This tour gives you the opportunity to trek to the base of the major mountains in the Fitzroy massif.
You are rewarded, for your efforts, with superb views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Torre Glacier. There is also an entire day dedicated to seeing the enormous Perito Moreno glacier.
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from El Calafate Airport to hostel in El Calafate.
We meet you at El Calafate Airport and from there you are transferred to El Calafate.
At 7 pm the group and guide meets at the Hostal del Lago Libertador.
El Calafate is a small town of some four thousand inhabitants. It was, for several decades, a tiny staging post for the wagons transporting wool between remote estancias (sheep stations) and the coast.
El Calafate lies on the shore of the vast, turquoise lake Argentino and is today a gateway to the natural wonders of the Los Glaciares national park. (accommodation options – Lago Libertador with shared bathroom, hotel room or single room with private bathroom). D
Day 2
Bus to El Chalten – Capri Lagoon
After breakfast we travel by bus to El Chalten, a small colourful town next to Mount Fitz Roy. We drive along 190 km of gravel road through the Patagonia steppe and stop at La Leona, a picturesque cafeteria - and old estancia - inn, where we can enjoy very good Patagonian homemade cakes. From here, the views of the Viedma Lake are superb.
When we arrive in El Chalten we set of walking into teh heart of teh national park.
Our first day's trek takes us along a beautiful trail next to the Las Vueltas river, which gives us our first panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy. We then head upwards through old beech forest towards the Laguna de los Patos and on to our fully equipped campsite next to the Capri Lagoon. (3 hours approx.) B, L, D.
Day 3
Mount Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres
Early in the morning and carrying only waterproofs, some water and a camera we walk towards Fitzroy. We have the impressive spires of the Fitzroy mountains above us. The first 2 hours are mainly flat, through forest and open grassland and bog areas, with diverse bird life; this leads us to Fitzroy Roy base camp.
From here it is a 400 metre/1,300 ft climb to Laguna De los Tres up a steep trail that takes around an hour and a half at a gentle pace. This walk is one of the highlights in the Los Glaciares national park; the views of Cerro Poincenot, Monte Fitz Roy and the other peaks surrounding these are splendid. We return to Capri Lagoon Full Camp. (5 hs approx). B, L, D
Day 4
Mount Torre
This morning we hike around Capri Lagoon, down a trail to Madre and Hija Lagoons, then through a dense forest following the Fitz Roy River. We reach the Mount Torre Valley and continue to the glacier-fed Laguna Torre where the Fitz Roy river begins. Full camp, Torre Lagoon. B, L , D.
Day 5
Torre Glacier – El Chalten
In the morning we explore the area close to Laguna Torre, with very good views of the Mount Solo and the Adela Glacier. Optionally, you can choose to do a trek on the Torre Glacier. We don crampons (provided) and trek on the glacier’s surface and develop our ice climbing skills (harness and ice axes provided). We return to El Chaltén to our hostel. B, L, D.
Day 6
El Chalten - El Calafate
In the morning there is free time. Options include: exploring the town of El Chalten, visiting the Climbers Chapel; or the Mazden family country house, one of the pioneering families in the area; the Del Desierto Lake located 45 Km out of town or the vistors centre of the national park. Around 5 pm we head for El Calafate by bus, arriving around 21.00 and transferring to the hostel. B
Day 7
El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
After breakfast we depart by bus to the Magallanes peninsula, the entrance of The Glaciers national park. Its centrepiece is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which, because of unusually favorable local conditions, is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers. We go down to the lakeside to board a boat that takes us on a spectacular short cruise along the front of the glacier. We return to El Calafate. B
Day 8
El Calafate – El Calafate airport
End of services
Discover all the highlights of Patagonia’s national parks with our 15 day Patagonia Adventure or, for trekking enthusiasts, our Wilds of Patagonia trip.
Argentina also hosts the mighty Iguazu Falls. Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
01 El Calafate Airport - El Calafate
02 Bus to El Chalten. Laguna Capri
03 Mount Fitz Roy
04 Mount Torre
05 Torre Glacier
06 El Chalten - El Calafate
07 Perito Moreno Glacier
08 El Calafate - El Calafate airport
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