Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCauquenes de Nimez in El Calafate
The rooms here are dark and cozy, the water is nearby, and the free WiFi and outdoor restaurant seating are great touches.
Discover the best of Los Glaciares National Park and Argentine Patagonia
Have you been dreaming of Patagonia? The Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour is the perfect way to dive right into the best of the Argentinian side, exploring on foot and by water to find all those legendary scenes you’ve been dreaming of.
Begin in El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, heading straight into the mountains to discover the pale blue ice of the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch the ice cleave off from the glacier, splashing into the cool blue waters surrounding it. Hike to the undisputed best sights of Patagonia, discovering the towering summits of Mount Fitz Roy from the shores of Laguna de los Tres and the spires of Mount Torre and its satellite peaks from Laguna Torre. Paddle in a kayak over the surface of Lago Desierto, and listen to the eerie silence of the petrified forest. On the Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour, you’ll be snapping more photos than you can count, confronted in all directions with the beauty of Patagonia.
Welcome to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park! If you’ve got time after travelling, you can go birdwatching at Laguna Nimes or visit the ice museum, perhaps with a drink at the ice bar included.
Start today with one of the park’s most-visited sites, the Perito Moreno Glacier. Drive to the port where you’ll take a boat to the glacier, giving you a unique view of its icy blue sheer sides. Keep an eye on the sky for condors and eagles!
Continue along the Canal de Los Témpanos to the northern face of the glacier. Pass Bahia Toro, a unique black sand beach, where you can disembark from the boat to enjoy a walk around this amazing area. A thundering waterfall is your endpoint, and here your guide will tell you all about the glacier you just saw. Grab a hot drink at the nearby cafe and spend some time adventuring on your own before departing the Perito Moreno area.
After breakfast and a cup of hot coffee, you’ll be off to a trailhead in the petrified forest. Walk while you learn about the geology of this unique area where dinosaurs roamed 70 million years ago.
After lunch, it’s onwards to El Chaltén, with the afternoon free to do as you please.
This morning, depart for the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint for a beautiful start to your day. You’ll hike up to Laguna de los Tres. This is the closest you can get to Mount Fitz Roy without any technical climbing, and the view of the distinct jagged peaks atop the impossibly blue lake is truly one of the best in Patagonia.
Descend via Laguna Capri, another pretty spot. Celebrate your hike tonight at a local restaurant.
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Lago del Desierto, a gorgeous drive to an even better location. Your kayaking instructor will teach you the basics once you arrive, and then you’re free to take to the water to explore the hanging glacier and admire the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy some time to explore freely today as you hike to Laguna Torre without a guide (but with plenty of preparation from one!). You’ll pass a collection of small lakes along this relatively flat path, then drop into a glacial valley that leads to Laguna Torre. Geologists and photographers alike love this valley for its perfect U shape.
Admire the stellar sight of Laguna Torre framed by Mount Torre, one of the most difficult mountains to conquer in the world due in part to its permanent ice mushroom cap formed by strong, cold winds.
After lunch, you’ll head back to El Chaltén through the Fitz Roy Valley.
Your final adventure in Patagonia is another self-guided expedition, but this one starts right outside the front door of your hotel. Hike out along a lesser-walked trail that culminates in a 260-degree viewpoint of Fitz Roy, Viedma Lake, and the Patagonian steppe. Keep an eye out for marine fossils on the trail back.
Your 8 days in Patagonia are sure to be days you never forget. To complete the tour, you’ll grab a bus to El Calafate and depart from the local airport. Safe travels!
This guided hiking tour in Argentine Patagonia is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants and the class of accommodation you prefer.
Prices below are per person.
This tour is based in hotels. The hotels are 1-4-star depending on which class of accommodation you book.
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, you can pay a supplement. Single occupancy may not be available in all locations. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
The rooms here are dark and cozy, the water is nearby, and the free WiFi and outdoor restaurant seating are great touches.
Tucked into a valley full of hiking trails, this hostel is only 4km from the Mirador del Fitz Roy viewpoint. Relax in rooms with wood paneled ceilings and free WiFi.
This timber and stone hotel offers views of Argentino Lake, and the rooms are simple, warmly decorated, and offer room service.
The spacious bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms will keep you plenty comfortable here, and the proximity to Los Glaciares is ideal.
7 breakfasts and 1 lunch are included.
Accommodations for 7 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. Public bus tickets as needed are included. Luggage transfers between hotels are included.
How hard is the Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. While you don’t need any technical climbing skills, you should be comfortable with two days of hiking up to 8+ hours over 22km on mountainous terrain and a full day of kayaking. The conditions in Patagonia tend to be unpredictable, so you should be comfortable being out in strong wind, rain, or hot sun.
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 Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour?
7 breakfasts and 1 lunch 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). Transfers in El Calafate are not included, but you can take a taxi to your hotel.
What should I bring?
You should bring a 30-litre backpack, warm hat, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, a buff or scarf, hiking boots, sunglasses, trekking poles, lip balm (it’s dry in Patagonia), sunscreen, water bottle, headlamp, and warm gloves. Any equipment you don’t own can be rented locally if needed.
Is Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour in English?
Yes, your guide will be English-speaking.
Where does the Los Glaciares from El Calafate to El Chaltén tour end?
The tour ends in El Calafate. The bus you will take back into town will drop you off at the airport around 10:30/11 AM local time.
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 Argentina for this tour?
The best time to visit Argentina for this tour is between December and February when the weather is at its warmest, but you should still be prepared for variable conditions and wind.
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.
There are no written reviews yet.
27 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
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.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 4/5. While you don’t need any technical climbing skills, you should be comfortable with two days of hiking up to 8+ hours over 22km on mountainous terrain and a full day of kayaking. The conditions in Patagonia tend to be unpredictable, so you should be comfortable being out in strong wind, rain, or hot sun.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers