El Chaltén: Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour

The El Chaltén Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. This immersive experience combines a scenic boat ride across Lago del Desierto and a self-guided hike to the Vespignani Glacier, providing panoramic views of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. With three trail options to choose from, participants can customize their adventure and soak in the region’s natural wonders at their own pace. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a truly unforgettable blend of outdoor exploration, stunning vistas, and lifelong memories.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a comprehensive Patagonian experience, including a bus ride, sailing excursion, and self-guided hike to Vespignani Glacier.
• The tour provides three hiking trail options of varying difficulty, catering to different fitness levels and offering panoramic views.
• The tour is priced at $108 per person and includes transportation, sailing, and hiking activities, as well as an afternoon snack.
• The tour operates in both Spanish and English, with a bilingual guide provided for the bus ride.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The El Chaltén: Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour is a comprehensive day trip that allows visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Patagonian region.

Priced from $108 per person, this 6-hour tour includes transportation, a sailing excursion, and a self-guided hike with options for different difficulty levels.

The tour is available in both Spanish and English, with a bilingual guide provided for the bus ride.

Booking can be made online, and cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour starts and ends in El Chaltén, providing an immersive experience in this picturesque Patagonian town.

Itinerary and Activities

The El Chaltén: Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour kicks off with a 105-minute bus/coach ride from the starting point at Excursion Fishing to Punta Sur Port.

Participants then board a 20-minute catamaran journey on Lago del Desierto.

The main activity is a 2-hour hike to the Vespignani Glacier, with options for three different trail difficulties.

The difficult trail is a 45-minute hike gaining 500 feet in elevation, offering views of Mount Fitz Roy.

The intermediate trail is a 20-minute walk with sweeping vistas, while the easy trail winds through a wooded area.

Along the way, there are photo stops and sightseeing opportunities.

Before the return trip, an afternoon snack is provided.

Panoramic Views and Experiences

Panoramic vistas of Fitz Roy and glimmering glaciers unfold during the bus ride to the starting point.

The 30-minute catamaran journey offers a chance to sail past glaciers like Creston and Huemul, providing a serene sailing experience.

At the hiking trailhead, guests can choose from three trails of varying difficulty levels, each offering sweeping views of the majestic landscape.

The moderate trail provides 20 minutes of trekking with panoramic vistas, while the challenging trail climbs 500 feet, rewarding hikers with striking views of Mount Fitz Roy.

An afternoon snack is provided before the return trip, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the day’s breathtaking experiences.

Transportation and Hiking Trails

The tour begins with a 105-minute bus ride that takes participants from El Chaltén to Punta Sur Port.

Once there, travelers board a 20-minute catamaran journey across Lago del Desierto towards the Vespignani Glacier.

Upon arrival, hikers can choose from three distinct trails:

1. The difficult trail – a 45-minute hike gaining 500 feet (150 meters) in elevation, offering stunning views of Mount Fitz Roy.
2. The intermediate trail – a 20-minute trek providing sweeping panoramas.
3. The easy trail – a leisurely walk through a wooded area.

Regardless of the chosen path, the hiking portion allows visitors to enjoy the pristine natural surroundings before returning by boat and bus to El Chaltén.

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Inclusions and Requirements

The tour package includes a transfer to and from El Chaltén as well as a bilingual guide for the bus ride.

Self-guided hiking is also part of the experience. Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, rain gear, a daypack, water, and a packed lunch.

Smoking, large bags, and pets aren’t allowed. Dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking.

The tour provides an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views, a sailing experience, and an afternoon snack before the return trip to El Chaltén, arriving around 5:30 PM.

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews, the El Chaltén tour boasts an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide, who received a 4.5/5 rating, and the well-executed transportation, which scored 4.4/5.

While the tour’s value for money was rated 4/5, common feedback highlighted the scenic bus ride, helpful guide, and positive experiences with the boat trip and hiking options.

The main area for improvement seemed to be the need for clearer meeting point instructions.

Availability and Cancellation Policy

Availability for the El Chaltén tour can be checked, and the activity is offered at various starting times.

The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides customers with the convenience of altering their plans if needed.

The tour is available in both Spanish and English, catering to a diverse range of travelers.

With a duration of 6 hours, the tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring the stunning landscapes around El Chaltén.

The combination of flexibility in scheduling and cancellation ensures customers can easily fit this tour into their itinerary.

Languages and Meeting Point

Though available in both Spanish and English, the tour begins at the Excursion Fishing meeting point.

From there, participants embark on a 105-minute bus ride to Punta Sur Port, where they board a catamaran for a 20-minute journey across Lago del Desierto.

The tour offers three distinct hiking trails to choose from:

1. The Difficult Trail, a 45-minute hike with an altitude gain of 500 feet (150 meters), offering panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy.
2. The Intermediate Trail, a 20-minute hike providing sweeping vistas.
3. The Easy Trail, a leisurely walk through a wooded area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Hike?

According to the itinerary, the tour allocates 2 hours for hiking at the Vespignani Glacier. Hikers can choose from three different trails of varying difficulty, ranging from a 45-minute difficult hike to a 20-minute intermediate trail or an easy wooded walk.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

There is no information provided about an option to upgrade to a private tour. The tour details focus on the standard group itinerary and activities. Private tour upgrades are not mentioned in the given tour overview.

Do Guides Provide Commentary During the Sailing Portion?

The guides provide commentary during the sailing portion, offering insights into the surrounding glaciers and landscape. They share their knowledge to enhance the sailing experience and ensure guests make the most of this scenic journey.

Are Any Meals or Drinks Included Besides the Snack?

No other meals or drinks are included besides the afternoon snack. The tour only provides the snack prior to the return trip, and does not include any additional food or beverages throughout the day.

Can Luggage Be Stored During the Tour?

The tour company does not allow participants to bring large bags or luggage on the tour. However, the tour guide can provide information on where guests can store their luggage during the tour if needed.

Recap

The El Chaltén Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour offers an unparalleled Patagonian adventure. Participants can enjoy stunning natural scenery, from the catamaran ride across Lago del Desierto to the self-guided hike to Vespignani Glacier. With panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy and an afternoon snack, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of El Chaltén.

You can check if your dates are available here: