Argentina & Chile Patagonia Hiking with Premier Lodging Tour
An Express Escape in Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine
On this express version of our classic Patagonia hiking adventures, enjoy premier lodging along through perfectly paced day hikes with picture-postcard backdrops including the legendary Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the vast Patagonian steppe, and the sky-piercing towers and horns of Torres del Paine - all in just 9 days! Begin with a stay at a comfortable hotel that's superbly situated in the mountaineering hub of El Chalten, and cap it off with stays at two luxury lodges - EOLO in the Patagonian steppe near El Calafate and Tierra Patagonia in Torres del Paine. A must-do for the hiking enthusiast who's looking for indulgent comfort and cuisine at the end of each day!
On this express version of our classic Patagonia hiking adventures, enjoy premier lodging along through perfectly paced day hikes with picture-postcard backdrops including the legendary Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the vast Patagonian steppe, and the sky-piercing towers and horns of Torres del Paine - all in just 9 days! Begin with a stay at a comfortable hotel that's superbly situated in the mountaineering hub of El Chalten, and cap it off with stays at two luxury lodges - EOLO in the Patagonian steppe near El Calafate and Tierra Patagonia in Torres del Paine. A must-do for the hiking enthusiast who's looking for indulgent comfort and cuisine at the end of each day!
Follow carefully chosen trails while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Cerro Torre, the Fitz Roy massif, and Torres del Paine
[Description] => Follow carefully chosen trails while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Cerro Torre, the Fitz Roy massif, and Torres del Paine
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Go horseback riding gaucho-style in the vast Patagonian steppe and witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier
[Description] => Go horseback riding gaucho-style in the vast Patagonian steppe and witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier
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Relax in comfort and warm hospitality each evening at a perfectly situated hotel in Chalten and at top luxury lodges in the Patagonian steppe and Torres del Paine
Follow carefully chosen trails while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Cerro Torre, the Fitz Roy massif, and Torres del Paine
Go horseback riding gaucho-style in the vast Patagonian steppe and witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier
Relax in comfort and warm hospitality each evening at a perfectly situated hotel in Chalten and at top luxury lodges in the Patagonian steppe and Torres del Paine
Arrive in El Calafate. Meet your MT Sobek guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in El Chalten. The scenic drive takes you through the Patagonian steppe and follows the shores of Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Stop en route for a coffee break at a well-known crossroads from the time wool caravans went across Patagonia. Take in views of the mythical Fitz Roy Massif and Cerro Torre as you arrive in the village of El Chalten, your home for the next three nights and base for some of the most fabulous hiking trails in Patagonia. After an orientation, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Los Cerros Boutique Hotel
Transportation: 2.5-3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Trek Glacial Valleys to Cerro Torre
Day 2
Trek through native forests and along a glacial valley to Cerro Torre Base Camp and revel in one of the most stunning views in Patagonia: the south face of Cerro Torre, with its iconic pointy spires and hanging glaciers (weather permitting). There will be the option to continue beyond the Cerro Torre lookout point, following the valley to the shore of Laguna Torre, a beautiful glacial lake set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre and the Torre Glacier. In the afternoon, return to El Chalten and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the local brewery, and leisure time before dinner.
Accommodation: Los Cerros Boutique Hotel
Activity: 2-3 hours/4 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss OR 7 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at Mountain Peaks: Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery & Poincenot
Day 3
After a scenic morning drive to the trail head at Rio Electrico Bridge, hike west into the valley of Rio Electrico and then head south below the east face of Mount Fitz Roy. Enjoy beautiful forests interspersed with incredible views of Marconi Pass and Piedras Blancas Glacier, as well as Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery, and Poincenot Peaks (weather permitting). Enjoy a picnic lunch at Poincenot Camp before continuing on to the secluded and scenic Laguna Capri, and then back to El Chalten. Those who prefer a shorter hike today are welcome to turn back at the Piedras Blancas lookout, and one of our guides will accompany you to meet the van back at the Rio Electrico Bridge for the transfer back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Los Cerros Boutique Hotel
Activity: 4 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & loss OR 6 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,250' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to EOLO Lodge in the Patagonian Steppe
Day 4
Depart from Chalten this morning and return to the steppes for your last glimpse of the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy mountain range. This drive is a great opportunity to spot diverse fauna species, guanacos (South American camelids), foxes, armadillos, and varied birds including choikes (South American ostrich), eagles and condors. Thirty minutes beyond the town of Calafate, arrive at EOLO Lodge, an exclusive Relais & Chateau property located on a 10,000-acre ranch at the foothills of Cerro Frías, overlooking the vast steppe and the Andes (on clear days, even the Paine massif can be spotted in the distance!). Relax over lunch at the lodge, then set out on a horseback ride into the valley to the nearby Flamingoes Lagoon, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species. Look out for local fauna including guanacos and condors, and enjoy open views of Anita's Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Alternately, if you prefer, our guide team can show you the trailhead for an independent hike up the slopes of Cerro Frías, reaching a forest of distinctive native trees including Ñires, Lengas and Cohihues. This evening, contemplate the endless horizon of the Patagonian plains and be sure to take in the incredible sunset.
Accommodation: Eolo Lodge
Activity: 2 hours horseback riding on gentle slopes
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier & Experience EOLO
Day 5
Start today with a scenic drive into the Southern part of Los Glaciares National Park, arriving at the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest in Argentina and known for the massive breaking of its 180-foot front wall. Begin on an easy interpretative trail through the native forest that gently leads to the lake shore. Then a short transfer will take you to the entrance of the extensive walkways that gradually approach the glacier. Return to EOLO for an afternoon at leisure, with time to enjoy a massage treatment or relaxation in the spa, or walk through EOLO's fantastic landscapes. Gather back in time for a pre-dinner tasting of selected Argentine wines and an overview of Argentina's wine production regions.
Accommodation: Eolo Lodge
Activity: 2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain at Perito Moreno
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Torres del Paine, Chile
Day 6
Wake for an early start to reach customs by midmorning hours, in order to anticipate crowds. Leave customs behind to find yourself immersed in the surreal landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Check in at your home for three nights, Tierra Patagonia. After lunch, transfer to the nearby area of Laguna Azul on the east side of the park. The lake is named for its incredible deep blue color, and a short hike here includes the best lookout points for views of the Torres (Towers) as well as a small wetland with a great variety of birds. Then, after a short drive, hike into Cañadon Macho, crossing green pastures and gently ascending to a high pass with great views of the Paine Massif and Cerro Almirante Nieto. Descend to the valley where the private minibus awaits, and stop for photos of the Paine Waterfall, with its rushing glacial waters, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Activity: 2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 5-6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Hunter's and Origines Trails for Views of Torres del Paine
Day 7
Set out on a scenic drive into Torres del Paine National Park, stopping at various viewpoints, including the beautiful, green Laguna Amarga, full of sedimentary formations known as stromatolites, as well as views out over Lake Nordenskjold and Los Cisnes Lagoon. From above Lake Sarmiento, hike the "Hunter's Trail" past the Goic Lagoon and towards Laguna Amarga and the Paine River, passing through an area of Patagonian plains with views of the Paine Massif and excellent chances of spotting Patagonian fauna such as guanacos and ostrich-like nandus - and possibly even some puma tracks! After a picnic lunch, meet your private van at the Laguna Amarga ranger station and drive a short distance to the shores of Lake Sarmiento for a hike on the Origenes Trail. The first section is mostly flat, before descending a steeper section to the shores of Lake Sarmiento to observe the lake's incredible geological features, formed long ago by thrombolytes. Continue along the shores of small lagoons in the glacial moraine, gaining different perspectives of the Paine Massif and spotting wildlife on the way. Before dinner, gather for a casual tasting of Chilean wines, and a brief overview of Chile's current wine production.
Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Activity: 6-7 hours/9 miles hiking total, with 900' elevation gain & loss on each of two segments
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Hidden Paso de Agostini Trail & Hike to the Salto Grande Waterfall
Day 8
Cap off your last day in Torres del Paine with a full-day hike along the Paso de Agostini, a little known trail away from the crowds, passing through grasslands with colorful lakes and the iconic Paine Massif as backdrops, and chances to spot local wildlife including guanacos, foxes, and condors. Setting off from Estancia Lazo, admire views across the open green waters of Laguna Verde then meander through lenga forest to reach a series of lookout points, with panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way in a tranquil, natural setting, then make a short climb to a viewpoint over Lago del Toro, the winding Paine River, and imposing mountains across the horizon. The hike ends with a fairly steep descent to Weber Bridge, where the van is waiting to take you along the shore of Lake Pehoe to the peninsula overlooking Lake Nordenskjold. Hike a short distance to the lookout over Salto Grande, the largest waterfall in the park, with beautiful turquoise waters. Also enjoy outstanding views across Lake Nordenskjold to the Horns of Paine, rising up above the French Valley. Return by private van to the lodge and enjoy some well-earned pampering in the indoor heated pool, sauna, or Jacuzzi before celebrating your journey with a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
Activity: 6-7 hours/10.5 miles hiking with 950' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas & Depart
Day 9
Take an early morning scenic drive from the lodge to Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza ("Last Hope Sound"). Check in at the Puerto Natales airport to board connecting flights back home. Alternately, if you prefer to depart from Punta Arenas, arrangements can be made for a separate transfer at additional cost.
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer to Puerto Natales (or 4-5 hour private van transfer to Punta Arenas)
We used our 40+ years of expertise in Patagonia to craft this adventure for those who prefer a shorter, less strenuous hiking itinerary using top accommodations.
In just nine days, experience achievable day hikes in both Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine, recharging in between at a luxury lodge in the Patagonian steppe.
Follow MT Sobek's expert local guides and enjoy wonderful hikes, excellent cuisine, wine tastings, and some of Patagonia's finest accommodations.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jorge B.
Jorge was born in Buenos Aires and started traveling extensively at an early age. He studied guitar performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music in California, and holds an MBA from UADE University, Buenos Aires. Jorge currently lives in Mendoza and also runs his own travel company, focused on food and wine adventures in the Andes. His travels as an expedition leader have taken him to nearly every remote area of Argentina and Chile, from Patagonia to the Atacama desert and Easter Island. Meet Jorge on our adventures in Patagonia!
Victor G.
Victor has traveled extensively throughout Argentina and Chile, guiding trips in Patagonia and Andean wine-making regions. He enjoys leading tours to the famed Mendoza wineries, meeting renowned wine makers, hiking trails in the foothills, and indulging in traditional gaucho barbeques with MT Sobek travelers. Victor resides in a small village south of Buenos Aires, and creates memorable travel experiences in Chile and Argentina.
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After a scenic morning drive to the trail head at Rio Electrico Bridge, hike west into the valley of Rio Electrico and then head south below the east face of Mount Fitz Roy. Enjoy beautiful forests interspersed with incredible views of Marconi Pass and Piedras Blancas Glacier, as well as Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery, and Poincenot Peaks (weather permitting). Enjoy a picnic lunch at Poincenot Camp before continuing on to the secluded and scenic Laguna Capri, and then back to El Chalten. Those who prefer a shorter hike today are welcome to turn back at the Piedras Blancas lookout, and one of our guides will accompany you to meet the van back at the Rio Electrico Bridge for the transfer back to the hotel.
Depart from Chalten this morning and return to the steppes for your last glimpse of the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy mountain range. This drive is a great opportunity to spot diverse fauna species, guanacos (South American camelids), foxes, armadillos, and varied birds including choikes (South American ostrich), eagles and condors. Thirty minutes beyond the town of Calafate, arrive at EOLO Lodge, an exclusive Relais & Chateau property located on a 10,000-acre ranch at the foothills of Cerro Frías, overlooking the vast steppe and the Andes (on clear days, even the Paine massif can be spotted in the distance!). Relax over lunch at the lodge, then set out on a horseback ride into the valley to the nearby Flamingoes Lagoon, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species. Look out for local fauna including guanacos and condors, and enjoy open views of Anita\'s Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Alternately, if you prefer, our guide team can show you the trailhead for an independent hike up the slopes of Cerro Frías, reaching a forest of distinctive native trees including Ñires, Lengas and Cohihues. This evening, contemplate the endless horizon of the Patagonian plains and be sure to take in the incredible sunset.
