El Calafate Trip Overview
Now that Argentina is open to all international visitors and that quarantine is no longer mandatory for fully vaccinated travelers, are you gonna miss out on this incredible tour?
If you are used to going on long horseback riding journeys and would like to go on a unique nature-oriented trip while also staying at some exclusive estancias, this tour is for you! Ride to a mountain hut located 18km or 11 miles from the main house to experience the pure beauty and serenity of a rural outpost, far away from everything. Discover wild Patagonia while staying at exclusive ranch houses inside Los Glaciares National Park. Go on some off the beaten path excursions and experience the true Patagonian Life as take in some jaw-dropping views. Enjoy some free time and choose your next activity of the day! this itinerary is perfect for true adventure seekers who want to first-hand explore one of the most beautiful places of South America!
Additional Info
Duration: 8 days
Starts: El Calafate, Argentina
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore El Calafate Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina
Now that Argentina is open to all international visitors and that quarantine is no longer mandatory for fully vaccinated travelers, are you gonna miss out on this incredible tour?
If you are used to going on long horseback riding journeys and would like to go on a unique nature-oriented trip while also staying at some exclusive estancias, this tour is for you! Ride to a mountain hut located 18km or 11 miles from the main house to experience the pure beauty and serenity of a rural outpost, far away from everything. Discover wild Patagonia while staying at exclusive ranch houses inside Los Glaciares National Park. Go on some off the beaten path excursions and experience the true Patagonian Life as take in some jaw-dropping views. Enjoy some free time and choose your next activity of the day! this itinerary is perfect for true adventure seekers who want to first-hand explore one of the most beautiful places of South America!
Itinerary
Day 1: El Calafate – Full-day at a local Ranch House
Pass By: Estancia Nibepo Aike, Santa Cruz, Argentina
At the appropriate time, you will have a private transfer from the airport to Nibepo Aike Estancia. Today, we recommend taking an early morning flight, to make the most of your stay at this ranch! This Patagonian estancia is located inside Los Glaciares National Park and has 10 rooms to accommodate up to 22 guests, so exclusiveness and warmth are guaranteed at this place. Upon arrival, you will be able to choose from the activities offered by Nibepo Aike Hostería such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, taking a guided visit to the hull facilities, a shearing demonstration and farm work, among others (note: the activities offered may vary depending on climatic conditions and the farm schedule). Furthermore, visitors will be able to enjoy the homemade cuisine: vegetables from the garden, and the famous lamb grilled on a traditional Patagonian cross stake.
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Nibepo Aike
Day 2: El Calafate – Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Stop At: Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares National Park Argentina
After breakfast, you will go on a private full-day tour to Perito Moreno Glacier, located inside Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and home to one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Argentina. For about an hour, your bilingual guide will provide you with all the information you might want to know about this natural wonder.
Duration: 6 hours
Pass By: Pasarelas Perito Moreno, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Calafate 9405 Argentina
Upon arrival, you will have the chance to enjoy stunning views of the glacier from the nearby walking trails and viewing platforms. Moreover, you will also enjoy an included Perito Moreno Glacier boat cruise (shared service) that will take you close enough to fully appreciate the 80-meter-high ice walls! You will return to your hotel in the early evening.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: box-lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Nibepo Aike
Day 3: El Calafate – Riding to the outpost – horseback riding experience
Stop At: Estancia Nibepo Aike, Santa Cruz, Argentina
The day will start with an early morning ride to climb up the Cordon de los Cristales (Cristal mountain range), which lies behind the main house. As you continue to ride with views of the Argentine lake the track will plunge into the Patagonian Andean woods. As you come out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro, where some bushes are unusually tall.
