Itinerary
Patagonia running retreat: An adventure in the land of giants. Escape to the end of the world in the heart of Patagonia. This mountain range is special - an awe-inspiring land of glaciers, jagged mountains, and dramatic landscapes. You've all seen the stunning photos. Now is your chance to get up close and personal. Join us for a running adventure of a lifetime - deep in the south of Argentina, where the towering peaks meet the vast, windswept plains of the Patagonian steppe.
Our base camp is in 2 of the famous and classically Argentinian towns of El Chaltén and El Calafate, nestled at the foot of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy, a symbol of Patagonia and the inspiration behind the Patagonia brand logo. From here, Nick and the team will lead you through the trails, including famous routes to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. All framed by some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever experience. As you run through these remote trails, you’ll also have time to immerse yourself in the rich local culture and cuisine. Savor the mouthwatering Argentine steaks, crispy empanadas, and local craft beers. Indulge in the finest Malbec wines and discover why Patagonia boasts some of the best ice cream outside of Italy.
The adventure doesn't stop with running. We’ll also take you to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier for a day of exploration and photogenic views. To wrap up this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll gather for a traditional Argentine Asado. A feast shared with newfound friends under the Patagonian sky. If you like your trail running, plus some of the best views in the world - this trip is for you. This is Patagonia, and it’s waiting for you.
Day 1 - Monday - 9th February
Welcome to Patagonia.
We ask you to arrive into the town of El Calafate by 16:00. There are multiple internal flights to El Calafate airport from Buenos Aries. Your Run Weekends team will greet you from the airport and travel together to the hotel for the first night in town. Dinner will be served shortly after your welcome briefing around 19:00. This will be a chance to get to know your fellow runners and discuss the upcoming trails plus get any last minute supplies ahead of the road trip into the mountains tomorrow. Welcome to the wonders of Patagonia.
Day 2 - Tuesday - 10th February
Travel El Calafate to El Chalten + Run 8km + 300m
You're up early today. After breakfast at the hotel we'll travel together to the mountains! We follow the famous ruta 40 alongside expansive glacial lakes before arriving to the view of the panoramic Fitzroy massif. We'll drop our bags at our accommodation, grab a bite to eat and then head out for an easy 8km run in the afternoon to get our bearings around El Chalten. This is also a chance to head up to the local mirador to take some photos of the most amazing view of Mount Fitz Roy in all its glory.
Day 3 - Wednesday - 11th February
Laguna de los Tres - 22k + 1400m
Today is the first big day on the trails with over 1500m of total elevation gain, and if the weather gods are kind, one of the most stunning trails in all of Patagonia. We'll take a quick journey by private bus down the road to the start of our run. This is off the beaten track through lush forests teaming with Lenga and Nire trees. Along the way you'll get to see our first glaciers of the trip and also a first glimpse of the goal of day the, Fitzroy itself. After 5km we'll join the main trail and begin our ascent up to the main event, the Laguna de los Tres. It's a steep ascent of over 500m to the top but it is worth every meter. We always run together so there's no pressure to keep up. It's casual. Depending on the weather we'll stay here for lunch and some photos before we head back down. At the base of the climb it's a rolling 10km back to El Chalten for some well deserved rest and delicious classically Argentinian food. Did someone say steak?
Day 4 - Thursday - 12th February
Laguna Torre - 23km + 700m
Another epic day today, an out and back to Laguna Torre, home to the iconic Cerro Torre. We'll set off from El Chalten and head back up into the trails quickly ascending a couple of hundred meters into a Patagonian valley where we'll follow silky smooth trails along a riverbed all the way along to Laguna Torre. From here we'll run right up to the laguna where there'll often be icebergs floating down from the glacier. We'll then run along the glacial morraine as far as we can to get the best views of Cerro Torre. From here its the same stunning trails back to El Chalten and a local microbrewery for dinner.
Day 5 - Friday - 13th February
Perito Moreno Glacier Visit
Depending on the weather, we have one last opportunity to start the day catching the sunrise over El Chalten and one last view of the Mt Fitzroy range. After some last minute souvenir shopping we'll travel back to El Calafate where we'll drop out luggage and head to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. It spans over 250 square kilometers and is the third largest icefield in the world. You'll have the opportunity to take a boat ride to get up close and personal (optional extra). We'll have one final dinner together back in town before saying goodbyes in the morning.
Day 6 - Saturday - 14th February
Sunrise Run + Goodbyes - 7km + 100m
We'll have breakfast together and an optional last jog at sunrise around the town of El Calafate. You're welcome to head off at any time from 10:00. While you've made it this far south our suggestion is to head down into Chile to do some trekking around the national park of Torres del paine or go even further and travel to the end of the earth in Ushuaia or even Antarctica to see the penguins!
If you have onward travel arrangements please let us know so we can support with travel logistics if possible.
Highlights
Included
Accommodation
5 Nights in traditional hotels and guest houses on the doorstep of trail running paradise. El Calten and El Calafate.
Running
Day 1 - 8km + 300m
Day 2 - 22km + 1400m
Day 3 - 23km + 700m
Day 4 - 7km + 100m
Meals
5 x Breakfast
5 x Lunch
6 x Dinner
Travel
We will either run or take a short transfer to our running locations. (It's your responsibility to get to and from El Calafate and home again)
Activities
4 x Mountain Running days
Perito Moreno Glacier Visit
Traditional Asado Meal
Lake Dips & Swims
Photos
Nick and the team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location. El Calatafe, Patagonia - Meeting Point = Airport. Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Armando Tola de El Calafate
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear, warm mountain clothes, spare socks, swimwear and towel. Warm coat and layers. Any bags or bottles etc you may want for the runs. All luggage can stay at the hotel.
Run Leader
Nick Butter
You'll be running with Nick.
Nick is very keen for every Run Weekend to be as inclusive as possible. Runners of all abilities, shapes and sizes, ages and genders, and from all walks of life are welcome. You're in good hands: Nick has travelled to every corner of the world, run over 1000 marathons, and has dreamt up Run Weekends because he want's to showcase the world through running, just as he has. We all run together, we look after each other, and enjoy the weekends as a group.
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence with a welcome briefing at 19:00 in the small town of El Calafate (Hotels details to be sent on booking). We will collect you from the airport between 15:00 - 17:00. A shuttle to your accommodation will leave at 17:00. If you land after 17:00 please make your own way to El Calafate - the team will be waiting for you.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive anytime before 19:00 on Monday 2nd February 2026. If you arrive later this is not a problem, but you'll miss the initial briefing which will be repeated for you. Please communicate your arrival times.
Your Run Weekend will conclude at 10:00 on 7th February in El Calafate shortly after a team breakfast. (Where we stay for the first and last night of the trip). If you have onward travel planned for an alternate time, please inform us.
Getting to El Calafate, Argentina
There are a number of options to reach the town of El Calafate. (Please note these are suggestions only, we cannot guarantee travel routes) It's your responsibility to get to us.
Suggested Flights: (Remember - we do not cover your travel to and from your Run Weekend)
London to Buenos Aires to El Calafate
London to São Paulo to Buenos Aires to El Calafate
Top tip: Use the website 'Rome to Rio' to help plan your travel.
Important: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run.
Packing List
Suggestions:
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Running Shoes (Trail)
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Socks x 2 or 3
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Shorts x 2 or Running Leggings
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T-Shirt / Vest x 2
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Lightweight Waterproof / Windproof x 1
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Long Sleeve Breathable x 1
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Running Bag (2-3 litres minimum)
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Swimwear & towel
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Medical / Allergies Card
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Head Torch
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Hand Sanitizer & Sun Cream
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Foil Blanket & Whistle
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Warm Jumper
Optional
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Sun Cream
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Medical Kit - Blister plasters etc
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Watch & Charger
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100,000 - 200,000 Argentinean Peso (ARS) (£100)
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Lightweight Battery Pack & Cable
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Gloves and or Cap
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Extra casual evening outfit
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Extra snacks or drinks
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Painkillers / Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case
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Top Tip: Backup your phone before you come incase you drop it
SECURE YOUR RUN WEEKEND
DEPOSIT ONLY 20%
Pay in full, or just 20% at checkout and the rest no later than 60 days before your Run Weekend.
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