Patagonia with Azrael Renee

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place in a local Restaurant, just a brief 5-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Patagonian flavors. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Adittional beverages can be purchased at the venue.

Each evening, we will be gathering to reminisce about our day and to further our group discussion and projects. This gathering will be at the end of day one and will be perfect for anyone wanting to hang out outside of dinner and get to know everyone before we begin this adventure! We will review the trip on a whole, and I will answer any last minute questions you may have. I will also be handing out our gift bags! The location will likely be in the lobby of the hotel. Time: Evening

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, you'll embark on a private transfer to the charming mountain village of El Chalten. The journey is incredibly scenic, traversing the expansive Patagonian steppe and offering picturesque vistas of the Argentino and Viedma lakes. If weather permits, you'll have the opportunity for a wonderful view of the Fitz Roy mountain range along the route. Please be aware that we've planned a halfway stop at La Leona for restroom breaks and shopping. You'll reach your hotel around noon, with some free time for lunch at your leisure.

After completing your lunch, your local trekking guide will meet you at the hotel to embark on a brief 15-minute walk to reach the trailhead. El Chaltén, being a small mountain town, boasts easily walkable distances. The Mirador de Cóndores y Águilas awaits—a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Patagonian wilderness. This gentle hike features soft slopes, revealing stunning views of rugged mountain ranges, including the iconic Fitz Roy peak, vast valleys, glacial lakes, and winding rivers. With luck, visitors might witness the majestic Andean condors soaring above the high mountains. The return hike follows the same path back to the hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for leisurely exploration of the town. Carrying a small backpack with water and snacks is advisable, and trekking poles can be helpful. Please note that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Additionally, due to the secluded nature of the hike, restroom facilities won't be available along the trail. Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Length: 4 miles | Elevation change: 820ft

Overnight in El Chaltén.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

A packed lunch is provided and will be enjoyed during the hike. The lunch box includes a sandwich (chicken, tuna, vegetarian, or antipasto), an empanada (meat or vegetarian pie), a piece of fruit, dried fruit, a pastry, and some candy. Please be aware that water is not included, so we recommend filling your bottle at the hotel. You can also refill from streams during the trek. Your guide will provide the packed lunch in the morning at the hotel, and you'll need to carry it during the hike.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for a full day of trekking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. A short 30-minute transfer will transport you to the trailhead of the rewarding hike to Laguna los Tres—a glacial lake with mesmerizing turquoise waters nestled beneath the towering Fitz Roy. This challenging yet immensely gratifying hike traverses diverse terrain, beginning with gentle slopes that gradually steepen. You'll journey through dense forests, rocky paths, and eventually, an exposed section offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The final ascent to the lake is steep but rewarding, revealing a breathtaking view of the iconic Fitz Roy mountain, glaciers, and the vibrant turquoise waters of the lake. At midday, your experienced trekking guide will seek out a spot protected from the wind to have a packed lunch. Your return hike to the hotel is scheduled for the late afternoon. Carrying a small backpack with water, the lunch and snacks is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful. Please be mindful that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Additionally, due to the secluded nature of the hike, restroom facilities won't be available along the trail. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions. This means wearing a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket on top; along with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and, of course, sturdy hiking boots. Distance: 16 miles | Duration: 8-9 hours | Difficulty: Moderate-difficult | Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft

This workshop will take place throughout the optional hike to Laguna de Los Tres. We will go over the basics of camera settings, lighting, and composition while having one of the most iconic hikes of anywhere on Earth as our backdrop! This is perfect for all experience levels! Let's teach and learn together :)

Overnight in El Chaltén.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

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. You will return to your hotel around noon, with free time to have lunch on your own.

This is an optional activity - not included in the Trova itinerary. Your hosts and anyone interested will take a beginner-friendly horseback ride through the gorgeous Chalten village and mountainside after our climb of Via Ferrata and zipline experience!

Overnight in El Chaltén.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a scenic 40-minute transfer to Estancia Huemules, nestled within a private natural reserve spanning around 6,000 hectares of protected wilderness. This exclusive hike offers a unique and serene opportunity to explore an area seldom visited by tourists. Within this pristine reserve, your guide will lead you along an easy path to reach two stunning lagoons, known as the Blue and Green Lagoons. The trail runs parallel to the Diablo River, crossing suspension bridges and offering breathtaking vistas. Around midday, your guide will select a sheltered spot for a packed lunch, providing a chance to recharge amidst the natural beauty. Be sure to carry a small backpack with water, lunch, and snacks, while trekking poles can offer additional support. Upon completing the hike, a waiting vehicle will transport you back to the hotel. Please note that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Length: 6 miles | Elevation Change: 530 feet

A packed lunch is provided and will be enjoyed during the hike. The lunch box includes a sandwich (chicken, tuna, vegetarian, or antipasto), an empanada (meat or vegetarian pie), a piece of fruit, dried fruit, a pastry, and some candy. Please be aware that water is not included, so we recommend filling your bottle at the hotel. You can also refill from streams during the trek. Your guide will provide the packed lunch in the morning at the hotel, and you'll need to carry it during the hike.

