Arrival in El Calafate. Hike to Cerro Frías; easy to moderate

Upon your early afternoon arrival in El Calafate, you will be met and transferred to Eolo Lodge. After settling in at the lodge, you depart on foot for Cerro Fras (Mt Frias). This is a gradual walk offering wonderful rewards—from the top you will enjoy an amazing view of the surrounding mountains, lakes, hues of blue and grey, glaciers in the distance, and if the weather clears, a glimpse of the famous Torres del Paine in Chile, only 28 miles away as the crow flies but on the other side of the Andes mountain range. This 4 to 5-hour excursion in the fresh Patagonian air is sure to leave a lasting impression of the awesome landscape carved by glaciers and the stark dramatic beauty of Patagonia. Or, you may choose to stretch your legs with a walk from the lodge to a nearby lagoon— home to flocks of bright pink flamingos—an incredible contrast to the steppe around you. Alternatives include horseback riding (at your own expense) amongst the flora and fauna of the area, if you are lucky you will spot armadillos scattering about. Or perhaps you may elect to swim in the hotel’s pool or browse their library. The evening is yours to relax and take in the beauty that surrounds you before dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Estancia Cristina and Upsala Glacier; 6 miles, moderate

This morning an early drive takes you to Puerto Bandera to board the boat to Estancia Cristina. The boat navigates the blue glacial waters of Lago Argentino passing massive icebergs and offering striking views of the western front of Upsala Glacier ahead of us. One of the largest glaciers in South America, Upsala Glacier measures a stunning 6.2 miles wide and over 31 miles long! You continue on Cristina Channel for an afternoon at Estancia Cristina, in one of the most fascinating and remote Patagonian Valleys.

Once at the estate you will enjoy a picnic lunch, a historical walk highlighting the ranch’s impressive history and explaining the sheep and wool tradition in Patagonia, and a visit to a small museum, which holds many original pieces related to ranch life and work. Today’s walk is a moderate 2 ½ hour hike to Cerro Carnero which affords panoramic views of Upsala Glacier throughout the route. A once in a lifetime experience—exploring the valley in the way gauchos and pioneers did. Upon returning to the main house, you depart by boat to navigate back to mainland. This evening you will enjoy another wonderful meal at the lodge.

Perito Moreno Glacier; 2 miles, easy to moderate

Today you will enjoy a full day glacial excursion to enjoy this truly unique land. You will have the opportunity to hear the cracking sounds of Perito Moreno Glacier, extremely active as it moves, and if you are lucky, you will see massive pieces of ice breaking off the glacier and plunging into the blue-grey glacial waters of Lago Argentino. A dramatic sight to see and hear! The day begins with a 1-hour drive to the boardwalks of Perito Moreno Glacier. The meandering boardwalks lead you to different balconies for striking up close views of the glacier. Following your exploration of the boardwalks and an introduction to the uniqueness of this glacial wonder—you will embark on a short boat ride across the “Brazo Rico” (the “rich” branch of Lago Argentino) to disembark on the opposite side.

An optional walk on the glacier itself is available to guests under age 65 (age restrictions are set by the local excursion company). After a brief orientation, a short walk through thick birch forests along the lake shore leads you to the glacier. Here, professional guides will place crampons on your feet and give you an informative talk on glaciology before you begin the glacier walk. (Please Note: It is imperative that you are properly outfitted with hiking boots and cold weather clothing.) If this is your first time walking on a glacier, we assure you it is an amazing experience on seemingly endless ice, viewing crevices, underground rivers, waterfalls within the glacier, and ice-caves of iridescent and electric blue hues. Once off the ice, you trek back to a small mountain hut to warm up with hot drinks before returning by boat, navigating very close to the southern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier for incredible photo opportunities. You will be returned to the welcoming Eolo Lodge for your final evening in Patagonia.

Flight from El Calafate to Buenos Aires

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the El Calafate airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival into Buenos Aires, you will be met at the domestic airport and transferred to the international airport to check-in for your flight back to the US. If your travel plans require you to stay in Buenos Aires, you will find taxis available as you exit the arrivals terminal.