Argentina & Chile Patagonia to the Sea Hiking & Cruising Tour
Best of Patagonia from Cape Horn to Torres del Paine
- Available: January, February, November, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Comfortable Small Ship
Highlights
- Cruise the remote - and otherwise inaccessible - Chilean fjords and mythical Cape Horn
- Hike in stunning Torres del Paine National Park, with its sky-high rock spires
- Relax at deluxe hotels full of local character and gorgeous views after active days on the trail
Itinerary
Arrive in Ushuaia
Day 1
Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina, a small but bustling town dramatically located at the base of snowcapped mountains. In the early evening, gather with the group for a briefing on the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa-Ushuaia, Argentina
Transportation: 20-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike Trails in Tierra del Fuego & Set Sail from Ushuaia
Day 2
After breakfast, set out for nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park for a scenic half-day hike. The park is known for its rich plant species and abundant birdlife, including cormorants, grebes, steamer ducks, and kelp geese. You might even spot one of the less-common Andean condors or black-browed albatross. In the late afternoon, transfer to the port to board your boat, the 210-passenger Ventus Australis or Stella Australis. After enjoying a welcome cocktail, begin the cruise portion of your trip as you traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as you turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.
Accommodation: M/V Stella Australis
Accommodation: M/V Ventus AustralisActivity: 4 hours/5 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay
Day 3
Cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Go ashore (conditions permitting) on the windswept island that harbors Cape Horn, a rocky promontory overlooking the Drake Passage and once the only navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. Sail back across to the fabled Wulaia Bay, an area renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. Visit a museum in the old radio station, and stroll through an enchanted Magellan forest to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: M/V Stella Australis
Accommodation: M/V Ventus AustralisActivity: Cruising with AM and PM short hikes (1 hour/0.75 miles with 160 steps; 1.5 hours/1-3 miles options)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pia Glacier & Porter Glacier
Day 4
Sail to the Avenue of the Glaciers in Alberto de Agostini National Park. Enter a narrow fjord then board a Zodiac for Pia Glacier. Take a short hike for a panoramic view, or a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine. Later, board Zodiac boats and cruise between high rocky walls until you reach Porter Glacier. Stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if you are lucky, even witness some calving. Stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning to the ship.
Accommodation: M/V Stella Australis
Accommodation: M/V Ventus AustralisActivity: AM 1-1.5 hours/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging hiking; PM Zodiac cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Agostini Sound to Aguila Glacier & Condor Glacier
Day 5
Early in the morning, sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound, taking in the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range. Disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon to a prime viewing area right in front of the glacier and take in the stunning views. In the afternoon, approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac and look for some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.
Accommodation: M/V Stella Australis
Accommodation: M/V Ventus AustralisActivity: AM 1-1.5 hours/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging hiking; PM Zodiac cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at the Penguins of Magdalena Island & Transfer to Puerto Natales
Day 6
After an overnight cruise, go ashore at Magdalena Island at the break of dawn (weather permitting) and see an immense colony of Magellanic penguins that makes their home there. Hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside a vintage 1902 lighthouse. After a short sail south, disembark late morning at Punta Arenas, Chile. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then travel across the Patagonian plains to the quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound).
