Classic Patagonia Treks

Our adventure kicks off in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago. Say hola to your leader and fellow travellers around 6pm, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventure ahead.

There are no activities planned today, but your leader will ensure a big Latin welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant for your first taste of Chilean hospitality.

Want to explore Santiago further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative. 

Accommodation: Eurotel (or similar)
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From Chile’s central valley we board a flight for the three and a half hour journey to Puerto Natales, which is followed by a 30 minute transfer from the airport to town. Located on the edge of Ultima Esperanza Fjord, Puerto Natales is a hotspot for trekkers due to its proximity to Torres del Paine National Park. Expect big views and a cosy welcome from the moment you arrive.

As there is an early morning start tomorrow we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag that you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. Excess luggage can be left securely during the W Trek – your tour leader will give further details and assistance.

Accommodation: Big Sur (or similar)

We start early with a two hour transfer from Puerto Natales, emerging into the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Heading west towards Lago Grey, we board a catamaran around 9am to reach Refugio Grey, the start point of the W Trek. From here we can admire the first of the park’s highlights, Grey Glacier – a vast river of ice emerging from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Today’s hiking trail takes us through the Paine Grande sector of the park, with views across Lake Grey, to the Grey Glacier and of the iconic peaks of the Paine Massif. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Patagonian wilderness, before continuing our trail towards the Paine Grande Refuge. Occasionally, some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of staying in the refugio dormitories – see accommodation section.

Accommodation: Paine Grande Refugio or full-service camping

A great day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the French Valley. Our trail starts with views of the azure water of Lake Skottsberg, before reaching Campamento Italiano where we begin our ascent. We hike for around 1hr 30min until the French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off.

The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico. The full trek distance of 13mi (21km) applies if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. We return back along the French valley to Campamento Italiano, eventually catching sight of Nordenskjöld Lake and our home for tonight: Los Cuernos Refugio. This is considered to be one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night.

Accommodation: Los Cuernos Refugio

On the third day of our W Trek we are immersed further into the natural beauty of Torres del Paine as we hike through a distinctive beech-tree forest. Our trail continues along the northern shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, where the ice-cold glacial waters glisten, reflecting the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. The lake’s tranquil surface is contrasted by the powerful winds that often sweep across this otherwise calm landscape.

After a steady trek, we arrive at the trailhead at Hotel Las Torres, marking the end of today’s adventure and a chance to rest before continuing our exploration of this magnificent national park.

Accommodation: Las Torres Central Refuge

Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, a journey that winds through the Ascencio River Valley. The trail crosses two rivers, cuts through a dense lenga forest, and ascends a rugged glacial moraine before reaching the mesmerizing glacial lake at the base of the towering peaks. From this vantage point, we are treated to spectacular views of Torre Sur (9,350 ft/2,850 m), Torre Central (9,185 ft/2,800 m), Torre Norte (8,530 ft/2,600 m), and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We spend some time capturing some unforgettable photos to commemorate our achievement.

The trail then descends back down the valley, leading us to our previous night’s refuge, where a hot meal and a well-earned drink await. For convenience, non-essential items can be stored in the refugio lockers during today’s hike.

Accommodation: Las Torres Central Refuge

Our time in Torres del Paine to come to an end, but there is still plenty of trekking ahead of us! We board our transfer vehicle to Calafate, a journey of around five to six hours. After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park (keep an eye out of the window for pumas), we cross the border into Argentina and arrive into El Calafate.

Accommodation: Los Hielos or Cerro Calafate (or similar)
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From El Calafate we’ll drive around 90 minutes to visit the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno glacier is a jagged ice sheet that stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation.

Every so often, an office block-sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as an iceberg. There are around 5km of walkways to discover the glacier from different viewpoints, or alternatively an optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder.

Accommodation: Los Hielos or Cerro Calafate (or similar)
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In the morning, we transfer approximately three hours to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, our base for walking in the Fitzroy region. After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax.

For those who want to keep their legs moving, it’s possible to do a three-hour hike to the Cerro Torre viewpoint today. The trail hugs the Fitz Roy River to reach a viewpoint of the canyon, margarita waterfall and eventually the granite needles of Mont Torre. We spend the night in El Chaltén.

Accommodation: Las Piedras (or similar)
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Set off for a day of trekking amid the incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park.

Our hike begins alongside Rio Blanco (the white river), taking us through a forest of lenga and ñire trees. Once out of the forest we get our first view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier. From basecamp, our trek continues up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the Mount Fitz Roy massif. We return to El Chalten via the Laguna Capri lookout point trail, for serene views of Fitz Roy.

This is a challenging full-day trek over fairly rough terrain which is widely regarded as one of the best and most iconic hikes in South America.

Accommodation: Las Piedras (or similar)
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A drive of around 40 minutes will bring us to Los Huemules Natural Reserve, a private estancia located in the shadows of Mount Fitz Roy.

Today’s hiking trail follows the Diablo River Valley (Devil River Valley), through native forest, past the Diablo Lagoon and across hanging bridges before emerging at the Cagliero Glacier. A cosy refuge is located in front of the glacier, and will be a welcome lunch stop before our trail continues past the Blue and Green Lagoons. Look out for sightings of the torrents duck, magellanic woodpecker and condor in this pristine environment.

Accommodation: Las Piedras (or similar)
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After breakfast, we transfer back to El Calafate airport (approximately three to four hours) to arrive on time for our midday or afternoon group flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to our central hotel.  The evening is free to reflect upon our wonderful trip and enjoy one last meal together on our final night in Argentina.

Accommodation: Huinid Obelisco (or similar)
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Our adventure comes to an end today. Bid chau to each other and begin your return journey home. If you would like more time in Buenos Aires please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.