected by bridges, including the La Mujer bridge which was designed by the talented Spanish architect Calatrava, is a very modern office and hotel development.

We walk a few blocks along the docks until we are nearly level to the Casa Rosada, the Presidential House, where we then divert back towards the City via the Plaza de Mayo with its surrounding buildings such as the colonial Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. If it is a Sunday we then go along streets cobbled in the Colonial days until San Thelmo and its cultural centre, La Plaza Dorrego, to visit its famous fair known especially for its antiques but also for its books and artisanal products. Apart from Sundays we walk from the Plaza de Mayo along the Avenida de Mayo with its art deco and art nouveau buildings until we take a well earned rest and an aperitif in the traditional and old Café Tortoni, a named city cultural site. The Café Tortoni, although with an Italian name, was in fact founded by a Frenchman in 1858. The Avenida de Mayo, at the beginning of the 20th century had very wide walkways and its trees gave it life and also protection from the sun. One of the special features of the avenue is the Palacio Barolo. We then return to the hotel to rest after a very active day. If you want to see other excursion options in Buenos Aires, click here: Tours in Buenos Aires.

Day 3 - Exclusive boat trip of the Río de la Plata & Delta del Tigre

Breakfast in the hotel. In the North Dock in Puerto Madero, in the centre of Buenos Aires, we board a modern launch with state of the art nautical technology, great comfort and available refreshments, in order to make a cruise along the coast of the Río de la Plata and into the Delta del Tigre. We are accompanied by the excellent views of Buenos Aires from the water and pass by the Jorge Newberry Airport, the football stadium home of River Plate, known as the Monument, and the City University. We then cruise by the exclusive residential barrios of Vicente López, Martinez and the elevations of San Isidro, the port of Olivos and various nautical clubs until we enter the Delta of the río Paraná, a fast flowing river that has its source in Brazil.

Especially at weekends and on sunny days there will be a lot of marine activity with an abundance of yachts and cruisers as well as the water taxis that service the houses and restaurants that on the islands in the Tigre Delta. The Delta is like a rural Venice with its houses on the banks and its streets being the waterways. We go to the El Alcázar recreation centre on the Banks of the río Sarmiento and then continue our trip past a number of the islands until we stop close to midday at the bustling water transport station of Tigre, where we can go and have lunch. After lunch we return to Puerto Madero.

Day 4 - Departure to Puerto Iguazú

Breakfast in the Hotel. Transfer to domestic airport. Reception and transfer from Iguazú Airport to the hotel.

Day 5 - Iguazu Falls: Argentina & Navigating the Iguazu River

Iguazu Falls: Argentina

We will do one of the most interesting excursions through the hanging bridges, which will lead us to visit the stunning Falls from the Argentine side. Then we will get to the Devil's Gorge and be dazzled by its rough waters, a nature spectacles at a height of 80 meters. In the Lower Area (Circuito Inferior) we will enjoy the rich wildlife around us, as we go down the flight of steps where we can watch the spectacle offered by this water curtain surrounded by thick vegetation. We will pass by Álvar Núñez Fall, from where we will enjoy the first views of the Devil's Gorge. Following the path, we will find San Martín Island and the homonymous Fall. Finally, at the end of trip we will find Bosetti and Dos Hermanas Falls. We can stay and appreciate this spectacle of waters and get refreshed since the steam from the waves breaking on the rocks will spray us completely.

We will continue our trip, this time in the Upper Area (Circuito Superior), where we will go around the same falls but from a different point of view of the Falls and their surroundings. Besides, we will get close to our next destination, the most stunning, which will guide us through the roaring of the water currents. We will get to the Devil's Gorge's station by train, and start our trip around the islands, and thus, have a wider view of this great nature "mistake" in the middle of the forest created, according to a legend, by the angry God of Iguazú River.

Full Moon (optional in Argentine Falls) We will enjoy this unique trip at night with a full moon, which will allow us to appreciate the sounds and secrets of Misiones forest. We will leave on the Ecologic Train and head for Devil's Gorge Station, where we will capture the first sounds of nature, which creates a magic and mysterious environment. The spectacle offered by the Falls, with the rainbow that appears from the waters with the moon reflection, will completely dazzle us. Besides, once within this overwhelming environment, we will get the movements and sounds of the animals that go for their food. After such a magnificent experience, we will return by train to the travelers' center.

Navigation type Zodiac rubber boats for the Iguazu River

After visiting the Iguazu Falls walking down the upper and lower footbridges we still need to enjoy a boat ride that takes us to the heart of the biggest jumps in the park. We can start from the Visitor Center or through the jungle missionary Yacaratiá Macuco path to and from the port out to experience navigation in zodiac boats type by the lower margin of the Iguazu River. It is a worthwhile experience. We approach the most important leaps, especially Three Musketeers and Salto San Martin, in the latter inevitably enjoy a full wet as if we were showering in the same waterfall. Back through the jungle or arrive at the port that leads to the visitor center to continue to enjoy true nature in its purest form.

Day 6 - Iguazu Falls: Brazil & Birds Park

Iguazu Falls: Brazil

Here we will have a very beautiful trip through the only hanging bridge of 1 km to enjoy the view of Iguazú Falls from the other side, the Brazilian region. During this trip we can also learn more about the fauna and flora, enjoy a unique landscape of the falls since the area is more open regarding falls because most of them are on the Argentine side and form a water curtain of 2.700 meters wide. So from this side we will be dazzled by the beauty of the Devil's Gorge to the full.

Besides, this place is home to rare wildlife species, some of them in danger of extinction such as giant otters, anteaters, jaguars, red deer and yellow alligators. We will also see native flowers such as orchids, bromelias and thousands of butterflies.

Note: We have to bear in mind that this trip is available only 5 days per month during the full moon; two days before, two days after, and during that period. We have also to take into consideration that the capacity for this activity is limited and, of course, it depends on the weather conditions that day. If you want to see other excursion options in Iguazu, click here: Tours in Iguazu.

Birds Park

You will visit the Parque de las Aves, a private 4,000-acre zoo open since 1994, which is located in the middle of a forest and close to the Iguazu Falls. In this facility you will see native and exotic birds, such as parrots, macaws, butterflies, reptiles and insects, most of them under risk of extinction. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation, typical of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. There are over 900 birds of 135 species from Brazil and other origins. You can also find different animal species. If you want to see other excursion options in Iguazu, click here: Tours in Iguazu.

Day 7 - Salta - City Tour

We will start our tour along the city from the nice 9 de Julio Square, so eye-catching because of its decorated coloured quarries and its fruited trees which leave a nice fragrance in the salteño air. From the square we will be able to have a first vision of its history and colonial past, as we will be surrounded by old buildings such as the Cabildo, the Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, the Convent of San Bernardo de las Monjas Carmelitas, one of the oldest buildings in the city which was the entrance door to the convent and it is made of carob wood that was carved by the natives in 1762; its old houses complete the historical quarter, which are today very important monuments.

Then, we will go to the impressive and most recognised hill in the salteña city: Cerro San Bernardo. Before getting to it, we will tour along the streets, getting to Güemes monument, an argentinian general who is known because of its ideals of freedom, dispise to materialism and his love to his Motherland. We will get to San Martín Park where we will find the cable railway station, our means of transport to get to the hill so we can have an amazing panoramic of the city and its surroundings, with the hills at the background.

After the ascent, we will continue to a really charming place, which is chosen by many tourists because of its wonderful natural attractions and the different activities to do: the summer village of San Lorenzo, where we will find the Quebrada, an ideal place to spend the day at the edge of the river, listening its relaxing sounds. We will enjoy our way to it, as we will go through flowered Gardens, mansions and castles which are surrounded by small hills and where we can do (horse) riding, trekking and pic-nic. We will go back to the city, going through the Handmade Market (Mercado Artesanal) first, where we will be able to get some souvenirs from this beautiful city, such as silver and pottery pieces, rustic fabric of llama wool, craftwork in leather, among others.

Day 8 - Quebrada de Humahuaca

Breakfast at the hotel. Today a full day of history and landscapes will be waiting for us, as we will do the circuit to Quebrada de Humahuaca, where we will visit its prehispanic villages which date from hundred years ago and some are so well kept that they shows us its original buildings and houses, so we can visit and tour closer around them.

In first place, the Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared a Natural and Cultural Heritage Mankind in 2003.

We will start by crossing the Siancas Valley through Gral. Güemes town to tour a sugar cane, tobacco, cotton farming area, among others and we will get to the bordering province of Jujuy and its capital in a valley of 155 kilometres extense, which is surrounded of multicoloured mountains and hills, an arid vegetation area and río Grande. We will get into an area of an amazing variety of brown, green, ocres and reddish tonalities. We will continue to Yala, a summer village which is located in the middle of the mountains, rivers and lagoons, with guest houses and weekend houses, there is also the Potrero de Yala Provincial Park which preserves the Lagunas de Yala (Yala Lagoons) where some birds´ species can be watched. We will start ascending the quebrada, going through villages which are kept like the ancient years and they make an unforgettable postal through the landscapes.

We now arrive at Purmamarca, a picturesque town located at the foot of the impressive and unic Cerro de los Siete Colores, which surprise us with its amazing ranges that mixes with the environment tranquility, its vegetation and the blue sky, apart from the hundred ruins of the first villages in the region. We will continue to Maimará, a town which is exactly in the centre of the quebrada, there we will be able to appreciate la Paleta del Pintor (Painter´s Palette), with is multicoloured hills which honours its name; Posta de Hornillos where we will find a museum to live and be witnesses of the prehispanic life; we will go to Tilcara, a famous village because of its caves and its small church, which is one of the oldest ones in the area. We will enjoy some regional and exquisite dishes and then, we can do a tour where the craftsmen are so we can buy some native souvenirs, rustic fabrics made of llama and vicuña, with the company of those kind and thankful people.

Day 9 - Calchaquíes Valleys through Cafayate

We will to Calafate city, going through impressive landscapes that change on every curve we make in wonderful colours like the reddish hills, ochre colour of the grass, grey stones and green cactus. We will get ready to descend through the valleys. We will make a stop in Alemanía, a lonely town, but we cannot miss the visit so we can admire its old country houses between green hills, the train station which doesn´t work anymore and now we can see the beautiful work of the craftsmen who invite us to bring a nice souvenir from this town.

We will be wondered as soon as we watch those rare and eye-catching shapes, going through Quebrada de las Conchas, where we will be able to see figures such as the Devil´s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), the Amfitheater (Anfiteatro) a wonderful place where we can perfectly hear the echo of any sound and it is here where many festivals take place, such as the folklore; another shapes are the Obelisk (Obelisco) which makes a lonely crag, the Castles (Castillos) of an intense red colour which reminds the castles in the medieval times, the Yesera with its light sandstone formations, the House of Parrots (Casa de los Loros) named like this because there are stone walls which are the habitat for great flock of parrots during the summer; the friar (Fraile), the toad (Sapo) and the impressive Devil´s Throat in Salta, shaped as a human trachea and also called like that because of its colour.

We will continue to visit the Archaelogical Museum, a place where there is a great quantity of objects which belonged to native villages. Many people have been investigating, making excavations, restorations and exhibitions about them. We will get to Dique Cabra Corral, next to Coronel Moldes, an ideal place to practise water sports, then we will go through some towns dedicated to the farming activities such as El Carril, where we will find many stock-tobacco companies and also fig tree, walnut tree and peach tree fields; La Merced, with its cleany streets and green spaces which make it so picturesque, and Cerrillos. All these towns belong to Valle de Lerma, where there are treasures which come from mines that were found and they are hidden somewhere between the hills, according to local stories. We will be pleasured to taste some wineries´wines.

We will continue our journey from Cafayate, by visiting the Calchaquí Valleys. We will visit the Cathedral "Nuestra Señora del Rosario" which contrast with the multi – coloured hills in the background and then we will cover the most traditional wineries in this beautiful city between valleys and hills of an impressive green colour, which is the most important one in the Calchaquí Valleys because of its "torrontés" wines above all, an ideal place because of the temperature and humidity to the development of this kind of grape with a sweet and fruited taste, together with their goat cheese. The name of the city was given because of an old native settlement which means "Bury of sorrows or sadness" (Sepultura de las Penas).

Day 10 - Horse riding to las Lomas de San Lorenzo

Breakfast in the hotel. From Salta we take a quick 10km drive to the charming summer town of San Lorenzo, one of the most attractive areas close to the city, surrounded by hills. The combination of pasture lands, rivers, hills and quebradas make it an ideal place for horseriding and afford some magnificent views of the valley of Lerma. Moreover there are many other activities that lend themselves to this area amongst the rolling hillsides.

This horse ride we recommend especially to people with little or no experience of horseriding because it is of relatively short duration and very relaxed with low difficulty. We ascend by a gentle slope that takes us into the rolling hills and rivers with its mountain scenery. It is a very peaceful ride broken only by the sounds of nature and the murmuring river.

Optional: Rafting in the river Juramento

For the able bodied and more adventurous we suggest rafting over a course of 12 kms that gets the adrenalin running amongst the rapids of the crystalline clear river and the avoidance of the natural obstacles.

The rafting is moderately difficult but is preceded by a short introductory course for security and to enable full participation in this fun activity. All the equipment such as life jackets, water proof clothing and helmets are provided. The river passes through a wild landscape replete with geological formations that contain the remains of dinosaurs and algae fossils which make this two hour event so visually and physically enjoyable. If you want to see other excursion options in Salta, click here: Tours in Salta.

Day 11 - Departure to Puerto Madryn or Mendoza

Breakfast in the Hotel. Transfer to Salta Airport. Reception and transfer from Mendoza Airport or Trelew Airport to the hotel.

Day 12 - Península Valdés and Whale Watching or Along the Andean Range bordering the Mendoza river

Option: June to November

Península Valdés and Whale Watching

Breakfast at the hotel. We will have great excitement on this day. We will set out first thing in the morning towards Península de Valdés, which was declared Natural and Cultural World Heritage by the UNESCO for being one of the few places in the world where you can watch the Southern right whale in its natural habitat. In this place we can find the biggest concentration of sea animals in the entire Atlantic coastline.

We will visit the Interpretation Center in Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, and then we will head for the ecotouristic village of Puerto Pirámides, which is the only urbanized town in the Peninsula. In Pirámides, we will enjoy a spectacular experience watching the whales in their natural habitat, accompanied by whale specialized guides, biologists, and film and naturalist photography teams.

Before starting our voyage, we will provide travelers with a raincoat and a life jacket. We will set out on a motorboat tour around the crystalline waters of Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf) to see the Southern Right Whale. We will have a unique natural experience when the whales make their appearance moving, swiping their tails, blowing air through their holes and jumping. From the end of May to December, whales from Antarctica reach the coasts of Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf) to breed in the coastline of Puerto Pirámides.

Note about the whale watching: It is performed between July and November. Waterproof clothes and windbreakers are recommended. Before the trip, elemental advice is provided. This adventure is available for adults as well as for children.

Option: December to July

Along the Andean Range bordering the Mendoza river

Breakfast at the hotel. This program takes us to the limit with Chile crossing the Cordillera de los Andes (Andean Mountain Range) along the Routes 40 and 7 bordering the Mendoza river. We go by the Potrerillo Reservoir which contains the Mendoza river waters and along the Uspallata Valley dividing the foothills from the mountain range. We make a short detour to visit the Picheuta Bridge, a real milestone as General Jose de San Martin crossed it with The Andean Army when crossing the Andes. We will visit the most imposing Andean massif, the Aconcagua Mount, with its 6.962 meters over sea level and we watch the Puente del Inca (Inca Bridge), which is a natural bridge with a famous history and thermal waters. We stop at the entrance of the park to make a short walk to be able to watch the southern side of the Aconcagua and enjoy the sight of the Horcones Lake. The journey continues along the Route 7 and takes us to the ski resort Los Penitentes, up to the border town of Las Cuevas and with good weather we climb to the Cristo Redentor Monument (Christ The Redeemer). We can optionally have lunch (not included) to return later to Mendoza city.

Day 13 - Punta Tombo Penguin colony with Valle Inferior & fossils or Atuel Canyon

Option: June to November

Punta Tombo Penguin colony with Valle Inferior

Breakfast at hotel. Today we visit the most important Magellan penguin colony in South America: Punta Tombo, located in the south of the Valle Inferior of the Chubut River. At the beginning (more than 50 years ago), it was a natural reserve, 20 years later it was considered protected area. Punta Tombo has an expanse of almost 3.000m per 500m wide along the Atlantic Ocean. This natural accident is produced by crystalline rocky structures appearance before the Jurassic era which have beared the erosion produced by the ravages of the sea. Key factors for nest creation are the existence of boulder and compact sand. The season is from the beginning of September until April, when penguins emigrate to nest and protect their young.

Depending on the season, all their productive cycle can be observed. First males appear so as to build their nests or rebuild the previous year one, they take advantage of the natural caves for that. One month later, females lay their eggs to sit on them during 40 to 45 days. During that gestation period, males go for food. At the beginning of April, chicks are already good swimmers and feed alone. In the past, this zone was an indigenous cemetery where many Tehuelches also lived and hunted. When walking around the reserve we recommend not to divert the route. When returning from this adventure with penguins, we go towards the lower valley, to know the industrial and commercial center of the region: Trelew. Then we continue towards Gaiman, the most important Welsh colony in Argentina. There are still traditions and customs such as the Welsh tea with Welsh Black cake, as well as the walnut cake with fruit and homemade bread. If we go back the chacras (eateries), we will observe the different Welsh Chapels and observe the farming-tourist ventures.

Punta Ninfas lighthouse: Elephants & fossils

Breakfast at hotel. We start the excursion at the southernmost point of Golfo Nuevo, where Punta Ninfas is located, an excellent place to enjoy the panoramic view of the whole gulf. Visitors know this place for the lighthouse  with the same name. This antique lighthouse in Punta Ninfas has been the principal shelter for elephant seals since over a century. We will be able to see the place history through the marine fossils. If you want to see other excursion options in Puerto Madryn, click here: Tours in Puerto Madryn.

Option: December to May

Atuel Canyon

Breakfast at the hotel. We set off from San Rafael towards the Cuesta de los Terneros to go to Dique Valle Grande and the Atuel river. We stop at the San Francisco de Asis lookout point to enjoy a terrific sight of the city and the canyon. After several kilometres we enter El Nihuil which is impressive for the depth of its lake. We rest and may have lunch (not included). We set off to the Atuel Canyon, to be trapped by a landscape of pure beauty, typical of the andean ecosystem, due to the erosive action of winds and water creating natural sculptures becoming awesome landforms, fanciful shapes of mother nature such as Museo de Cera (Wax Museum), el Lagarto (the Alligator), Los Monstruos (the Monsters), Los Jardines Colgantes (The Hanging Gardens) or La Ciudad Encantada (The Haunted City), etc. The canyon is formed by the Atuel river, Valle Grande Reservoir and El Nihuil. We make a short

walk along the canyon to arrive at the Valle Grande. The ones who want adventure tourism, can enjoy rafting, rappel or a boat voyage (all these activities must be booked at destination).

