This excursion allows us to get to know the northern part of Lake Argentino fed by different Glaciers and with incomparable landscapes. We will take Provincial Route 11 and after traveling 45 km we will arrive at Puerto Bandera, where we will embark on a modern Catamaran. The navigation begins by entering the North Arm of the Lake, crossing the Devil's Mouth, a narrow natural access. Continuing the navigation through the Spegazzini Arm we will begin to observe the Heim Sur, Peineta, Seco glaciers and finally arrive at the Spegazzini Glacier. We will disembark at the base and begin the visit to the area, walking through the forest path to the Refuge. This 300-meter trail is easily accessible; as we go through it, we stop at stations and viewpoints with views of the entire Glacier Bay. In the Refuge, we can have lunch (Optional) while enjoying the landscape. For those who like to walk they can take the "mountain path" (1,200 meters), a route of medium difficulty through a wooded path and with natural viewpoints full of incredible views. Then we embark again to return to the port from which we initially set sail, and from there we take the transfer back to El Calafate. The Catamaran has a VIP sector (Captain's Club) – at an additional cost. It has a preferential location next to the Captain's cabin and includes a 3-course menu and free drinks (hot and cold), which is served in a special room in the Base Restaurant.

The same as the traditional tour, we take route 11 towards the Peninsula de Magallanes. We´ll start our tour on the self guided walkways in front of the Glacier. We´ll have one hour to walk around before driving 7km back to the Port “Bajo La Sombra”, where we take a boat across the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, reaching the opposite shore after 20 minutes. The mountain guides will organize then smaller groups (no more than 10 each) to start the 4hr trek. We start walking uphill for about one hour along the glacier lateral moraine until we reach a spectacular lookout where we access the ice. Here the guides will provide the crampons, harnesses and helmets, and give the safety instructions to start the trekking on the ice. The world has now a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge moulins, magic caves and the unique sensation of being in the heart of the glacier. Always helped by the mountain guides, we´ll have three and a half hours to explore the corners of the most special glacier in the world. We´ll have the chance to know better the ice and the environment, have a real idea of the size of it and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains like Dos Picos (Two Peaks), Pietrobelli and Cervantes. We´ll have time to enjoy our box lunch on the ice and make out of this an unforgettable experience. Once back on the moraine, we´ll walk downhill for another hour to take the boat back and sail along the south face of the Glacier, before returning to “civilization” and having enjoyed one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Recommendations: Age: Due to the physical requirement and difficulty of the land, this excursion is only able for people between 18 and 50 years of and that has an acceptable physical state, considering that you will walk for about 7 hours on ice and “pedreros”. (*) Clothings: Sunglasses, solar cream, comfortable and warm clothes, cap for sun, raincoat, glove, trekking boots, backpack of 40 lts approximately. Lunch: Passengers must bring their lunch boxes from Calafate. To smoke: It is forbidden to smoke during the course of all the excursion; either in the boat, the forest, the ice or in the refuge. Physical state: The passengers must know that they will walk slowly for about six hours approximately, by lands so varied and irregular as ice, forest and “pedreros”. It is light, but relatively more complicated for old people, with problems of vertigo or bad physical state (For example: overweight) (*) Restrictions: due to the effort and difficulty involved on this tour it is only suitable for people between 18 and 50 years in good physical condition, considering about 7 hours walking on ice and forest. Overweight people can not take this tour. Kindly note that overweight people are considered those that exceed this criteria: weight in kg. greater than twice the height in cm. minus 100 (e.g. 1.70 m height: 170 minus 100 = 70 x 2 = 140); pregnant; people with any degree or type of physical or mental disability that affects their attention or coordination; persons suffering central or peripheral cardiovascular diseases using stents, pacemakers and other prostheses; (e.g. medicated with anticoagulants, varices grade III -thick and multiples-, cardiac arrhythmias), people suffering respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, emphysema, etc). Because of its responsibility and under current regulations, H&A (Hielo & Aventura) reserves the right of admission, exercised under the previous guidelines, when they result apparent.

