Wild Patagonia Expedition, Argentina

Patagonia is home to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife stories — and this expedition lets you be part of one.

Travel across the remote basaltic plateaus of Santa Cruz in search of the Critically Endangered Hooded Grebe, guided by local conservationists working to save a species with fewer than 800 individuals left.

Continue to Los Glaciares National Park for an unforgettable kayaking experience along the Perito Moreno Glacier, and explore the wild beauty of El Chaltén.

There, follow glacial rivers to find the Torrent Duck, a true symbol of resilience. A journey that fuses science, adventure, and conservation.

Topics and activities of the Wild Patagonia Expedition

This 9-day expedition through Southern Patagonia combines wildlife conservation, glacial adventure, and immersion in pristine ecosystems.

Participants will explore contrasting habitats — from the turquoise lakes of the Patagonian steppe to Andean forests and glacial valleys — while focusing on two emblematic and highly specialised species: the Hooded Grebe (Macá Tobiano) and the Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata).

Activities include kayaking in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier, fieldwork and bird monitoring on the Strobel Plateau alongside local conservation teams, and guided hikes through forests, rivers, and lagoons in a carbon-neutral private reserve near El Chaltén.

Throughout the journey, travellers gain insight into Patagonia’s fragile ecosystems, the challenges of species conservation, and the importance of sustainable tourism in protecting these unique landscapes.

Explore Wild Patagonia!

Arrival and orientation in Patagonia

Upon arrival in El Calafate, travellers are welcomed to the gateway of Los Glaciares National Park. After settling in, the group meets for an orientation session led by the expedition team.

During this briefing, participants are introduced to the objectives of the journey, the wildlife species of focus — including the critically endangered Hooded Grebe — and the conservation projects they will learn about along the way.

It’s also a time to review safety guidelines, logistics, and equipment before beginning the adventure through the heart of Patagonia.

Accommodation and board during your excursion

This 8-night program includes full-board accommodation throughout the journey.

In El Calafate, guests stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel, ideally located to explore Los Glaciares National Park.

During the fieldwork days, the group is based at Estancia La Angostura, a traditional Patagonian ranch surrounded by wide-open steppe, offering warm hospitality and hearty local meals.

The experience culminates at Refugio de Glaciares, a carbon-neutral mountain lodge nestled in the Patagonian forest. Designed with sustainability in mind, the lodge operates on renewable energy, uses locally sourced ingredients, and applies minimal-impact practices to preserve its pristine surroundings.

Here, guests can relax after days of exploration, enjoy panoramic views, and reflect on the unique ecosystems and wildlife that make Patagonia one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.

Leisure time during the expedition

Between days of fieldwork and exploration, participants will enjoy moments of rest and connection with nature.

At Estancia La Angostura, there will be free time to relax and take in the vast Patagonian steppe — a chance to appreciate the silence, the wind, and the changing colors of the landscape after days of expedition.

Later, at Refugio de Glaciares, guests may take self-guided walks through the surrounding forest reserve, discovering native flora, birdlife, and peaceful viewpoints near the lodge.

These slower moments complement the scientific and adventure aspects of the journey, allowing travelers to fully experience the rhythm and solitude of Patagonia.

Experience Patagonia responsibly!

The regions of Santa Cruz and Los Glaciares National Park

This expedition takes place in the southern province of Santa Cruz, one of Patagonia’s most remote and wildlife-rich areas.

The journey combines the steppe environment of the Strobel Plateau, home to the endangered Hooded Grebe, with the iconic landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few accesible glaciers in the world, where travelers can experience its massive walls of ice up close, during a guided kayak adventure.

From the vast basaltic plateaus and shimmering lagoons of the interior to the dramatic peaks and glaciers surrounding El Calafate and El Chaltén, the route offers a unique cross-section of Patagonia’s ecosystems — and a deeper understanding of the challenges and conservation efforts that define them.

You wanna know more about the Wild Patagonia – Birds & Ice Excursion trip, you can find detailed information here.