Patagonia

Introduction
Southern Patagonia Argentina
Walk through the immensity of Patagonia, making your way to the Hidden Glaciers in the valleys. Through these paths, you will witness the passage of time: dead trees, landscapes shaped by the advancement of glaciers, erratic stones, milky lake and deep blue lakes. As you walk with the guide, you will learn more about the history of these unique panoramas!

Below the milky way, you will admire the Andean forest, the crystalline lakes, the high peaks and the imposing glaciers. A pleasant walk in the footsteps of the pioneers who settled long ago in these distant lands. Today, their descendants open their doors to welcome you and share their story.

This 3-day walk through the southern arm of Lago Argentino, the slopes of Cordon de Cristales and Baguales, leads you to Lago Frias to approach the glaciers of Dickson, Grande and Gorra.

Accomodation


Accommodations
You will spend 2 nights in a rustic outpost (Puesto de la Laguna 3 de Abril).

Description
This is a trip for adventurous people! The Estancia provides bed linen, basic bathroom amenities and towels. 
We recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag (up to -5° C or 23 °F) - please, let us know if you are unable to bring your own sleeping bag.

The outpost has two rooms: one with 2 bunk beds and a single bed and another room that serves as dining room and kitchen where there are another two benches that turn into beds (total capacity - 7 people). A wood-fired stove and a brick clay oven keep the building warm. At night, the gentle light of the lantern create a cozy atmosphere. Evening meals will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.

The toilet/bathroom (shared) is separated from the refuge and contains a shower and one extra bed. The beds are equipped with mattresses or insulation mats. 



Meals
All meals and soft drinks are included during this trip from breakfast on Day 1 to dinner on the last day.

Your guide is also your cook for barbecue and regular meals (all supplies are brought to the Outposts by vehicle).

Lunch and dinner are typical meals of the region - based on lamb, beef, chicken and vegetables (mostly from the garden).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

This hiking tour is accessible to any active and fit person (no big slopes). It is important to know that shoes may get wet at some point.

Children’s policy
Children older than 12 years old can join this program, only if they have experience on similar long walks of at least 6 hours a day.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please, note that the program may vary depending on weather conditions.

Day 1: Puesto Cachorro and Laguna Tres de Abril
In the morning, transfer from El Calafate (departure from El Calafate at 8:30 am) to the Estancia. The guide will welcome you and explain the program. After some mates (typical drink of the country), the walk towards Puesto del Cachorro begins. As you gain altitude, Rico and southern arm, as well as Roca and Frias Lakes begin to appear in the distance.
After lunch, search for the most suitable crossing to go through the Cachorro river. The descent begins towards the fields, downstream, until reaching the bed of the river. At the edge of the lagoon, you will arrive at the end of the day at Puesto la Laguna where you will spend two nights.
Distance: 20 km – Height difference + 400 / 300
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Puesto de La Laguna Tres de Abril

Day 2: Balcony of the Glaciers
We leave after breakfast, hiking south to the Balcony of the Glaciers. The trail runs parallel to the southern arm of Lago Argentino (Argentino Lake). Shortly before arriving at the head of the lake, you will climb to an elevated point of view. From there, you will have a panoramic view of the southern arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frias, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance.
An erratic stone of more than 20 meters will be the next destination. The colossal size of the rock shows the strength of the glaciers, which advance and retreat over the centuries. The footpath starts to run alongside the lower Frías River. Here, we will find traces of the area’s livestock rearing past, a hanging bridge over 100 years old, destroyed by the great flooding of Lago Argentino in 1937. Our track passes through dense woodland getting as far as discovering Corazón Lagoon, with crystal clear waters where the deep blue contrasts with the green reflection of the woods. The water is so crystal clear that it is possible to watch the trout swimming between the rocks.
We pause for lunch. In the late afternoon, return to the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where you will find a warm wood fire and enjoy meal.
Distance: 10 km – Height difference + 500 / 500
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto de la Laguna Tres de Abril

Day 3: Hidden Glaciers
In the morning, hike about 1 km to reach a sandy beach to meet Glaciar Sur and start an expedition (combination of boat tour and trekking) to reach a unique spot between mountains and glaciers.
You will go on a short boat tour to the other shore and begin your walk from there. After a slight climb through the native forest, you will reach a beautiful viewpoint of Frías lake, named after the glacier, that once covered the whole area. Descend to the shore to embark in a zodiac and sail to the other shore where begins the second walk of about 7 km to Grande, Cubo, Dickson and Frías glaciers.
It's time to admire and photograph this natural amphitheatre. After having lunch surrounding by this spectacular and unexplored landscape, we navigate back to the estancia, just in time to taste a roasted lamb. After dinner, transfer to El Calafate (departure from estancia at 10:15 pm). You should arrive in El Calafate for about 11:30 pm.
Distance: 16 km – Height Difference + 100 / 100
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rates and Dates for Patagonia

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: El Calafate
Airport: El Calafate - Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE)
Transfer: El Calafate - Avenida del Libertador 1532 (local 2)

Climate:
                                            El Calafate area