Patagonia Trek in El Calafate

Join Santiago, a UIMLA certified guide on this incredible expedition to Patagonia, a wild and untamed land with a challenging climb to the highest peak of the Cristales mountain range and admire the best panoramas of this extraordinarily vast land.

Private

1 Day

All year

Low

Beginner

Highlights

Trek across the mesmerizing landscapes of Patagonia
Conquer the highest peak of the Cristales mountain range
Keep an eye out for the scenery including Lake Argentino, Lake Roca, and Perito Moreno Glacier

Description

Patagonia stands out as one of the world's most untamed and rugged regions. Its deserts, mountains, lakes, and glaciers create a captivating setting for trekking enthusiasts. In the southern area of Los Glaciares National Park, there exists an intriguing trek—an ascent to the main summit of the Cristales mountain range.

This trail offers a remarkable variety of landscapes, treating hikers to magnificent vistas of Lake Argentino, Lake Roca, and, of course, the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier. The journey covers approximately 5 kilometers of uphill terrain, conquering an elevation gain of 1000 meters or 3280 feet.

Depending on the season, the ascent of the Cristales mountain range may require the use of crampons and snowshoes. This challenging trek promises to test the limits of hikers, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Upon reaching the summit, an incredible view of the renowned Torres del Paine in neighboring Chile awaits us. To one side, you may glimpse the shimmering waters of Lake Argentino, reflecting the ever-changing colors of the sky.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Personal insurance
Transportation start and back
Permit and entrance fees
Mountain guide expenses
Crampons
Trekking poles

Price details

This trip includes insurance, VHF and satellite communication equipment, first aid kit, walking sticks, transfers and snacks

Meeting point

Bus station or hotel , El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina

Itinerary

Day 1: Hiking Experience in Patagonia

We will visit one of the best viewpoints in Patagonia! We will walk through the steppe, the forest, and steep, rugged mountains—a unique terrain that provides an excellent hiking opportunity.

We will be greeted by magnificent views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the mountains of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. We will learn about the formation of the surrounding glaciers and landscapes. On clear days, we will even catch glimpses of the majestic Fitz Roy and Torres Del Paine massifs in Chile.

Equipment you will need to bring

Sunglasses

Equipment rent on site

FAQs

What is the difficulty of this trip?

The trip is of moderate difficulty, featuring a positive elevation gain of 1000 meters. The total distance to be covered is 5 km (outward) and 5 km (return), with an estimated duration of 7 hours for the entire trek.

What items do I need to bring along with me?

To prepare for this trip, make sure you have the following items:

Backpack

Water bottle

Sunglasses

Lunch

Gloves

Warm jacket

Waterproof jacket

Sunblock

Will I be able to rent equipment on site?

Certainly, you will have the option of renting equipment on-site.

About the guide

Santiago

5.0

(1)

Mountain Guide

Since I was 2 months old my parents took me to the mountains to go camping, I enjoyed the river and the lakes, the mountains... when I was 8 years old I started climbing thanks to my older brother and since then I could never make a pause... There were many stages in the mountain and climbing; from intensive national and international competitions representing Argentina, to repeated trips and expeditions through South America, Europe and USA doing important climbs, openings and overcoming difficulties up to 8c and V14.

I have been enjoying the vertical for 25 years now. A whole life is in the mountains. At the age of 19 I began my career as a Mountain Guide, achieving the national and international certification AAGM/UIMLA.

Years later, with a lot of hard work and dedication, I achieved the AAGM/GPER Professional Rock Climbing Guide Certification, being one of only six specialized guides in Argentina.

It has been fourteen years sharing experiences with people from all over the world, doing trekking, traverses, ascents, glacier walks, courses and climbs in different destinations in Argentina and what better way to share this with you!

Languages

Spanish

Certificates

UIMLA | AAGM

What people are saying about Santiago

Benjie

Santiago was an excellent climbing guide. He was incredibly friendly and very open-minded, which I really appreciated. Even though we just did sport climbing, Santiago's vast outdoor adventure experience is palpable, and I'd recommend him highly for anything you're thinking of doing in the area!