If you've dreamt of exploring Patagonia by trail running while staying at a combination of comfortable and scenic hotels and unique Argentinian refugios, or mountain lodges, this is the trip for you. Throughout the trip, we'll leave tour buses and crowds behind in order to facilitate pristine Patagonian trail running adventures on this running retreat. 

Our guided trail running trip will start in El Calafate, where we will begin our adventure with a visit Patagonia’s most famous glacier and one of the world's only advancing glaciers. We’ll get up close and personal to El Perito Moreño with some ice trekking on the glacier! We'll then explore further south to the Refugio Circuit outside of the legendary town of El Chaltén, home to Monte Fitzroy, Cerro Torre, craft breweries, pristine lakes, glaciers, rivers, grasslands, and some of the world's most spectacular mountain vistas. Our curated hotels offer the comforts of spa services, organic farm-to-table dinners, and breathtaking lake and mountain views. In between we'll trail run through Los Glaciares National Park and visit unique Argentinian mountain lodges and private nature reserves. We'll trail run from these base camps, where where vistas of mountain spires, glaciers, and remote lakes are enjoyed with mate, homemade pizza, typical Argentinian parrillas of roasted meat, ample Malbec, and artisanal beer brewed with special character and history unique to each location. Possible wildlife sightings range from Huemul (patagonian deer) to Condors and Pumas. 

This running retreat is the perfect mixture of comfort and exploring the uncrowded, off-the-beaten path trails of some of Patagonia's most spectacular sites. On this guided trail running tour with all logistics, lodging, and transport taken care of, enjoy a break from winter and enjoy a Patagonian summer on our New Year's running retreat.

This running retreat adventure is open to ages 15 and up of any pace or level of runner. Must be able to complete 7-15 miles/day of hiking/running, including 1,000-3,500 feet of elevation gain per day. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime! 

***We are also offering this trip March 2-9, 2020. Please visit the retreat host's profile on WeTravel to see more offerings!***

https://www.wetravel.com/profiles/liz-gill

www.Runcation.org

This trip requires a minimum of 6 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer. 

Roundtrip transportation from the airport in El Calafate, Argentina (at specific transfer time)

Entrance Fees to National Parks

Perito Moreño Glacier Tour, including gear, guide, entrance fee, and transport costs 

Transport between the different runs and lodging throughout the trip

Baggage Transport during our runs to mountain lodges

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations
Breakfasts included 

Dinners included during two nights in mountain lodge

Knowledgable guide and running coach along the entire route

A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants

Special bonus adventures optional including an estancia tour, wine tasting, and traditional tango shows given by local artists.

International airfare

Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day

Travel Insurance

Dinners (other than evenings spent in mountain lodge)

Trip Minimum:

This trip requires a minimum of 6 participants to run. In case of trip cancellation, a full refund is issued to all participants. After booking, please contact the trip organizer before booking your flights and other travel plans. 

Passport:

Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.

Travel Insurance:

Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip. 

Room info at the Refugios/Eco Lodge:

This is high season in Patagonia. Rooms are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. If you are inclined to participate, book or contact the organizer ASAP as rooms will book up in advance by other vacationers.

Fitness/Pacing:

While there are guides to accommodate every pace of attending runner, this trip requires participants to be able to run/hike for 7-15 miles on trails at a time in mountainous climates with an elevation gain of 1,000-3,500 feet per day. Training for this trip is essential in order to be able to complete and enjoy the trip. It is highly recommended that you participate in the 12-week group training program designed specifically for this trip as a package add-on to ensure you're able to tackle the trails and get maximum enjoyment of this running retreat!

Weather:

Although this time of year is summer/fall in Patagonia, weather in the mountains, in Patagonia in particular, is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Patagonia is renown for its wind and changing weather in particular. Routes and itinerary subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail at the time of the trip. Please pack layers and options for multiple climates accordingly (a detailed packing list will be sent upon registration).

Visa Requirements:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html

Current CDC Recommendations:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/argentina