The Blue Safari is designed for those who, in addition to sailing in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier, dream of touching it and enjoying it up close. In this new excursion we will get to touch the glacier with our hands! The tour begins in El Calafate when the bus leaves for Los Glaciares National Park. Once in Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, just 7 km from the footbridges, we will take a boat to cross Lago Rico and, after sailing 20 minutes, we will disembark on the opposite coast. We will walk for 30 minutes always with a view of the southern wall of the Glacier, in case we are surprised by some thunderous landslide and once next to the ice it will be time for an unforgettable experience... touching the Perito Moreno Glacier itself! There we will fully enjoy its intense and varied blues, whites and its capricious shapes. We will have time to take many photos and then we will return to the embarkation point always accompanied by an experienced guide. The total walk is approximately 1.30 hours through a natural terrain of sand and stones with some slopes and stairs. The route, one and a half kilometers long, will be along the shore of the lake and through a lush forest with a view of the Glacier. Finally, we will take the boat to appreciate from the water, and a few meters away, the entire southern face of the glacier and be able to see every detail of the marbled icy wall. Once in the port, we will take the bus to the footbridges, where we will have 2 hours to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. In addition, we will be able to take advantage of this time and have a box-lunch (not included).

Just 23 km from El Calafate, on the way to the Perito Moreno Glacier on RP 11 and within the limits of Estancia Alice, is Cerro Frías. In a land of pristine glaciers and blue lakes, a team of professionals welcomes visitors. In the foothills of Cerro Frías there is a Parador de Montaña with an incredible view of the valley. •4X4: the ascent begins on the eastern slope, overlooking the main part of Lake Argentino until reaching 1030 meters. From the top, the view reaches the Macizo Paine and Cerro Fitz Roy. •Horse riding: suitable for beginners, reveals the beauty and calm of the surroundings. The height allows images of Lake Argentino, El Calafate and Torres del Paine.

Departure from El Calafate by the route that goes to the airport to take National Route 40, a typical Patagonian steppe road where we will have the opportunity to cross with choiques (Patagonian ñandú), hares and guanacos. We will cross the bridge of the Santa Cruz River, which is born in the Argentino Lake and runs into the Atlantic Ocean, one of the best worldwide for Steelhead trout fishing. A few kilometers further on we will cross the bridge over La Leona River, continuing along a path that runs along it to the Parador called "La Leona" where we will stop for a few minutes to taste homemade sweet cakes. Returning to Route 40, we then join Provincial Route 23, which leads us exclusively to El Chaltén: as we advance, the complete figure of the Fitz Roy and Torre Hills will be enlarged at the end of the road and -at a distance- the panoramic view of the huge Glacier Viedma can be seen. Departing from El Chaltén, we start a route of about 37 km through the valley of the Rio de las Vueltas, surrounded by a beautiful Andean landscape, with mountains and forests of lengas and ñires, waterfalls and the imposing views of the North face of the Fitz Roy Mount. Three intermediate stops are made to reach the coast of the southern lakeshore of Lago del Desierto. For those who have more energy, it is possible to take a self-guided trek to the Huemul Glacier Lagoon (duration: 1.30 h round trip). This place is located within a private field and therefore a ticket is required (not included).

The excursion departs from El Calafate hotels and completes a journey of 35 kilometers on the line of hills behind the village. The trail takes us through landscapes that marvel at its varied vegetation of height. It reaches up to 1050 meters above the sea. There, the first stop is a natural viewpoint where passengers enjoy a panoramic view of El Calafate and the Argentino Lake. In the background we can see the imposing framework of the Andes Mountains and -time to time- during the route visitors will enjoy views of the accumulation zone of the glaciers, towards Boca del Diablo (narrowest part of the lake, towards the Upsala arm). Sometimes in clear days it is even possible to see the Fitz Roy and Torre hills in El Chaltén and, with some luck, a condor may be seen in his long plan. Follow the path to the Stone Labyrinth, a formation from the Cretaceous period that dates back 85 million years and was once the bed of a river: today we can find fossil remains. We take a snack in the restaurant Huyliche and from there we start the descent down the northern slope of the hill to Piedra de los Sombreros (Mexican Hats), curious iron formations that are only found in four places in the world. Then we return to El Calafate with the ever-present view of Lake Argentino.