Accommodation: Hotel Costaustralis
Accommodation: Remota Patagonia LodgeActivity: 1 hour/1.25 miles walking on Magdalena Island
Transportation: 3-3.5 hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
Day 7
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Torres del Paine National Park, with your first thrilling views of the Paine Massif, weather permitting. En route, stop at Mylodon Cave, where remains of a giant prehistoric ground sloth were discovered in 1896, then take a short hike with mountain and fjord views, keeping an eye out for Patagonian flora and fauna. Late this afternoon, settle into your lodge and watch the ever-changing massif from an exclusive vantage point. Over the next few days, enjoy hikes beneath the ice-clad peaks and granite needles of Torres del Paine, where 10,000-foot summits and 3,000 feet of near-vertical granite rise above rolling grasslands and shimmering lakes. Note: the sequence of hikes may change by departure.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro GuidoActivity: 2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
First Hikes in Torres del Paine National Park
Day 8
Begin your Torres del Paine hiking adventure with a morning hike along the limit of the park, taking in panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the three dramatic valleys that form the famous W Trek. Keep watch for Patagonia's iconic wildlife, from guanacos and rheas to soaring condors—and, with luck, even a puma. Near the end of the hike, pause to admire ancient cave paintings and, weather permitting, glimpse the park's legendary towers. Return to your private van and transfer to the northern sector for a stroll along the shores of Laguna Azul. This is one of the park's most beautiful hikes, through open grass fields and up a gentle incline for a picture-perfect view over the lagoon, with the iconic three towers rising majestically above the steppe.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro GuidoActivity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain & loss, plus 1-2 hour lakeshore walk
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
Day 9
Combine a scenic drive to the park's western side with two short but rewarding hikes. First, follow the trail to thundering Salto Grande waterfall, where glacial waters rush between two of Torres del Paine's most iconic turquoise lakes, Pehoe and Nordenskjold. Continue to a lakeside overlook for sweeping views across Lake Nordenskjold, with Paine Grande— the park's highest mountain—rising above the landscape, its four summits draped in ice. From this vantage point, take in the famous French Valley, framed by a dramatic cirque of granite peaks, and the jagged Horns of Paine, or Los Cuernos. Later, hike through wildlife-rich terrain to see ancient cave paintings created by the region's original inhabitants more than 5,000 years ago. Keep watch for guanacos along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro Guido
Accommodation: Rio Serrano Hotel & SpaActivity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get a Close-up View of the Grey Glacier & Hike along the Pingo River
Day 10
Explore the park's wild western side today, beginning with a boat ride across Grey Lake for close-up views of magnificent Grey Glacier. Part of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field—the largest temperate ice sheet in the Southern Hemisphere—Grey Glacier is Torres del Paine's largest, with miles of blue ice ending in three sheer faces that calve otherworldly icebergs into the lake. Marvel at its sculpted spires and shifting shades of blue, framed by rugged mountains. Later, hike along the Pingo River, keeping watch for the rare Andean deer. This quiet, little-visited valley is a haven for hikers, with native forest, peaceful trails, and superb birdlife, including Magellanic woodpeckers, austral parakeets, pygmy owls, eagles, and soaring condors.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
Accommodation: Estancia Cerro Guido
Accommodation: Rio Serrano Hotel & SpaActivity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 300' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer, 2 hours 45 minute catamaran cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Puerto Natales
Day 11
After breakfast, return to Puerto Natales by private van to meet with your afternoon flight to Santiago and continue to your next destination.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has crafted the ultimate itinerary to include the very best of Patagonia, including stops in both Argentina and Chile.
We'll take you on the only cruise ship allowed to sail where the Atlantic and Pacific meet.
Reap the benefits of our 40+ years of experience in Patagonia with top-notch, expert guides leading the way.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
2026
- Nov 07 - 17, 2026$14,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$6,500 Single OccupancyAvailable - Dec 09 - 19, 2026$14,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$6,500 Single OccupancyAvailableConfirmed
2027
- Jan 14 - 24, 2027$14,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$6,500 Single OccupancyAvailable - Feb 27 - Mar 09, 2027$14,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$6,500 Single OccupancyAvailable
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private with MT Sobek
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Private Trip RequestPrivate Trip Requirements
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 14 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
January, February, November, December
Private Trip Pricing: 2026
10 guests from $15,995 per person double occupancy
9 guests from $16,595 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $16,795 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $16,995 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $17,295 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $17,595 per person double occupancy
Optional:
$6,500 Single Occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of a trip designed just for you?
- Our award-winning travel experts craft custom adventures—perfect for families, couples, and and groups.
- Enjoy insider access, expert guides, and decades of on-the-ground experience. Since 1969.
Custom Trip Details
- This is a sample itinerary. Let us work with you to perfect an adventure tailored specifically to you.
- Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required once your itinerary is confirmed.
When to Start Planning
Plan ahead for the best experience.
- Early planning secures preferred accommodations, top guides, and the widest range of activities.
- Ideal planning window: 6+ months before travel
- Short-notice trips (under 3 months): Availability may be limited
Travel Dates
January, February, November, December
Let's start designing your adventure!
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides while on land, and shipboard naturalist guides for the cruise portion
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides, guide-drivers, and shipboard crew
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.

Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.
Rodrigo B.
