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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Argentina
Intro to Argentina
Buenos Aires Cordoba/Mendoza Corrientes Northern Patagonia Salta Southern Patagonia
Extensions:
Fitzroy Trek
Brazil
Chile
Ecuador
Peru
Uruguay
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Hiking - Fitzroy Trek in Patagonia
Southern Patagonia
Argentina
To complement any trip on the Chilean side of Patagonia there is "Los Glaciares National Park" in Argentina. Los Glaciares is one of the most scenically impressive national parks in South America. This vast reserve protects around 2300 square miles of the Patagonian Andes, including over 40 major glaciers. The northern section of the park is dominated by the incredible, world-famous form of 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 latter is such a steep and difficult granite needle that its summit was not climbed until 1974. The southern section is one of the world's glacier wonderlands (40 percent of the park is covered by glaciers). 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 of Patagonia a true hiker's paradise at the ends of the earth.
This trip in Los Glaciares N.P. has been designed as the perfect complement to our regular seven day trip in Torres del Paine that both finish on Sunday, with direct connection from the Torres del Paine National Park to Argentina - or meet us in El Calafate on Sunday afternoon.
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Meeting:
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El Calafate
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Airport:
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El Calafate
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Transfer:
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El Calafate - with optional drop off in Punta Arenas
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, breakfast and box lunches, bilingual trekking guide [1 per 8 hikers], park fees, Perito Moreno Glacier excursion
| A | 2010 | 6 day trip | 6d / 5n | $1440 |
| Single supplement 5 nights (3 star hotels) | $275 |
| Small group supplement - 1 only | $95 |
| Upgrade to 4-5 star hotel lodging | $150 |
| Extension to finish in Punta Arenas pp (dbl) + | $195 |
| Optional trekking on Glacier Torre | $95 |
Rates Note:
Rates may change for October to December departures.
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from and to El Calafate included
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The trip starts every day either in Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales at 8 am or Calafate City at 2 pm. The trip finishes at Calafate Airport at 10 am. For those taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas, the trip finishes at Punta Arenas Airport at 10 am. For domestic flights you have to be at the airport 1 hour before the flight leaves.
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Weekly from Sunday to Saturday in season. Can easily be combined with our 7 day Torres del Paine trek.
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Rates do not include:
Dinners, optional mini trek on Perito Moreno Glacier, gratuities.

Day 1, The Patagonic Adventure Starts…
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
We wake up early and start driving to Cerro Castillo border crossing to
Argentina. In Castillo we board a regular bus to Calafate, a small town set on
the edge of Los Glaciares NP amidst dramatic scenery and natural beauty. If
there are other travel fellows starting from Calafate we will meet them in town.
After some hours on the bus, we arrive to Calafate, where a local guide meet us
and give us a general explanation about the trip while we have lunch; after this
we have a couple of hours to explore the down town. From the bus terminal we
embark on about a 4 hour regular bus ride to Chalten, The drive is on isolated
dirt roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten
is a tiny outpost beside the National Park at the foot of impressive Mount
Fitzroy. Once we’ve checked in at the hotel, its time to get a well-deserved
rest, which will be needed for the next couple of days! (L)
Day 2, A precious hike to Laguna Torre
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
We do a full day hike along Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, an extremely
pretty mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After
breakfast, we walk eastward, following the trail through beech forests and bogs
to a pleasant encounter with Fitroy River. We continue advancing and reach Camp
Base de Agostini and then do a short hike to Laguna Torre, escorted in the west
by Cerro Torre and the Adela range. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on
Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast. We stop at different points
to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Later, we return to Chalten
following the same trail. There is an optional day trip for those wanting to
trek on Torre Glacier. Those taking this exciting option get up earlier and do
it apart from the main group. Upon returning from the trek, the evening is free
for you to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Chalten’s cozy restaurants. (B,BL)
Day 3, The Challenge: Monte Fitzroy, Mountain of Mountains
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today’s trek is to Laguna Los Tres with the best available view of Monte Fitzroy
- THE landmark in Los Glaciares NP! Once again, a big breakfast and lots of
enthusiasm is required. We begin our hike by heading towards silent Laguna
Capri, passing just beside its northern corner. Then we follow the Fitz Roy
Trail up to Rio Blanco, passing Poicenot, the mountaineering camp. Finally, a
short but steep trail will take us to Laguna de Los Tres to take in one of the
