Patagonia Walking & Hiking
- Hike in the shadow of the Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires
- Ice-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
- Unforgettable boat rides among icebergs and fjords
- Savor regional varietals at an exclusive Argentine wine tasting
- Sip yerba mate, the local beverage, like Patagonian cowboys
- Horseback ride in the vast Patagonian landscape - no better place than this!
- Empanada-making with a local chef
Among Glaciers & Mountain Peaks in Argentina
That whole "time flies" theory just doesn't work in Patagonia. Imagine traveling slowly on a small ferry through a tremendous fjord on Lago Argentino toward Upsala Glacier. Time is moving so slowly but you can't possibly take in the scenery fast enough. The Andes are so windswept they almost look like petrified ocean waves, white caps and all. The lake is bouncing a clear blue sky back up at you. Framing everything perfectly. It's like time freezes in Patagonia even though you're having fun.
Days 1-3 Hike below Mount Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires to gorgeous Laguna de los Tres, formed by a plunging glacier 
Mirador del Cóndor reveals mammoth views over the Torre and Fitz Roy peaks Marvel at the sight of ancient forests and otherworldly surroundings Malbec, pinot noir, torrontés and more - discover delectable Argentine vintages at a wine tasting.
Days 4-5 Ice-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier - crampons and our expert guide give you the edge Learn to make authentic Argentine empanadas from a local expert El Calafate shops tempt with handicrafts and homemade ice cream Explore the World Heritage site of Los Glaciares National Park, a frozen landscape of crevasses and breathtakingly blue ice.
Day 6 Unforgettable boat rides among icebergs and fjords - get ready for a close encounter with famous Upsala Glacier Watch for soaring condors along Cristina Bay before ascending through lenga forests to a stunning panorama of lakes, mountains and ice fields Sip yerba mate, the local beverage, like Patagonian cowboys. 
Enjoy a historical guided tour of our estancia and discover a private family museum collection.
Days 7-8 Try on gaucho life with a guided horseback ride across the pampas A rocky trail leads to Fossil Canyon, featuring startlingly colored stones and ammonite fossils believed to be millions of years old.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
The walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier was one of the best experiences of any we've had. We were able to climb up and down over peaks and valleys, jumping across crevasses and spending three hours of unadulterated excitement and personal satisfaction on the glacier instead of a briefer and less exciting/challenging experience... We count this as the best vacation we've ever had - particularly of the ten walking tours we've taken with several firms.- Thousand Oaks, CA
This was my favorite of all of the Backroads trips I have taken. What a great adventure! The food and wine on this trip were incredible at every location. It far exceeded my expectations, and every meal made my taste buds dance with happiness. I have never found a company I like more than Backroads. It truly is my number one travel company!- Green Valley, AZ
Exploring Argentina is like getting a new present every day...Surprises are beyond every bend in the trail, and beauty and charm beyond anyone's imagination lie in the quiet villages and the natural terrain.- Tallahassee Magazine
Premiere Inns
Los Cerros
El Chaltén (3 nights) Enjoy sleek modern style and spectacular views of the snowcapped granite spires of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Eolo
La Anita Valley (2 nights) "Sophisticated yet homey - the kind of place where you don't worry about kicking off your muddy boots when you return from a hike," says Travel + Leisure about this remote country lodge on the Patagonian steppe. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Estancia Cristina
Upsala Glacier (2 nights) A favorite among our guests, this remote historic ranch founded in 1914 offers the perfect launching point for hikes into Patagonia's wilderness; it's accessible only by boat, after a cruise on Lago Argentino past the dramatic Upsala Glacier.
Costa Rica Walking & Hiking
From Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano & The Pacific Coast
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 2, 3 miles
- 100 - 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 10.6, 13 miles
- 600 - 2450 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 7, 10.3, 13.4 miles
- 800 - 2770 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.2, 6 miles
- 270 - 600 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 50 feet elevation gain
- Glacier Walk 2 hours
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 6.3 miles
- 250 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4.8, 7.5, 9.7 miles
- 650 - 1550 feet elevation gain
- Optional Horseback Riding 2 hours
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 3.2, 9.4 miles
- 310 - 2290 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Mountain trails along fjords and streams, oak-lined paths.More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Argentina tour experts. See our award-winning Latin America walking tours and hiking tours, Latin America biking tours and Latin America multisport tours.
