Full day Glaciers Tours

This full day tour is the combination of the two highlights in Calafate. It visits Upsala, Seco, Pineta, Heim, Spegazzini and Moreno Glaciers. The tour starts at 7.15am picking people up from hotels and driving them 47kmts to get Puerto Punta Bandera.

Once there the boat trip begins to visit the mentioned glaciers. The catamaran will navigate first north branch of  Argentino Lake through icebergs,  which is a wonderful experience,  to arrive later at Upsala Glacier. Then it takes Spegazzini  Channel  where you can appreciate Seco, Pineta, Heim Glaciers to finally see the highest  Glacier at the park:  Spegazzini glacier 143mts height.

After a fantastic sightseeing the catamaran heads back Puerto Punta Bandera. There a guide is waiting for you to go to the Perito Moreno glacier located at 63kmts. Along the road the bus will stop at the viewpoints to end at the balconies. The guide will tell you the circuits you can walk by yourself going over 4.7kmts to appreciate the different walls of this magnificent glacier.

The return time to hotel will be 19:45hs approximately completing 11hours tour.

Operations: The tour runs Monday, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays from November to February. It does not require a minimum of pax (except in October and march operating with minimum 6 pax).

The tour includes: lunch on board.

The tour does not include: national park entrance fee.

Note: The tour could be modified according to weather conditions and the navigation by the decision of the captains considering security measures.

EXC. GLACIAR PERITO MORENO (DÍA ENTERO)

Departures: all year

It is a full day excursion which consists of sightseeing of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

We will depart from El Calafate, go round the southern bank of Lago Argentino, past Bahia Redonda, where a great variety of avifauna can be seen. We will go along the Patagonic steppe during the first 40 km, and then enter Los Glaciares National Park, which is plenty of trees that are typical of this region such as the ones belonging to the family of Nothofagus (ñires, lengas, cohiues) and others such as calkers, notros and cinnamon trees.

Once in the glacier, we will go to the main vantage point to later go sightseeing until the time previously arranged with the guide. Different perspectives of the glacier will be enjoyed from the various viewing points.

The Park is equipped with a service area including a restaurant and a snack bar for lunch time.

Visitors will have the possibility of sailing for an hour near the glacier walls, being able to see the height of its front part.

MINITREKKING (DÍA ENTERO)

Departures: From August till May

The excursion begins in the embarking “Bajo de las Sombras” where you embark for a 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier’s front walls and Icebergs Channel. You debark on the opposite shore, where specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After checking the last details, groups of 10 follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier.

Once on the ice the guides put each participant a pair of crampons on, and explain how to use them.

The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: strems, small lagoons, gullies, cravasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues.

You will receive explanations about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region and also about the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture.

After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter.

Land transportation from El Calafate is available if required, and it includes a one hour visit to the glaciar Balconies. All these services are provided daily. Activities are permanently supervised by bilingual mountain guides. Recomendations: This excursion, due to the degree of effort and difficulty that presents, is not advisable for the following people: greater of 65 years and minors of 10years old, pregnant women, people with overweight or some type of disability.The excursion begins in the embarking “Bajo de las Sombras” where you embark for a 20 minutes navigation across the Rico Arm, enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier’s front walls and Icebergs Channel. You debark on the opposite shore, where specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to a small shelter. After cheking the last details, groups of 10 follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier.

Once on the ice the guides put each participant a pair of crampons on, and explain how to use them.

The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: strems, small lagoons, gullies, cravasses and plenty of ice formations of the most incredible blues.

You will receive explanations about flora, fauna and general glaciology of the region and also about the particular phenomenon that happens in the Perito Moreno Glacier and eventually produces its rupture.

After the walk, a stroll through the forest brings you back to the shelter.

Land transportation from El Calafate is available if required, and it includes a one hour visit to the glaciar Balconies. All these services are provided daily. Activities are permanently supervised by bilingual mountain guides. Recomendations: This excursion, due to the degree of effort and difficulty that presents, is not advisable for the following people: greater of 65 years and minors of 10years old, pregnant women, people with overweight or some type of disability.

SAFARI NÁUTICO (DURANTE LA EXCURSIÓN PASARELAS GLACIAR MORENO)

Departures: all year

During the excursion to the Perito Moreno glacier.

This excursion takes you on a cruise across Lake Rico, passing beside icebergs which have calved off the front of the Perito Moreno glacier. Reaching the Icebergs Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail down all its front, allowing a spectacular view of the high wall of ice.-

The embarkment takes place at the “Bajo de las Sombras” bay, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies, with hourly departures from 10 am to 3 pm.-

The excursion lasts approximately one hour and provides a totally different perspective of the Perito Moreno glacier, with almost constant falling walls of ice from its front.

