Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Welcome to Chilean Patagonia! The windswept plains of this southern region stretch on for miles, joining Chile’s rugged coastline and majestic mountain peaks into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain environments, perched on the edges of the icy isthmus and fiords of the southern Pacific Ocean. This evening you’ll meet your trip leader in Puerto Natales and head out for dinner to a local restaurant for your first taste of Patagonia Cuisine.

Puerto Natales is surrounded by an incredible combination of forests, mountains, glaciers, and fjords. This fusion of landscapes provides a unique environment that in turn allows us to understand the deep love the Patagonians have for their land, a land of pioneers. We’ll enjoy this fusion of colours, smells, and landscapes on our bikes, through the Patagonian forest, then following the coast of the Ultima Esperanza fjord with views of the Moore Range, Whale Hill and Mount Pratt. We’ll arrive at the Perales Ranch for a typical Patagonian lunch, the famous ‘Asado de Cordero’. The Alvarez family have been pioneers in the exploration of the Austral channels and for generations their descendants have sailed the fjords. Afterward, we’ll head back to Puerto Natales for some down time before dinner together.Biking:20 kilometers (12.4 miles)

Today we'll head off for our various activities.

Today we’ll begin the legendary four-day ‘W’ hike, an amazing trek among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. We’ll follow the Rio Ascensio Valley as it winds its way up to the park’s namesake. As we reach the top of the boulder field near the end of our hike, we’ll come face to face with one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world – above you, three mammoth granite peaks rise like tombstones from the rugged hills and snow-coated mountains of Patagonia to pierce the sky – Torres del Paine (‘Towers of Blue’). At a height of about 900 meters (3000 feet), they are believed to be the highest natural cliff faces in the world. Tonight you’ll sleep well at a cozy refugio (mountain lodge), a welcome sight after a full day’s hike. Only a light day pack is required as it's a return hike. There are shorter options available. Hiking:22 kilometers (13.7 miles), 7-9 hours, elevation +/- 770 meters (2,524 feet)

Today we’ll begin the four-day exploration of Torres Del Paine, with amazing day treks among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. Our first hike will take us to Azul Lagoon, where we’ll circumnavigate the lagoon with views of the Torres del Paine towers just south of us. After lunch we’ll head back south and journey further into the park, stopping off along the way for views of Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoe before arriving at Kau Rio Serrano, our accommodation for the next 4 nights.Hiking:5 kilometers (3.1 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (164 feet)

It’s an easier hike today, as we contour around the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, a glacial lake in the heart of the national park. As we head around the lake, we’ll start to see glimpses of Los Cuernos – Spanish for ‘The Horns’ – three fantastically sculpted grey and white sedimentary and granite peaks rising 244 meters (800 feet). The intense turquoise hue of the lake and the starkness of the mountains make for spectacular photo opportunities. This evening, we’ll stay in the shadow of the mountains at Refugio Los Cuernos.Hiking:13 kilometers (8 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation + 60 meters (196 feet), elevation - 410 meters (1,345 feet)

After a scrumptious breakfast, we’ll head back to Lake Pehoe where we’ll hop on a catamaran across to Refugio Paine Grande. Our hike today takes us toward the French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos, and at the base of the French Valley, we’ll have incredible views of ravines. It is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. We may catch a glimpse of the impressive French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers in the background. We’ll enjoy lunch along the way before hiking back down on the same trail, making our way back to the catamaran, and onward to our accommodation, with time to relax before dinner.Hiking:16 kilometers (10 miles), 4-5 hours, elevation +/- 146 meters (477 feet)

We’ll rise with the sun this morning to begin our hike up French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos. This ravine is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. The track steepens as we ascend a ridge line to the upper French Valley past waterfalls and mountain tarns. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of a massive natural amphitheater, filled with the awesome French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers. This afternoon, we’ll hike to Refugio Paine Grande.Hiking:Refugio Paine Hiking: 13 kilometers (8 miles), 4-6 hours, elevation +/- 80 meters (262 feet)Hiking:French Valley Lookout Hike: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 660 meters (2,165 feet) - OPTIONAL

You’re in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, so take your time today and take it all in – enjoying breakfast at your leisure. There’s an opportunity to go for a hike this morning or you can simply relax at the beautiful accommodation and enjoy the views from the river’s edge. Lunch will be at Kau Rio Serrano before the afternoon’s activity.

