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ARGENTINA

Patagonia

An Expedition Across Argentina with Sunshine
An Expedition Across Argentina with Sunshine

Explore Patagonia’s glaciers, mountains, and vast frontier landscapes on an unforgettable nine-day expedition. Highlights include a stay at a historic estancia, trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, two nights in a remote mountain refuge, and iconic hikes around Fitz Roy and El Chaltén.

The Edge of the World
For centuries, Patagonia marked the edge of the known world. A land of explorers, sailors, and vast untamed landscapes. Some days you will be inspired by its sublime beauty; on others, humbled by the immense scale of a wilderness where nature still reigns supreme.
Life on the Frontier
Before Patagonia became a destination, it was a remote frontier of cowboys and ranches. We'll spend time on a working ranch, estancia, sharing meals, exploring on foot and horseback, and learning about the traditions that continue to shape life in one of the world's most remote regions.
Walking on Ice
Most visitors admire the glacier from a distance. We'll step directly onto it. Equipped with crampons and guided by experts, we'll explore a landscape of deep crevasses, brilliant blue ice, and meltwater pools. It is one thing to see a glacier; it is another to feel it beneath your feet.
Remote Access
Some of Patagonia's most memorable places cannot be reached by vehicle. We'll spend two nights in a simple mountain refuge nestled between granite peaks and the glacial waters of Río Eléctrico. It is less a hotel than a frontier outpost–a place where the lack of amenities will immerse you deeper into the landscape.
Stronger Together
Long days on the trail, shared meals, bipolar weather (crazy wind and random snow flurries!), and two nights in a hut bunkhouse create the kind of camaraderie that only adventure can. Many lasting friendships have emerged from previous Alithea journeys, and Patagonia—with all its beauty, challenges, and surprises—might be our best setting yet.
OVERVIEW

8 Nights / 9 Days

2 Nights
Patagonian Farm
1 Night
Calafate
2 Nights
Mountain Refugio
3 Nights
El Chaltén
Patagonian Farm
Calafate
Mountain Refugio
El Chaltén
2 Nights
1 Night
2 Nights
3 Nights
i
Full Trip Details

Untamed Wilderness

Patagonia occupies a special place in the imagination. A land of glaciers, wind, and immense horizons, it remains one of the few places where wilderness still feels larger than humanity. Over nine days, we’ll journey from a historic estancia in Los Glaciares National Park to the foot of Fitz Roy, trekking across the Perito Moreno Glacier, spending two nights in a remote mountain refuge, and exploring some of the most spectacular landscapes in South America.

But the true reward of Patagonia extends beyond its scenery. Shared meals, unpredictable weather, and long days on the trail have a way of turning strangers into companions and companions into friends. This expedition is designed for those willing to trade convenience for authenticity and routine for adventure. The mountains, glaciers, and wilderness provide the setting; memories and friendships will be forged along the way.

DAY 1
Independent Arrival

Arrive independently in El Calafate.

Guests may choose to explore town, visit local museums, or simply rest after their journey before meeting the group the following morning.

Overnight: El Calafate (independent arrangements)

DAY 2
Into Gaucho Country

Meet in El Calafate and transfer to Estancia Nibepo Aike, a historic working ranch nestled within Los Glaciares National Park.

After orientation and settling in, we'll start with a light hike in the foothills, before returning to the farm to learn about life on the Patagonian frontier. 

In the evening we’ll gather for our first traditional Argentinian barbecue or asado.

DAY 3
The Wild Frontier

A full day to experience Patagonia beyond the tourist trail.

We'll spend the day hiking and exploring the ranch's extensive landscapes of steppe, forest, and lake shore, with opportunities for horseback riding and encounters with local ranching traditions.

DAY 4
Ice Walk

Today we’ll visit one of the natural wonders of the world: Perito Moreno Glacier.

After crossing Lago Argentino by boat, we'll strap on crampons and venture directly onto the glacier itself. Accompanied by expert guides, we'll explore crevasses, ice formations, and brilliant blue meltwater pools hidden within the ice.

Following the excursion, we'll return to El Calafate for the evening.

DAY 5
El Río Eléctrico

After breakfast we'll travel north to El Chaltén before continuing into the Río Eléctrico Valley.

From the trailhead we'll hike through lenga forests and glacial valleys to Piedra del Fraile, a remote mountain refuge tucked beneath the granite peaks of northern Los Glaciares National Park.

Tonight we trade roads and schedules for rivers, mountains, and the simplicity of life in the backcountry.

DAY 6
Piedra Negra

With no need to move camp, we'll spend the day exploring one of Patagonia's least-visited corners. We’ll have the option to make the difficult vertical climb to Piedra Negra, the base camp for alpinists exploring Marconi Glacier, or a lighter hike to a glacial lake

This is Patagonia at its wildest and most remote.

DAY 7
Return to Chalten

After breakfast we'll walk from the refuge and return to El Chaltén.

The afternoon is intentionally relaxed. Enjoy a hot shower, explore the town's cafés and gear shops, or simply rest before the next phase of the expedition.

DAY 8
Laguna de los Tres

Today (weather permitting) we undertake Patagonia's most iconic hike.

The trail climbs steadily through forests and alpine terrain before reaching Laguna de los Tres, where the granite towers of Fitz Roy rise dramatically above a glacial lake.

This is one of the world's great day hikes and the centerpiece of our time in El Chaltén.

DAY 9
Open Hike

We'll keep our final full day open to take advantage of the best weather and conditions available. Possible options include:

  • Chorrillo del Salto (waterfall)
  • Cerro Torre
  • Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
  • Cascada Escondida
DAY 10
Hasta la Próxima

Transfer to El Calafate Airport and flights home.

What people say

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What people say

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Trip FRAMEWORK

TRAVEL DATES
Information to be confirmed
overview
PRICE
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per person
GROUP
18
travelers max.
INCLUSIONS
MEALS
Information to be confirmed
ACCOMMODATION
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ACTIVITIES
Activities and Entrances: Estancia stay, horseback riding, Argentinian barbecue, Glaciares National Park, glacier walk
TRANSPORTATION
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GUIDE
Your friendly Alithea guide throughout the trip
EXCLUSIONS
INSURANCE
Travel insurance for peace of mind.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
International flights are not included. Travelers will arrive independently and join the group at the destination.
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Sunshine
A Christian Classical Approach to Travel
Travel encourages a living experience of art, history, and ideas that transforms the classroom into an immersive experience of truth, beauty, and goodness. Museums, meals, archeological sites, and foreign languages are not merely artifacts that help students consider the world, they cultivate a love of wonder, moral imagination, and a rich understanding of the truth. More than a student trip, travel is an invitation to become a lifelong practitioner of the loves that shape the soul.
The Prayerful Traditions of Europe
Rather than treating churches and monasteries as defunct historical monuments, Alithea and Oakdale Academy invite students to approach them as places of prayer and worship

FAQ

For further questions don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

explore@alitheatravel.com