Upon arriving in El Calafate, you make your way to the group hotel (details are included in your final documents). Established in 1927, this town is known as the "national capital of the glaciers" and serves as the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park, which includes the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. In the afternoon, you explore the town or stroll down to Lake Argentino to observe the local waterbirds. Later, you have a briefing to meet your guide and get details about your upcoming adventure, followed by your first dinner with the group.

This morning, you set off early to visit the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, where you watch and listen to the frequent ice calving. Later, you drive for about four hours across the arid Estepa Patagónica to reach El Chaltén.

Located in the northern part of Los Glaciares National Park, El Chaltén serves as your base for day trips. You have dinner together this evening.

Over the next two days, you enjoy day walks to the base camp of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Mount Fitz Roy is located at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of unusual peaks, including the needle-like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre. For climbers, it appears to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world—indeed, it was scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south, a great chain of massive glaciers runs along the line of the Chile-Argentina border.

The dramatic rock spires beckon, and your days here will be a highlight of the trip. The beautiful valleys hold crystal-clear streams and are home to a variety of birdlife. During the short summer, the beech trees and flowers bloom profusely, making this the best time to enjoy the scenery.

KEY TREKKING 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 non-climbers 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.

Today, you leave El Chaltén and Argentina as you cross the border into Chile, driving across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza, this city serves as the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at your leisure, and this evening, you may want to sample King Crab in one of the seafood restaurants.

This morning, you leave Puerto Natales and journey toward Torres del Paine National Park and its stunning scenery. You board a boat and travel down the fjord, pausing at the Balmaceda Glacier along the way. Then, you switch to Zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before reaching Torres del Paine.

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

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!

KEY TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS

LAS TORRES BASE (Torres del Paine National Park)
Difficulty: Medium/High
Description: 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.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance to cover: Approx 20 km (12.5 miles)
Elevation gain: Approx 900 metres (2,953 feet)

You drive for approximately 3-4 hours across the steppes, following the face of the Andes. The scenery is breathtaking, with rolling hills dotted with stunted beech trees. You plan to arrive in Punta Arenas in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, giving you time for last-minute shopping or indulging in ‘dulce de leche,’ a dessert you are now familiar with!

Today your trek will end in Punta Arenas, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement.