Patagonia Southern Explorer

Day 1: Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park; EcoCamp Patagonia

Your adventure kicks off as you depart from your hotel in Punta Arenas (or from the airport if you're arriving early) and journey to Torres del Paine National Park, one of South America’s most extraordinary natural treasures. Along the way, you’ll stop in Puerto Natales, a picturesque town nestled along the sparkling Ultima Esperanza Sound, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.

Continuing on, you’ll arrive at the incredible EcoCamp, strategically situated in the heart of the park, offering dramatic views of the towering granite spires of Torres del Paine and exceptional facilities.

After check-in, you'll unwind in your cosy dome accommodation or the communal areas and have a chance to explore your new surroundings.

Meals: Lunch or box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park
Alternatively, you can begin your trip from El Calafate - please request details

Day 2: Base of the Towers Viewpoint Hike

Today, you'll set off on foot from EcoCamp to Hosteria Las Torres, where your trek towards the Ascencio Valley will begin. As you ascend, you'll cross a variety of landscapes, from dry mountain sections to beech forests and small rivers. Your main challenge will be the climb up the moraine, a mass of rocks that will guide you to one of the most iconic views of Torres del Paine.

The towering granite monoliths of Las Torres (2,900 metres), remnants of a vast glacial cirque, will gradually come into view. After a steep climb, the majestic towers will rise before you, with a glacial lake at their feet. Could there be a more stunning spot for lunch? After taking in the panorama and enjoying your picnic, you'll retrace your steps back through the Ascencio Valley, returning to EcoCamp.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia

Day 3: Western Lakes Hike and Grey Glacier Boat Ride

You'll begin with a scenic drive through Torres del Paine National Park, taking in the stunning views of Paine Grande and the Cuernos. Then, you'll walk along the shores of the impressive Lake Pehoe, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the powerful waterfalls of Salto Grande, where the waters of Lake Nordenskjold tumble into Lake Pehoe. The hike continues gently along the Nordenskjold trail, leading you to a spectacular viewpoint with panoramic vistas.

Later, back at Lake Pehoe, you'll continue south to the shores of Lake Grey, where you'll enjoy a picnic. Afterwards, you'll embark on a boat ride across the icy waters of the lake, heading toward the imposing blue walls of the Grey Glacier. This unforgettable close-up of the glacier will leave you in awe before you make your way back to EcoCamp.

During the low season (October and April), the boat ride to the Grey Glacier may be cancelled due to the minimum number of passengers not being reached. If this happens, an alternative excursion will be offered.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch dinner
Accommodation: EcoCamp Patagonia

Day 4: Arrival in Argentine Patagonia; Transfer to El Chaltén

After a hearty breakfast at EcoCamp, you'll start a scenic journey to Argentina, crossing the border at Cerro Castillo. Once you’ve completed the immigration process, you’ll continue on to El Calafate, a charming town perched on the shores of Lake Argentino. Upon arrival at the bus terminal, a representative will escort you to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch, followed by some leisurely free time to explore the town.

Later, you'll board another bus for the scenic 3-hour ride to El Chaltén. The route takes you through the vast pampas that skirt the edge of Lake Viedma, offering unparalleled views of the open landscape. El Chaltén, a peaceful town nestled at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, awaits you. After check-in at your hotel, you'll enjoy a well-deserved rest, soaking in the serene atmosphere and preparing for the hikes to come.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Los Senderos or similar, El Chaltén

Day 5: Mount Fitz Roy Hike

Today, you'll follow the trail along the Río Blanco. A vehicle will take you from your hotel to El Pilar, 12 miles (19 km) from El Chaltén. From here, you'll walk along the Río Blanco to the stunning Piedras Blancas glacier, a hanging glacier that descends from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. Here, you'll stop for lunch, enjoying a picnic with an extraordinary view of the glacier.

After lunch, you'll continue along the Río Blanco trail until you reach one of the best viewpoints of Mount Fitz Roy, the iconic peak of Los Glaciares National Park. On your return, you'll take a different path leading to Laguna Capri, before heading back to El Chaltén.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Los Senderos or similar, El Chaltén

Day 6: Laguna Torre Hike; Transfer to El Calafate

El Chaltén is known as the hiking capital of Argentina and the plan is to do the famous Laguna Torre hike. You'll enter the Fitz Roy River Valley and continue upstream – heading for its source. Here you reach the first viewpoint - Cascada Margarita. On a clear day, there are fantastic views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Cerro Solo and the Adela range.

You'll continue along an undulating trail until you reach the Cerro Torre viewpoint, another opportunity to take in the Adela range and other granite spires. You then head down to a plateau section, through a southern beech tree forest and along a trail to the glacier lagoon at the base of Cerro Torre. There are often icebergs floating in the lagoon.

Once back at the hotel gather your luggage and with your group take the public bus to El Calafate (approximately 3 hours of travel).

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
Accommodation: Los Hielos Inn or similar, El Calafate

Day 7: Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion

After breakfast, you'll embark on your final excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most stunning locations in Patagonia.

Rather than following the usual route directly to the panoramic views of the glacier, you'll head to the northern area, which is less frequented. Here, you'll have the chance to experience the majesty of the ice fields in tranquillity. You’ll have the opportunity to watch and listen to the ice calving into the waters of Lake Argentino, the largest lake in Argentina. From there, you'll continue to the walkways in front of the Glacier, where you'll have free time to explore and take in the views. Additionally, you'll have the chance to take a boat ride for a closer view of the magnificent glacier.

After the excursion, you'll return to El Calafate to enjoy your last evening in this remarkable part of the world.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
Accommodation: Los Hielos Inn or similar, El Calafate

Day 8: Goodbye Argentina; Transfer to El Calafate Airport or Punta Arenas

Today, you'll say farewell to Patagonia after an unforgettable adventure! After breakfast, a vehicle will take you to El Calafate Airport, where you can continue your travels, or if you prefer, you can extend your journey.

If you choose to return to Punta Arenas, a vehicle will first take you to the El Calafate bus terminal, where you'll board a public bus to Puerto Natales. By midday, you'll arrive at your destination, where a representative will meet you and escort you to the EcoCamp office. From there, you'll take another public bus to the city of Punta Arenas, where another representative will be waiting to arrange your transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast