Trek Patagonia
Trek Patagonia
Trek Patagonia
10 Days Starting in Santiago and ending in Buenos Aires
Visiting: Argentina, Chile
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPTV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
High, High
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
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.
Day 2 Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales
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.
Day 3 Torres del Paine National Park
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.
Day 4-6 Torres del Paine National Park
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.
Day 7 El Calafate
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.
Day 8 El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier
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.
Day 9 Buenos Aires
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
Day 10 Buenos Aires
Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. There are no further activities planned, and you are free to depart at any time.
What's Included
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Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
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El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
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Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
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Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Camping (with basic facilities - 4 nights)
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Transport
Plane, local bus, Private vehicle, Boat
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Plane , local bus , private vehicle , boat
Included Activities
- El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier visit
- Buenos Aires - Orientation walk
Accommodation
- Hotel (5 nights), Camping (with basic facilities - 4 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Santiago to Punta Arenas and El Calafate to Buenos Areis
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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!
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. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.