Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRochester Hotel in El Calafate
This luxurious hotel combines rustic charm with modern style, offering comfortable, well-equipped rooms and a great restaurant.
Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour
Prices
Highlights
Get a taste of what real life in Patagonia is like
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.
Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in El Calafate
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
Day 2 Drive to Nibepo Aike and Sail to Lake Argentino
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
Day 3 Estancia Cristina
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
Day 4 Hiking or Horseback Riding at Estancia Cristina
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
Day 5 Back to El Calafate
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
Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour Price and Dates
This guided cultural and multisport tour in Argentina is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants, the time of year, and whether you prefer a private or shared tour. You can book either a 3-star hotel or 5-star hotel for this tour.
Note, that this tour is not available from April 16th to October 14th.
Prices below are per person.
3-Star Hotel Accommodation:
Private Tour
- Guided single travellers: $2,450USD
- Guided groups of 2 in single rooms: $2,315USD per person
- Guided groups of 2 in double rooms: $1,785USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in single rooms: $2,290USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in double rooms: $1,755USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in triple rooms: $1,725USD per person
Shared Tour
- Guided single travellers: $2,230USD
- Guided travellers in single rooms: $2,225USD per person
- Guided travellers in double rooms: $1,695USD per person
- Guided travellers in triple rooms: $1,660USD per person
5-Star Hotel Accommodation:
Private Tour
- Guided single travellers: $2,480USD
- Guided groups of 2 in single rooms: $2,345USD per person
- Guided groups of 2 in double rooms: $1,800USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in single rooms: $2,315USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in double rooms: $1,885USD per person
- Guided groups of 3 in triple rooms: $1,725USD per person
Shared Tour
- Guided single travellers: $2,255USD
- Guided travellers in single rooms: $2,255USD per person
- Guided travellers in double rooms: $1,710USD per person
- Guided travellers in triple rooms: $1,665USD per person
Accommodation on the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour
This tour is based in hotels and a ranch lodge. There are two hotels you can choose from if you book the 5-star option and the hotels you select will affect the price of the tour. Please contact us to explore all your options and get an accurate quote depending on your preferences.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you would prefer a single room where available or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Night 3-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsLodge on Estancia Cristina
Stay in a lodge on the Estancia Cristina, a working Patagonian ranch nestled right into nature.
3-Star Hotels:
Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsImago Hotel in El Calafate
Relax with views of Lago Argentino at this posh hotel. Some rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, and all guests enjoy top-notch service and amenities.
Night 3-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsLodge on Estancia Cristina
Stay in a lodge on the Estancia Cristina, a working Patagonian ranch nestled right into nature.
5-Star Hotels (Option nr. 1):
Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsXelena Hotel in El Calafate
Right on the lakeshore, this hotel offers private terraces, jetted tubs, and an an airy restaurant for your enjoyment.
Night 3-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsLodge on Estancia Cristina
Stay in a lodge on the Estancia Cristina, a working Patagonian ranch nestled right into nature.
5-Star Hotels (Option nr. 2):
What’s Included in the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfers according to the itinerary are included. Transfers upon arrival and for departure are included. Luggage transfers are also included.
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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour
How hard is the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour?
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.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour?
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to El Calafate to start this tour?
You can fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE). Your guide will pick you up at the airport.
What should I bring?
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.
Is the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour in English?
Yes, your guide will be English-speaking.
Where does the Authentic Patagonian Experience Tour end?
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).
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Argentina?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Argentina?
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.
When is the best time to travel to Argentine for this tour?
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.
Reviews
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.5
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
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Tour Difficulty
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.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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