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An Upscale Walking Adventure Through the Jewels of Patagonia
Type of Trip: Hiking Length: 12 days Season: October-March Rating: Grade III
For those seeking an outdoor Patagonia adventure in the magnificent wilderness areas of Argentina’s Los Glaciares and Chile’s Torres del Paine National Parks, here nature rules supreme. Witness wildlife such as the guanaco, ñandú, condor, fox and dozens of bird species. Further south, in the Land of Fire, Tierra del Fuego, the beautiful landscapes are reminiscent of the Alaskan wildlands.
This exciting itinerary is designed for hikers and nature enthusiasts who would like to experience the full range of the Patagonian Andes, with active days and relaxing nights at cozy lodges.
Trip Highlights:
- Become dwarfed by the magnificent glaciers in Argentina’s Glaciers National Park
- Spend time exploring the valleys around Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre on foot
- Enjoy the warmth and refined comfort of Patagonian lodge hospitality
- Visit the surreal, glacier-carved peaks of Torres del Paine in Chile
- Hike toward the impressive vertical granite walls of the French River valley
- Feel the energy of South America’s most sophisticated city: Buenos Aires
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM HOME
Overnight flight to Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires.DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
Arrival and sight-seeing in this vivacious capital city. Welcome dinner and tango show.DAY 3: BUENOS AIRES / EL CALAFATE / EL CHALTEN
Flight to El Calafate, scenic vehicle transfer to El Chalten, short afternoon hike.DAY 4: FITZ ROY
A full day of hiking along the Rio Blanco river valley at the base of Mount Fitz Roy.DAY 5: CERRO TORRE / EL CALAFATE
Morning hike in the Fitz Roy River Valley, with views of Cerro Torre and a picnic lunch. Return drive to El Calafate.DAY 6: PERITO MORENO GLACIER
Full day of Los Glaciers National Park exploration, by catamaran, vehicle, and on foot.DAY 7: EL CALAFATE / PAINE NATIONAL PARK
Drive across the border to Paine National Park, afternoon scenic hike to photograph the region’s varied wildlife.DAY 8: NORDENSKJOLD LAKE HIKE
A full day of hiking with views of the iconic Paine Horns and Nordenskjold Lake.DAY 9: GREY LAKE
Morning walk by Grey Lake, boat across the lake and hike to Pehoé Lake, catamaran ride to Pudeto.DAY 10: PEHOE LAKE / FRENCH VALLEY
Cross Pehoé Lake and hike along the majestic scenery towards the French River Valley.DAY 11: PAINE NATIONAL PARK / PUERTO NATALES / SANTIAGO
Bid farewell to Paine Park this morning and vehicle transfer to Puerto Natales. Fly to Santiago, board an international overnight flight.DAY 12: HOME
Arrive home this morning.
All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Please contact us for firsthand knowledge and help with your travel plans.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2024/25 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Departures
On request any week throughout the October-March season
You can pick your own dates and have Southwind design a custom itinerary anytime during the season for a minimum of four participants. Please contact our Travel Specialists.
2024/2025 Land Cost
4-5 participants: from $8,900 p.p.d.
6-9 participants: from $8,200 p.p.d.
10-12 participants: from $7,500 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,000p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2024/25 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Buenos Aires: Emperador Hotel
The modern architecture, classic details, and natural lighting of the Emperador Hotel make it one of Buenos Aires’ finest properties. Situated in the chic Recoleta neighborhood, the 5-star hotel’s well-appointed rooms feature views of the city, river or hotel garden.
El Chalten: Hotel Destino Sur
A newer and modern-looking hotel in El Chalten, Destino Sur upholds standards of quality to charm guests from all over the world. Strategically located, the hotel is on the main street of town and also close to the incredible hiking trails surrounding Mt. Fitz Roy.
El Calafate: Xelena Hotel & Spa
Capturing the spirit of Patagonia, Xelena Hotel & Spa sits on the banks of Argentino Lake, quiet and majestic. Its comfort and warmth come out in the personalized attention, unique common areas, and luxurious spa. Each of the Xelena’s 71 rooms exhibits an authentic and vibrant view of the lake.
Paine: Hotel las Torres, Patagonia
Located at the foot of Mount Almirante Nieto, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is part of Cerro Paine Cattle Ranch, a 12,000-acre private estate within Torres del Paine Park. Its 57 tastefully decorated rooms are fully carpeted and feature central heating and private bathrooms. The grand living room faces the mountains.
Paine: Hotel Rio Serrano
With spectacular views of the Paine Towers, the scenic Hotel Rio Serrano has 99 rooms and blends a rustic feel with upscale modern amenities. The Restaurant El Mirador features both local and international cuisine, while the Dickson Wine Bar is home to a wide variety of Chilean wines.
Testimonials
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“Our experience in Patagonia was well beyond our expectations. We had an absolutely great time from beginning to end. The scenery was spectacular, Oscar and his people were wonderful, we were challenged and comfortable at the same time, even the weather was perfect. Thanks to you and everyone at Southwind. Our memories of Patagonia will stay with us always.”
Holly & Mike Sacks – Thousand Oaks, CA
★★★★★ -
“We loved our one mini-hike the first afternoon in El Chalten and our two long hikes there, which were two of my favorites of my life, as I told Wendy Perrin. That is saying a lot, after spectacular hikes I have been fortunate to take in Kauaii, Cape Breton Island, Colorado, Switzerland…”
David S. – New York, NY
★★★★★ -
“The hiking in Torres del Paine was amazing. The terrain, animals and mountains look very different than the Rocky Mountains. We loved seeing the different areas and hiking in all of them to fully experience the park. Our guide Mauricio was wonderful. He is always very positive and encouraged us to get the full experience of Patagonia.”
Jill Montera – Broomfield, CO
★★★★★