NAVEGACIÓN ESTANCIA CRISTINA (DÍA ENTERO)

Departures: 15rh October till 15th April

Upsala Glacier is one of the most important in the Los Glaciares National Park. Navigate Lake Argentino between icebergs and mountains and then visit Estancia Cristina, is a balanced combination of nature, adventure, history, and pleasure. This full day program offers alternatives, both for those who prefer a quiet afternoon of walking and history, and for those who want adventure activities such as 4 × 4 trekking or trekking. The routes, framed by the Andes, glaciers and Lake Argentino, put us in contact with a unique and remote natural environment, with the culture, the life of the pioneers and the interesting relation of them with celebrated explorers of the century past.

Program includes:
– Boarding and departure of the Port in Punta Bandera (APN) 08.15 hours in our modern and comfortable boat.
– Navigation between icebergs and impressive landscapes with views to the western front of the Upsala Glacier and from there by Canal Cristina to the point of landing in the Estancia.
– Arrival at Estancia Cristina around 11:00 AM.
– Stay in the stay of 6 hours.
– Return to the boat 05.00 PM approx. Arrival at Port Punta Bandera 07.00 PM approximately.
– Bilingual National Parks Guides: Spanish – English
Does Not Include:
– Income to the National Park.
Passengers can choose two excursion options:

CLASSIC: Upsala Glacier + Museum + Hiking to Cascada de los Perros.
Level of demand: Low
Includes:
Boarding and departure at port Punta Bandera (NPC) 08.15 hours 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 disembark at the Estancia.
Arrival Estancia Cristina 11:30 hs.
Stay at the Estancia for 6 hours.
Guided visit to the Costumbrista museum (old shearing shed).
A two and half hour hiking (approximately) to Cascada de los Perros, a waterfall that will take you by surprise because of its beauty, surrounded by woods of ñires and with a aerial view of the valley of the Catenna river and the Estancia Cristina.
Return to the farm house of the Estancia and board at 17:30 hs. Arrival to Puerto Banderas at 19:00 hs approximately.
Let’s bring back life as it was here back in 1914, entirely isolated from the rest of the world. After sailing Lake Argentino, we will have plenty of time to visit the Museo Costumbrista (Museum of Traditional Habits), the Main House, the Waterwheel, the Chapel and the Cemetery. For those enjoying long walks, they will be able to reach Los Perros waterfall. Optional lunch at the quincho.

DISCOVERY: Upsala Glacier + Estancia Cristina + 4×4 Upsala Viewpoint + Museum
Duration of 4 wheel drive: 3 hours  – Drop: 550 m.s.n.m. – Level of demand Low
Includes:
Boarding and departure at port Punta Bandera (NPC) 08.15 hours 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 disembark at the Estancia.
Arrival Estancia Cristina 11:30 hs.
Stay at the Estancia for 6 hours.
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 hs. Arrival to Puerto Banderas at 19: hs approximately.
NOTE: If the maximum number of passengers is exceeded, visitors will be divided in turns by the tour coordinator of the Estancia.

If you would like to visit the Upsala glacier and the Estancia, the Discovery is the most suitable option. It is certainly an ideal combination of adventure, glaciers and history. The 4×4 ride uphill runs through a mountain trail among forests and rivers, until reaching the viewpoint of the Upsala glacier, with views to the South Patagonic Ice Field. The immensity of the landscape is very moving. Tour to the Estancia, Museo Costumbrista, Chapel. Optional lunch at the Quincho.

GLACIARES GOURMET (DÍA ENTERO)

Departures: all year – please check departure days on low season

The tour starts with northwestward , through Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo – the narrow passage of the lake, with a width of approximately 800 meters.

After two hours of sailing, the succession of icebergs from the most varied colors and shapes announces the proximity of the Upsala glacier. We stop in front of the wall of icebergs that temporarily prevents the entrance to Canal Upsala , and if weather conditions permit, we admire the Upsala Glacier in the distance. We continue sailing the lake Argentino due south , and take the Canal Spegazzini to reach the Glacier. The navigation allows a shocking approach to this glacier front walls between 80 and 135 meters above lake level. Enjoy lunch served in this wonderful landscape . Towards evening the Crucero Leal reaches Stall Cows – bay very quiet inside the Canal Spegazzini – where silence their engines to allow passengers to share an interesting walk coordinated by our guides.

