Discovering the Magic Route

Helsingfors - Fitz Roy

Trekking & Sailing through Forests, Glaciers and Lakes

Departures: Daily from November through March

Meals: Full Board. Air Fare: Not included.

Los Glaciares National Park is perhaps one of the truly untouched area in the southern continent. 47 major glaciers descending from the Continental Ice massif and falling into Viedma and Argentino lakes. This tour starts at Estancia Helsingfors, a magical place by Viedma lake, surrounded by snowed mountains, crystal lakes and old Sequoias. It continues crossing the beautiful Viedma lake towards El Chalten Village, name given by the indians to the Fitz Roy mountain. This village of just 50 inhabitants is the place where the visitors will find accommodation while practicing trekking, hiking and mountain climbing by the Fitz Roy massif area.

Day 1 - El Calafate / Helsingfors

Early departure by regular line bus to Helsingfors Inn. This "estancia" was founded at the beginning of this century by a finnish pionneer: Alfred Ramstrom. It counts with 8 comfortable bedrooms (doubles and triples) all of them with private bathroom. Also a dinning room, a bar, and a friendly fireplace where you can enjoy your rest. Accommodation. Luncheon. In the afternoon, departure for an excursion to "Laguna Azul" (Blue Lagoon). We'll start our way by getting into the Andes Mountains, 200 m. above sea level, to reach the Alfredo Valley and its river coming right from the very heart of the Andes. We'll take the path that leads to Laguna Azul. This lagoon of volcanic formation is fed by a small but attractive glacier that originates it. Return along a road that borders the water torrent to the valley. On our way, we enjoy the imposing view of the Fitz Roy massif until we lose sight of it and we go through the arid plateau to get into the thick grove that shelters Helsingfors Inn. Arrival. Dinner

Day 2 - Helsingfors / El Chalten

Breakfast. In the morning, hiking excursion to the Moyano Glacier. Embark. After 40 min. sail across the Viedma lake up to the Seno Moyano, surrounded by mountains covered with forests, we disembark at the end of the strait. After a nice walk along a stream, we reach the glacier. Its front wall falls into a wonderfull lake, baptized as "Lago Verde" (green lake) by the primitives inhabitants of the area. Return to Helsingfors Inn Luncheon. In the afternoon, departure towards the port to board the boat to cross Viedma lake, enjoying the splendid view of the Viedma glacier. We sail along the lake, passing through a narrow cove surrounded by cliffs, into which cascades a waterfall. Arrival to Bahia Tunel port. Departure by regular line bus to "La Aldea Apart Hotel" at El Chalten village. This comfortable Apart Hotel of duplex-style apartments has an impresive view of the Fitz Roy and Torre massifs. Accommodation. Departure to visit "Laguna Capri" (Capri Lagoon). This hike will allow us to enjoy the mountains, rivers and woods that gathers this paradisiac landscape, the scenary of the Patagonia, world renown place for hiking and trekking. Return to La Aldea Apart Hotel. Dinner.

Day 3 - El Chalten

Breakfast. Full day walk towards the Rio Blanco glacier, passing Cerro Rosado and Cerro Leon. We will border the Chorrillo del Salto cascade, with a breathtaking view of the Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery and Piedras Blancas massifs. Luncheon. Continue to Rio Blanco getting to the camp site where the ascension starts, until we reach "Laguna de los Tres" and Rio Blanco glacier at the feet of the Fitz Roy. Return to La Aldea Apart Hotel. Dinner.

Day 4 - El Chalten / El Calafate

Breakfast. During the morning we will visit "Laguna del Desierto". Sailing on a comfortable boat through the waters of this lake located in the heart of the patagonic forest, by the Cordillera de los Andes. From its crystal waters, we can watch the Huemul glacier and the whole Vespignani mountain range; always having the Torre and Fitz Roy massifs as a frame. Lunch-Box. Departure by regular line bus to El Calafate.