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Patagonian Ice Heart

El Calafate, Argentina 4 days / 3 nights
Essential
Patagonian Ice Heart — photo 1

This itinerary is a tribute to the power and beauty of ice. From the base in El Calafate, on the shores of Lago Argentino, you will enter a world where time seems to stand still. You will feel the energy of the Perito Moreno Glacier from its walkways and get close to its walls on an unforgettable boat trip.

The next day, a lake expedition will take you through the arms of the lake to discover other giants of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field: the immense Upsala Glacier and the towering Spegazzini Glacier. A journey focused on the essentials, to capture the true scale of the Patagonian glaciers.

Highlights

Contemplation of the Perito Moreno Glacier from its network of walkways.
Nautical Safari boat trip for a close-up perspective of the ice walls.
‘Ice Rivers’ lake expedition to discover the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
Exploration of Los Glaciares National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Day 1: Arrival in El Calafate

Reception at El Calafate airport (FTE) and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city center and enjoy the views of Lago Argentino.

Day2

Day 2: The Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier

A full-day excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier. After a scenic drive, you will arrive at the walkways that offer spectacular views of its 5 km front. You will have time to walk along the different balconies and hear the thunderous crash of ice calving. The experience is complemented by the 'Nautical Safari' boat trip, which takes you close to the southern wall of the glacier to appreciate its monumental scale from the water.

Day3

Day 3: Ice Rivers Navigation

Transfer to Punta Bandera Port to embark on a full-day navigation on the North Arm of Lago Argentino. The catamaran enters the Upsala Channel to offer views of the iceberg barrier from the Upsala Glacier. Then, the route continues through the Spegazzini Channel, where you can admire the Seco Glacier and the imposing Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the national park. You will disembark at Spegazzini Base to walk its trails and enjoy the views from the shelter before returning.

Day4

Day 4: Departure from El Calafate

At the coordinated time, transfer to El Calafate airport (FTE) for your departure flight.

Suggested hotels

Hotel Picos del Sur
Standard
Centro

Functional and comfortable hotel, a few steps from the main avenue, allowing easy access to restaurants and shops.

Restaurant Bar/lounge Continental breakfast Terrace Garden 24-hour multilingual front desk
Lago Argentino (in view) Cerro Calafate (in view) Plaza de los Pioneros (10-min walk) Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús church (10-min walk)
Hotel Bahía Redonda
Standard
Centro

Privileged location facing the Redonda Bay of Lago Argentino. It offers excellent value for money and a cozy atmosphere.

Buffet breakfast Concierge service Parking Accessible parking Free WiFi
Bahía Redonda waterfront (50 m) Lago Argentino (50 m) El Calafate shopping area (steps away) Lago Argentino
Kosten Aike
Superior
Centro

Central location allowing easy access to restaurants and shops. Patagonian architecture and cozy atmosphere.

Spa Sauna 24-hour front desk Laundry service Bicycle rental Breakfast included
Avenida del Libertador (a few blocks) El Calafate shopping centre (2 blocks) Lago Argentino (a short drive) Lago Argentino
Calafate Parque Hotel
Superior
Centro

Elegance and comfort on the main avenue of El Calafate, with easy access to dining and shopping options. It features a heated pool.

Spa with sauna and jacuzzi Gym Lounges with wood-burning fireplaces Bar Room service Buffet breakfast included
Avenida del Libertador (a short walk) Central El Calafate (in the neighbourhood) Lago Argentino (a short drive) Lago Argentino
Design Suites Calafate
Luxury
Lago Argentino

Design hotel with modern architecture and panoramic views of the steppe and the lake. It offers a sophisticated and quiet experience.

Heated indoor pool Sauna Gym Spa with treatments Lake-view restaurant Bar
Lago Argentino (beach sector, in front of the hotel) Downtown El Calafate (about 3 km) Los Glaciares National Park — Perito Moreno (access via RP 11) Lago Argentino
Xelena Hotel & Suites
Luxury
Lago Argentino

Privileged location on the shores of Lago Argentino, with spectacular views and a first-class spa to relax after excursions.

Spa with heated indoor pool Sauna Gym Restaurant Bar Breakfast included
Lago Argentino (on the shore) Downtown El Calafate (a short drive) Los Glaciares National Park — Perito Moreno (access via RP 11) Lago Argentino
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.

What's included

Included: 3 nights of accommodation with breakfast.
Included: Arrival transfer (Airport/Hotel), shared service.
Included: Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, shared service.
Included: Nautical Safari navigation, shared service.
Included: Ice Rivers navigation, shared service.
Included: Entrance fees to Los Glaciares National Park.
Included: Departure transfer (Hotel/Airport), shared service.

What's not included

Not included: Flights.
Not included: Meals and drinks not specified.
Not included: Gratuities.
Not included: Optional services or those not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional services

Optional, at extra cost: Minitrekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier — A walk of about an hour and a half on the glacier ice, equipped with crampons. A unique experience to feel the glacier under your feet. It replaces the Nautical Safari and has age and physical condition restrictions.
Optional, at extra cost: Gourmet Glaciers Experience — A full-day navigation on an select cruise that tours the Spegazzini and Upsala glaciers, with a gourmet lunch on board and a more intimate atmosphere. It replaces the Ice Rivers navigation.

Booking & policies

Are the prices shown net or retail?

Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see an indicative retail “from” price; the net rate is never shown outside the agency portal.

How is a booking confirmed?

Most bookings are confirmed immediately and the voucher is emailed within minutes. When a service shows “In process”, RUMBO LIBRE is confirming final availability with the receptive operator at destination — usually within 24 to 48 business hours.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations follow Clause 7 of the Terms: more than 30 days before the service, no penalty and a full refund; 15 to 30 days, 25%; 8 to 14 days, 50%; 3 to 7 days, 75%; less than 72 hours before commencement or a no-show, 100%. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. The schedule above is indicative: the conditions that apply to each booking are those confirmed in the quotation, and may be stricter in high season, on public holidays or where a supplier applies its own policy.

Can dates or passenger names be changed after confirmation?

Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed with the receptive operator subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.