NAVEGACIÓN RÍOS DE HIELO (UPSALA & SPEGAZZINI)

• Our excursion consists of a 5 hour navigation through the North Arm of Lake Argentino, visiting the most important glaciers in the area. During the tour you can see the Upsala, Spegazzini, Seco Heim and Pineta Glaciers, as well as large icebergs that come off the front of the Upsala glacier.
  The boat departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, 50 km from El Calafate. The boarding time is at 08:30 hs, the departure is at 9 and the return to the port is at approximately 14 hs.
  Captains Club Service (with VIP Supplement)
  Preferred Location
  Host
  Bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
  Open bar
  4-course menu (breakfast, aperitif, main and toast)
  Departures all year round. Check the days of operation, depending on the season.

FULL DAY PAINE C/ BOX LUNCH (DÍA ENTERO)

Departures: from October till March

Crossing the Patagonian Steppe from North to South, we arrive at the border pass of Cancha Carrera (2,2 hours travel), from where we start visiting the beautiful South of Chile until we get into Torres del Paine National Park (“Azules” according to the Tehuelche language, which refers to its predominant colour)

From the moment you get to the Park, we offer trekkings and rides in our vechicles. Among the possible centres of attraction and lookouts than can be visited, we can find:

• Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake (lookout)
• Laguna Azul – Panoramic view from Las Torres – trekking to Sierra Masle: optional 1 hour and a half.
• Paine River waterfalls (descent to the river 30 minutes)
• Almirante Nieto Hill / Cuernos del Paine – lookout from the top
• Portería Laguna Amarga – optional trekking along the fauna trail to Sarmiento Porter´s lodge, 1 and a half hours
• Nordenskjold Lake – Lookout
• Salto Grande – Lookout
• Cuernos del Paine Nordenskjold Lake lookout (2 hours´trekking)
• Pehoe Lake – optional trekking to Laguna Cóndor (pond) – lookout from the top to the whole Paine Chaine)
• National Park Information/ Interpretation Centre – explanation of the geological phenomenon – fauna – flora – glaciation

At midday we offer you a picnic in the mountain as well as a snack including tea or coffee. We return to Calafate 5 pm – arrival 8.40 pm approx.

Important: take into account that this is not a pleasure activity but an adventure excursion with the purpose of getting to know the mountainous region of Torres del Paine National Park and its surrounding areas. We will travel 700 km in al -rubbly roads, mostly. It takes 3 and a half hours one way 3 and a half hours back- Customs takes additional time. The estimated time touring inside the Park is 6 hours.

FULL DAY CHALTEN (DÍA ENTERO)

Available from October till April – Please check departure days

The excursion begins at 7.30 hs from El Calafate. We take the mythic Route 40, that goes along the Argentino Lake up to La Leona river. We will pass by the canyon with the same name “Cañadón La Leona” and after 1.15 h ride we will arrive to the ancient route hotel “La Leona”, almost a museum of the Route 40, where you can have coffee and cakes.

Our trip continues along the Lake Viedma, from where we will have magical views of glaciers, hidden lakes and the overpowering presence of the Mount Fitz Roy. We will make some photo stops at the viewpoint of the Viedma Glacier and Lake and after a 3 h ride we will arrive to this andean village called “The Capital of the Trekking”. As soon as we arrive at El Chalten we make another stop at the National Park Interpretation Centre.

Once at Chalten, the activities will continue according to the option booked:

OPTION 1 – FREE TREKKING: Live your own adventure. Well marked trails that lead to the most beautiful viewpoints of the Mt Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre (Laguna Capri, Mirador Torre and also Laguna de los Tres) Packed lunch included. Technical dificulty: moderate. Walking time: 3 to 6 hours.

OPTION 2 – CHALTEN ADVENTURE: After visiting the interpretation centre we will continue upto Río Blanco (Hostería El Pilar) from where we will begin the one-way guided trek, passing by Piedras Blancas Glacier, Camp. Base Poincenot. At 15 hs we will arrive at where we will have our lunch at the Domes of the camp with views to the Mount Fitz Roy. At 16 hs we will continue our way down to Chalten where we will arrive at 17:30 hs. Technical difficulty: Moderate/exigent.

OPTION 3 – LAGO DEL DESIERTO: you can combine a one-hour trek with a 4×4 trip across “Cañadon del Rio de las Vueltas”, located 37 km up to the North. From this place, we will visit “Salto (little fall) del Chorillo”, “Saltos del Rio de las Vueltas” and “Lago del Desierto”. Trekking to the “Lake and Glacier Huemul”. Technical dificulty: moderate. Box lunch included.