OFF THE BEATEN PATHS AT LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK

A unique trekking experience on real off the beaten paths to have the glacial landscape all to yourself!

We know that El Calafate and its main attractions during the peak season can be collapsed with people, complicating the access and transit of visitors. That’s why we found this exclusive trekking tour in remote places of Los Glaciares National Park. Ideal to combine with the stay at the Nibepo Aike Patagonian ranch and to offer an original activity to customers who enjoy off the beaten path experiences.

We travel the route, we sail on two different boats, we walk through Patagonian forests and glacial valleys, to reach the end of the journey in front of an incredible lake covered with icebergs, overlooking the Dickson, Cubo and Grande glaciers; all this in a virtually desolate natural environment, where we will rarely meet someone.

In groups of no more than 15 people, the excursion includes the transfer from the hotels starting at 8:00 am. After 60 km, we arrive at Los Pioneros boarding, in the southern part of the Los Glaciares National Park.

We sail for an hour and disembark at the end of the South Arm where we begin the first 2-kilometer trek to Lake Frias, which we navigate in Zodiac boats. When disembarking on the opposite bank, the second trekking of 4.5 kilometers begins, going through a forest with centuries-old lenga trees, and then through an old glacier valley. We walk until we reach the Superior Lake Frias, which is covered with icebergs. From here we can see the Dickson, Cubo and Grande glaciers.

To complete the adventure, we rest for a while and have the box lunch on this beach with amazing views and then return on the same path and navigations to Nibepo Aike port. Return to the city of El Calafate, or to the Nibepo Aike ranch to complement the glacier experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Includes: Spanish/English bilingual trekking guide. Roundtrip transfers, box lunch and entrance fee to the National Park.
  • Not included: Tips or any other extra costs.
  • Operation: From October 1st to April 30th.
  • Duration: Full day – from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
  • Difficulty: Moderate. Trekking paths are on irregular terrain.
  • Max. 15 people + guide.

 

GOURMET LUNCH & GLACIERS IN EL CALAFATE

An exclusive full day visit to Los Glaciares National Park including sights of the three main glaciers, a hike into the woods and a gourmet meal on board.

This experience proposes not only plowing through the Lago Argentino cool turquoise waters sailing in front of 50 meter high ice walls, millenary deep blue ices and majestic icebergs; but also enjoying a delicious gourmet lunch, hiking into the woods inside the Spegazzini Canal and visiting Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno glaciers in just one day.

In the morning, the elegant cruise María Turquesa greets us on board to cross the Lago Argentino. Personalized attention and excellent service is guaranteed while enjoying the landscapes from any of its two interior decks or four exterior ones.

Leaving a private port in Puerto Bandera, the cruise heads northwest towards Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo. Crossing the icebergs barrier, we get really close to the Spegazzini glacier, the highest in the national park with 135 meters ice walls. We disembark at Las Vacas station for a guided interpretive hike with a view of the old Settlers’ Station.

Back on board, we visit the Upsala Canal and navigate to Herminita Peninsula, enjoying panoramic views of the namesake Glacier. During this stretch of the navigation we have our gourmet lunch. On both levels, an exquisite meal is served:  a four-step tasting menu for passengers on the Premium deck, and a gourmet box lunch at the Classic tier (see general information below for detailed menus).

In the afternoon we navigate to Canal de los Témpanos on to the last glacial visit of the day: the world famous Perito Moreno; the perfect ending for this memorable journey before getting back to port.

We recommend this full day adventure as a complement to the traditional mini-trekking or Perito Moreno walkways, as it provides a different view of this colossal glacier.

For more information, please contact your Kallpa Executive.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Full day shared service.
  • Daily departures at 9 am. Return at 6 pm.
  • Bilingual English Spanish guide and air-conditioned environments.
  • Maria Turquesa Cruise: Main deck with capacity for 180 people + space specially designed for children. 4 exterior decks and 1 Premium deck on the upper level with a maximum capacity for 20 people.
  • Lunch menus may vary.

