What level of trail running experience do I need for the Patagonia Runcation?

This is a Level 2 trip in Runcation Travel's four-level system (Levels 1, 2, 3, and Full Send). Runners should be comfortable with 7–15 miles per day and 500–3,300 feet of elevation gain on mountain terrain. You don't need to be an ultrarunner, but completing 10-mile runs with hill work and being comfortable on uneven trails is a good benchmark.

What's the weather like in Patagonia in January and February?

Patagonia weather is famously unpredictable, but January and February are the most stable months of the year — Patagonia's high summer with the longest days and warmest temperatures. We choose these dates specifically for the best chance of clear views, and we shift the order of itinerary days to maximize good weather on the days that count most, like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre runs.

How does altitude affect the Patagonia Runcation?

Altitude is not a concern on this trip. Most of the itinerary takes place near sea level, and the maximum altitude reached is approximately 4,000 feet. You won't need to acclimatize or adjust your training for altitude.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. Spanish is not required to enjoy or complete this trip. Runcation Travel's guides are bilingual and help with any language barriers throughout the week — at hotels, restaurants, transfers, and in the mountains.

Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?

No. Runcation Travel charges no single supplement on this trip. About half of every group are solo travelers, and communal meals and shared adventures are part of how the group bonds.

What is included in the Patagonia Runcation trip price?

Included: 3- and 4-star double hotel accommodations in El Calafate and El Chaltén, daily breakfast, guided Perito Moreño Glacier boat tour with transport and entrance fees, all in-country transport between El Calafate and El Chaltén including private transfer to a remote estancia, a special estancia lunch with traditional Patagonian asado and wine, all guided group runs in Los Glaciares National Park with park entrance fees, professional local mountain guides (8:1 ratio), and a detailed pre-trip packet. Not included: international airfare, alcoholic beverages, daytime lunches and most dinners, and travel insurance.

What makes Runcation's Patagonia trip different from other Patagonia tours?

Three things distinguish Runcation Travel's Patagonia Runcation: the trip is structured specifically around trail running rather than hiking; we include both the iconic public trails (Los Glaciares, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre) and a full day at a private nature reserve and estancia that other operators don't access; and we use local certified mountain guides who live in El Chaltén, which enables real-time route adjustments based on weather. The trip also includes the Perito Moreño Glacier boat tour, which most running tours skip.

What about visas and travel insurance for the Patagonia Runcation?

A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond travel date is required. Travel insurance covering the trip activities is required and not included in the trip price. Most US citizens do not need a visa for tourism stays in Argentina under 90 days, but visa requirements vary by country of citizenship — confirm your country's requirements with the US State Department's Argentina travel information page.

Patagonia Runcation: Trail Running El Chaltén

Winter/Spring 2027

Quick Facts


Destination	Argentine Patagonia — El Calafate and El Chaltén (Los Glaciares National Park)
Trip Length	8 days / 7 nights
2027 Dates	January 9–16 and February 21–28 (Patagonian summer; an escape from Northern Hemisphere winter)
Price	$2,899 early bird (through August 30) / $3,095 regular — no single supplement for solo travelers
Difficulty	Level 2 of 4 in the Runcation system (Levels 1, 2, 3, and Full Send)
Daily Distance	7–15 miles
Daily Elevation	+500 to +3,300 ft of climbing per day
Maximum Altitude	4,000 ft (most of the trip is near sea level — no altitude concerns)
Group Size	8–14 participants
Guide Ratio	8 participants : 1 guide
Accommodation	3- and 4-star hotels in El Calafate and El Chaltén
Meals Included	Breakfast daily; one special estancia lunch
Highlights	Perito Moreño Glacier boat tour; views of Monte Fitzroy and Cerro Torre; private nature reserve and estancia with traditional Patagonian asado; Argentinian Malbec and craft beer
Start / End	El Calafate, Argentina
Nearest Airport	El Calafate International (FTE) — direct flights from Buenos Aires
Self-Guided Option	Available year-round, November–March, from $1,875 — Learn more →

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 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 and more wild, 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 running retreat.

Trip Difficulty: Level 2 (click to learn more about trip difficulty levels).

For the guided tour, this trip requires a minimum of 8 to run. Please do not purchase flights until confirming with retreat organizer.

For Self-Guided Patagonia info and booking, Scroll to the link at the bottom of the page!

Overview

•Guided tour of Patagonia’s most famous glacier, El Perito Moreño, including a boat tour to view the glacier up close from the water!

