Patagonian Peaks and Glaciers
Argentina Private Journey
Overview
The mountain majesty of Patagonia is truly awe-inspiring, with sheer granite peaks soaring to the sky above tumbling blue-white glaciers and gleaming turquoise lakes. On this Private Journey, explore the lively city of Buenos Aires, with its charming Old World architecture and tango halls, then head south to Glacier National Park, a World Heritage Site that protects some of the most impressive mountain scenery on the planet. Here the shark fin of the Fitz Roy Massif (11,703') and its surrounding satellites rise from the golden pampas, sculpted from solid granite into fantastic spires and towers by the tremendous force of glaciers. Some of the largest and most accessible glaciers in the world are here, including the mighty Moreno, with its 10-story-high ice wall calving icebergs into the cobalt waters of Lago Argentino. The wild beauty of Patagonia is unmatched anywhere on earth, and our Private Journey brings you into the heart of it on daily guided hikes—you decide how far you want to go! In the evenings, enjoy wonderful meals and cozy accommodations where you can raise a glass of fine Argentine wine and toast your amazing adventures.
Arrive: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Highlights
- Hike to the base of the towering monolith of Mt. Fitz Roy, the jewel of Patagonia
- Explore the fantastic Perito Moreno Glacier, with its spectacular calving icebergs
- Visit Estancia Cristina, a historic ranch in an exclusive glacial valley, only accessible by boat
Itinerary
Explore the delights of Buenos Aires on a private guided visit, then head to Los Glaciares National Park, a spectacular realm of phenomenal granite spires, opaque blue lakes, subantarctic forests, and 47 major glaciers, all crowned by the great shark fin of Fitz Roy (11,703'). On exhilarating day hikes, revel in stunning up-close views of Fitz Roy, needle-like Cerro Torre (10,280'), and dozens of other breathtaking peaks.
Walk on a boardwalk with views of the 10-story-high headwall of the famous Moreno Glacier (watching from a safe distance!) as massive icebergs crash into the deep blue of Lago Argentino. As you hike a path atop the glacier, this creaking, groaning river of ice offers some of the most amazing sights and sounds in South America. Take a catamaran across Lago Argentino to a wonderfully remote location on the north arm of the lake. Spend two nights at a traditional estancia, where you'll enjoy day hikes to incredible viewpoints that reveal the vast scale of Patagonia's mountains and glaciers. Depart on Day 9.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Although the pace of this trip is relaxed and you are free to choose the activities you like, this is an active vacation.
The elevations on this trip are not particularly high. Unlike glaciers in other parts of the world that start at higher elevations, the glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park begin at a lower elevation (4,900 feet) due to the size of the ice cap. The elevation of El Calafate is 653 feet, and El Chaltén is 1,312 feet. Depending on the hikes you choose, you may experience elevation losses and gains of up to 3,000 feet in one day.
Review Trip Level Details
The shape you're in is an important factor in the enjoyment of your trip. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in good condition by walking, bicycling, swimming, or other forms of exercise.
Buenos Aires is mild year-round, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s and moderate to high humidity from November through March. The ideal travel season for Patagonia and Glacier National Park is November through March (“summer” in the Southern Hemisphere). Temperatures average in the 50Fs to the high 60Fs during the day, dropping to as low as 40 at night. Patagonian weather is famously changeable—rain and snow can occur at any time.
The enormous, unbroken stretches of ocean to the west and south of the tip of South America leave the Patagonian Andes exposed to strong and persistent winds. Winds circling the globe between latitudes of 40°S and 60°S have little obstruction when they reach the tip of South America. Experiencing these winds is almost inevitable on any Patagonian journey. For most part, you can expect winds of 9 to 13 miles per hour, but they can occasionally gust much higher, quickly "cooling down" an otherwise pleasant day.
There's a saying that in Patagonia that you can experience all four seasons in one day, so be prepared for quickly changing weather. The best defense is proper clothing, and our Pre-Departure Booklet has a detailed list of recommendations for layering. An insulating base layer (top and bottom) beneath your hiking clothes will keep you warm and comfortable. Capilene, fleece, and other synthetic fabrics are excellent choices, as are lightweight wool layers by companies like Patagonia, Icebreaker, and SmartWool.
Client Testimonials
"A beautifully planned and orchestrated trip. The hiking and scenery were fabulous. Thank you very much. WT runs a first class show."
Alison F.
Alton, NH
"We could not have had a more pleasurable trip."
Carol H.
Colorado Springs, CO
"We had a fantastic time. The guides were all very knowledgeable and friendly and the hotels were great."
Charles H.
Summit, NJ
"The organization, promptness, and friendliness of everyone involved was most appreciated. We had a trip free of concerns."
Delores H.
Cedar Grove, NJ
"We loved the trip and had a great time!"
Dorothea von H.
New York, NY
"The trip was such a pleasure. WT did a splendid job of designing the itinerary, choosing lodgings, and outstanding guides."
Linda L.
Loveland, CO
"This was among the best Wilderness trips we have taken, in part because it was our first truly private tour, and in part because of the unique beauty of Patagonia. In Chalten, we got a wonderful feel for the mountains and gained an appreciation for the connection between Patagonians and the land. Our guide had a deep passion for the natural environment and a deep respect for nature, and he shared that with us enthusiastically."
Nancy and Chris D.
San Francisco, CA
"Wasn't sure what to expect for our first Wilderness Travel experience. You totally superseded all expectations."
Natelle H.
Mayer, AZ
"Nice variety of surroundings and experiences. Food and lodging well presented and well situated."
Pamela G.
Falmouth, MA
"Our first private journey but 4th WT trip. We really like the combination of guides, planned itinerary, and individual choices throughout the journey."
Patricia B. and Doug J.
Granite Bay, CA
"Wonderful itinerary, great hikes, lovely accommodations. And the Explora extension was fantastic!"
Sandra F.
Carmichael, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.