14-Day In Depth Hike Patagonia Tour from Buenos Aires: El Chaltén and Puerto Natales | Small Group Tour
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier
• Savour the scenery in Patagonia
• Hike the spectacular W Trek
• Snap a photo of the famous three peaks of Las Torres
• Enjoy the vibrant city of Buenos Aires
14 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Buenos Aires
Arrive at any time.
As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Opt to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, and San Telmo or catch a tango show.
【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Up America Plaza - 2
Day 2 — Buenos Aires - El Chaltén
Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private vehicle to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike.
Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia.
Enjoy free time to warm up for the upcoming trek, opt to take a short hike to a nearby lookout or explore around town.
【Plane】
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
【Private Vehicle】
Climb aboard and drive to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls for a little exploration.
Los Glaciares National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Fitz Roy Inn - 3
Day 3 — El Chaltén
Climb into a double kayak for a gentle paddle along the Río de las Vueltas, inside Los Glaciares National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Fitz Roy mountain if the skies are clear.
【Kayak in Río de las Vueltas】
Hop on a bus to Condor Lagoon area, about 40 min away, and get ready for the adventure. Guides will provide all the necessary equipment for the kayak and once everyone is ready, they will do a safety talk. First the group will practice the movements in Condor Lagoon and then continue to Río de las Vueltas for about 6 km. During the journey, passengers will have the opportunity to see Fitz Roy mountain peaks from the river and amazing views of the National Park if the weather allows it. Head back to Chaltén by bus for a free afternoon.Los Glaciares National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Fitz Roy Inn - 4
Day 4 — El Chaltén
Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres and if the weather cooperates, a clear view of the Fitz Roy peaks. En route, take in the gradual changes in terrain from tree covered trails to exposed alpine landscapes.
Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort..
【Los Glaciares National Park Guided Hike】
Enjoy a full day of hiking in Los Glaciares National Park. See granite pinnacles spiraling upward from the third largest ice field on earth. Hike to Laguna de los Tres to fully appreciate majestic Cerro Fitz Roy/Chaltén (3,441m/11,290 ft) – one of the most famous and popular viewpoints of the mountain.
Distance travelled: 24km/15 miles.
Duration: 10 hours.
Elevation gain: 1040m (3412 ft.)
Terrain: some portions of the trail can be quite steep with lose rocks, boulders, and soil
Mount Fitz Roy
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Fitz Roy Inn - 5
Day 5 — El Chaltén - El Calafate
Explore one of El Chaltén's many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall, or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.
【Private Vehicle】
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride on our private G Adventures transportation.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hosteria Posta Sur - 6
Day 6 — El Calafate
Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. Opt to take a boat ride on the lake to get a different view of the stunning landscape and marvel at how large the glacier is up close. Explore the different metallic walkways that will bring you directly to a spectacular view over the glacier and be amazed by every angle.
Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.
【Perito Moreno Glacier Tour】
Get out there and explore the natural wonder that is the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few "advancing" glaciers. Head to the southern end of Los Glaciares National Park, where Moreno's 60m (197 ft) wall of ice sporadically chokes off the narrow "Canal de los Tempanos" (Iceberg Channel) creating a natural ice dam, which eventually explodes in a dynamic display of force.
Please note this tour does not include walking on top of the glacier.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hosteria Posta Sur - 7
Day 7 — El Calafate
Enjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience a full-day ranch experience, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian landscape.
Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the gaucho inspired cozy town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay. Opt to take navigation to see other glaciers in the region or go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe.
The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.
Laguna Nimez
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hosteria Posta Sur - 8
Day 8 — El Calafate - Puerto Natales
Continue on to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the town, eat a hearty meal, and rest well for the 4-day hike ahead.
Once a small fishing village, Puerto Natales is now a hub of adventure enthusiasts itching to explore unforgettable Torres del Paine NP.
Get any last-minute shopping done and rent all equipment needed for the hike. Extra gear not needed for the Paine hike can be stored at the hotel. Then, get ready for a detailed briefing with your CEO and local mountain guides about everything you need to know about this trek.
【Local Bus】
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
【Border Crossing (Argentina - Chile)】
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Capitan Eberhard - 9
Day 9 — Puerto Natales - Laguna Azul Camp
Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
【Private Vehicle】
Cross the pampas of Patagonia first on asphalt roads to Laguna Amarga, stopping for a quick break. Continue along the road and stop to take photos of the spectacular views! Keep an eye out for wildlife— guanacos, condors, geese, and other birds. Enter the Torres del Paine Welcome Center for a quick bathroom stop before starting the hike.
【W Trek - Day 1 (Laguna Camp)】
Hop on a private transfer and enjoy the two and a half hour drive to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at the Welcome Center and get ready to start the trek. Hike through dense forest and mountain paths before making the ascent to the base of Las Torres. Hike about 4 hrs in and 4 hrs back. Then, transfer to the campsite at the end of the day for some spectacular food and time to reflect on the first leg of the journey.
Locations: Hike from the Welcome Center to the Base of the Towers and back.
Distance travelled: 22km (14 miles roundtrip)
Time: 7-9 hours.
