Begin your Patagonian adventure in El Calafate, a small town nestled on the shores of Argentino Lake amid the arid grasslands of the Patagonian steppe. Known as a gateway to glaciers, traditional ranches called estancias, and other natural attractions, El Calafate is also the starting point for your journey to the famed hiking destination of El Chaltén.

Upon arrival at El Calafate airport, your guide will greet you and accompany you on a private transfer to El Chaltén. Enjoy spectacular views of wide-open landscapes, piercing blue lakes, and distant mountain peaks along the scenic four-hour drive. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

El Chaltén is a small town with big adventures. Pick up a free hiking map in town and set out on a self-guided hike through the surrounding mountains. Several trails lead to spectacular viewpoints, with hikes ranging from approximately two to ten hours from El Chaltén.

The marked trails are generally well maintained and vary in difficulty, with trailheads located just beyond the town. Be prepared for a full day outdoors by carrying a daypack with plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring extra layers for changing weather, and consider using hiking poles.

After an exhilarating day exploring the pristine Patagonian mountains, return to your hotel in El Chaltén and relax for the evening.

Optional: Prefer a guided experience? Your Travel Advisor can add a full-day guided hiking excursion to your package. Hiking options vary depending on your interests, weather conditions, and trail conditions. The hike to Laguna de los Tres is one popular option among several that you can discuss with your Travel Advisor.

Spend the morning at your leisure. Take some time to relax after the previous day’s long hike, or enjoy a shorter morning hike around El Chaltén.

Later in the afternoon, take a private transfer from El Chaltén to your hotel in El Calafate, where you’ll spend the night.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a memorable Patagonian adventure to the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. The approximately 50-mile (80-kilometer) drive is a journey in itself, following the southern shore of Lago Argentino, where flamingos, black-necked swans, and coots can often be spotted, and passing scenic berry farms and estancias along the way. Stops en route offer opportunities to take in the spectacular scenery.

Upon reaching the glacier, enjoy several hours exploring its trails and walkways at your own pace, accompanied by a local guide. The experience culminates at the panoramic observation points, where you can appreciate the immense scale of the glacier and its dramatic ice formations.

In the afternoon, choose to continue exploring independently or embark on an optional one-hour boat tour across Lago Rico for a closer view of the glacier's towering northern face.

Afterward, return to your hotel in El Calafate, with the rest of the day free to relax at your leisure.

Enjoy a free day to explore El Calafate at your own pace. Browse local shops and restaurants around the town center, visit the Glaciarium Museum, or walk about half a mile (1 km) to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful sunset. Your Travel Advisor can also help you customize your day with an additional outdoor activity.

Optional: For a deeper look at Patagonian culture and landscapes, customize your package with a full-day Estancia Cristina Discovery tour. Sail across the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, weaving among floating icebergs as you make your way to the remote and beautiful Estancia Cristina, nestled within Los Glaciares National Park. Learn about the history of the estancia on a brief introductory tour before setting out on an adventurous 4x4 excursion to spectacular views of Upsala Glacier. A short hike then leads to breathtaking views of the Guillermo Lake area and the surrounding Patagonian Ice Field.

The day begins with a private morning transfer from your hotel to the bus station in El Calafate. From there, board a bus for the journey from Argentina into Chile and onward to Puerto Natales. If your hotel is within walking distance of the El Calafate bus station and you prefer to make your own way there, please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Check with your Travel Advisor in advance regarding any visa requirements.

The bus journey from El Calafate to Puerto Natales takes approximately five hours, passing through expansive green landscapes framed by dramatic mountain scenery. Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, take a private transfer from the bus station to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Stroll along the shores of the Strait of Magellan or relax at a local café while taking in views of the town’s colorful, patchwork-style houses.

Explore the spectacular landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park on a full-day adventure. Meet your guide and set out for the park, stopping along the way at Milodón Cave, an enormous cavern known for the prehistoric remains discovered in its interior.

Continue through the hills and open plains of Chilean Patagonia before reaching Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve renowned for its dramatic mountains, turquoise lakes, and glaciers.

Discover some of the park’s most scenic highlights, including Lake Nordenskjöld, the cascading waters of Salto Grande, and the granite peaks of the Cuernos del Paine. Enjoy lunch along the shores of Lake Grey with views of the Grey Glacier, then continue to Laguna Amarga for impressive views of the Paine Massif. In the early evening, check in to your hotel in Torres del Paine.

Spend a relaxing day exploring Puerto Natales at your own pace. Stroll along the shores of Last Hope Sound, explore the town center, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming Patagonian town. Alternatively, add another tour to your itinerary and discover more of Chilean Patagonia's spectacular landscapes.

*Optional: Ask your Travel Advisor about the full-day Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers tour. Navigate the beautiful fjords of Patagonia toward Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, passing through the Señoret Channel and Guanaco Island. Along the way, keep an eye out for pods of Chilean dolphins, locally known as toninas, and enjoy the spectacular Patagonian scenery. Upon arrival, hike through native forests along the shores of a glacial lake for impressive views of the Serrano Glacier. Please note that this tour is available from September 15 to March 31. Patagonia's weather can change quickly at any time of year, and tour availability is subject to weather conditions.

Enjoy your final morning in Puerto Natales at leisure. Later in the day, take a private transfer from your hotel to the bus station for your return journey to El Calafate. The approximately five-hour shared bus ride crosses the border into Argentina, offering a chance to relax and reflect on your Patagonian adventures along the way.

Upon arrival in El Calafate, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, relaxing after the day's journey.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight from El Calafate to Buenos Aires.

Prefer to extend your stay? Explore our range of additional El Calafate tours and continue discovering this beautiful region, or browse our selection of Argentina travel destinations for more inspiration for your next adventure.