Map of Perito Moreno Glacier Short Break including Argentina

Get acquainted with Patagonia’s coolest natural wonder

It doesn’t get much cooler than the Perito Moreno Glacier. Standing 70 metres tall as the spectacular centrepiece of Lake Argentino, this enormous, frozen mass of land is one of Patagonia’s star attractions. From your base in El Calafate, spend a full day discovering the wonders of the glacier and watching icebergs the size of buildings crash into the water below. See a different side of Patagonia when you visit a local family-run Estancia where you’ll learn about life on the ranch and feast on a traditional lunch made with their own produce. This Patagonian adventure may be short, but it packs a real punch.


Start
Argentina, Argentina
Finish
El Calafate, Argentina
Destination
Argentina
Style
Comfort
Theme
Short Breaks
Code
GPAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • The Patagonian town of El Calafate serves as the base for your adventure. You’ll have time to explore the town and check out its many restaurants and shops.

  • Spend a full day discovering the truly remarkable Perito Moreno Glacier. Watch icebergs crash into the channel below from viewing platforms, or take an optional cruise around the lake for a different perspective.

  • Visit a local estancia that’s been run by the same family since it was established more than 100 years ago. Take part in ranch activities and tuck into a traditional lunch.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Weather in Patagonia can be wild, so it's important to prepare for all elements. Rain, wind and extreme cold are all part of the adventure.

  • This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader – our local representative fills this role – and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip.

  • This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Argentina. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on arrival – you can arrive at any time on day one as there are no activities planned. You will receive a welcome email with a detailed itinerary for tomorrow. El Calafate is a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia. Originally a sheep station and trading outpost, today El Calafate has developed a bustling small town atmosphere thanks to a growing tourist trade. Most people base themselves here whilst visiting the nearby Perito Moreno Glacier, located a short distance away at the southern reaches of the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Interestingly the town takes its name from the Calafate berry, and locals claim that if you eat one of these and make a wish, you are guaranteed to return to Patagonia.
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • El Calafate - Glaciarium - ARS480
  • El Calafate - Reserva Natural Laguna Nimez - ARS150
  • El Calafate - Centro de Interpretacíon Historico - ARS170
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel between 9 and 9.15 this morning and head out for a full day exploring the Perito Moreno glacier. Standing 70 metres tall in the middle of Lake Argentino, this enormous, frozen mass of land attracts tourists from all over the world - year in, year out. At five kilometres wide and around 30 kilometres in length, Perito Moreno Glacier boasts a surface area of around 250 sq km, so it’s pretty hard to miss. The monstrous chunks of ice that regularly shed from the main bulk of the glacier provide spectacular viewing from the catwalks that surround it, and cause huge waves to kick up and crash across the lake. While here you’ll also have the option to take a one hour glacier cruise. Needless to say, it will be cold! Please ensure you take plenty of warm clothes for this trip - particularly in the winter months. Return back to your hotel in El Calafate for an evening at leisure.
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
Optional Activities
  • El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip - USD32
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, set out to experience a different side of Patagonia during a visit to a local Estancia (ranch). Founded over 100 years ago, the Estancia is still run by the family who established it, rearing sheep and cattle. Learn about rural life in Patagonia and the operations on the ranch, perhaps taking part in a shearing demonstration, horseback riding or walks around the scenic property. Sit down to a traditional Patagonian lunch made with ingredients produced on the ranch. Return to your hotel in El Calafate in the evening.
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Estancia day trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Estancia day trip

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Perito Moreno Glacier Short Break trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Essential trip information

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