Premium 4-step gourmet lunch tasting menu:

  • Amuse Bouche: Brioche bread, trout pâté and seasonal pickles.
  • First Course: Corn and pumpkin cream, olives focaccia, tomato pesto and roasted garlic cream.
  • Main Dish: Lamb terrine with grain mustard, smoked eggplant, figs and onion syrup, garlic and carrot mayonnaise.
  • Dessert: Apple and quince puff pastry, burned caramel cream, yerba mate mousse and white chocolate.
  • chocolate mousse.
  • Includes wine during lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.

Classic gourmet lunch box:

  • Lunch: Lamb sandwich with homemade mustard, criollo cheese and caramelized onions. Baked potatoes and smoked cheese sauce.
  • Dessert: Caramel mousse, brownie and preserved red fruits.
  • Includes one non-alcoholic beverage (soda drink or water).
  • Optional (additional charge): open bar with wine, sparkling wine, whiskey, liqueurs, coffee and tea.

Navigation Route (*)

8:30 am – Boarding at La Soledad Private Port

9:00 am – Set sail. Visit Escuadra Bay and Muralla de Condoreras (Condor Nesting Wall). Seco, Heim and Spegazzini Glaciers. Disembark at “Puesto Las Vacas” station for a walk. Visit Upsala Canal, panoramic view of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers. Lunch onboard.

Navigation along Canal de los Témpanos towards the Northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

OPTIONAL: end the excursion at Moreno Port approximately at 03:45 pm (only booking in advance).

5:00 pm – Arrival at La Soledad Port.

(*) Route and disembark subject to modifications according to the captain’s criteria and / or weather conditions.

ICE AND ADVENTURE IN PATAGONIA

In the heart of chaltén, ice and rock merge into this extraordinary Patagonian experience to make you live an authentic mountain adventure.

We invite those wanderlust spirits to traverse the outermost places of Chaltén, to climb rock and ice, to cross thick forests, and to spend the night at a mountain refuge. Certainly, this is a program that promises an unforgettable experience.

This fresh proposal consists of a two-day experience that includes a guided trekking that starts at Estancia Los Huemules and leads to the impressive Cagliero glacier. The Trekking offers a variety of landscapes, including the possibility to walk the immense Cagliero’s ice cap.

Our adventure begins early in the morning at Los Huemules visitor’s center. From this meeting spot, we start a 2-hour walk through a thick lenga’s forest crossed by a well-maintained trail up to the first lookout point: Laguna Diablo (Devil’s Lagoon). This stretch of the trail is smooth therefore it doesn’t require too much physical effort. From Laguna Diablo, we can appreciate the Cagliero Refuge, where we will spend the night, and part of Valle del Diablo (Devil’s Valley), named after the lagoon.

As we skirt Laguna Diablo’s northern margin and leave Estancia Los Huemules’ property to access Campo Gorra Blanca (a private property), the path gets irregular and a bit more demanding up to Via Ferrata where the second instance of this activity takes place. Vía Ferrata is a one-kilometer rock stretch with a two hundred meter slope. Nevertheless, it was adapted with iron rungs and steel cables to ensure a secure and comfortable climbing, though it demands physical effort since the rocky and icy paths are irregular. At this stage, the guides will provide us will all the necessary equipment for the climbing and instruct us on its use.

After an hour climbing Vía Ferrata, we reach the second lookout point: Mirador del Glaciar, where we will be able to contemplate Cagliero’s unexplored southern side, the immensity of the valley and the walls of Treinta Aniversario and its attendant peaks, especially Diente Del Diablo (Devil’s tooth). A short walk later, the third instance of our experience takes place: the trekking through the glacier itself. This stretch will last approximately two hours and, if the weather conditions are favorable, there is the possibility to have lunch at the glacier’s surface and enjoy its unique scenery.

Lunch finished, we take the same path to return to Puesto Cagliero, arriving approximately at 16:00 pm. Puesto Cagliero is an authentic mountain refuge that offers the possibility to spend the night in its compact yet cozy rooms. At the refuge, we will enjoy a simple and tasty dinner that can be either pasta, homemade pizzas or a warm vegetable soup.

The second day of our excursion starts with breakfast at the refuge, where the guides also provide the box lunch for the day. Then, we have free time to explore by ourselves and take one (or more) of the different self-guided paths that cross  Estancia Los Huemules, perfect opportunity to get familiar with the beauty of this natural environment and its fauna.

