Patagonia Family Adventure: Gaucho Life and Glacier Magic

Touch down in El Calafate and begin your family adventure in the heart of Patagonia. After your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your local accommodation where you can settle in and acclimate to the stunning Patagonian surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—this is your chance to explore the small town of El Calafate, renowned for its charming streets, cozy cafes, and welcoming atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to schedule an optional activity to get an early start on discovery. El Calafate serves as the cradle of the great Perito Moreno Glacier, making it a perfect gateway to the region’s remarkable landscapes and gaucho culture. Did you know? 

El Calafate is named after a native berry said to guarantee your return once tasted.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before departing from El Calafate to Bajo la Sombra port, located eight kilometers before the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. Board a boat for a twenty-minute journey across shimmering Rico Lake, feeling the chill Patagonian air as you approach the glacier’s spectacular southwestern coast. Upon arrival, make your way to the forest refuge, where guides organize groups of up to twenty and provide crampons for your trek. Begin a guided walk through the woods, then step onto the gleaming surface of the glacier for an hour-and-a-half minitrekking adventure. As you cross the glacier’s irregular but secure surface, marvel at the crevasses, deep blue moulins, and shining lagoons below your feet, all while surrounded by breathtaking ice formations. The tour concludes with a return boat trip offering close-up views of the awe-inspiring glacier face. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the world’s few advancing glaciers, continually reshaping Patagonia’s landscape. 

Please note: This excursion is suitable only for ages 10–65, and some health and footwear restrictions apply. Lunch is not included, so be sure to bring your own.

This morning, transfer from El Calafate to a traditional estancia nestled within Los Glaciares National Park. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in over 100 years of ranching heritage, experiencing firsthand what it means to live like a true Patagonian gaucho. Settle into your double standard room and enjoy full board throughout your stay. A private guide will tailor the ranch activities to match your family’s interests and preferences, ensuring a unique and personal adventure. Get hands-on with authentic daily tasks: participate in cattle branding, sheep shearing, milking, dressage, or witness skillful horseback demonstrations on native criollo horses. Try your hand at tending the orchard or simply soak in the rhythms of rural life. The estancia’s remote location provides an extraordinary opportunity to disconnect and discover the customs that define the Patagonian spirit. 

Did you know? The gaucho is an enduring symbol of independence and bravery in Argentine history.

Awaken to another full day of rural adventure at the estancia, where you’ll deepen your connection to Patagonian culture. Participate in more gaucho-inspired activities, including horseback riding or hiking along different trails that reveal the property’s diverse beauty. Venture through the Rio Cachorro valley, reach the tranquil shores of Lake Argentino, visit border landmarks, outposts, or ascend the hills of Cerro Cristal—all on foot, by horse, or by bicycle. Enjoy the flexibility to explore auto-guided paths or accompany knowledgeable baqueanos on horseback as they manage cattle in the open steppe. Experience the landscape’s vastness and spot native flora and fauna, with panoramic points offering glimpses of the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Hidden Glaciers to the south. Your accommodation, set within the estancia, keeps you surrounded by authentic Patagonian wilderness. 

Fun fact: Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, prized for its unspoiled natural splendor.

After a satisfying lunch at the estancia, you’ll journey back to El Calafate, leaving behind the vast Patagonian steppe and the rhythms of ranch life. Once you arrive in the village, enjoy a relaxing afternoon stroll through El Calafate’s delightful streets or along the shores of Lake Argentino. This is your chance to explore artisan shops, soak in the scenic vistas, and perhaps sample some regional treats. Accommodation awaits you back in town for a restful night. 

Did you know? El Calafate is famed for its hospitality and is considered the gateway to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Enjoy your final breakfast surrounded by the sweeping landscapes of Patagonia. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred from your accommodation to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable family adventure in southern Argentina. As you leave, reflect on the authentic rural experiences and wild beauty you encountered during your stay. 

El Calafate Airport is the main gateway for travelers wishing to explore the world-renowned wonders of Patagonia.