Fitz Roy & Paine Hike

Fitz Roy & Paine Hike Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Arrive in Buenos Aires’ Ezeize International Airport this morning and transfer to our centrally-located hotel. After lunch, we join our local guide for a city tour that includes a visit to the Plaza de Mayo, Colón Theater, Recoleta Cemetery, and the chic shopping districts along the streets of Florida and La Valle.  Later this evening, we enjoy a typical Argentine welcome dinner and sultry tango show with our local host. Dinner and hotel included.

• Day 2

  We transfer to the city airport this morning for our four-hour flight to El Calafate - the small desert oasis named for the abundant bushes that dot the countryside. Upon arrival, we’re met by our trekking guide and drive across the windy expanse, typical of Argentine Patagonia, to our campsite at the base of Mount Fitz Roy. 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). We arrive at the community of El Chaltén, in the foothills of the massif, in the late afternoon and continue on to our campsite. Time permitting, we’ll enjoy a short hike before returning to camp for an orientation meeting and dinner. If skies are clear this evening, we can ponder the thousands of stars that form the Southern Hemisphere constellations such as the Cruz del Sur (Southern Cross) and the Corona Australis (Southern Crown) and look for distant galaxies and nebulae, like Andromeda and the Clouds of Magellan. Driving distance: 135 miles (3½ hours). Camp elevation: 810'. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 3

  After breakfast this morning we 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 and several species of birds. We also notice the unique, apricot-colored fungus called llao-llao, which only grows on trees of the species, Nothofagus. Hiking uphill, we stop at the basecamp area where climbers stage their expeditions to Fitz Roy's 11,290-foot summit and enjoy the craggy panorama. Those who wish to can continue ascending to Laguna de los Tres. 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 (9,960'), and the unusually blue, Piedras Blancas glacier. Following a picnic lunch, we return to the basecamp area and continue hiking through scattered patches of lenga and ñire forest to the top of a small saddle, where we have our final view of Fitz Roy and its icy glaciers. We descend to the road by El Chaltén and continue to our familiar campsite. Hiking: 14 miles (8.5 hours). All meals included.

• Day 4

  Today’s hike takes us toward the southwest along the Fitz Roy River valley. The trail is fairly easy as we cross some ancient terminal moraines left behind when the glaciers of the last ice age receded. Once in the valley, we have inspiring views of Cerro Torre. With sheer walls topped by a mushroom-shaped ice cap, Cerro Torre’s 10,265-foot summit is one of the most difficult to climb in the world. After a relaxing picnic lunch, those interested in hiking further can continue for another hour over more challenging terrain up to Lago Torre for better views and photo opportunities of the summit and the Ventisquero Grandeglacier. Our return to camp retraces the same, well-marked trail along the course of the Fitz Roy River. Hiking: 15 miles (8 hours). All meals included.

• Day 5

  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 picnic 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 Estancia Nibepo Aike, an authentic working ranch that offers a glimpse into the distinctive Patagonian lifestyle. Comprised of nearly 25,000 acres and located in Los Glaciares Park overlooking the Brazo Sur arm of Lago Argentino, there are plenty of activities at the ranch and lots of natural beauty to contemplate. We have time before dinner to walk along the lake's edge and enjoy the solitude. Overnight at the ranch for the next two nights. Driving distance: 240 miles (5.5 hours). All meals included.

• Day 6

  After breakfast, we drive 15 minutes to our trailhead and begin a strenuous hike to the summit of Cerro Cristal (4,920'), a non-technical "trekkers" peak. We gain approximately 4,000' as our short, but steep, trail passes through typical Patagonian steppe, followed by lenga forest and, near the top, rocky scree slopes. Once we reach the summit, we enjoy a panoramic view of the Andes, including the peaks of Torres del Paine Park to the south, Lago Argentino and Perito Moreno Glacier to the west and the Fitz Roy group to the north. Trekking poles are suggested for this day, as well as gaiters, as we may encounter some snow at the upper elevations. For those preferring not to hike, optional activities include walking along the banks of Lago Roca, horseback riding toward the Brazo Sur of Lago Argentino or Laguna Frias (at additional cost), fishing in the nearby lakes, or relaxing at the estancia and observing life on the ranch. In the evening, we savor a hearty Argentine barbecue with beef or lamb and vegetables, all raised or grown on Nibepo Aike. Hiking: 6 miles roundtrip (4 hours up, and 2.5 hours down) to the summit of Cerro Crystal. All meals included.

• Day 7

  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 (established in 1970 and given World Heritage status in 1978), 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. Other possible wildlife sightings include red fox, hares, flamingos and upland geese. Our campsite for the next two nights is located beneath the Paine Towers, near the Ascencio River. Driving distance: 225 miles (6 .5 hours). Hiking: 6.5 miles (2.5 hours). Camp elevation: 540'. All meals included.

• Day 8

  Today, we have the option of taking some short hikes near our campsite or participating in a 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 (8,530'), Central (9,185'), and Sur (9,350'), we descend the same trail back to our campsite. Hiking: 11 miles (7 hours). All meals included.

• Day 9

  Rising early, we drive through the park to the boat docks on Pehoé Lake and board a catamaran for the 20-minute ride to the far side. The vessel is covered, but with clear weather most passengers stand outside to take in the wonderful views of the impressive Paine Horns. 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 (the highest peak in the park at 10,007') 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. The Paine Horns (8,530'), as well as the Máscara (7,545') and Espada spires (8,205') are among them. We marvel at the geology of these incredible rock formations as we watch patches of snow break loose and thunder down Cerro Paine's rock and ice face. We spend the next two nights at the Pehoé Lake Campsite. Hiking: 12 miles (8 hours). Camp elevation: 250'. All meals included.

• Day 10

  This morning we hike toward Grey Lake for a panoramic view of its four-mile-wide glacier. Crossing a dry, shallow valley, we contour around the lower slopes of Cerro Paine Grande watching for soaring condors along the way. Our trail passes a small, secluded lake before reaching a ridge with fabulous views of Grey Lake and the massive Grey Glacier. Turquoise-colored icebergs may be floating in the grayish waters, blown to the opposite end of the lake by strong winds, and with luck, we may witness the glacier calving as large pillars of ice crack off and crash into the waters below with a thunderous roar. Views of Cerro Zapata, (5,020') as well as several sparkling waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides add even more drama to the surrounding landscape. Grey Glacier is one of three glaciers in the park that originate at the Continental Ice Cap, visible on a clear day as a huge white mass on the horizon. Trip members interested in getting even closer to the glacier can continue further along our trail and get close-up views of its ice walls and caves. Along the return route to camp, there are excellent opportunities to spot some of the park's 105 species of birds, including grebes, coots, upland geese, torrent ducks, oyster catchers and others. Hiking: 13 miles (7 hours). All meals included.

• Day 11

  After a short exploratory walk this morning, we catch our catamaran for the return trip across the lake and drive to the Park Visitors Center for a brief visit. We have the opportunity to examine a relief map, review the trails we've hiked and talk to the ranger about the geographical features of the park. After a picnic lunch, we take a final hike- either along the black sand beaches of Grey Lake or up the slopes of Cerro Ferrier (5,245'), for a great view out towards the Paine Massif and the Horns. Finally, we drive to our comfortable hostería, where we share our dinner and enjoy the play of light and clouds as the evening sun turns the Paine Horns shades of gold and mauve. All meals included.

• Day 12

  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. Driving distance: 225 miles (7 hours). All meals included.

• Day 13

  This morning, we enjoy a brief city tour, including a stop at the Patagonian Museum, before transferring to the airport for flights to Santiago, Chile's capital (flying time is approximately four hours). Upon arrival in Santiago, trip members with evening connecting flights to the U.S. can walk between the domestic and international terminals at the Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benitez. Breakfast only included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate/tentmate if one is available. If a roommate/tentmate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Single accommodations cannot be guaranteed at the Estancia Nibepo Aike (ranch) or the hosteria in Paine. Single tents while on the trek are limited to two per departure.

Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; accommodations while camping, in hotels and on the ranch; guide leadership and support staff; group airport transfers; all noted ground transportation within Argentina and Chile; tango show in Buenos Aires, 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).

International airfare; airfare from Buenos Aires to El Calafate and from Punta Arenas to Santiago; $100 Chilean visa fee; 1 lunch; sleeping bags; cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated as Vigorous [4]. Trip members should be strong, experienced hikers and campers in good physical condition. This is a remote trip, with long (but spectacular) days of hiking and no easy access. Hiking trails may be muddy with numerous stream crossings and participants should come equipped with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to assist with some camp chores. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least three months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. Get out on those hills if possible!

The weather in Patagonia is notorious for high winds and extreme variability. Days can range from sunny with temperatures in the 70s to rain, hail, and occasionally even snow. Please come prepared for all possibilities and equipped with good quality raingear. Nighttime temperatures often drop down into the 30s requiring a sleeping bag rated to 10-20º F.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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