Hike Patagonia in Depth
Travel Destinations: Patagonia, Argentina, Chile
14 Day Itinerary | Buenos Aires, El Chaltén, El Calafate, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine
For those looking to explore a corner of the world that is well off the tourist track (in addition to some incredible highlights), this two weeks of hiking through some very remote areas of Patagonia is your opportunity to roam wild and free, my friend. With snow-capped mountains and blue skies as your backdrop, you’ll hike through otherworldly Torres del Paine National Park, staggering El Chaltén, sobering Glacier National Park, and the highly celebrated W Trek. Get ready for the walk of your life.
• Catch a glimpse of Mt Fitz Roy
• Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier
• Savour the scenery in Patagonia
• Hike the spectacular W Trek
• Snap a photo of the famous three peaks of Las Torres
• Enjoy the vibrant city of Buenos Aires
Small Group
Enjoy an intimate journey with a close-knit group, blending personalized experiences with social connections.
Adventure
Explore thrilling and challenging destinations, engaging in activities such as hiking, trekking, and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Contemporary
Experience modern comfort without compromise, where affordability meets quality for a stylish adventure.
Pre-Set
Please reach out to us for an up-to-date list of start dates for this trip.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Buenos Aires
• Arrive at any time
• Meet and Greet with group and leader
Day 2 – Buenos Aires/El Chaltén
• Buenos Aires airport transfer
• Flight to El Calafate
• Private transfer from El Calafate to El Chaltén
Day 3 – El Chaltén
• Kayak in Río de las Vueltas
Day 4 – El Chaltén
• Guided hike to Laguna de los Tres
Day 5 – El Chaltén/El Calafate
• Morning at leisure
• Private transfer to El Calafate
Day 6 – El Calafate
• Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Day 7 – El Calafate
• Day at leisure
Day 8 – El Calafate/Puerto Natales
• Transfer to Puerto Natales by bus
• Afternoon at leisure
Day 9 – Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp
• Private transfer to Torres del Paine National Park
• W Trek – Day 1
Day 10 – Laguna Azul Camp/Cuernos Camp
• W Trek – Day 2
Day 11 – Cuernos Camp/Paine Grande Camp
• W Trek – Day 3
Day 12 – Paine Grande Camp/Puerto Natales
• W Trek – Day 4
• Private transfer to Puerto Natales
Day 13 – Puerto Natales/Buenos Aires
• Transfer to El Calafate by bus
• Flight to Buenos Aires
Day 14 – Buenos AIres
• Depart at any time
Itinerary
Day 1 – Buenos AIres
Arrive at any time.
As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Optional activities:
• Teatro Colón Tour
• Buenos Aires Bike Tour
• La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
• Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Day 2 – Buenos Aires/El Chaltén
Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private transportation to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia. En route marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – El Chaltén
Climb into a double kayak for a gentle paddle along the Río de las Vueltas, inside Los Glaciares National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Fitz Roy mountain if the skies are clear.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – El Chaltén
Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres and if the weather cooperates, a clear view of the Fitz Roy peaks. En route, take in the gradual changes in terrain from tree covered trails to exposed alpine landscapes.
Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – El Chaltén/El Calafate
Explore one of El Chaltén’s many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Laguna Capri or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional activities:
• Cerro Torre Hike to El Chaltén
• Chorrillo del Salto Hike
• Condor and Eagle Lookout
Day 6 – El Calafate
Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. Explore the different metallic walkways that will bring you directly to a spectacular view over the glacier and be amazed by every angle. Then, opt to take a boat ride on the lake to get a different view of the stunning landscape and marvel at how large the glacier is up close.
Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional activities:
• Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour
Day 7 – El Calafate
TEnjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience a full-day ranch experience, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian landscape.
Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the gaucho inspired cozy town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay. Opt to take navigation to see other glaciers in the region or go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe.
The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional activities:
• Laguna Nimez Tour
Day 8 – El Calafate/Puerto Natales
Continue on to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the town, eat a hearty meal, and rest well for the 4-day hike ahead.
Once a small fishing village, Puerto Natales is now a hub of adventure enthusiasts itching to explore unforgettable Torres del Paine National Park.
Get any last-minute shopping done and rent all equipment needed for the hike. Extra gear not needed for the Paine hike can be stored at the hotel. Then, get ready for a detailed briefing with your group leader and local mountain guides about everything you need to know about this trek.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 – Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp
W Trek – Day 1. Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
Hop on a private transfer and enjoy the two and a half hour drive to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at the Welcome Center and get ready to start the trek. Hike through dense forest and mountain paths before making the ascent to the base of Las Torres. Hike about 4 hrs in and 4 hrs back. Then, transfer to the campsite at the end of the day for some spectacular food and time to reflect on the first leg of the journey.
Accommodation: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Laguna Azul Camp/Cuernos Camp
W Trek – Day 2. Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag and jump in the van. Our drive today goes along the Paine river until we reach the Welcome Center in Torres del Paine National Park. Be on the lookout to spot some wildlife! Once at the welcome center, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld lake and enjoy the view before reaching Cuernos Camp.
Accommodation: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Cuernos Camp/Paine Grande Camp
W Trek – Day 3. Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the imposing French glacier hanging over Paine Grande mountain. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape and enjoy a 360 view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.
Accommodation: Campsite
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Paine Grande Camp/Puerto Natales
W Trek – Day 4. The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Hike back to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment before returning to Puerto Natales for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 – Puerto Natales/Buenos Aires
Travel back into Argentina to El Calafate and catch an evening flight from Patagonia to Buenos Aires.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 – Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional activities:
• Buenos Aires Bike Tour
• Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
• La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
• Teatro Colón Tour
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be booked pending dates and availability. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled (not optional) activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• All meals listed on each day of the itinerary
• Two local guides that accompany you throughout your whole trip
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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