Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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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 Labarca

André fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and has made it his home for the last 10 years. He has participated in more than ten mountain expeditions in the region, accomplishing many first ascents, including the summits of the North and South Towers of the Torres del Paine. André has a great interest in the development of sustainable tourism and is always looking for other regions to explore within Patagonia. André's love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.

Rodrigo Bahamondez

"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.

Sergio Fitch Watkins

Sergio is a legendary trekking guide with over 40 years of experience and 300 trips to his name! Besides leading our expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina's Aconcagua, he also loves to lead some of our more challenging treks in Nepal and Peru. His recent expeditions include leading our 50th Anniversary Base Camp Trek, Chile's Dientes de Navarino mountains, and an epic hiking adventure in the Dolomites. Sergio has acquired a loyal following, and is one of our most respected guides.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Punta Arenas
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Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, and meet your group leader to transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, gather with the group for a briefing on the adventure ahead.
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                    [Headline] => Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
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After breakfast, travel across the Patagonian plains to the quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Stretch your legs a bit and have lunch before continuing on to Torres del Paine National Park and taking in your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). There is also a very good chance of seeing guanacos - small cousins to the camel and llama - on the way to the park.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
                    [ActivityOverview] => 9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 2,500\' elevation gain and loss
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Get an early start for an all-day hike to the Torres del Paine lookout. Follow the Asencio River over a low pass into the Ascencio Valley, passing through beautiful beech forests, talus-covered slopes, and boulders. Arrive at a spectacular viewpoint that is one of the most scenic spots in the world, where the towers rise majestically before you and a glacial lake is visible below. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before returning to the hotel.
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                    [Headline] => Hike below Cuernos del Paine
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Begin your trek deep into the park, hiking at a relaxed pace along the north shore of Lago Nordenskjold to Los Cuernos, following the Paso Los Cuernos trail beneath the jagged Cuernos del Paine. The views are magnificent, including your first sighting of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Stay in cozy cabins right next to a waterfall on the most isolated spot of our journey - an excellent staging area for tomorrow\'s hike to the French Valley.
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Hike into the French Valley, one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range. Walk below the glaciers that descend from the massif\'s highest summit and marvel at the gray granite peaks of the Cuernos del Paine, topped with fantastical black slate "horns." Two hiking options are available today, weather permitting: We can take an 11-mile hike back to camp, or continue up to the mirador (viewpoint) above Camp Británico for one of the most impressive views in the park.
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Arise early and hike along the Paine Grande Mountain towards the face of stunning Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before boarding a catamaran that takes us close to the front of the glacier and then down to the southern shore of the Lago Grey (Grey Lake), where our hotel for the night is located.
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Depart Chile\'s Torres del Paine National Park and drive across the border into Argentina. (Please be prepared for delays of up to a few hours while crossing the border). Proceed over the flat grassland steppes to the town of El Calafate, located on the southern shore of glacial lake called Lago Argentino. El Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier and is a great town to explore. Your trip leader will recommend restaurants for dinner on your own tonight.
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                    [Headline] => Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier
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Enjoy a day trip to Los Glaciares National Park to see the renowned Perito Moreno glacier. At this very active glacier, a 200-foot-high headwall continually calves massive blocks of ice into the lake with a thunderous roar - an awesome spectacle of nature\'s power at work. Admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile guided footbridge walk. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to El Calafate for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
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We continue our drive across the steppes and along the northern end of Lago Viedma, with the views getting better and better as we approach the mountains and glaciers. Arrive at El Chaltén for lunch. Weather permitting, those who would like to may have a short hike to a scenic lookout, before continuing another half an hour to Laguna Condor.
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We visit the private natural reserve, Los Huemules from where we start hiking at the Condor Valley taking us gently uphill from west to east as we approach Laguna del Diablo. This less travelled path boasts impressive views and solitude. NOTE: some groups will transfer to Destino Sur in El Chalten this evening, spending one night at Laguna Condor and three nights at Destino Sur.
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Another day, another inspiring day hike into Los Glaciares. A short transfer brings us to the trail head El Pilar, before setting out on an easy walk through a beautiful forest with impressive views of Piedras Blancas Glacier. From here, begin a steep climb up to Laguna de los Tres, situated just below the impressive Fitz Roy Mountain. At the top take in the beautiful surroundings before hiking back to El Chaltén. We pass the secluded and very scenic Laguna Capri.
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Embark on a long day hike into the park\'s interior. Take in commanding views of the spectacular peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre - both sought after by photographers and climbers the world over. Depending on the weather we might change the day 10 and 11 itinerary. We walk through a varied landscape formed by glaciers and stop at scenic viewpoints along the way to the Laguna Torre, situated on a beautiful glacial lake set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre.
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Transfer to the town of El Calafate, where we bid farewell to our guide. 

