PATAGONIA: FITZ ROY &
LAGO DEL DESIERTO
Patagonia is jaw-droppingly beautiful. From the quaint frontier town of El Chaltén to the trails that sit in the shadow of the jagged Mount Fitz Roy; from the authentic estancias (ranches), to the alpine lakes, fresh streams and massive glaciers, you’ll have no choice but to fall in love with this special place.
Begin your trip with a visit to the massive, magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier where you’ll watch out for calving icebergs, learning about glaciology and what makes this place so unique. Then wind your way north from El Calafate to El Chaltén, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Admire Lago Viedma, stopping at an authentic Argentine estancia (ranch) along the way. El Chaltén will be your home base for four nights, and you’ll hike on trails that lead to glacial lakes and through lenga forests, while you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the infamous Andean condor, Flemish giant rabbit, miniature Pudu deer and the elusive Patagonian puma.
For the following two nights, stay at the unique luxury mountain lodge, Aguas Arriba, accessible only by foot or boat on the shores of historic Lago del Desierto (Desert Lake). You/ll have options to hike to the Chilean border, fly fish for salmon & trout and hike to the Huemul Glacier. Aguas Arriba is one of the most special places to stay in Patagonia.
Patagonia embodies the type of destination we want to share with our travelers. You'll see herds of animals you didn't even know existed in the world, drink directly from glacial streams, experience breathtaking views, likely be as far south on the planet as you've ever been, and share maté - a traditional Argentine tea and cultural experience - with your hosts.
It's a hard place to get to and it's impossible to forget.
“This trip exceeded our expectations! The guides were wonderful, fun, knowledgable, professional and had a sense of humor too! All of the hotel logistics and transportation were perfectly executed. The day to day adventures were thoughtfully planned and organized with options depending upon the group’s interest and ability. The diversity of activities offered the opportunity to experience the culture and ruggedness of southern Patagonia. I loved learning and exploring the diverse climate and geography in addition to gaining an appreciation for the challenges posed to those living in the bottom of the Southern hemisphere.”
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Hike trails with views of the majestic Fitz Roy massif & discover Los Glaciares National Park
Experience the massive Perito Moreno Glacier
Explore El Calafate & the frontier town of El Chaltén
Fly fish on Lago Del Desierto in the shadow of the Fitz Roy
Enjoy traditional Argentine cuisine like asado (barbecue), maté (traditional tea), dulche de leche (sweet cream) and wine
Visit a local estancia (ranch) for a home-hosted lunch
Option to add a local guide for all or part of your trip
Enjoy a customized itinerary tailored to your preferred activity level, budget, accommodation preferences, interests & schedule
When to go: November - March
Start/End Airport: El Calafate
Minimum recommended length: 10 days / 8 nights
Average Mileage: 4 - 12 miles/day (options to shorten or lengthen)
Pre- or post-trip ideas: Buenos Aires, Chilean Patagonia, Ushuaia, Mendoza
how it works
All of our itineraries are handcrafted and completely customizable to your preferred travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and activity level.
From the initial proposal, we’ll work with you to refine your itinerary until it’s just right. On your trip, we'll provide you with everything you need to enjoy a local, authentic Pathways experience and the liberty to explore at your own pace.
To request a personalized proposal, please complete the form below
and we’ll contact you to chat about next steps.
“Fly-fishing on Lago del Desierto with my family by my side brought me straight back to my childhood of fishing on Nantucket - except there were glaciers and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world all around me.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
Where you stay on your Pathways trips will only enhance your experience. We'll work with you to select beautiful, authentic boutique lodging that will allow you to even more deeply connect with the local culture and cuisine of the place you're visiting.
The lodgings we choose are locally or family owned, making your stay welcoming, unique and personal - the best spots to end an active day with relaxation, delicious food & wine, gracious hospitality and fun.
Some of our favorite accommodations:
Eolo in El Calafate
Aguas Arriba on Lago del Desierto
The Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza
Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires
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