Glaciers, Lakes, and Mountains - Patagonia
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to the hotel
Relax and tour the city at your leisure. Flight to El Calafate/Puerto Natales in the morning.
Day 2: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park
Pickup from hotel in Buenos Aires for morning flight to El Calafate/Puerto Natales. Upon arrival in El Calafate/Puerto Natales, we will pick you up from the airport for transfer to Torres del Paine. Then, we will begin trekking in Torres National Park with a hike to Ascencio Valley, where from above you see the river (of the same name) running wildly past Refugio Chileno, where we will be spending our 1st night. After a quick stop here, we will continue through a forest of the native Lenga (Beech) trees until reaching the glacial moraine. From here, it’s a 1-hour trek to the top where the granite towers appear from nowhere! This trek is spectacular, where you get to view the three pink granite towers with its glacial lake below that made the park famous. (6 hours round trip, 16 KM ). Lodging & dinner Refugio Chileno.
Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park
Today we will trek along Lake Nordenskjold (named after the Swedish geologist whose research here formed an essential contribution to world glacial geology) and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, where we will reach the base of Los Cuernos (5 hours, 11 km). Lodging and dinner at Refugio Los Cuernos.
Day 4: Torres del Paine National Park
Morning trek to the French Valley. This valley is the most beautiful in the park and one of the most unique in the world. It's surrounded by hanging glaciers (where you can see & hear the ice calving off at various intervals) with a natural amphitheater created of granite walls and spires. There are fantastic views throughout this trek, and the further you hike into the valley, the better they become! On the return journey, you will notice the unique turquoise color of Lake Pehoe (a hidden lake in the Tehuelche Indian language). The trekking is 6-8 hrs depending on how far into the valley you go, with a total of 24 km. Lodging and dinner at Lodge Paine Grande, where you can enjoy a pisco sour in the bar and enjoy Los Cuernos in the beautiful evening light.
Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park - Grey Glacier
Morning trek to Glacier Grey (3-4 hours 11 KM), one of the most spectacular glaciers of the Patagonian Ice Field. Our objective is to reach the glacier lookout point to view Glacier Grey and its giant floating icebergs up close. The rest of the day is reserved for relaxing and spectating to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lake Grey and its floating icebergs. Dinner and lodging Camp Grey.
Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park - Lake Grey
After lunch, we will take the Grey II boat across the lake, touring this majestic lake surrounded by icebergs, and visit the bordering Grey Glacier. Later we trek up Mount Ferrier, take a 2-hour hike to reach one of the most spectacular lookout points in Torres del Paine, an excellent way to say goodbye to this amazing National Park. Back to Puerto Natales for transfer to hotel and a group dinner.
Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate
El Calafate is located in the southwest corner of the province, at the bottom of the Andes and on the south shore of Lake Argentino. It was named after a typical bush of the area, known for its delicious fruits and its thorned branches. The village, also known as the "World Capital of the Glaciers," is the starting point to visit Los Glaciares National Park and the area's best-known character, Perito Moreno Glacier. The climate is the ideal partner for this beautiful place. Due to its location, its weather is cold and dry. In summer, mean temperatures reach 66F, while in winter descend to 25F.
Day 8: Los Glaciares National Park - Perito Moreno Glacier
You will be seduced by the fascinating landscape of Argentina's Perito Moreno glacier on a full-day tour from El Calafate. We will explore glacier streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses, and plenty of ice formations on this one-of-a-kind South American experience. You will learn about the different flora, fauna, and general glaciology of the region and a particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier. Perito Moreno Glacier is an impressive natural wonder. Due to its extension and height, it has become world-famous for its easy access, continuous advance, and the loud loosening of huge icebergs. The Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Glaciers National Park) area is home to other important glaciers such as Upsalla, Onelli and Spegazzini. Once inside Los Glaciares National Park, you'll follow the route around Lago Argentino. It was 50 miles (80km) from El Calafate; Perito Moreno Glacier lies imposing its 200 foot (60 meters) high ice walls. Follow the paths that lead you to face the glacier and get different impressive views, all while continuous detachments and constant ice breaking echoes all around you. Enjoy this fantastic Argentinian getaway and discover firsthand the absolute beauty and grandeur of the Perito Moren Glacier. Night at hotel in El Calafate.
Day 9: Fly to Buenos Aires - You will spend the day touring around the city before flying out.