El Calafate

Transfer from Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE) to town(25 minutes)

The airport is ~23 km east on RP-11. Pre-book a shared shuttle with Ves Patagonia or a private transfer (~USD 12-20 pp); airport taxis run ~15,000-20,000 ARS. Book ahead — FTE is tiny and cars sell out in peak summer.

Hotel check-in and rest(1 hour)

Base yourself near Avenida del Libertador (e.g. Hotel Kau Yatun, Design Suites, or a hostel like America del Sur). Drop bags and change into windproof layers.

Stroll Avenida del Libertador(1.5 hours)

The main drag is lined with chocolate shops, wool boutiques, and tour agencies. Confirm/rebook your Perito Moreno and ice-trek tickets here in person if unsure of times.

Welcome dinner at La Tablita(1.5 hours)

Classic parrilla just over the arroyo bridge; try cordero al asador (spit-roast Patagonian lamb), ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp with wine. Reserve ahead in season — it fills nightly.

Shuttle to Los Glaciares National Park(1.5 hours)

There is no public bus to the viewpoints. Take a Caltur or TAQSA shuttle along RP-11 (~USD 30-45 round trip). Departures usually ~8:00 and ~13:00; the morning run gives the best light.

National park entry(15 minutes)

Foreigner entry ~45,000 ARS, paid at the gate — bring cash (blue-rate dollars stretch furthest). The pasarelas (boardwalks) themselves are free once inside.

Walk the Perito Moreno boardwalks(3.5 hours)

A network of steel walkways descends the Península de Magallanes for face-on, north, and south views. Stay behind barriers — calving seracs send dangerous waves. Bring layers; the wind off the ice bites even in January.

Optional short Safari Náutico boat(1 hour)

A quick catamaran hop hugs the glacier's south wall from Bajo de las Sombras (~USD 30). Optional — skip if you have the full boat safari planned later.

Dinner at Isabel Cocina al Disco(1.5 hours)

Back in town, try disco-cooked stews and Patagonian trout, ~20,000-30,000 ARS pp. Pair with a Calafate-berry beer.

Hielo & Aventura Mini-Trekking transfer & boat(2 hours)

Bus from town (~1.5h) to Bajo de las Sombras, then a short boat across Brazo Rico to the ice. Whole trip ~USD 150-200 including park logistics; book weeks ahead — it sells out. Passport required, ages ~8-65.

Guided crampon walk on the glacier(2 hours)

Roughly 2 hours on the ice with guides cutting steps past blue crevasses and meltwater streams. Ends with a whisky over glacier ice. Gloves, hat, and sunglasses essential.

Craft-beer recovery at La Zorra Taproom(1.5 hours)

Patagonia's cult brewery on Av. Libertador; pints ~5,000-8,000 ARS. Good burgers and picadas to refuel tired legs.

Glaciarium glaciology museum(2 hours)

Sleek museum ~6 km from town on RP-11; free shuttle departs the center hourly. Entry ~USD 15. Add the GlacioBar carved from glacier ice (extra fee, coats provided). A perfect primer or windy-day fallback.

Lunch at Pura Vida(1 hour)

Cozy home-style Patagonian cooking (book ahead, dinner-only some days) or grab empanadas from La Lechuza on the main street, ~8,000-15,000 ARS.

Free afternoon in town(2 hours)

Browse wool and leather shops on Av. Libertador, sample calafate-berry ice cream, or nap. Rest is the point today.

Laguna Nimez Reserve at golden hour(2 hours)

Lakeshore wetland at the edge of town; entry ~USD 8, self-guided 2 km loop. Chilean flamingos, black-necked swans, and upland geese. Go late afternoon for the best light and bird activity.

Dinner at Don Pichon(1.5 hours)

Hillside parrilla with sweeping Lago Argentino views; grilled lamb and steaks ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve a window table at sunset.

Transfer to Puerto Bandera(1 hour)

Included bus from town ~50 km west to the port (departures ~7:30-8:00). Operators: Solo Patagonia or Marpatag. Bring your passport and booking voucher.

Catamaran cruise to Upsala & Spegazzini glaciers(5 hours)

Weave through the iceberg-choked Canal Upsala to the Spegazzini front (the tallest in the park). ~USD 130-170. The open deck is brutally windy — windproof jacket, hat, and gloves are non-negotiable.

Dinner at La Zaina(1.5 hours)

Regional small plates and Patagonian lamb ragù, ~22,000-35,000 ARS pp. Good Malbec list; book ahead.

Bus to El Chaltén(3 hours)

Chaltén Travel, Caltur, or TAQSA depart ~8:00 from the El Calafate terminal along RN-40 then RP-23 (~USD 25-35 round trip). Sit on the left for early Fitz Roy views.

Mirador de los Cóndores & Mirador de las Águilas(1.5 hours)

Easy signposted loop from the town/APN visitor center, ~2.5 km, with panoramas over the Río de las Vueltas valley and Viedma. Trails are free.

Chorrillo del Salto waterfall walk(1.5 hours)

Flat ~4 km round-trip forest trail to a 20 m waterfall on the town's northern edge — a good taster hike before the bus back.

Lunch at La Cervecería, El Chaltén(1.5 hours)

Landmark brewpub for locro stew and house ale, ~18,000-28,000 ARS. Or grab a slice at La Tapera before the return coach.

Return bus to El Calafate(3 hours)

Afternoon departure ~18:00 gets you back for a late dinner.

Souvenir shopping on Avenida del Libertador(1.5 hours)

Pick up calafate jam, guanaco-wool scarves, and mate gourds. Estancia El Calafate and Ísla del Sur are reliable shops.

Farewell lunch at Mi Rancho(1 hour)

Tiny, well-loved spot for homemade pasta and lamb, ~20,000-30,000 ARS. Reserve or arrive early.

Hotel checkout(30 minutes)

Most check-outs are 10:00-11:00; ask the desk to store bags if your flight is late.

Transfer to FTE Airport(25 minutes)

Leave ~2 hours before a domestic flight. Pre-book the shuttle (~USD 12-20 pp); FTE security lines back up when several flights cluster.

Transfer from Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE) to town(25 minutes)

The airport is ~23 km east on RP-11. Pre-book a shared shuttle with Ves Patagonia or a private transfer (~USD 12-20 pp); airport taxis run ~15,000-20,000 ARS.

Hotel check-in and rest(1 hour)

Base yourself near Avenida del Libertador (e.g. Hotel Kau Yatun or Design Suites). Change into windproof layers.

Stroll Avenida del Libertador(1.5 hours)

Chocolate shops, wool boutiques, and tour agencies line the main drag. Reconfirm your Perito Moreno and Hielo & Aventura tickets in person.

Welcome dinner at La Tablita(1.5 hours)

Classic parrilla by the arroyo bridge; cordero al asador ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp with wine. Reserve ahead in season.

Shuttle to Los Glaciares National Park(1.5 hours)

No public bus reaches the viewpoints. Take a Caltur or TAQSA shuttle along RP-11 (~USD 30-45 round trip); the ~8:00 run gives the best light.

National park entry(15 minutes)

Foreigner entry ~45,000 ARS, paid at the gate — bring cash. The boardwalks are free once inside.

Walk the Perito Moreno boardwalks(3.5 hours)

Steel pasarelas descend the Península de Magallanes for face-on, north, and south views. Stay behind barriers — calving sends dangerous waves.

Optional Safari Náutico boat(1 hour)

Quick catamaran along the south wall from Bajo de las Sombras (~USD 30). Optional given your later boat safari.

Dinner at Isabel Cocina al Disco(1.5 hours)

Disco-cooked stews and Patagonian trout, ~20,000-30,000 ARS pp.

Hielo & Aventura Mini-Trekking transfer & boat(2 hours)

Bus (~1.5h) to Bajo de las Sombras, then a boat across Brazo Rico. Whole trip ~USD 150-200; book weeks ahead. Passport required, ages ~8-65.

Guided crampon walk on the glacier(2 hours)

~2 hours on the ice past blue crevasses and meltwater streams, finishing with whisky over glacier ice. Gloves, hat, sunglasses essential.

Craft-beer recovery at La Zorra Taproom(1.5 hours)

Cult Patagonian brewery on Av. Libertador; pints ~5,000-8,000 ARS with burgers and picadas.

Glaciarium glaciology museum(2 hours)

~6 km from town on RP-11; free shuttle from the center. Entry ~USD 15. Add the GlacioBar carved from glacier ice (coats provided).

Lunch at Pura Vida(1 hour)

Home-style Patagonian cooking (book ahead) or empanadas from La Lechuza, ~8,000-15,000 ARS.

Free afternoon in town(2 hours)

Browse wool and leather shops, sample calafate ice cream, or nap. Rest is the point today.

Laguna Nimez Reserve at golden hour(2 hours)

Lakeshore wetland at the town edge; entry ~USD 8, 2 km loop. Flamingos, black-necked swans, upland geese. Best light late afternoon.

Dinner at Don Pichon(1.5 hours)

Hillside parrilla with Lago Argentino views; lamb and steaks ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve a sunset table.

Transfer to Puerto Bandera(1 hour)

Included bus ~50 km west (departures ~7:30-8:00). Operators Solo Patagonia or Marpatag. Bring passport and voucher.

Catamaran cruise to Upsala & Spegazzini glaciers(5 hours)

Through the iceberg-choked Canal Upsala to the Spegazzini front. ~USD 130-170. The deck is brutally windy — full windproof kit.

Dinner at La Zaina(1.5 hours)

Regional small plates and lamb ragù, ~22,000-35,000 ARS pp. Good Malbec list; book ahead.

Drive to Estancia Nibepo Aike(1.5 hours)

~55 km southwest past Lago Roca on gravel RP-15; go with the estancia transfer or a rental car. Day program ~USD 90-130 including lunch.

Ranch tour, sheep-shearing & sheepdog demo(1.5 hours)

Watch a shearing and border-collie herding demo, and meet the Criollo horses of this century-old estancia.

Cordero al asador lunch at the estancia(1.5 hours)

Spit-roast lamb cooked over open fire with estancia wine and calafate dessert — included in the day rate.

Horseback ride or Lago Roca walk(1.5 hours)

Optional 1-hour cabalgata along the lakeshore (~USD 30 extra), or a gentle walk toward the Lago Roca shore for guanaco and condor spotting.

Return to El Calafate & quiet dinner(1.5 hours)

Back by early evening; a light dinner at Librobar (book-lined café-bar) or your hotel.

Slow morning & optional spa(2 hours)

Sleep in. Some hotels (e.g. Xelena or Kau Yatun) have indoor pools/spas; a soak helps tired legs before Fitz Roy.

Punta Walichu cave paintings(1.5 hours)

Optional easy outing ~8 km east on the lakeshore; replica and original ochre handprints, entry ~USD 6. Combine with a lake walk if the wind allows.

Lunch and craft beer at La Zorra(1.5 hours)

Return to the taproom or try Cervecería Sholtz for a relaxed afternoon pint, ~5,000-8,000 ARS.

Pack and prep for El Chaltén(1 hour)

Repack a small duffel for the multi-day trek; leave your main bag in hotel storage. Confirm the morning bus to El Chaltén.

Dinner at La Tablita or Mi Rancho(1.5 hours)

Carb-load for the trekking days ahead; reserve ahead in high season.

Bus to El Chaltén(3 hours)

Chaltén Travel or Caltur depart ~8:00 from El Calafate along RN-40/RP-23 (~USD 25-35). Sit left for Fitz Roy views. Check into an El Chaltén lodge (e.g. Andenrose or Rancho Grande).

Mirador de los Cóndores & de las Águilas loop(2 hours)

Easy signposted ~4 km loop from the APN visitor center with valley and Viedma panoramas. Free trail — a good acclimatizer.

Chorrillo del Salto waterfall walk(1.5 hours)

Flat ~4 km round-trip to a 20 m fall on the town's northern edge.

Dinner at La Cervecería, El Chaltén(1.5 hours)

Landmark brewpub for locro and house ale, ~18,000-28,000 ARS. Fuel up for tomorrow's big hike.

Trek to Laguna de los Tres(8 hours)

~20 km round trip from town via Laguna Capri; the brutal final kilometer climbs ~400 m of scree. Free trail. Carry 2 L water, layers, and lunch — no services en route. Start by 7:00-8:00.

Lunch break at Laguna de los Tres(1 hour)

Picnic beside the turquoise lagoon under the granite towers — buy sandwiches/empanadas in town the night before.

Recover with pizza and beer at La Chocolatería or Maffia(1.5 hours)

Back in El Chaltén, refuel on homemade pasta (Maffia) or hot chocolate (La Chocolatería Josh Aike), ~15,000-25,000 ARS.

