At a Glance
With an irresistible potency, the Argentina Patagonia beckons for a grand encounter, from two of its most stunning glaciers, Perito Moreno and Upsala Glacier, to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Argentino in the Los Glaciares National Park. Encounter a fairytale wonderland carved in massive fields of blue and white ice; a true 4-day expedition immersing you in the authentic Patagonian wonders.
Your magical journey through the enchanting realm of Patagonia, starts in the captivating town of El Calafate. Witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno glacier as massive ice chunks collide with the shimmering waters of Argentino Lake. Your adventure culminates as you set sail across the lake, explore the glacier's walls and venture on a captivating ice trek on the Perito Moreno glacier. Cruise on a sleek catamaran to picturesque Puerto Bandera, ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights at a 4-star hotel in El Calafate on a twin-share basis
- Meals as specified
- All transportation as indicated in the itinerary
- Park fees
- 1 bilingual guide during the excursions
Itinerary
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Our journey pushes off in the charming town of El Calafate, nestled on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park, where stunning vistas and untouched wilderness await. A whole day lies ahead to bask in the delightfully eclectic attractions of this quaint town, such as its irresistible selection of mouthwatering restaurants, sultry tango bars, and exquisite artisanal markets. Make yourself comfortable in the bright and spacious accommodations of the 4-star Kosten Aike hotel, where you'll be staying for the next 3 nights. The rooms boast chic decorations, complete with amenities including a cable TV, minibar, safe, heating, and bathroom facilities. The remarkable alpine-style structure houses a spa, fitness centre, games room, and a restaurant on the premises. As the day draws to a close, we'll rest our heads in the cosy comfort of El Calafate, eagerly anticipating the exciting experiences yet to come. |
Kosten Aike Hotel, El Calafate
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Prepare to be amazed as we set off on an adventure to conquer the towering Perito Moreno glacier, rising 60 metres (197 feet) high! Buckle up for a unique experience as we deviate from the usual tour route, and first explore the lesser-known north face of the glacier. Our hearts will race as we witness massive chunks of ice thunderously colliding with the crystal-clear waters of Argentino Lake. Listen closely as our guide regales us with intriguing facts about this icy marvel. Your journey culminates with sailing across the lake to explore the glacier walls and taking part in a short ice trekking journey. Don't worry about being a pro, no technical experience is required. Get ready to experience the breathtaking power of the Perito Moreno glacier like never before! We then head towards the footbridges, where we pause to take a breath and soak in the natural beauty surrounding us. After a spine-tingling encounter with the glacier, we return to our hotel in Calafate, where we can relive the thrill of our adventure and rest in comfort. |
Kosten Aike Hotel, El CalafateBreakfast, Lunch |
Begin your day on the right foot with a scrumptious breakfast and prepare to be transported to the stunning Puerto Bandera, nestled on the southern edge of Argentino Lake. There, you'll embark on a magnificent journey at 8:15 am, aboard a sleek and cosy catamaran, gliding through the crystal-clear waters of Lago Argentino. We sail towards the captivating and majestic Upsala Glacier - a breathtaking sight that spans a staggering 9 km wide. Get lost in a mesmerising view of the glacier's Western face, all while enveloped in a panorama of stunning landscapes and icebergs that tower high above you. Continue on your journey through Canal Cristina and make your way towards Estancia Cristina, a renowned 30,000-hectare sheep breeding farm dating back to the early 20th century. Delve into the heart of Gaucho culture and immerse yourself in the (Patagonian cowboy) way of life. Then we’ll explore the Museo Costumbrista of Estancia. Buckle up and embark on a 4x4 ride through 9.5 km (6 miles) of rough mountain roads, culminating at the Continental Ice Field Refugio. Prepare to be enchanted on a 30-minute hike over glacial erosion terrain, and be treated to an exclusive and privileged view of the Eastern face of the Upsala Glacier, Guillermo Lake, Hielo Patagónico Sur, and the magnificent Cordillera de Los Andes. Experience the heart and soul of Patagonia at its finest! At dusk, watch the beautiful sunset while you head back to El Calafate for your final evening. Experience beauty at every turn, where adventure meets tranquillity, and the natural wonders of the world surround you. |
Kosten Aike Hotel, El CalafateBreakfast, Lunch |
Today marks the conclusion of our unforgettable voyage. Farewell, Patagonia! We hope to cross paths with you once more. Following breakfast, you’ll be transported to Calafate Airport for your onward travels. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Min. 2 people for a guaranteed departure. Max. 15 people per group.
Departs daily from October to April 15th. Christmas and New Year's festival season supplement applies. Please contact us for private departures or group bookings.
More Info
- The trip starts either in Torres del Paine/Puerto Natales at 8:00am or Calafate at 2:00pm
- The trip finishes on Day 4 at Calafate Airport at 10:00am. For those taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas, the trip finishes on Day 5 at Punta Arenas Airport at 10:00am. For domestic flights, you need to arrive at the airport one hour before your flight departs.
- Major commercial flight provide convenient access to Punta Natalas and Calafate. The nearest major airport to Punta Natales is Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) and has international and domestic flights from Punta Arenas, and is 230 km from the center of Puerto Natales. The closest major airport to El Calafate is Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) and is 21 km from the center of El Calafate.
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, the strong marine influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find cold strong winds (up to 80 km/hr) and rainfalls. In summer average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).
- Day backpack (10lt)
- hiking shoes
- waterproof parka
- Sandals
- Pants
- sun hat
- Sunscreen
- sunglasses
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
