Argentina_Patagonia_Fitzroy

Trekking and sightseeing in Argentina's Los Glaciares NP is very exciting and awe inspiring. With around 2300 square miles of the Patagonian Andes, including over 40 major glaciers, there is much to see. We will hike in the northern section of the park near the Fitzroy massif, with its sheer, 6000 foot rise from the glaciers at its base.

There are numerous spectacular mountains rising above the immense Lago Viedma, including Fitzroy 3405m (11,072'), and Cerro Torre 3128m (10,280').

The southern section is one of the world's glacier wonderlands. About a dozen glaciers flow east to feed two huge lakes, Lago Viedma and Lago Argentino, and there are another 190 glaciers not connected to the park's giant South Patagonis Icefield.

We will spend several days exploring and hiking through these places of outstanding beauty that have made Patagonia a paradise for trekkers.

This 7 day trip in Los Glaciares N.P. has been designed as the perfect complement to our regular 5 or 7 day trip in Torres del Paine, Chile that both finish on Sunday, with direct connection from the Torres del Paine National Park to Argentina.

Day 1 (Sunday) Pto. Natales - Cerro Castillo - Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier
Leave early from Torres del Paine (clients not doing Torres del Paine with us start Sunday morning from Puerto Natales) and drive onwards Cerro Castillo border crossing where we meet the regular bus to El Calafate in Argentina (287 kms/180 miles). Arriving into Calafate we are transferred to the hotel. Calafate is a small place set on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park amid dramatic scenery. In the afternoon we take a guided excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier, a very active glacier on the south arm of Lago Argentino.

From time to time Perito Moreno glacier pushes out across the surface of the lake, cutting the lake in two. Eventually water pressure builds up and explodes through the ice with a torrent of white water and a fury of small icebergs. Although this spectacular event no longer occurs so regularly, the Moreno Glacier remains an incredible sight at any time. Later we return to Calafate for overnight in the Hostel del Glacier or similar.

Day 2 Calafate - El Chalten - Fitzroy Camp
An early breakfast and continue with the regular bus from Calafate to Chalten (220 kms/138 miles). We drive on isolated dirt roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma and reach the settlement of El Chalten, a tiny outpost beside Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and with views of the impressive mount Fitzroy. Time permitting, we will do a walk by river Electrico with some of the most beautiful Lenga forest of Patagonia. Overnight at Hosteria in Chalten. B, L, D.

Day 3-4 In Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
From our comfortable upgraded base camp located at the border of the Electrico River, and with a spectacular view of Mt. Fitzroy and other peaks, we will have the next three days to trek through this section of the park. We shall take two main walks into the nearby mountains. One will take us to the Fitzroy Base Camp (about 6-7 hours) and the other in the direction of Cerro Torre (6-7 hours), but this will depend on weather conditions at the time. Most of these hikes are on well established trails so there are shorter options.

While hiking in the park, the trails will take us to places as Laguna Torre, the base camp of Cerro Torre climbs; Laguna Capri and Laguna Madre, Laguna de los Tres, directly in front of Fitzroy and Piedras Blancas. The scale of the scenery, with it's jagged peaks and glimpses of glaciers suspended between them makes these walks extremely rewarding. B, L-, D.

Day 5 Fitzroy - Calafate
After our last trek in the Fitzroy area, we drive in the evening from our camp to Chalten in time to board the regular bus back to Calafate. Overnight in Calafate at Hostel del Glacier or similar. B, L-.

Day 6 Calafate - Puerto Natales
We take the regular bus to Puerto Natales. Once there, private transfer to the Hotel Plaza or similar for overnight. B.

Day 7 Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas
Transfer to the bus station for the regular bus to Punta Arenas. B.

The base currency is the USD and payments in other currencies may involve an adjustment for exchange rates.

Standard option Hotels;
- Calafate: Pioneros or similar.
- Chalten: Fitzroy inn or similar
- Puerto Natales: Francis Drake or similar.

Superior Option Hotels;
- Calafate : Michelangelo or similar.
- Chalten: El Pilar or similar.
- Puerto Natales: Aquaterra.

Accommodation as detailed. English speaking guide. All meals as detailed by the code (B=breakfast, L=lunch, "L-"=boxed lunch, D=dinner). All ground transport - from/to Punta Arenas Airport and at all times in between. Portage of the group equipment. All park fees.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Punta Arenas. International or internal airfares (but we are happy to quote you - see below) and airport taxes etc. Sleeping bags. Personal extras and special request purchases. Drinks other than tea / coffee as served with the meals. Visa fees (if required), vaccination costs, personal clothing and all items of a personal nature. Medical treatment, emergency & evacuation costs. Personal Travel Insurance.

Internal Airfare
As a guide, the round trip airfare for Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago should be about GBP137 - GBP250 / USD215 - USD350 for economy class return ticket.

Visas
A visa is not required for UK and US passport holders. Argentina requires those travelling without visas to have round-trip or onward tickets.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.