EcoCamp Extension
During your stay in the cozy domes of EcoCamp Patagonia, why not extend your vacation with a hop across the border to visit one of Argentine Patagonia's most incredible sights - the Perito Moreno Glacier. Renowned for its coloration and immense size, it's a not-to-be-missed natural spectacle, made all the more impressive when you walk almost right up to the face of the glacier on this EcoCamp extension program.
We wake up very early at EcoCamp and enjoy our breakfast before being driven at 6:30am to Cerro Castillo just outside the park, where we board the van heading across the border to Argentina! We pause for immigration checks* and continue across the Patagonian pampas towards El Calafate. You will have the whole day free to explore the town and enjoy its attractive restaurants, tango bars, and artisan handicraft markets.
Optional: During the afternoon you can take a self-guided tour to Calafate’s Glaciarium Museum and Ice Bar. The Glaciarium is a modern research center devoted to the Patagonian Icefield and its glaciers. It is one of the only glaciological research centers of its kind in the world. From there, you can visit the ‘GlacioBar’, which is constructed entirely of ice, and taste the chill of glacier ice cubes swimming around in your favorite drink.
Overnight at Kosten Aike, El Calafate, Argentina
*We strongly advise you to check Argentinian border-crossing regulations beforehand. Fees may apply.
After an early morning breakfast and bus journey from your hotel, you will be treated to the incredible sight of the towering 60m high walls of the Perito Moreno glacier. This excursion takes you on a cruise across Lake Rico. Reaching the Icebergs Channel, the boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail across all its face, allowing a spectacular view of the imposing wall of ice. Embarkment takes place at the “Bajo de las Sombras” bay, about 6 km before the glacier Balconies, The excursion lasts approximately one hour and provides an interesting perspective on what is both a beautiful and very tragic natural phenomenon - the falling of the glacial ice into the lake. A spectacular sight but a reminder to all of us of our changing climate. This is a unique opportunity for photographers and nature lovers alike.
After the boat ride, we continue to the footbridges area of the lake and have a break to soak up the astounding surroundings. The bridges provide another interesting perspective on the glacier and also allow to hear the powerful cracks in this living mass of ice. After this experience you will be transferred back to the hotel in Calafate, pick up your baggage and be taken to the airport for departure.
ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
Optionals
Ask for single supplement
Optional Glaciarium Museum & Ice Bar
Regular departures every day on request, October to April.
The trip starts around 7 am at Ecocamp Patagonia and ends at El Calafate Airport around 8 pm.
EcoCamp Extensions are excursions you can book in addition to our regular EcoCamp programs, to enhance your Patagonian experience. These tours can take place before or after your main program but we strongly recommend doing them afterward to maximize your arrival experience at EcoCamp with your fellow trekking/Safari group members. Transport in and out of the park is not included as these services are covered by your regular program with EcoCamp. If you wish to book an EcoCamp Extension without any other EcoCamp program please contact us so we can give you a quote.
This trip does not demand physical activity other than optional walking along the walkways near the glacier at a relaxed pace.
EcoCamp van to Cerro Castillo where you change to the regular bus which will take you to El Calafate.
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min).
You need to bring your personal belongings and box lunch provided by EcoCamp.
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia