HIDDEN GLACIERS

Afternoon arrival at the Estancia Nibepo Aike, taking the 5:00 PM shuttle service from El Calafate. After settling in, the guide will explain the itinerary for the following days. The horses will be prepared, and other equipment made ready to set off early the following morning.

For the rest of the afternoon and evening the guest are free to enjoy the estancia, exploring its surroundings by bike or on foot, finding one’s own way along the footpaths and taking part in the sheep-shearing demonstration using traditional hand shears.

Evening meal and spend night at the estancia’s main house.

Overnight in Estancia Nibepo Aike

No riding today

Around 10am you will begin your riding adventure climbing up the mountain range Cordon de los Cristales, which lies behind the main house. The higher we go, the more clearly Argentino lake ́s arms stand out. Once we reach the clearing, the track plunges into the Patagonian Andean woods. We pass between lenga trees and guindos [Magellan beeches], riding along old tracks where the great sheep drives used to pass. We reach a little clear land, where cows graze.

There, La Rosada outpost is the home of the “puestero”, who oversees cattle and carries on the legacy of traditional rural production. He knows every single corner of this part of the land and he can count the cows with just a glance. If one had escaped, he would bring her back within a couple of minutes.

There, we have a picnic lunch. By the afternoon, we reach an historical point: the International landmark that indicates the end the estancia and the end of Argentina. The sensation to be at the very frontiers of Patagonia is unique. It is the south of the south: wind blows and the flag waves. The landscape and its calmness never end.

Free time to explore the surroundings while dinner is being cooked over the fire. Dinner and night at La Rosad outpost.

Overnight at La Rosada outpost

On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros [Chilean firebush] and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier starts to appear. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock.

After a picnic lunch we continue horseback riding to the 3 de Abril lagoon, a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, kaiken [upland goose] and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we come to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the coziness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.

Evening meal and overnight at the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril.

After breakfast at the refuge we make our way to the picturesque lakeshore to meet Glaciar Sur. This excursion departs from Nibepo Aike’s pier and navigates the Lago Argentino down south to the Hidden Glaciers. The expedition is a combination of boating and trekking to reach a unique spot between the mountains and glaciers, which only a few people are lucky enough to ever see in their lifetime.

Once the group gets on board, the boat sails through the Brazo Sur to its southernmost point. After a short walk through the native forest, we'll reach the first lookout point to see the glaciers up close. We'll then jump on zodiac boats to navigate the Lago Frias for a few minutes, before starting a new hike along an old river course. This trail will lead us to an amphitheater facing the glaciers Garra, Frias, and Grande, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the milky waters of Laguna de las Tempanos and the icebergs that decorate it. This area of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is almost unexplored, only a few gauchos and cows from Nibepo Aike know the place’s hidden spots and secrets

After soaking up the breathtaking scenery and capturing memories at the feet of the glaciers, we'll make our way back to the outpost. The rest of Glaciar Sur’s group keep navigating to the Estancia and then by car to El Calafate.

Please note that this activity is combined with the regular service from Glaciar Sur, so the boat excursion and bilingual guide services will be shared with other passengers doing the complete tour from El Calafate. This activity will be provided at no additional cost. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions or terrain issues. The hike is approximately 6 hours (14 km) with a little gradient and medium technical requirement.

Evening meal and overnight at the Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril.

If the weather means that the standard day 4 glacier visit cannot be done the adventure will continue foot and on horseback!

After breakfast, we saddle up and ride south to the Southern Arm of Lago Argentina. As we approach the head of the lake, we dismount and hike up to an even higher viewpoint, where we’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Southern Arm, Laguna Corazón and of the Lago Frías, with glimpses of the Hidden Glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson in the distance.

Next, we make our way to the beach at the head of the Southern Arm and cross a pristine pasture. Our next stop is an impressive erratic stone that towers over 20 meters, a testament to the power of glaciers past and present. We follow the lower Frias River, passing by remnants of the area's livestock-rearing history, including a 100-year-old hanging bridge destroyed by the great flooding of Lago Argentina in 1937.

As we continue on our journey, we hike through dense woodland, until we reach the crystal-clear waters of Corazón Lagoon. The water is so clear that you can watch the trout swimming between the rocks. We'll pause for a peaceful lunch in this hidden paradise. For the more adventurous, there's an option to continue a bit further, navigating some awkward stones to reach the southern end of Frias Lake, the natural border that protects the glaciers hidden in the mountains further south.

In the afternoon, we return to where we left our horses and make our way back to Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril, where we'll spend the night.

Overnnight in Puesto Laguna 3 de Abril.

The return journey begins riding along the shore of the lake until we reach the main buildings of the estancia, about 18km from the refuge.

We will arrive in time for lunch with a typical Patagonian lamb roasted at the stake over charcoal embers, which will be ready just as the riders arrive.

After lunch, a shuttle services will take you to El Calafate, arriving town about 4:15 PM.

If you are leaving El Calafate today, aim to book your flights departing after 8pm or a separate transfer will need to be arranged.