Trek to Laguna Torre(6 hours)

~18 km round trip, mostly flat with gradual gain, via Mirador Cerro Torre. Free trail. Icebergs often dot the lagoon; the peak clears best at dawn, so an early start rewards.

Lunch at the Laguna Torre viewpoint(45 minutes)

Wind-sheltered picnic behind the moraine; pack layers — gusts scream off Glaciar Grande.

Free evening in El Chaltén(2 hours)

Wander the village, browse gear shops, or relax. Dinner at Ahonikenk or Techado Negro, ~18,000-30,000 ARS.

Morning hike toward Loma del Pliegue Tumbado(3.5 hours)

Turn back at the Mirador (partial ascent, ~3-4h return) rather than the full 8h summit given the bus. Trail starts at the APN center; free. Big open views, few people.

Lunch and repack in El Chaltén(1 hour)

Grab a quick bite at La Tapera or La Vinería wine bar, then collect your duffel.

Return bus to El Calafate(3 hours)

Afternoon Chaltén Travel/Caltur departure (~16:00-18:00). Retrieve your main bag at your El Calafate hotel.

Easy dinner in El Calafate(1.5 hours)

Something light at Librobar or Viva la Pepa after two long trekking days.

Drive to the Lago Roca sector(1 hour)

~50 km southwest on RP-15 (gravel); rental car or a guided transfer. Park entry for this sector is modest/sometimes free versus the glacier gate.

Cerro Cristales hike(3.5 hours)

~7 km loop climbing through lenga forest to a ridge with views over Lago Roca and the Torres del Paine massif on clear days. Bring water and a windbreaker.

Lakeside picnic lunch(1 hour)

Relaxed picnic by Lago Roca; watch for condors and guanacos on the surrounding hills.

Return to El Calafate & dinner at Don Pichon(2 hours)

Back by evening; splurge on lamb with a lake view, ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp.

Souvenir shopping on Avenida del Libertador(2 hours)

Calafate jam, guanaco-wool scarves, mate gourds, and Patagonian chocolate. Estancia El Calafate and Ísla del Sur are reliable.

Optional final Laguna Nimez loop(1.5 hours)

A last easy 2 km birding walk (~USD 8) or simply relax on the Bahía Redonda lakeshore boardwalk.

Spa / downtime(2 hours)

Recover from the trekking block — pool, sauna, or a long café afternoon at Borges y Álvarez Libro-Bar.

Farewell dinner at La Tablita(2 hours)

A final cordero al asador and Malbec toast, ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve ahead.

Last-minute shopping or lakeside walk(1 hour)

Grab any remaining gifts on Av. Libertador or take a final look at Lago Argentino.

Farewell lunch at Mi Rancho(1 hour)

Homemade pasta and lamb, ~20,000-30,000 ARS. Reserve or arrive early.

Hotel checkout(30 minutes)

Check-out is usually 10:00-11:00; ask the desk to store bags for a late flight.

Transfer to FTE Airport(25 minutes)

Leave ~2 hours before a domestic flight. Pre-book the shuttle (~USD 12-20 pp).

Transfer from Comandante Armando Tola Airport (FTE) to town(25 minutes)

The airport is ~23 km east on RP-11. Pre-book a shared shuttle with Ves Patagonia or a private transfer (~USD 12-20 pp); airport taxis run ~15,000-20,000 ARS.

Hotel check-in and rest(1 hour)

Base near Avenida del Libertador (e.g. Hotel Kau Yatun, Xelena, or Design Suites). Change into windproof layers.

Stroll Avenida del Libertador(1.5 hours)

Chocolate shops, wool boutiques, and tour agencies line the main drag. Reconfirm Perito Moreno and Hielo & Aventura tickets in person.

Welcome dinner at La Tablita(1.5 hours)

Classic parrilla by the arroyo bridge; cordero al asador ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp with wine. Reserve ahead in season.

Shuttle to Los Glaciares National Park(1.5 hours)

No public bus reaches the viewpoints. Take a Caltur or TAQSA shuttle along RP-11 (~USD 30-45 round trip); the ~8:00 run gives the best light.

National park entry(15 minutes)

Foreigner entry ~45,000 ARS, paid at the gate — bring cash. The boardwalks are free once inside.

Walk the Perito Moreno boardwalks(3.5 hours)

Steel pasarelas descend the Península de Magallanes for face-on, north, and south views. Stay behind barriers — calving sends dangerous waves.

