Active Argentine Patagonia Tour

Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, a resort town far on the southern end of Argentina called the “End of the World.” This city is a starting point for many Antarctica cruises and is known for its nearby penguin colonies. Settle into your hotel and then spend the remainder of your day at your leisure.

Today you’ll be able to choose from two hikes in the area around Ushuaia. You can either take a trip into Tierra del Fuego National Park to hike and canoe or visit the far-flung Laguna Turquesa, wrapped in mountains. Whichever you choose, a gorgeous day is guaranteed!

Note: National Park with trekking and canoes does not operate on Saturdays.

In the morning, leave Ushuaia and drive to the Larsiphashaj River, where you’ll prepare your canoes. Start paddling, passing through the Beagle Channel. Mountains and windswept hills surround you as you canoe to Estancia Harberton.

You’ll transfer to a boat to cruise to a penguin colony, where you’ll be able to observe these cute little animals on their traditional breeding grounds. The boat then takes you to Gable Island, where you’ll have lunch and take a scenic walk near the shoreline.

Note: Gable Island with canoes operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The morning and afternoon today can be spent as you please prior to leaving for a short flight to El Calafate. Walk the windy shore, check out a local restaurant, or spend some time observing the penguins.

Waking up in El Calafate, prepare for a day in nearby Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the premier national parks of Patagonia. Beginning in Bahia Bajo las Sombras, you’ll cruise to Rico Branch. From here, begin a short hike assisted by crampons to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the most photographed glacier in the entire park. This mighty ice sheet is 257 square kilometres large and the front walls reach up to 60 metres above the lake’s surface!

Have lunch, then walk back to your starting point, admiring the glacier from another perspective.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Roca Lake. Sailing to Sur Branch, you’ll reach a trailhead where few people have access. Hike to Frias Lake, cross over the lake in a zodiac, and then continue hiking along a riverbed. Your destination is Anfiteatro de los Glaciares, where you’ll have an amphitheatre-like view of the Grande, Cubo, and Dickson glaciers. You’ll want your camera handy!

Return on the same route you came on, enjoying the utter tranquillity of this quiet corner of Patagonia.

Spend the morning kayaking in the Santa Cruz River. If you’d prefer, you can hike or bike in the area.

After too many once-in-a-lifetime sights to count on your active adventure in Patagonia, it’s time to depart. You’ll be dropped off at the airport in El Calafate. Adios!