• Scenic destination runs up stunning mountain ranges, peaks, lakes, and rivers, including Monte Fitzroy, Cerro Torre, and more in Los Glaciares National Park

• Sunrises and sunsets from comfortable and charming hotels

• Enjoy Patagonian lamb roast on the stake and the traditional Curanto al hoyo with ingredients from an onsite organic garden (vegan + vegetarian options as well)

• Enjoy a mixture of typical Argentinian Patagonia cuisine and organic farm-to-table meals, complete with Malbec and Argentinian craft beers

• Accommodates all running disciplines, from road racers to trail runners

• All transportation during the trip, including to a remote estancia

• Recommended side adventures, from waterfall visits to spas!

• Stay in comfortable 3/4-star hotels throughout!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Patagonia!

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

DAY 2

Perito Moreño Glacier!

After a quick optional morning shakeout run, we'll return to a breakfast spread of homemade Argentinian jams, coffees, teas and baked goods. Our day's adventure will take us to a tour of the Perito Moreño Glacier, one of the highlights of Argentinian Patagonia and one of the world's only advancing glaciers. This spectacular glacier spans approximately 252 square km – 30 kilometers in length, about 5 km wide, and from the water to the top of the glacier the average height is a 73 meters! It is fed by the Southern Patagonia Ice Field and we'll get the chance to see some glacier calving from a boat tour viewing the glacier from the water! We'll enjoy transport and a guided tour. Afterwards, we'll return for dinner to celebrate our final evening in El Calafate before heading to the mountains tomorrow.

Mileage: Optional shakeout run before/after tour if timing permits.
Breakfast and double accommodation in 3/4-star hotel included
National Park entrance fee, guided transport to/from the glacier, and boat tour included

DAY 3

Vamos a El Chaltén!

Today we wake up for a final morning at our hotel and set off for El Chaltén, one of Patagonia's most spectacular mountain towns. After views of mountains roll by on the Patagonian highway, we’ll check into our mountainside hotel before setting off for an afternoon adventure run straight from our front door. We'll head up following a trail alongside the river of the valley as views begin to unfold of Cerro Solo, the Adela range, Cerro Torre and the Mount Fitzroy. That evening you're free to explore the restaurants in town, or sip a glass of Malbec and watch the golden hour over the nearby mountains.

Mileage: ~11.8-13 miles, 1,800 feet elevation gain/loss*
Breakfast and double accommodation in hotel included
National Park entrance fee, private transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén, guided group run in Los Glaciares National Park included

DAY 4

Lagunas y Montañas

After a spread of a delicious breakfasts of granola, yogurt, juices, homemade breads and eggs, we’ll head out on another adventure run for the day. The trail starts in the lower, rocky hills and shrublands with views of Cerro Torre and Fitzroy. We'll wind through a forest of lenga before our steepest climb of the trip. From the summit you can see both Cerro Torre and Fitzroy to the north and the Río Túnel Valley to the south. Treat yourself to an artesanal aprés at a famous cerveceria, or brewery in town, before enjoying a meal of tender Argentinian steaks (or visit the vegetarian restaurant in town), fresh trout from the local Lago del Desierto, and a generous pour of Malbec.

Mileage: ~14 miles, 3,300 feet elevation gain/loss
Breakfast and double accommodation in hotel included
National Park entrance fee and guided group run in Los Glaciares National Park included

***Enjoy a panorama of Monte Fitzroy on Day 4 of our Patagonia Runcation***

DAY 5

Summits of El Chaltén

We’ll wake up for breakfast at our El Chaltén hotel and depart for another adventure run in the area. Exact mileage and location today is to be determined closure to the date due to recommendations from our expert mountain guides and local conditions! One option is a run through various climates of pampas to forests to alpine rocky terrain with views of Mount Huemul, Viedma lake, and the Andes of the skyline of Mount Torre and Mount Chaltén. If you prefer to take a rest day today is a good option for visiting the spa in town, hiking to the nearby waterfall, or enjoying cafes and restaurants in town. You’ll have another afternoon and evening in this magical town to prepare for our refugio adventure tomorrow.

Mileage: ~12 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain/loss
Breakfast and double accommodation in hotel included
National Park entrance fee and guided group run in Los Glaciares National Park included

DAY 6

Private Nature Reserves

After another delicious breakfast at our hotel, we'll catch private transfer outside of town to a renovated Argentinian estancia. We'll travel route 41, also known as the Scenic Route of the National Sovereignty of the Senda del Huemul, which borders the entire route of the Rio de Las Vueltas. We'll have a chance to view different landscapes and mountains. After crossing a suspension bridge, we'll meet our local guide who will take us further onto the reserve with 4×4 vehicle until reaching the ranch.

Our tour of the estancia begins at the foot of the Cordón del Bosque, a mountain range that watches over an area of 8,000 hectares of forests, streams, rivers and mountains. We'll start with a guided trail run on private and uncrowded trails where we'll work up an appetite for a special lunch. In this unique gastronomy experience you can enjoy exquisite Patagonian lamb roast on the stake and the traditional Curanto al hoyo. The ample meal includes salad, side dishes and dessert as well as a glass of Argentinian wine or soft drink. Vegan/vegetarian options available (please get in touch with your retreat organizer). There is an on-site organic garden that supplies the ingredients for their dishes.

After a leisurely lunch, you have the option of side adventures such as via ferrata and horseback riding! At the end of the day we'll receive transfer back to down to enjoy a final evening in El Chaltén.

Mileage: ~7.5 miles, 600 feet elevation gain/loss
Breakfast and lunch included
Double accommodation at 3-star hotel included
Private transfer to and from a remote and private Argentinian estancia to enjoy an included lunch and guided group run included

DAY 7

Leaving the Mountains

After waking up for a final run on the trails of Patagonia to a mirador, we'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and pack up our belongings before saying goodbye to El Chaltén. Our private transfer will take us back to El Calafate for our final celebratory dinner of the trip!

Mileage: ~2-4 miles, 500-1,000 feet elevation gain/loss
Breakfast and double accommodation in 3-star hotel included
Private transfer from El Chaltén to El Calafate, guided group run in private nature reserve included

DAY 8

Final Day in Paradise

After breakfast, you’ll depart in the morning for the El Calafate airport or onwards to other travel destinations! You’ll leave Patagonia with new friends and tons of memories!

Breakfast included

*Please note, exact mileage and ascent/descent info each day subject to change based on weather and trail conditions, but this is a good guideline*

Views of glaciers and mountains surround you in the Patagonia landscape.

Now available in self-guided format

What’s included

Entrance fees to National Parks (In 2025, the Argentina government announced new costly park entrance fees of up to $40+ dollars per day. Our new prices reflect these fees as these are included in your trip cost)

Perito Moreño Glacier tour, including gear, guide, entrance fee, boat tickets, and transport costs

Transport between the different runs and lodging throughout the trip

Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations

Double accommodation in 3/4-star hotels in El Calafate and El Chaltén

One special gastronomy experience at a renovated remote Argentinian estancia including a lunch feast and wine

Breakfasts included daily

Knowledgable expert Patagonia mountain guide and running coach along the entire route

A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants

Not included

International airfare

Alcoholic beverages and meals

Travel Insurance

Dinners and lunches

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 the airport/next destination/etc.)

DeThis is a Level 2 trip in Runcation Travel's four-level system (Levels 1, 2, 3, and Full Send). Runners should be comfortable with 7–15 miles per day and 500–3,300 feet of elevation gain on mountain terrain. You don't need to be an ultrarunner, but completing 12-mile runs with elevation gain and being comfortable on some trails is a good benchmark. We can accommodate different paces, photo stops, and breaks throughout the day.
Patagonia weather is famously unpredictable, but January and February are the most stable months of the year — Patagonia's high summer with the longest days and warmest temperatures. We choose these dates specifically for the best chance of clear views and good running conditions. We're also able to shift the order of itinerary days to maximize good weather on the days that count most (like our Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre runs). A full packing list and weather resources are provided in the pre-trip packet.
Altitude is not a concern on this trip. Most of the itinerary takes place near sea level, and the maximum altitude we reach is approximately 4,000 feet. You won't need to acclimatize or adjust your training for altitude.
No. Spanish is not required to enjoy or complete this trip. Our guides are bilingual and help with any language barriers throughout the week — at hotels, restaurants, transfers, and in the mountains.
No. Runcation Travel charges no single supplement on this trip. About half of every group are solo travelers, and many leave with lifelong running friends. Communal meals and shared adventures are part of how the group bonds.
Included: 3- and 4-star double hotel accommodations in El Calafate and El Chaltén, daily breakfast, guided Perito Moreño Glacier boat tour with transport and entrance fees, all in-country transport between El Calafate and El Chaltén (including the private transfer to the estancia), a special estancia lunch with traditional Patagonian asado and wine, all guided group runs in Los Glaciares National Park with park entrance fees, professional local mountain guides (8:1 ratio), and detailed pre-trip packet. Not included: international airfare, alcoholic beverages, daytime lunches and most dinners, and travel insurance (required).
Three things distinguish Runcation Travel's Patagonia Runcation: (1) we structure the trip specifically around trail running rather than as a hiking trip you could happen to run, so daily mileage and pacing match what runners actually want; (2) we include both the iconic public trails in Los Glaciares and days at private nature reserves and estancias that are often overlooked; (3) we use local certified mountain guides local to El Chaltén, which means real-time route adjustments based on weather and conditions. The trip also includes the Perito Moreño Glacier boat tour so you can get up close to the glacier.
A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining beyond travel date) is required. Travel insurance covering the trip activities is required and not included in the trip price. Most US citizens do not need a visa for tourism stays in Argentina under 90 days, but visa requirements vary by country of citizenship — confirm your country's requirements with the US State Department here . The trip starts and ends in El Calafate (FTE), accessible via Buenos Aires (3.5-hour domestic flight on Aerolineas Argentinas or LAN). Detailed travel logistics are in the pre-trip packet.

