Patagonia's Hidden Glaciers 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. Walking Tour Meeting: El Calafate Airport: El Calafate - Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) Transfer: El Calafate - Avenida del Libertador 1532 (local 2) Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 22 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Minimum Deposit: 30 %

 

Rates Note:

Please, provide your passport information at time of booking

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up from El Calafate at 8:30am on your starting day. Drop-off to El Calafate departs at 10:15 pm on your last day.

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

                                            El Calafate area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	67	65	62	56	47	41	40	45	50	57	61	65
Average Low Temperature (°F)	48	46	43	38	33	28	27	30	34	39	42	46
Average High Temperature (°C)	19	19	16	13	8	5	5	7	10	14	16	18
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	8	6	3	1	-2	-3	-1	1	4	6	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Weather in this part of Patagonia is very changeable.

During summer (December, January, February), the maximum temperature varies between 15ºC to 22ºC during the day, although it may well feel a lot colder due to the wind chill factor, and 7ºC to 10ºC at night, or lower.
Take into account that this is a very windy area, especially in spring and summer, decreasing in autumn (March-April).

The estancia is closed to guests from end of April to beginning of October due to the adverse conditions in winter.

The estancia provides a duffle bag for your excursion. You can also bring a small backpack or a day pack with you to carry your camera, phone and wallet. All other luggage will be left at the estancia.

In order to get the most out of your stay, we recommend you bring:
- Small backpack / daypack
- Sleeping bag (Recommended for up to -5 degrees Celsius. Please let us know if you will not be bringing one).
- Waterproof/warm jacket or anorak, preferably with hood
- Flash light
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm or fleece sweater
- Hiking boots (bring another pair of shoes or sandals when crossing rivers)
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves / Beanie / Scarf
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars

Please note that only cash will be accepted at the estancia.

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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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Level:		(2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Age:		Min 12
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 22

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.

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.