After we regroup, we’ll walk from our lodge down to the Serrano River’s edge where we’ll hike east along the winding riverside. The trail will take us to a lookout point where we’ll have views of the Grey and Tyndall glaciers. Tyndall Glacier, also known as Geike Glacier, is one of the largest in southern Patagonia, named after the Irish glaciologist John Tyndall. The hike will take most of the afternoon, then we’ll return by vehicle in time for dinner.Kayaking:2-3 hoursHiking:12 kilometers (7.5 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 436 meters (1,430 feet)Notes:Optional: Kayak Lake Grey (extra fee applies): We’ll meet our specialist kayak guides at the inlet of Serrano River, and they’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey. We’ll enjoy the magic of paddling around the icebergs that have broken away from the glacier and you’ll be in awe of the unique views of the Paine mountains and their impressive granite walls. After we return to shore, we’ll head back to the lodge for lunch before our afternoon hike.

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Weber Bridge, which crosses the confluence of Lake Pehoe and Lake Del Toro, where we’ll start our hike up to Mirador Condor. We’ll hike through a small valley on the Lazo-Weber trail, crossing an ancient Lenga Forest on our way up to a lookout point. The Lenga tree, nothofagus pumilio, is a member of the beech family and has been staked amidst fierce winds and a tough climate. Along the exposed subalpine slopes that mark the upper reaches of its habitable range, the Lenga tree sometimes grows into wild, twisted, wind-blown shapes. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of the entire Torres del Paine mountain range as well as Lakes Honda, Sarmiento & Verde. We’ll head back down, enjoying lunch along the way and once we reach the end of the trail, we’ll travel north toward Lake Nordenskjold. Our afternoon hike will take us to Mirador Cuernos, lying in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, which is the best spot to view Los Cuernos, ‘The Horns’. We’ll stop off at Salto Grande along the way, a very picturesque waterfall that flows out from Lake Icefield, it is part of the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water and forms a natural dam connecting Lakes Nordenskjold and Pahoe through the Paine river. The water level on the southern side of the lake can rise up to 30 meters (90 feet) above the level of the main lake. We’ll make our way back down the trail and on to the lodge for our last night’s dinner on the W trek.Hiking:Los Condores Lookout Hike: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 305 meters (1,000 feet)Hiking:Los Cuernos Hike: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 68 meters (222 feet)

Grey Glacier is a 200-meter (650 feet) high wall of ice that marks the northern end of Lake Grey. This is one of the largest calving glaciers in the world, with giant ice cliffs that plummet into the depths of the lake. Our hike finishes at the lake, where we’ll meet our specialist kayak guides. They’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey and enjoy amazing views of the glacier and icebergs. When we return to shore, we’ll head to Refugio Grey, where we spend our last night in Torres del Paine National Park.Hiking:11 kilometers (7 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation + 250 meters (820 feet), elevation - 210 meters (688 feet)Kayaking:3 hours

This morning we’ll hike a bit further up the valley to a magnificent lookout over the Grey Glacier. After we’ve finished our morning’s activity, we'll catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains. When we complete our boat trip, we’ll head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our hike four days ago, to re-group with the W Trek day hikers, and enjoy a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.Hiking:4.8 kilometers (3 miles), 1-3 hours, elevation +/- 100 meters (328 feet)

We’ll depart the lodge for the last time this morning, making our way north toward Lake Grey. We’ll stop off at Rio Pingo where we’ll begin our morning hike, Mirador Ferriera! The hike is challenging with a short, steep climb up though you’ll be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Grey glacier and the small icebergs you may have paddled amongst a few days prior. After we’re back down from the hike, we’ll catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains before docking at Grey Hotel to pick-up the W-trek hikers! Once we’ve re-grouped, we’ll return across the lake and head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our journey four days ago, for a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.Hiking:9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation +/- 650 meters (2,148 feet)

Welcome to Argentina! Today we’ll cross the border to the home of Tango, Evita Peron and Diego Maradona. We’ll journey north to El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, one of the greatest wilderness areas in South America. It’s also one of the most diverse – in addition to the vast mountain ranges and glaciers, it’s home to forests of guindo, lenga (a type of beech tree) and ñirre scrub, as well as a multitude of lakes and rivers. We’ll arrive in El Calafate in the afternoon, so you’ll have the rest of the day to chill out on the shores of Lago Argentino, South America’s third largest lake, with a surface area of over 1,600 square kilometers (617 square miles). You can relax and enjoy your surroundings, or you can head off on one of the many hikes in the area. A particular favorite of ours is the short walk to Laguna Nimes, a renowned bird sanctuary where geese, ducks and flamingos make their home. For dinner tonight we find that most people want to explore their options or have an early dinner, though of course, you’re welcome to join your guide for dinner too!Notes:NOTE: The 8-day trip option ends today in Puerto Natales. We can arrange a transfer back to Punta Arenas if required (additional cost applies).

