Hike Patagonia In Depth
14 days, Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
Itinerary Notes
We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.
Itinerary
Day 1Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time.
As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Opt to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show.
Booking pre or post trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience this vibrant city.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Teatro Colón Tour
25USD per personExplore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.
La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
10USD per personVisit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born.
Meeting place: Cerrito 1128
Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Up America Plaza (or similar)
Day 2Buenos Aires/El Chaltén
Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private vehicle to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike.
Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. 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.
Enjoy free time to warm up for the upcoming trek, opt to take a short hike to a nearby lookout or explore around town.
The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg (33 lbs) for checked baggage and 8kg (17 lbs) for carry-ons. No organic food is allowed as Patagonia is a protected area. Bags will be checked upon arrival in El Calafate.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
The luggage restrictions for all Aerolineas Argentinas flights are 15kg for checked baggage and 5kg for carry-ons. No organic food is allowed as Patagonia is a protected area. Bags will be checked upon arrival in El Calafate.
Private Vehicle
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride on your private transportation.
Free Time
Head out into the national park and start exploring beautiful Patagonia.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Los Glaciares National Park Short Hike
30USD per personTake a hike and get up close to Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, Los Glaciares National Park's iconic peaks, and set your eyes on some exquisite glacial lakes.
Accommodation
Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3El 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.
Kayak in Río de las Vueltas
Hop on a bus to Condor Lagoon area, about 40 min away, and get ready for the adventure. Guides will provide all the necessary equipment for the kayak and once everyone is ready, they will do a safety talk. First the group will practice the movements in Condor Lagoon and then continue to Río de las Vueltas for about 6 km. During the journey, passengers will have the opportunity to see Fitz Roy mountain peaks from the river and amazing views of the National Park if the weather allows it. Head back to Chaltén by bus for a free afternoon.
Accommodation
Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4El 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.
Los Glaciares National Park Guided Hike
Enjoy a full day of hiking in Los Glaciares National Park. See granite pinnacles spiraling upward from the third largest ice field on earth. Hike to Laguna de los Tres to fully appreciate majestic Cerro Fitz Roy/Chaltén (3,441m/11,290 ft) – one of the most famous and popular viewpoints of the mountain.
Distance travelled: 24km/15 miles.
Duration: 10 hours.
Elevation gain: 1040m (3412 ft.)
Terrain: some portions of the trail can be quite steep with lose rocks, boulders, and soil.
Accommodation
Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5El 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 Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, 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.
Free Time
Explore the region by foot and hike one of the many trails around El Chaltén.
Private Vehicle
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride on our private G Adventures transportation.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Cerro Torre Hike to El Chaltén
30USD per personHike through the Cerro Torre Valley (Los Glaciares National Park; grade: easy to moderate) to Torre Lake and Glacier for a close view, weather permitting, of the awesome spires that make up Cerro Torre (3,102m/10,178 ft) and its neighbours. A treacherous cap of ice known to climbers as “the mushroom” tops this slender needle of granite. Stop by the lake for some relaxation upon your return.
Chorrillo del Salto Hike
30USD per personEnjoy an easy hike to see a waterfall hidden in National Park Los Glaciares. Trek around native forest alongside amazing views of de las Vueltas River.
Distance travelled: 7km
Time: 3 hours
Condor and Eagle Lookout
30USD per personAlso known as Mirador de los Cóndores y Mirador de las Águilas. It's one of the shortest hiking options in the area, enjoy a lighter hike to a viewpoint often overflown by condors with spectacular panoramic views of the town and the mountains. Detour to another viewpoint to admire the Viedma lake and the steppe.
Distance: 6km
Duration: 1-2 hrs
Accommodation
Hosteria Posta Sur (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6El Calafate
Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. 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. Explore the different metallic walkways that will bring you directly to a spectacular view over the glacier and be amazed by every angle.
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.
Perito Moreno Glacier Tour
Get out there and explore the natural wonder that is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s few “advancing” glaciers. Head to the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park, where Moreno's 60m (197 ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow “Canal de los Tempanos” (Iceberg Channel) creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force.
Please note this tour does not include walking on top of the glacier.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Perito Moreno Glacier Boat
80USD per personGet a closer look at the sheer magnitude of the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Head out on the glacial lake for spectacular views of the south wall. Keep your camera at the ready, this won't be an experience you'll soon forget, but you'll want to capture it just in case.
