Argentina Travel - Calafate/Ushuaia

Calafate / Ushuaia

4 days, 3 nights

Calafate is a tourist resort of both national and international importance, as it is South America’s most northern glacier, so probably the first of the Southern Hemispheres glaciers. It is an oasis of poplar, willow and pine trees at the bottom of the steppe.

Calafate is a small but wonderfully formed town that draws glacier watchers and nature lovers from all over the world. It is also quite a fun place when the sunsets.

El Calafate has a dry climate, with an average maximum temperature of 19ºC, and an average minimum of -2º in winter. The length of the day changes according to season. In summer, the sunrises at 5h30am and sets at 11h00pm. In winter, the days are shorter with only 8 hours of daylight.

Three Nights accommodation at lodgings of your choice
Breakfast(s) at your hotel
Transfers in/out at destination
Perito Moreno, Safari Nautico & Mini-trekking excursion

The Perito Moreno Walkways are viewpoints in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. There are seven balconies located at different heights and distances from the glacier, each connected by winding paths and stairs that make this a fun couple of hours and the scenery is quite breathtaking. In the summer, you have the heat from the sun and the cold air blowing off the glacier. From the highest balcony, you will see the amazing surface of the glacier, and both the northern and southern faces. As you go down, you will find the second balcony, closer to the ice. On occasion, you witness a ice dam. The lower balcony is the closest you can get to the glacier.

Safari Nautico: Departs from the Bajo de Las Sombra pier. This excursion takes you on a cruise across Brazo Rico, passing icebergs carved off the south front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Reaching the Icebergs Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail down its entire length, allowing spectacular view of this imposing wall of ice. The excursion lasts approximately one hour and provides a very different perspective of the Perito Moreno Glacier, with almost constant ice waterfalls crashing to the lake. This is a unique opportunity for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Mini-trekking: Departure to the pier Bajo de Las Sombras. A 20 minutes sail across the Rico Arm with breathtaking views of the glacier’s front walls, will take you to the opposite shore. Specialized mountain guides welcome you and lead you to small shelter. Small groups follow their guides along the lake’s shore towards the edge of the glacier. Once on the ice, you will fit crampons our guides explain how to use them. The two hours circuit that follows introduces you to the fascinating landscape of the glaciers: small lagoons, gullies, crevasses and wonderful ice formations glisten many shades of blue. The trekking is moderate, but requires a reasonable level of fitness. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm and safe. Our guides will teach you some general glaciology and in particular, you will learn about the formation and Perito Moreno Glacier.