Patagonia Hiking Adventure with Lyss!

Dates

Jan 18–25, 2025

Group Size

8–20 Travelers

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level

Challenge

About This Trip

Get ready for a breathtaking, heart-pumping hiking adventure through El Chaltén! Discover unique trails with imposing views of glaciers, turquoise Patagonian lakes, leafy Andean forests, and the iconic Fitz Roy mountain.
$2,850USD
$2,950USD
Jan 18–25, 2025
8 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Alyssa Olenick
Alyssa Olenick

Lyss believes in training hard so we can adventure harder. She specializes in the areas of endurance, strength, and hybrid training. She is a lover of all things outdoors, from ultra marathons, trail running, hiking, camping, in the mountains, deserts, and everywhere between.

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Trip Activities

  • Welcome Hike to "Mirador de Los Cóndores y Águilas"

  • Full Day Hike to "Laguna de Los Tres"

  • Full Day Hike to "Loma del Pliegue Tumbado"

  • Soft Hike at "Huemules Reserve"

  • Los Glaciares National Park Tour (including Nautical Safari Boat)

Optional Activities*

  • Via Ferrata at Estancia Bonanza

  • Perito Moreno Ice Trek

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Patagonia! Settle in and get ready for an incredible week.

Airport Transfer

25 Mins

TrovaTrip provides 3 arrival transfers on the first day between 8 am and 5 pm.

dinner

8:00pm - Get to know the group! Your welcome dinner at La Zaina restaurant is included.

Cauquenes de Niemez (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in El Calafate.

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Day 2

Info

8:00 am - You're off to El Chaltén, a village within Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy your first hike of the week!

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Welcome Hike to "Mirador de Los Cóndores y Águilas"

3 Hours

4:30 pm - The Condor and Eagle viewpoints, as the name suggests, are perfect spots for observing Andean Condors as they fly between the valleys of the De Las Vueltas and Fitz Roy rivers. Walk to the trailhead right from your hotel and enjoy views of this charming town. Duration: 2-3 hours / Difficulty: Easy / Length: 3-4 miles. Please note: All hikes are subject to change due to weather.

Pudu Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/4

Overnight in El Chaltén.

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Day 3

Info

Rise and shine and prepare for a big day of hiking! Today you will set out on the Laguna de Los Tres - the highlight of El Chaltén.

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Full Day Hike to "Laguna de Los Tres"

10 Hours

8:00 am - This hike will take you across the Del Salto Stream and its icy blue water, where the surrounding orange rocks create a picturesque foreground to Mount Fitz Roy. The trail finishes at the ridge of the rocky De Los Tres Glacier - an enormous natural arch containing the clear blue water of the lagoon with magnificent views of the De Los Tres glacier. This is the closest and most extraordinary view of the granite wall of Mount Fitz Roy and surrounding peaks. Distance: 16 miles / Duration: 8-9 hours / Difficulty: Moderate-difficult / Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft. Please note: All hikes are subject to change due to weather.

lunch

A boxed lunch is included.

Pudu Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/4

Overnight in El Chaltén.

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Day 4

Info

Today is your free day, a chance to unwind after a day of hiking. Take this opportunity to relax or explore the town with leisurely strolls along the river. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on activities. El Chaltén boasts cozy cafes and delightful breweries where you can enjoy time with your fellow travelers. For those seeking gentle adventures, there's an optional and enjoyable Via Ferrata experience available. This activity takes place in a traditional Patagonian estancia, offering lovely views of Fitz Roy. For the Via Ferrata, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, hiking boots, and some layers to stay warm in the Patagonian wind.

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Via Ferrata at Estancia Bonanza (optional)