“Ro” was born in the Last Hope Province of Chile and grew up in Patagonia, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He has guided in Patagonia and Canada for more than 15 years, and is an accomplished hiker, kayaker, mountaineer, and photographer—with a keen eye for capturing the natural beauty of Patagonia. He is a certified Mountain guide and kayak instructor and has completed Wilderness Emergency Responder & Medical; (WFR NOLS-EASPA). Ro speaks English, Spanish, and conversational French.

Cristian S.
Cristian was born and raised in Punta Arenas Patagonia, Chile. With such spectacular wilderness in his backyard, it's no wonder he quickly developed a curiosity for the beautiful natural world that surrounded him. His passion led to his career, and he now has more than 25 years of outdoor leadership under his belt. Christian guides numerous activities, including horseback riding, trekking, and kayaking. He loves sharing his backyard with others, and we're confident that you'll be captivated by his stories. From local flora and fauna to Chilean history and culture, Cristian is extremely knowledgeable about this region of the world. Cristian currently lives in Santiago, Chile where you can find him when he isn't out exploring.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Short hikes on relatively easy terrain, carrying only a daypack. Perfect combination of activity, transport and comfortable hotels. Last half in Torres del Paine is more active than the cruise.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4 hours/5 miles hiking with 100' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
Cruising with AM and PM short hikes (1 hour/0.75 miles with 160 steps; 1.5 hours/1-3 miles options)
Day 4
AM 1-1.5 hours/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging hiking; PM Zodiac cruise
Day 5
AM 1-1.5 hours/0.3-0.75 miles easy or challenging hiking; PM Zodiac cruise
Day 6
1 hour/1.25 miles walking on Magdalena Island
Day 7
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with minimal elevation gain & loss
Day 8
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain & loss, plus 1-2 hour lakeshore walk
Day 9
6 hours/7 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain & loss
Day 10
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 300' 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
Stay in well-located hotels ranging from comfortable to deluxe, as well as four nights aboard the Ventus Australis or Stella Australis.
Weather
Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the other. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and sun.
FAQs
Trip Overview
This distinctive journey combines two very different ways of experiencing Patagonia in one thoughtfully designed itinerary. You’ll pair scenic hikes in remote Tierra del Fuego and iconic Torres del Paine National Parks with an expedition-style cruise through Patagonia’s remote fjords, sailing to the southern tip of South America where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, with daily shore excursions to get up close to glaciers and hidden forests.
Longstanding Patagonia Legacy: Travel with the original architects of Patagonia trekking who helped define the region’s commercial routes more than 50 years ago.
Patagonia By Land and Sea: Experience the region’s beauty through a unique blend of land and sea, pairing classic hiking trails with an expedition-style cruise aboard the Ventus Australis or Stella Australis—vessels specifically designed to navigate narrow, glacier-lined waterways.
Expert Local Guiding: Every departure is led by veteran professional guides with 20+ years of experience and triple-certified (Wilderness First Responder, Sernatur, and CONAF) with specialized training in glaciology and geology.
This trip operates during Patagonia’s summer season, with departures in January, February, November, and December. We have chosen this window to ensure the best overall conditions for supporting both the hiking and cruising components of the itinerary.
Late Spring/Early Summer / November and December: Enjoy a cooler and quieter atmosphere on the trails and waterways, ideal for those who prefer a more tranquil exploration of the region. Wildflowers are in bloom and the landscape is green.
Mid-Summer Departures / January and February: Benefit from the season's warmest temperatures and the longest days of the year, perfect for maximizing active exploration and scenic cruising.
The minimum age for scheduled departures is 18. This itinerary is designed for adult travelers, with a balance of active days, travel logistics, and shared group experiences. For private trips , the minimum age is typically 14, with some flexibility depending on a young traveler’s fitness, experience, and comfort with the itinerary.
This adventure is designed for those seeking a balance of activity, blending moderate hikes with more relaxed cruising days. You will navigate terrain that can be rocky with occasional steeper sections, all while managing Patagonia’s variable weather and strong winds which contribute to the overall physical effort. This is among our easier level 3 trips, but the mountain weather can make the activity feel more challenging.
Moderate Hiking: Expect hiking days that last three to six hours and cover four to seven miles, with minimal elevation gain and loss, generally ranging between 100?300 feet, making the climbs approachable while carrying only a light daypack.
Varied Terrain: Navigate a mix of surfaces, from standard trails to rocky patches that require mindful footing and steady balance. Trails can be muddy in wet conditions.
