Exclusively curated itinerary by Adventurous Ewe

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on local communities and livelihoods across the planet, we’re keen to promote adventures in countries that are actively working towards sustainable tourism and conservation projects. Argentina has built a fine network of national parks and reserves that provide a magnificent resource for responsible tourism in Argentina. A 2011 law now restricts foreign investors buying other rural land, keeping it in local hands rather than enriching global speculators. 

We’re particularly keen and passionate to help support the local tourism industry here whilst also giving you the chance to get out and explore the diverse landscapes of this country in a safe and fun manner.

This exclusive adventure has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across Patagonia whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountains, glacier, ice-fields, environment, wildlife, culture and local communities. 

On joining us for the Patagonia Trek, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on this trek of Patagonia and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.

Both Jim and Sue are very fortunate to have completed this trek numerous times, so they are best placed to answer all your questions or queries no matter how big or small.

On signing up for the trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book the flights for you through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. 

Flights are not included in your to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Argentina if you wish. The recommended flights for this will include airport transfers in Patagonia.

There are direct flights from London and non-direct flights for all major airports across the UK. Return flights from the UK to Buenos Aires and on to El Calafate are operated by British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss, Aerolineas, Argentinas and Iberia.

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay in Argentina. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity.

British nationals do not require a visa to enter Argentina for the purpose of tourism. On presentation of a valid British passport you will normally be given an entry stamp permitting you to stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days. For the latest entry requirements, click here.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than one month prior to departure.

Global Rescue Membership

For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000.  They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process.  For more info, please click here. 

Vaccinations

There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for Argentina.

For the most up to date details on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 8 weeks in advance of travel. For up to date vaccination info please check the latest health advice for Argentina from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website.

Dengue fever is also a known risk in Argentina. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. If you have a fever or feel unwell, please let your Leader know right away.

Apart from the recent COVID-19 pandemic there are no other health risks in Argentina. We are monitoring and activating the guidelines and recommendations put in place by the respective governments and World Health Organisation as a result of COVID-19. You will receive our operational guidelines for this expedition when you join the trip and hand sanitiser and face masks will be provided for travel. Rest assured your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.

Severe allergies

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority. The Patagonia Trek is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something incredible. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

You will be accompanied by local qualified Mountain Guide/s and a UK Mountain Leader for groups over 10 people. All our Guides are Remote First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading teams in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice website for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

We also ask that you please ensure you use your alcohol-based hand sanitiser at all times to minimise the spread of any germs throughout your fellow flock of trekkers!

You will be accompanied by certified Mountain Leader/s throughout this trek. Leaders have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Your Leader will be Wilderness First Aid trained too.

Your Local Leader is a key part to this trip. They are all expertly trained and experienced, bilingual (English and Spanish) and have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude. The Leaders/s have radio and mobile phone contact with base, the local office and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size for the Patagonia Trek to run is 8 people and the maximum group size is 16 people.

You are most welcome to join this adventure as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private bubble or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 8 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Trekking experience and level of difficulty – ‘High/Tough’

This is a challenging multi-day trek amongst the mountains and glaciers in Patagonia. It is graded ‘High’ due to the consecutive days of trekking and the inclusive 3-day expedition style trek, however there is no high altitude or technical sections involved. The trip is designed for confident trekkers who are looking for a rewarding adventure together with undertaking a 3-day expedition style journey. During this expedition you will be required to carry additional items due to the remoteness of the trek. This will include items for two nights of remote camping and trekking on days 7 to 9 including your sleeping bag, sleeping matt, packed lunches & snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear, additional warm layers, river crossing footwear and personal items. Overall, your route follows established trails though there are some sections of walking on scree. For the river crossing and use of the zip-line and safety harness, no previous experience is required as full instruction and support will be provided by your Leaders.

Due to the unpredictability of the climate in southern Patagonia, you will need to be prepared for walking in all conditions, as the weather can change extremely rapidly, making clothing and footwear choices important.

As with any trek in mountainous areas, safety is paramount and your Leader will always make decisions to amend the itineraries to ensure the safety of the whole group. 

A Trek Training Programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coach, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

We have a variety of tailored training weekends available to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trekking adventure. These training weekends are the perfect way to help you gauge your fitness and training progress under the careful guidance of our experienced leaders. Plus the leaders will chat through your specific trip and also provide guidance and tips relating to clothing and equipment, health and wellbeing, packing, camping, trekking skills (walking on different terrain/at altitude/at night/using trekking poles), teamwork and much more to ensure you are fully prepared and ready for your adventure ahead.

We predominantly host our training weekends in Snowdonia given the wide variety of terrain available to practice and where Chief Ewe’s, Jim or Sue, can meet you too. It’s a great way for you to meet fellow members of the flock and ask any questions, no matter how big or small. We’re here to make sure you’re ready. For further info, please email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

A full kit list will be provided when you join us for this trek. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers. An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for speccialist outdoor retailers on joining us for this Patagonian adventure.

To help you get the very best from your Patagonian adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code for speccialist outdoor retailers on joining us for this Patagonian adventure. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and this trek.

Since Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of those which we experience in Europe. The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes exposed to a variety of weather. As you’d expect when travelling to any mountain region you need to be prepared for all conditions. Trips to Patagonia are organised between October and April to take advantage of the longer, warmer days. During these months the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires reach a maximum of 35ºC, in Calafate around 22ºC and in the extreme south around 19ºC. These are maximum figures, and the average can be taken as being somewhat lower; night-time temperatures in Patagonia and the south will certainly be very much colder than this, and in some cases freezing. It can be extremely windy and it can rain at any time of year.

We recommend that you check the mountain weather forecast in the days leading up to your trek by clicking here.

8 nights: Hostel (1 night), traditional hosteria (4 nights), camping (3 nights)

We’ve sourced our accommodation very carefully to support locally owned places in line with the Adventurous Ewe style of travel. Your first night you in Calafate you will be staying in a hostel in private dormitory style rooms with a shared bathroom. Whilst in El Chaltén you will be staying in traditional hosterias or similar on a twin share basis with ensuites and whilst camping you will be in two person tents.

Single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation in order to keep the cost at a minimum for you. Single rooms and tents may be organised for an additional cost however this is dependent on availability. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. For more info or to request a single room or to extend your stay in Buenos Aires, please get in touch with us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.

This itinerary has been designed to allow you can experience vast array of wonderful food available in Patagonia. From the meals included to the three dinners not included which will be enjoyed in local restaurants to give you the flexibility to sample some of the fresh and delicious specialitites served in both Calafate and El Chalten. The glacial waters of the national parks mean an abundance of fresh trout and salmon. For those seeking a seafood hit, king crab chowder would be hard to beat! An incredibly indulgent dish of crab, cheese and cream, topped with breadcrumbs. Patagonia is also rightly famed for its lamb, often spit-roasted over a wood fire, served with a sauce made from the local calafate berry. Wild deer and boar can often be found on the menu too. Empanadas are very similar to Cornish pasties and are stuffed with lamb, vegetables or cheese. The chocolate is of the highest quality too and many chocolate shops can be found in Calafate and El Chalten.

Please note, the meals served whilst on your 3-day expedition style journey are more basic given that you and the team are carrying food supplies for this period.

For those seeking refreshment, Patagonia (like much of Latin America) there are micro-breweries well worth seeking out. The calafate berry also makes it into the local version of the Pisco Sour, which locals will tell you is far superior to any other! Finally, wine lovers will be utterly spoiled with the very best Malbec, Pinot noir and Torrentes wines.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps or streams enroute. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Bottled water and drinks can be purchased throughout the trek from El Chalten, but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste. For further info on purchasing an Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle please click here and help reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, unfortunately we are really restricted with what can be provided for special diets.  Due to the nature of this trip, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  Please let us know when booking if you have any special dietary requirements or allergies and we can advise accordingly.

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in one of our big adventures. As part of our commitment to helping the planet, members of the flock who join us for the Patagonia Trek will receive a free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle. This is our way of saying thank-ewe and also making a difference to the consumption of single use plastics in developing countries. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to find out more.

Deposit of £295 per person is required on booking.
Remaining balance of £2190 per person is due for payment no later than 5 weeks prior to the trip start date.

Pay in instalments, interest free
We’re well aware that adventures can be a significant investment so we’ve set out to make it easy to afford. Once you’ve put down your deposit, you can pay the remaining balance off in monthly instalments with no extra charges so you can get out there and live your dream. Simply contact us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to set up your payment plan.

You are welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

All your trip info will be sent to you through a travel mobile app via Vamoos which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app. For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us on:

Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
Twitter: @adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones, radio and satellite phone communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on +44(0)7747 346 588.

We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe