Glacier National Park - El Chalten

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive El Calafate

Arrive at El Calafate airport (flight not included). Meet your transfer at El Calafate airport and continue on to the hotel. Overnight in this pleasant little town on the shores of Lago Argentino.Argentina is the second giant of South America, with a landscape nearly as varied as its people. Modern and sophisticated, cosmopolitan Argentina has much more in common with Europe than with the rest of its neighbours. But if Buenos Aires is the heart of the country, Patagonia and the southern Pampas in Santa Cruz Province are its soul. This is the very region we explore, trekking within Glacier National Park for the grand rewards of the trail. Hikes are moderate, with clearly marked and well-maintained trails, though there are some more challenging sections. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares has some of the most spectacular natural sights you will see in your lifetime.

Day 2 Glacier National Park (B)

Take a full day excursion into Glacier National Park, declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the hike, visit the main vista point for an awesome panoramic view of this glacial colossus and the continental ice shelf. A spectacular drive west towards the lofty peaks reveals the dynamic Moreno Glacier. Keep an eye out for condors, rheas, eagles or flamingos en route, but the real star of the day is stunning Moreno Glacier, at the southern terminus of Glacier National Park. Sliding down from atop the southern continental ice field, Moreno's 60-m (197 ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow Canal de los Tempanos (Channel of Ice Bergs), creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force. A one-hour boat ride is also included which allows for close-up views of the approaching front wall of the glacier. Return to El Calafate for the night. The southern continental ice field, the second largest on the planet (after Greenland's) is the source of all the area's glaciers, including Moreno, Onelli, Viedma and Upsala. Moreno Glacier moves down from this massive river of frozen water, huge chunks of ice constantly crashing into the lake waters below. Very dynamic, Moreno is one of the very few advancing glaciers left in the world. It is simply enormous: 1 km (half a mile) wide and 60m (196 ft) high.

Day 3 El Chaltén (B)

Drive to El Chaltén, a village at the foot of Mount FitzRoy; the village takes its name from the original Indian name for the peak. It is recommended that you stock up on food in El Chalten, as it can be pretty scarce on en route. Travel along the Argentino & Viedma Lakes, with views of the FitzRoy Massif and surrounding mountains as we approach El Chaltén. Keep your eyes peeled enroute for some of the unusual wildlife of the region, including lesser rheas and guanacos.The town of El Chaltén, with its laid-back atmosphere, is located in the north end of Glacier Park. Hikers and climbers from around the globe congregate here, waiting for good weather to undertake the challenges presented by nature.

Day 4 Rio Blanco Base Camp (B)

The scenery around El Chalten is spectacular and the best way to enjoy it is by hiking through it although there are also some boat trips that can be taken as a more relaxing way to enjoy the area. Today's hiking recommendation is the following optional hike. Trek for a full day (grade: moderate) to Rio Blanco Base Camp and Laguna de los Tres vantage point for an absolutely stunning view, weather permitting, of the complete FitzRoy Massif. Mt. Guillaumet, St. Exupery, Mermoz, Juarez and other mountains form the jagged group. Directly across a small glacial lake rises Mt. FitzRoy (11,073 ft), almost two miles of vertical wall in a single bound. Continue the walk to Piedras Blancas glacier, if you have the extra energy. The majority of the hike is of moderate difficulty, however the last 45 minutes to the viewing point is difficult but the view is worth it and is one of the highlights of the Patagonia trip. Total hiking time: 7 to 9 hours (11 miles).

Day 5 Cerro Torre Valley (B)

For today, our recommend optional hike is through the Cerro Torre Valley (Los Glaciares National Park. Grade: easy to moderate) to Torre Lake and Glacier for a close view, weather permitting, of the awesome spires that make up Cerro Torre (10,178 ft) and its neighbours. A treacherous cap of ice known to climbers as “the mushroom” tops this slender needle of granite. Stop by the lake for some relaxation upon your return. Total approximate hiking time: 6-7 hours (13 miles).

Day 6 Departure Day (B)

Drive back to El Calafate and transfer to the airport. It is important to note that you will arrive back into El Calafate around noon on this day. Please do not book your flight out of El Calafate before 3:00pm

Trip Details

Accommodation	Simple hotel (5 nts)
Brochure Notes	Domestic flights are not included. Please ask.Blackout Dates: Jun 1/08 - Sep 30/08
Departure	Departs any day (Oct-May)
Group Size	No Minimum
Included Highlights	Full day excursion into Glacier National Park including a visit to Moreno Glacier
Local Payment	N/A
Meals Included	No meals included.
StartFinish	ex El Calafate
Transport	Bus, boat, hiking.
Brochure Intro	One of the most scenic regions on Earth, this park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

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