3 Hours

After breakfast, your guide will lead a brief 5-minute walk to begin a 30-minute shared transfer. You'll arrive at Estancia Bonanza, a traditional Patagonian ranch nestled by the De Las Vueltas river, offering stunning views of the Fitz Roy mountain range. The Via Ferrata offers a secure and exciting climbing experience that combines climbing, hiking, and scrambling. It doesn’t require any prior climbing experience. The rock route is equipped with a steel cable anchored throughout, featuring ladder rungs, steel steps, and suspension bridges strategically placed along the iron path, facilitating progress through challenging terrain. The climb concludes with an exhilarating zip line, granting panoramic views of the valley, mountains, glaciers, and the Fitz Roy range. This Via Ferrata ensures safety by allowing a locked carabiner on your harness to slide over each permanent anchor point without detachment from the cable, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. The activity concludes at the ranch, where tea and traditional 'tortas fritas' will be served. Restrooms are available at the ranch, and additional food and snacks can be purchased at your own expense. Participants will need to walk approximately 1 mile on flat terrain to reach the base. The Via Ferrata extends 1800 ft with an elevation gain of 600 ft. Each participant receives a helmet, harness, gloves, and specialized lanyard. While no climbing skills are required, a general level of physical fitness is essential for continuous hiking and a sense of adventure. The certified shock absorbers accommodate a weight range between 80 to 260 lbs. Please note, this activity may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.

Pudu Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/4

Overnight in El Chaltén.

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Day 5

Info

Today you'll hike up to a viewpoint much different than the other trails in the area on a hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado.

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Full Day Hike to "Loma del Pliegue Tumbado"

9 Hours

8:00 am - Instead of heading into the valley, this trail rises above it! It provides one of the most impressive panoramic views of the area. The unobstructed view does mean it can get windy on this trail, but the views will make it all worth it. Duration: 7-9 hours / Difficulty: Moderate-difficult / Length: 13-14 miles / Elevation Change: 3,610 feet *All hikes are subject to change due to weather*

lunch

A boxed lunch is included.

Pudu Lodge (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/4

Overnight in El Chaltén.

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Day 6

Info

Head north of Los Glaciares National Park and get ready for a unique excursion where you can enjoy one of the most rugged areas of Patagonia: Los Huemules Natural Reserve. In the afternoon we head back to El Calafate.

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Soft Hike at "Huemules Reserve"

4 Hours 30 Mins

9:00 am - Estancia Los Huemules is a private natural reserve, located some 20km away from El Chaltén where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful forests of the area. A pristine location where few visitors arrive, which is what guarantees us a unique experience of walking and hardly seeing anyone else. Ideal nature walks to enjoy with our expert guides. Enjoy the magic of these paths for yourselves! Starting from Los Huemules Private Ranch, follow a path parallel to the Diablo River and cross it by a suspension bridge to visit the Green Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. The latter has a beautiful glacial waterfall. Then, you return along a beautiful forest path. Spectacular landscapes accompany you throughout the journey along with privileged views of Cerro Aniversario and the snow-capped peaks. Duration: 2- 2.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy-Moderate / Length: 5 miles / Elevation Change: 530 feet *All hikes are subject to change due to weather*

lunch

A boxed lunch is included.

Cauquenes de Niemez (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Calafate.

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Day 7

Info

Wake up and enjoy your last full day exploring with friends! Experience an unforgettable adventure in the icy world of Patagonia by visiting the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, Perito Moreno Glacier.

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Los Glaciares National Park Tour (including Nautical Safari Boat)

4 Hours

9:00 am - The adventure begins with a boat ride (1 hour) along the towering façade of the glacier – experience the calving of the glaciers as the ice pops, cracks, and breaks away into the water. Later, your Guide will lead you through the walkways to get a closer look at this jaw-dropping ice field from various viewpoints.

Perito Moreno Ice Trek (optional)

3 Hours

For the safety and well-being of participants, the following individuals cannot partake in this tour: pregnant women, individuals with any physical or mental disability, those over 65 years old, individuals with a history of cardiac issues, people with obesity concerns, and those with respiratory disabilities. 11:30 am - After exploring the towering façade of Perito Moreno Glacier by boat, you’ll disembark on the opposite shore and walk along the lateral side to ascend over the ice. This moderate 2-hour circuit on the ice will reveal a fascinating glacial landscape, of varied shades of blue in the streams, small lagoons, crevasses, and natural ice formations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

dinner

8:00 pm - Farewell dinner at Shackleton restaurant is included.

Cauquenes de Niemez (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Calafate.

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Day 8

Info

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Until next time!

breakfast

7:00 am - Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

25 Mins

TrovaTrip provides 2 departure transfers on the last day between 8 am and 12 pm.

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Physical Activity Level:Challenge

These trips are designed to increase your heart rate. You can expect daily hikes or swims, long-distance bike rides and a good amount of sweat. These itineraries are meant for adventure and are perfect for those with a higher level of physical fitness. Some training may be required to prepare for these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.