Classic Hikes of Patagonia
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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 trip. 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 mountain backdrop. Finish 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.
4.8
47 reviewsStart: Buenos Aires, Argentina
End: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Walking & trekking
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
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 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!
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina. With Latin passion and European style, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. It’s recommended you arrive a day or two early to experience the capital in all its glory. If you do, you can visit San Telmo for its weekend antique markets and artist displays, walk the streets of La Boca and explore Recoleta – the perfect place to browse museums and learn about the city’s history. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm this afternoon. You’ll then head out with your leader for an orientation walk around some of the main attractions. Tonight, maybe go out for a group dinner and taste some famed Argentinian flavours.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
- Teatro Colon - USD14
- Buenos - Aires - Gran Cafe Tortoni Show - ARS20000
- Buenos Aires - Tango show including tango class & dinner - USD120
- Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) - USD422
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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’re arriving a few days early to explore, check out our Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) for a 3-day in-depth city exploration.
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 bring USD cash to Argentina and exchange it locally to cover the cost of meals and other expenses beforehand.
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 and trekking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Accommodation in El Chaltén is at a small Inn, reflecting the uniqueness and remote location of the town. While the Inn is simple, you will have everything you need to rest, recharge and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Today, you’ll take on one of the most popular treks in the area – 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. When you arrive at your location, the scenery will all be worth it! In the evening, relax in your hotel or head for dinner with your fellow trekkers.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 to 9 hours or 22 km, with an elevation gain of 854 m and decent of 901 m. 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!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- El Chalten - Laguna Torre guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 7-8 hours or 20 km, with an elevation gain of 356 m and a descent of 356 m.
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, which is home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. When you arrive, 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be 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. 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 this electric-blue cliff face from a different perspective. Alternatively, you can choose to pre-book a full-day mini trek (see special information, below) that will have you walking on top of part of the glacier. Once finished soaking up the wonder of this natural formation, return to El Calafate for the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
- El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park
- Perito Moreno - Guided trek (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) From Price - USD569
- El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip - USD80
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
We recommend booking the Perito Moreno Mini Trek before leaving home, as it will likely be booked out if you wait until you are in Argentina. You can book this directly with Hielo & Aventura and you must add their optional transfer when booking: https://www.hieloyaventura.com/en/excursiones/minitrekking
This is a full-day activity, with pick up and drop off from El Calafate. You will be separated from your leader and group for the day.
The maximum age limit for this activity is 65. There are no exceptions, even with a doctor’s certificate.
If you don’t do the mini trek, you will walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier with your leader and have the option to book the glacier cruise. Depending on the weather, your leader may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint).
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 Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep estancia (a type of ranch), the park was established in 1959. This 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, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains, much of the time trekking is spent in awe of your surroundings. After arriving at the campsite that will be your home for the next three nights, tonight is yours to relax.
- Camping (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Torres del Paine - 3 nights fully supported camping experience
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
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 23. 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.
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, however, the campsite dedicates one person to look after the site and all belongings, and as such, there has never been an issue.
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 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 (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 view of the three towers of Torres del Paine. You’ll have time to take in the views and get a few prized photos, before making your way back to the campsite.
- Camping (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 18 km, with an elevation gain of 758 m and a descent of 1000 m.
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, see 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, then be met by the French Glacier – the pinnacle of this trek.
- Camping (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Torres del Paine - French Valley guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 to 9 hours or 18.5 km, with an elevation gain of 470 m and a descent of 700 m.
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 for a view 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 Puerto Natales and then a public bus to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your trekking time will be approximately 2 hours or 6 km.
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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
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 on the way to the the lagoon, surrounded by the Andean Mountain Range. Tonight, you’re free to explore more of the park or to rest and recharge.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ushuaia - Laguna Esmerelda guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 3.5 hours or 9 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m and a descent of 220 m. 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. 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Martial Glacier hike - approx USD 15 (payable in ARS, taxi to the start of the trail) - ARS500
- Penguin tour - USD285
- Ushuaia - Beagle Channel cruise - USD40
For both optional activities today, full passport details are required at the time of booking 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.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
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’re free to depart at any time. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see Buenos Aires before your trip, consider staying an extra few days. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
- Buenos Aires - Tigre day trip (prices from) - USD95
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120
- Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) - USD422
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Plane, local bus, private vehicle, boat
Hotel (11 nights), Camping (3 nights)
- Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
- El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike
- El Chalten - Laguna Torre guided 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
- Ushuaia - Laguna Esmerelda guided hike
- Teatro Colon - USD14
- Buenos - Aires - Gran Cafe Tortoni Show - ARS20000
- Buenos Aires - Tango show including tango class & dinner - USD120
- Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) - USD422
- Perito Moreno - Guided trek (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) From Price - USD569
- El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip - USD80
- Martial Glacier hike - approx USD 15 (payable in ARS, taxi to the start of the trail) - ARS500
- Penguin tour - USD285
- Ushuaia - Beagle Channel cruise - USD40
- Buenos Aires - Tigre day trip (prices from) - USD95
- Buenos Aires - Polo day - USD185
- Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from - USD120
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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. We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Argentina and Chile may differ from standards at home.
- 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.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
On this trip we will camp for 3 nights in Torres del Paine National Park. We will provide two-man tents and sleeping mats, but you must bring a sleeping bag (or hire one locally) and camping pillow if you need one. Facilities at the campsite are basic and shared with bathrooms and shower blocks separated by sex. Spectacular views of the mountains and lakes surrounding our campsite make the park famous.
Cyan Recoleta Hotel
Junín 1743
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
Phone: +54 1152369095
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
Two international airports service Buenos Aires: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP).
Arriving at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside the airport by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Our drivers are under the McDonald’s sign.
Arriving at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met after exiting the baggage claim area by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign who will know your name.
Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative.
In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please call the number listed in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Free wifi is available at both airports.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. We recommend arranging one with the taxi services with desks located inside the airport.
Dates and prices
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.
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.
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