Reception and welcome with "maté", "tortas fritas" and "café carretero". We will enjoy different ranch activities such us: sheep gathering with dogs, shearing demonstration and visit to the former shearing shed. Then we will take a walk along the Calafate creek observing native vegetation. We will be offered with hot wine at the creek lookout with candied lamb tasting. After that we take a tour around the organic greenhouse and first buildings of the ranch; local weaving artisans demonstrate the spinning and weaving process. Then we will enjoy the dinner and show with local artists. Dinner is served at "El Quincho" typical restaurante: welcome drink, pickled eggplants, empanadas, barbecued lamb with rustic potatoes, meat mix with sausage, black pudding and salad buffet. Dessert choice: apple crumble with red fruits and ice cream or pancakes with "dulce de leche".

Having set sail from Punta Bandera harbor at 9AM, we will glide over the waters of Lake Argentino’s Northern Arm to reach the furthest possible point of navigation in the Upsala Channel, where we can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Upsala Glacier’s immense front. Then, having disembarked at the shores close to Estancia Cristina, an expert guide will welcome visitors and take them on an exciting trek through the surrounding valley. The hike unfolds along an ecotone area, a beautiful, semi-arid place carpeted in native shrubs and grasses. Next, the walk gradually ascends to an elevated lookout point that bestows sweeping views of the valley beyond, over Lake Argentino and Lake Pearson across to the towering Andes Mountains. From here, continue on a path sloping gently uphill, surrounded by ñire trees, until you reach the highlight of this trek: Los Perros River Waterfall, whose viewpoints not only bestow jaw-dropping vistas, but are also a fantastic spot for observing flowers and plant life especially orchids. Later on, having returned from the trek, we will visit the Costumbrista Museum, housed in the estancia’s old shearing shed where guests can learn all about the history of the Masters family: their lives, adventures and how they became pioneers in Patagonia. Finally, a guided tour will take lucky visitors around Estancia Cristina’s estate–up to the Caterina River, the waterwheel, chapel and rest of the lodge.

This program is perfect to experience the Patagonian rural life and complements the tour to the glaciers. Regular departure at 8.30 am; reception with tea, coffee, mate and home-made cakes and pastries and at 10.30 am starting of activities: walk around the historic old estancia (ranch), cow milking and visit to the vegetable plot. At 12.30 noon lunch is served: roast lamb with salads and dessert + a glass of wine or soft drink per person during the meal. Return to El Calafate at 3:30 pm.

In this tour, we will visit the Patagonian steppe in a unique way, sailing in double kayaks along the Santa Cruz River from the famous site Charles Furh, located at the mouth of Lake Argentino, to Estancia El Rincon. We will make part of the journey that Charles Darwin made in the area of El Calafate sailing this river in the middle of the 19th century, which gives a touch of history to the adventure of kayaking in Patagonia. The activity begins when we pick guests up in 4x4 vehicles at the hotel in El Calafate and drive them to the Charles Furh area, located 40 km from the city. Upon arrival, we will get off the kayaks from the 4x4 and get ready to live the experience by performing warm-up exercises while the certified guides provide an explanation on how the activity is carried out. All the necessary equipment is included and provided (Gore Tex dry suits, life vest, boots and gloves). Once ready, the kayak begins along the Santa Cruz River and lasts 80 minutes, traveling 15 km until reaching Estancia El Rincon while we can admire the infinity of the Patagonian steppe in this very little explored area. Upon arrival at the estancia, we will be welcome by another of the guides who will offer lunch with a menu that includes grilled provoleta as starter, creole steaks as main course and chocolate mousse as dessert. Drinks are also included. After lunch, we start our returning back to the city in 4x4 vehicles, first driving on a gravel road in the heart of the steppe and then on the mythical route 40 towards El Calafate. Note: the tour offers the possibility that, if any of the passengers does not want to kayak, he can go as a companion in the vehicle. A guide will always accompany this person and he will meet in the estancia for lunch with the rest of the group.