Accommodation
Hosteria Posta Sur (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7El Calafate
Enjoy 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.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore town and the surrounding area.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Laguna Nimez
15USD per personVisit Laguna Nimez Reserve, a bird sanctuary protecting prime avian habitat. Spot flamingos, upland geese, silvery grebe, red-gartered coots and many other species found in the area.
Accommodation
Hosteria Posta Sur (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8El 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 NP.
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 CEO and local mountain guides about everything you need to know about this trek.
Free Time
Explore the coastal town of Puerto Natales at leisure, take in the views or wander through the streets.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Border Crossing (Argentina - Chile)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Hotel Capitan Eberhard (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp
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.
Private Vehicle
Cross the pampas of Patagonia first on asphalt roads to Laguna Amarga, stopping for a quick break. Continue along the road and stop to take photos of the spectacular views! Keep an eye out for wildlife— guanacos, condors, geese, and other birds. Enter the Torres del Paine Welcome Center for a quick bathroom stop before starting the hike.
W Trek - Day 1 (Laguna Camp)
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.
Locations: Hike from the Welcome Center to the Base of the Towers and back.
Distance travelled: 22km (14 miles roundtrip)
Time: 7-9 hours.
Elevation gain: 750m (2,460 ft.)
Accommodation
Laguna Azul Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Laguna Azul Camp/Cuernos Camp
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 NP. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
W Trek - Day 2 Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp
Take in some amazing scenery on this stretch – light blue lakes contrast beautifully against the deep green forest. Test your endurance on a couple of uphill sections, but mainly enjoy a straightforward hiking day. Head to the spectacular campsite for the night near Cuernos Camp.
Location: Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp
Distance travelled: 12km (7.5 miles roundtrip)
Time: 4-5 hours.
Elevation gain: 175m (575 ft.)
Accommodation
Campsite Los Cuernos (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Cuernos Camp/Paine Grande Camp
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.
W Trek - Day 3
Enjoy breakfast in Cuernos. Hike first to the Italiano Park Ranger Station, then set out to the French Valley lookout. Here, soak in views that are absolutely amazing! Get a great view of the fresh glacier, where it’s possible to see avalanches.
Locations: Hike to French Valley and Paine Grande Campsite
Distance travelled: 18km
Time: 6-7 hours.
Elevation gain: 145m (350 ft)
Accommodation
Campsite Paine Grande (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Paine Grande Camp/Puerto Natales
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.
W Trek - Day 4 Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout
Hike to Grey Lake viewpoint before ending the hike. Enjoy amazing views across the lake. Glacier Grey makes a stunning background. Head back to Paine Grande campsite to hop on a boat and cross lake Pehoé where a private van will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales.
Locations: Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout
Distance travelled: 11km (7 miles)
Time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 400m (1,315 ft)
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Capitan Eberhard (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 13Puerto Natales/Buenos Aires
Travel back into Argentina to El Calafate and catch an evening flight from Patagonia to Buenos Aires.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Up America Plaza (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Teatro Colón Tour
25USD per personExplore this stunning opera house on a guided tour and find out why it is voted one of the best acoustic venues in the world.
La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
10USD per personVisit La Boca to soak in the vibrancy of the barrio’s brightly coloured buildings and El Caminito (a cobblestone street lined with artist studios that’s often used as an impromptu setting for tango performances). Or, if lucky, catch a match at fabled La Bombonera, the home stadium of the Boca Juniors’ fútbol club (the crowd's excitement is electric!).
Buenos Aires Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour exploring beautiful, vibrant Buenos Aires. Be introduced to historic sites and districts, including Plaza de Mayo where Eva Peron's famed balcony presides over the square. See La Boca and San Telmo's colourful street life, painted houses, and the famed Recoleta Cemetery.
Buenos Aires Bike Tour
Experience this vibrant city cruising around on a bicycle with a local Argentine. Bike, helmet, knowledgeable tour guide, they've got it all taken care of, just come along for the ride and take in the many historical sights on offer. Discover Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, colourful Caminito, and the working class neighbourhoods where Tango was born.
Meeting place: Cerrito 1128
Please note the bike tour begins at 10 AM. We advise booking a pre-night in order to arrive on time for this pre-sold optional activity. If you choose to arrive the day of the bike tour, please ensure your flight lands no later than 8 AM to ensure enough time to make it to the arrival point.