Day hikes in Paine & Glacier National Parks

The splendor of Patagonia surpasses expectations—a magical, hypnotic landscape of stunning granite towers thrusting 6,000 feet into the air with the golden plains of the Argentine and Chilean steppes below. Patagonia's pristine beauty is preserved in two exceptionally scenic national parks: the breathtaking mountain environs of Torres del Paine in Chile, and Argentina’s Los Glaciares. See the best of both on foot—from the famous ice-clad peaks and granite needles of the Torres del Paine to the sheer-walled granite shark fin of 11,073-foot Fitzroy in Los Glaciares National Park. An ideal adventure for those who enjoy long hikes through landscapes so scenic they’re beyond belief.

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Activities

8 days moderate to strenuous hiking, some long drives

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenging day hikes in Patagonia's Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks
• Spectacular vistas of the Towers of Paine, Cerro Torre, and the awesome Fitzroy massif
• Stay at lodges and hosterias—no camping!
• Visit Buenos Aires, cosmopolitan capital of Argentina—often referred to as the "Paris of South America"

Duration: 14 days Start Location: Punta Arenas End Location: Buenos Aires

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Punta Arenas

  Meet in Punta Arenas, Chile.

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  Day 2 : Travel to Torres del Paine National Park

  Drive to Las Torres in Paine National Park, via Puerto Natales.

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  Day 3 : Torres del Paine

  Roundtrip hike to the granite towers of the Torres del Paine, one of the most scenic sights in the world!

• Day 4 : Paso Cuernos

  Hike into the spectacular cirque of the French Valley and along the shores of turquoise-hued Lago Nordenskjold, nestled beneath the Cuernos del Paine massif.

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  Day 5 : French Valley

  Hike into the French Valley, below glaciers that descend from Paine Grande, and below the enormous granite sweep of the horn-like Cuernos del Paine. Two different hiking options are available today (8-10 hours hiking, depending on which option you choose). End the day at Lodge Paine Grande on the shores of Lago Pehoé.

• Day 6 : Torres del Paine National Park – Grey Glacier

  Hike to the Grey Glacier lookout for outstanding views. Then travel by catamaran across Lago Grey and stay at Hosteria Lago Grey.

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  Day 7 : Travel to Argentina

  Drive to Calafate, Argentina, located in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lago Argentino. The next day you'll visit the lake's Perito Moreno Glacier with its massive ice wall.

• Day 8 : Perito Moreno Glacier

  Full-day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, with a visit to impressive Perito Moreno glacier as the centerpiece.

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  Day 9 : To Los Glaciares National Park

  Drive to Los Glaciares National Park. The following days include hikes in the park, with possible destinations including Cerro Torre Base Camp, scenically situated on a glacial lake and framed by the monolith of Cerro Torre, and to spots with views of the remarkable Fitzroy massif.

• Days 10 - 11 : Los Glaciares National Park

  In the interior of Los Glaciares National Park, we'll make long day hikes to some of the most inspiring spots in all of Patagonia, including possible visits to Laguna Torre—base camp for climbs of Cerro Torre—and Piedras Blancas, among others.

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  Day 12 : El Chaltén

  Enjoy one last hike in Los Glaciares National Park before returning to El Chaltén. Farewell dinner with the group in the evening.

• Day 13 : Buenos Aires

  Drive to Calafate and fly to Buenos Aires. Depart Buenos Aires on Day 14.

• Day 14 : Buenos Aires – Fly Home

  Free day for shopping and sightseeing in Buenos Aires. Afternoon transfer to Buenos Aires airport for homeward-bound flights.

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  Hotel Cabo de Hornos

  Recently renovated modern European style hotel in the world's southernmost city, located on the main Plaza Munoz Gamero. High ceilings and beautiful artwork complement the stone floors in the entryways.

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  Hosteria Torres del Paine

  Surrounded by towering mountains, this hostería sits in a grassy field at a considerable distance from nearby towns. Simple, comfortable rooms come equipped with all the welcome essentials but in elegant harmony with the awe-inspiring surroundings.

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  Hosteria Lunajuim

  This simple hotel boasts superb views of Fitzroy and Torre's Hill from the large dining room. The large fireplace, library, and freshly baked bread in the mornings make this personalized hosteria especially inviting and homey. Rooms are clean and cozy, and Lunajuim is centrally located in town.

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  Hotel El Quijote

  Centrally located in El Calfate, Hotel El Quijote is a traditional family establishment furnished in an antique ranch style, fitting for the remote mountain territory. With large, modern rooms, this hotel provides a favorable launching point into Los Glaciares National Park.

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  Loi Suites Recoleta

  This five star hotel is located in the most elegant area of the city, at walking distance from museums, art galleries, shopping areas, historical architecture and beautiful parks.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Sergio "TC" Bahamondez

  Sergio was born in Puntarenas, Chile, and grew up in Tierra del Fuego, where he developed his love for the outdoors. He studied psychology at La Plata University in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has a degree in Patagonia Biodiversity from Magallanes University. Sergio has more than 10 years of experience as a tour leader, and his explorer’s spirit has taken him to nearly every continent. He is an excellent ambassador of his country and its culture—his enthusiasm and sense of adventure are absolutely contagious! Sergio is best known in Patagonia by his nickname, “TC,” and we know you’ll be captivated by his engaging smile.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo FIle