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Wake for an early start to reach customs by midmorning hours, in order to anticipate crowds. Leave customs behind to find yourself immersed in the surreal landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Check in at your home for three nights, Tierra Patagonia. After lunch, transfer to the nearby area of Laguna Azul on the east side of the park. The lake is named for its incredible deep blue color, and a short hike here includes the best lookout points for views of the Torres (Towers) as well as a small wetland with a great variety of birds. Then, after a short drive, hike into Cañadon Macho, crossing green pastures and gently ascending to a high pass with great views of the Paine Massif and Cerro Almirante Nieto. Descend to the valley where the private minibus awaits, and stop for photos of the Paine Waterfall, with its rushing glacial waters, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
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Set out on a scenic drive into Torres del Paine National Park, stopping at various viewpoints, including the beautiful, green Laguna Amarga, full of sedimentary formations known as stromatolites, as well as views out over Lake Nordenskjold and Los Cisnes Lagoon. From above Lake Sarmiento, hike the \"Hunter\'s Trail\" past the Goic Lagoon and towards Laguna Amarga and the Paine River, passing through an area of Patagonian plains with views of the Paine Massif and excellent chances of spotting Patagonian fauna such as guanacos and ostrich-like nandus - and possibly even some puma tracks! After a picnic lunch, meet your private van at the Laguna Amarga ranger station and drive a short distance to the shores of Lake Sarmiento for a hike on the Origenes Trail. The first section is mostly flat, before descending a steeper section to the shores of Lake Sarmiento to observe the lake\'s incredible geological features, formed long ago by thrombolytes. Continue along the shores of small lagoons in the glacial moraine, gaining different perspectives of the Paine Massif and spotting wildlife on the way. Before dinner, gather for a casual tasting of Chilean wines, and a brief overview of Chile\'s current wine production.
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[ActivityHighlight] => You should be able to walk 6-11 miles on mountain terrain, with up to 1500\' of elevation gain per day. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is highly recommended. A horseback riding experience is also offered as an alternative to one of the shorter hikes: no previous experience needed.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You should be able to walk 6-11 miles on mountain terrain, with up to 1500' of elevation gain per day. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is highly recommended. A horseback riding experience is also offered as an alternative to one of the shorter hikes: no previous experience needed. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
2-3 hours/4 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss OR 7 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
4 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & loss OR 6 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,250' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
Day 4
2 hours horseback riding on gentle slopes
Day 5
2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain at Perito Moreno
Day 6
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss
Day 7
6-7 hours/9 miles hiking total, with 900' elevation gain & loss on each of two segments
Day 8
6-7 hours/10.5 miles hiking with 950' elevation gain & loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
A perfectly situated hotel in the mountaineering hub of El Chalten, plus two luxury lodges - EOLO in the Patagonian steppe near El Calafate and Tierra Patagonia in Torres del Paine.
Tierra Patagonia is nestled beside craggy mountains and the glistening Lake Sarmiento in Torres del Paine National Park, and is the perfect luxury base for exploring the region. Design features reflect the surrounding landscapes, with elements and artifacts sourced from Chilean artisans, such as sheepskin rugs and soft, handmade throws. Rooms are elegant yet understated, with local wood features and whitewash walls to focus your attention on the views beyond. Meals feature a contemporary approach to Chilean cuisine, with an irresistible mix of hearty stews, slow-cooked soups and tasty dishes, sourced from the nearby estancias surrounding the lodge.
A Relais & Chateaux property located on a beautiful 10,000 acre property in the Argentine pampas between El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier. The 17 guest rooms are well-appointed with pastel colors, simple lines, antique furniture, deluxe amenities and spectacular views. Eolo's gourmet restaurant optimizes local and regional foods and features some of Argentina's best wines.
