On arrival at El Calafate Airport, you are met and transferred to our hotel in town - a distance of 20 kilometres. El Calafate is a small remote community that is named after a small dark berry that grows in abundance around the area. It was officially founded in 1927 and has a population of 6000. In the evening we are free to wander around and absorb the lively atmosphere in the main street (Avenida del Libertador General San Martin), accentuated by the long twilight of the southern summer.

After breakfast we set out on our day trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. We travel 160 kilometres to get there and back, mainly on paved roads and over an area of wide barren plains known as Peninsula Magallanes. If we look up, we may be lucky enough to see condors soaring overhead. Upon arrival, we view arguably the world's most famous glacier from various vantage points. The spectacle we encounter here is not only one of sight, but also of sound. Thunderous cracks are followed by equally tremendous splashes, as great chunks of icebergs from the glacier wall break off intermittently and crash into the waters of the channel. Please pay attention to the signs around the site warning about the dangers of 'flying' ice. We have three to four hours to explore this fabulous region. Those interested can book on an optional mini-trekking excursion where, after being provided with crampons and pick-axes, we get to actually walk on the glacier itself. The additional cost for this optional excursion is approximately US$145. Our local representative can help to arrange this activity for you, but this will need to be arranged on arrival. (Please note lunch can be purchased at the site; alternatively you may like to bring along your own picnic lunches).

Early in the morning we drive for 45 kilometres to Puerto Bandera, on the northern branch of Lake Argentino, where the boat "Upsala Explorer" will be waiting for us. The average depth of the lake is 150 metres, although the deepest point is up to 500 metres. The boat will navigate to Upsala Glacier, cruising past several impressive ice bergs. Photographers in particular will delight in taking photos of these amazing white formations set against the backdrop of the mountains and the sky. We also cruise along the 10-kilometre face the glacier which extends back 50 kilometres, making it the largest in the area. However, unlike Perito Moreno, this glacier is retreating. In the afternoon, we head to Estancia Cristina by 4WD vehicle. We cross Fossils Valley and visit a scientific base where we are able to access the shelter and see historical relics. We then head to Upsala viewpoint for another perspective of this massive, endless glacier. Lunch is included at the Estancia, and afterwards there is time for an optional walk with one of the local guides. On our return boat journey, we are served afternoon tea, and continue to our hotel in El Calafate, arriving around 800pm in the evening.

After breakfast you need to check out from your hotel room. You are then transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Your trip finishes on arrival at the airport.