Departures through March 2023 will catch an afternoon flight from El Calafate to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina that is often referred to as the "Paris of South America." Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to your hotel in the city\'s stylish Recoleta district. Dinner is on your own in Buenos Aires, where there is no shortage of tempting culinary offerings.

Our new 13-day itinerary from November 2023 onwards will end in El Calafate where you can choose to extend your adventure in the area or elsewhere in Argentina, or begin your journey home. 


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(This last day is included for departures Nov 2022 thru Mar 2023 only; departure for Nov 2023 onwards end with flights home from El Calafate on Day 13). 

For Nov 2022 thru Mar 2023 departures: Today is free for shopping and sightseeing. Explore the Recoleta, famous mainly for its nightlife but also well worth a visit by day. Take in the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Cemetery, which holds the tombs of many famous people. Or browse the stores and colorful stands of the galerias in the Downtown district, especially along Calle Florida. In the evening, transfer to the airport - or stay on a few extra days to take in the beauty of Buenos Aires.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Long hikes with support of porters in Torres del Paine and day hiking in El Chaltén. You will be hiking between 5 to 10 hours a day, mostly on steep and rocky terrain. The length and challenging terrain can be taxing. Weather can change drastically, causing temperatures to fluctuate rapidly. These conditions can affect both body and morale.
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Accommodations

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A range of lodging, from scenic mountain dormitories to comfortable hotels with modern amenities.

Hotel Cabo de Hornos-Punta Arenas

Comfortable Hotel

Recently renovated in modern European style, this large hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms - some with sea views. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV and room service are provided. There is a restaurant on-site, but the flavors of Punta Arenas await just outside your door, as do museums and other attractions.

Hotel Las Torres-Torres del Paine National Park

Comfortable Hotel

The simple, comfortable rooms come equipped with all the essentials, and have windows showcasing the awe-inspiring surroundings. Because of its remote location, the hotel has a small shop that provides some trekking equipment, snacks and toiletries. The on-site restaurant serves food that is authentic to the Patagonia region, featuring organic produce and beer from their own microbrewery.

Cabanas de los Cuernos-Torres del Paine National Park

Rustic Lodging

Located at the base of Los Cuernos del Paine, these eight charming cabins offer spectacular views of Los Cuernos and Nordenskjöld Lake. After trekking through Torres del Paine, you'll undoubtedly be ready to recharge your battery with a warm meal and a good night's sleep in the cozy beds.

Refugio Paine Grande-Torres del Paine National Park

Rustic Lodging

Located on the banks of Pehoé Lake, this remote mountain lodge is an ideal base camp for experiencing Torres del Paine. The dormitory rooms have comfortable bunks, as well as drawers to put away gear and a safety box if required. The on-site restaurant offers American cuisine, and the bar is a great place to exchange stories with fellow travelers.

Hotel Lago Grey-Torres del Paine National Park

Comfortable Hotel

Surrounded by the majestic beauty of this unique landscape, Hotel Lago Grey is the perfect base for discovering Torres del Paine National Park. The hotel has 60 spacious rooms, including 36 Superior rooms that have lake, mountain and glacier views. All rooms are warm and comfortable, with Wi-Fi (in common areas), safe, and a phone.

Hotel Posada Los Alamos-El Calafate

Comfortable Hotel

Posada Los Alamos is a grand red-bricked hotel, surrounded by soaring poplar trees, in the heart of El Calafate. It's 144 comfortable rooms, with either garden or mountain views, are pleasantly furnished and come with modern amenities. Choose to unwind with a game of golf or a treatment at the hotel's Humus Spa, and enjoy dinner at La Posta restaurant.

Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa

Comfortable Hotel

Located just steps from the main street of town yet close to trailheads, Destino Sur offers both convenience and an escape to nature. Each room is colorfully decorated and equipped with wooden furniture, a king-size bed, and lots of amenities. Indulge in a spa massage, or relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi.

Loi Suites Recoleta-Buenos Aires

Comfortable Hotel

This high-end hotel is located in one of the most elegant areas of the city, steps from Eva Peron's grave at the Recoleta Cemetery and walking distance from museums, galleries, shopping, historical architecture, and parks. Rooms are sober yet stylish, with comfortable beds, fast Wi-Fi, and other modern amenities. The property also features a restaurant and pool.

La Yegua Loca

Discover an authentic Patagonian experience at the La Yegua Loca boutique hotel. Built in 1929, this English house was rehabilitated by its owner's passion to commemorate the pioneers and ranchers in Chilean Patagonia. All 15 rooms in this intimate hotel are adorned with antiques and a touch of history that will transport guests back in time.

Laguna Condor Cabanas

These wilderness cabanas are located in a private forest setting about 10 miles north of El Chalten. The cozy timber lodge is built on the shore of Rio de Las Vueltas and boasts unique views of Fitz Roy's north face. The fabulous dining room exudes a warm feel, just right for those Patagonian nights.

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