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Map of Trek Patagonia including Argentina and Chile

Visit South America and travel to Patagonia on a trekking adventure

Visit South America and travel to Patagonia – a fascinating region in the far south of Chile and Argentina, rich in natural beauty, dramatic vistas and cosmopolitan cities oozing with passion and culture. Feel the contrast as you trek the W Hike through the Patagonian wilderness and explore the urban metropolis of Santiago. From camping near the end of the earth and witnessing gargantuan glaciers to indulging in the modernity of Buenos Aires, this trip will reward those with a sense of adventure, an appreciation of nature and an interest in diversity.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover two very different sides of Chile – the big-city pulse of soulful Santiago and the adventure-fuelled atmosphere of lakeside Puerto Natales.

  • Argentina's Perito Moreno Glacier must be seen to be believed. This massive, blue-hued natural wonder is one of Patagonia's real crown jewels.

  • Trek past granite pillars, sparkling lakes and gushing waterfalls in Torres del Paine National Park on a four-day camping trip with all your meals taken care of.

  • Finish in Buenos Aires, Argentina's sensational and sultry capital. Stay on and explore its many corners at your leisure, from the star-studded Recoleta cemetery to the tucked-away milongas (tango halls).

Is this trip right for you?

  • A good level of fitness is required to complete the multiple treks included on this trip. See the 'Physical Rating' section for more information.

  • Weather in Patagonia can be wild, so it's important to prepare for all elements. Rain, wind and extreme cold are all part of the adventure. As a result of this wild weather the hikes and activities within Torres del Paine National Park may not always happen in the order they appear in the itinerary, so if you are prepeared to be a little flexible, you will have a great time! 

Trekking in Patagonia with Intrepid Travel
Travellers with horns hands gesture in the Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Trekking with Intrepid Travel through Patagonia
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Group of travellers hiking up Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina on an Intrepid Travel tour.
patagonia torres del paine clouds
Trekking across Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia with Intrepid Travel
patagonia chile torres del paine view grass
patagonia trek group torres del paine np
Trekking through Patagonia with Intrepid Travel
Take in the breathtaking views as you trek across Patagonia with Intrepid Travel
Enjoy the trek through Patagonia with your Intrepid group

Itinerary
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Bienvenidos! Welcome to Chile. You can arrive at any time on Day 1 as there are no activities planned until an important welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. If you arrive early and want a quick and immersive intro to the city, consider a Lonely Planet Experiences: Santiago Bites and Sights day tour. It’s a great way to see the historical centre and markets while sampling some local treats.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures: Santiago Nightlife Adventure - - USD90
  • Urban Adventures: A Bite of Santiago - A half day city tour including La Alameda, Mercado Central, La Vega Central, Cerro San Cristobal & Bellavista - USD72
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
No arrival transfer is included in the price of this trip, but you can book one through Intrepid for an additional cost. If you book a transfer with us, please exit from the green doors marked 'Meeting Point’ and find a representative holding a sign with your name on it. If you can’t see them, please use the emergency contact details in the Essential Trip 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 need to hire a sleeping bag for your upcoming trek, let your leader know at tonight's welcome meeting.

Today is a travel day, so sit back and enjoy the scenery. You will leave the hotel early in the morning (departure time from the hotel can vary depending on the flight) Fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas (approximately 3–5 hours, depending on the flight connection). From there, take a local bus to Puerto Natales (3 hours, 227 kilometres, non-stop – toilets on board). Situated on the shores of Senoret Channel, Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and a great place to catch up with fellow hikers for a pre- or post-trek meal in one of the many quaint local restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Rise and shine for a morning bus ride to Torres del Paine National Park (115 kilometres, approximately 2 hours). Hop off at Laguna Amarga, the park’s main checkpoint, and then continue for 40 minutes to your camp. Located on the shore of Lake Pehoe, your campsite for the next two nights is set beneath the immense granite pillars of the Paine Massif. Eat lunch at the campsite, then take a short walk to Los Condors Viewpoint. The next three days will bring on more serious hiking opportunities, so we recommend you take the rest of the day to stretch, rest and take in the views around your camp. There’s plenty of wildlife in this part of the world, so keep an eye out for camelids, foxes and more.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Make sure you’ve got a sturdy day pack suitable for trekking.
Meals at the campsite and during treks will be simple and satisfying. Lunch will be sandwiches and fruit, while dinners are usually communal pasta or rice dishes.
Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are not included in the price of your trip. There is a limited selection to buy within Torres del Paine National Park. If you want to drink something other than water over the next few days, we recommend buying it in Puerto Natales and bringing it with you.
Bathroom facilities at the campsite are shared.

Over the next few days you'll tackle the three trails that form the Torres del Paine's ‘W’ circuit (one trail per day), but the exact order you trek them in will depend on the weather. You will return to your campsite each evening after your hikes, the details of which are below. After the final hike on Day 6, return to Puerto Natales for a well-earned night in a comfortable hotel and an included dinner.

The trek to French Valley is 24 kilometres with an elevation gain of 420 metres. This hike will take around 8–9 hours and pass through some open forest before you reach the valley, where you can see the immense French Glacier (and sometimes even witness calving).
The hike to Grey Glacier takes around 6.5 hours. The day you embark on this trek begins with a ten-minute van transfer to a dock. Board a catamaran for a 30-minute cruise across Lake Pahoe that will take you Paine Grande, the starting point for the trek. Hike through mountains and low shrubbery to Grey Lake, where you will likely see some icebergs floating and, of course, the retreating face of Grey Glacier.
The most popular trek in the area, Base Las Torres (The Tower's Base) takes approximately 8 hours in total with an elevation gain of about 300 metres. This hike takes you to the foot of the three Paine Massif towers and passes through a boulder-strewn mountain landscape.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast (3)
  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
Special Information
The Torres del Paine Legacy Fund was launched in 2014 in response to challenges posed by a rapidly increasing number of tourists to the iconic yet fragile Torres del Paine National Park.

The Intrepid Foundation supports this project, and, if one is available when your group arrives in Torres del Paine, a Legacy Fund representative will provide a talk to the group and arrange for the group to visit the Lenga Tree Nursery. The Lenga Tree is an endemic and endangered species of tree that have been damaged by three man-made fires, all started by tourists, since 1985. For more information on the fund or to make a contribution, go to theintrepidfoundation.org/torres-del-paine-legacy-fund. 

Enjoy some breakfast and then board a public bus for a long day of travel. Today you will cross the international border from Chile to Argentina. Head to El Calafate city (310 kilometres, approximately 5–6 hours). This is your gateway to the Glaciers National Park. As a major hub for adventurers headed to Perito Moreno, El Calafate has undergone a lot of development in recent decades but retains plenty of charm. Located on the shore of the Argentino Lake and surrounded by the Andes range, this is a beautiful place to spend a few days. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to try some of the local trout and a glass of Malbec.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Travel by minivan (80 kilometres, approximately 2.5 hours), witnessing some spectacular scenery within the Glaciers National Park. Once you arrive, spend some time walking on the set paths and taking in the magnificence of the Perito Moreno Glacier from the different angles. There is also the chance to take a walk on the glacier itself, but this must be booked in advance. At three kilometres wide and 35 kilometres long, it's an incredibly massive icescape, and one of the few glaciers in the world that is actually in balance rather than melting away. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. In the evening, return to El Calafate and enjoy a free night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
Optional Activities
  • Perito Moreno - Mini-trek on the glacier including short cruise to glacier base (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) - ARS8000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Perito Moreno Glacier Trek
Please note in order to secure a place for this popular activity Intrepid will request to confirm all passengers in advance. Your tour leader will reconfirm this with you on day one. Should you not wish to partake in the activity your reservation will be cancelled. Please note the maximum age limit for this activity 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. 

Fly to Buenos Aires and enjoy a final night out. Depending on what time you arrive you may have some free time to explore this wonderful city. The main square of the city, Plaza de Mayo, is very close to your hotel; on the east side of the square you will find Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace where Eva Peron appeared on the balcony in front of adoring fans in the 1940s. The traditional neighborhood of San Telmo is not to far from the hotel too.
If you have extra time in Buenos Aires there is a number of places that you could visit, such as: “La Boca Neighborhood”, The “Recoleta” cemetery, Palermo neighborhood, Puerto Madero, Teatro Colon (opera house), Café Tortoni (oldest coffee shop in South America). There is also 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, plus great temporary exhibits.

Notes: If everything goes to plan, you'll arrive in the early afternoon, but keep in mind that airline schedules in Argentina are known for changing without much notice. This means you could arrive in BA as late as 10 pm tonight
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) ticket prices from - USD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. There are no further activities planned, and you are free to depart at any time.
Optional Activities
  • Buenos Aires - Malbec Trail of Palermo Urban Adventure - USD113
  • Buenos Aires - Gourmet Buenos Aires Food Urban Adventure - USD113
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Plane, local bus, Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Camping (with basic facilities - 4 nights)

Included activities

  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally, on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER – MINI TREK
Please note the maximum age limit for this activity is 65 years old.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS – SANTIAGO (SCL) AIRPORT
If you have booked a transfer with us and have arrived on an international flight, please ensure you go to Gate 4 regardless of which gate you exit from. Our drivers will be waiting at Gate 4 with an Intrepid sign displaying your name. If you are having trouble locating the driver, please call the emergency number listed in your Essential Trip Information. 

FAKE TAXI SCAM
Please be aware that if you have pre booked your arrival transfer into Santiago through us that there are many fake taxi's at Santiago airport and recently many have been advising passengers who have not located their driver yet that they will call the emergency hotline number for them and will take them to their hotel. These drivers do not call the number and have no affiliation with us. Do not get into a car unless the driver is holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it or the trip code for your tour on it. If you cannot locate your transfer please dial the emergency number listed in the Essential Trip Information and await instructions from the operator as often the driver is there or is a few minutes away held up in traffic.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement to have your own room is available on this trip for an extra charge.

LATE BOOKINGS
Bookings within 45 days from departure may incur in late booking airline fees. If applicable, this will be informed at the time of booking.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING
The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. While this trip only runs during the warmer months of the year, temperatures can fluctuate between 0 and 30 degrees celcius (32 to 86 fahrenheit) within a tour or even over the course of a day! Please make sure you have packed appropriate clothing that can be layered up to accommodate these temperatures and that your sleeping bag is an all seasons bag that will keep you warm in freezing night time temperatures.

ITINERARY WITHIN TORRES DEL PAINE
Please note that the order of the activities we do within Torres del Paine NP may differ from the itinerary due to occasional wild weather. 

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
This trip includes a domestic flight. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15kg for check in luggage.

PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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