That whole "time flies" theory just doesn't work in Patagonia. Imagine traveling slowly on a small ferry through a tremendous fjord on Lake 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 Cerro Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires
to gorgeous Laguna de los Tres, formed by a plunging glacier 
Mirador de los Cóndores 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 In El Calafate, try the homemade ice cream flavored with a local berry, calafate, after which the town is named 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 guided tour of an estancia and learn about its history from the family's private 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.
Trip Highlights
- Hike in the shadow of the Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires
- Ice-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
- Cruise on crystalline waters among icebergs and fjords
- Savor regional varietals at an exclusive Argentine wine tasting
- Horseback ride in the vast Patagonian landscape - no better place than this!
Premiere Inns
Los Cerros (3 nights): Enjoy sleek modern style and spectacular views of the snowcapped granite spires of Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.
Eolo (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 (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 Lake Argentino past the dramatic Upsala Glacier.
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.0 | 100 | ||||||||
| 3.0 | 300 | |||||||||
| 2 | 6.2 | 600 | 10.6 | 1900 | 13.0 | 2500 | ||||
| 3 | 7.0 | 800 | 10.3 | 1400 | 13.4 | 2800 | ||||
| 4 | 3.0 | 100 | 6.0 | 600 | ||||||
| 5 | 3.0 | 100 | ||||||||
| Perito Moreno Glacier mini-trek (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 4.3 | 300 | 6.3 | 1300 | ||||||
| Boat cruise (3 hours) | ||||||||||
| 7 | 4.8* | 700 | 7.5* | 1000 | 9.7 | 1600 | ||||
| Horseback riding (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 8 | 3.2 | 300 | 9.4 | 2300 | ||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/21-28 Price: $5598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/30-1/6 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/18-25 Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 2/1-8 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 2/15-22 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/1-8 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/15-22 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/20-27 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/29-1/5 Price: $4998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $960 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was my favorite of all of the Backroads trips I've 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 haven't found a travel company I like more than Backroads. It truly is my number one!- Green Valley, AZ
This was my first group travel experience, having always traveled independently. I didn't quite know what to expect and whether I would like it or not...I loved every minute! From our Backroads Trip Leaders to the local guides, I felt like I was in excellent hands doing incredible things in spectacular natural surroundings. I particularly enjoyed traveling with my fellow Backroads companions and getting to know them better. Without exception, they were an interesting and extremely well-traveled group - I loved the interaction! I hope to see some of them again sometime, either on another Backroads trip or just a local visit. This Patagonian trip was a wonderful experience for me Thanks to you, Backroads, for making it so.- Atlanta GA
Exploring Argentina is like getting a new present every day...Surprises await in every bend in the trail and beauty and charm beyond imagination lie in the quiet villages and natural terrain.- Tallahassee Magazine
The walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier was one of the best experiences we've had. We were able to climb up and down over peaks and valleys, jump across crevasses and spend three exciting hours out on the glacier... We count this as the best vacation we've ever had - considering we've taken ten walking tours with several different firms.- Thousand Oaks, CA
I just loved every aspect of the trip. The hiking and the views were unbeatable. I particularly loved the remoteness of all the locations. All of our guides were wonderful and very knowledgeable.- Holderness, NH
This trip was my wife's idea. It was a way to celebrate 30 years of marriage. Ten years ago we took our first Backroads trips in Ireland. This Patagonia trip was wonderful and memorable too! Every day seemed to be better than the one before.- Clayton, MO
It was an absolutely fabulous trip! The accommodations were fantastic, the logistics were flawless and the trip leaders were always there to answer questions, offer advice and help out.- Menlo Park, CA
Patagonia was impressive not only for its fantastic nature but also by the vastness. It's a place where you can see history through geography. Perito Moreno Glacier is a true example as well as the Fitz Roy. The itinierary was perfect which gave us a sample of everything in the region. Highly recommended.- Barcelona, Spain
This was a fabulous trip. Compared in detail to competitors it totally excelled!- Moorestown, NJ