Patagonia Glacier Ride

Introduction
Southern Patagonia Argentina
The Patagonia Glacier Ride offers exploring on horseback the most remote corners of Los Glaciares National Park where nature is discovered in its maximum expression: a combination of Andean woodland, crystal clear lakes, high mountains, impressive skies, and glaciers. The trip allows you to access where vehicles cannot reach, leaving the main buildings of the estancia behind to climb high up and enter another world.

Get away from civilization and allow yourself to become a part of the landscape and Patagonic life. A riding experience surrounded by immensity. Participate in a ranger’s life, in communion with the countryside, or of those pioneers and adventurers who were part of this area’s history. Meet the “puesteros”, who are in charge of each outpost. A very old job which is still very important in the way our rural life develops. Far away and long ago, when there were no roads, when the tracks and paths were only recently being marked, they had to spend nights far away from civilization to take care of cattle. Nowadays, their occupation is very similar and they know the lands like no one else. Lodging during the ride program will be provided at typical outposts where the rangers stay in order work with the livestock. They are also a refuge for mountain climbers making a stop along the way to a peak or a glacier.

Magnificent views of the Hidden Glaciers Frías, Gorra, Grande and Dickson will be seen during the trip. A combination of horse-riding, hiking, and rural life that may, on certain dates, coincide with big cattle or sheep drive or work in the corrals, thus adding another ingredient to the mix.

Images provided by: Luis Franke and Daniel Wagner

Accomodation



Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in a variety of accommodations from a beautiful Hostelry to a rustic outpost. The variety allows riders to travel deep into the Patagonia landscape and experience the authentic lifestyle of the puesteros, who care for the cattle. 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.

6day/ 5night Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Estancia
Night 2: Puesto La Rosada (only from December to March)
Nights 3 & 4: Puesto de la Laguna 3 de Abril
Night 5: Estancia

5day/ 4night Accommodation Itinerary (November) - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Estancia
Night 2 & 3: Puesto de la Laguna 3 de Abril
Night 4: Estancia

In November the ride and overnight at Puesto La Rosada, is not included because of the climate.



Estancia
The main buildings of the Hostelry has been built over 100 years ago in the typical Patagonian style. It has recently been refurbished and renovated. Guests can experience the authentic life of Patagonian estancias while staying here. The imposing view of the Andes mountain range is ever-present, while the Hostelry’s everyday life carries on and it is common to see the men riding past herding the cattle and/or sheep and disappearing over the horizon. Behind the house is the vegetable garden, which provides most of the fresh produce consumed on the Hostelry.
There are 10 bedrooms, each with private bathroom. You can choose between a standard or superior room, while staying at the hostelry. Superior rooms are bigger than standard rooms and have a small living room.
There is a living-dining room with a welcoming wood fireplace. The Quincho (rustic dining room) is set aside for typical Patagonian asados "al palo" -- a traditional charcoal roast on stakes around the flanks, both lamb and beef. Electricity is restricted and powered by a small hydro-electric or gasoil generator (not available 24-hours a day). There is mobile phone signal at the Hostelry. Laundry services are available at the Hostelry for an extra cost.



Puesto La Rosada (only from December to March)
The outpost can accommodate 8 riders. It has two rooms, each with 2 bunk beds (equipped with insulation mats) and one dining room. The outpost has no bathroom.



Puesto de la Laguna 3 de Abril
This 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. Basic bathroom amenities and a towel are provided. The beds are equipped with mattresses or insulation mats. 



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

The meals at the Hostelry are home-made and varied. Your guide is also your cook for barbecue and regular meals while sleeping outside of the Hostelry (all supplies are brought to the Outposts by vehicle).

Breakfast offers homemade bread, cakes, scones, and jams (all made at the Hostelry), with milk fresh from the cow - accompanied by fresh orange juice.
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



Riding Level
Intermediate level required. Riders must be able and have experience riding for at least 6 hours per day. We also ask riders to be in good shape. Please note that this riding program also involves some hiking.

Group Size
The maximum number of riders allowed by the National Park is 10. When the group size is above 8 at least 2 people sleep in tents provided by the local operator.

Children’s Policy
Children older than 12 years old can take this program, only if they have experience on rides of at least 6 hours a day and are willing to do some hiking in addition to riding.

Itinerary



Note: The programs might vary according to climatic conditions and/or to make better use of the livestock work if there is anything interesting going on around the dates of the program.
In November the ride and overnight at Puesto La Rosada is not included.


Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arriving at the Estancia
Afternoon arrival at the Estancia, taking the regular 5:00pm transfer from El Calafate. For the rest of the afternoon and evening the guest are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears
The accommodations retains the essence of the old Patagonian Hostelries. It is actually within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares reaching as far as the border with Chile. Formerly it was devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays a small flock is kept, its chief production being the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which it has developed a prestigious breeding herd.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 2: Puesto La Rosada (only from December to March)
Morning ride to climb up the mountain range Cordon de los Cristales, which lies behind the main house. The higher we go, the more clearly Argentino lake´s arms stand out. Once we reach the clearing, the track plunges into the Patagonian Andean woods. We pass between lenga trees and guindos [Magellan beeches], riding along old tracks where the great sheep drives used to pass. We reach a little clear land, where cows graze. There, La Rosada outpost is the home of the “puestero”, who oversees cattle and carries on the legacy of traditional rural production. He knows every single corner of this part of the land and he can count the cows with just a glance. If one had escaped, he would bring her back within a couple of minutes. There, we have first ranch lunch. By the afternoon, we reach an historical point: the International Milestone (´32) that indicates the end the Hostelry and the end of Argentina. The sensation to be at the very frontiers of Patagonia is unique. It is the south of the south: wind blows and the flag waves. The landscape and its calmness never end. Free time to explore surroundings.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Rosada outpost (only from December to March)

Day 3: Cachorro and Puesta Laguna 3 de Abril
On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros [Chilean firebush] and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier appear at the bottom and the granite needle called “el Dedo del Cesar” [Caesar’s Thumb]. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock. After a picnic lunch we continue on horseback to Laguna 3 de Abril (3 de Abril Lagoon), a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, kaiken [upland goose] and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we come to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the coziness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick and clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Day 4: Hidden Glaciers
After breakfast at the refuge, we walk to the lakeshore to meet Glaciar Sur. This excursion departs from the Estancia's pier and navigates the Lago Argentino down south to the Hidden Glaciers. The expedition is a combination of boat excursion and hiking to reach a unique spot between mountains and glaciers, where only few people arrive. Once the group gets on board, the boat sails through the Brazo Sur to its southernmost point. After a short walk through the native forest, the first lookout point to the glaciers is reached. At the bottom we can see the Lago Frías which will be sailed in zodiacs a few minutes later. It is 3 km navigation to the other shore where a new hike begins. It goes along an old river course to reach an amphitheater facing the glaciers Gorra, Frías, and Grande. The group eats lunch near Laguna de los Témpanos overlooking not only the 3 glaciers but also the icebergs that decorate the milky waters of the lagoon. This area of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is almost unexplored, only a few gauchos and cows from our Hostelry know the place’s hidden spots and secrets. After spending a good amount of time resting and taking pictures at the feet of the glaciers we get back to the outpost.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Additional information: The cruise activity will be provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia S.A.). It doesn’t have any additional cost. The activity is combined with the regular service from Glaciar Sur; this means the excursion and bilingual guide services will be shared with other passengers doing the complete tour from El Calafate. The program as previously described will be confirmed in situ. It is subject to cancelations due to weather-related situations, navigability or terrain conditions. It involves a 6 hours hike (14 km), with little gradient and medium technical requirement. More information: www.glaciarsur.com

If this activity cannot be done, you will spend the day by foot and on horseback!

We leave after breakfast, riding south to the Balcony of the Glaciers. The track runs parallel to the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. A little before arriving at the head of the lake, we leave the horses grazing to go up on foot to a viewing point even higher up. From there we will have a panoramic view of the Southern Arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frías, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance. We walk to the beach at the head of the Southern Arm. From there we cross a large pasture, a pristine area. An erratic stone of more than 20 meters in height will be the next goal. It is impressive to stand in front of such a huge rock, marked by the force of the glaciers advancing and receding. 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. The way 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. A place sheltered from the world. Whoever wants to will be able to carry on a bit further clambering over some stones that prove fairly awkward for crossing, in order to get to the southern end of Frías Lake, the natural border protecting the glaciers hidden in the mountains further south. In the afternoon we return to where the horses were left in order to ride back to the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where the night will be spent.

