The best of Argentina's natural landscapes
Fly south to El Calafate and make your way to the remote Aguas Arribas. Your arrival is part of the adventure with the option to either hike in, or take a boat across to the lodge, on the backs of Lago del Desierto. The eco-friendly wooden cabin has views across to the impressive Mt FitzRoy and so peaceful the lodge being that on still days, trout can be spotted in the waters. A gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, you can spend part of your three nights here hiking, fishing, and otherwise taking in the glaciers, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.
The final leg of your itinerary takes you South once more, right into the heart of Patagonia and its wilderness. Arrive at El Calafate and after an hour or so driving past stunning scenery, arrive to Nibepo Aike. A sheep-breeding farm in a rural environment in Los Glacieres National Park, the Argentine Gaucho experience lives on. Hike in the National Park, explore the ranch, sail to the glaciers, ride, watch cattle and the general farm life that continues to evolve each day.
At the end of your journey, return to El Calafate and perhaps explore more of elsewhere in South America (or of Argentina!), or commence your way homebound.
You will love
- Variety of natural settings
- Plethora of excursions on foot or horse
- Differing styles of accommodation
- Los Glaciares National Park
10 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | BARILOCHE
Arrive to Bariloche and road transfer the 1.5 hours to check into Arroyo Verde for your three night stay.
DAY 2 | BARILOCHE
Enjoy a range of activities on or nearby the estancia such as a short, half or full day horse-ride, a hike exploring the ranch, down the river or up the mountains, or perhaps bird-watching in search for the Andean condor.
DAY 3 | BARILOCHE
A full day awaits for you to head out on another day of riding, walking, bird-watching or perhaps fishing.
DAY 4 | EL CHALTEN
Return to Bariloche and fly to El Calafate, before taking a scenic journey to reach and check into Aguas Arribas, on the banks of Lago del Desierto. The remainder of the afternoon/evening is at leisure to rest.
DAY 5 | EL CHALTEN
Either spend the day relaxing and admiring the glacier views with a book in hand right from the lodge, adventurous can head out on a half or full day of hiking, or you can take part in fly-fishing.
DAY 6 | EL CHALTEN
Further explore the area with more of the area’s untouched walks at a style, pace and length of your choice, and at the end of the day, sit infront of the fireplace with great local food and wine in hand.
DAY 7 | EL CALAFATE
Journey back to El Calafate and check into Nibeko Aike, located just over an hour from El Chalten. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
DAY 8 | EL CALAFATE
Spend part of the day either on the South Glacier Adventure departing in the morning or on the South Pioneers Glacier leaving after lunch. Head out for the earlier/later part of your day hiking in Los Glaciares National Park
DAY 9 | EL CALAFATE
Enjoy farming activities such as horseback riding on and around the estancia, cattle branding, sheep shearing, learning about the orchard and general gaucho life.
DAY 10 | END OF ARRANGEMENTS
Check out after breakfast and return to El Calafate where your journey comes to an end.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
A selection of the finest lodges and estancias
Estancia Arroyo Verde – Neuquen
Arroyo Verde is a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering a perfect setting for horseback riding across the open valley, up the mountains through picturesque forests and hidden lakes, to caves with Indian paintings. Relax in this paradise while sharing the lifestyle of true Argentine ranchers. Read More
Aguas Arriba – near El Chalten
Nestled in the wilderness of southern Patagonia on the banks of Lago del Desierto, Aguas Arriba Lodge is just 37km from the village of El Chaltén yet remains peacefully secluded and immersed in nature. It is an adventurer’s playground, a hikers’ paradise and an idyllic retreat for anyone seeking R & R surrounded by the beauty of nature. Read More
Nibepo Aike – near El Calafate
Estancia Nibepo Aike is located inside Los Glaciares National Park, on the banks of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino, approximately 1.5 hours from El Calafate. During your stay join in on the rural work in the corrals (cattle branding, dressage, milking), cattle herding and sheep shearing along with participating in authentic rural life. Read More
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