Patagonia Hiking & Camping
13 days
From $ 7099
Duration13 days

Dramatic landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and four nights camping under a starry night sky make this 13-day trek one of the most treasured for hikers the world over. Studded with emerald green forests, azure lakes and icy-blue glaciers, Patagonia is a kaleidoscope of otherworldly color—the perfect backdrop for our travels. We start our exploration in El Chaltén. From here, we hike to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy, an iconic mountain known for its challenging peaks, and Laguna Torre, which features the Torre glacier calving icebergs. Take the road less traveled on a stunning full-day hike on the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado trail. After our time in Los Glaciares National Park, it’s off to Chile. Our remaining treks follow the famed “W” route inside Torres del Paine National Park. We hike to the Paine Towers, into French Valley, and near Grey Glacier—three noteworthy destinations filled with some of the most stunning landscapes of the Patagonian Andes. Cap each evening off in comfortable accommodations, including four nights spent sleeping soundly under the stars in one of the most stunning corners of the Earth.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 13 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: El Calafate
    Physical Grading: Demanding
  • Ages: 18+
Patagonia Hiking & Camping - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive at El Calafate today.

Start place: El Calafate

Your trip begins today in El Calafate, Argentina. Plan to meet your guide and fellow travelers at the first night's hotel at 6:30pm for orientation. Dinner in El Calafate will be after the orientation. Dinner and hotel included.
Day 2: Hike to Laguna Torre for fantastic views of Cerro Torre.
This morning we rise early, have breakfast at the hotel then depart for El Chaltén. Our route takes us around the southeastern shores of Lago Argentino, South America's third largest body of water, and past picturesque Lago Viedma. As we drive, we watch the granite fin of Mount Fitz Roy rise up behind the turquoise waters of the lakes and will likely spot some ñandú (a flightless bird similar to an ostrich). Upon arrival at El Chaltén we start hiking on the Cerro Torre trail. The hike is fairly easy as we cross some ancient terminal moraines left behind when the glaciers of the last ice age receded. We arrive at the first Mirador (lookout) after 1.5 hours of gentle uphill hiking and enjoy inspiring views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and other nearby peaks. Continuing along a mostly flat, scenic trail which traces the original glacier valley, through patches of lenga forest, we finally reach Laguna Torre. The lagoon features the Torre glacier calving in the far side, and the Cerro Torre group and spires rising in the background. Upon returning to El Chaltén we will overnight in our hosteria for the next three nights. Breakfast, box lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 13 miles (7 hours), 1,950’ cumulative elevation gain; Driving distance: 135 miles (3 hours)
Meals: D
Day 3: Trek to Laguna de los Tres, a beautiful lake beneath Mt. Fitz Roy.
After breakfast this morning we drive to the trailhead and then hike toward Mount Fitz Roy, following the Río Eléctrico River to its junction with the Río Blanco, then turning south to make our way closer to the foot of the peaks. Along our route, we identify a variety of colorful flowers, unique plants and several species of birds. Hiking uphill, we stop at the basecamp area where climbers stage their expeditions to Fitz Roy's summit and enjoy the craggy panorama. Resuming our climb, we continue ascending the steep zig-zag trail to Laguna de los Tres (2 additional miles roundtrip and 1,300' elevation gain). From this small lake, we have outstanding, close-up views of the nearly vertical rock walls of Fitz Roy's east face, the impressive spire to the south called the Poincenot Needle, and the unusually blue, Piedras Blancas glacier. Following a picnic lunch, we return to the base camp area and continue on to the valley floor and the trailhead near El Chaltén. All meals included.
Hiking: 13 miles (9-10 hours), 3,150’ cumulative elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike a spectacular trail with views of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy massifs.
Today we take to one of the less traveled but very stunning hikes in the park on the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado trail. It's a full day hike as we walk from Chalten to the summit of this mountain. The first section of the trail climbs the slopes of the mountain and winds through steppe and forest eventually breaking through to the tree line. From our first viewpoint we'll have spectacular views of both Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy massifs and their valley between. As we continue on we will be walking on scree and feeling the full force of the winds to reach the summit cone and eventually the summit. Here we are rewarded by additional views of the surrounding mountains which include Paso del Viento and the Mariano Moreno range in the Southern Ice Field. We will get back to El Chalten in the afternoon to spend our last night at the lodge. All meals included.
Hiking: 13 miles (7-8 hours), 4,000’ cumulative elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Take a boat cruise to massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Overnight in a lovely estancia.
We drive back to El Calafate this morning and continue further into Los Glaciares National Park, following the Brazo Rico section of Lago Argentino. At the narrowest point on this arm of the lake, we stop at a lookout to view the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, the only glacier outside of the Polar Regions still advancing. We observe and photograph the massive sheet of ice (three miles wide and 190 feet high) from various angles, as we walk along the paths that wind along the river bank, across from its snout. Weather permitting, we'll have our lunch overlooking the glacier before joining our guide for an hour-long boat ride on the lake for another close-up perspective. This afternoon, we drive to our estancia (farm lodge), that offers a glimpse into the distinctive Patagonian lifestyle. Overnight at the estancia for the next two nights. All meals included.
Boat cruise and walk: 2 hours; Driving distance: 215 miles (6 hours).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Morning hike with panoramic views of the Andes.
This morning we set out on a short but steep hike towards the windy Filo de los Cristales peaks. The mostly off-trail route passes through typical Patagonian steppe and patches of forest with panoramic views of the Andes including Lago Argentino and the Perito Moreno Glacier off in the distance. After a hearty lunch and short siesta back at the Estancia, those who wish can participate in an additional short hike along the lakeshore and enjoy impressive views of the lake and Mount Cervantes. Those who prefer not to hike this afternoon can choose from a variety of activities including biking or just relaxing and taking in life on the ranch. In the evening, we savor a hearty Patagonian barbecue made with fresh ranch ingredients. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles (4 hours), 2,650’ cumulative elevation gain, mostly off-trail on steep terrain. Options for additional hiking this afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Arrive at our campsite in Torres del Paine National Park.
Leaving the ranch after breakfast, we continue overland across the Patagonian plains to Torres del Paine National Park, a crown jewel in the Chilean National Park system. After passing through Cerro Castillo, a small village near the Chilean border, we get our first views of the Paine massif, towering above the plains in the distance. Upon entering the park, we are often greeted by small herds of guanacos, a wild relative of the llama. We continue to the Sarmiento Park Station where, following a short break after our drive, we begin an afternoon hike. Our route follows a trail up and over the steppe-covered foothills, past small ponds and meadows where we can photograph noisy buff-necked ibis, en route to the Laguna Amarga guard station. Our campsite for the next two nights is located beneath the Paine Towers, near the Ascencio River. Camp elevation: 600'. All meals included.
Hiking: Up to 4 miles (2.5 hours), 800’ cumulative elevation gain; Driving distance: 280 miles (7-8.5 hours—times will vary depending on the amount of time for processing at the border crossings).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Full-day hike to the Paine Towers viewpoint (Mirador de Las Torres).
Today, we have the demanding, but highly rewarding hike towards the Paine Towers. We follow a trail that leads across the Ascencio River then climbs uphill along a steep path paralleling the river's right bank. As we gain altitude, we have excellent vistas of the Paine River, winding its way through the surrounding countryside below us. We cross a boulder moraine to reach the high cirque where we find the basecamp from which expert climbers from around the world attempt to scale the towers' walls. Before us lies an awe-inspiring landscape encompassing the impressive granite spires of the near-vertical towers, rocky moraines and hanging glaciers, all surrounding a lovely turquoise-colored tarn. After a picnic lunch beneath Torres Norte, Central, and Sur, we will descend the same trail back to our campsite. All meals included.
Hiking: 12 miles (8-9 hours), 4,000' cumulative elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Hike past Cerro Paine Grande into the French Valley. Move camp to Pehoé Lake.
Rising early, we drive through the park to the boat dock on Pehoé Lake and board a catamaran for the 30-minute ride to the far side. From the arrival dock, we follow a short trail to our campsite and, after setting up, begin hiking through the rolling foothills at the base of Paine Grande peak. We cross the French River on a foot bridge and follow a steep trail along the narrow gorge. Our route takes us through lenga forests on the southeastern slopes of Cerro Paine Grande and crosses a few small creeks. As we gain altitude, we scramble through rocky sections of the mountain's boulder moraines to a breathtaking lookout point. On a clear day, we have fantastic views of the high peaks that surround us from this extraordinarily beautiful cirque. We spend the night at the Pehoé Lake Campsite. Camp elevation: 300'. All meals included.
Hiking: 12.5 miles (8-9 hours), 2,750’ cumulative elevation gain; Driving: 1.5 hours; boat: 30 minutes.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Our third day hiking the “W” and a spectacular glacier hike.
This is a big day as we wake early to walk this part of the “W” from Pehoe Lake to Grey Glacier with fabulous views of the lake and the massive Grey Glacier. After lunch we take a short boat ride and then a hike/scramble, to the glacier where we will have the fantastic opportunity to walk on the glacier. Our guides will review best techniques for glacier walking and we’ll spend several hours exploring the glacier's cracks, rivers and tunnels. All equipment is provided. We return back the same way we came for dinner and one final night of camping. Camp elevation: 700’. Note: on this day each hiker will be carrying all their personal items used from Day 9-11 including a sleeping bag for 7 miles from Pehoé Campsite to Grey Camp. A backpack will be provided. All meals included.
Hiking: Pehoé Campsite to Grey Camp: 7 miles (4 hours), 1,400' cumulative elevation gain; Glacier walk: 4 miles, 1,300’, some scrambling and ladders to get to/from the glacier (5 hours).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: A chance to see Grey Glacier from the water with a boat ride across Lago Grey.
This morning we take our final hike inside Torres del Paine National Park where we will trek a bit more of the “W” to Los Guardas camp viewpoint with additional great views of the glacier. We return to camp and boat across Grey Lake, affording us yet more vistas of the impressive Grey Glacier, as we make our way to this evening’s hotel. Tonight, we toast to our final night in this beautiful national park. All meals included.
Hike: 4 miles, 1,000’ gain/loss.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: An early departure back to Punta Arenas. Farewell celebration dinner tonight.
We leave the park very early this morning, heading south across the Patagonian steppes to Puerto Natales, a quaint fishing village overlooking Last Hope Sound. After a short visit we continue to Punta Arenas, one of southern Chile's main ports, located on the Straits of Magellan and considered the southernmost city on the continent. We'll celebrate our amazing adventure at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant and spend the evening in a small, nearby hotel. All meals included.
Driving distance: 260 miles (7 hours).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Our Patagonian adventure ends this morning as we depart Punta Arenas for home.
After breakfast one group transfer to the Punta Arenas airport will be arranged for travelers departing today. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • accommodations while camping, in hotels and on the ranch
  • guide leadership and support staff
  • group airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 13
  • all noted ground transportation within Argentina and Chile
  • Perito Moreno boat excursion and Pehoé Lake catamaran ferry
  • park fees
  • camping permits
  • group camping gear such as tents, cooking equipment and Therm-a-Rest pads (bring your own sleeping bag)
  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 2 nights, Lodges/hosterias, 4 nights, Estancia (ranch), 2 nights, Camping, 4 nights

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