Cruise-Based Exploration: Enjoy shore excursions involving one to two hours of walking, featuring both easy and more challenging options depending on your preference. Three levels of options are provided each day on the cruise-based portion of the trip. You will use zodiacs to access the shore from the ship, requiring balance for "dry" landings onto shore; staff are always available to assist.
Mountain Weather: Be ready to hike through sudden rain or the region's famously powerful winds, which can increase the physical effort of each mile.
Arriving and Departing
Once your booking is finalized with MT Sobek and your trip has been confirmed to operate, flights may be purchased. If you are unsure of the status of your trip, be sure to check with your Adventure Coordinator prior to booking non-refundable flights.
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Ushuaia before 3:00 pm on Day 1. Arrival transfers are provided, followed by a welcome orientation at the hotel and a group dinner. We strongly recommend arriving at least one day early, when possible, to allow for international travel delays and time to settle in before the trip begins.
Departure: You may depart from Puerto Natales at 1:00 pm or later on Day 11. A group transfer from Torres del Paine to the Puerto Natales airport is provided that morning.
If arriving early in Ushuaia, we recommend staying at the group hotel , Los Cauquenes Resort and Spa .
If your travel plans include extra nights elsewhere, there are several good options depending on your route. For an overnight in Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia, boutique hotels such as Legado Mitico are recommended. If you stay late in Puerto Natales after the trip, Remota Patagonia Lodge is a popular choice, with higher-end options also available. Guests overnighting in Santiago may prefer the Holiday Inn Santiago Airport hotel for convenience or the Hotel Magnolia if spending time in the city.
Yes. A valid passport is required to enter both Argentina and Chile. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date you complete your trip and contain at least one blank page for each country you visit.
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Argentina or Chile. When entering Chile, you will be issued a Tourist Card, which should be kept with your passport, as it is required when you leave the country.
Entry requirements vary by citizenship, so non-US citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current passport and visa requirements before traveling.
Transportation and Transfers
Yes. There are a few days with longer transfers built into the itinerary. The longest transfer is the drive from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales, which is approximately three to three and a half hours by private vehicle. Transfers between different areas of Torres del Paine National Park generally range from one to three hours, depending on the day and route.
These longer drives are scenic and intentionally scheduled to support the overall flow of the trip, and they are balanced with hikes, walks, or time to relax once you arrive at your destination.
Fitness, Terrain and Trail Expectations
This trip balances a moderately active exploration of Torres del Paine and Tierra del Fuego with expedition cruising among the glaciers and fjords. You will enjoy three- to seven-mile hikes on rocky terrain in Tierra del Fuego and Torres del Paine, complemented by shorter walks and Zodiac excursions during the cruise. While elevation changes are modest, participants must be prepared for variable weather and wind conditions that add a layer of challenge to the journey.
Distance and Duration: Hikes are typically half-day outings. These are paired with shorter coastal walks and zodiac-based excursions from the ship, allowing for a balanced pace with time to enjoy the surroundings.
Moderate Terrain and Elevation: Expect to navigate rocky paths and sections of muddy trail. While vertical gains are not extreme, steady footwork is required for uneven surfaces.
Environmental Factors: Weather in this region is highly unpredictable. Strong winds and sudden temperature shifts require mental resilience and proper layering to maintain comfort during active periods.
Consistent Activity: Consecutive days of movement require a reasonable level of baseline fitness. You should be comfortable being on your feet for several hours at a time in an outdoor environment. Consecutive days of movement require a reasonable level of baseline fitness. You should be comfortable being on your feet for several hours at a time in an outdoor environment.
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations on this trip are an important part of the overall experience and reflect the variety of landscapes you will explore. Enjoy six nights in comfortable deluxe hotels and four nights aboard an expedition ship designed specifically for navigating Patagonia’s remote fjords and channels.
Hotels are well located for access to hikes and scenic areas and range from modern lodges to character-rich regional properties such as the Estancia Cerro Guido, a working ranch full of local color and charm, with just 13 lovingly restored rooms in a ranch-style house. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed at all properties. Specific hotel sequence in Torres del Paine varies by departure and will be confirmed in your Final Details.
During the cruise, you’ll stay aboard the Stella Australis on November and December 2026 departures, or the Ventus Australis on January and February 2027 departures. These sister ships are designed to navigate Patagonia’s narrow, glacier-lined waterways, with comfortable cabins, panoramic windows, inviting lounges, and observation decks for taking in the scenery.
MT Sobek reserves Category AA cabins on Deck 3 of the Australis ship. These cabins measure 177 square feet and can be configured with either two twin beds, each 41 inches wide by 75 inches long, or one double bed, 63 inches wide by 75 inches long. A small onboard shop sells sportswear, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal items.
Cabin upgrades may be available at an additional cost. We are happy to check availability for these higher categories:
There are four Superior cabins total on the ship: two AA Superior, located midship on Deck 3 and two AAA Superior, located midship on Deck 4. Superior cabins are a bit larger at 220 sq. ft., and all have one queen bed (71 in. wide x 79 in. long). It is not possible to have two beds in the Superior Cabins.
Category AAA has the same cabin size as our reserved cabins, and there is the option of two twin beds (41 in. wide x 75 in. long) or one double bed (63 in. wide x 75 in. long). The main difference is Category AAA cabins are on Deck 4, one deck higher than Category AA, so the view/vantage point is a bit better from slightly higher up on the ship.
If you are interested in a cabin upgrade, please check with us for availability and cost information.
Wi-Fi is available at hotels in Ushuaia and Puerto Natales and in public areas of your hotels in Torres del Paine, though connections may be slow.
There is no internet service onboard the ship. However, the ship offers a digital information system called AustralisNet, which you can access on your personal devices to view onboard content related to the region and the daily program.
Meals on this trip reflect the flavors and traditions of Patagonia, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and satisfying dishes suited to active days.
On Land
On land, you can expect hearty regional specialties such as grilled lamb, Argentine beef dishes, Chilean seafood, fresh breads, rice or potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. Local fish, including salmon and trout, is common, and meals often finish with simple desserts featuring regional fruits.
Breakfasts are typically buffet-style and may include coffee and tea, juices, eggs or cereal, baked breads, fruit, and yogurt.
Lunches are usually bagged and eaten along the trail, with items such as sandwiches, fruit, cookies, chips, and snack bars.
Dinners are generally three courses, starting with soup or salad, followed by a hearty main dish and dessert. A highlight of the trip is a traditional Asado de Cordero — a Patagonian lamb barbecue — while in Torres del Paine.
A limited amount of beer and wine, selected by your guides, is included with some land-based meals.
Aboard the Australis Ship
During the cruise aboard the Australis ship, dining is comfortable and plentiful, with well-prepared meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfasts are buffet-style, with a selection of hot and cold items. Lunches and dinners are seated in the dining room, where guests can choose from a daily menu.
On the cruise, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner, as well as at the open bar when the bartender is on duty.
Yes, we can accommodate many common dietary restrictions on this trip with advance notice. Vegetarian options are available at all meals throughout the trip. 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.
Onboard the ship, a strict celiac diet is not possible because cross-contamination cannot be eliminated.
Typically, yes. But single rooms are very limited on this trip—typically up to two per departure—and a single supplement applies. You can find more information on solo traveler options here .
Packing and Gear
For the variable conditions of this journey, your gear must prioritize protection against the elements. Be sure to carefully review the full packing list provided and note the following helpful guidance:
Layering System: Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable throughout the day. Your innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer should be your shirt and hiking pants. The outermost layer should keep you warm and dry, such as a good fleece/down jacket with waterproof, breathable rain jacket and pants.
We suggest that you layer with synthetic clothing. Synthetic fabrics are the most effective barriers against cold and wet weather conditions. They provide the best insulation, are light in weight, wick away perspiration, and dry quickly if wet. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable. We discourage the use of cotton garments in cold or wet mountain conditions. It is acceptable to wear clean hiking pants and a shirt to dinner every evening, including on board the Australis cruise.
A detailed packing list will be provided.
Patagonia's weather is unpredictable throughout the season. Regardless of month, you should plan to carry full rain protection every day—including a waterproof, breathable rain jacket, rain pants, and waterproof gloves.
Warm layers are essential at all times, including a fleece or insulated jacket, plus a warm hat and gloves, even in midsummer.
If you're purchasing new boots or shoes, be sure to break them in thoroughly before the trip to avoid blisters or discomfort. Well-fitting footwear you trust will make a meaningful difference while hiking in Patagonia.