Optional: Rafting in Mendoza

Breakfast at the hotel. The Cañon del Atuel river is a synonym of rafting and is famous in all the country for its rapids and the transparency of its water which combine with the beauty of the place. The river is navigable every month except June with a difficulty level 2, based on the international scale from 0 to 6, its average depth is 1,20 meters. The rapids of Atuel and Diamante rivers are excellent to practise this sport, Grande river is another option.

Day 14 - Departure to Ushuaia

Breakfast in the Hotel. We will move us to the Airport of Trelew or Mendoza to ship in the flight to Ushuaia. They will receive us in the Airport of Ushuaia to direct us to the hotel.

Day 15 - Tierra del Fuego National Park & an Adventure in canoes

We set out from Ushuaia to the Ensenada Bay which is located inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park. It is also the place where the 7 km Coast Track begins and it goes through one of the most interesting locations of the Beagle Chanel. Here we can watch sea birds and mammals. We start the journey with the archaeological diggings of the well known shells, the mementos of the Yámana Indians. The Fuegino Forest on the coasts of the Beagle Chanel has nearly extinct species of trees such as the Canelo and Notro. We arrive to the Lago Roca after a few hours to have a local barbecue lunch before we start the adventure with canoes or duckies, entering by the River Lapataia. We navigate the river from its birth until it meets with the Beagle Canal. In general, the navigation takes an hour and a half for the 5 km. We will be able to watch red foxes, woodpeckers, steam ducks, condors, cauquenes, black necked swans or macaes on their floating nests while we navigate the first track of the continental area. Once we enter to the Cormoranes Archipelago in the sea region it is the end of the journey in the Lapataia Bay.

Day 16 - Off Road 4x4 Adventure to the Fagnano and Escondido Lakes

Breakfast at the Hotel. We begin our adventure to the Fueguino Lakes: Fagnano and Escondido. We go to the centre of the Grand Island of Tierra del Fuego where we can see the transition between the Andes Mountain Chain and the end of the rugged Patagonian Plains. We spend some time in the Alto del Valle Ski Centre to see the breeding and training of the Siberian sleigh dogs. We then continue to the north to cross the Andes Mountain Chain by the Luis Garibaldi Pass with its unique views of the Fagnano and Escondido Lakes, the track connects the River Negro and the Estancias of the Island with Ushuaia. This mountain pass is the highest place that reaches until 460 metres high. We get closer to the Escondido Lake where we stop to have our box lunch before we start our off road experience. The Escondido Lake, also called the Escondido Lagoon is surrounded by a forest full of coihues, pines and lengas. It is possible to see what the beavers are doing with the trees: they roll them so that they can use to build their dams which produces floods in the forest. We enter to the forest by the tracks made by the woodcutters, which are covered in mud, the trucks soon look as though they have been painted. Suddenly, the scene changes as we leave behind the forest and arrive at the Fagnano Lake and then we continue until the camp site to eat before return to Ushuaia. If you want to see other excursion options in Ushuaia, click here: Tours in Ushuaia.

Day 17 - Classic Navigation on the Beagle Channel to visit the Martillo Island and the Harberton Estancia

We begin our crossing setting off from the dock of the Ushuaia Port heading to the Beagle Channel via the Paso Chico. We arrive in the Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island) and the Isla de los Lobos Marinos (Sea Lion Island) where we enjoy the presence of marine birds such as the Cook Seagulls or the Fuegino Albatros and we are impressed by the sea lion colonies. On the Eclaireurs Light House we see cormorants. As we continue with our route we leave behind Port Almanza on the left and the Chilean military base of Port Williams on the right before we reach the Martillo Island and disembark to watch the Magellan Penguins, and in some cases, the Papúa Penguins.

