Agentina : The Patagonia glacier horseback trail ride

6 DAY INDICATIVE ITINERARY *:

Day 1: Arriving at the Estancia
Afternoon arrival at the Estancia, taking the regular 5:00pm transfer from El Calafate. For the rest of the afternoon and evening the guest are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears
The accommodations retains the essence of the old Patagonian Hostelries. It is actually within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares reaching as far as the border with Chile. Formerly it was devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays a small flock is kept, its chief production being the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which it has developed a prestigious breeding herd.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 2: Puesto La Rosada (only from December to March)
Morning ride to climb up the mountain range Cordon de los Cristales, which lies behind the main house. The higher we go, the more clearly Argentino lake´s arms stand out. Once we reach the clearing, the track plunges into the Patagonian Andean woods. We pass between lenga trees and guindos [Magellan beeches], riding along old tracks where the great sheep drives used to pass. We reach a little clear land, where cows graze. There, La Rosada outpost is the home of the “puestero”, who oversees cattle and carries on the legacy of traditional rural production. He knows every single corner of this part of the land and he can count the cows with just a glance. If one had escaped, he would bring her back within a couple of minutes. There, we have first ranch lunch. By the afternoon, we reach an historical point: the International Milestone (´32) that indicates the end the Hostelry and the end of Argentina. The sensation to be at the very frontiers of Patagonia is unique. It is the south of the south: wind blows and the flag waves. The landscape and its calmness never end. Free time to explore surroundings.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at La Rosada outpost (only from December to March)

Day 3: Cachorro and Puesta Laguna 3 de Abril
On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros [Chilean firebush] and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier appear at the bottom and the granite needle called “el Dedo del Cesar” [Caesar’s Thumb]. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock. After a picnic lunch we continue on horseback to Laguna 3 de Abril (3 de Abril Lagoon), a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, kaiken [upland goose] and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we come to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the coziness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick and clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Day 4: Hidden Glaciers
After breakfast at the refuge, we walk to the lakeshore to meet Glaciar Sur. This excursion departs from the Estancia's pier and navigates the Lago Argentino down south to the Hidden Glaciers. The expedition is a combination of boat excursion and hiking to reach a unique spot between mountains and glaciers, where only few people arrive. Once the group gets on board, the boat sails through the Brazo Sur to its southernmost point. After a short walk through the native forest, the first lookout point to the glaciers is reached. At the bottom we can see the Lago Frías which will be sailed in zodiacs a few minutes later. It is 3 km navigation to the other shore where a new hike begins. It goes along an old river course to reach an amphitheater facing the glaciers Gorra, Frías, and Grande. The group eats lunch near Laguna de los Témpanos overlooking not only the 3 glaciers but also the icebergs that decorate the milky waters of the lagoon. This area of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is almost unexplored, only a few gauchos and cows from our Hostelry know the place’s hidden spots and secrets. After spending a good amount of time resting and taking pictures at the feet of the glaciers we get back to the outpost.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Additional information: The cruise activity will be provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia S.A.). It doesn’t have any additional cost. The activity is combined with the regular service from Glaciar Sur; this means the excursion and bilingual guide services will be shared with other passengers doing the complete tour from El Calafate. The program as previously described will be confirmed in situ. It is subject to cancelations due to weather-related situations, navigability or terrain conditions. It involves a 6 hours hike (14 km), with little gradient and medium technical requirement. More information: www.glaciarsur.com

If this activity cannot be done, you will spend the day by foot and on horseback!

We leave after breakfast, riding south to the Balcony of the Glaciers. The track runs parallel to the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. A little before arriving at the head of the lake, we leave the horses grazing to go up on foot to a viewing point even higher up. From there we will have a panoramic view of the Southern Arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frías, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance. We walk to the beach at the head of the Southern Arm. From there we cross a large pasture, a pristine area. An erratic stone of more than 20 meters in height will be the next goal. It is impressive to stand in front of such a huge rock, marked by the force of the glaciers advancing and receding. The footpath starts to run alongside the lower Frías River. Here we will find traces of the area’s livestock rearing past, a hanging bridge over 100 years old, destroyed by the great flooding of Lago Argentino in 1937. The way passes through dense woodland getting as far as discovering Corazón Lagoon, with crystal clear waters where the deep blue contrasts with the green reflection of the woods. The water is so crystal clear that it is possible to watch the trout swimming between the rocks. We pause for lunch. A place sheltered from the world. Whoever wants to will be able to carry on a bit further clambering over some stones that prove fairly awkward for crossing, in order to get to the southern end of Frías Lake, the natural border protecting the glaciers hidden in the mountains further south. In the afternoon we return to where the horses were left in order to ride back to the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where the night will be spent.

Day 5: Southern Arm of Lago Argentino
The return journey begins riding along the shore of the lake until we reach the main buildings of the Hostelry, about 18km from the refuge. We will arrive in time for lunch with a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers, which will be ready just as the riders arrive. After lunch, you can explore the surroundings of the estancia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 6: Departure
Spend your last morning at the estancia relaxing and taking in the beautiful landscape before taking the shuttle transfer back to El Calafate.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 2: Ride to Puesto La Chaira. The program begins with a 230 kilometers car transfer from Ushuaia to the starting point: Estancia Maria Luisa. This is a typical Patagonian ranch for breeding cattle. On the way, our road passes through some of the most iconic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego (Garibaldi Pass through the Andes and Lake Fagnano panorama). Once we reach the end of the road, we leave the civilized world behind us. We will meet our horses for the first time at the estancia. A horse will be assigned to each guest at this point. We will load our luggage and start our adventure. The first day is desinged to allow you to acclimatize so there are no major difficulties along the way. We will ride through some rolling hills of lush green grass. This will take us up to the first river, which we can only cross during low tide. The river is called the Irigoyen River which is world famous for huge trouts. After a long beach ride, we reach our first overnight destination ‘Puesta La Chaira’, which is part of the old ‘Estancia Policarpo’. This is the last shelter inhabited by gauchos on our route.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Puesto La Chaira.

Day 3: Puesta La Chaira to Puesto Rio Bueno. After breakfast we will undertake our long ride to ‘Puesto Rio Bueno’. Along the way, all traces of civilization slowly disappear and we gradually see the wilder side of Tierra del Fuego. We will see several shipwrecks such as the "Barca" - an old wooden boat, which has been buried by centuries of sand. There are also abandoned shelters, many of which have been built with remains of ships. We will see the local fauna in all its glory here, including curious foxes, guanacos, majestic condors, beavers and various species of birds, and with a little luck we might even see marine mammals. Here, traces of the native Haush Indians can be found. After passing the river Leticia, we will reach our shelter for the night. The trail generally follows the beaches, which we can only traverse during the low tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Puesto Rio Bueno.

Day 4: Puesto Rio Bueno to Estancia Policarpo. During this day we will cross two rivers ‘Rio Bueno’ and ‘Rio Policarpo’. Our destination for the day are the remains of the ‘Estancia Policarpo’ (a National Historical Monument). Travelling conditions are similar to the previous day with the addition of several peat lands where our horses will demonstrate their excellent ability to find the safest way through. Once again we will encounter many wild animals, including herds of wild horses, colonies of sea lions and possibly even some solitary penguins. On this day, we will also visit the most famous of all shipwrecks in the Mitre Peninsula, the British clipper ‘Duchess of Albany’.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Estancia Policarpo.

Day 5: Estancia Policarpo to Bahia Thetis. After leaving Caleta Falsa bay, we pass by several beaches. At Laguna Centenario, we can enjoy a unique spectacle: the varied species of birds of Tierra del Fuego in all their glory. This may include cormorants, southern crested caracaras as well as the two emperors of the sky: black browed albatrosses and Andean condors. We might also pass by colonies of sea lions which may even be accompanied by their lovely puppies depending on the season. Afterwards we will drift away from the coastline and will ride further inland through the Fueguino peatland. Weather permitting, we can see the mythical and inaccessible State Island with its San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse, which became famous after publishing Jules Verne’s book “The Lighthouse at the End of the World.” The peat land becomes even more boggy here, which will force us to dismount the horses on several occasions and cross some sections by foot. Finally we arrive at Bahia Thetis. Here, we will pass by an abandoned factory. Close by, exists another interesting historic point, the former Argentina Subprefectura (1889 - 1896), once a military detachment and rescue shelter for survivors of the many shipwrecks that are now sprawled along the shores of the Mitre Peninsula.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Bahia Thetis.

Day 6: Bahia Thetis (no riding). Today, we spend some time around Bahia Thetis, the farthest point of our ride. We can offer a hike to Cape San Diego Lighthouse at the farthest east end of Tierra del Fuego. The walk is mostly through peat land and is approximately seven hours (round trip). We follow the coastline and then cross the channel leading to the inner bay. There is a chance to see guanacos (cousins of lamas) within a stone’s throw. From the lighthouse, we can enjoy an exceptional 360 degree view of the South Atlantic Ocean, Strait of Le Maire, Staten Island and the entrance to the Beagle Channel. We can also explore the old lighthouse and then have lunch with the most breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings. Here we might even get the chance to see a small sea lion colony. In the afternoon we walk back to our patiently waiting horses, enjoying the iconic Patagonian landscape. Please note that this hike is quite long and can be tiring so good trekking shoes are required.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Bahia Thetis.

Day 7: Bahia Thetis (no riding). On this day we can take time out to enjoy short walks around the area and explore the true magic of this beautiful land. We can observe wildlife and look for traces of the Indians who inhabited this land many years ago. There is a camping site where we can sit back, relax and soak up the mesmerizing surroundings with a glass of wine. This is the perfect day to take time to regenerate before beginning our journey back.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Bahia Thetis.

Day 8: Bahia Thetis to Estancia Policarpo. On our way back, we will follow the same trail between Bahía Thetis and Estancia Policarpo. Once again our Criollo horses will demonstrate their incredible strength and ability to navigate the best way through the peat land. From the cliffs, we can enjoy an extraordinary spectacle of light and color, a beautiful landscape of the sub- Antarctic forest, the Andes and the South Atlantic Ocean.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Estancia Policarpo.

Day 9: Estancia Policarpo to Puesto Rio Bueno. After preparing the horses, we will cross peatland once again, eventually reaching the coastline next to Rio Policarpo (the widest and most challenging river during our expedition). On the other side of Rio Policarpo, lie the longest beaches of our journey (Donata and Policarpo Bay). Here we can enjoy long canters which often creates incredible feelings of freedom from within. With a little luck, it’s possible we will encounter large groups of wild horses in their natural habitat. This is an unforgettable experience. We will take a break near the old “Duchess of Albany” shipwreck, snack and take some more photos. Before stepping onto the beaches once again. As our luggage becomes smaller and lighter, we can enjoy a slightly faster pace (more trots and canters).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at Puesto Rio Bueno.

Day 10: Puesto Rio Bueno to Puesto La Chaira. In the morning we will have some time to walk around the Rio Bueno shelter and listen to stories about the legendary “puesteros” who once inhabited the land and worked with the cattle here. After, we will mount our horses, cross the Leticia River and climb to the top of the grassy cliff on the other side. From this point, we can appreciate panoramic views of the entire region including the route we have taken. On our way to La Chaira, we can enjoy more canters along the magnificent beaches. That evening, we will have a hearty meal with plenty of time to share stories and reflect on our time together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at La Chaira.

Day 11: Ride back to Estancia Maria Luisa. Our last full day together sees us leave La Chaira, saying a final farewell to the gauchos of the Mitre Peninsula. We leave behind the most remote and wildest region of Tierra del Fuego. Slowly but surely we will cross Río Irigoyen and return to civilization. At Estancia Maria Luisa, we will dismount our horses for the last time. After removing all saddles and luggage, we will say a final goodbye to our beautiful and brave horses. From here we will transport all participants back to their accommodation in Ushuaia.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch. Overnight at Hotel in Ushuaia.

Day 12: Departure. After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast.

* Indicative itinerary, may be changed if necessary.

5 DAY INDICATIVE ITINERARY *:

Day 1: Arriving at the Estancia
Afternoon arrival at the Estancia, taking the regular 5:00pm transfer from El Calafate. For the rest of the afternoon and evening the guest are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears
The accommodations retains the essence of the old Patagonian Hostelries. It is actually within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares reaching as far as the border with Chile. Formerly it was devoted to sheep rearing. Nowadays a small flock is kept, its chief production being the breeding of Hereford cattle, of which it has developed a prestigious breeding herd.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 2: Cachorro and Puesta Laguna 3 de Abril
On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros [Chilean firebush] and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier appear at the bottom and the granite needle called “el Dedo del Cesar” [Caesar’s Thumb]. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock. After a picnic lunch we continue on horseback to Laguna 3 de Abril (3 de Abril Lagoon), a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, kaiken [upland goose] and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we come to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the coziness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick and clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Day 3: Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril
After breakfast at the refuge, we walk to the lakeshore to meet Glaciar Sur. This excursion departs from the Estancia's pier and navigates the Lago Argentino down south to the Hidden Glaciers. The expedition is a combination of boat excursion and hiking to reach a unique spot between mountains and glaciers, where only few people arrive. Once the group gets on board, the boat sails through the Brazo Sur to its southernmost point. After a short walk through the native forest, the first lookout point to the glaciers is reached. At the bottom we can see the Lago Frías which will be sailed in zodiacs a few minutes later. It is 3 km navigation to the other shore where a new hike begins. It goes along an old river course to reach an amphitheater facing the glaciers Gorra, Frías, and Grande. The group eats lunch near Laguna de los Témpanos overlooking not only the 3 glaciers but also the icebergs that decorate the milky waters of the lagoon. This area of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is almost unexplored, only a few gauchos and cows from our Hostelry know the place’s hidden spots and secrets. After spending a good amount of time resting and taking pictures at the feet of the glaciers we get back to the outpost.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril

Additional information: The cruise activity will be provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia S.A.). It doesn’t have any additional cost. The activity is combined with the regular service from Glaciar Sur; this means the excursion and bilingual guide services will be shared with other passengers doing the complete tour from El Calafate. The program as previously described will be confirmed in situ. It is subject to cancelations due to weather-related situations, navigability or terrain conditions. It involves a 6 hours hike (14 km), with little gradient and medium technical requirement. More information: www.glaciarsur.com

If this activity cannot be done, you will spend the day by foot and on horseback!

We leave after breakfast, riding south to the Balcony of the Glaciers. The track runs parallel to the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. A little before arriving at the head of the lake, we leave the horses grazing to go up on foot to a viewing point even higher up. From there we will have a panoramic view of the Southern Arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frías, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance. We walk to the beach at the head of the Southern Arm. From there we cross a large pasture, a pristine area. An erratic stone of more than 20 meters in height will be the next goal. It is impressive to stand in front of such a huge rock, marked by the force of the glaciers advancing and receding. The footpath starts to run alongside the lower Frías River. Here we will find traces of the area’s livestock rearing past, a hanging bridge over 100 years old, destroyed by the great flooding of Lago Argentino in 1937. The way passes through dense woodland getting as far as discovering Corazón Lagoon, with crystal clear waters where the deep blue contrasts with the green reflection of the woods. The water is so crystal clear that it is possible to watch the trout swimming between the rocks. We pause for lunch. A place sheltered from the world. Whoever wants to will be able to carry on a bit further clambering over some stones that prove fairly awkward for crossing, in order to get to the southern end of Frías Lake, the natural border protecting the glaciers hidden in the mountains further south. In the afternoon we return to where the horses were left in order to ride back to the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where the night will be spent.

Day 4: Southern Arm of Lago Argentino
The return journey begins riding along the shore of the lake until we reach the main buildings of the Hostelry, about 18km from the refuge. We will arrive in time for lunch with a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers, which will be ready just as the riders arrive. After lunch, you can explore the surroundings of the estancia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Estancia

Day 5: Departure
Spend your last morning at the estancia relaxing and taking in the beautiful landscape before taking the shuttle transfer back to El Calafate.
Meals included: Breakfast