Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour
Get a taste of what real life in Patagonia is like
Guided
Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour Overview
Need a break from your routine? An authentic Pagatonian adventure should do the trick. The Authentic Patagonian Experience is a complete departure from the norm, immersing you in pioneer life in Argentine Patagonia for 5 blissful days.
Sail away from the cities over Argentino Lake, leaving everything behind as you step foot onto Estancia Cristina. This ranch has been in operation since 1914, and the family who lives here has stayed true to their roots. Eat at their table, learn their stories, and take their recommendations for local hikes. Ride their horses, heading out far into the wilderness to discover undisturbed viewpoints and deep blue lakes. Find quiet viewpoints where you’ll have the entire panorama to yourself. 5 days won’t feel like enough once you’re on the Authentic Patagonian Experience tour.
Trip highlights
Select your hikes or choose a horseback expedition to tailor your adventurous days as you please.
Stay on a local estancia, or ranch, with the pioneer family who has called it home for many years.
Sail across the picturesque Argentino Lake to reach your little corner of Argentina.
Discover the beauty of Los Glaciares National Park, one of the premier parks in Patagonia.
Day By Day Itinerary
Your adventure begins in El Calafate. As the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, hikers from all over the world have arrived here. If you have some spare time, take a visit to the Glaciarium, a museum of glaciology.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in El Calafate
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Get your first taste of Los Glaciares National park today, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll drive past countless estancias (traditional ranches) on your way to Nibepo Aike, where you’ll stop for lunch. Set sail on Lake Argentino, cruising over the cold water to Playa de las Monedas. Here you can walk to a viewpoint of the lake’s glacier.
Continue to Bajo Las Sombras, where you can see the glacier from another point of view. This viewpoint is often very quiet and serene, so you might just feel like you have the place to yourself.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in El Calafate
- Distance:
- Flexible
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Sail Lake Argentino once again this morning en route to Estancia Cristina. This very special place was founded in 1914 and still retains its original essence, protecting the history of the pioneer family that calls the estancia home.
Get to know your hosts tonight and enjoy dinner together over their family room table.
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge on Estancia Cristina
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
You can choose your activities around the estancia today. There is a long list of fabulous hikes in the area, or you can opt for a horseback riding expedition to either the Cristina viewpoint or the Pesca Lagoon. Whatever you choose, you’ll have an amazing day!
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge in Estancia Cristina
- Distance:
- Variable
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
You won’t want to leave your little slice of Patagonian paradise, but today’s the day. Head back to the airport in El Calafate and enjoy your travels!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
- Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Transfers upon arrival and for departure are included. Luggage transfers are also included.
- Guide services
- National park entrance fees
- Mentioned excursions and activities
Not included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Optional activities or excursions
- Additional nights before or after the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 2/5, however, the activities you choose will affect the difficulty level. For example, the shortest hike available is 2.5 hours and the shortest horseback riding excursion is 2-3 hours, but the longest hike is 6 hours and the longest horseback ride is 5-7 hours. You can choose activities that suit your level of activity, but you should have a good level of fitness to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
You can fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE). Your guide will pick you up at the airport.
The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, so please come prepared with a warm jacket, fleece layer, waterproof outer layer, hiking boots, optional trekking poles, warm gloves, a buff or scarf, a hat, lip balm, and sunscreen.
Yes, your guide will be English-speaking.
The tour ends in El Calafate, where you will be dropped off at the airport. You will need to either book a departure flight for after 8pm on the final day or arrange to stay an extra night in El Calafate (we can assist with this).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit Argentina for this tour is between December and February when the weather is at its warmest. Please still come prepared for possible cold conditions and wind.
Why book Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour with 10 Adventures?
Custom Guided Trips
Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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