Patagonia's jagged peaks and majestic glaciers are preserved in two exceptionally scenic parks: Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's Los Glaciares. Every day you'll hike through breathtaking beauty, taking in views of pristine glacial lakes, iconic snowcapped peaks, and swaying grasses of the desert steppes. At night we'll sleep in comfortable hotels, cozy cabins and remote mountain lodges. Your adventure wraps up in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, where you can explore the city and maybe even take in some tango.
Enjoy the best day hikes of the National Parks Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine, including the famous "W"
Take in the spectacular vistas of Cerro Torre and the awesome Fitz Roy Massif
Enjoy sweeping views of the Moreno Glacier, and marvel at the 2,100-foot high wall of continuously calving blocks of ice
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.
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.
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 hiking back to the hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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. You trip leader will recommend restaurants for your dinner on your own tonight.
Enjoy a full-day excursion 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. Depending on the weather, you can admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile footbridge walk. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to El Calafate at the end of the day.
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.
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.
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 3, 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.
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.
Transfer to the town of El Calafate, where we bid farewell to our guide. Catch a flight 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.
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.
MT Sobek pioneered commercial trekking in Patagonia in the 1970s, and our itinerary is the most comprehensive route available.
Our highly experienced MT Sobek leaders know every inch of this region.
This multi-faceted trip combines the splendor of nature with a stay in a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
Our expert guides and trip leaders are truly the key to our trips' success. Many are locals who live in-country year-round; others have made it their second home—all are passionate, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
Moderate to strenuous hiking covering up to 15 miles a day in mountainous terrain. Includes visit to the Perito Moreno glacier.
A range of lodging, from scenic mountain dormitories to comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
Expect extreme weather conditions that can change from one moment to the other. Be prepared for everything, especially strong winds and sun.
Our local staff will meet you outside of Punta Arenas Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Yes. The electricity supply in Torres del Paine mountain huts is generator-driven and usually very reliable.
Your personal gear for the day (water bottle, jacket, rain gear and other personal items). Please note, porters will not carry glass, books or electronic devices (consider not bringing these).
Yes, under normal circumstances you will have hot water 24 hours a day. Please note you will be sharing facilities on days 4 and 5.
You will be staying in the best available accommodation throughout the trip. Even in remote mountain conditions on days 4 and 5, privacy is guaranteed in a shared environment.
Yes. Trekking poles will assist with balance over rocky and uneven terrain, as well as alleviate pressure on your joints during ascents and descents.
Make any of our trips a custom adventure or start from scratch. Take two itineraries and match them up to create a unique third. Add extras and extensions and more...if you can imagine it, we can make it happen!
"MT Sobek has created a marvelous experience into the heart of Patagonia, exposing the hiker to all the wonderful scenery, people and history this incredibly beautiful place has to offer."
Coleen S.
MT Sobek Guest, Hiker's Patagonia
"Thank you MT Sobek for the trip of my lifetime! The Patagonia adventure exceeded my expectations in all respects and has renewed my spirit and filled my heart with joy!"
Maria S.
MT Sobek Guest, Hiker's Patagonia
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