Map of Classic Hikes of Patagonia including Argentina and Chile

Trek past glaciers, mountains and waterfalls on these classic hikes of wild South America

Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking tour. Hike to the clear waters of Laguna de Los Tres and see a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks when you explore Laguna Torre. Spend a few days deep in the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park, hiking past glaciers and watching rhea birds and pink flamingos preen in front of a snowy mountain backdrop. Finish up with a lagoon hike in Ushuaia and a night in Buenos Aires – the perfect end to an active adventure through the wilderness of South America. If you’re looking to tick off all the classic hikes of Patagonia (and then some!) – this trip is perfect.


Start
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Destinations
Argentina, Chile
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
GPXU
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Witness Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier and listen to the symphony of thundering ice cracking along the 30 km-long expanse of electric blue. This is one of the few glaciers left that isn’t shrinking!

  • Spend three days camped among the peaks of Chilean Patagonia – a great opportunity for a true digital detox. Sleep under an untouched sky and witness vast, ever-changing landscapes by day.

  • Trek past the most beautiful waterfalls and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park with your trip leader, and spot wildlife like guanacos, flamingos, foxes and rhea birds along the way.

  • Explore Laguna Esmeralda – arguably the best hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Near Ushuaia (The End of the World), this is the nation’s only park with an ocean coastline.

  • Begin and end your trip with time in bustling Buenos Aires – the perfect place to reconnect with the urban world after a remote adventure in the wild. Try local Argentinian food, dance the tango and hit the nightlife!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a hiking trip, you should come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.

  • Please read the packing list carefully and bring all essential items with you. Your suitability to the weather in Patagonia is an important factor to consider before you travel. Be prepared for all elements – rain, wind and extreme cold.

  • The three-day camping adventure in Torres del Paine National Park is one of our favourite parts of this trip but remember facilities will be more basic on this part of the tour than others.

  • In order to make the most of our time in Patagonia, this trip includes two particularly long travel days (Days 7 and 11). Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. The reward for your patience comes in the form of jaw-dropping glacial scenery.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2025.
View the 2023 itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina. With Latin passion, European elegance and a distinctive style of colour, this place will steal your heart. Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city, so we recommend arriving a day or two early to experience the capital in all its glory. Visit San Telmo for its weekend antique markets and artist displays, walk the streets of La Boca, which was settled by waves of immigrants that initially built these brightly painted buildings and explore Recoleta – the perfect place to browse museums and learn about the history of the city’s wealth. Around 3 pm today will be your welcome meeting. It’s a good idea to have lunch before, as you'll head out on the first activity straight after. In the afternoon, your tour leader will take you for an orientation walk around some of the main attractions. In the evening, maybe go out for a group dinner and taste some famed Argentinian flavours.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Milonga night including tango class & dinner - USD90
  • Gran Cafe Tortoni Show - ARS900
  • Teatro Colon - USD14
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you are intending to hire a sleeping bag for your nights in the Torres del Paine National Park, please let your leader know at this meeting.

As there is limited access to ATMs in some parts of Patagonia and you’ll leave Buenos Aires early on Day 2, we recommend you withdraw around ARS 50000 in Argentinian pesos (approximately USD 280) to cover the cost of meals and other personal expenses beforehand. If you wish to join any optional activities while on tour, please refer to the costs listed on each day of the itinerary and budget accordingly. Keep in mind that many can only be paid in cash.
This morning, fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, then travel by private transfer to the frontier town of El Chalten – north of Glacier National Park. Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here as a central location to access the parks. The atmosphere is laid back and orientated towards outdoorsy types. Your day is free to explore the town and prepare yourself for the next few days of hiking, trekking and walking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your flight today will take approximately 3 hours, followed by approximately 3 hours of driving. Please be aware that there are no ATMs available in Perito Moreno Glacier and El Chalten. Your group leader will give you an indication of the amount needed at each destination.
Today, you’ll take on one of the most popular treks in the area and hike the round-trip to Laguna de Los Tres – the turquoise lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and striking granite peaks, this hike has some short steep sections, but as one of the most frequented hikes, the terrain itself is not hugely difficult. You can expect to walk on clearly marked and well-maintained paths. Wind and rain may be the main challenge you face on these hikes. When you arrive at your location – rocky hills framing the bright lagoon, backdropped by the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy – it will all be worth it. In the evening, relax in your hotel or head for dinner with your fellow trekkers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your trekking time today is approximately 6 to 9 hours or 20-22 km. Please note that the hikes you’ll trek and the order in which they happen in this trip’s itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Fuel up on breakfast at your hotel and get ready for another active day of exploration. Today, you’ll take a moderate hike to Laguna Torre – another of the most popular treks in the area. This valley trek will take you past scenic viewpoints with panoramas of Cerro Solo, Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. You’ll see floating icebergs broken off the front face of the spectacular Grande glacier, and when you arrive at Laguna Torre, you’ll witness the steep valleys that frame Cerro Torre. Cerro Torre is the tallest peak of this mountain range and as such, some daredevils even choose to scale the face of it!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Chalten - Laguna Torre hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your trekking time today is approximately 7 hours or 17 to 18 km.
Take a well-deserved moment to relax this morning before transferring to El Calafate. This city is on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the province of Santa Cruz. It is known as the gateway to the Glacier National Park, home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Once you have arrived, check into your hotel and maybe stake out some local Argentinian food at one of the city’s many restaurants. If you’re a history buff, head to the Patagonian Ice Museum, which features educational exhibits and more information about the glacier – plus, it has a cocktail bar made from ice! Today is yours to explore.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your travel time today is approximately 3 hours.
Today, drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few balanced glaciers in the world and at 5 km wide and 30 km long, it’s a spectacular sight to say the least. There are multiple viewing platforms overlooking Lake Argentino and they provide an ideal vantage point to watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. This glacier is in constant flux, so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll witness the natural symphony of its thunderous cracking and reforming if you’re patient. There is also the option to hit the water and embark on a glacier cruise, to see the majesty of this electric-blue cliff face from a different perspective. You can even add a mini hike onto your day, right on top of part of the glacier. Once finished soaking up the wonder of this natural formation, return to El Calafate for the night.
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park
Optional Activities
  • El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip - USD32
  • Perito Moreno - Guided trek (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) - USD410
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your travel time today to and from the glacier is approximately 3 hours in total.

Please note the maximum age limit for the Perito Moreno trek is 65. The operator that runs this will not make any exceptions, even with a doctor’s certificate. Those 65 and older will instead be able to walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier. Depending on the weather, your guide may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint) of the site.

For all optional activities today, full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to hold places on these activities. Delays in providing this information may result in missing out on a ticket.
Be ready for another long travel day today. Early this morning, jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile. Here, stop and get yourself some lunch while waiting for the connecting transfer to Torres del Paine National Park – sitting at the end of the earth in the awe-inspiring Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep estancia (a type of ranch), the park was established in 1959. This magnificent trekking country is where nandus, condors and pink flamingos abound. When you arrive, you may be greeted by a herd of guanacos – the local relatives of alpacas. These strange animals provide great photo opportunities, but don't get too close – they're likely to spit! The real star of the show is the surrounding landscape. With sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, glaciers and striking mountains, much of the time trekking is spent slack-jawed in awe of your surroundings. After arriving at the campsite that will be your home for the next three nights, tonight is yours to explore and relax.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Torres del Paine - 3 nights fully supported camping experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please make sure you have water, snacks and warm clothing available for today’s bus journeys. Your travel time is approximately 6.5 hours.

The campsite will be the base from where you’ll take hikes every day. Bathroom facilities are available in the campsite with communal showers. You will share a tent for the next three nights. A camping mattress is provided for you, however sleeping bags are not, so please bring your own. Alternatively, you can hire them locally for approximately USD 20. Make sure you inform your leader on Day 1 of the trip if you intend to hire so they can make necessary arrangements.

The treks are classed as moderate to difficult, and venture along clearly marked trails. You’ll usually hike between 5 to 8 hours per day. The climate in Patagonia is an important factor to consider – be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather.

While you hike, all your belongings will be left at the campsite inside the tent. Intrepid is not responsible for anything that may go missing from your tent,
The most popular trek in this area (sure to be a highlight of this trip) is Base las Torres (The Tower's Base) – this full-day hike is a well-marked route, taking you through rocky valleys, grasslands and small running streams. You’ll cross a rickety-looking swing bridge, which looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, and then ascend to the Windy Pass. The cold wind might just be a welcome relief after a bit of a climb, and when you turn the bend, you’ll be met with a stunning view looking down onto a green valley backdropped by snowy mountains. Once you reach Chileno Refugio (refugios are the backcountry huts and lodges throughout the park), you’ll have the chance to rest, recharge and refill your water bottle – before heading to the jewel of the hike. Traverse through forests and creeks until you reach the milky-green lagoon that bases the immense view of the three distinctive towers of Torres del Paine. You’ll have time to take in the breathtaking views and get a few prized photos, before making your way back to the campsite.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your trekking time today will be approximately 6 to 8 hours or 17 to 18 km.
Fuel up on breakfast at your campsite because today you’ll tackle the full-day French Valley hike. One of the paths along the famed W Trek – the French Valley hike is a scenic route, full of classic Patagonian scenery. You’ll spot glacier-fed lakes in shades of blues and greens and the distinctive Los Cuernos peaks towering over the horizon. Along the way, you’ll witness the highest summit of the Cordillera Paine Mountain Range – Cerro Paine Grande. Take in the fantastic scenery, which look like a Bob Ross painting come to life, especially when you ascend to a panoramic view of the turquoise Lake Pehoe. As you continue through rolling grasslands, you’ll see red notro flower bushes along the shores of Lake Skottsberg. Stop at nearby Refugios to fuel up on water, lunch and energy and then be met by the French Glacier – the pinnacle of this trek.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Torres del Paine - French Valley guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your trekking time today is approximately 7 to 8 hours or 18.5 km.
Today is your last day in Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, you’ll be taken on a guided tour around another part of the park, including a visit to Grey Lake. If time permits, take the short Los Cuernos hike, which includes a stunning view of the cascades of Salto Grande waterfall – the park’s largest and most impressive waterfall. This easy hike is a great way to cap off your experience in Torres del Paine National Park, as it’s less busy than other treks and full of incredible scenery. This afternoon, take a private transfer to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Torres del Paine - Lago Grey & Los Cuernos guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s trekking time will be approximately 2 hours or 6 km. Your travel time will be approximately 4 hours.
Today, hit the road again for a scenic bus journey back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world – Ushuaia. Needless to say, you should arm yourself with your favourite book, music player and some drinks and snacks for the journey.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Ushuaia is nicknamed ‘The End of the World’ and is the access point to the Tierra del Fuego National Park (the nation’s only park with an ocean shoreline). This windswept town is backdropped by snowy mountains and sits next to the Beagle Channel – the gateway to Antarctica. This morning after breakfast, embark on the Emerald Lake hike (also known as Laguna Esmerelda). This route is considered moderately challenging and is quite a popular trek in the area – due to the beautiful landscape. You’ll witness classic Patagonian forests, rich with vegetation, and your hike will lead you to the impressive view of the lagoon, which is surrounded by the Andean Mountain Range. Tonight, you’re free to explore more of the park or to rest and recharge.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ushuaia - Laguna Esmerelda guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your trekking time today will be approximately 2.5 hours or 8.7 km. This trail can be quite muddy, so ensure you’re wearing appropriate footwear.
Today, enjoy breakfast with your group and a leisurely morning. You have a free day to explore southern Ushuaia and its surroundings, so why not book yourself into one of the optional activities on offer? You could head on a penguin tour and see the several local different species, most of which inhabit Martillo Island. Or you could take a hike at Martial Glacier, close to a mountain range of the same name and offering panoramic views of the Beagle Channel. Head out with your group for an optional dinner in Ushuaia.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Penguin tour - USD180
  • Martial Glacier hike (approx ARS1400 taxi to the start of the trail) - ARS5000 - ARS500
  • Ushuaia - Beagle Channel cruise - ARS968
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
For both optional activities today, full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to hold places on these activities. Delays to provide this information may result in missing out on a ticket.
After breakfast, you’ll return to Buenos Aires by plane. Arrive back in Argentina’s capital in the early hours of the afternoon. As you’re back in the big city, you might want to kick back, relax and feast in one of the many popular restaurants in the area. Maybe hit the town tonight and experience Buenos Aires’ vibrant nightlife with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your travel time today is approximately 3.5 hours. Please note that while you intend to return to Buenos Aires in the early hours of the afternoon, airline schedules in Argentina are known for changing without much notice, meaning that you could potentially arrive in Buenos Aires as late as 11 pm.
As there are no activities planned for your last day, you are free to depart at any time. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see Buenos Aires before your Patagonia tour, why not now? There are plenty of galleries, museums and historic buildings to keep you entertained. On the east side of the Plaza de Mayo, you will find the Casa Rosada – the pink presidential palace where Eva Peron appeared on the balcony in front of adoring fans in the 1940s. There is also a Museo Evita, dedicated to the life (and gowns) of this famed figure. MALBA is an incredible art gallery showcasing a private collection, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and great temporary exhibits. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
  • Buenos Aires - Tigre day trip (prices from) - USD95
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Plane, local bus, Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Camping (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
  • El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
  • El Chalten - Laguna Torre hike
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park
  • Torres del Paine - 3 nights fully supported camping experience
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike
  • Torres del Paine - French Valley guided hike
  • Torres del Paine - Lago Grey & Los Cuernos guided hike
  • Ushuaia - Laguna Esmerelda guided hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Classic Hikes of Patagonia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain National Parks as well as flights and overland transfers.
2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 3 pm on Day 1.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 7, 8 and 9 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available in the cities, they are limited in the countryside or certain regions such Patagonia. There is also a daily limit for withdraws of around USD80. The exchange rate does fluctuant.
5. This trip includes domestic flights. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15 kilograms for checked luggage.

Essential trip information

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