Perito Moreno Glacier Short Break

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 note 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.

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. (B)

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. (B/L)

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. (B)