los-glaciares-national-park-2

A UNESCO world heritage listed site, this natural wonderland provides a perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with
some of the world’s most impressive glaciers, that of Perito Moreno, Upsala and Spegazzini.
El Calafate is the pretty gateway town, set on Bahia Redonda surrounded by hills.

This lake and mountain region of Argentina has become famous all over the world for its natural attractions,
particularly Estancia Cristina and the Perito Moreno Glacier.
This impressive 30,000 year old mass, with a height of 60m and a front of 4km, is the only known glacier that continues to grow.
From a series of walkways and platforms you can see, hear and photograph the icy wonders of the Patagonia region.

INCLUSIONS:

• Return airport transfers with bilingual guide
• 3 nights accommodation
• 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
• Sightseeing tours with bilingual guides
• Hotel pick up and drop off for all transfers and tours
• National Park entrance fees

Price Starting From AUD 1226 Per Person

DEPARTURE TIME & POINT
This tour departs every daily from El Calafate airport

ITINERARY:

Day 1     El Calafate
Arrive at El Calafate airport. Once you clear the baggage area, you will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name, and transferred to your hotel. The airport is located 23km away from town, which will generally take 25 minutes. El Calafate is situated on theshore of Lago Argentino, and approx 80km from the entrance to the Los Glaciares National park. The National park covers 600,00 hectares of land including 22,00 sq kms of Continental Ice Cap
Day 2     El Calafate
Departure from the hotel at approximately 8am towards Perito Moreno Glacier situated within Los Glaciares National Park, 80 km from El Calafate (half way along a gravel route). The journey each way will take approximately 1h 45 minutes to reach the Perito Moreno Glacier. From El Calafate, the Argentino Lake will appear on the right side of the road with its Bahía Redonda (Round Bay) that shows an interesting and assorted bird species. The first half of the journey takes you through a landscape typical of the Patagonian steppe, full of the broom sedges (hard, thorny type of grass) and ‘calafates’ (bushes belonging to the barberry family which is well-known for its yellow flowers and violet fruits). Once inside the National Park, the landscape drastically changes, as the flora grows richer with species that are typical of the Andine-Patagonian Forest such as ñires, lengas and guindos.

Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing ice river with an area of 195 square meters, a length of 30Km. and a front  which is 5 Km wide; the frontal walls  are between 30 and 60 meters high over the lake level. In the central area of the glacier the ice reaches a depth of 250 to 350 meters. This frozen river descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field causing, during its slow advance, ice cracks and thunderous bursts that turned the glacier into a marvel in constant movement. A show that is impressing not only for its beauty but also for the continuous roars that are heard from its innermost recesses. Because of its breathtaking beauty it was declared a Mankind Heritage by Unesco.
A walk along the paths and observation sites placed in front of its western wall will let you admire this impressive wonder of nature from different points of view. You will have approximately 3 hours to enjoy the Perito Moreno Glacier, and if you are lucky enough, you will witness sheets of ice breaking from the body of the glacier, and fall into the lake before your eyes. Free time for lunch (not included, however there is a modest restaurant called ‘Los Ventisqueros’ which offers daily a couple of good menus). It is possible to take an optional navigation to enjoy a different view of the glacier wall from the water level, what makes it possible to get a better idea of the height of its peaks and towers (Navigation length: 1 hr). At approximately 3.30pm, the tour will depart the Los Glaciers National Park, return to the hotel around 5pm.

Day 3     El Calafate
Departure from the hotel towards Puerto Banderas, located 50 Km from El Calafate, to embark on the catamaran which will sail through the North Arm of Argentino Lake until it approaches the front wall of the Upsala Glacier, crossing the amazing barrier of icebergs constantly floating in front of the glacier. Upsala is the largest glacier within ‘Los Glaciares National Park’ with a surface of 1.000 Km2 . The glacier is constantly receding, specially in the latest decade because of the increasing global warming. This process has been also increased because most of frontal section floats over the lake’s surface. From here the navigation continues through Onelli Channel up to Onelli Bay. The only point where the expedition will come ashore this day for a 800-meter hike through the Patagonian-Andean woods towards the lagoon of the same name where it is possible to the Onelli, Bolado, and Agassiz Glaciers flowing down the surrounding mountain slopes towards the water surface, producing an infinity of icebergs floating onto the waters and enhancing the exquisite beauty of the place. Lunch at Onelli Bay (Optional). Embark then towards Spegazzini Channel to get an impressive view of Seco, Spegazzini and South Heim glaciers. The most imposing one is Spegazzini since it is the highest glacier in the national park and also because, so far, it does not seem to be receding. On the opposite mountain slope, Seco Glacier, on the contrary, perfectly allows to draw this phenomenon. Near this place is located Puerto de las Vacas, where there is a refuge that was once used for the expeditions to the continental ice field. (When weather conditions make impossible to disembark at Onelli Bay, this site will be the disembarking pier for the excursion). Return to Punta Bandera and transfer to the hotel. (arrival at about 7.30/8 PM).
Day 4     El Calafate
You will be met in the lobby of your hotel at a pre arranged time, for your transfer to the airport, to take your flight. 


THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Please note that from 01 May – 21 September the Estancia Cristina is closed.
In its place we will confirm the full day Upsala & Onelli Bay tour with lunch.

The order of sightseeing tours may change due to unforeseen circumstances and will be at the discretion of the tour operator.
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