Patagonia Hiking - 9 Days & 8 Nights

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.

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 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.