Los Cerros Boutique Hotel features a premiere vantage point over the town of El Chalten and the stunning Chalten Valley, framed by the Fitz Roy range and Rio de las Vueltas. Trailheads for classic day hikes to Laguna Torre (for views of Cerro Torre) and Poincenot (for views of Fitz Roy and the Piedras Blancas Glacier) are just steps from the hotel. Spacious rooms feature updated traditional decor with natural colors and picture windows with spectacular views. Guests can also enjoy spa and wellness treatments, and a well-earned soak in the Jacuzzi. At the restaurant, guests can dine on traditional Patagonian and international cuisine, paired with local wines and liquors!
Weather
October to March are the best months to travel in Patagonia with moderate to warm temperatures during the days and cool nights. Strong winds are common.
Jan
Feb
Mar
El Calafate
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
El Calafate
67
48
65
46
62
43
Torres Del Paine National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Torres Del Paine National Park
68
45
66
45
62
42
FAQs
When and where should I arrive?
Arrive in El Calafate, Argentina by 1:40 PM on Day 1. An MT Sobek representative will meet you at El Calafate airport and a group transfer is provided, departing El Calafate airport at 2:30 PM for the 3-hour drive to El Chaltén. You may wish to arrive a day early and book your own pre-tour accommodations in Buenos Aires or El Calafate, in order to rest from international flights and to make sure you are in El Calafate in time for the 2:30 PM group transfer to El Chaltén.
Do I need prior hiking experience?
Not necessarily. This is a moderate-level hiking trip, which means you will enjoy your experience more if you have hiked previously. Hikes can be skipped entirely, and there are options available to accommodate different fitness levels.
How does this trip compare to your Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking trip?
This trip is designed to be considerably easier than our Ultimate Patagonia Hiking trip. All hikes are day hikes, so you are never required to finish a hike to get to the next destination (as is required for the W-Route portion of our Ultimate Patagonia trip), and there is less mileage each day as well as less elevation gain and loss. Accommodations are also more luxurious, with gourmet cuisine. If you are looking for a more in-depth experience and a greater physical challenge (including the full W-Route Trek in Torres del Paine), and don't mind spending some nights at simple mountain lodges, our Ultimate Patagonia Hiking trip is a better fit.
Will the hikes go ahead if the weather is poor?
Strong winds and occasional rain are common, and even in the Patagonian summer light snow is possible. Most of our hikes take place within somewhat protected environments so weather conditions rarely disrupt them. We will shorten or skip hikes if there are safety concerns.
Would you recommend trekking poles?
Yes. Trekking poles will assist with balance over rocky and uneven terrain, as well as alleviate pressure on your joints during ascents and descents.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
Is wine included on this trip?
On most adventures, we celebrate with a toast on the first and last days—but this trip is different! Traveling through a world-renowned wine region, we're elevating the experience—and our glasses—by including wine with every group lunch and dinner at hotels or local restaurants (excluding packed lunches on hiking days). At Tierra Patagonia, the indulgence continues with an open bar featuring mineral water, soft drinks, juices, wine, and house spirits. Premium wines and spirits are also available for purchase for those looking to savor something extra. Cheers!
"This is a trip that becomes a journey to a very special place in our world. The experience taught me many things about myself, the people and culture of our host country and in mankind itself. This is a journey that is forever imbedded in my heart."
Kate W. MT Sobek Guest, Argentina Patagonia & Lake District Multi-Adventure
"We have used many travel companies in the past. We chose MT Sobek based on the variety of activities, the nicer accommodations, the activity level of this trip and the cost value. We definitely chose wisely. It is apparent that MT Sobek goes to great lengths to choose their guides well. At all times, we felt personally catered to, as our guides cared for our comfort and every request. Though we just returned, we are researching our next MT Sobek adventure!"
Pamela L MT Sobek Guest, Argentina Patagonia & Lake District Multi-Adventure