If you've dreamt of exploring Patagonia by trail running while staying at a combination of comfortable and scenic hotels, 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 to 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 a boat tour to view this amazing glacier from the water! We'll then explore further south to our next destination 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 3-star lodging with authentic Argentinian breakfasts and breathtaking lake and mountain views. In between we'll trail run through Los Glaciares National Park and visit unique Argentinian estancias and private nature reserves. We'll trail run from these base camps, where vistas of mountain spires, glaciers, and remote lakes are paired 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 a mixture of perfectly runnable classics off-the-beaten path gems 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 running retreat.
Trip Difficulty: Level 2
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
Please note, this is a LEVEL 2 trip. Runners must be able to complete the full distance each day on the trip itinerary (7-15 miles) with significant amounts of elevation gain and loss (1,500-3,700 feet per day) in mountainous environments, on technical trails, and at times in unfavorable weather conditions in the mountains of Patagonia. It is expected that all participants will run whenever the guide determines is feasible (including downhill and flat sections). We cannot accommodate walkers or hikers on this particular adventure. 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!
This trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer.
Entrance fees to National Parks
Perito Moreño Glacier tour, including gear, guide, entrance fee, boat tickets, and transport costs
Transport between the different runs and lodging throughout the trip
Transfer to a remote, renovated Argentinian estancia including a guided trail run on private trails and a unique gastronomy experience with lunch and wine included
Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations
Double accommodation in 3-star hotels in El Calafate and El Chaltén
Knowledgable expert Patagonia mountain guide and running coach along the entire route
A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day
Travel Insurance
Dinners
Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in case of you having to shorten the day or trip as a whole (including personal return trips to airport/next destination/etc.
Before You Book:
This trip requires a minimum of 8 participants to run. 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.
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).
Trip Difficulty: Level 2
https://runcation.org/which-trip-is-right-for-me
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
For solo travelers that wish to have a private room throughout the trip. Subject to availability at time of booking. Please enquire!
Day 1: Our trip will start in the afternoon at our hotel in El Calafate to check in and get settled followed by a meet-and-greet and orientation meeting to meet the guides and go over the logistics and itinerary of the upcoming week! We'll stay in a comfortable 3/4-star hotel hotel in a lakeside town with a view of Argentina's largest freshwater lake, Lago Argentina. That afternoon, we’ll enjoy dinner and refreshments to go over the week ahead.
Mileage: Optional shakeout run in the afternoon 4-6 miles along Lago Argentina
Double accommodation in 3/4-star hotel included