12-Day Glacial Trails of Argentina

Set out on an exhilarating four-hour bike tour through the heart of Buenos Aires with an English-speaking guide who has called this alluring city home for years. Today, you’ll discover the city’s most iconic sights. Start by watching the passionate tango dancers in the colorful streets of La Boca district. Next, admire the historic architecture surrounding Plaza de Mayo. Then, venture to the modern waterfront area of Puerto Madero. Finally, conclude your tour with a stroll through the bohemian streets of San Telmo, soaking in its unique charm.

• Activity:Biking. Sightseeing.
• Transport:Bike.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Hotel Art Gallery or similar.

Start your day with a private transfer from your hotel to Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque airport, where your Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up 2.5 hours before your flight to El Calafate, the gateway to Patagonia. Upon arrival, head to the arrivals hall to pick up your pre-booked rental car. After handling the paperwork, you’ll be set to self-drive to your accommodation in or near El Calafate. A scenic 4-hour drive to El Chaltén via the legendary Route 40 displays infinite horizons, mountain peaks, rolling hills, and blue lakes.

• Activity:Transfer. Driving.
• Transport:Car. Plane.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Estancia La Quinta or similar.

Venture on a captivating self-guided trek to Laguna de los Tres in El Chaltén, starting with a walk through lenga forests teeming with melodious birds. As you ascend 400 meters to the highest point, you’ll be rewarded with majestic views of Mount Fitz Roy, the Glacier de los Tres, and its lagoon, offering a profound sense of humility and awe. Continue to circle Laguna de los Tres and head towards the spectacular vistas at the viewpoint of Laguna Sucia and its glacier, ensuring memorable experiences at every turn.

• Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Estancia La Quinta or similar.

If you tackled the hike to Laguna de los Tres yesterday, today’s recommended adventure is a trek to Laguna Torre, a route that promises equally stunning views. For those seeking a change of pace, consider horseback riding or mountain biking to experience the landscape from a different perspective. Alternatively, you might enjoy booking an excursion to the beautiful Lago del Desierto, just an hour away from El Chaltén, where the serene waters and picturesque settings provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation or photography.

• Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Estancia La Quinta or similar.

A flexible morning in El Chaltén allows you time for a pleasant walk or another activity such as horseback riding, mountain biking, or kayaking. This small village of about 500 inhabitants at the base of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre is a premier trekking destination. Consider a detour to the La Leona Petrified Forest, dating back 150 million years to the Jurassic period. Be sure to book a guide in advance if interested! Plan your day to ensure a timely return for your 4-hour drive back to El Calafate.

• Activity:Exploring. Driving.
• Transport:Car.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Hosteria La Estepa or similar.

Your adventure begins with a boat ride that ferries you directly to the glacier, where you’ll strap on your crampons and venture on a roughly 1 hour and 40-minute trek across the icy expanse. The boat will bring you closer to the glacier’s face before you take a leisurely walk along the opposite shore, where you can witness the dramatic spectacle of huge ice blocks calving and crashing into the lake below. Please note the age restrictions for participation: mini-trekking is open to guests up to 65 years old, whereas big-trekking is limited to those 50 years old and younger.

• Activity:Hiking. Cruising.
• Transport:Car. Boat.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Hosteria La Estepa or similar.

Self-drive from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, switching between the popular Route 40 and Route 5 over almost five hours. Your last opportunity to refuel comes at La Esperanza, before crossing the border at Cancha Carrera, which leads directly into the park.

Celebrated for its stunning glaciers, lakes, and native forests, Torres del Paine ranks among the most spectacular hiking destinations globally. The park’s most iconic landmarks, the Torres and Cuernos del Paine, dramatically rise from the Patagonian plains, providing dazzling views. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for a diverse range of wildlife, including guanacos, flamingos, rheas, and condors.

• Activity:Driving.
• Transport:Car.
• Meal:Breakfast.
• Accommodation:Cabaña Tyndall or similar.

Today, explore Torres del Paine’s majestic landscapes at your own pace. We highly recommend starting your day with an early morning hike to the base of the famous Tower’s lookout. Experiencing the sunrise here is truly magical; as the sun crests the horizon, it bathes the Towers in a red glow—a fleeting yet memorable spectacle.

Another highlight is the Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall located on the north side of Lake Pehoé. Just a 10-minute walk will take you to this stunning site, where you can admire the waterfall set against the striking backdrop of the pinkish rock formations known as The Horns.

• Activity:Hiking. Sightseeing.
• Accommodation:Cabaña Tyndall or similar.

Today, you might consider taking on one of the treks along the renowned W-trek route. Choose between challenging hikes to the iconic towers or the picturesque French Valley, keeping in mind that these treks are quite demanding and require considerable time. If you prefer shorter, less strenuous hikes, the park offers plenty of alternatives.

Consider a hike to either the Cuernos or the Condor lookout point for panoramic views of the park. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach at Grey Lake or tackle the intense but relatively brief hike to the Ferrier lookout point. These are just a few of the numerous shorter walks and viewpoints available within the park.

• Activity:Hiking. Relaxing.
• Accommodation:Cabaña Tyndall.

Return from Torres del Paine to El Calafate by self-driving early via the Mt. Castillos border post, aiming to arrive by 19:00 to return your rental car at the central office. The 262 km journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. After car drop-off, spend the night in El Calafate to rest before continuing your travels.

Upon arrival at Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque National Airport, a Spanish-speaking driver will provide a 15-minute private transfer to your hotel. This allows you time to settle in and relax, ensuring a smooth and comfortable reentry to the bustling capital city.

• Activity:Transfer.
• Transport:Car.
• Accommodation:Hotel Art Gallery or similar.

On the final day of your journey, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up about 4 hours before your flight, providing plenty of time to navigate any potential traffic. The drive to the airport usually lasts around 1 hour. This careful planning guarantees that you arrive at the airport relaxed and with ample time for check-in. As you prepare to return home, reflect on your extraordinary trip. Safe travels!

• Activity:Departure.
• Transport:Car.
• Meal:Breakfast.