If you thought the glaciers in Chile were amazing, today will take your breath away. We’ll get right up close to the base of Perito Moreno Glacier with a local specialist guide to watch blocks of ice crack off the glacier’s imposing terminal face and fall into the pastel-blue waters of Lago Argentino. This icefield is part of the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water and forms a natural dam to the opposite shore that separates the two halves of Lago Argentino. With no escape route, the water level on the southern side of the lake can rise up to 30 meters (90 feet) above the level of the main lake.

This morning we’ll travel to El Chalten, a charming and remote mountain village, known for its amazing hiking and mountaineering opportunities that quite literally begin on your doorstep. From the heart of this rapidly-growing outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, you can see the tips of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks, as well as the lovely Rio de las Vueltas winding its way past town. We’ll hike through Patagonian dry lands and dramatic boulder fields to Mirador Laguna Torre (Spanish for ‘Tower Lagoon Lookout’) for heart-stopping views up the Fitz Roy valley to Cerro Torre, a spectacular granite spire looming over a sprawling mass of ice. Today is a relatively relaxing day, in preparation for tomorrow’s big hike into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park!Hiking:6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 1-3 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)

Today we’ll journey a short way to the start of an incredibly scenic hike to Campamento Poincenot. From here we can look directly up to the towering Monte Fitz Roy. You’ll find it hard to imagine that the views of the brooding Fitz Roy massif could get any better, and you can choose to stay here and take in the views or make the steep climb up to Laguna de Los Tres, at the foot of the glacier. All of a sudden, if you’ve chosen to go on ahead, you’ll reach the crest and be greeted by stunning close-up views of Monte Fitz Roy looming above a glacial lake. Today is a real highlight and the views are amazing, no matter how far you get!Hiking:22.8 kilometers (14.2 miles), 7-9 hours (flexible), elevation +/- 800 meters (2,624 feet)

Today we’ll journey north from El Chalten to Lago del Desierto where we’ll take a walk to a lookout beside the lake to warm up the legs, a great opportunity to appreciate the emerald blue of its waters with views over Huemul Glacier and Vespignani mountains, before jumping onboard a Catamaran to journey to the northern end of the lake. From here we’ll hike up to Sentinel viewpoint which offers panoramic views of the lake, the Vespigniani mountain range, and the north face of Mount Fitz Roy. We’ll hike back around the lake, along a path bordering Lago del Desierto, and head back to El Chalten after our day exploring.

Hiking:Lookout Hike: 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), 0.5 hour, elevation +/- 30 meters (90 feet)Cruise:45 minutesHiking:Lago del Desierto Hike: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), 3-4 hours

Today’s hike will give you a new appreciation for the incredibly huge and beautiful steep peaks of Southern Patagonia. We’ll begin our hike on the Loma del Pliegue trail bright and early, embarking on a 900-meter (3000 feet) hike to the top of the rounded lomo (hill). First, we’ll pass through the Patagonian beech forest then ascend onto the wide plateau, where the views start getting seriously beautiful. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be greeted by one of the most incredible sights you’re ever likely to see – the towering peak of Monte Fitz Roy rising high above the Torre Glacier and Laguna Torre. Just make sure you’ve packed your wide-angle lens to take in all of this view! Later, we’ll descend the trail back down to El Chalten and head onwards to El Calafate, where over dinner we’ll celebrate one of the best hikes anywhere in the world.Hiking:22.4 kilometers (14 miles), 7-9 hours (flexible), elevation +/- 915 meters (3,000 feet)

This is the end of your Ultimate Patagonia trip and you’ll go home knowing you’ve kayaked, biked and hiked your way around one of the most spectacular alpine regions on Earth. Your trip leader will arrange transport to the El Calafate airport for you, if you’re flying out today. If you’ve made your own arrangements to stay on for longer, enjoy your time!