Experience Overview
It doesn’t get much cooler than the Perito Moreno Glacier. Standing 70 metres tall as the spectacular centrepiece of Lake Argentino, this enormous, frozen mass of land is one of Patagonia’s star attractions. From your base in El Calafate, spend a full day discovering the wonders of the glacier and watching icebergs the size of buildings crash into the water below. See a different side of Patagonia when you visit a local family-run Estancia where you’ll learn about life on the ranch and feast on a traditional lunch made with their own produce. This Patagonian adventure may be short, but it packs a real punch.
Highlights
- The Patagonian town of El Calafate serves as the base for your adventure. You’ll have time to explore the town and check out its many restaurants and shops.
- Spend a full day discovering the truly remarkable Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch icebergs crash into the channel below from viewing platforms, or take an optional cruise around the lake for a different perspective.
- Visit a local estancia that’s been run by the same family since it was established more than 100 years ago. Take part in ranch activities and tuck into a traditional lunch.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2022
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Shared Vehicle or Public Bus
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GPAC
Starts: El Calafate, Argentina
Finishes: El Calafate, Argentina
Duration: 4 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $1,315 ($329 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on arrival – you can arrive at any time on day one as there are no activities planned. You will receive a welcome note with a detailed itinerary for tomorrow. El Calafate is a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today El Calafate has developed a bustling small town atmosphere thanks to a growing tourist trade. Most people base themselves here whilst visiting the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities:
- El Calafate - Glaciarium (480 ARS)
- El Calafate - Reserva Natural Laguna Nimez (150 ARS)
- El Calafate - Centro de Interpretacíon Historico (170 ARS)
You’ll be picked up from your hotel between 9 and 9.15 this morning and head out for a full day exploring the Perito Moreno glacier. Standing 70 metres tall in the middle of Lake Argentino, this enormous, frozen mass of land attracts tourists from all over the world - year in, year out. At five kilometres wide and around 30 kilometres in length, Perito Moreno Glacier boasts a surface area of around 250 sq km, so it’s pretty hard to miss. The monstrous chunks of ice that regularly shed from the main bulk of the glacier provide spectacular viewing from the catwalks that surround it, and cause huge waves to kick up and crash across the lake. While here you’ll also have the option to take a one hour glacier cruise. Needless to say, it will be cold! Please ensure you take plenty of warm clothes for this trip - particularly in the winter months. Return back to your hotel in El Calafate for an evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
- El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
Optional Activities:
- El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip (40 USD)
After breakfast this morning, set out to experience a different side of Patagonia during a visit to a local Estancia (ranch). Founded over 100 years ago, the Estancia is still run by the family who established it, rearing sheep and cattle. Learn about rural life in Patagonia and the operations on the ranch, perhaps taking part in a shearing demonstration, horseback riding or walks around the scenic property. Sit down to a traditional Patagonian lunch made with ingredients produced on the ranch. Return to your hotel in El Calafate in the evening.
Included Activities:
- El Calafate - Estancia day trip
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Ruth - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing adventure! I enjoyed the stay at the estancia and was blown away by Iguaçu falls. Our leader Gus is a well organized person. He has the ability to make you feel welcome and at ease right away. He is very encouraging and patient, sometimes answering the same question 8 times in the same hour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2024
Richard - Traveled, May 2024
Loved the tour with Iguazu Falls being the highlight. Ipanema Beach was our favourite and enjoyed being buffeted by the waves. Our guide Javier did a really good job and the whole group was very appreciative of his efforts. Also got to see the resting place of Evita and Christ the Redeemer close up!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
Robert - Traveled, February 2024
A great experience. Intrepid leader Javier Buchnann is excellent
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
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