Elevation gain: 750m (2,460 ft.)Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Laguna Azul Campsite - 10
Day 10 — Laguna Azul Camp - Cuernos Camp
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag and jump in the van. Our drive today goes along the Paine river until we reach the Welcome Center in Torres del Paine NP. Be on the lookout to spot some wildlife! Once at the welcome center, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld lake and enjoy the view before reaching Cuernos Camp.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【W Trek - Day 2 Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp】
Take in some amazing scenery on this stretch – light blue lakes contrast beautifully against the deep green forest. Test your endurance on a couple of uphill sections, but mainly enjoy a straightforward hiking day. Head to the spectacular campsite for the night near Cuernos Camp.
Location: Welcome Center to Cuernos Camp
Distance travelled: 12km (7.5 miles roundtrip)
Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 175m (575 ft.)Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Campsite Los Cuernos - 11
Day 11 — Cuernos Camp - Paine Grande Camp
Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the imposing French glacier hanging over Paine Grande mountain. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape and enjoy a 360 view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.
【W Trek - Day 3】
Enjoy breakfast in Cuernos. Hike first to the Italiano Park Ranger Station, then set out to the French Valley lookout. Here, soak in views that are absolutely amazing! Get a great view of the fresh glacier, where it's possible to see avalanches.
Locations: Hike to French Valley and Paine Grande Campsite
Distance travelled: 18km
Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: 145m (350 ft)Torres del Paine National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Campsite Paine Grande - 12
Day 12 — Paine Grande Camp - Puerto Natales
The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Hike back to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment before returning to Puerto Natales for the night.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【W Trek - Day 4 Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout】
Hike to Grey Lake viewpoint before ending the hike. Enjoy amazing views across the lake. Glacier Grey makes a stunning background. Head back to Paine Grande campsite to hop on a boat and cross lake Pehoé where a private van will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales.
Locations: Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout
Distance travelled: 11km (7 miles)
Time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 400m (1,315 ft)
【Boat】
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Lake Pehoe
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Capitan Eberhard - 13
Day 13 — Puerto Natales - Buenos Aires
Travel back into Argentina to El Calafate and catch an evening flight from Patagonia to Buenos Aires.
【Local Bus】
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
【Plane】
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Up America Plaza - 14
Day 14 — Buenos Aires
Depart at any time.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Laguna de los Tres full-day guided hike (El Chaltén)
- Kayak in Río de las Vueltas
- Perito Moreno Glacier guided tour (El Calafate)
- Torres del Paine NP excursion with porters (3 nts)
- W Trek
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Accommodations: Hotels (10 nts), camping (3 nts)
- Transportation: Boat, local bus, plane, private vehicle, hiking
- Staff & experts: G Representative in Buenos Aires, CEO (Chief Experience Officer), specialist mountain guides in Torres del Paine NP, local guides
- Meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners (Allow USD415-540 for meals not included)
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
- Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
- It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
There are several times during the trip where there is an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Tips are in cash, either in local currency or USD. Please find next the suggested tips for this trip:
Kayak Guides: USD 10
Trekking Guide Laguna de los Tres: USD 10
3-day driver in Calafate: USD 5
Perito Moreno Glacier local guide: USD 10
Trekking Guides Torres del Paine: USD 40 (For the 3 days)
Porters Torres del Paine: USD 15
Camping Staff Torres del Paine: USD 5
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–31 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 31 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 32–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 32 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Read the full cancellation terms
Important info
Special notes
- Itinerary Disclaimer
* While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
* Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. - Important Notes
* Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with us, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes.
* Please Note: Aerolineas Argentinas allows 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kg on internal flights. If luggage is overweight, the airline charges ARS $15,000 at check-in (approx. 20-25 USD) up to a max of 23 kgs per piece. Luggage over 23 kgs is not allowed for internal flights..
* Altitude sickness is not an issue during this tour. In any of the hikes you will not be over 1200m /4000 ft above sea level. This tour hikes W Trek of Torres del Paine, staying at different campsites each night. As such, all travellers will need to carry backpacks with personal items with them for the duration of the hike. You will have porters to carry camping equipment and food. You will also have extra porters to carry a total of 5 kg of personal items per passenger, included within this 5 kg is your sleeping bag which weighs 2.5 kg. The porters will give you a bag to store these items.
* You will need to carry your daypack everyday which will be approximately 5 -10kg. Items you will need to carry in your day pack include: water, lunch for the day, an extra layer of clothing and any other personal items over the 5 kg carried by the porters. Porters can be hired to assist with the carrying of belongings. Extra porters can be hired to assist with the carrying of belongings, each porter can carry a maximum of 15kg. Please ask us at the time of booking if you would like to pay to arrange extra porters for your hike. - Group Leader Description
* All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. - Meals
* Eating is a large part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. - What to Take
* Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, however this is not always the case, and you may need warm clothes depending on the time of year you travel.
* We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. - We recommend bringing USD in cash for the Argentinean portion of this tour as it is easier than using a credit card or withdrawing ARS from an ATM. USD currency is accepted in travel agencies for booking optional activities.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
Tour operator
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$5691
NPR 7,68,242