El Calafate & El Chaltén
Dive into the rugged majesty of Southern Patagonia with our exclusive 14-day journey, curated for those eager to experience the raw power and untouched beauty of Argentina’s deep south. The adventure begins in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a landscape dominated by ancient ice and vast steppes. Witness the awe-inspiring glaciers of the region, stepping away from the crowds to experience thundering ice falls through exclusive navigations and a thrilling private ice trek across the frozen surface of the Perito Moreno. The journey then takes you deeper into the wild to El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital. Nestled at the foot of the towering Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, this remote mountain village is a sanctuary for nature lovers. Explore pristine trails, silent lagoons, and ancient forests at your own pace, deeply connecting with the untamed spirit of the Andes, starting with a breathtaking stay in high-end eco domes. This itinerary includes stays in carefully selected boutique properties, like the cozy Ayres del Calafate and the premium Hotel Destino Sur, designed to offer warmth, personalized comfort, and a true sense of place after a day of exploration. Designed for those seeking a harmonious blend of exhilarating outdoor immersion and high-end relaxation, the tour is completely customizable, ensuring a profound and personal connection with the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
14 Days – From £2,150 per person
*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted
Itinerary: El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park, Torres del Paine, El Chaltén
- Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
- Mentioned hotels with breakfast (Browse More Hotels)
- All the excursions and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers are private
- Entrance & guiding fees to all visited places
- All mandatory local taxes
- Visa, where applicable
- International Flights (See Flights to Argentina)
- Domestic Flights
- Personal Expenses
- Insurance
- Tips & Freebies
- Meals not mentioned in the description
International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Argentina start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to El Calafate (FTE).
For families and groups (starting with 7 pax), we can book domestic flights in Argentina, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.
Send us an email us at to check availability, discuss your references and get a quote.
This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor the trip up to your plans and book other hotels. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Argentina, like the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the exciting Ibera Wetlands, the fascinating Iguassu Falls, the wine region of Mendoza or the deeper south. For more Argentina travel inspiration check these itineraries .
The optimal time to experience this southern frontier is from October to April. During these months, the austral spring and summer offer longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, providing ideal conditions for glacier explorations and trekking the trails of El Chaltén. The transition months of October and November bring a burst of life to the steppe, while March and April transform the ancient lenga forests into a spectacular canvas of fiery reds and deep oranges. Visiting during this window ensures you can fully enjoy the outdoor majesty of Southern Patagonia with clearer skies and accessible mountain paths.
To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Argentina Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.
Day 1 - Arrival in El Calafate
Day 2 - Spegazzini Base
Set sail for an extraordinary full-day navigation across the glacial waters. You will glide past the imposing Upsala, Peineta, Seco, and Heim Sur glaciers before arriving at the exclusive Spegazzini Base in the Glacier Bay. Here, you will disembark to explore the private trails and take in the sheer magnitude of the Spegazzini Glacier from just 300 meters away. Visit the Refugio Spegazzini, a stunning panoramic shelter offering a preferential vantage point, where you will be served with a warm lunch at the snack bar while marveling at the ice walls. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 3 - Perito Moreno
Today is dedicated to one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural wonders: the Perito Moreno Glacier. You will walk along the extensive network of wooden catwalks (pasarelas) that face the glacier’s towering front. The meticulously designed paths offer multiple angles and heights to observe the massive ice formations. Spend hours captivated by the deep blues of the ice and the thunderous, echoing roars whenever a colossal block of ice calves into the lake below. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 4 - Ice Trekking
Transition from observing the ice to actively conquering it. You will embark on an exhilarating ice trekking expedition directly on the surface of a glacier. Equipped with crampons and accompanied by expert mountain guides, you will step onto the ancient ice, exploring deep blue crevasses, seracs, and stunning meltwater pools. It is a thrilling, tactile experience that provides a completely new perspective on the scale and power of the Patagonian ice fields. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 5 - Patagonia Folklore
