The "From El Calafate: Argentino Lake and 4WD Discovery Tour" offers a captivating adventure that immerses visitors in Patagonia’s natural splendor. With a scenic boat ride across the stunning Argentino Lake and a thrilling 4×4 excursion to the Upsala viewpoint, this 11-hour experience promises to leave a lasting impression. Complemented by a visit to the historic Estancia Cristina and a delectable lunch, the tour provides an enriching journey that celebrates the region’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. Bilingual guides ensure an insightful exploration, leaving one to wonder what other remarkable discoveries await in this enchanting corner of the world.
Key Points
- Tour departs from El Calafate hotels and includes access to Los Glaciares National Park, boat ride on Argentino Lake, and 4×4 excursion to Upsala viewpoint.
- The 11-hour tour is conducted by bilingual guides and includes a delicious lunch in the itinerary.
- Highlights include seeing light blue icebergs on Argentino Lake and enjoying breathtaking glacier and mountain views from the Upsala viewpoint.
- The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural heritage and history of the Patagonian region.
- Flexible booking options, free cancellation, and high customer ratings for organization and service quality make this tour a compelling choice.
Tour Overview
This Argentino Lake and 4WD Discovery Tour from El Calafate offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural wonders. Priced from $300 per person, the 11-hour tour includes transportation from El Calafate hotels, a boat ride on the striking Argentino Lake, a visit to Estancia Cristina, and a 4×4 excursion to the Upsala viewpoint.
The tour is conducted in Spanish and English by bilingual guides and includes the national park fee and lunch. Customers can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviews highlight the tour’s organization, guide quality, and lunch, although some note the expense.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Calafate.
Itinerary Highlights
Amidst the stunning Patagonian landscape, the tour begins with a sail on Argentino Lake, where participants are surrounded by light blue icebergs that glisten in the sunlight.
The journey then takes them to Estancia Cristina, a historical Patagonia farm, where they can explore:
- The 4×4 ride to the Upsala viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the Upsala Glacier and the Andes Mountains
- The guided walk to the Caterina River, the chapel, and the old house of the Estancia
- The opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and history of the region
- The chance to enjoy a delicious lunch, included in the tour package.
Included Services
The El Calafate Discovery Tour includes a range of services that enhance the overall experience. The tour’s National Park fee is covered, ensuring seamless access to the protected areas.
Transfers from El Calafate hotels to the Punta Bandera port are provided, taking the hassle out of transportation.
The highlight of the tour is the navigation on Lake Argentino, where participants can witness the stunning light blue icebergs. An off-road crossing to a natural viewpoint is also included, offering breathtaking vistas of the Upsala Glacier and Andes Mountains.
Lastly, a bilingual tour guide and a delicious lunch are part of the package, making this an all-inclusive and convenient adventure.
Booking Information
To book the El Calafate Discovery Tour, customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can check availability and starting times on the booking platform.
The tour includes:
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Check availability for starting times
- Booking platform offers convenience and flexibility
With these flexible booking options, travelers can secure their spot on the tour and make any necessary changes without hassle.
The tour’s organization and service quality have received high praise from previous customers.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Customers have given the El Calafate Discovery Tour high marks, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 14 reviews.
The tour guide received a 4.3 rating, with reviewers praising their bilingual capabilities and wealth of knowledge.
The transportation aspect earned a 4.2 rating, with comments about the comfort and reliability of the vehicles.
Service received a 4 out of 5 rating, though some noted the high cost of the tour.
Notably, the organization of the tour earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score, with reviewers impressed by the seamless coordination.
Important Notes
Comfortable shoes are recommended for participants on the El Calafate Discovery Tour.
The tour operator enforces strict policies to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. Pets and smoking are strictly prohibited on the tour.
Additionally:
- The tour operates in both Spanish and English, with a bilingual guide to assist participants.
- Lunch is included in the tour package, but guests should notify the operator of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- The tour involves an off-road 4×4 ride and a boat trip, so participants should dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities.
- Guests are advised to bring any necessary personal items, such as sunscreen, hats, and water, to enhance their overall experience.
Lake Argentino Sailing
The tour begins with a scenic boat ride across the serene Argentino Lake.
As the boat glides across the pristine waters, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Light blue icebergs float peacefully, their sharp edges contrasting with the calm lake.
The boat ride offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Patagonia’s natural wonders. Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide provides commentary, sharing insights into the local geography, wildlife, and history.
This tranquil experience on Argentino Lake sets the stage for the exciting off-road adventure that follows.
Estancia Cristina Exploration
From Argentino Lake, the tour continues on to the historic Estancia Cristina, a Patagonian ranch with a rich cultural heritage.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable locale, discovering its historical significance and natural wonders.
The tour includes:
- A guided walk through the Estancia, visiting the old house and chapel
- Learning about the ranch’s history and the lives of its former inhabitants
- Witnessing the stunning vistas of the Andes Mountains and Upsala Glacier from the 4×4 ride
- Enjoying a delicious lunch made with locally-sourced ingredients at the Estancia.
This immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into the remote Patagonian landscape and the enduring legacy of Estancia Cristina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum number of participants. It’s an open-group tour, so individuals or small groups can join without needing to meet a minimum group size requirement.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch, and outside food and drinks are not permitted. Bringing your own snacks or beverages is not allowed during the excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour does not have any age restrictions. It is open to participants of all ages. Children are welcome to join the excursion, though parents should ensure they are able to handle the activities comfortably.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
The tour does not offer customized itinerary options. It follows a set schedule for all participants. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate special requests if communicated in advance, subject to availability and additional fees.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?
For this tour, the only recommended item to bring is comfortable shoes. No special equipment or gear is required, as all necessary supplies and transportation are provided as part of the included services.
Recap
The "From El Calafate: Argentino Lake and 4WD Discovery Tour" offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Patagonia’s captivating landscapes. Combining a scenic boat ride across Argentino Lake and a thrilling 4×4 excursion, this 11-hour adventure provides breathtaking glacier vistas and a chance to explore the historic Estancia Cristina, making it an enriching exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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