Argentina & Chile Patagonia Hiking with Premier Lodging Tour

This nine-day adventure offers a curated balance of world-class hiking and refined comfort in South America's most iconic wilderness. By pairing the legendary trails of Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine with exclusive luxury lodges, we provide an immersive Patagonian experience that recharges the spirit through breathtaking scenery and gourmet local cuisine.

Legacy of Expertise: With over 40 years of experience in the region, MT Sobek crafts a shorter, perfectly paced itinerary that highlights the best of both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia.

Premier Accommodations: Retreat each evening to exceptional stays, including a perfectly situated hotel in the mountaineering hub of El Chalten, Relais and Chateaux EOLO Lodge in the vast Patagonian steppe near El Calafate, and the award-winning Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa in Torres del Paine.

Legendary Backdrops: Explore world-renowned peaks like Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, the massive breaking front of Perito Moreno Glacier, and the sky-piercing granite towers and horns of Torres del Paine.

Gourmet Immersion: Savor modern Patagonian cuisine paired with select Argentine and Chilean wines, including wine tastings and an open bar at Tierra Patagonia.

This itinerary runs from November through March, Patagonia’s prime season for trekking. MT Sobek carefully plans each year to ensure hikers can experience Patagonia across a range of ideal seasons, from spring wildflowers to the vibrant foliage of autumn.

Spring Season (November to Early December): Hike among abundant wildflowers with maximum daylight hours and fewer travelers—ideal for those seeking a trail experience with fewer other visitors compared to peak season.

Peak Summer Trekking (Late December to February): Benefit from the season's warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, as well as the lively atmosphere in towns like El Calafate and El Chalten.

Autumn Foliage (March): Witness the dramatic shift to fall colors starting in mid-March as peak season crowds begin to disperse—this time of year is particularly beloved by photographers.

The typical group size for this trip is between 6 and 16 guests, creating an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully paced. Small group travel allows us to share moments that make a journey truly memorable.

Our intentionally small groups allow for a more intimate experience with the people and wildlife we encounter. This size also enables our expert guides to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and invitations that would be impossible with larger groups.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with children as young as 14 should check out our private departures .

A Level 3 rating defines a moderate challenge suitable for those in good physical shape who enjoy consistent activity. This trip features six active hiking days, including four primary days of 8 to 12 miles. Most days the hikes have under 1,000 feet in elevation gain and loss. There are two days with optional hikes involving 1,250 to 1,800 feet of elevation gain and loss (on Days 2 and 3), and these options are over relatively long distances of 12 miles, so do not feel overly strenuous. For added flexibility, shorter hiking options are available on Day 2 and Day 3 for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Throughout, you'll navigate rocky terrain, including hiking amid some large boulders and over exposed tree roots, and Patagonia’s notoriously strong, unpredictable winds.

Sustained Trail Days: You will complete four primary days of hiking, covering distances of 8 to 12 miles per day over mountain terrain, interspersed with shorter excursions and walks across two additional hiking days.

Moderate Elevation: Most days feature elevation changes under 1,000 feet, with two specific days offering optional routes involving 1,250 to 1,800 feet of total gain and loss.

Uneven Footing: The terrain is often rocky and uneven, requiring balance while walking amid large boulders and over exposed tree roots in the native forests of Los Glaciares.

Environmental Exposure: Patagonia’s weather can change drastically, requiring mental and physical resilience against rapid temperature fluctuations and very strong winds that may require kneeling for stability.

We plan the itinerary carefully, but adjustments may be needed due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors. MT Sobek and our guides make thoughtful decisions when needed in real time to keep the experience safe and enjoyable, and any significant changes will be communicated as early and as clearly as possible.

Because weather can change drastically and unexpectedly in Patagonia, we must sometimes adjust vehicle transfers or the timing of daily activities. We ask that you arrive with a spirit of adventure and a willingness to be flexible as we navigate these natural conditions.

Once your booking is finalized and your trip is confirmed to operate, you may purchase your flights. Be sure to consult with your Adventure Coordinator regarding current trip status before booking non-refundable travel.

Arrival: Fly into El Calafate Airport (FTE) no later than 1:40 pm on Day 1 to join our 2:30 pm three-hour group transfer to El Chalten. We recommend arriving in Argentina at least one day early to rest and ensure you are in El Calafate for the transfer.

Important Note for Arrival and Transit in Buenos Aires: Most flights to El Calafate connect via Buenos Aires, which has two airports: Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE) and Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). These airports are about a 1-hour drive apart; if you must switch between them, please allow at least 4 hours of connecting time to cover immigration, baggage claim, and travel. Your Adventure Coordinator can assist with arranging a private transfer between these airports at an additional cost. When arriving in Buenos Aires you must clear immigration, collect your luggage, pass through customs, and then recheck your bags for your connecting flight.

Departure: You may schedule your departing flight from Puerto Natales Airport (PNT) for any time on Day 9, or a later date if you choose to extend your stay. If suitable flights from Puerto Natales are unavailable, we can arrange a private transfer from Tierra Patagonia to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) for an additional cost of $500 per vehicle for one to two guests. Please keep in mind that Punta Arenas is located about a 4.5-hour drive from the lodge.

If you are arriving early in El Calafate, we recommend the centrally located Hotel Posada Los Alamos or the lakeside Xelena Hotel and Suites . For those wishing to stay late in Torres del Paine, we recommend our group hotel, Tierra Patagonia . You can book these stays through your Adventure Coordinator or make the reservations directly with the hotels.

If you plan to spend time in Buenos Aires before the trip, we suggest Legado Mitico in Palermo Soho or the luxury Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta.

A valid passport is required to enter Argentina and Chile. Most countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps.

US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. You will be issued a Tourist Card when entering Chile, which you must keep with your passport to present upon departure. Non-US citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements.

This Level 3 adventure is designed for fit hikers who enjoy active days in a rugged mountain environment. You should expect to spend six to seven hours on the trail during four primary hiking days, covering 8 to 12 miles. For flexibility, shorter hiking options are available on Day 2 and Day 3 to match your preferred level of challenge.

Vertical Intensity: While most daily hikes involve gains under 1,000 feet, optional treks on Day 2 and Day 3 reach up to 1,800 feet of elevation gain and loss over 12 miles.

Terrain Challenge: You’ll navigate rocky, uneven surfaces, with some segments requiring balance amid large boulders and over exposed tree roots.

Flexible Activity: Shorter hiking options are available on Day 2 and Day 3 to match your preferred level of challenge. On Days 7 and 8 guests are welcome to join a shorter portion of the hikes, and circle back to the trailhead early with one of the guides. It’s also an option to skip a hike, instead relaxing at Tierra or potentially joining alternate activities offered by Tierra (though these are not accompanied by your MT Sobek guides).

Preparing for Patagonia requires building a strong cardiovascular foundation and conditioning your legs for rocky, uneven trails. We recommend starting your training at least six months in advance, focusing on consistent aerobic activity and hiking on hills. Steady preparation over time will make a meaningful difference in both comfort and enjoyment on the trail.

Cardio Base: Engage in several weekly sessions of walking, biking, or swimming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

Hill Conditioning: Incorporate hikes of 2 to 4 miles or 40 minutes of aerobic activity twice per week, ideally on hilly terrain or stairs to prepare for mountain slopes. Be sure to include plenty of downhill conditioning, as long descents are a part of this itinerary and can be as demanding as the climbs.

Gear Readiness: Use your training sessions to break in your waterproof hiking boots and trekking poles, and to get comfortable with your daypack.

The cuisine is a memorable highlight, focused on modern Patagonian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Breakfasts are generous buffets with breads, pastries, and eggs. Lunches on the trail are typically bagged, and seated lunches are often gourmet level. Dinners are gourmet multi-course affairs, emphasizing Argentine beef and Chilean seafood, and always including tasty vegetarian options. To enhance your dining experience, a limited amount of local wine selected by your guides is included with all group lunches and dinners. During your stay at Tierra Patagonia, you'll enjoy the convenience of an open bar, which includes mineral water, soft drinks, juices, wine, and house spirits. Premium wines and spirits are also available for purchase.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

Because this trip includes remote lodges and wilderness areas with limited kitchen facilities and supplies, flexibility is limited. We can generally accommodate dietary needs such as allergies, vegetarian/vegan diets, and low-gluten diets. However, a strict celiac diet is very difficult to manage on this trip because cross-contamination cannot be eliminated. Reach out to us to discuss options if you need a celiac diet. Personal preferences or highly specific requests may be harder to accommodate consistently.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Patagonia's weather is famously unpredictable, often delivering multiple seasons in a single afternoon. While our trips operate during the warmest months, rapid temperature shifts are common, and the region is known for powerful winds, making versatile layering absolutely essential for your comfort.

Summer Highs (Late Dec to Feb): Expect longer days and daytime temperatures averaging 62 to 66°F, though intense sun and high-velocity winds can make the "real feel" fluctuate significantly.

Shoulder Season Cooling (Nov to early Dec and Mar): Temperatures dip into the high 50s°F; these periods feature the most dramatic light and either spring flowers or fall foliage but bring increased weather variability.

Crisp Alpine Nights: Regardless of the daily high, evening temperatures consistently drop into the low-to-mid 40s°F, requiring mid-weight insulation once the sun sets.

The Wind Factor: Frequent, strong winds are a constant, particularly in exposed areas like Laguna Torre, making windproof layers mandatory.

Regional Divergence: If traveling to Buenos Aires or Santiago before or after the tour, prepare for significantly warmer climates, typically 10 to 20°F higher than the Patagonian parks.

Tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for the hard work of your guides. On this adventure, we recommend tipping your MT Sobek Adventure Guide $20 to $30 per day, your Assistant Adventure Guide $20 to $25 per day, and the Tierra Patagonia team $25 to $35 per day. This typically totals $435 to $600 per participant, and we recommend using US dollars cash for all tips, distributed as outlined below.

MT Sobek Adventure Guide: US $180-$270 per trip participant ($20-$30 x 9 days)
Assistant Adventure Guide: US $180-$225 per trip participant ($20-$25 x 9 days)
Tierra Patagonia Team: US $75-$105 per trip participant ($25-$35 x 3 days)

Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant staff are already included in your trip price.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

Staying healthy on this trip starts with pacing yourself and listening to your body, especially on consecutive hiking days. Hydration is key—drink regularly throughout the day and consider bringing electrolyte powders to help replace minerals lost through sweat. Water provided by your guides is safe to drink, and potable water is available at hotels. It is important to stay on top of your water intake.

Good foot care makes a big difference on a hiking-focused itinerary. Wear well-broken-in boots, change socks as needed, and address hot spots or blisters early using items like moleskin or hydrocolloid patches. Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently—especially before meals—and using hand sanitizer can also help prevent illness.

Address small issues early and communicate with your guides—they’re there to help.

If you arrive early in El Calafate, you can explore the Glaciarium museum to learn about the region's ice fields or enjoy the shops and restaurants along the main street. In Buenos Aires, many guests enjoy exploring the chic Palermo Soho neighborhood, visiting historic plazas, or experiencing a traditional tango show. If staying extra nights at Tierra Patagonia, you can take advantage of the lodge's guided excursions, relax in the heated indoor pool, or enjoy a sunset wine tasting overlooking Lake Sarmiento.