El Chalten: The Trekking Capital

• You will arrive in the afternoon, and will have the evening to enjoy the town at your leisure.

• Viedma Lake is of glacial origin and has an area of 1088 km2. Its waters flow out through La Leona River into another lake, the Argentino. Its steep and rugged western shore is reached by the Túnel River while its south shore is reached by three rivers: the Milodón, the Cóndor and the Guanaco. The main contribution of fresh water from the north-east, on the other hand, comes from the de las Vueltas River. Viedma Glacier, the largest in this National Park, offers the possibility of carrying out a wide range of activities tailored to the different needs of the connoisseur.
• The excursion includescertified mountain guides who lead the groups, crampons (for those who walk on the ice), and on-board snack. The excursion lasts about 6.5 hours. This is done October through April and is aimed at people who have are in normal/good shape, and can walk normally on irregular terrain.
• In the morning after breakfast, you will go on a guided, full day trek to the base of Mount Fitz Roy on your way to the Lagoon Los Tres. Along the way you will pass through forested foot hills, and cross a small river, reaching lookout points affording fantastic views, along with the chance to watch the local wildlife. After, you will return to rest at your comfortable hotel.

• You will return to El Chalten in time to depart from the bus terminal to El Calafate.

*Prices listed are seasonal; please consult a Travel Advisor for further details

PLEASE NOTE:
As of 1 January 2010, an entrance fee (Reciprocity Fee) is chargeable for citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia visiting Argentina. For further details, please read this article on the Latin America For Less Travel Blog.

• Hotels based on US. Standards.
• All tours stated in the itinerary.
• 2 hotel nights in El Chalten.
• All transfers and entrance fees.
• Bus ticket Calafate / Chalten / Calafate.
• All breakfasts.
• Box lunch during treks.
• English speaking tour guides.

Hotels are Open October- April

You will follow the same path as to Laguna los Tres, but right after crossing the Blanco River you will head along a path skirting the river. After one hour walking, you will reach the lagoon at the end of the river with great view of the glacier. On the horizon, you’ll have a great view of Mt. Fitz Roy and its glacier. After lunch return to Chalten.

• Difficulty: Easy.
• Length: 5 hours.

8:30 am Departure to Bahia Tunel.
9:00 am Departure from Bahia Tunel to the Viedma Glacier. The small Bahia Tunel port, only 15km north of El Chalten, is located in a hidden natural bay. On the modern HUEMUL boat (capacity 55 passengers), you will sail southwards for 15 minutes before arriving at Cape Horn. From here you’ll turn westward discovering a breathtaking view of Viedma Glacier, which is reached 25 minutes later.
10:30 am Arrival and landing on the rocky headland in front of the Glacier. Once disembarked in this natural harbour, you’re invited to walk on moraine left behind by the glacier just a few years ago. The guide will give you an introduction and immediately afterwards you’ll commence on a short walk which will reveal the glacier front. You will arrive at the equipment hut where an assistant will help you to put on your crampons before beginning a two-hour trek on the glacier.
2:15 pm After the trek, you’ll start a new cruise, this time closer to the front of the glacier, admiring the many blue tones of the ice. Lunch on board.
3:30 pm Arrival to Bahia Tunel. Transfer to Chalten.

• Difficulty: Easy.
• Length: 6 hours

Trek to Laguna Torre with a two-hour trek on the Torre Glacier. You will cross the moraines, an undulating terrain, and cross the Tirolesa river hooked to a harness and ropes. Have lunch at the base of the glacier before your ascension up. If you cannot climb, the guides will teach you!

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Length: 8 hours.