Overview
Experience the best of Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. Explore the sub-Antarctic tip of Chile, mingle with penguins, and gaze upon majestic glaciers in Torres del Paine. Transfer to El Calafate and El Chalten for jaw-dropping views of Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre in Las Glaciares National Park. Most trekking elevation is under 5,000 feet. Shorter hikes (up to 5 miles) are scheduled among other activities like penguin viewing via boat, horseback riding, and drinking local wines. This trip is for any adventurous outdoor traveler. See blog post by Greg Lais about WI’s first trip to Patagonia.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Punta Arenas, the capital city of southern Patagonia!
Arrive at Punta Arenas, the gateway to the Andes mountains and the Patagonian fjords. Meet your guides and group mates and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a shared meal and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Cross the strait of Magellan and mingle with penguins.
Take a boat tour across the Strait of Magellan to a nature reserve and marvel at the thousands of Magellanic penguins milling about on the pebbly terrain. Circumnavigate Marta Island to see countless sea lions in their natural habit. After lunch, head to the famed Torres del Paine National Park. Your accommodation lies at the foot of the Torres del Paine mountain range amidst a myriad of natural wonders and unbeatable views.
Day 3: Discover the wonders of the Las Torres mountains.
Walk along the breathtaking foothills of Mount Almirante Nieto toward the granite peaks of the Ascencio Valley. Hike in lush valleys full of trees and vegetation that line the river giving you a full experience of the Las Torres Mountains.
Day 4: Hike in the heart of Patagonia and visit Grey Lake.
Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Torres del Paine National Park and its most scenic stops. Gaze upon soaring mountains, view sparkling glacial lakes, and hike alongside glaciers. If you’re lucky, find a local guanaco amidst an unmatched backdrop.
Day 5: Enjoy the area on horseback as the Gauchos did.
Gallop across the pampas and through the lenga forest on this equestrian adventure across the Cerro Paine Reserve. Starting off from our stables, the trip follows the “O” Circuit around the eastern edge of the Paine Massif into the valley of the Paine river.
Day 6: Cross into the Argentinian Patagonia.
After breakfast say goodbye to Chile as you embark onto your next destination, El Calafate. Explore the lakeside downtown and keep an eye out for flamingos on Lake Argentina.
Day 7: Tour the iconic Las Glaciares National Park.
Experience one of the most famed glaciers in all of Patagonia; the Perito Moreno. Learn about the history of the national park, capture incredible vistas, and birdwatch for condors and eagles over head.
Day 8: Travel to the heart of Patagonia.
Transfer to the village of Chalten, deep in the heart of Las Glaciares National Park. Explore the picturesque village that is also known as the "trekking capital of Argentina."
Day 9: Gaze at the majestic Fitz Roy.
Experience one of the park’s most incredible viewpoints surrounded by glaciers and granite spires. Walk through the dense forest of lengas complete with glacial lagoons and unforgettable scenery. The rugged sky-puncturing peaks of Fitz Roy will not disappoint.
Day 10: Hike to Laguna Torre.
This classic hike is not to be missed in the Argentinian Patagonian region. Complete with glaciers, granite spires, lagoons, and views that will take your breath away.
Day 11: Say goodbye to Patagonia.
Say your goodbyes to the jaw-dropping backdrops of Patagonia and to your travel companions. Transfer to the airport in El Calafate for your journey home.
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE: Enjoy exploring the Torres del Paine and Navarino Island. We will hike a few miles of uneven trail most days above sea level. Kayaking and horseback riding requires little to no experience.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport at 12:00 PM (local time)
End: Punta Arenas Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport at 3:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
To make your travel arrangements for this trip we recommend that you consult with a travel agency. The agency we work with frequently, Travel One, can be reached at (800) 247-1311. They are typically familiar with our trips and can help you make the best flight connections and hotel transfers at the best prices. Most people will fly to Santiago, Chile, and then connect to our meeting area of Puerto Montt, Chile. That is a 2 hour flight and about $50. At the end of the trip you will be transported to the airport in Punta Arenas and fly home (or anywhere else you might be headed) from there. Most people will fly back to Santiago and then home from there. It is a 2 hour flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago (about $110). Except where made explicit, WI will provide for all trip-specific transportation in Chile between the two flights. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
Is this hiking trip wheelchair accessible?
Since hiking over rugged trails is a primary activity of our hiking trips, we do not recommend these trips for persons who use wheelchairs. Several of the hikes and activities are not very accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Our canoe, kayak, and dogsled trips are generally more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Water based travel is the great equalizer when it comes to outdoor activities. Fortunately, we have many trips to choose from.
All that said, if you use a wheelchair and are interested in going, please call to discuss the trip with us. We never want to say never!
Which immunizations do you recommend when traveling to an international destination?
Prior to departure, we recommend that you check with your doctor as early as possible to ensure you are up to date on your standard immunizations. Your doctor is in the best position to recommend specific vaccinations to specific destinations.
How difficult are the hikes?
Most trekking elevation is under 5,000 ft, but some do go as high as 9,000 feet. Shorter hikes (up to 5 miles) are scattered among other activities like penguin viewing via boat, horseback riding and drinking local wines. If you can walk 5-miles you'll be fine.
Do you have a single supplement for Patagonia Hike and Explore?
You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $1295 during the registration process.