Hi,

My wife and I will be in Calafate for 2 nights in February. Our TA has recommended the Upsala Explorer for a day long excursion, and it sounds very good. The only issue is that we really want to do the Perito Moreno glacier also and do the trek on the ice with crampons. Our flight is very early on our arrival date, arriving at 10 am. Is this early enough to catch an excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier? Would it be possible to get a private transfer to the glacier and join the tour later in the day? If we have to choose, we will probably opt for the Perito Moreno.

Also, how much warm clothing will we actually need. I have read conflicting reports. I'm planning to have hiking boots, jeans and layered fleeces with a waterproof shell jacket and gloves. Is this sufficient? Is Buenos Aires a good place to buy outdoor gear?

Thanks,

Ronan

Any Ideas?

ro76,
Sorry I can't help you with the information you need (never been there), but there are two or three threads about this same subject in these pages. Take a look at them, and you may find some useful tips.

We were in Calafate at the end of February. The clothes you are suggesting are exactly what we wore and they were fine. We enjoyed sun and bright blue skies every day. I'm sure that is not always the case.

You have a tough choice in deciding which excursion to take. If I remember correctly, both leave early in the morning so you will probably not be able to do both. We did the Upsala trip because we could not do the trekking (bad knees) and greatly enjoyed the excursion. There were two categories on the boat and we were in first class which I think enhanced the experience.

From reading your note, I get the impression that your heart is with the ice trek. I think this excursion is about 2 hours from town and is more than just the ice trek. You'll have a wonderful time either way.

My husband and I did the perito moreno, with crampons trek. It left early in the a.m. (I think about 7 ). It was the best experience and we were in awe. We also did Upsala and rode horses up the mountain. If you are not an experienced rider then you should not do this trip(but I think you may have another option to this trip-maybe hiking). Alana

We just did both in late December. Your selection of clothes sounds fine (I did layers with a good weatherproof windbreaker). Even if you can't fit in the trek at Perito Moreno ...I would 'highly' recommend a car ride out to the platforms overlooking the north side - sheer majesty. We did Upsala with the horse back option..even though we are not experienced riders, had a fantastic time riding up into the mountains to a mountain shelter overlooking the glacier ...with a hearty lunch - just a unique experience.