Privacy Policy

Argentina Tours and Travel

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / More Patagonia / Firecrowns & Penguins / Hidden Argentina
Best of Northwest / Buenos Aires / Calafate / Iguazu Falls / Bariloche / Ushuaia / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera Wetlands / Valdes Peninsula
Antarctic Cruises / Australis Expedition Cruises / Iruya Trek / Kayaking / Wine Tours / Uruguay Escapes / Tango, Candombe & Samba

Patagonia Ice Trail Tour

Visiting the Southern Patagonia Andes is to see the Earth as it was 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. The region features a vast high plateau covered by steppe vegetation that lays down from the Atlantic Ocean to the foot of the Andes Range. Rising steeply above the steppe, the Andes show sharp shaped uneroded mountains due to the very recent receding of glaciers. They are still covered by the most extensive area of glaciers outside the world's polar regions. Mountains within these frozen plateaus appear as rock islands called nunataks. Huge glaciers spill off into enormous lakes. From the 350 glaciers sliding down from the Ice Field, the Perito Moreno Glacier is probably the most famous. As for mountains, names such as Mt Fitz Roy, Torre and Paine, known by climbers all over the world, offer the most spectacular, magic and beautiful mountain views of the world, with their outstanding granite walls.

DAY 01: BUENOS AIRES. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet and greet at the International airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at Pulitzer hotel or similar.
Meals: None

Afternoon WALKING TOUR.
Being Buenos Aires such a big city, with many corners, we offer the possibility to walk around the city escorted by our specialist guides and have the feeling the "porteños" have. We will follow historic paths, fashion trails, turn of the century parks and plazas among the most popular ones.
Some notes:
There will be various approaches to the city and they will depend on the location of the passenger's hotel.
It is a good idea to include a visit on the day of arrival so if passengers have to wait for their room at the hotels, they can enjoy some time visiting the surroundings while their room is being prepared.
The aims of these walking tours are:
" Have visitors get acquainted to the area in which their hotel is located.
" Get a glimpse of their future visits of the city
" Have a relaxed and peaceful stroll after a long flight and enjoy some time outside with fresh air.

DAY 02: BUENOS AIRES - USHUAIA. Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Ushuaia. Arrival in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Meet at the airport and transfer to the ALTOS de USHUAIA hotel. Accommodation. This is a quaint hotel in the city of Ushuaia. It is very simple, yet cosy and with great atmosphere. www.altosushuaia.com
Meals: B.

Tierra del Fuego contains all the different ecosystems, which typify Patagonia on a single island: South Atlantic coast, bushy steppe, Andes surrounded by glaciers, snow, lakes and forests. As if it weren't enough the island also has its unique sub-Antarctic rainforest. Unexpectedly lush beech forests are covered with a magic carpet of green mosses, lichens waving in the wind in this seemingly enchanted forest.

Afternoon city trek in the city of Ushuaia. The hike starts at El Mirador del Beagle area, a side neighborhood located in the highest part of the city and an example of the amazing development of Ushuaia in the last years and the smooth transition between the city and the natural surroundings.

Upon our departure and towards the forest, this trail will allow us to enjoy the amazing vistas of the city which picture the history of the development of the city through the years: the Presidium, then the Naval base, the Industrial area (when Ushuaia has been a duty free area) and the newly built neighborhoods. From the very beginning all these vistas have the magnificent Beagle Channel and the islands beyond as a backdrop.
Duration: 2 hour
Meals: B

DAY 03: FD HIKE CERRO CORTES - TIERRA DEL FUEGO 360°
Trekking in the Forest - The best views of Tierra del Fuego - Forests, Mountains, Peat Bogs, and Glaciers…On this trek we will be reaching the vegetation limit hiking through a pristine forest which is rarely used and from the summit of this Mount located N of Ushuaia we will have the chance to enjoy a 360° view. Transfer from the hotel to the trail head where we start hiking on a steep path while enjoying the local forest: lenga, guindos and ñires. About 600 m (1970 ft) height we find the last remains of the vegetation, the end of the forest. From that point there is a 30 minute hike to reach the summit. Once on top we will enjoy great photo opportunities of the Mt Olivia, a landmark in Ushuaia, on the Andean Range. Isla Navarino and behind the legendary Murray Pass that leads to Cape Horn, Ushuaia and Mount Susana and following our tour the Martial range, the Andorra Valley and Rio Chico valley as a backdrop. Our way down follows the same path, after having had lunch in one of the most incredible setting in this legendary land.

Includes: bilingual mountain guide, exclusive vehicle max. 12 participants, box- lunch (snacks & sandwiches with cold cuts and vegetables). Beverages included.

Pack warm clothes: windbreaker, gloves, scarf, and polar neck & lots of films.
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Operates: November to April.

DAY 04: TIERRA DEL FUEGO NP. TREKKING AND CANOEING
Full day visit to the Tierra del Fuego NP. Upon arrival in the park, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest we will be able to look for the Magellanic woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors. Lunch in the camping area of Lake Roca.

Afternoon paddling in the National Park. After an instructive view in Lago Roca, kayak Ovando River, which flows, into the Green Lake, one of the most beautiful views of the Park. During this easy- downstream ride, we will enjoy the crystal-clear, quiet waters of Ovando River. We will run into Laguna Verde, one of the most wonderful spots in this part of the Park. As we go on, we will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery.

Approaching Lapataia Bay, we may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. Lapataia Bay is our final destination. After we disembark, we just relax and enjoy the early, southern sunset behind the mountains. We are at the end of the southernmost reaches of the Panamerican Road, at the end of the world.
We drive then back to Ushuaia and the hotel.
Meals: B- L

DAY 05: USHUAIA - EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN.
Morning at leisure in Ushuaia to enjoy the city or visit the very interesting End of the World Museum or the Presidium. Transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate. Reception and transfer to the bus station to board the bus to El Chaltén (4 hours), a small windswept town at the foot of Mt. Fitz Roy. Upon arrival, accommodation at Kalenshen Hosteria, a 20 room property located in town. From the hostería, we will enjoy magnificent vistas of the huge granite walls of the Mt Fitz Roy and some other important peaks. www.kalenshen.com
Meals: B.

Balance of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the area.

DAY 06: Mt FITZ ROY.
Full day hike to Mt Fitz Roy base camp and Laguna de los Tres. After breakfast hike north towards Fitz Roy with spectacular views of the massif ahead. Sacred and venerated by local Tehuelche groups and believed to be a volcano, they called it "Chaltén" (exhaling fumes mountain). Further hike to Laguna de los Tres, at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy. Three glaciers drain into this greenish lagoon with majestic Mt. Fitz Roy towering above. Enjoy breathtaking views to SE Lake Viedma and the endless Patagonia steppe.
Slope: 1100 m.
Approx. hike: 8 hours
Meals: B- Box-lunch.

DAY 07: LAGUNA TORRE.
Full day hiking another Patagonian classic: Mt Torre, famous for its beauty but also for its level of difficulty. Countless expeditions attempt every year to reach the summit, but only a few succeed. After a 45 minute climb we will find an even area surrounding an old lagoon where vegetation is starting to grow again. The trail takes 3 hours approx and goes by old glacial moraines where lenga and ñires have found their place. The Fitz Roy River will be parallel to our trail and it will let us be amazed at the imposing mounts Fitz Roy and Torre and their pinnacles and hanging glaciers. The trails enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre range and the Adelas Mt. and ends in the coast of Laguna Torre, which offers a beautiful view of Mt Torre surrounded by Egger, Standhard spires and the Adelas range as a backdrop together with Glacier Torre.

Lunch will be at the Laguna Torre and after enjoying the Maestri lookout we will return to El Chalten.
Slope: 600 m.
Approx. hike: 5 hours
Meals: B- Box-lunch.

DAY 08: EL CHALTEN- EL CALAFATE. After breakfast, free time for a further hike in the area or town or enjoy a short hike to a scenic point overlooking the famous Mt Torre. Afternoon board a bus to El Calafate (about four hours bus ride). Arrival. Accommodation at Accommodation at HOSTERIA KOI AIKEN in El Calafate. www.koiaiken.com.ar
Meals: B.

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 Period Moreno glacier.

DAY 09: PERITO MORENO GLACIER at LOS GLACIARES NP
Transfer to Los Glaciares NP in the Sub-Antarctic Continental Ice-cape, which extends over 60000 sq km (23000 sq miles) and gives birth to several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. We will board small boats to cross Argentino Lake in front of towering ice walls of the Perito Moreno glacier and will navigate around the ice blocks which are constantly calving from it. We will land on an uninhabited beach, where the mountain guides will lead us to a small shelter. After checking last details, abilities and a short safety briefing the groups are divided into smaller groups of 20, and head to the lateral moraine of the glacier, where the guides will done us crampons and our exploration will begin.

The two hour circuit that follows will introduce us to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: streams, small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible and different kind of blue. Together with the hike the guides will introduce us to this amazing area: flora & fauna which includes such species as: Andean condors, buff-necked ibis, black-chested buzzard eagles, ashy headed geese, etc. After having enjoyed this amazing experience, we will have lunch (pack lunch provided by the hotel) in a small beach by the Glacier to then navigate back to the board walks to observe the amazing Perito Moreno Glacier from the board walks.

** For those HARD CORE TREKKERS we suggest that they consider joining the BIG ICE EXPEDITION which gets into the heart of the glacier.

Recommended gear for the day: Sport shoes or trekking boots, with warm woolen or cotton socks. (Rubber and après ski boots, as well as high heels are not advisable). Comfortable sports wear, long trousers, warm sweater or pile, water or wind proof jacket, sunglasses, sun block and gloves.

Meals: B & Box-lunch

Important notes for Minitrekking
The excursion begins in the embarking pier located in "Bajo de las Sombras" bay - about 6 km before the glacier boardwalks - where we will embark for 20 minute navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier's front walls and iceberg channels.

Some notes:
The trekking is MODERATE. The ice surface is irregular but firm and safe.
Land transportation from El Calafate is on a shared basis, it does NOT include guide and includes one hour visit to the glacier's boardwalks.
Entrance fees: These are NOT included in the rate, so participants are to pay upon arrival to the entrance of the National Park. The ticket costs $ 45. - (pesos 45.-) and it is to be paid locally in PESOS (US Dollars or any other currency are not accepted).

The tour is not recommended for:
Passengers over 60 years old or children under 12 will not be allowed; Pregnant women
People with vertigo, overweight or some kind of difficulty to walk on their own or who need assistance.

DAY 10: EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES.
Morning at leisure to explore El Calafate or do optional activities. Transfer to the airport to fly back to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Meals. B.

** This last day we strongly suggest to include a Dinner and Tango Show as a farewell to Argentina**

DAY 11: BUENOS AIRES
At leisure to enjoy the bustling city. Transfer to the International airport to fly back home.
Meals: B.

** Rooms will be available till noon. There is a possibility to leave the luggage at the hotel's deposit until the time of the transfer to the airport.
Late check out on request and maybe subject to an extra cost.

FIXED DEPARTURES 2012 - 2013 : OCT 14, NOV 04, NOV 11, DEC 09, DEC 16, JAN 13, JAN 27, FEB 10, FEB 24, MAR 10, MAR 24* Private departures on request.

2012 / 2013 RATES FOR FIXED DEPARTURES: rate per person sharing a double room: U$S 2375
Supplement for reservations in October & November U$S 5.- p/ person in double.
Single supplement: U$S 670
Rates are based on a minimum of 2 pax traveling together.

