ZEALOUS ARGENTINA
PATAGONIA WITH BROOKEBEYOND
YOUR HOST: brookebeyond
Originally from the PNW, Brooke is an Australian immigrant and full-time nomad obsessed with chaotic overseas adventures, long backpacking treks, and the unexpected magical moments discovered only by traveling beyond the ordinary. She’s always keen for off-the-beaten path adventures and is passionate about helping others learn new skills to feel comfortable exploring the outdoors.
OVERVIEW
Discover the extraordinary scenery of Los Glaciares National Park, located near the southern edge of the world in the Patagonian region of Argentina. Embark on an epic multi-sport adventure: raft through glacier-fed class III & III+ rapids, camp under the stars, experience the sunrise lighting up Mt. Fitz Roy from Laguna de los Tres, climb a via ferrata with amazing views, and ride majestic horses through forests and mountain streams. Venture far!
COOL MOUNTAIN TOWN VIBES
Enjoy post-hike food & drink in charming & picturesque El Chaltén.
VIEW PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Witness iceberg calving from the breath-taking Perito Moreno Glacier.
SUNRISE HIKE TO MT. FITZ ROY
Trek to Laguna de los Tres for sunrise over the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy.
TRIP DETAILS
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Meet in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s eclectic capital city with rich history, amazing food, and colors abound. Your 9-day adventure starts with urban exploration and a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers — and likely a glass of Argentinian malbec, salud!
Arrive in Buenos Aires (EZE)
City walking tour & welcome dinner
Accommodation in San Telmo
DAY 2
After breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for a flight down to El Calafate. Private transport will take you to Perito Moreno Glacier to witness its grandeur from both boardwalk & boat. Afterwards, there’ll be some free time in town before dinner.
Domestic flight to El Calafate
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier
Accommodation in El Calafate
DAY 3
Today will be quite a unique adventure! The via ferrata or “iron path” originated in the Italian Dolomites during WWI to help transport equipment and supplies through difficult mountain terrain. Get ready for adrenaline-filled fun and awesome views. No climbing experience necessary!
Transport to El Chaltén
Via ferrata adventure with epic views
Accommodation in El Chaltén
DAY 4
Adrenaline — that’s the theme of today’s adventure! Start with dry suits and a safety briefing before taking on the glacial class III rapids of the Rio de las Vueltas. After a bit of free time for R&R, you’ll prep for the 3-day backpacking trek in Los Glaciares National Park.
Whitewater rafting down the Rio de las Vueltas
Relax, rest, and prep for the trek
Accommodation in El Chaltén
DAY 5
Today will be an early morning start to 3 epic days of backpacking in Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy lunch and a nice rest break at Laguna Torre before heading to Campamento Poincenot to set up your tent, take off your boots, hang out, and cook dinner.
Start the backpacking adventure
Lunch at Laguna Torre
Distance: ~19 km
Tent camping @ Campamento Poincenot
DAY 6
Rise & shine! Grab your headlamp and daypack for a super early start to reach Laguna de los Tres to see the sunrise hit the towering peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy. Back to Poincenot to eat breakfast, grab your stuff, and continue on the trail towards Piedra del Fraile.
Sunrise hike to Laguna de los Tres
Easier day of trekking after breakfast
Distance: ~17 km
Tent camping @ Piedra del Fraile
DAY 7
Take only your daypack for the trek to a small lake, Laguna Pollone. You’ll have awesome views of Glacier Fitz Roy Norte, Glacier Marconi, and Lago Electrico. After lunch, it’s time to break camp and hike back to El Chaltén for a nice hot shower and celebratory dinner in town!
Hike to Laguna Pollone
Views of two different glaciers
Distance: ~14 km
Accommodation in El Chaltén
DAY 8
After waking up in a nice comfy bed, you’ll enjoy a semi-relaxing day riding Patagonian born & raised horses at a local estancia in the countryside and you’ll eat lunch at a small lagoon along the way. Experience panoramic views of Fitz Roy from different vantage points.
Horseback riding at a nearby estancia
Farewell dinner
Accommodation in El Chaltén
DAY 9
Pack your bags because it’s time to return to the real world. After breakfast, private transport heads back to the airport in El Calafate, where you’ll catch your flight home. Don’t forget to exchange contact info with your new adventure friends to stay in touch, share pics, and plan next year’s Zealous trip 2.0.
Transportation
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION:
✦ Arrival pick-up from airport in Buenos Aires
✦ All other private group transports
Food
INCLUDED MEALS:
➜ Included: (1) one alcoholic drink
We're happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
Please inform us at the time of booking.
Accommodations
INCLUDED ACCOMMODATIONS ➜ BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY:
✦ 1 night in Buenos Aires in boutiqe accommodation
✦ 1 night in El Calafate in locally-operated accommodation
✦ 4 nights in El Chaltén in locally-operated accommodation
✦ 2 nights camping in Los Glaciares National Park
❖ Tent
❖ Sleeping bag
❖ Sleeping pad
Potential limited availability for single occupancy for an additional fee
Activities
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES:
✦ City walking tour in Buenos Aires
✦ Entrance fee to Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalk
✦ Glacier lagoon boat ride
✦ Whitewater rafting on Rio de las Vueltas
✦ Via ferrata at local estancia
✦ Awesome English-speaking certified guide
✦ Horseback riding at local estancia
✦ Fun, friendly, logistical jedi trip leaders
And you'll meet other fun travelers like yourself 😎
Not Included
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE:
✘ Flights
✘ Mandatory trip insurance
✘ Some meals as outlined above
✘ Personal and/or incidental expenses
✘ 50-65L backpack (approx.)
GETTING TO THE AREA
This is the simplified version:
➤ International flight ➜ Buenos Aires (EZE).
Flight must arrive by TBD for pickup. Your epic adventure starts here!
➤ Buenos Aires (EZE) ⇄ El Calafate (FTE).
Everyone must book certain domestic flights.
➤ Buenos Airea (EZE) ➜ International flight.
Flight must depart Buenos Aires after TBD.
Travelers will receive detailed version after booking.
SAMPLE PACKING LIST
REQUIRED
Backpack ➜ at least 45L
Hiking footwear
Hiking socks
Hiking pants or leggings
Long-sleeve hiking shirts
Baselayers for sleeping
Rain pants
Rain jacket / shell
Packable midlayer
Beanie
Lightweight gloves
Water bottle / hydration
Headlamp
Microfiber towel
Daypack ➜ 15-20L
RECOMMENDED
Crocs or light camp sandals
Neck buff
Headband
Windbreaker
Sunglasses
Portable charger
Type-I plug adaptor
Earplugs
Sunscreen & lip balm
Camp pillow
Liner socks
Body wipes
2-3 ziplock baggies
PROVIDED
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Trekking poles
Tent
Camp mug & utensil
Travelers will receive a more detailed item-by-item gear list after booking, in addition to personalized pre-departure guidance from our trip specialists. We are happy to help you find the right gear for your safety and comfort on the trail. Because blisters suck.
Iguazu Falls is the largest broken waterfall in the world. It sits at the border of Argentina & Brazil and is made up of 275 separate cascades. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Maté is a traditional South American hot drink made from the dried leaves of the Yerba Maté & prepared similarly to tea. It is served in a gourd with a filtering metal straw and is often shared with friends.
Argentina is world-renowned for its wine, particularly its Malbec. Originally from southwest France, the grapes are grown at some of the highest elevations in the world.
Mt. Fitz Roy, with an elevation of 11,171 ft., is an iconic mountain sitting on the border of Argentina & Chile. You may have seen it on the logo of a popular outdoor clothing brand.
NOT-QUITE FINE PRINT
✦ Outdoor adventure travel can be unpredictable. Patagonia can be unpredictable. Our top priority is to provide a rewarding yet safe experience. We'll do our best to adhere to the intended itinerary. Certain circumstances (i.e. unsafe weather conditions) may result in slight changes to the itinerary. We believe spontaneity is often a good thing.
✦ Travelers must have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your return flight.
✦ Travelers are required to have trip insurance. Proof of coverage must be received no later than 30 days prior to trip departure. We suggest purchasing trip insurance as soon as you book your Zealous trip. Our top recommendation is the Tin Leg Adventure plan through Squaremouth.
✦ Packing light is the way to go. Along with your hiking pack, we recommend a medium-sized bag for non-trekking items, ideally a carry-on duffel or equivalent. During the trek, this bag may be stored at our in-town accommodation. One bag per person is included. Additionally, the packable daypack can double as your go-to bag for day tours or wandering around town.
✦ IMPORTANT: Please do not book flights until receiving the go-ahead email from a trip specialist to ensure the minimum number of participants are confirmed. We are happy to provide flight recommendations.
PAYMENT POLICY
- ❖ At time of booking ➜ risk-free deposit!
- ✓ Transferable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable for any reason within 7 days.
- ❖ If not paying in full, a payment plan will be created after booking.
- ✓ Payments will be split into 3-4 payments based on booking date.
- ❖ Final payment will be due at ~30 days from trip start date.
CANCELATION POLICY
- ❖ 120 days or more before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% refundable.
- ❖ 90 to 119 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% refundable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 60 to 89 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to a future trip.
- ❖ 0 to 59 days before trip start date:
- ✓ Payment(s) are not refundable or transferable.
- ✓ Deposit is 100% transferable to future trip.
Travelers will receive additional details after booking.
$2,300
$300 refundable deposit
2024: Feb 23-Mar 2