13 Day Patagonian Hiking Adventure

Welcome to Argentina. On arrival at El Calafate Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in town.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore El Calafate at your own pace. This charming Patagonian town is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and offers a range of cafes, shops and scenic viewpoints.

Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers and prepare for the journey ahead.

MEALS: Welcome Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Hosteria Hainen, El Calafate

After breakfast, depart by road for the scenic journey to El Chaltén, a distance of approximately 220 km. Along the way, stop to enjoy local pastries and coffee while taking in the sweeping Patagonian landscapes.

On arrival in El Chaltén, begin your trek towards the Fitz Roy Massif. Carry only the essentials needed for the next two nights, with remaining luggage stored securely and returned upon your return.

The hike begins with a gentle ascent along the Fitz Roy Trail, gradually gaining elevation above the Río de las Vueltas valley. After a few hours, reach the first viewpoints of the iconic Fitz Roy peaks, followed by a further walk through forests and open terrain towards your camp.

Arrive at your fully serviced camp within Los Glaciares National Park, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Fitz Roy spires rising above the surrounding glaciers.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 5 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 12 km

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 220 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Full Camp, El Chaltén

Start the day early with the opportunity to witness the first light of sunrise illuminating the granite walls of Mount Fitz Roy, a truly unforgettable Patagonian experience.

After breakfast, set out on a full day hike carrying only essential items including warm layers, water, camera and your packed lunch. Follow the Fitz Roy Trail towards Río Blanco, the climbers’ basecamp on the eastern side of the mountain.

From here, tackle a steep one hour ascent to Laguna de los Tres, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Los Glaciares National Park. The vivid blue lagoon sits at the base of the Fitz Roy massif, offering close up views of its towering spires and surrounding glaciers.

After time to take in the scenery and enjoy your lunch, begin the return trek back to camp, arriving in the late afternoon.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 9 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 20 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Full Camp, El Chaltén

Today, depart camp and begin your trek through the scenic valleys of Lagoons Madre and Hija, continuing down into the Río Fitz Roy valley to connect with the Cerro Torre Trail.

Hike through native beech forest, open shrubland and glacial terrain as you make your way towards Laguna Torre. This striking glacial lagoon is framed by moraines, with Glacier Grande calving into its western edge and icebergs often drifting across the water.

Enjoy spectacular views of the slender granite spires of Cerro Torre and the Adela Range before beginning your return hike to El Chaltén in the afternoon.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 8 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 19 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Pudu Lodge, El Chaltén

Today, set out on a scenic hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, located just south of the Cerro Torre valley. This lesser visited trail offers some of the best panoramic views across the region.

As you ascend, take in sweeping views over the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs, along with the vast glacial valley that separates them. The landscape opens up dramatically as you gain elevation, revealing glaciers, lakes and rugged Patagonian terrain.

Depending on conditions and group ability, you may continue to the summit via a steady climb over scree slopes, or enjoy the incredible vistas from the lower terraces.

After time to explore and enjoy your surroundings, return to El Chaltén in the late afternoon.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 7 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 16 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Pudu Lodge, El Chaltén

This morning is at leisure to relax or further explore El Chaltén. You may wish to enjoy one of the many short walks, local cafes or optional activities available in the area.

In the afternoon, depart by road for the return journey to El Calafate, travelling through the scenic Patagonian steppe.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 3.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 220 km

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hosteria Hainen, El Calafate

Today, travel to Los Glaciares National Park to visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most iconic natural wonders in South America.

Flowing from the vast Patagonian Icefield, this immense glacier stretches over 250 square kilometres and is one of the few glaciers in the world that continues to advance. Unique conditions allow it to periodically rupture, creating a dramatic natural spectacle.

On arrival, take in breathtaking views from the network of walkways positioned just metres from the glacier’s towering ice walls. Witness the deep blue ice formations and, if you are lucky, hear the thunderous sound of ice breaking and crashing into the lake below.

After time to explore and enjoy this unforgettable experience, return to El Calafate in the afternoon.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1.5 Hours each way

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 80 km each way

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hosteria Hainen, El Calafate

Depart early this morning for the scenic journey to Torres del Paine National Park, travelling through the vast Patagonian steppe and along sections of the legendary Route 40.

Cross the Argentina–Chile border at Cancha Carrera / Cerro Castillo before continuing towards the park. As you approach, take in your first views of the dramatic Paine Massif, including Paine Grande, the Cuernos (Horns), Admiral Nieto and the iconic Towers.

On arrival within the park, enjoy a short introductory walk to experience the unique landscape and abundant wildlife. Keep an eye out for guanacos, rheas, condors and a variety of birdlife, along with native flora across the open plains.

Continue by vehicle to your camp, located at the base of the Paine Massif, where you will settle in for the evening.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 1.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 4 km

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6 Hours

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 300 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Full Camp, Torres del Paine

Start early this morning for one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia, following the Ascensio River Valley towards the base of the Torres del Paine.

Begin with a steady ascent to enter the valley, before continuing along a scenic trail through alpine terrain and native beech forest. Pass Refugio Chileno, a popular rest point, before gradually gaining elevation towards the final climb.

The last section is a steep ascent over moraine, leading to the breathtaking Towers viewpoint. Here, a glacial lagoon sits beneath the three granite spires of the Paine Towers, rising dramatically over 1,000 metres above the surrounding landscape.

After time to rest, take photos and enjoy your surroundings, return to camp via the same route in the afternoon.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 7.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 19 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Full Camp, Torres del Paine

This morning, travel by road to Port Pudeto for the scenic crossing of Lake Pehoé by catamaran, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

On arrival at Paine Grande, drop off any unnecessary items before setting out on the hike into the French Valley. Follow the trail along the shores of Lake Skottberg and beneath the southern slopes of Paine Grande.

After a steady hike with sections of gradual ascent and descent, reach the hanging bridge over the French River, a spectacular viewpoint surrounded by towering peaks. Continue further into the valley towards Italian Camp for even more impressive panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the Cuernos del Paine.

After time to enjoy the scenery and your lunch, retrace your steps back to camp in the afternoon.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 5.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 13 km

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1 Hour

CATAMARAN CROSSING: Approx. 30 Minutes each way

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Full Camp, Torres del Paine

Today, set out on a scenic hike into the Grey Valley, following trails that traverse ridgelines and open landscapes towards the shores of Lake Grey.

Enjoy incredible views of the vast Grey Glacier, which flows from the Patagonian Icefield and calves into the lake, often scattering brilliant blue icebergs across the water. The trail winds along the slopes of Paine Grande, offering some of the most impressive panoramic views within Torres del Paine National Park.

After exploring the area and enjoying your lunch, return along the same trail to Paine Grande.

Board the catamaran for the return crossing of Lake Pehoé, before continuing by road to Puerto Natales, a charming town set along the Última Esperanza fjord.

APPROXIMATE WALKING TIME: 6.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE WALKING DISTANCE: 16 km

CATAMARAN CROSSING: Approx. 30 Minutes

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 1.5 Hours

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 110 km

MEALS: Breakfast, Box Lunch

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Francis Drake, Puerto Natales

This morning, depart Puerto Natales and begin the journey back to Argentina, crossing the border en route to El Calafate.

On arrival, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the town, relax at a local café or take in the surrounding Patagonian scenery.

APPROXIMATE DRIVING TIME: 6 Hours

APPROXIMATE DRIVING DISTANCE: 270 km

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hosteria Hainen, El Calafate

After breakfast, transfer to El Calafate Airport for your onward flight.

Your Patagonia adventure concludes today. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of this incredible journey.

MEALS: Breakfast