This full day excursion in the steppe zone aims at all people who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, ready to discover new places. The tour includes approximately 3 hours walking on discontinuous ground where wind and water were responsible for uncovering this place, which remained hidden for millions of years. Departure from El Calafate by Route 40, where we can see Argentino Lake, Santa Cruz and La Leona Rivers, a panoramic view of the majestic Andes mountains and Fitz Roy Mount. We will stop for about 15 minutes in La Leona hotel (historical site) and continue traveling along the southern shore of Viedma Lake to reach Cerro Los Hornos slopes (Estancia Santa Teresita). We will look for the first time the great depression of the land where the petrified logs are situated and will start our trekking exploration of fossils, which lasts about 3 hours, including the time for lunch. Throughout the walk we will see lots of petrified logs lying on the surface, some with a 1.2 meters diameter, testimony that during ancient times the climate was very different from today and allowed the existence of a full forest. There have also been uncovered fossils of different types of dinosaurs. This land is sheltered from the wind because it is a natural depression in the ground. This steppe area, therefore, is very dry and weather conditions are generally very nice. After the walk, we begin the journey back to El Calafate on the same path with another stop at La Leona hotel.

The Patagonian ice field is, after Antarctica, the largest concentration of ice on the planet. Its glaciers descend from 1,500 to 200 metres above sea level enabling unique access and viewing of the glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park offers a magnificent combination of forest, lakes, mountains, ice and steppes with over 200 glaciers. The most renowned being Spegazzini, rising 135 meters above sea level, Upsala covering an entire valley with an approximate extension of 765 Km2 and a length of 53km, and Perito Moreno Glacier, constantly advancing and causing the spectacular rupture of the wall of ice, providing one of Nature’s most impressive sights. Glaciares Gourmet is a full day journey to one of the most wonderful places in Southern Patagonia. Sailing aboard exclusive cruises will enjoy the highest standard of comfort and gourmet cuisine, for a truly memorable experience. Morning: Lago Argentino, on a northwest course to Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo. Spegazzini Glacier, landing at Las Vacas Station, in the Spegazzini Canal Bay. Here our guides coordinate a trek with a view of the old Settlers’ Station identifying flora and fauna. Visit the Upsala Canal and navigate to Herminita Peninsula -limit of the navigation zone allowed by National Parks– panoramic view of the Glacier. Lunch during navigation. Afternoon: navigation to Canal de los Tempanos, visit to Perito Moreno glacier. Return to La Soledad private port. MARIA TURQUESA Cruise offers space specially designed for children.

The glaciers of Mayo Mount and Negro Mount are located in Mayo Canal in Argentina Lake and Los Glaciares National Park. The only way to reach them is by sailing along the lake. Toro Bay: starting at Argentino or Moreno dock; we sail along the De Los Tempanos Canal and we access Mayo Canal of Argentino Lake. We disembark at Toro Bay. Accompanied by a guide we start a walk through the Andean-Patagonian forest, where we will see cherry and cinnamon trees, lengas and ñires until reaching a 100-year-old sherry tree which has a trunk of more than three meters in diameter. Then, we walk across the forest until reaching a stream fed by a waterfall, which was originated due to landslide and where we will be able to observe a lime rock formation of approximately 180 meters high and 100 meters wide. We stay here until we return to the sailing boat will take us to our next stop or destination. Negro Mount: starting at Toro Bay, we sail along Mayo Canal in Argentino Lake and observe the glaciers of Mayo Mount and the hanging glacier of Negro Mount. After disembarking, and accompanied by a guide, we start 1 km walk towards the Andean-Patagonian forest. We will follow a stream which will lead us to the stone wall from where we can observe the Hanging Glacier and where we will be amazed by the 360º views of the landscape, including Mayo Mount and Blanco Mount. We stay for some time in this place before going back to the sailing boat which will take us to the north face of Perito Moreno Glacier. We will disembark at Moreno floating dock, situated at the foot of the walkway, to enjoy the view from the different walkways, and finally we will return to El Calafate * Daily departures; itinerary may change due to weather conditions.

The program offers to navigate De Los Tempanos Canal of the Argentino Lake to admire Perito Moreno Glacier’s Northern Front. Departing from Moreno Port, located at the catwalks’ end, the boat trip lasts an hour. A few seconds after starting the tour, you can see the North Front of the Glacier from a totally different perspective from that offered by the footbridges: when approaching it the boat will navigate the entire front, always within the permitted limits that guarantee safety of the passengers. The aim is to admire the landscape and to enjoy both the silence and roar that announces the Glacier’s pieces fall, witnessing a natural phenomenon that leaves an unforgettable memory.

The Argentino Lake is the third biggest lake in South America. Surrounded by mountains and fed by giant glaciers, this lake astonishes with its immensity and special color. It was exactly that light blue color, the mountains covered in white and the light blue sky what motivated Francisco P. Moreno to name it “Argentino”. “Nativo Experience – Lakes and caves” is a 4x4 activity through the Argentino Lake’s shore, with an anthropological approach that tours man’s presence along the years in this region. The aim is to rediscover the first expeditions of the brave ones who dare to go into the unknown and how their first interaction with the natives was. Thus, among cliffs and views to the Andes Mountain Range, one personally feels the Tehuelche world along 20km. Stopping for taking pictures will help to go even deeper in typical flora and fauna details, as well as trying to understand the legacy left by those natives through their cave paintings. Imagination will be set free among chenques and awnings, immersed in thousands of years of history. On the lake’s shore, there are millennial caves where Tehuelche culture left its mark printed on the rocks to be read. After visiting them, participants finish the tour having lunch or dinner inside another big cave.

This navigation by the “Brazo Rico” of the Argentine Lake allows to appreciate the ice floes of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Arriving until the South end of the channel of Ice floes, the boat is located in a reasonable distance to the wall of the glacier, travelling across in all its extension and allowing to sight the loosenings that take place. The boarding is made in the dock located in the Bay “Under the Shade”, approximately at 7 km of the Viewpoint of the Glacier and is a good complement for the Conventional Excursion. This activity, offers the possibility of observing from a perspective completely different, the impressive walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier and its knokings on the Lago Rico´s waters.

Perito Moreno Glacier -declared World Heritageby by UNESCO- is located 80 km away from El Calafat, and it is undoubtedly one of the most incredible spectacles of nature that surprises with its impressive calvings. After taking Route 11 along the south shore of Argentino Lake, we reach the Peninsula de Magallanes where we go on along the Rico Arm of the lake up to the first lookout called “Curva de los Suspiros” (Bend of Sighs), where we see the Glacier for the first time. A well deserved photo stop! Then we go on to the Port “Bajo La Sombra”, where those interested can take a one hour optional boat ride to get closer to the south face of the Glacier. Afterwards we drive the last 7 km to arrive at the walkways, from where we can enjoy different views and perspectives from the surface, front and both sides of the Glacier. Here you'll have enough time to walk around the 5 km of the different trails (green, red, yellow and blue) to enjoy not only the Glacier but also the native vegetation and wildlife. The main circuit is also accessible for wheelchairs. We return to the hotel in the afternoon.

An entire experience that combines a 4x4 expedition, a photographic safari and the possibility of a moment of relaxation in an authentic Patagonian estancia “post”. Leaving from El Calafate, a short route takes us to the entrance to Estancia Huyliche; after passing through its main house, we enter "Estancia 25 de Mayo" natural reserve. The first stop is an old stone post where the first family of the ranch used to live and we will have a brief explanation about these first settlers and the beginnings of El Calafate. We continue the tour in the vehicle until reaching the "section", an authentic ranch located in the immensity of Patagonia, where we will make the second stop, to begin to spot native fauna. We make this third stop front of the exuberant fauna after leaving the vehicle and walking towards the herds of guanacos, with a fantastic interaction with nature. Later, we travel about 4 km in the vehicle until we reach a fossilized oyster deposit -which is 23 million years old-, and we will learn about the paleontology and geology of the place, discovering that the desert where we are was once covered by the sea. Immediately we continue the trail south to the Mirador del Centinela -hill of 1,500 meters above sea level- from where we get a stunning panoramic view of endless basalt walls. Here the fifth stop is made, where the moment of relaxation arrives to feel the wind and the Patagonian immensity. Finally, we return to the "section" where lunch or dinner is served in an authentic ranch post, before returning to El Calafate. The house has a spacious living room with a beautiful view of the 25 de Mayo hill.

Departure from El Calafate: we travel 50 km by the route through the farms (estancias) up to the Roca Lake at the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park. We leave back the arid steppe landscape to enter on the zone of the forest transition. At the end of the road we find the pioneer Nibepo Aike estancia/ farm belonging to the Jansma family. There after a hike through the head of the estancia/ farm, we attend to the lectures and demonstrations of shearing and equestrian, once finalized them, we enter to the comfortable barbecue area of the estancia/ farm in order to taste a typical Patagonian lunch which includes: a salad bar and vegetables along with the delicious lamb and others Argentinean cut meats to end up with a delicious sweet caramel (dulce de leche) crepes, all harmonized by fine Argentine wines and other beverages. Right after a pleasant lunch, we head up to our port to embark and start navigating to Playa de las Monedas (Coins beach) through the Brazo Rico, from there, we disembark and after a peaceful 20 minute walk into the forest of lengas trees, we get out to a lookout spot where you can appreciate the south side of the Moreno Glacier. We go back to the boat in order to continue sailing off the south side. Before leaving the boat, around 3.30 pm, the crew team "go fishing" an iceberg and we offer a whiskey with a glacier ice. Return: we disembark at the Bajo de las Sombras and by bus, the passengers are directed to the Glacier´s walkways by arriving at 4.00 pm, where they will remain there until 6.30 pm and right after, they will return to El Calafate by the traditional route. It is important to emphasize that the arrival on the walkways, by that time 90% of visitors who left in the morning from Calafate have already returned to the city.

After crossing the Patagonian steppe from North to South, you will arrive at the border post “Cancha Carrera” after a 2,5 hs trip. There, you will start to travel through the beautiful South Chile until you arrive at the “Torres del Paine” National Park (“blue” in Tehuelche language due to the predominant color). The trip from El Calafate to National Park Torres del Paine takes 3,5 hs. Once in the park, we will combine rides in our EXCLUSIVE OVERLAND TRUCK 4X4 and hikes, as there are many roads that go along the park and hundreds of hiking paths from one side to another. By default, the level of difficulty of the activities in our programs is low, having the chance to change it for a higher level is the group asks for it. Onboard of our OVERLAND TRUCKS (4X4), we will go to strategic places from where we´ll start the hikes that will allow us to get to the viewpoints where we will have most beautiful sights of the park. Around noon, we will offer you a picnic at the mountain. In case, the weather doesn´t allow it, we´ll use mountain shelters. In the afternoon, where ever the day finds us. Among the different places and viewpoints, you will be able to see: Sarmiento de Gamboa Lake viewpoint, Saltos del Rio Paine (Lunch & walking down beside the river 30’), Cerro Almirante Nieto. Cuernos del Paine – superior viewpoint; Laguna Amarga Las Torres Viewpoint; Salto Grande viewpoint (Big Fall); Viewpoint Nordenskjold Lake de los Cuernos del Paine (Trek by 1.5 hours to Pehoe & Nordenskjold Lake.) Important: the places and viewpoints that will finally be included depend on the weather conditions, the physical condition of the group, available time, the development of the excursion is left to the discretion of the guide tour.