Optional Safari Náutico boat(1 hour)

Quick catamaran along the south wall from Bajo de las Sombras (~USD 30). Optional given your later boat safari.

Dinner at Isabel Cocina al Disco(1.5 hours)

Disco-cooked stews and Patagonian trout, ~20,000-30,000 ARS pp.

Hielo & Aventura Mini-Trekking transfer & boat(2 hours)

Bus (~1.5h) to Bajo de las Sombras, then a boat across Brazo Rico. Whole trip ~USD 150-200; book weeks ahead. Passport required, ages ~8-65.

Guided crampon walk on the glacier(2 hours)

~2 hours on the ice past blue crevasses and meltwater streams, finishing with whisky over glacier ice. Gloves, hat, sunglasses essential.

Craft-beer recovery at La Zorra Taproom(1.5 hours)

Cult Patagonian brewery on Av. Libertador; pints ~5,000-8,000 ARS with burgers and picadas.

Glaciarium glaciology museum(2 hours)

~6 km from town on RP-11; free shuttle from the center. Entry ~USD 15. Add the GlacioBar carved from glacier ice (coats provided).

Lunch at Pura Vida(1 hour)

Home-style Patagonian cooking (book ahead) or empanadas from La Lechuza, ~8,000-15,000 ARS.

Free afternoon in town(2 hours)

Browse wool and leather shops, sample calafate ice cream, or nap.

Laguna Nimez Reserve at golden hour(2 hours)

Lakeshore wetland at the town edge; entry ~USD 8, 2 km loop. Flamingos, black-necked swans, upland geese. Best light late afternoon.

Dinner at Don Pichon(1.5 hours)

Hillside parrilla with Lago Argentino views; lamb and steaks ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve a sunset table.

Transfer to Puerto Bandera(1 hour)

Included bus ~50 km west (departures ~7:30-8:00). Operators Solo Patagonia or Marpatag. Bring passport and voucher.

Catamaran cruise to Upsala & Spegazzini glaciers(5 hours)

Through the iceberg-choked Canal Upsala to the Spegazzini front. ~USD 130-170. The deck is brutally windy — full windproof kit.

Dinner at La Zaina(1.5 hours)

Regional small plates and lamb ragù, ~22,000-35,000 ARS pp. Good Malbec list; book ahead.

Drive to Estancia Nibepo Aike(1.5 hours)

~55 km southwest past Lago Roca on gravel RP-15; go with the estancia transfer or a rental car. Day program ~USD 90-130 including lunch.

Ranch tour, sheep-shearing & sheepdog demo(1.5 hours)

Watch a shearing and border-collie herding demo, and meet the Criollo horses of this century-old estancia.

Cordero al asador lunch at the estancia(1.5 hours)

Spit-roast lamb over open fire with estancia wine and calafate dessert — included in the day rate.

Horseback ride or Lago Roca walk(1.5 hours)

Optional 1-hour cabalgata along the lakeshore (~USD 30 extra), or a gentle walk toward Lago Roca for guanaco and condor spotting.

Return to El Calafate & quiet dinner(1.5 hours)

Back by early evening; a light dinner at Librobar or your hotel.

Slow morning & optional spa(2 hours)

Sleep in. Xelena or Kau Yatun have indoor pools/spas; a soak helps tired legs before the trekking to come.

Punta Walichu cave paintings(1.5 hours)

Optional easy outing ~8 km east on the lakeshore; ochre handprints, entry ~USD 6.

Lunch and craft beer at La Zorra(1.5 hours)

Return to the taproom or try Cervecería Sholtz for a relaxed pint, ~5,000-8,000 ARS.

Dinner at Mi Rancho(1.5 hours)

Tiny, beloved pasta-and-lamb spot, ~20,000-30,000 ARS. Reserve or arrive early.

Boat from Puerto Bandera to Estancia Cristina(2 hours)

Estancia Cristina program departs Puerto Bandera (~50 km from town) ~7:30; the catamaran passes icebergs and the Upsala face. Full day ~USD 180-230 including lunch. Book well ahead.

4x4 to the Upsala Glacier lookout & Cañón de los Fósiles(3 hours)

Off-road jeep up to the Miradores del Upsala for a panorama over the glacier and its lake of icebergs, then the fossil canyon carved by retreating ice.

