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ArgentinaBest of Patagonia
/ Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More
Patagonia Treks / Discovery
Tours Calafate and LOS GLACIARES NPOne of the most beautiful landscapes in the Western Hemisphere is found in the Patagonian Andes. For this reason a chain of Argentine and Chilean National Parks protects this natural beauty. Numerous lakes fed by glacial run-off reflect the majesty of the snow-capped peaks. The mountainsides are covered by primeval forests of subantarctic beech trees many of which change color spectacularly in autumn. Surrounded by this magnificent vegetation are the immense glaciers, most likely the highlight of any trip to this region. Between the 48 and 51 South parallels, the Andes Range is covered by a large extension of permafrost known as the Patagonian continental icecap, which stretches for 560 miles from north to south. So large it is, that it is also called "the third pole" after its huge concentration of ice. It is the origin of 47 major glaciers, such as the famous Perito Moreno glacier. But it is also known all over the world for its dramatic steppe at the foot of the imposing Fitz Roy and Torre Mountains, a "mecca" for climbers from all over the world. These areas allow for hiking, trekking, horseriding, overlanding and overnight in remote and isolated estancias by turquoise lakes. Sample ItineraryDay 1 - arrive Calafate, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3 - early morning transfer to Puerto Bandera, to board a comfortable and modern catamaran for a cruise on Lago Argentino to reach Upsala Glacier, the largest on the continental ice cap. You will stop at Bahia Onelli to enjoy a short walk through the forest until Laguna Onelli, place from where you will obtain beautiful panoramic views of Onelli, Agassiz, Spegazzini and Bolados glaciers. Full day. Day 4- transfer to airport. 2008 Price per person in US$: $269 for 1 person, $226 for 2 people Price includes roundtrip airport transfers to hotels in city, tours mentioned, park fees Does not include cost of hotel. We can arrange hotels from 3* up, or estancias You can substitute or add these tours
Big Ice - This incredible experience
starts at the small pier "Bajo las Sombras", where you board
a small boat - the Tehuelche - to cross the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino.
After a 10 minutes navigation you meet the guides on the opposite bank
of the lake and you start hiking in the beech forest till you get to the
lateral moraine of the Perito Moreno glacier. You put on our grampons,
get a brief instruction on ice climbing and hiking and off. Once on the
glacier, the world changes dramatically, deep blue lagoons, profound crevasses,
huge cesspools, amazing ice caves and that special feeling of being right
in the heart of the ice mass. You will explore this "unique world"
hiking for about 3 hours led by expert mountain guides. You will stop
for lunch (not included) - an opportunity to rest and enjoy the most of
this experience, being the first and few in the area. You
then hike back (about an hour) to the small pier to board our boat and
navigate back to the coast with our souls fulfilled of this amazing experience
unique in the world. This tour has a demanding schedule, due to the uneven
terrain. Therefore it is only advisable for participants between 18 and
45 years old with a good physical condition, taking into account that
the trail demands a 7 hour walk on ice and loose pebbles. HD Mount Frias Horseback ride W/ lunch
- Meetings at the starting point to begin a great full day ride to
Mt. Frias. Following a valley to Mt. Frías, at 1100 m. up a canyon,
through a Nothofagus forest, we reach the ridge with spectacular views
to Lakes Roca and Argentino. If the weather is fine we will be able to
see as far as the Torres del Paine in Chile. Return to the ranch, for
a cup of tea and cakes and having experienced the typical patagonian steppe,
with the possibility of wildlife watching (guanacos, pumas, and condors). PETRIFIED FORESTS at La Leona - A few kilometers from El Calafate and for all those interested in the ancient world when dinosaurs roamed over the landscape, the visit of BOSQUE PETRIFICADO LA LEONA cannot be missed. Magnificent petrified tree trunks and large dinosaur fossils hidden for millenniums, were uncovered by wind and water erosion and are nowadays at the bottom of a very beautiful valley of incredible characteristics. Departure at 8:30 am from El Calafate following
the route 40 and driving North about other 67 kilometers.
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