Estimated domestic airfare (subject to change without prior notice) from U$S 687. - (3 coupons including taxes and airport taxes from Buenos Aires). Airport taxes in Ushuaia and El Calafate are to be paid locally as well as airport departure tax from Argentina. The rate is based on W class; penalties for cancellations and changes apply

Big ICE EXPEDITION - www.hieloyaventura.com Supplement U$S 88 p/ person (see details below)

This incredible experience starts at the small pier "Bajo las Sombras" at 0900 AM, (previous transfer from El Calafate) where we board a small boat - the Tehuelche - to cross the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino. After 10-minute navigation we meet the guides on the opposite bank of the lake and we start hiking in the beech forest till we get to the lateral moraine of the Perito Moreno glacier. We put on our crampons, get a brief instruction on ice climbing and hiking and off we go!

After an hour's walk we reach the point where we leave terra firma and start our walk on the ice. 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. We will explore this "unique world" hiking for about 3 hours led by expert mountain guides. We 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. We then hike back to the small pier to board our boat and navigate back to the coast with our souls fulfilled. Return to El Calafate.

Note: 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.
Due to park regulations and insurance policy pax over 45 years old will not be accepted on the tour.

What to pack: sunglasses, cap, wind proof parka or jacket, sun block, gloves, trekking boots, comfortable and warm clothes, bottle water, and box-lunch.

RATES & CONDITIONS

The rates include:
" Accommodation in the mentioned hotels with private facilities and breakfast.
" Round trip transfers between airport and hotels in every destination
" Shared services (small groups of 10/12 pax; trekking on Glacier with average groups of 20).
" Assistance of expert mountain guides in Ushuaia, El Chalten and the Minitrekking
" Trekking gear if necessary
" Meals as stated on the itinerary (without beverages)
" Entrance fees to parks and reserves

The rates do not include:
" Airline tickers, airport departure taxes
" International departure tax U$S 18.- to be paid in US dollars, pesos or a combination of both
" Tips for luggage handling and optional gratuities for guides and crew
" Extras and personal expenses
" Optional tours.

"The trip was perfect and everything went well, just like ‘clock work’. We were met at all the airports, the transfers, recommended hotels were good, the guides were excellent. Perhaps the only ‘exception’ was Salta, Argentina where the ‘guide’ was more a driver (there was no guide), but I must admit that
he is a good and careful driver. We have had a good and memorable holiday and we have to thank you for the perfect planning." Sheng

GENERAL REMARKS

NOTES
1.- BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: For domestic flights is 15kg to check in and 5kg as carry on per person. Any luggage heavier than these limits is charged an additional cost which varies between U$S 1.5 to U$S 3. - Per extra kilo. In our past experience the airlines not always charged these overweight, however they retain the right to do so.

2.- HOTELS. Hotels used are superior 3* / 4* chosen for their service and good value for money as well as special ambiance or character which add to the experience.

** IMPORTANT NOTE about the hotels: Due to high demand the hotels are not always able to provide the rooms at the time of arrival. Please inform the clients accordingly. Normal check in time is between 0200 PM and 0300PM

RECOMMENDATIONS
* Participants must be prepared to Hike on uneven terrain and cope with harsh weather.
* Participants are to travel with health insurance
* Meals are based on meat and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians or any other special diet must be informed at least 15 days prior to departure

4- PACKING LIST
Basic pack should include:
" Day pack
" Trekking shoes (that have been broken in) and / or riding boots.
" 1 or 2 pants Comfortable gym shoes for resting.
" Polar wear / warm sweater. Warm parka and windbreaker.
" Flashlight with extra batteries Light pullover / sweatshirt.
" Gloves, cap, bandanna, sunglasses. Water bottle.
" Sunscreen / sun block, soap and towel Camera and lots of film.

A note on the weather in Patagonia:

Weather conditions: Weather is highly unpredictable. Particularly in spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, as violent westerly storms sweep in from the Pacific Ocean. Strong westerly winds are usually at their worst from November to January, but typically continue through the end of April. Temperature can vary a lot too, ranging from -5C to 25 C, averaging 15 C.