| Starts | El Calafate, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Ends | El Calafate, Argentina |
| Region | South America & Central America |
| Duration | 5 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: El Calafate & Finishing: El Calafate
On arrival at El Calafate Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in town - a distance of 20 kilometres. El Calafate is a small remote community that is named after a small dark berry that grows in abundance around the area. It was officially founded in 1927 and has a population of 6000. In the evening you will be free to wander around and absorb the lively atmosphere in the main street (Avenida del Libertador General San Martin), accentuated by the long twilight of the southern summer. This evening you will have a briefing with your tour guide outlining the plans for the next few days.
Day 2 - Starting: Perito Moreno Glacier excursion - El Chalten & Finishing: Perito Moreno Glacier excursion - El Chalten
This morning your guide will pick you up at the agreed time (please take note of this at your meeting the evening prior). After breakfast you will set out on a day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. You will travel 80 kilometres to get there, mainly on paved roads and over an area of wide barren plains known as Peninsula Magallanes. If you look up, you may be lucky enough to see condors soaring overhead. Upon arrival, you will view arguably the world's most famous glacier from various vantage points. At 250 square kilometres, it is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (the world’s third-largest freshwater reserve).The spectacle you encounter here is not only one of sight, but also of sound. Thunderous cracks are followed by equally tremendous splashes, as great chunks of icebergs from the glacier wall break off intermittently and crash into the waters of the channel. Please pay attention to the signs around the site warning about the dangers of 'flying' ice. After exploring the ice-scape, you will travel by comfortable bus to El Chalten for the evening. The drive from Perito Moreno to El Chalten will take about five-and-a-half hours.
Day 3 - Starting: El Chalten & Finishing: El Chalten
El Chalten is your base in the Glaciers National Park, where the Fitzroy Massif (3375 metres) towers above the surrounding peaks. Walking allows you to see the majestic massif and other stunning vistas. Get up early to trek in Los Glaciares National Park – there are a variety of walks to choose from in Argentina’s ‘trekking capital’. Depending on weather and your interests, you may wish to hike to Fitz Roy base camp and on to the Laguna del los Tres, or perhaps head to Cerro Torre base camp and continue to Laguna Torre. Whatever your route, the mountain scenery is unforgettable.
Day 4 - Starting: El Chalten/El Calafate & Finishing: El Chalten/El Calafate
Relax and unwind in El Chalten after your day of trekking. Wander the streets of this charming village or simply rest your legs and enjoy the views. Take an afternoon bus back to El Calafate, where you will spend the night.
Day 5 - Starting: El Calafate & Finishing: El Calafate
After breakfast you will need to check out from your hotel room. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Your Independent Experience will finish on arrival at the airport.
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