After a few intense days, enjoy a relaxed morning. In the afternoon, dive into the rich cultural heritage of the region with a “Tarde de Campo” (Countryside Afternoon) at a traditional local estancia. You will participate in authentic rural activities, learning about the life of the Patagonian gauchos. As evening falls, sit down for a classic Patagonian dinner—featuring slow-roasted lamb—accompanied by an immersive live folklore show and traditional acoustic music. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 6 - Patagonia Desert Safari
Shift gears and venture into the vast, arid beauty of the Patagonian steppe. On this exclusive 4×4 Safari Experience, you will off-road into the untamed desert landscapes that surround El Calafate. Designed for true nature lovers, this excursion offers excellent opportunities to spot native wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and condors while learning about the region’s unique geology and indigenous history from your expert guide. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 7 - Santa Cruz River Kayaking
Follow in the wake of legendary explorers with a highly active day on the water. The Darwin Experience invites you to kayak down the majestic Santa Cruz River. Paddling through these historic, vivid blue waters offers a profound sense of tranquility and connection to the wild environment. It is an invigorating way to experience the landscape from a completely different, water-level perspective. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 8 - Torres del Paine Expedition
Embark on an epic 15-hour full-day expedition across the border into Chile to discover one of the most spectacular national parks on the planet: Torres del Paine. Driving through the vast steppe, you will cross the Cancha Carrera border. Once inside the park, strategic stops will reveal breathtaking views of Lago Toro, the Serrano River, Mount Paine Grande, and the Grey Glacier. Enjoy a scenic lunch at Camping Pehoe, directly facing the iconic Cuernos del Paine. The afternoon includes walks to the Lower Viewpoint and the Nordenskjöld Lake viewpoint before returning to El Calafate around 9:00 PM. Overnight at Ayres del Calafate.
Day 9 - El Chaltén
Bid farewell to El Calafate and take a scenic drive along the legendary Route 40 towards El Chaltén. Arriving in the afternoon, you will immediately feel the mystical energy of Argentina’s trekking capital. You will check into your exclusive Eco Domes, a unique accommodation offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the rugged mountain skyline. Settle in, disconnect, and let the sheer scale of the Andes humble you. Overnight at Eco Domes.
Day 10 - Lakes & Glaciers
Head towards the pristine and isolated Lago del Desierto, a scenic drive that follows the winding De las Vueltas River. You will embark on a rewarding 2-hour moderate hike through dense, ancient forests until you reach the hanging Huemul Glacier and its emerald-green lagoon. It is a perfect, peaceful introduction to the trekking possibilities of the area, leaving plenty of time in the afternoon to relax by the lake. Overnight at Eco Domes.
Day 11 - Salto del Chorrillo
Enjoy a gentle morning walk to Chorrillo del Salto, a beautiful waterfall nestled within a quiet forest, located just a short distance from the town center. After connecting with nature, you will transition to your new accommodation in the heart of the village. Check into the premium Hotel Destino Sur, offering upgraded comforts, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere to rest up before your big trekking day. Overnight at Hotel Destino Sur.
Day 12 - Trek to Laguna de los Tres
Today features the crown jewel of Patagonian hiking: the full-day trek to Laguna de los Tres. Designed for passionate nature lovers, this trail winds through enchanting lenga forests and open valleys before a steep final ascent. The reward is a heart-stopping, up-close view of the jagged Mount Fitz Roy towering over a turquoise glacial lagoon. (Please note: For those seeking a more relaxed pace, alternative trails with lower difficulty can easily be arranged to ensure a customized, equally stunning experience). Overnight at Hotel Destino Sur.
Day 13 - El Chaltén
On your final full day, you have the freedom to curate your own schedule in El Chaltén. Opt for a short, self-guided walk to a nearby viewpoint like Mirador de los Cóndores, or simply relax in town. In the afternoon, we highly recommend stepping back in time by enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at Casa Madsen, the historic home of the area’s first pioneer, absorbing the rich local history. Overnight at Hotel Destino Sur.
Day 14 - Departure
Savor your final Patagonian breakfast, reflecting on the vast distances traveled, the ancient ice touched, and the monumental peaks witnessed. When you are ready, your private driver will escort you from El Chaltén directly to the El Calafate airport for your journey home. You will depart carrying the unforgettable spirit of the extreme south, the warmth of its people.