Lunch at the estancia(1 hour)

Hearty Patagonian lunch at the historic Percival family ranch — included in the tour.

Return boat to Puerto Bandera & transfer to town(3 hours)

Scenic sail back; road transfer to El Calafate arrives early evening. Low-key dinner at your hotel or Librobar.

Bus to El Chaltén(3 hours)

Chaltén Travel or Caltur depart ~8:00 from El Calafate along RN-40/RP-23 (~USD 25-35). Sit left for Fitz Roy views. Check into a lodge (Andenrose or Rancho Grande) for a 5-night base.

Mirador de los Cóndores & de las Águilas loop(2 hours)

Easy signposted ~4 km loop from the APN visitor center with valley and Viedma panoramas. Free trail — a good acclimatizer.

Chorrillo del Salto waterfall walk(1.5 hours)

Flat ~4 km round-trip to a 20 m fall on the town's northern edge.

Dinner at La Cervecería, El Chaltén(1.5 hours)

Landmark brewpub for locro and house ale, ~18,000-28,000 ARS.

Trek to Laguna de los Tres(8 hours)

~20 km round trip via Laguna Capri; the final kilometer climbs ~400 m of scree. Free trail. Carry 2 L water, layers, and lunch — no services en route. Start by 7:00-8:00.

Lunch at Laguna de los Tres(1 hour)

Picnic beside the turquoise lagoon under the granite towers — buy sandwiches/empanadas the night before.

Recover with pizza and beer at Maffia(1.5 hours)

Back in town, refuel on homemade pasta or hot chocolate at La Chocolatería Josh Aike, ~15,000-25,000 ARS.

Trek to Laguna Torre(6 hours)

~18 km round trip, mostly flat with gradual gain, via Mirador Cerro Torre. Free trail. Icebergs often dot the lagoon; the peak clears best at dawn.

Lunch at the Laguna Torre viewpoint(45 minutes)

Wind-sheltered picnic behind the moraine; gusts scream off Glaciar Grande — pack layers.

Free evening in El Chaltén(2 hours)

Browse gear shops or relax. Dinner at Ahonikenk or Techado Negro, ~18,000-30,000 ARS.

Late breakfast and village wander(1.5 hours)

Sleep in, then amble Av. San Martín's cafés and craft shops. Try a medialuna and coffee at B&B Nothofagus.

Optional short walk to Mirador de las Águilas(1.5 hours)

A very easy ridge viewpoint if you want light movement, otherwise pure rest. Skip if the wind is fierce.

Relax / massage(2 hours)

Book a recovery massage or simply read by the fire; the Fitz Roy weather window may open — keep an eye on the sky.

Dinner at La Vinería wine bar(1.5 hours)

Patagonian charcuterie and a broad Argentine wine list, ~18,000-28,000 ARS.

Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado(8 hours)

~19 km round trip climbing ~1,100 m to an open ridge; far fewer hikers than the classic routes. Free trail from the APN center. Exposed up top — carry wind and sun protection.

Summit-ridge lunch(45 minutes)

Picnic with a 360° panorama of the entire massif and the Viedma icefield on a clear day.

Dinner at La Tapera(1.5 hours)

Cozy stew-and-lamb spot back in town, ~18,000-28,000 ARS.

Ice climbing intro or horseback ride(3 hours)

Book a beginner ice-climbing session on Glaciar Torre approaches (via Fitz Roy Expediciones, ~USD 200) or a gentler cabalgata with El Relincho stables (~USD 50). Choose by how your legs feel.

Lunch and repack in El Chaltén(1 hour)

Quick bite at La Chocolatería, then collect your duffel.

Return bus to El Calafate(3 hours)

Afternoon Chaltén Travel/Caltur departure (~16:00-18:00). Reclaim your main bag at your El Calafate hotel.

Easy dinner in El Calafate(1.5 hours)

Something light at Librobar or Viva la Pepa.

Slow morning, laundry & Chile prep(2 hours)

Use a lavandería on Av. Libertador; confirm the Cootra bus to Puerto Natales and check border rules — no fresh fruit, meat, or dairy across into Chile.

Optional Bahía Redonda lakeshore walk(1.5 hours)

Flat boardwalk along Lago Argentino at the town edge; more flamingos and swans if you want easy birding.

Lunch at Viva la Pepa(1 hour)

Crepes, sandwiches, and fresh juices, ~12,000-20,000 ARS — a lighter change of pace.