Duration: 1 day
Pass By: Glaciar Cervantes, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
As we descend towards the lower land, stunning views of the Frías glacier start to appear in the distance. As you ride between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, you will reach the corrals of Cachorro River outpost where the rangers might be working with their livestock. After a picnic lunch, you will continue horseback riding to April 3 lagoon, a habitat of flamingos and blacknecked swans, Cauquén (upland goose) and steamer ducks. After passing the lake, you will arrive to the outpost, where you will have time to enjoy the surroundings and the cosiness of the hut with its wood-fired stove and brick clay oven. You will enjoy your evening meal by the gentle light of the lantern while your guide shares some tales of adventures. The outpost has a room with 4 bunk beds and a room that serves as a dining room and kitchen, where there are another two benches that convert into beds.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: picnic lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at the outpost
Day 4: From Nibepo Aike to Hosteria Helsingfors
Stop At: Lago Argentino, El Calafate Argentina
After breakfast, the return journey will begin. You will ride along the shore of the Argentine lake to reach the main buildings of the estancia, located about 18km (or 11 miles) from the hut. You will arrive in time to enjoy lunch – a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers – which will be ready for when you arrive. After lunch, a shuttle service will take you to the downtown area.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Hosteria Helsingfors, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
From El Calafate downtown, you will take a private transfer to Hosteria Helsingfors, a lodge tucked on the edge of Viedma Lake in Los Glaciares National Park. This lodge, offers a variety of outdoor activities to further explore this rural and remote corner of wild Patagonia. After about a 4-hour drive, you will arrive at your lodge. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy as you wish.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hosteria Helsingfors
Day 5: Free Day at Hosteria Helsingfors
Stop At: Hosteria Helsingfors, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
You may choose from the activities offered by Hostería Helsingfors to explore Patagonia (a variety of hiking/walking and horseback riding tours). Taking into account the weather conditions! One option may be the Trekking or Horseback riding tour to Blue Lagoon. You will start by walking through a grass trail that goes into the valley of Alfredo River and up Huemul Hill. After about 40min, you will reach a panoramic lookout point to admire Cerro Fitz Roy coming out from Viedma Lake. As you continue walking, the valley becomes increasingly narrower, surrounded by Cordon Huemul and peaks that reach 2700mts. As the trail enters into the forest it is common to see guanacos and condors curiously observing visitors. At the end of the valley you will come across a beautiful waterfall. As the journey continues, you will reach a blue lagoon in a deep bright blue, that contrasts with the darkness of the mountains and the whiteness of a hanging glacier (Difficulty: moderate-Overall distance:16 km)
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: box-lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hosteria Helsingfors
Day 6: From Helsingfors to Hosteria El Pilar in El Chalten
Stop At: Hosteria Helsingfors, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Enjoy your last few hours at Helsingfors and have lunch before departing to El Chalten. At the appropriate time, you will take a private transfer and after a 4-hour scenic drive, you will reach your destination.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: El Chalten, El Chalten, Province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia
Welcome to El Chalten! our National Capital of Trekking. After check-in, you will have the rest of the day free to get familiar with this small Patagonian town or just relax at you lodging. Hosteria El Pilar is a quaint hostelry located in the andean-patagonian forest , near famous hiking trails and 17 km (or 10 miles) away from the town.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hosteria El Pilar
Day 7: Free day in El Chalten for Self-Guided hike
Stop At: El Chalten, El Chalten, Province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia
After breakfast, head out for an optional self-guided hike. You can get all the necessary information on trail options at your lodging. There are different hiking options in Chalten but for today, we recommend taking a hike to Laguna de los 3, one of the most beautiful hikes in Argentine Patagonia.
If you decide to go on a full-day hike, please don’t forget to pack your lunch for today! In the evening, you will have your dinner included at the hosteria.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: box-lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hosteria El Pilar
Day 8: Departing El Chalten
Pass By: El Chalten, El Chalten, Province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia
Enjoy an early breakfast and spend your last few hours in El Chalten at your leisure.
Pass By: El Calafate Airport, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
At the appropriate time, you will have a private transfer to El Calafate airport.
NOTES: Our itinerary is pretty flexible so if you need to add any extra nights or extra tours just make sure to let us know in advance using the special requirements box while booking and we will quote it for you.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