This is an optional activity - not included in the Trova itinerary. Your hosts and anyone interested will take the afternoon to raft the Río de las Vueltas after our Huemules Reserve experience!

Overnight in El Chaltén.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After breakfast, your trekking guide will meet you, and you'll set off on foot from the hotel to the trailhead, a scenic 15-minute walk through the charming town. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through Patagonian forests and meadows. As you walk, keep an eye out for condors soaring overhead in search of their next meal! After a bit more climbing, you'll reach the Torre viewpoint. From here, take in panoramic views of the entire Torre Valley, with its striking terminal moraines from various ice ages scattered across the foreground. In the distance, marvel at the granite spires of Torre and Fitz Roy, along with their surrounding peaks. Take a moment to soak in the scenery and listen to captivating climbing tales shared by your guide. Then, retrace your steps back to El Chaltén, this time enjoying views of the steppe and other mountains. Please note that this hike is subject to weather conditions. You'll return to town around midday, with some free time for lunch before catching the transfer back to El Calafate. Given the possibility of windy conditions, it's advisable to dress in layers for this hike. Duration: Approx. 4 hours / Distance: 7km / Difficulty: Moderate

After lunch, a transfer will take you back to El Calafate. Please be aware that we've planned a halfway stop at La Leona for restroom breaks and shopping. You'll reach your hotel late in the afternoon, with free time for dinner at your leisure.

Snuggle up with authentic Argentinean snacks as we bond over an adventure movie night! We will vote on the film ahead of time. :)

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

In the morning, following breakfast, you'll be picked up for a scenic one-hour transfer to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, you'll be registered and then continue with a 30-minute transfer to Bajo las Sombras port. Here, a catamaran will provide you with an awe-inspiring first look at the glacier. Embark on the comfortable catamaran for an exhilarating one-hour navigation surrounded by towering icebergs. Enjoy the spectacle of the Perito Moreno Glacier's impressive ice walls and its thunderous collapses into Lago Rico. After the navigation, a 20-minute transfer will take you to the walkways circuit. The walkways consist of a 2.5-mile system of paths and viewing platforms strategically positioned to offer unparalleled views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll have ample free time to explore the walkways, take countless photos, and soak in the mesmerizing sights. Lunch is not included, but a restaurant near the parking area offers food, beverages, and restroom facilities. Once you've explored the various viewpoints of the glacier, you'll return to the hotel by transfer, arriving in the afternoon.

Later in the afternoon, a quick 10-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Patagonian cuisine. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

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. For those joining this unforgettable optional activity, the tour starts the same as the main group, with a morning pick-up and a 1.5-hour transfer to Bajo las Sombras port. Upon arrival, you'll board a comfortable catamaran to admire the majestic floating icebergs and the imposing ice walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The catamaran navigation leads to the opposite shore, where disembarking, you'll stroll along the lake coast for approximately 40 minutes. Along the way, guides will share insights into glaciology, ensuring you don't miss any mesmerizing ice calvings. Once at the glacier's edge, surrounded by breathtaking blue ice, you'll be fitted with provided crampons and helmets to begin the ice trek. This moderate circuit introduces you to a fascinating glacial landscape that feels otherworldly. Get ready for an hour-long ice trek where you'll marvel at incredible shades of blue, small lagoons, crevasses, and sculptural ice formations. Following the ice trek, return on foot to the port, re-embark on the catamaran, and navigate back to the starting coast. A vehicle will be waiting for a 20-minute transfer to join the main group at the walkways circuit. There, alongside fellow travelers, you'll explore the walkways, enjoy lunch at the restaurant at your leisure, and capture countless photos. The return transfer to the hotel is scheduled for the entire group in the afternoon. Bringing your own gloves is advisable for the ice trekking. Kindly be aware that the ice trekking experience is a shared tour. The timing and order of activities may be subject to changes on-site by the local supplier. Please note that passport information will be necessary to confirm the booking of this activity.

We'll trade gifts and stories as we celebrate our final night together!

Overnight in El Calafate.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Typically this is a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.