Trekking Highlights of Patagonia

Through Chile and Argentina

The first five days of this trip are identical with the 6 Days Hike Torres del Paine National Park trip, afterwards you will cross over to Argentina and enjoy spectacular hikes and walks to the peaks of Fitzroy and the Cerro Torres as well as one of the largest glaciers in the world called Perito Moreno. In this 11 day itinerary you will see all of the Patagonian highlights.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Patagonian glacier

Day 1: Punta Arenas - Puerto Natales

You will be met at Punta Arenas airport. Enjoy a scenic bus ride to Puerto Natales, a charming southern port set on the Fiord of Last Hope. Visit the Penguin Colony on Otway Sound.

Overnight: Comfortable cozy family-run hotel.

Day 2: Torres del Paine National Park

Early departure for Torres del Paine National Park. We shall pass across the southern parts of the park to reach the Pudeto Cabins where we cross Lake Pehoe by boat. Hike along the Camino de los Vientos - or the Road of the Wind. Approach Grey Glacier and take a close up look at an imposing wall of ice. Later on, during our walk, we shall see the glacier calving thunderously into the lake below. Return to Pehoe Refugio in the afternoon. Staying here we are in the heart of the park, and the surrounding scenery is truly spectacular. B/BL/D

Hike: 3 - 6 hours, easy. Strong winds could make the hike more strenuous. After 1,5 hours we reach a great view point to the glacier. There is the possibility to continue to the glacier or to return to the mountain hut. The cabins at Pehoe are simple cabins offering clean dormitories with bunk-beds and a shared bath.

Day 3: Torres del Paine - Valle Frances

Day hike into the French Valley and up to the Campamento Britanico. Depending upon the group we shall hike as far as Campamento Italiano. During this hike we shall have tremendous views of the Cuernos (or Horns) of Paine. In the afternoon we return to the Pehoe Refugio, where hikers from all over the world sit together and tell their stories. B/BL/D

Hike: 7 - 9 hours to the end of the French Valley, moderate. After two hours easy hiking enjoy great views of the valley and the glacier. The hike can be shortened at any point.

Cuernos del Paine

Day 4: Torres del Paine

We recross the Lake Pehoe to the Pudeto pier. Transfer towards the Grey Lake where your guide will offer a hike suitable to the group fitness and climatic conditions. Transfer to Laguna Amarga and the Refugio Las Torres.

Overnight: cozy Refugio Las Torres right at the base of the Torres Towers.

Hike: Hiking options vary between 2 to 5 hours.

Day 5: Torres del Paine - Puerto Natales

Today's highlight is the foot of the Torres del Paine. An awe-inspiring close up look at one of the toughest climbs on earth. Alas, we shan't climb in, but rather return to the Las Torres in the late afternoon. Transfer by bus to Puerto Natales.

Overnight: cozy family-run Hotel. B/BL

Hike: Relatively long day with approximately 6-8 hours of moderate hiking, in the upper part for approx. 1 hour steep and rocky terrain.

Day 6: Puerto Natales - Perito Moreno Glacier - Calafate

Early departure from the hotel to the airport in Puerto Natales with English speaking guide and a spectacular flight to Calafate, Argentina. - Important: There is a 10 kg p.p. luggage restriction on these flights. Excess luggage can be left in Puerto Natales. The charge is aprox USD 3.00 per extra kilogram. Flight over the limitless Pampa. Highlight: view the calving of the world's largest inland glacier into the Lago Argentino. We will spend the whole afternoon at the glacier and watch huge icebergs crashing into the lake. In the late afternoon drive back to Calafate.

Overnight in a cozy Hotel. B

Day 7: Calafate - El Chalten - Laguna Torre

Early in the morning, you are transferred in a regular bus without guide to Chalten. Your trekking guide awaits you in the little mountain town El Chalten. Have a short drive to our Hosteria and some time to relax before we start for a new hiking adventure. Highlight: hike to the Laguna Torre with views of the legendary Cerro Torre, with its ice-covered tower (finger) pointing to the sky. Only the world´s top elite of climbers can even dream about reaching the top! We enjoy wonderful views of Cerro Torre from Laguna Torre. In the afternoon, we return to our Hotel in El Chalten for overnight. B

Hike: 5 - 6 hours, easy, well-maintained hiking trails

Trekking Perito Moreno

Day 8: Laguna de los Tres - Fitz Roy

In the morning, we start hiking from our hosteria to the next famous trekking highlight of Patagonia: the mighty Fitz Roy. This is a great hiking trail with astonishing views. Best view of Fitz Roy from Laguna de los Tres. With a bit of luck and good weather we will see a colorful sunset over the Andes and these magnificent peaks - probably one of the best on earth! In the afternoon, we return to our Hotel in El Chalten for overnight. B

Hike: 7 - 8 hours, moderate, well-maintained hiking trails

Day 9: El Chalten - Calafate

Another day of hiking in the Patagonian Andes awaits us to the tumba Pliegue. Our trekking guide selects the best trail according to the group preferences. In the afternoon transfer back to Calafate, in regular bus, without guide. Overnight in a cozy Hotel in Calafate. B

Hike: 6 - 7 hours, easy to moderate, well-maintained trails

Day 10: Calafate - Puerto Natales

Drive to Calafate airport and fly back to Chile. Arrival in Puerto Natales in the morning. Transfer to bus terminal. Drive to Punta Arenas by regular bus, without guide. In the afternoon, enjoy a private city tour in Punta Arenas.

Overnight in a cozy Hotel. B

Day 11: Punta Arenas

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport in Punta Arenas for your flight to Santiago and/or Puerto Montt. B