Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Tour Description
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking trip. Hike to the clear waters of Laguna de Los Tres and see a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks when you explore Laguna Torre. Spend a few days deep in the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, hiking past glaciers and watching rhea birds and pink flamingos preen in front of a mountain backdrop. Finish with a lagoon hike in Ushuaia and a night in Buenos Aires – the perfect end to an active adventure through the wilderness of South America.
Itinerary
Day 1: Buenos Aires
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina. With Latin passion and European style, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. It’s recommended you arrive a day or two early to experience the capital in all its glory. If you do, you can visit San Telmo for its weekend antique markets and artist displays, walk the streets of La Boca and explore Recoleta – the perfect place to browse museums and learn about the city’s history. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm this afternoon. You’ll then head out with your leader for an orientation walk around some of the main attractions. Tonight, maybe go out for a group dinner and taste some famed Argentinian flavours.
Day 2: El Chalten
This morning, fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, then travel by private transfer to the frontier town of El Chalten – north of Glacier National Park. Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here as a central location to access the parks. The atmosphere is laid back and orientated towards outdoorsy types. Your day is free to explore the town and prepare yourself for the next few days of hiking and trekking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.
Day 3: El Chalten
Today, you’ll take on one of the most popular treks in the area – the round-trip to Laguna de Los Tres, the turquoise lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and striking granite peaks, this hike has some short steep sections, but as one of the most frequented hikes, the terrain itself is not hugely difficult. You can expect to walk on clearly marked and well-maintained paths. Wind and rain may be the main challenge. When you arrive at your location, the scenery will all be worth it! In the evening, relax in your hotel or head for dinner with your fellow trekkers.
Day 4: El Chalten
Fuel up on breakfast at your hotel and get ready for another active day of exploration. Today, you’ll take a moderate hike to Laguna Torre – another of the most popular treks in the area. This valley trek will take you past scenic viewpoints with panoramas of Cerro Solo, Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. You’ll see floating icebergs broken off the front face of the spectacular Grande glacier, and when you arrive at Laguna Torre, you’ll witness the steep valleys that frame Cerro Torre. Cerro Torre is the tallest peak of this mountain range and as such, some daredevils even choose to scale the face of it!
Day 5: El Calafate
Take a well-deserved moment to relax this morning before transferring to El Calafate. This city is on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the province of Santa Cruz. It is known as the gateway to the Glacier National Park, which is home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. When you arrive, check into your hotel and maybe stake out some local Argentinian food at one of the city’s many restaurants. If you’re a history buff, head to the Patagonian Ice Museum, which features educational exhibits and more information about the glacier – plus, it has a cocktail bar made from ice! Today is yours to explore.
Day 6: El Calafate
Today, drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few balanced glaciers in the world and at 5 km wide and 30 km long, it’s a spectacular sight. There are multiple viewing platforms overlooking Lake Argentino and they provide an ideal vantage point to watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. This glacier is in constant flux, so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll witness the natural symphony of its thunderous cracking and reforming if you’re patient. There is also the option to hit the water and embark on a glacier cruise, to see this electric-blue cliff face from a different perspective. Alternatively, you can choose to pre-book a full-day mini trek (see special information, below) that will have you walking on top of part of the glacier. Once finished soaking up the wonder of this natural formation, return to El Calafate for the night.
Day 7: Torres del Paine National Park
Be ready for another long travel day today. Early this morning, jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile. Here, stop and get yourself some lunch while waiting for the connecting transfer to Torres del Paine National Park – sitting at the end of the earth in Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep estancia (a type of ranch), the park was established in 1959. This trekking country is where nandus, condors and pink flamingos abound. When you arrive, you may be greeted by a herd of guanacos (the local relatives of alpacas). These strange animals provide great photo opportunities, but don’t get too close, they’re likely to spit! The real star of the show is the surrounding landscape. With sparkling lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains, much of the time trekking is spent in awe of your surroundings. After arriving at the campsite that will be your home for the next three nights, tonight is yours to relax.
Day 8: Torres del Paine National Park
The most popular trek in this area (sure to be a highlight of this trip) is Base las Torres (The Tower’s Base) – this full-day hike is a well-marked route through rocky valleys, grasslands and small running streams. You’ll cross a rickety-looking swing bridge, which looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, and then ascend to the Windy Pass. The cold wind might just be a welcome relief after a bit of a climb, and when you turn the bend, you’ll be met with a stunning view looking down onto a green valley backdropped by snowy mountains. Once you reach Chileno Refugio (the backcountry huts and lodges throughout the park), you’ll have the chance to rest, recharge and refill your water bottle before heading to the jewel of the hike. Traverse through forests and creeks until you reach the milky-green lagoon that bases the view of the three towers of Torres del Paine. You’ll have time to take in the views and get a few prized photos, before making your way back to the campsite.
Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park
Today, you’ll tackle the full-day French Valley hike. One of the paths along the famed W Trek, the French Valley hike is a scenic route, full of classic Patagonian scenery. You’ll spot glacier-fed lakes in shades of blues and greens and the distinctive Los Cuernos peaks towering over the horizon. Along the way, see the highest summit of the Cordillera Paine Mountain Range – Cerro Paine Grande. Take in the fantastic scenery, which look like a Bob Ross painting come to life, especially when you ascend to a panoramic view of the turquoise Lake Pehoe. As you continue through rolling grasslands, you’ll see red notro flower bushes along the shores of Lake Skottsberg. Stop at nearby refugios to fuel up on water, then be met by the French Glacier – the pinnacle of this trek.
Day 10: Punta Arenas
Today is your last day in Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, you’ll be taken on a guided tour around another part of the park, including a visit to Grey Lake. If time permits, take the short Los Cuernos hike for a view of Salto Grande waterfall – the park’s largest and most impressive waterfall. This easy hike is a great way to cap off your experience in Torres del Paine National Park, as it’s less busy than other treks and full of incredible scenery. This afternoon, take a private transfer to Puerto Natales and then a public bus to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 11: Ushuaia
Today, hit the road again for a scenic bus journey back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world – Ushuaia. Needless to say, you should arm yourself with your favourite book, music player and some drinks and snacks for the journey.
Day 12: Ushuaia
Ushuaia is nicknamed ‘The End of the World’ and is the access point to the Tierra del Fuego National Park (the nation’s only park with an ocean shoreline). This windswept town is backdropped by snowy mountains and sits next to the Beagle Channel – the gateway to Antarctica. This morning after breakfast, embark on the Emerald Lake hike (also known as Laguna Esmerelda). This route is considered moderately challenging and is quite a popular trek in the area due to the beautiful landscape. You’ll witness classic Patagonian forests, rich with vegetation on the way to the the lagoon, surrounded by the Andean Mountain Range. Tonight, you’re free to explore more of the park or to rest and recharge.
Day 13: Ushuaia
Today, enjoy breakfast with your group and a leisurely morning. You have a free day to explore southern Ushuaia and its surroundings. You could head on a penguin tour and see the several local different species, most of which inhabit Martillo Island. Or you could take a hike at Martial Glacier, close to a mountain range of the same name and offering panoramic views of the Beagle Channel.
Day 14: Buenos Aires
After breakfast, you’ll return to Buenos Aires by plane. Arrive back in Argentina’s capital in the early hours of the afternoon. As you’re back in the big city, you might want to kick back, relax and feast in one of the many popular restaurants in the area. Maybe hit the town tonight and experience Buenos Aires’ vibrant nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Day 15: Buenos Aires
As there are no activities planned for your last day, you’re free to depart at any time. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see Buenos Aires before your trip, consider staying an extra few days. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 29, 2025 | $9,333.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Nov 5, 2025 | $11,695.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Nov 12, 2025 | $10,354.50 | |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Nov 15, 2025 | $11,895.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Nov 19, 2025 | $11,930.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 22, 2025 | $11,290.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Nov 26, 2025 | $11,695.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | $12,340.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2025 | Dec 3, 2025 | $9,904.50 | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | Dec 6, 2025 | $12,290.00 | |
| Nov 26, 2025 | Dec 10, 2025 | $12,495.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 | $12,295.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | Dec 17, 2025 | $12,340.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 24, 2025 | $12,340.00 | |
| Dec 17, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 | $11,930.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Jan 3, 2026 | $11,730.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2025 | Jan 7, 2026 | $12,335.00 | |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Jan 10, 2026 | $11,930.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Jan 17, 2026 | $10,925.00 | |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Jan 28, 2026 | $11,795.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Feb 4, 2026 | $12,290.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Feb 11, 2026 | $11,790.00 | |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Feb 14, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Feb 18, 2026 | $12,430.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Feb 25, 2026 | $11,875.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 | $10,440.00 | |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Mar 4, 2026 | $10,330.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2026 | Mar 11, 2026 | $10,805.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2026 | Mar 18, 2026 | $10,880.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2026 | Mar 25, 2026 | $10,645.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2026 | Apr 1, 2026 | $11,355.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Apr 8, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Nov 7, 2026 | $10,440.00 | |
| Oct 28, 2026 | Nov 11, 2026 | $10,440.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 18, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2026 | Nov 25, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 18, 2026 | Dec 2, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 5, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2026 | Dec 9, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 | $10,945.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2026 | Dec 16, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2026 | Dec 23, 2026 | $10,135.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2026 | Dec 30, 2026 | $10,440.00 | |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Jan 2, 2027 | $10,440.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | $10,945.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 9, 2027 | $10,945.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2026 | Jan 13, 2027 | $10,945.00 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 16, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Jan 13, 2027 | Jan 27, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Jan 20, 2027 | Feb 3, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Feb 3, 2027 | Feb 17, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Feb 10, 2027 | Feb 24, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Feb 17, 2027 | Mar 3, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Mar 10, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Mar 3, 2027 | Mar 17, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Mar 10, 2027 | Mar 24, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Mar 17, 2027 | Mar 31, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2027 | Oct 27, 2027 | $10,640.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2027 | Nov 3, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2027 | Nov 10, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Nov 3, 2027 | Nov 17, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Nov 10, 2027 | Nov 24, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Nov 17, 2027 | Dec 1, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Dec 4, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Nov 24, 2027 | Dec 8, 2027 | $11,490.00 | |
| Dec 8, 2027 | Dec 22, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Dec 15, 2027 | Dec 29, 2027 | $10,960.00 | |
| Dec 18, 2027 | Jan 1, 2028 | $11,490.00 | |
| Dec 22, 2027 | Jan 5, 2028 | $11,490.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2027 | Jan 8, 2028 | $11,490.00 |