Enjoy the hospitality of Argentine Patagonia – and all the adventures therein! Trek, ride, and boat through Glaciares National Park, the Fitz Roy Mountains, and the Cerro Torre. You will explore unique small towns, immerse yourself in Argentinian culture (and wines), take in amazing views of glaciers while on foot and from the deck of a ship, taste local microbrews and chocolates, and, after active and engaging days, sleep in luxurious comfort.
This fantastic 7-day adventure will fill you with awe as you witness ancient glaciers calving, absorb the majesty of the Andes Mountains (including Fitz Roy), cross stunning rivers and explore charming villages, and trek to incredible heights. Fantastic local food (and drink) will power you through the days, and offer welcome, refueling respite at night. You’ll explore local cultures, hike incredible mountain passes, delve into local history, and immerse yourself in awesome Patagonia.
Enjoy a Patagonian sunset – hopefully with a delicious, local pisco sour in hand
Learn about glacier growth, retreat, and calving
Trek into some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet
Delve into the world of regional Argentinian wines
See the southernmost hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Ride like a gaucho on horseback to explore the Blue Lagoon or the Mirador del Condor.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Explore La Leona Road House, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit out for almost a month after a bank robbery.
02
Relax in the local brewery after a long hike, or the local chocolateria (or both)!
03
Learn about how European immigrants came to start a new life in this rich and vibrant land, and how new generations have turned their hardworking farms into luxurious hotels.
Pick-up in El Calafate, Argentina – gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken by private transportation to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore the town. Explore the modern interpretive center called the Glaciarium, which serves as a primer on the region’s numerous glaciers, or make the 1km hike out to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful Patagonian sunset.
About Kau Yatun Country Hotel or similar
A beautiful country lodge with an almost Germanic flair, the Hotel Kau Yatun is perched just on the end of town. There is a buffet breakfast, room service, a bar, and a restaurant with gaucho-style shows. There is a laundry, Wi-Fi, mountain bikes on-site, self-guided trails, and farm animals. The rooms are spartan and prim but very clean and comfortable and have complimentary coffee and tea in each room. There are no TV’s.
Get ready for a full-day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciers National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, it is one of the most awesome landscapes in South America. A bilingual guide will answer all your questions and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning glacier views from the walking trail and viewing platforms. Then enjoy the glacier boat cruise that will get you up close enough to really appreciate the 80M-high ice walls!
Enjoy breakfast before viewing the desert of southern Patagonia over a three-hour drive on famous Route 40. Pass over La Leona River, connecting Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and watch out for La Leona Road House, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit out for almost a month after a bank robbery. Arrive at the charming village of El Chalten, Argentina’s capital for trekking, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers, and the Fitz Roy Mountains. Relax and explore the town, by hiking to a nearby waterfall, relax in the local brewery, or indulge in the chocolateria.
About Hosteria Senderos or similar
Just on the edge of El Chaltén, within Los Glaciares National Park and at the foot of Fitz Roy, Senderos Hostería is a charming lodge built in deference to local farmhouses from the 1920’s, but with modern charms and conveniences. Nestled near the Rio Fitz Roy and Rio De las Vueltas, the hotel offers buffet ‘American breakfast’, a wine bar, cozy log fireplace, room service and boxed lunches, laundry services, and information on excursions like horseback riding and trekking.
The charming village of El Chalten is Argentina’s capital for trekking and is surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers, and the Fitz Roy Mountains. In the morning, you’ll start a half-day, guided trek to the base of Mount Torre. This classic trek takes you up into the Adela range and the incredible Cerro Torre. After your descent, we recommend relaxing in the local brewery or the guide can arrange to visit her friend’s chocolateria.
Transfer from El Chalten to El Pilar to begin your hike. After a two-hour trek, enjoy an outstanding view of the Fitz-Roy mountain range. Reach Poincenot Camp and continue walking to Laguna Capri, where you will stop for a much-earned boxed lunch! Walk the descent into town, arriving in the afternoon, and check into the luxurious Hosteria Helsingfors Lodge. That night, your local guide will review the activities for the next days, including trekking and horseback riding.
About Hosteria Helsingfors or similar
During the early 20th century, Finnish adventurer, Alfred Ranström, settled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, on the shores of Lago Viedma. As a memory of his fatherland, he named his estancia after his country’s capital city: Helsingfors (“Helsinki” in Swedish). Here he lived with his wife, Marie Lisau and their children, lightening up this wonderful spot, never imagining that they would be the main characters in one of Patagonia’s most touching stories. The lodge is surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, protected by lush woods which give way to a panoramic view of the lake, Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes Mountains. It has 9 rooms with private bathrooms decorated and designed to combine colors and textures that blend in with the environment. The hotel includes a bar and a dining room with fixed-course meals, nature guides, an extensive selection of regional wines, outdoor barbeque lunches, laundry services, and Wi-Fi access (but no cell phone signal or TVs).
Enjoy your day at the luxurious Hosteria Helsingfors lodge, which is surrounded by a majestic natural landscape, protected by lush woods which give way to a panoramic view of the lake, Mount Fitz Roy and the Andes Mountains. Your local guides will take you on your chosen activities, be it a trek or horseback to the Blue Lagoon, a horseback ride to the Mirador del Condor (including a river crossing), a stroll to the Wind Peninsula, or relaxing among the amenities of the lodge itself.
Pull yourself away, if you can, from the luxurious Hosteria Helsingfors lodge to transfer to the airport or your next adventure.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Departs weekly.
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving in El Calafate, Argentina early on Day One of your itinerary. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the El Calafate airport or your El Calafate hotel.
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 6-mile hikes, moderate to challenging terrain at altitude with options for more (or less)
Horseback riding: A variety of short- and medium-length rides. No experience necessary
Options at Hosteria Helsingfors: Trek or horseback riding to the Blue Lagoon, ride to the Mirador del Condor (includes a river crossing), trek to Laguna del Morro, hike or ride to the Estancia Los Hermanos, or a pleasant walk to the Wind Peninsula.
Cultural Visits
Enjoy a Patagonian sunset – hopefully with a delicious, local pisco sour in hand. Learn about glacier growth, retreat, and calving. Trek into some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet. Delve into the world of regional Argentinian wines. See the southernmost hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Enjoy a small-town brew pub, or the town’s chocolateria – or, ideally, both! Ride a criollo horse the way gauchos do. Learn about how European immigrants came to start a new life in this rich and vibrant land, and how new generations have turned their hardworking farms into luxurious hotels.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
South America Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