On-the-Ground Travel Tips
Patagonia’s weather is famously unpredictable, even during the summer months, and conditions can change quickly throughout the day. You should be prepared for cool temperatures, strong winds, and sudden shifts between sun, wind, rain, or even hail or light snow at any time. Dressing in layers and carrying full rain protection every day is essential.
November average high/low temperatures are around 55°F/39°F in Ushuaia and 62°F/41°F in Torres del Paine, with cooler mornings and evenings.
December brings slightly warmer conditions, averaging 56°F/41°F in Ushuaia and 63°F/44°F in Torres del Paine, though weather remains variable.
January is typically the warmest month, with averages about 59°F/42°F in Ushuaia and 64°F/45°F in Torres del Paine.
February is similar to January, with averages around 57°F/41°F in Ushuaia and 64°F/45°F in Torres del Paine.
Early March begins to cool slightly, with averages near 54°F/38°F in Ushuaia and 61°F/43°F in Torres del Paine.
Argentina uses the Argentine Peso, and Chile uses the Chilean Peso. Credit cards—especially Visa and MasterCard—are widely accepted in larger towns such as Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, and Puerto Natales, and ATMs are available, though withdrawal limits are common. ATMs are not available in Torres del Paine. Many guests choose to carry a mix of credit cards and some cash for flexibility.
We strongly recommend bringing US dollars in cash, as they are widely accepted and easier to use than local currency. Bring new, untorn bills in a range of denominations.
During the cruise portion aboard the Australis ship, personal expenses can be paid using major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. The ship also accepts US dollars, Euros, Argentine pesos, and Chilean pesos.
Yes. Electricity is 220 volts. Argentina typically uses Type I plugs; Chile uses Type C (and occasionally Type L). A universal adapter is recommended. Visit this site for more information World Power Plugs & Sockets .
Tipping your guides and support staff is a common practice to show appreciation for their hard work and expertise in ensuring a great experience, though it is always optional.
For this Argentina and Chile adventure, we recommend tipping each of your guides $20 to $25 per day, per person, the ship crew $15 to $20 per day, per person, to be split evenly amongst the crew, and your private driver in Torres del Paine $10 to $15 per day, per person.
These tipping guidelines work out to a total of $475 to $615 in US dollars cash per trip participant, which we recommend distributing as follows:
Adventure Guide: $220 to $275 per person ($20 to $25 x 11 days)
Australis Crew: $75 to $100 per person ($15 to $20 x 5 days)
Assistant Guide in Torres del Paine: $120 to $150 per person ($20 to $25 x 6 days)
Private Driver in Torres del Paine: $60 to $90 per person ($10 to $15 x 6 days)
Tips for hotel and restaurant staff, as well as the local guide and driver in Ushuaia, are included in your trip price.
Your guides are always available to help answer questions once you’re on the trip.
Health and Safety
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips, including medical evacuation insurance for this expedition-style itinerary to remote destinations. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. Emergency evacuation from the ship is particularly complex and costly. 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.
There is no standard requirement for a doctor’s clearance to participate in this trip. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your readiness for the trip with MT Sobek as part of the pre-trip process.
If you have any medical conditions, concerns about endurance, or questions about how this trip may affect your health, we strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before traveling. This is one of the best ways to ensure you’re well prepared and able to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.
Potential risks include slips on uneven terrain, wind exposure, fatigue, motion sickness during the cruise, and rapidly changing weather. These are mitigated through guide management, pacing, and preparation.
In the event of poor weather during the cruise, it is generally possible to carry out the cruise as described in this itinerary, but weather does occasionally prevent scheduled landings. The Australis reserves the right to alter, change or omit parts of these routes without prior notice, in order to preserve the well-being and safety of passengers, to protect the environment, or for other extraordinary circumstances. Regardless, there will be truly spectacular scenery at all times, along with a rich educational program presented by the naturalist guides on board.
Staying healthy on this trip starts with listening to your body and practicing consistent self-care. Hydrate regularly throughout the day and eat steady, balanced meals and trail snacks to maintain energy during hikes and excursions. Because Patagonia's weather can change quickly, managing layers is important—adjust clothing often to avoid getting chilled or overheated.
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently, especially before eating, and carry hand sanitizer for use on the trail.
If you're prone to motion sickness, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider in advance about preventive options, which may include medication or other remedies.





