Ushuaia, El Calafate, and El Chalten

After breakfast, pick up from the lodge. We will start our day with a visit & trek in the National Park.

National Park experience: DESCRIPTION

This is the ideal excursion to get to know the southernmost park in the world in the best possible way.

Throughout the excursion we are closely in touch with nature and the tranquility that it conveys. In our departures we stroll along the principal and most important trails in the National Park. Anybody willing to join us can do it, regardless of the age, since the paths we trek through are of low difficulty.

In half a day we would´ve walked enough to have a special and unique impression of the fuegian ecosystem. Our well trained guides will pass on to you all of their experience and passion for this surroundings giving away a once in a lifetime experience. Lapataia Bay, Roca Lake and Ensenada Bay will be the southern spots we will introduce you to during this unforgettable excursion.

Optional: those who like enjoying the nature in a more relaxed way, have the option of getting a 7 km (1 hour) ride on board of the End of the World Train. The southernmost (and former prisoner’s train) rail-way in the world, recreates its historic journey.

We will have lunch in the Park (box lunch Gourmet).

After this visit, we will start our boat tour on the Beagle Channel, visiting the light house, sea lion island, bird island and hiking on Bridges Island.

Navigation tour: DESCRIPTION

We leave the local port with a small group of passengers in the direction of Alice Island to see the colony of sea lions; we continue to the Birds Island, inhabited by the king and imperial cormorants. Nearby, we enjoy the view of the Rock Cormorants on the cliffs.

Then, we navigate towards the Sea Lions Island to see them as well as fur seals. Finally, we visit the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, which was built in 1919. It is the real symbol of the city.

Going back, we disembark on Bridges Island for a short trekking. During the walk, we discover flora and fauna. On this island we can see archeological rests of the Yamanas, the aborigines, who lived here many years ago.

Along the trip we share a snack, which includes tea, warm chocolate, coffee, biscuits and, of course, the typical Argentinian Mate.

At the end of the excursion, transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast: visit to Escondido and Fagnano Lakes, 4×4 circuits, trekking through the forest, lunch at shelter, and a canoe trip on Escondido Lake.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Embarking on this adventure means to have a one of a kind experience in Tierra del Fuego. Early in the morning, once you`ve hopped in our Land Rover Defender, we`ll steer towards the north part of the isl-and, as we drive along National Road N3. We will pass by a number of renowned ski centers, amongst whiches Cerro Castor is the most famous.

Once on the other side of the Andean Range, the off road adventure begins. We will cross the muddiest areas until we reach the coast of the breathtaking Fagnano Lake. Having refreshed our energy we will carry on with the adventure as we trek into an exclusive area of the forest. The trekking will lead us right to the coast of Escondido Lake where, in our shelter, we will taste a gourmet barbecue seasoned with the pleasant company of a red wine.

After lunch, the water will relax our senses as we paddle across Escondido Lake in a canoe, before heading back towards Ushuaia city with our expert guides.

Transfer back to the Lodge.

After breakfast, we will head into the direction of Península Mitre, where we are able to feel the immensity and remoteness of this place.

TOUR DESCRIPTION

Very early in the morning, we depart from Ushuaia driving along the National Road 3, up to its inter-section with famous “J” road. In that way we are going to get near the coast, close by the Beagle Channel, following the longest river in the area “Lasifashaj River”.

Throughout the morning we will visit the oldest ranch in Tierra del Fuego – Harberton Ranch- and we will take a zodiac that will take us to an Island situated in the middle of the Beagle Channel. There we will find a colony of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.

After a walk of around an hour, we will return to the ranch. From there we will drive up to Cambaceres Bay where we will have our lunch (Lunch box gourmet). Afterwards, in the afternoon, we will start a walk through the Coast of Lasifashaj River and we will reach a beautiful waterfall. Before heading back to Ushuaia we’ll visit a small village called Puerto Almanza.

Transfer back to the Lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport, in order to board the flight to El Calafate.

Arrival at the airport El Calafate and transfer to the lodge. Free time and in the evening, we will enjoy an exquisite regional dinner.

The Patagonian cuisine, as the Argentinian in general, is special not only for the very well-known Asado or Empanadas (especially if they are accompanied by a glass of Red Wine on an Estancia!), but also for its variety of typical dishes made of different elements.

Particularly in this region, the Patagonian lamb, the trout and the salmon can be tasted in different ways, for example as stew or smoked, grilled or accompanied by a range of sauces. Vegetarian alternatives are also available for those who love it, and it is highly recommended not to miss to try the typical “Calafate” berry, used especially for jams.

It is also important to mention the importance of the ‘Mate’ as a National Icon because this local infusion is to symbolize the social union of the Argentine people.

After breakfast, we will go on our excursion to the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier.

Tour Description

One of the most interesting activities to experience at the glacier is the tour that begins at Bajo de las Sombras pier, located aproximately 4 miles away from the glacier. You will cross the Rico Branch on a boat (Nautical safari), and navigate about 20 minutes in front of the glacier.

The landing is on the opposite shore and after a short walk, you will arrive to the shelter where you will re-ceive a complete explanation about glaciation and the activity of the ice trek. After this you will start a walk through the exhuberant Magellanic forest.

This Minitrekking is particularly attractive because of the close contact you will experience with the glacier. You will be able to see the glacier’s summit. There are also caves that allow you to reach the very base of the glacier, as well as small internal deep blue lagoons. The views of the glacier’s wall and the lake are magnifi-cent.

You will be able to walk on top of the glacier with our expert guides for over 2 hours.

The way back is a walk through the forest again, ending at the shelter. You will have one hour for lunch. After the Minitrekking, you will get abord your ship and return to Bajo de las Sombras’ port and to the glaci-er’s footbridges.

We will walk along the tracks and will make stops to take photographs. From the view points we will clearly see ice blocks of different sizes continually detaching from the glacier and falling into the water, causing a tremendous sound and amazing waves, which makes this view an unforgettable sight.

Transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast, we will start our excursion to this majestic area of the Andean Patagonia.

Tour Description

The Upsala Glacier is one of the largest in Los Glaciares National Park. To sail through the
Argentino Lake among icebergs and mountains and then visit Estancia Cristina is an interesting combination of nature, adventure, history, and pleasure. This full day program offers alternatives for those who prefer a quite day of touring and history as well as for those who look forward to activities with adventure, like trekk-ing and going on a four wheel drive. The excursions that are surrounded by the Andes mountains, glaciers and Argentino Lake leads us to get in touch with a natural, unique, remote environment, with culture and lifestyle of the pioneers and the interesting relationship of them with famous explorers of the past century.

The program includes:

Duration of 4 wheel drive: 3 hours

• Drop: 550 m.o.s.l.
• Level of demand low
• Boarding and departure at port Punta Bandera (NPC), 08.15 hrs, in our modern and comfortable boat.
• Sailing among icebergs and stunning scenery overlooking the western front of the Upsala glacier and then through Cristina Canal to the point of disembarkment at the Estancia.
• Arrival at Estancia Cristina 11:30 hs.
• Stay at the Estancia for 6 hours
• Lunch at the Estancia with a 3-course menu
• Guided visit to the Costumbrista museum (old shearing shed)
• Ascent in all-terrain vehicles, travelling 9.5 km through mountainous roads
• Arrival to the Continental ice shelter
• 30 minute walk
• Visit the oriental front of Upsala Glacier. Lake Guillermo, Southern Patagonian Ice and Andes.
• Return to the farm house of the Estancia and board at 17:30 hrs. Arrival to Puerto Banderas at 19:00 hrs approximately.

NOTE: If the maximum number of passengers is exceeded, visitors will be divided in turns
by the tour coordinator of the Estancia.

Transfer back to the lodge.

After breakfast, we will head to El Chalten, located at the foot of the mythical Mount Fitz Roy, still one of the most beautiful sights and a must for travelers that visit southern Patagonia.

To arrive to El Chalten we travel about 220 km from El Calafate, we take the mythic route 40 and then the route 23 enjoying wonderful impressions of the Patagonian steppe, along the Rio La Leona surrounded by the Lakes Argentino and Viedma, Viedma Glacier, and always keeping in the view the mountain range, we arrive at this magnificent tourist village where you will enjoy a fascinating experience.

El Chalten is an ideal place to practice trekking, especially as we approach Fitz Roy (Chalten), Cerro Torre, the glaciers Torre and the lagoons Capri, Torre and De los Tres among many other, incredibly beautiful plac-es.

Our menu of activities will allow all kinds of passengers to enjoy this fascinating place, regardless of their previous experience or age. The treks may be done independently using the autoguided paths or with our guides.

Transfer to the lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel, and transfer to the airport in El Calafate at an agreed-upon time.

If you liked this itinerary, you may also like the tours posted on our Ushuaia to Cape Horn and the End of the World section.

If you are interested in Patagonia, we invite you to check out our other Patagonia Tours.

If trekking is of your interest, we recommend our Patagonia Hiking Tours.

We invite you to see our Argentina Tours, where you can experience the true Argentine culture.