park’s most marvelous natural scenes! The turquoise-blue of the Lagoon is a
stunning sight and this is of course is magnified by the accompanying view of
Fitz Roy’s spires and glaciers. You will probably experience a Torres del Paine
flashback. If Torres del Paine is the king mountain of Patagonia, Fitz Roy is
surely the beautiful queen! Time for a picnic. In such a memorable place the
food can not help but taste better than ever! When everyone is ready, we will
hike back to Laguna Capri and continue along the trail back to tiny Chalten. We
return with time to recover and enjoy our last night in this beautiful park. (B,BL)
Day 4, Last steps in Chalten
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
This morning we will trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado and we will have covered
the best spots of the Park. After some hours of challenging trek we will reach
the western bank of the Massif with superb views of Cerro Torre and the picks
around Mount Fitzroy. We come back to Chalten in the afternoon to sadly prepare
our luggage and start our way back to Calafate. We are transferred to the
terminal and board the regular bus back to Calafate, following the same road
filled with Argentinean pampas that welcomed us some days ago. We will arrive in
Calafate late at night with little time to have dinner. Nevertheless we will
probably be exhausted after today’s adventure and will go straight to bed! (B,BL)
Day 5, The Big Daddy is on the Way: Glacier Perito Moreno
Calafate, Argentina
Once we finish enjoying an early breakfast we board the minibus and start the
drive that will takes us to Perito Moreno Glacier. After a couple of hours we
will reach Los Glaciares NP and continue driving to Bajo de las Sombras Bay
sector, where we board the boat that will sail approximately twenty minutes on
Lago Rico reaching the south wall of the glacier. In the other side the guides
give us a short talk about the formation of glaciers together with other
interesting details about local geology. From this point we do a short walk to
the edge of the glacier where we are given the crampons to be fitted to our
shoes. Now we start the ice trekking adventure! Although we feel somehow strange
walking with the crampons, it will take us just a few minutes to get used to it.
As we walk ahead we face terrific views of the glacier and surroundings. Our
trek finishes with a little ice bar serving whisky on freshly shopped millenary
ice from the glacier, a cute touch. After the walk and having lunch we continue
on to the footbridges with multiple view points of the glacier’s superb north
wall with its incredible cracking walls. Here we are left free to enjoy the
surroundings at our own leisure. After the thrilling encounter with the glacier,
we drive back to Calafate. This is our final night together and the tour leader
will ask us for feedback on the trip. It’s time to review our personal notes,
socialize, look for a great farewell dinner and exchange contact info with new
friends. After celebrating our last night we return to the hotel for a sweet
overnight. (B,BL)
Day 6, Adios!
Calafate, Argentina
Today we finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! Hopefully we will meet
somewhere else. After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport
and we are free to continue traveling on our own or taking another extension. (B)
B = Breakfast, BL= Box Lunch D= Dinner (dinners are not included)
If you are taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas:
Day 6, Heading to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas, Chile
Once we are ready an early transfer will take us to the Calafate bus terminal.
There we board the public bus going to Puerto Natales, arriving in this town
around midday. A Cascada representative will wait for us and will take us to the
office for refreshing ourselves and help us looking for a nice restaurant in
town. When we feel at ease we go boarding the next public bus going to Punta
Arenas city, where another Cascada representative will wait for us to arrange
the transfer to the hotel. The evening is free and we have dinner on our own. We
will definitely look for some of the local delicious dishes like Centolla (king
crab) or asado de cordero (lamb BBQ). We go back to the hotel to enjoy our last
night in Patagonia.
Day 7, Adios!
Punta Arenas, Chile
Today we finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! After having breakfast, a
transfer will take us to the airport and we are free to continue traveling on
our own or taking another
Physical Demands
The trip rated moderate: recommended for people in good physical
condition in the habit of walking long distances and camping outdoors. All
passengers over 65 years old are requested to send ahead a medical examination
that states that they are able to safely accomplish moderate hiking.
Group Size & Guiding Staff
8-12 travelers is the most typical group size plus guiding staff.
Maximum is 14 clients. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6
Itinerary Modifications
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can also modified, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations

Meeting:
El Calafate
Airport:
El Calafate
Transfer:
El Calafate - with optional drop off in Punta Arenas
The trip starts every day either in Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales at 8 am or Calafate City at 2 pm. The trip finishes at Calafate Airport at 10 am. For those taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas, the trip finishes at Punta Arenas Airport at 10 am. For domestic flights you have to be at the airport 1 hour before the flight leaves.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderately demanding hiking trip
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Moderate demanding
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.