Day 5: Southern Arm of Lago Argentino
The return journey begins riding along the shore of the lake until we reach the main buildings of the Hostelry, about 18km from the refuge. We will arrive in time for lunch with a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers, which will be ready just as the riders arrive. After lunch, you can explore the surroundings of the estancia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 6: Departure
Spend your last morning at the estancia relaxing and taking in the beautiful landscape before taking the shuttle transfer back to El Calafate.
Meals included: Breakfast  



Sample Itinerary: 5-day program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arriving at the Estancia
Afternoon arrival at the Estancia, taking the regular 5:00pm transfer from El Calafate. For the rest of the afternoon and evening the guest are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears
The accommodations retains the essence of the old Patagonian Hostelries. It is actually within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares reaching as far as the border with Chile. Formerly it was devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays a small flock is kept, its chief production being the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which it has developed a prestigious breeding herd.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 2: Cachorro and Puesta Laguna 3 de Abril
On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros [Chilean firebush] and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier appear at the bottom and the granite needle called “el Dedo del Cesar” [Caesar’s Thumb]. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock. After a picnic lunch we continue on horseback to Laguna 3 de Abril (3 de Abril Lagoon), a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, kaiken [upland goose] and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we come to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the coziness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick and clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Day 3: Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
After breakfast at the refuge, we walk to the lakeshore to meet Glaciar Sur. This excursion departs from the Estancia's pier and navigates the Lago Argentino down south to the Hidden Glaciers. The expedition is a combination of boat excursion and hiking to reach a unique spot between mountains and glaciers, where only few people arrive. Once the group gets on board, the boat sails through the Brazo Sur to its southernmost point. After a short walk through the native forest, the first lookout point to the glaciers is reached. At the bottom we can see the Lago Frías which will be sailed in zodiacs a few minutes later. It is 3 km navigation to the other shore where a new hike begins. It goes along an old river course to reach an amphitheater facing the glaciers Gorra, Frías, and Grande. The group eats lunch near Laguna de los Témpanos overlooking not only the 3 glaciers but also the icebergs that decorate the milky waters of the lagoon. This area of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is almost unexplored, only a few gauchos and cows from our Hostelry know the place’s hidden spots and secrets. After spending a good amount of time resting and taking pictures at the feet of the glaciers we get back to the outpost.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Additional information: The cruise activity will be provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia S.A.). It doesn’t have any additional cost. The activity is combined with the regular service from Glaciar Sur; this means the excursion and bilingual guide services will be shared with other passengers doing the complete tour from El Calafate. The program as previously described will be confirmed in situ. It is subject to cancelations due to weather-related situations, navigability or terrain conditions. It involves a 6 hours hike (14 km), with little gradient and medium technical requirement. More information: www.glaciarsur.com

If this activity cannot be done, you will spend the day by foot and on horseback!

We leave after breakfast, riding south to the Balcony of the Glaciers. The track runs parallel to the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. A little before arriving at the head of the lake, we leave the horses grazing to go up on foot to a viewing point even higher up. From there we will have a panoramic view of the Southern Arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frías, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance. We walk to the beach at the head of the Southern Arm. From there we cross a large pasture, a pristine area. An erratic stone of more than 20 meters in height will be the next goal. It is impressive to stand in front of such a huge rock, marked by the force of the glaciers advancing and receding. 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. The way 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. A place sheltered from the world. Whoever wants to will be able to carry on a bit further clambering over some stones that prove fairly awkward for crossing, in order to get to the southern end of Frías Lake, the natural border protecting the glaciers hidden in the mountains further south. In the afternoon we return to where the horses were left in order to ride back to the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where the night will be spent.

Day 4: Southern Arm of Lago Argentino
The return journey begins riding along the shore of the lake until we reach the main buildings of the Hostelry, about 18km from the refuge. We will arrive in time for lunch with a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers, which will be ready just as the riders arrive. After lunch, you can explore the surroundings of the estancia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 5: Departure
Spend your last morning at the estancia relaxing and taking in the beautiful landscape before taking the shuttle transfer back to El Calafate.
Meals included: Breakfast  

Rates and Dates for Patagonia Glacier Ride

Dates Note: Estancia stays are available any time from September to mid-May.
Custom dates available with 2+ riders (additional fee).

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