Patagonia Hiking - 13 Days & 12 Nights

Welcome to Patagonia! You'll transfer (included) from Ushuaia Airport to the small town of Ushuaia. The Yamanas, its first inhabitants, gave it this name, which means 'protected bay'. It was officially incorporated into the Republic of Argentina in 1884, and was initially a penal colony, in order to establish a permanent Argentine settlement.

The town itself is easy to get around on foot and, depending on your time of arrival, you may wish to explore its curious museums, like the Thematic Gallery of the Historia Fueguina, to see more than 120 life-size figures that will tell you all about the history of Ushuaia, or discover the story of the penal colony's most notorious criminals at the Prison Museum. And please, don't forget the local food! Ushuaia is home to some incredible seafood, including the finger-licking Blake Hake.

In 1833, Charles Darwin sailed down The Beagle Channel and discovered something wonderful. Today, you can be another explorer of the channel on a 3-hour boat trip, with a guide, along this famous stretch. You'll have sweeping views of Ushuaia Bay, crowned by the magnificent Martial Glacier. The channel is famous for its diverse marine wildlife, such as cormorants and fur seals on Alicia Island.

With Argentina on your left and Chile on your right, you will sail this natural border to the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, which guards the bay. On our way back, you'll stop at Bridges Island to walk a wildlife interpretation path, hear about Yaman’s history (the native inhabitants), and see the largest shell deposits in the region.

During the trip, you can enjoy hot chocolate with cookies or try mate (strong green tea and an Argentinian favourite). Once back to the port, you have free time in Ushuaia before making your way back to your hotel.

Note: Port tax is payable locally ($2)

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel to go on a guided tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park, starting with a hike along the coastal path. On this walk, you'll be rewarded with views of the sea, lakes and surrounding mountains. There'll then be a hot lunch in a heated dome tent on the shores of either Acigami Lake or Roca Lake.

Afterwards, it's time to get kitted out for an excursion on the Lapataia River aboard inflatable 6-person rafts, to reach the sea at Lapataia Bay from where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

After heading back to the airport this morning, you'll fly to El Calafate. The town of El Calafate sits on the Patagonian steppe, an extreme and deserted place with an amazing landscape. It's also on the shores of Lago Argentino (Argentina’s biggest lake) and is considered to be the 'Capital of the Glaciers' as the gateway to visiting the world-renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the only glaciers in the world that is still advancing. Upon arrival at El Calafate, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Today, you get to see the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier! You'll be picked up early from your hotel and taken to Los Glaciares National Park, located at 50 miles from El Calafate.

Los Glaciares National Park is home to nearly 200 glaciers and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Half of the park is occupied by the Patagonian ice field, the second largest ice field after Antarctica. Upon arrival, your guide will show you the different walkways from where you will be able to walk in front of the colossal ice wall, and, if you are lucky, perhaps witness some incredible ice breaks and falls. Your adventure starts from the main balcony and then you'll have some free time to explore independently until the meeting time agreed with your guide.

As an optional extra, you may wish to take a one-hour boat ride sailing between icebergs and past the 240ft glacier wall. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Your journey through Patagonia continues today, with a transfer along the famous Route 40, taking you from El Calafate to El Chalten. You'll travel through the Patagonian Desert (or Steppe), passing La Leona River, which connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. The historic, red-roofed La Leona Roadhouse marks the halfway point. 

The charming village of El Chalten sits at the foot of Fitz Roy Mountain and is regarded as Argentina's top hiking centre, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests and with many hiking trails starting here. After your welcome briefing, enjoy a free afternoon, visit the local brewery or explore the surrounding area. 

Today, you have a number of hiking options available, which all reach Laguna de Los Tres. You can start the trek directly from town, or take a shared bus up to the bridge of Rio Electrico. From there, you will hike along a beautiful trail through lenga forest, following the Río Blanco towards the Poincenot campsite. Along the way, you can stop at the beautiful Piedras Blancas (White Rocks) viewpoint. From here you'll see the Piedras Blancas glacier, with its erratic boulders and lateral moraines, left behind as the glacier retreated over the last few decades. Enjoy views of the Fitz Roy mountain chain, as you make your way towards your final objective for the day - the magnificent Laguna de Los Tres. This unforgettable location has the best view of Cerro Fitz Roy. We recommend having lunch while appreciating these breathtaking views and then beginning your descent towards El Chaltén.

The main event for today is the unmissable Laguna Torre hike, where you will find an impressive view of the Torre massif, the Adela range, Mount Solo and their glaciers. The path will take you through a wide range of landscapes, from wide glacially formed valleys to dense forests.

At the appropriate time, you will be picked up to board a bus to go from your hotel in El Chaltén to your hotel in El Calafate. The 3 hour long drive will be a good opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy the passing landscapes at your window.

Your transfer to Puerto Natales starts with a transfer from your hotel to El Calafate Bus Terminal, for a public bus journey crossing the border into Chile. This is a 5-hour journey passing through beautiful Patagonian steppe, sandwiched between the mountains. The Milodon Statue (the last ground sloth that walked the Earth 5,000 years ago) will mark your entrance to picturesque Puerto Natales.

At Torres del Paine National Park, there are no shops, so Puerto Natales is the ideal place to buy provisions for tomorrow.

Head into the Torres del Paine National Park today (private transfer). The iconic granite pillars of the Torres del Paine dominate the park but it's also home to a wide range of landscapes from azure lakes and rivers to emerald-green forests, as well as the iconic blue glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for guanacos roaming the steppe, as well as Andean condors soaring above alongside the looming peaks. You'll have time to explore your surroundings independently. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Your second day in the Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine is one of the most beautiful protected areas in South America and your hike here is sure to be a trip highlight. Depending on where your lodge is located inside the park, you will be able to explore several different paths. Our recommendation is to take a self-guided hike to Base las Torres. This is the most famous hike of the park as it takes you to the base of the famous 'torres' (towers) and offers tremendous views. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Today, you'll check out after breakfast and transfer to Punta Arenas Airport, for your onward travel connections.