DISTANCES AND OTHER DETAILS
Day 1, if coming from Chile: From Torres del Paine to Chalten
Torres del Paine to Cerro Castillo (borderline): 63 km / 39 miles / 1.5 hrs driving.
Cerro Castillo (borderline) to Calafate: 287 km / 180 miles / 3 hrs driving.
Calafate to Chalten: 220 km / 138 miles / 4 hrs driving.
Day 2, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Laguna Torre Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Optional Glacier Torre Trekking:
Approximate walking time: 12 hrs (2 hours on the glacier)
Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles round trip.
Day 3, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Ftiz Roy Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 9 km / 6 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 4, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Trail:
Approximate walking time: 3,5 hrs. Distance: 6 km / 4 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 5, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Perito Moreno excursion: 8 hours approx.
Approximate ice trekking time: 2 hrs.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities. Visas Not required. more
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summers average temperature is 11ºC/ 52ºF (24 ºC max, 2ºC min).
Best season for this program is from November to April.
Day backpack (10lt), mountain backpack or duffel bag (70 liters), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional), long underwear, extra change of socks, flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear.
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… this list is only a guideline for you
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X = Necessary
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Check List
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Travel documents and Voucher
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X
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Flight tickets
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X
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Passport
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X
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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three changes of clothes
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X
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sun hat,
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X
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extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight long underwear.
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X
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bathing suit
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X
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hiking socks
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X
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sandals (for after hikes
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X
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inner isolating layer (fleece or wool),
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X
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waterproof trekking boots
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X
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waterproof parka & pants
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X
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For Camping trips:
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Day backpack (10lt),
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mountain backpack or duffel bag (70 liters),
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Towel and small bar of soap
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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X
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Insect protection
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X
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Personal medications
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X
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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X
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Sewing kit
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X
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Handkerchiefs
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X
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bathing suit,
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Camera and extra batteries
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X
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ski poles (optional)
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X
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flashlight/headlamp
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X
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Sun glasses with strap
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X
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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X
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
3 star Hotels
Chalten: our first option will be Hostería Senderos.
Calafate: our first option will be Hostel Lar Aike.
Option: 4 star Hotels
Chalten: our first option will be Hosteria El Puma.
Calafate: our first option will be Hotel Kosten Aike.
This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.
DISTANCES AND OTHER DETAILS
Day 1, if coming from Chile: From Torres del Paine to Chalten
Torres del Paine to Cerro Castillo (borderline): 63 km / 39 miles / 1.5 hrs driving.
Cerro Castillo (borderline) to Calafate: 287 km / 180 miles / 3 hrs driving.
Calafate to Chalten: 220 km / 138 miles / 4 hrs driving.
Day 2, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Laguna Torre Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Optional Glacier Torre Trekking:
Approximate walking time: 12 hrs (2 hours on the glacier)
Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles round trip.
Day 3, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Ftiz Roy Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 9 km / 6 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 4, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Trail:
Approximate walking time: 3,5 hrs. Distance: 6 km / 4 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 5, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Perito Moreno excursion: 8 hours approx.
Approximate ice trekking time: 2 hrs.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderately demanding hiking trip
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Moderate demanding
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a program of conditioning well before departure.
DISTANCES AND OTHER DETAILS
Day 1, if coming from Chile: From Torres del Paine to Chalten
Torres del Paine to Cerro Castillo (borderline): 63 km / 39 miles / 1.5 hrs driving.
Cerro Castillo (borderline) to Calafate: 287 km / 180 miles / 3 hrs driving.
Calafate to Chalten: 220 km / 138 miles / 4 hrs driving.
Day 2, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Laguna Torre Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Optional Glacier Torre Trekking:
Approximate walking time: 12 hrs (2 hours on the glacier)
Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles round trip.
Day 3, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Ftiz Roy Trail:
Approximate walking time: 7 hrs. Distance: 9 km / 6 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 4, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Trail:
Approximate walking time: 3,5 hrs. Distance: 6 km / 4 miles round trip.
Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.
Day 5, Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Perito Moreno excursion: 8 hours approx.
Approximate ice trekking time: 2 hrs.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details). \
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Hiking - Fitzroy Trek in Patagonia
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