Who should attend? What pace do you run?

You do not need to be an expert trail runner! However, 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 (500-3,300 feet per day) in mountainous environments, at times on technical trails (think rocky, rooted, or steep with loose rock) , and at times in unfavorable weather conditions in the mountains of Patagonia. It is expected that all participants will hike the long and strenuous uphill climbs and run whenever the guide determines is feasible (including downhill and flat sections). We can accommodate different paces, photo and video stops, and taking time to soak up and enjoy the route and your vacation. We cannot, however, accommodate walkers or hikers on this running trip. If you’re psyched about visiting Patagonia and can meet this trip requirements, you should attend!

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 option is available as an add-on when booking.

Our Guides

Our guides include local, professional trail running mountain guides with certified regional guiding credentials. These include Guías de Alta Montaña, Argentina (AAGM), International Mountain Leaders (IML), Certified Trekking Guides, Search and Rescue Members, and more. They combine their professional training with their love with the mountains and a passion for the ecology and geology of the region. They are runners that know the ins and outs of this route and are prepared with a safety or alternate plan for any sort of unexpected weather or injury. Plus, they’re a ton of fun and we think they’re the best. Join one of our guided tours to find out!

Solo Travelers

We have no required single supplement fee for solo travelers on our guided tours. We love solo travelers, and about half of all our guided trips (often even more) are solo travelers.

How to Arrive

The trip starts and ends in El Calafate, Argentina. El Calafate is located in southern Argentina (280 kilometers north of Puerto Natales and 220 kilometers south of El Chaltén). El Calafate has a small airport located 20 km east of town with daily non-stop flights to and from Buenos Aires (3.5 hours), Ushuaia (1.5 hours), and Bariloche (1.75 hours). For International flights, most connect in Buenos Aires before taking a domestic flight to El Calafate. Most flights are operated by Aerolineas Argentinas with some operated by LAN. It is very easy to get to/from El Calafate Airport and El Calafate city by local taxi (Remis) or booking a shared shuttle.

Before You Go

You must have a valid passport and travel insurance to cover the activities of the Patagonia running tour. Argentina visa requirements can be found here, and current CDC recommendations for travel to Argentina is found here.

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book Guided Jan 9-16, 2027

Book Guided Feb 21-28, 2027

NOW AVAILABLE IN SELF-GUIDED (Click to View itinerary)!

Participant Testimonials

“Wow. The Patagonia Runcation was absolute perfection. We explored the Perito Moreno glacier together before heading up to El Chaltén for arguably some of the most beautiful running scenery in the world. Every day was designed to challenge us on the trails but each run was accompanied by rewarding views that seemed almost too beautiful for reality. I particularly appreciated the balance of trail running with other non-running activities, including the glacier viewing and the Estancia lunch and activities. The entire trip was expertly designed and organized and I would do this Runcation again in a heartbeat. To top it all off, everyone in the group bonded quickly over our love of running and adventure and we now have 13 new friends from around the world!”

— Shelby, Patagonia Runcation 2024

“This was an awesome trip, and a wonderful experience! The trip was well planned out with great runs, but also plenty of downtime. Each of the runs were incredible and always ended up in beautiful scenery and sites. With a wonderful group of people that I met and have to say this was one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken!!”

— Bethany, Patagonia Runcation 2024