Explore Fitz Roy from a Luxury Lodge

Day 1: Transfer from El Calafate; Explora El Chaltén 

A shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in El Calafate at 11am, or from El Calafate Airport at 12pm, and head to El Chaltén. The journey takes about 3hrs, crossing Patagonian steppe and passing through ancient gorges scarred by the harsh winds. The lonely road hugs the vast glacial Lake Viedma and then gradually the monumental granite peaks come into view as you approach the climbers' mecca of El Chaltén. Upon arrival in the town, you will be picked up by a hotel-exclusive transfer and taken to Explora El Chaltén, 17km away.

This newly-built lodge comprises of just 20 rooms and will be your base for explorations in the region. It sits amongst native beech trees in a private reserve. Everything at this all-inclusive lodge just oozes style and comfort: the menu has been designed by Argentina's top chefs, the interior is sleek and elegant and showcases the magnificent views seen outside. Your friendly hosts will make you feel at home and the Explora-trained guides will lead you on small group excursions where no other lodges go. Enjoy the spa and open bar – there is no better way to discover Patagonia.

Meals: Boxed lunch, Dinner  

Accommodation: Explora El Chaltén

Days 2, 3 & 4: Choice of excursion; Explora El Chaltén

Choose three from a list of approximately 30 full- or half-day excursions. Here are some of our favourites, but see our excursions page for the full list:

Laguna de Los Tres – El Chaltén's iconic trek and one of the world's most jaw-dropping day-hikes, this is not to be missed. Hiking up through native forests in Los Glaciares National Park, we'll reach Poincenot camp. From here we'll continue to the Río Blanco camp used by adventurous climbers. An hour of ascent later on we'll reach Laguna de Los Tres. A river crossing and an ascent brings us to stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy.

Length of hike: 8hrs, 20km

Laguna Torre – From one of El Chaltén's trailheads, we hike a valley with native Patagonian vegetation and take in the amazing views of Cerro Torre. After walking through lenga forests we'll arrive at Laguna Torre and see icebergs that have calved from Glacier Torre. We'll soak up the views and have lunch here before returning.

Length of hike: 7hrs, 17km

Pliegue Tumbado – Beginning in the south of Los Glaciares National Park, we take a trail leading through different valleys, eventually opening out to views of Cerro Torre, Lake Viedma and the Las Vueltas river valley. An ideal chance to sit and quietly contemplate these immense mountains.

Length of hike: 7hrs, 17km

Condor and Eagle viewpoints – An easy hike to the viewpoints of Mirador del Los Cóndores (condors) and Las Aguilas (eagles) that give great views of both El Chaltén town, some of the incredible skyline of the Andes mountains and the glacial Lake Viedma. Hikers often see the local aerial stalwarts – majestic condors and imposing buzzard-eagles. 

Length of hike: 2hrs, 5km

Mirador de las Aguilas – A hike in Los Glaciares National Park for keen birdwatchers. This route travels through native Patagonian shrub to Lake Viedma and rewards trekker with wide views of the Andes.

Length of hike: 2hrs, 5km

Rock Climbing School – El Chaltén is one of the best places in the world for rock climbing. An introduction to this activity includes essential information on learning how to control your physique to master the art of climbing and how to put your trust in your partner. You will also receive an introduction to the history and locations of the best places to climb around El Chaltén.

Duration of activity: 2.5hrs

Lago del Desierto – We take a van from the lodge to the south shore of Lago del Desierto. From there, we cross the lake and enjoy views of Glacier Vespigniani. Reaching the northernmost tip of the lake, we take a rugged track through the forest to explore some of the most remote parts of this region. Our trek brings us back to the south shore and our van; we return to the lodge.

Length of hike: 5.5hrs, 13km

Diablo Lagoon and Hill hike – With views of the spectacular Mount Fitz Roy, we hike through a lush valley floor with native beech forests on a route following the Diablo river where we may see torrent ducks. As we climb we find views of Glacier Cagliero and Lake Diablo. This trail in a private reserve area is one of Chaltén's lesser-known gems. There are two choices for the return journey: walking back along the valley, straight to the lodge, or hiking via the elevated Diablo peak for more impressive views over the area and back down to meet the Explora van. You guide will decide the best route for your small group of hikers.

Length of hike: 3-5hrs, 7-12km

Laguna Azul – From the lodge, we hike through a lenga and ñirre forest watching for different species of birds and following huemul deer tracks. We hike up to the Laguna Azul where more bird species can be spotted.

Length of hike: 2hrs, 5km

Paso del Cuadrado ascent – Another of El Chaltén's lesser-known routes, this tough day hike will get you away from the crowds and as close to the granite spires of Guillaumet, Mermotz and Fit Roy as possible – a wilderness trekkers' paradise. Start off hiking the Eléctrico Valley floor before following a steep zig-zagging mountain trail up towards the granite summits. The views below get rapidly more impressive as you quickly ascend. As the slope eases there is the chance of trudging through some snow as you climb towards the paso (pass). Once arrived the views are sublime as the major peaks of Cerro Torre, Polone and Fitz Roy come into view from a completely novel perspective. You'll follow the same trail back down from this incredibly fulfilling hike into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. Tonight you deserve to toast to a fantastic day's outing back at the Explora El Chaltén.

Length of hike: 8hrs, 18km

Meals on days 2, 3 & 4: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation on days 2, 3 & 4: Explora El Chaltén

Day 5: Transfer to El Calafate

After breakfast, your transfer leaves Explora El Chaltén at 9am to arrive at El Calafate Airport at 12:40pm and hotels in El Calafate at 1pm.

Meals: Breakfast