As a final observation, it is important to mention that the ice trekking requires great physical demand, therefore, it is important to check your physical conditions before signing up for this program. If Chaltén is your next destination, this is an extraordinary opportunity to make the most of this icy region and feel like a true explorer!

For more information on this program, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Feasible from November to March Duration: 2 days
  • Does not operate on Sundays
  • Difficulty: Moderate

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Bilingual high mountain guides.
  • Climbing equipment
  • Night at Puesto Cagliero
  • Dinner, breakfast and lunch box for day 2
  • Round trip shared transfers from meeting point in El Chalten town to Estancia Los Huemules

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Box Lunch for day 1
  • Entrance fee to Estancia los Huemules

 

Trekking into the woods in El Chalten

A full day experience that combines driving, navigating and trekking at one of the wildest and outermost corners in the Patagonia.

There is no doubt that anyone who visits El Chaltén looks for nature, adventure and hiking. Many trails within this trekking national capital take you through and towards breathtaking landscapes and views, such as the mighty Mt. Fitz Roy.

This time, we want to tell you about a full day adventure from El Chaltén to the northern area of Los Glaciares National Park and the Lago del Desierto reserve.

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A different tour option that allows not only many pictures and memories but also flora and fauna observation and interpretation, sailing across the Lago del Desierto, hiking through one of the prettiest forests of the region and reaching lookouts with unique views of the Vespignani glacier.

Departing from El Chaltén, we travel 36 km by bus across a panoramic road through the woods and along the Río de las Vueltas. On the way, you can’t miss the view of giant glaciers.

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After arriving in Punta Sur, we go aboard a boat and sail on the Lago del Desierto for about 50 minutes, spotting the Crestón and Huemul glaciers.

We disembark for 15 minutes in Punta Norte to enjoy a unique distant view of Mt. Fitz Roy’s northern face and breath in the Patagonian fresh forest air.

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We continue to navigate towards the Vespignani glacier, right in the middle of the lake. Once at the reserve, we disembark and get into the forest walking towards a dome where you can leave any personal belongings that you don’t want to take with you.

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Then, a person responsible for the trekking activity takes you to the starting point of the hikes and gives information about the three different trails. All of them are self-guided and imply different levels of difficulty and effort. There’re about 2 hours for the trekking activity before the boat returns.

The more demanding hike trail begins right after crossing the bridge over the river. It takes about 40-50 minutes at a slow pace and it goes through the forest on a slight and constant slope. This path takes you first to the nearest viewpoint of the Vespignani glacier and then to an outlook of the north face of Mt. Fitz Roy.

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The moderate trail is softer and takes about 20 minutes. Hiking through the native woods of lenga and coihue trees and by the stream line on the right, we reach a different viewpoint from where Mt. Vespignani with its hanging glacier and a part of the Lago del Desierto can be seen, frames by the forest. Picture perfect!

Vespignani´s hanging glacier

Last but not least, the easiest and more relaxed path reaches a river’s mouth where you may also spot the glacier. Walking by the lake’s coastline, you get back to the dome. There’s almost no slopes on this trail and it takes about 30 minutes.

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After the hiking experience of your choice, we have a snack at this magical place. Then we go on board again to sail back on the Lago del Desierto towards Punta Sur, where the bus awaits to take us back again to El Chaltén, where the adventure comes to an end.

Contact you Kallpa Executive for more information about this experience.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Operates from October to April.
  • Full day regular excursion.
  • Daily departure in the morning and in the afternoon.
  • Morning departure by bus from El Chalten at 8 am, leaving from Punta Sur at 10 am. Return to Punta Sur at 1.30 pm and ending in El Chaltén at 4 pm.
  • Afternoon departure by bus from El Chalten at 12.30 pm, leaving from Punta Sur at 2.30 pm. Return to Punta Sur at 6 pm and ending in El Chaltén at 8 pm.
  • Includes bilingual Spanish/English guide, roundtrip transfers from El Chaltén (can be excluded), navigation and a snack (hot chocolate, tea or coffee and sweet and salty biscuits).
  • A Box Lunch can be included with extra charge and upon request. It includes two empanadas, an individual chard pie or similar, one cereal bar, one alfajor, an apple, candies, a small bottle of mineral water and a box of fruit juice.