Patagonia Discovery Trek (Chile to Argentina)

This morning after breakfast, we drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening you may like to sample King Crab in one of the seafood restaurants.

Overnight Puerto Natales (B)

This morning we leave Puerto Natales and journey towards Torres del Paine National Park and its fabulous scenery. We board a boat and travel down the fjord, pausing at the Balmaceda Glacier enroute. We then change onto Zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before reaching Torres del Paine.

Overnight in Villa Serrano. (B,L,D)

Over the next two days we plan to view the highlights of the park on foot. The first day we explore the park on a bus to reach the most remote areas, with stops for short treks. On the second day we will do a long and amazing trek to reach the base of Las Torres peaks.

TREK HIGHLIGHT

LAS TORRES BASE (Torres del Paine National Park)

Difficulty: Medium/High

Duration: 7 hours

Distance to cover: Approx 20 km (12.5 miles)

Elevation gain: Approx 900 metres (2,953 feet)

You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful Lenga forest and getting up close to the astounding Torres del Paine viewpoint. Throughout the trek you will walk through bushes, streams and glacier moraines.

The next two nights are spent in Torres del Paine National Park (B,L,D)

NOTE: The trekking level will depend on the group’s level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of these parks require a 7-8 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the parks, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the day. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you!

Your legs can have a well-deserved rest today as we leave Torres del Paine and Chile, travelling south and then across the border into Argentina. Our final destination for today is the village of El Chaltén, in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. It is from here that we make our day trips throughout the park.

Overnight El Chaltén (B,D)

Over the next two days we enjoy day walks to the base camp of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Mount Fitz Roy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre. For a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world – in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south runs a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follows the line of the Chile/Argentina border.

The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the trip. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the beech trees and the flowers bloom profusely and we are here at the best time to enjoy it.

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

FITZ ROY BASE CAMP / LAGUNA DE LOS TRES (Los Glaciares National Park)

Difficulty: Medium/High

Duration: Approx 8 hours

Distance Covered: Approx 20 km/12.5 mi

Elevation Gain: Approx 700 m/2,297 ft

Short drive to Hostería El Pilar next to Río Blanco 18 km/11 mi north of El Chaltén. The trail follows Río Blanco, pass Piedras Blancas glacier and up to Río Blanco base camp. Piedras Blancas glacier is a hanging glacier that descends from the base of Fitz Roy. Lunch stop will be in the vicinity of Río Blanco or Poicenot base camp. To return to town the group will follow the trail and pass Laguna Capri to enjoy even more views of Mount Fitz Roy.

CERRO TORRE LAGUN & GLACIER (Los Glaciares National Park)

Difficulty: Medium

Duration: Approx 7 hours

Distance Covered: Approx 22 km/13.7 mi

Elevation Gain: Approx 250 m/820 ft

Hike along the Río Fitz Roy valley to reach the Laguna Torre at the end of the valley. Get as close as nonclimbers can get to the mystical Cerro Torre. You will also visit the base camp where climbers wait for the good weather to attempt the climb.

Overnight El Chaltén. (B,L,D)

This morning we depart El Chaltén for the drive across the Patagonia and the arid Argentine pampas to El Calafate, (approx 4 hours). The township, was founded in 1927, is best known as the ‘national capital of the glaciers’ and is the gateway to the Patagonia Los Glaciares National Park including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. After a short stop in El Calafate, we will continue our journey entering the southern area of the National Park to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Back in El Calafate we will enjoy a farewell dinner!

Overnight El Calafate (B,D)

Today your trek will end in El Calafate, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement. (B)