Classic Patagonia Treks

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 9,682 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 565 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
El Calafate
 Trip Finishes
El Calafate
11 Day Classic Patagonia Treks Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Argentina, Chile
Trip Style
Walking & Trekking
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TAF

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 11 Day Classic Patagonia Treks. Experience the breath-taking landscapes of two classic Patagonian trekking regions on both sides of the Chile-Argentina border. Challenging walks are rewarded with majestic views of lagoons, mountains and glaciers. See guanacos grazing and Andean condors soaring overhead, visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, and find sheer tranquility in the beautiful wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park.

This is an essential trip for trekking enthusiasts that reveals the stunning glory of nature’s southern...read more American wonderland. Looking to travel in 2025? Please see our revised 2025 itinerary, which includes two nights in Buenos Aires for ALL guests: Classic Patagonia Treks (2025) Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: “There’s no better way to experience Torres del Paine National Park than trekking through it.

It’s not uncommon to spot Andean condors circling overhead and guanacos grazing by your trailside en route. Making your way up to the viewpoint overlooking the Fitzroy Massif in Los Glaciares National Park is epic. And the spectacle of watching the Perito Moreno ice arch crash into the waters is something you’ll never forget.

Itinerary

The adventure begins in El Calafate. Today we drive the short distance to visit Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only a few glaciers that grows and shrinks with seasonal fluctuations. It calves into Lake Argentino and sometimes part of the lake becomes landlocked depending upon the position of the ice.

Every so often, it is possible to see (and hear) huge lumps of ice break off and tumble into the lake before floating away as icebergs. As there is an early morning start tomorrow, we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. We have an agreement with the hotel in El Calafate that means excess luggage can be left securely until your return – the tour leader provides further details and assistance. You need to carry everything you bring with you to Chile on the treks . Stay: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar).

We start early with a long but scenic journey, crossing the Andean border that starts out on the Argentine plateau and emerges in the stunning Chilean landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Once we arrive at the Lago Amarga entrance to the park, we meet our local guide who joins us for the next four days to provide expert guidance and insight. From here, we are transferred to our first refugio.

This afternoon, we can enjoy short treks around the area. Stay: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte (B/D).

Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, that sit on the far side of our glacial lake viewpoint, where we can look upon Torre Sur (9,350ft/2,850m), Torre Central (9,185ft/2,800m), Torre Norte (8,530ft/2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We descend back down the valley and return to our previous nights refuge to enjoy a hot meal and well-earned drink. Please note: Non essential trek items can be stored in refugio lockers. Stay: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte (B/L/D).

We walk down the valley towards the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake and then follow the edge of the lake on a much flatter and easier terrain to reach Los Cuernos. This is considered by many to be one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night. Stay: Los Cuernos Refuge or Frances Domes Refuge (B/L/D).

Another long day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the Valle Frances. The first two hours involve some ascents and descents with views of Nordenskjöld Lake accompanying us until we reach Campamento Italiano. Leave your backpack (unattended) at the campsite if you wish, enabling you to walk the next part of the trek empty handed (keep valuables with you). The slight ascent lasts for about 1hr 30min until French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off.

The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico, but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park. We return back down along the valley to Campamento Italiano and continue our walk onwards past the shore of the smaller Lake Skottsberg and into the Pehoé sector of the park.

We arrive in the late afternoon to the inviting and idyllic site of Paine Grande refugio and can spend the evening gazing upon the clear night skies or relaxing in the on-site bar. Occasionally, some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of staying in the refugio dormitories – see accommodation section.

Please note: The full trek distance of 15mi (24km) is only if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. The total walking distance for today therefore becomes 11mi (17km). Stay: Refugio Paine Grande or full-service camping (B/L/D).

We start early to see the final day of the W Trek highlights: the Grey Glacier. This is a round trip to a lookout over Lake Grey that ends back at Refugio Paine Grande, so we can leave our bags and just carry essentials with us. The trail goes along the western side of the Paine Massif with views to Lake Grey and various mountains. After about 1hr 30min, we reach the lookout point and enjoy views of the Grey Glacier in the distance. We return by the same route back to Pehoé Lake from where we take a catamaran across the lake to the Pudeto sector.

A bus takes us from here on the short drive to the park entry point at Laguna Amarga. Here we board our transfer vehicle to Calafate (approximately five/six hours). After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park (keep an eye out of the window for pumas!), we cross the border into Argentina and arrive late evening into El Calafate. Stay: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar) (B/L/D).

This is a free day to either rest or book optional tours in Calafate. We recommend the Perito Moreno Ice Trek or the half-day tour to Estancia Nibepo Aike, where you can enjoy a typical Patagonian barbecue and see how a typical Patagonian estancia works. Please ask your tour leader and they will help to arrange it. Stay: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar) (B).

In the morning, we transfer approximately three hours to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, our base for walking in the Fitzroy region. After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively, for those who wish, there are many short treks around town, which your tour leader can help to arrange. We spend the night in El Chaltén at a simple and friendly hosteria. Stay: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar) (B).

This morning, we start with a 30-minute bus journey on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park to our start point at El Pilar, from where we commence our trekking in the stunning Fitzroy region. We follow the trail leading to Poincenot Camp, along the way enjoying views of Piedras Blancas Glacier and Fitzroy if the weather conditions are clear. From Poincenot, we then continue to reach Laguna de los Tres, involving a steep ascent to reach a wonderfully scenic spot from which to relax and take photos of the Fitzroy Massif. We descend from the viewpoint and walk back down from the mountains to eventually reach the town of El Chaltén on foot. Stay: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar) (B/L).

Today we trek into a beautiful valley and head toward the stunning Torres Glacier viewpoint. If time permits, we might be able to continue to the Maestri Lookout at Laguna Torre (this 2. 5mi/4km section can get very windy) before walking back to El Chaltén. Stay: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar) (B/L).

After breakfast, we transfer by road back to El Calafate airport, where the trip ends. Alternatively, if you'd like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about seeing two natural wonders: the magnificent curtain of cascades that is Iguazu Falls or the otherworldly landscapes in the northwest of Argentina on our Salta extension (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Trek among the stunning granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif
  • Spend four nights inside Torres Del Paine National Park to do the W Trek
  • Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and watch huge icebergs calve from the glacier into Lake Argentino
  • Optional glacier trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier

  • Six days of walking
  • Light backpacking necessary
  • Good fitness required
  • Part of the Aldo Kane Collection
  • All breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m); average: 655ft (200m)
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

Hit the trails with Exodus - from challenging peaks to leisurely coastal and countryside walks. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

Monday 04 Nov 2024
Thursday 14 Nov 2024
Status
From: $10,250
  N/A
Last Minute Deal
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Thursday 02 Jan 2025
Status
From: $10,247 $9,682
Save $565 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

10 Day Amazon Rainforest Expedition - Premium Adventure (Exodus)

10 Days Lima Lima

Operated By: Exodus

From 14,264
Save 291
12 Day Belize Reef & Ruins (Exodus)

12 Days Belize City Belize City

Operated By: Exodus

From 6,933
Save 164
16 Day Essential Peru - Inti Raymi Festival Departure (Exodus)

16 Days Lima Lima

Operated By: Exodus

From 6,218
Save 127
16 Day Best of Peru - Premium Adventure (Exodus)

16 Days Lima Lima

Operated By: Exodus

From 10,816
Save 661