Classic Patagonia Treks

Day 1  Santiago  
Our adventure kicks off in the cosmopolitan city of Santiago. Say hola to your leader and fellow travellers around 6pm, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventure ahead.  

There are no activities planned today, but your leader will ensure a big Latin welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant for your first taste of Chilean hospitality.  

Day 2  Santiago to Puerto Natale
From Chile’s central valley we board a flight for the three and a half hour journey to Puerto Natales, which is followed by a 30 minute transfer from the airport to town. Located on the edge of Ultima Esperanza Fjord, Puerto Natales is a hotspot for trekkers due to its proximity to Torres del Paine National Park. Expect big views and a cosy welcome from the moment you arrive.  

As there is an early morning start tomorrow we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag that you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. Excess luggage can be left securely during the W Trek – your tour leader will give further details and assistance.

Day 3  Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine NP  
We start early with a two hour transfer from Puerto Natales, emerging into the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Heading west towards Lago Grey, we board a catamaran around 9am to reach Refugio Grey, the start point of the W Trek. From here we can admire the first of the park’s highlights, Grey Glacier – a vast river of ice emerging from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.  

Day 4  Torres del Paine NP  
A great day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the French Valley. Our trail starts with views of the azure water of Lake Skottsberg, before reaching Campamento Italiano where we begin our ascent. We hike for around 1hr 30min until the 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.  

Day 5  Torres del Paine NP  
On the third day of our W Trek we are immersed further into the natural beauty of Torres del Paine as we hike through a distinctive beech-tree forest. Our trail continues along the northern shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, where the ice-cold glacial waters glisten, reflecting the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. The lake’s tranquil surface is contrasted by the powerful winds that often sweep across this otherwise calm landscape.  

Day 6  Torres del Paine NP  
Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, a journey that winds through the Ascencio River Valley. The trail crosses two rivers, cuts through a dense lenga forest, and ascends a rugged glacial moraine before reaching the mesmerizing glacial lake at the base of the towering peaks. From this vantage point, we are treated to spectacular views of Torre Sur (9,350 ft/2,850 m), Torre Central (9,185 ft/2,800 m), Torre Norte (8,530 ft/2,600 m), and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We spend some time capturing some unforgettable photos to commemorate our achievement.  

Day 7  Torres Del Paine NP to El Calafate, Argentina  
Our time in Torres del Paine to come to an end, but there is still plenty of trekking ahead of us! We board our transfer vehicle to Calafate, a journey of around five to 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 into El Calafate.  

Day 8  El Calafate  
From El Calafate we’ll drive around 90 minutes to visit the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno glacier is a jagged ice sheet that stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation.  

Day 9  El Calafate to El Chaltén  
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.
For those who want to keep their legs moving, it’s possible to do a three-hour hike to the Cerro Torre viewpoint today. The trail hugs the Fitz Roy River to reach a viewpoint of the canyon, margarita waterfall and eventually the granite needles of Mont Torre. We spend the night in El Chaltén.  

Day 10  El Chaltén  
Set off for a day of trekking amid the incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park.  
Our hike begins alongside Rio Blanco (the white river), taking us through a forest of lenga and ñire trees. Once out of the forest we get our first view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier. From basecamp, our trek continues up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the Mount Fitz Roy massif. We return to El Chalten via the Laguna Capri lookout point trail, for serene views of Fitz Roy.  

Day 11  El Chaltén  
A drive of around 40 minutes will bring us to Los Huemules Natural Reserve, a private estancia located in the shadows of Mount Fitz Roy.
Today’s hiking trail follows the Diablo River Valley (Devil River Valley), through native forest, past the Diablo Lagoon and across hanging bridges before emerging at the Cagliero Glacier. A cosy refuge is located in front of the glacier and will be a welcome lunch stop before our trail continues past the Blue and Green Lagoons. Look out for sightings of the torrents duck, magellanic woodpecker and condor in this pristine environment.  

Day 12  El Chaltén to Buenos Aires  
After breakfast, we transfer back to El Calafate airport (approximately three to four hours) to arrive on time for our midday or afternoon group flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to our central hotel.  The evening is free to reflect upon our wonderful trip and enjoy one last meal together on our final night in Argentina.  

Day 13  Buenos Aires  
Our adventure comes to an end today. Bid chau to each other and begin your return journey home.