We continue to the Harberton Estancia where we land to visit its facilities such as its surroundings, the sheep shearing and woodworking sheds and we can spend some time in the Marine Bird and Mammal Museum that owns the most important collection of South America (this is not included in the program but it can be booked apart). We return to Ushuaia crossing the valleys, rivers and mountains, while we enjoy the geography of the end of the world that also includes peat bogs and the work of the beavers. These landscapes are very particular due to the trees that are pushed because of the strong and constant Patagonian winds and they are called 'flag bushes' due to their shape. Before we get to Ushuaia we enter the Garibaldi Pass in order to have a unique view of the Escondido and Fagnano Lakes. If we have some free time we can go and see a breeding and training place for the Siberian dogs that are used to pull snow sleighs in the skiing season. If you want to see other excursion options in Ushuaia, click here: Tours in Ushuaia.

Day 18 - Departure to Calafate

Breakfast in the Hotel. Transfer to the Airport of Ushuaia to take us the flight to The Calafate. Reception in the Airport of the Calafate and transfer to the hotel.

Day 19 - Mini trekking to the Perito Moreno Glacier

To undertake this brief hike we need to cross the Rich Lake and then we arrive to the south east coast after a few minutes of navigation, which is in front of the southern wall of the glacier. Here we disembark and we go to the refuge where we are organized in groups. We begin our short 15 minutes walk going around the lake until we arrive to the glacier. Here we prepare our specialized equipment for trekking on ice. We suggest using hiking boots with thick socks, preferably woolen (it is not possible to use rubber boots because they are too slippery.

The track takes less than two hours to walk at a normal rhythm and we can discover a great variety of types and sizes of crevices, sump holes, small lagoons, and 'seracs' that are great blocks of ice divided by fissures caused by internal movements. We learn about the local flora and wildlife of the place and some other features of the glaciers: for example the continuous and incredible advance of the glacier leaving behind giant pieces of ice. We start our return through an Andean Magellan Forest covered in plants and typical trees of the southern Patagonia.

Note: This tour is available nearly all year round except for June and July. The people suitable for this expedition are those between 10 and 65 years old approximately. It all depends upon the physical condition of the person. It is forbidden for pregnant women, people with illnesses related to heart, movement or coordination. We do not recommend this tour for overweight people. Smoking is not allowed throughout the programme.

Day 20 - Navigation across the Argentino Lake

Today a navigation between giant ice structures in Los Glaciares National Park is waiting for us. We firstly travel to Punta Bandera (Flag point) in order to make an early embarkation to start our trip on the Argentino Lake, the biggest and most southern of all the Patagonian lakes in the argentinean region. It covers an area of 1466 kms2 and has a depth ranging from 150 to 500 metres.

We begin our navigation by the north branch of the lake, visiting the Spegazzini, Onelli, Bolado and Agassiz Glaciers, these last ones located in the Onelli Bay, moreover we get closer to the Upsala Glacier. This glacier integrates an area surrounded by other glaciers which covers 850 km2 and its walls reach until 80 metres high. Its name comes from the University of the same name in Sweden that was the first one in starting a study about the surrounded area, in the twentieth century. On the other hand, the Spegazzini Glacier is the highest inside the national park at 135 metres and is located on the homonym branch of the Argentino Lake.

We disembark in the Onelli Bay, only if the ice conditions allow us because the large icebergs can block the entrance to the boat and it is always risky for the crew. Onelli leaves us amazed with the presence of an ancient Patagonian forest populated with different species of trees such as ñires, canelos and lengas. We might be lucky if we watch the giant condors that inhabit the Andean Mountain Chain. Meanwhile, we make a walk to a unique place where the confluence of the Agassiz, Bolados and Heim Glaciers into the Onelli Lagoon takes place. In our return we see the front of the Spegazzini Glacier. If you want to see other excursion options in Calafate, click here: Tours in Calafate.

Please note: There could be ice falls from the Upsala Glacier that leave giant icebergs which could block the navigation to the Onelli Bay. This natural hazard could make difficult the landing. When this happens the boat crosses the waters of the Ice floe Channel to go on the northern position of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Day 21 - Ezeiza International Airport

Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer to Calafate Airport. Reception and transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (Domestic Airport) to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. End of our services.