Dinner at La Tablita(1.5 hours)

Another round of cordero al asador before leaving Argentina for a few days, ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp.

Bus El Calafate to Puerto Natales(5.5 hours)

Cootra or Bus-Sur depart ~7:30-8:30 (~USD 30-40) via RN-40 and the Cerro Castillo / Río Turbio crossing. Two passport stops (Argentine exit, Chilean entry) — declare nothing fresh; Chile is strict.

Check in at Puerto Natales(1 hour)

Base for two nights (e.g. Hotel Costaustralis or a hostel like Singing Lamb). Note the time zone can differ — Chile may be +1h in some months.

Waterfront and Última Esperanza Sound stroll(1.5 hours)

Walk the Costanera along the fjord; spot the Milodón statue and snowy peaks across the water.

Dinner at Cangrejo Rojo or Base Camp(1.5 hours)

Try king crab (centolla) or Chilean lamb; ~CLP 15,000-25,000. Chilean pesos or card — ARS not accepted here.

Transfer into Torres del Paine National Park(2 hours)

Bus Natales to Laguna Amarga (~2h, ~USD 20 round trip) plus park entry (~CLP 35,000, ~USD 35). Bring passport and cash/card.

Hike to the Base de las Torres lookout(8 hours)

~18-20 km round trip climbing to the glacial lagoon beneath the three towers; steep boulder finish. Free once inside the park. Start early — the towers cloud over by midday.

Trailhead lunch(45 minutes)

Picnic at the mirador or at Refugio Chileno on the way down; carry your own food and water.

Return to Puerto Natales & dinner(2.5 hours)

Evening bus back; dinner at La Mesita Grande (pizza) or Santolla, ~CLP 15,000-22,000.

Scenic park circuit: Lago Grey, Salto Grande & Pehoé(3 hours)

Guided minivan or self-drive loop to Grey Glacier's iceberg beach, the Salto Grande waterfall, and the turquoise Lago Pehoé lookout with the Cuernos massif behind (~USD 60-90 guided).

Lunch in the park or Puerto Natales(1 hour)

Quick bite before the border bus; keep it light for the long ride.

Bus Puerto Natales back to El Calafate(5.5 hours)

Afternoon Cootra/Bus-Sur departure; two border stops again — no fresh food across. Arrive El Calafate late; reclaim your Argentine hotel room.

Late supper at Librobar(1 hour)

Simple soup or picada after a long transit day.

Sleep in & long breakfast(2 hours)

No alarms. Lingering coffee and medialunas at Borges y Álvarez Libro-Bar overlooking Av. Libertador.

Golden-hour birding at Laguna Nimez(2 hours)

A final unhurried loop of the reserve (~USD 8) for flamingos and swans in the best light — bring binoculars.

Spa or lakeside downtime(2 hours)

Hotel pool/sauna or simply relax on the Bahía Redonda shore.

Dinner at Don Pichon(1.5 hours)

Lamb with a Lago Argentino sunset view, ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve a window table.

Optional return to Perito Moreno at sunrise or a town morning(3 hours)

If you crave one more look, a half-day shuttle back to the glacier (~USD 30-45 + entry) is worth it in soft light; otherwise a slow café-and-shops morning in town.

Souvenir shopping on Avenida del Libertador(1.5 hours)

Calafate jam, guanaco-wool scarves, mate gourds, and chocolate at Estancia El Calafate or Ísla del Sur.

Lunch and craft beer at La Zorra(1.5 hours)

A farewell pint and burger at the taproom, ~5,000-8,000 ARS for beer.

Farewell dinner at La Tablita(2 hours)

A final cordero al asador and Malbec toast to Patagonia, ~25,000-40,000 ARS pp. Reserve ahead.

Last-minute shopping or lakeside walk(1 hour)

Grab any remaining gifts on Av. Libertador or take a final look at Lago Argentino.

Farewell lunch at Mi Rancho(1 hour)

Homemade pasta and lamb, ~20,000-30,000 ARS. Reserve or arrive early.

Hotel checkout(30 minutes)

Check-out is usually 10:00-11:00; ask the desk to store bags for a late flight.

Transfer to FTE Airport(25 minutes)

Leave ~2 hours before a domestic flight. Pre-book the shuttle (~USD 12-20 pp); FTE lines back up when flights cluster.