Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Welcome to Argentina! A representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you arrive a day or two early, there’s tons to explore in Buenos Aires. Maybe check out the market stalls in the old neighborhood of San Telmo or take a stroll past the colorful houses of La Boca. Your trip officially begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow adventurers. After, you’ll join your leader for an orientation walk around some of the city’s main attractions. For dinner tonight, how about rounding up the group for a traditional Argentinian asado (barbecue)? This communal style meal is a great way to get to know each other while sampling Argentinian flavors.

You’ll fly south to El Calafate this morning. From here, a private transfer will drive you to the frontier town of El Chalten. Known as the trekking capital of Patagonia, this small mountain town is a launch pad for adventures in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park. The atmosphere here is laid back and geared towards people who love the outdoors. Enjoy a free day to explore the town and prepare yourself for the next few days of hiking through the pristine landscapes of Patagonia.

It’s time to hit the trail! Today you’ll take on one of the most popular hikes in the area – the round trip to the iconic Laguna de Los Tres. There are some short steep sections, but as one of the most frequented trails, the terrain itself isn’t too difficult, and you can expect to walk along clearly marked and well-maintained paths. Make sure you bring a trusty jacket though, as it can be windy and wet in this area. When you arrive at the viewpoint, spend some time taking in the epic view – sitting at the foot of Mt Fitz Roy, this turquoise lagoon is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and granite peaks. Then hike back and return to your hotel to relax for the evening. You could also ask your leader about their favorite local restaurants for a post-hike meal with your fellow trekkers.

Fuel up on breakfast before setting off for another day exploring Patagonia. Today’s adventure is a moderate hike to Laguna Torre – another popular trail in the area. This valley hike will take you past scenic viewpoints with panoramas of Cerro Solo, Cerro Torre and Mt Fitz Roy. You’ll also see floating icebergs broken off the front face of the spectacular Grande Glacier. When you arrive at Laguna Torre, spend some time taking in the views of the steep valleys that frame Cerro Torre – at 10,262 ft, Cerro Torre is the tallest peak of the four peaks that stand in the area. Hike back and head back to your hotel to unwind for the evening.

Enjoy a well-deserved slow morning before taking a private transfer to El Calafate. Located on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the province of Santa Cruz, this city is known as the gateway to the southern reaches of Los Glaciares National Park – including the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. When you arrive, check into your hotel and maybe stake out a restaurant to dig into some hearty Patagonian cuisine – slow-roasted lamb and rainbow trout are local faves. If you’re a history buff, you could also head to the Patagonian Ice Museum which features educational exhibits about the glaciers – plus, it has a cocktail bar made from ice. Today is all yours to explore.

Today you’ll drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few balanced glaciers in the world and at 3 mi wide and almost 19 mi long, it’s a spectacular sight. Check out the multiple viewing platforms overlooking Lake Argentino and watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. This glacier is in constant flux, so it’s almost guaranteed you’ll witness the thunderous cracking if you’re patient. You also have the option to hit the water on a glacier cruise to see this electric-blue cliff face from another perspective, or pre-book a full-day mini trek (see special information below) to walk on top of part of the glacier. After soaking up the views, return to El Calafate for the night and recharge before a long travel day tomorrow.

Be ready for a big day on the road today. Early this morning, jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile. You’ll stop here for lunch while waiting for the connecting transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. Sitting at the end of the earth in Chilean Patagonia, this former sheep estancia (ranch) was established as a national park in 1959. When you arrive, you may be greeted by a herd of guanacos (a relative of the alpaca). These South American camelids provide great photo opportunities, but don't get too close as they're known to spit! The real star of the show is the surrounding landscape. Check into your campsite – your home for the next three nights – and settle into your surroundings.

Get ready for a hike to Base las Torres (The Tower's Base). This full day hike is one of the most popular trails in the park and may well be the highlight of your trip. The well-marked route winds through rocky valleys, grasslands and small streams. You’ll cross a swing bridge before ascending to the Windy Pass. After a bit of a climb, the cold wind might even be a welcome relief. When you turn the bend, you’ll be met with a striking view over a green valley framed by snowy mountains. Once you reach Chileno Refugio (a backcountry lodge), you’ll have the chance to rest and refill your water bottle before heading to the jewel of the hike. Hike through forests and creeks until you reach the milky-green lagoon that bases the view of the three granite towers of Torres del Paine. Take a moment to appreciate the views and take photos of this incredible backdrop before making your way back to the campsite.

Today you’ll tackle the full-day French Valley hike. Part of the famed W Trek, the French Valley hike is a scenic route full of classic Patagonian scenery. You’ll spot glacier-fed lakes in shades of blue and green, the distinctive Los Cuernos peaks towering over the horizon and the highest summit of the Cordillera Paine Mountain Range – Cerro Paine Grande. The scenery here looks like a Bob Ross painting that has come to life, especially when you ascend to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the turquoise Lake Pehoe. As you continue through grasslands, you’ll see red notro flower bushes on the shores of Lake Skottsberg. Stop at a refugio along the way to give your legs a rest and have a snack before arriving at the French Glacier – the pinnacle of this trek. Hike back to your camp and rest easy knowing you have a more relaxing day tomorrow.

Today is your last day in Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, you’ll do a guided tour around another part of the park – including a visit to Grey Lake. Depending on how much time you have, you can also take a short hike to Los Cuernos for a view of Salto Grande waterfall – a powerful cascade that flows into Lake Pehoe from Lake Nordenskjold. This easy hike is a great way to cap off your experience in Torres del Paine National Park, as it’s less busy than other treks and full of incredible scenery. This afternoon, you’ll take a private transfer to Puerto Natales before jumping on a public bus to Punta Arenas.

Today you’ll take a long (but scenic) bus journey to Ushuaia in Argentina – the southernmost city in the world that’s aptly nicknamed ‘The End of the World’. With most of the day spent on the road, make sure you’re prepared for the journey with your favorite book or podcasts, water and snacks. When you arrive at your hotel, you can unpack knowing that you’ll spend the next three nights here. This evening, you might like to stretch your legs around town or find a spot to get some dinner and drinks with your group.

Ushuaia is the gateway to the Tierra del Fuego National Park – Argentina’s only park with an ocean shoreline. This windswept town is backdropped by snowy peaks and sits next to the Beagle Channel – a main route for Antarctica expeditions. Fuel up at breakfast before embarking on a hike to the Emerald Lake (also known as Laguna Esmeralda). This trail isn’t too long, but it’s still considered moderately challenging as the terrain can be quite steep and muddy. Along the way, you’ll pass classic Patagonian lenga forests that eventually thin out to reveal wide-open views of the lagoon and the Andes. Hike back and return to your hotel where you’re free to explore more of the park or recharge for the evening.

Today is a free day to relax or explore Ushuaia and its surroundings. Maybe give your body a rest after a busy couple of weeks or ask your leader about the optional activities available. Wildlife lovers may like to head out on a penguin tour to see the various species that inhabit the nearby Martillo Island. Or you could do a hike at Martial Glacier which offers great views of the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel. It’s up to you!

This morning you’ll fly back to Buenos Aires. Adjust to being back in a big city and regroup later this evening for a short stroll and a final dinner together as a group. Dinner tonight is at El Aljibe – a renowned restaurant and tango venue set in a beautifully restored historic convent in the heart of the San Telmo neighborhood. Dig into a three-course a la carte dinner paired with fine Argentine wine and watch an authentic live tango performance. Take a moment to reflect on the highlights of your adventure and raise a toast to an unforgettable two weeks.

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you didn’t have time in Buenos Aires at the start of your trip and you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.