Patagonia 2025
Patagonia 2025
- Round-Trip Airport Shuttle
- 7 Nights Lodging in Small Mountain Hotels
- All Breakfasts (7), 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners
- Private Shuttles & Taxis as Needed
- 2 Fit 4 Adventures Guides
- Glacier Experience w/ Local Guide
- National Park Shuttle & Entrance Fees
- Horseback ride
- Estancia Tour
- Luggage Transport
- Tips for Local Guides
Patagonia. One of the most iconic landscapes on earth.
The name alone carries a mystique, a mythical aura of adventure.
The wild unknown, the rugged unexplored. Raging rivers, towering peaks, jagged rock faces, massive sheets of ice- all cast against the backdrop of vast expanses of untamed wilderness…
Sound enticing? Guess what? We’re going. And you can come with us…
TRIP DATES: February 15-22, 2025 (8 days, 7 nights)
PRICE: $4,325 (per person, double occupancy)
Single Occupancy supplement: $1,400
Not included: Flights to/from El Calafate, optional excursions, meals not mentioned above, tips for F4A Guides, personal expenses- souvenirs, alcohol, etc.
TRIP DETAILS
Join us in February, 2025 as we explore one of the world’s premier adventure destinations.
This 8-day/7-night itinerary encompasses the greatest adventures Argentinean Patagonia has to offer- hiking on the massive Perito Moreno glacier in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares and trekking in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy near the Andean outpost of El Chaltén.
This trip has it ALL, and then some…
We’ll gather in the mountain town of El Calafate, Argentina, on the shores of the magnificent Lago Argentino. Guests will have the first afternoon to recover from the long travel day while exploring the quaint lakeside village- then it’s ‘Adventure: ON!’ for the next 7 days.
FLIGHTS
You are responsible for booking your own flight. Your destination airport in Argentina is El Calafate (FTE). Plan to arrive at your convenience on February 15th, which will most likely mean departing the US on 2/14 (if not earlier). We'll arrange for airport shuttles to our hotel in El Calafate. Departure Day is February 22nd- please book a departing flight for noon or later on 2/22.
DEPOSIT
A $500 deposit (per person) is due at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
PAYMENTS
The first payment (50% of remaining balance) will be due November 1, 2024. Final payment will be due December 15, 2024. You will receive a reminder email when these payments are due. Once made, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
CANCELLATIONS
By Client: If you need to cancel before the trip, the cancellation fee is your initial deposit plus any additional payments made. Any payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your reservation will automatically cancel if final payment is not received by the due date. Travel Insurance is highly recommended (see below).
By Fit 4 Adventure: In the event that we must cancel a trip for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum number of trip participants is not met, you will be able to transfer any amount paid toward any F4A trip in the next 24 months. You may also opt for a full refund.
By Force Majeure: In the event that a trip is cancelled due (but not limited) to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism, or political instability, F4A will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months from the original trip date.
F4A is not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as result of your booking, including (but not limited to) visas, vaccinations, clothing, equipment, testing, travel insurance, or non-refundable flights.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The cancellation policy will be strictly adhered to. To avoid loss of payments due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is highly recommended. We recommend booking through our partners Allianz Travel or World Nomads. Alternatively, travel insurance can often be purchased along with your flight.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. This trip is not meant as a means of getting into shape or losing weight. Start a program of training & conditioning well before departure!
If you have any questions about this trip, please feel free to reach out to Nick@Fit4Adventure.com
Day 1 - Arrival Day in El Calafate
El Calafate is near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and is known as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier.
Airport: Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (Airport Code: FTE) is located 21 km east of the city of El Calafate, in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by your Fit 4 Adventure guide(s) who will escort you to the hotel.
Once settled, take time explore the town and/or relax after the long journey. We will gather in the hotel prior to heading out for our Welcome Dinner.
Arrival day options Include:
- Explore the shores of Lago Argentino- a short walk from our hotel provides magnificent views of the spectacular Lago Argentino.
- Head to town and visit markets, chocolate shops, cervecerias, see the local artwork at the Paseo de los Artesanos and crafts at La Aldea de los Gnomos.
- Visit the Ecological Reserve of Laguna Nimez- a wild bird sanctuary near town; home to over 80 species of birds; a boardwalk with informative signs winds among a handful of small lakes; rent binoculars if desired. (Also offered on day 7 as an optional group activity)
- Check out the Centro de Interpretacion Historica- a small museum provides the natural and human history of Patagonia; enjoy a traditional 'mate' and talk with the guides.
Lodging: Blanca Patagonia Hostería (we will be here 2 nights)
Day 2 - Perito Moreno Glacier Ice Hike/Kayak
Breakfast is included at the hotel. We will pack snacks and sack lunches for the day (think local bakeries with empanadas, yum!).
If you only visit one glacier in your life, Perito Moreno should be the one you see. This stunning mass of ice spans 121 square miles and, remarkably, is still growing. It towers above the turquoise glacial water of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, beaming a blinding white and exuding cold blue hues.
We jump right in with a full day of adventure on (or next to) the MASSIVE Perito Moreno Glacier. Guests have the option of how they want to explore- trekking over the glacier itself* or paddling kayaks along the incredible face. Each is a mind-blowing, other-worldly experience! Our excursions include all necessary equipment- crampons, life jackets, etc. Local guides ensure our comfort and safety while teaching about the glacier's ecology, geology and wildlife. Upon entering the park, we’ll have an opportunity to explore various walkways and boardwalks overlooking the ice field and offering different vantage points. Then it's off to explore- on foot or by kayak! After our excursions end, we'll return to our hotel in El Calafate and enjoy a group dinner in town.
Difficulty: Moderate
(*There is a strict government-mandated age restriction of 65 and under for the glacier trek. If this affects you, no worries- we have options. The kayaking is AWESOME!)
Lodging: Blanca Patagonia Hostería
Day 3 - Transfer to El Chaltén & Mirador de los Condores Hike
Breakfast included at hotel, prior to departure for El Chalten.
This morning, we'll pack our bags before hopping a private transfer to the Andean outpost of El Chaltén, about 3 hours north of El Calafate. Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage at the hotel, grab lunch in town and head to the Visitors’ Center to prepare for today’s hike. The easy trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic views over El Chaltén, the surrounding valley and the mountains beyond. If we’re lucky, we may spot Andean condors riding the mountain breeze! After the hike, we’ll have ample time to settle in. Later in the evening, we will eat a hearty dinner to prepare for tomorrow’s hike!
Hiking: Mirador de los Condores- 2 miles round trip; min elevation: 1380 ft, max elevation: 1708 ft; duration: 1-2 hours.
Difficulty: Easy
Lodging: Senderos Hosteria (We will be here 4 nights)
Day 4 - Laguna Torre Hike
Breakfast included at hotel. We'll pack snacks and sack lunches for the hike.
One of the best hikes in El Chaltén, this trail winds along the valley of the Fitz Roy River, leading to the gorgeous, glacially-fed Laguna Torre, located at the foot of the amazing Adela Range. Along the way, we’ll come to the Cerro Torre viewpoint, providing one of the of the most magnificent views in all of El Chaltén.
Upon arriving at the lake, the scenery will take your breath away. Giant icebergs float in the lake, massive chunks calved from the Torres and Grande glaciers which come cascading down the mountainside. The impressive Cerro Torre towers above, standing watch over the valley below. It is spectacular, and a ‘Must Do’ in every Patagonian trekker’s logbook.
We’ll enjoy lunch by the lake, hike along the lakeside up to another viewpoint, and then descend through the forest and back to El Chaltén.
Hiking Time: 7 Hours (steady pace, including lunch and snack breaks). 11-miles out and back; min elevation: 1397 ft., max elevation: 2107.
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5 - Laguna de los Tres
THIS is what we came for- an epic hike to the foot of the incomparable Mount Fitz Roy- iconic Patagonia at its very best.
Our hike starts with a moderate climb, with ever-changing views of the De las Vueltas river valley as we mount the ridge. Upon reaching the top, we round a corner, and there it is, towering in the distance- Mount Fitz Roy. We will continue along rivers and streams, eventually coming to the foot of the climb to Lago de los Tres. This climb is no joke- rocky terrain, steep switchbacks and lots of sweat, but oh-so worth it! The scene at the top is other-worldly! If the climb didn’t take your breath away, the power, beauty, and majesty of Mount Fitz Roy most certainly will. The climb ends with an extraordinary view of the lagoon, several glaciers and the impossibly rugged Mount Fitz Roy towering above it all.
After lunching on the rocks and soaking up the scene, we will descend from the lake, passing by Lake Viedma on our return to El Chaltén. A cerveceria awaits just beyond the trailhead- a perfect spot to raise a toast to the day’s adventure.
Hiking Time: 8 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (trail ends with a steep climb to the lake)
14.2 miles (RT- out-and-back), min elevation: 1328 ft, max elevation: 3870 ft. (Note: Depending on weather and availability, we may shuttle to an alternate trailhead, taking some of the bite out of the initial climb out of El Chalten.)
Day 6 - Free day in El Chalten
Today is your day to explore El Chalten. Does your dream Patagonia experience involve fly fishing? Mountain biking? Kayaking? El Chalten is the epicenter for all things adventure in Argentinian Patagonia. Your F4A guides will happily help you make any arrangements with local outfitters ahead of time. Just looking for a day off? The quaint mountain town of El Chalten has excellent shopping, coffee shops, restaurants and local attractions to explore. Or book a spa service and kick back - this is your day.
Day 7 - Estancia Nibepo Aike
After breakfast, our private shuttle will take our group back towards El Calafate, on what is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Argentina. Rather than staying in the town center, we will finish our trip with a homestay at Estancia Nibepo Aike, a family owned Argentinian ranch that has been maintained to showcase traditional Patagonian cattle-ranching culture. Nestled inside of the national park (just the other side from where we were hiking in El Chalten!), the landscape is stunning. Learn about the famed gauchos (cowboys), historical and modern!
A guide will give us a tour of the estancia, followed by a horseback ride during golden hour. Just wait until you see the landscape begin to glow...
Our farewell dinner will be an asado (Argentinian barbeque!) at the ranch. A lamb will be roasted 'a la parilla', along with a variety of other meats. Vegetarians, fear not! There is ample food for every type of diet.
Day 8 - Departure Day
After breakfast and a free morning at the Estancia, groups will be shuttled back to El Calafate for their flights home. An afternoon flight is recommended for ease of travel. We'll be sad to say adios, but we'll have incredible memories to cherish for a lifetime!
This was one of the best adventures in which I have ever participated! The views were absolutely stunning, the accommodations fantastic and the food was wonderful. Marie & Nick were the best guides. The participants on the trip were an absolute great bunch to spend a week in paradise with.
Jon and I had a blast on another Fit 4 Adventure Vacation. What a journey we had! It was a great vacation and a nice break for sure! We felt safe and the accommodations and food were all excellent. I loved meeting Nick and Marie and found them nothing but nice and accommodating. The hikes were perfect for us. They handled adaptations to the day well. The group dynamic was good. Loved the long meals and that they had picked out places ahead of time. The whole experience was beautiful and delightful! You attract some really great humans and it’s always a pleasure to go on trips and have fun with them. Thanks for letting us be a part of your first trip to Patagonia ! It’s one we won’t soon forget!!
The Fit 4 Adventure trip to Argentina was beyond amazing. Every hike is memorable, but the hike to Laguna de los Tres is one of the most spectacular hikes that I have ever done. Hiking the glacier was so unlike anything that I have ever done. The towns of El Chalten and El Calafate are charming. The accommodations were very comfortable and the food delicious. Nick and Marie were wonderful guides whose knowledge of the area and the language was very helpful. As always in my experience with F4A, the relationships developed with the fellow participants and guides are just as rewarding as the activities and last well past the trip. If you want to visit one of the most beautiful, pristine places on the planet, GO! This trip exceeded expectations!
The trip to Patagonia was an epic adventure! The guides were knowledgeable, patient and kind. Every place we stayed could not have been more perfectly located, cozy, and comfortable. The restaurant selections were excellent - especially the focus on making sure that we got to sample and were aware of the local cuisine and customs. The guides did a good job of re-arranging the hiking schedule to accommodate the ever-changing weather conditions and making sure that everyone was ok with any changes. The hikes themselves were incredible, and of course it is always nice to be with people who have been before and know what to expect. I highly recommend this trip!
.png){kind=small}
