Best of Southern Patagonia Active Adventure - 15 Days

Highlights

• Experience the best day hikes and treks in Torres del Paine
• Grab a paddle and kayak on the lakes and rivers of Patagonia
• Go rock climbing in the trekking wonderland of El Chaltén
• Explore not one but two glaciers on epic ice hikes

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales (Chile), Optional Activities

Welcome to Chile! Famous for its myriad natural wonders, this South American nation is arguably best known for its unspoiled Patagonia region. Comprising both the Argentine and Chilean halves of South America's southern cone, this rugged frontier has attracted travelers and adventurers for centuries. Now, you get to experience the wonder and immense natural beauty firsthand.

After catching a connecting flight in the capital of Santiago, you'll arrive in Puerto Natales. This small port city on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound) is famous as the main base for adventures in Torres del Paine, the crown jewel of Chile's national parks. This legendary protected area covers 700 square miles (1,810 sq km) and is renowned for its circuit treks.

Day 2: Day Hike to Base Torres

Rise and shine! This morning you'll make the drive into the legendary Torres del Paine for a day hike. The moderately difficult 11.2-mile (18 km) trek to Mirador Base Torres is one of the region's most popular, featuring a rewarding view of the granite towers (torres) that give the park its name. Upon entry to the park, you'll head to Las Torres sector to begin the hike starting at the base of the Mont Almirante Nieto.

From the mountain's base, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lago Nordenskjöld as you journey toward Refugio Chileno, a stop along the park's famous W Trek circuit. Here, you can rest for a bit before continuing through a dense lenga beech forest, which gives way to moraine as you near your destination, a crystalline glacial lagoon that reflects the iconic towers. After admiring the view and taking photos, you'll return to the Torres Central area and transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Day 3: Transfer to Torres del Paine, Multiday Trek (Day 1): Hike to French Valley

Early this morning, transfer from your hotel in Puerto Natales to the bus station. There, you'll board a coach for the two-hour ride back into Torres del Paine National Park, where you'll embark on a multiday hike. Along the way, there will be a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village. Upon arrival at the Laguna Amarga entrance, you'll register at the park office, then head to the Pehoé sector inside the national park.

At the Pudeto Ranger Station, located on the shores of Lago Pehoé, you'll board a catamaran for the ride across the lake to Refugio Paine Grande. Set off from a trailhead here on a 2.5-hour hike to Campamento Italiano. There, enjoy a short break before continuing into the famous French Valley. The trail here is filled with incredible scenery, as you'll have views of Lago Nordenskjöld, the French Glacier, Mount Paine Grande, and the Cuernos del Paine peaks. After completing the circuit, which covers 10.7 miles (17.3 km), you'll transfer back to Refugio Paine Grande, where you'll overnight.

Day 4: Multiday Trek (Day 2): Hike to Grey Glacier

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, set off on a four-hour, 6.8-mile (11 km) hike through a forest along Lago Grey. Most days, this section of the park is very windy due to the open landscapes. After two hours of hiking, you'll get your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Grey Glacier, a massive floe in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Continue hiking for two more hours until you arrive at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. If you like, you can hike just past the refuge for spectacular views of the glacier and a chance to cross one of the park's famous suspension bridges. 

Day 5: Ice Hike on Grey Glacier, Boat Tour

Make your way to the Bigfoot Basecamp this morning for a thrilling ice hike. First, take a boat to Isla Islatak, where you'll start a one-hour hike up the glacial moraine. After an hour, you'll arrive at the starting point, gear up, and learn the basics of ice hiking. Prepared with an ice ax, crampons, helmet, and harness, you'll set foot on the glacier, hiking over blue crevasses and meltwater streams and passing alongside ice caves. It's truly a singular experience.

In the afternoon, board a catamaran to see Grey Glacier from another perspective. The boat will cruise across the lake to the glacier's massive walls, presenting great opportunities for nature photography. After the boat tour, take a short hike across a windswept beach and into a forest. Afterward, you'll return to the refuge, where you'll overnight.

Day 6: Kayak Lago & Río Grey, Return to Puerto Natales

After breakfast, meet your kayak guide and return to the shores of Lago Grey. After gearing up, you'll paddle toward the mouth of the lake and an "iceberg graveyard" filled with chunks of ice that have broken off Grey Glacier. From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Paine massif and its western range, as well as the famous Cuernos del Paine granite peaks.

Then, leave the lake and continue down Río Grey. As you go, you'll brave some rapids while meandering between river canyons until you reach the famous viewpoint of Sierra Toro, where you'll enjoy grand vistas of the river and lake. Later, at Grey Bridge, stop for a picnic lunch, then continue paddling to the confluence of the Río Serrano. There, you'll meet the support vehicle and transfer back to Puerto Natales, where you'll overnight. 

Day 7: Rock Climbing at Laguna Sofia

This morning, you'll transfer about 30 minutes north of Puerto Natales to Laguna Sofia. This glacial lake is a local secret, where Natalinos (people from Puerto Natales) go to spend the day picnicking, swimming, and camping. In addition to it's natural beauty, there's a lot of history in this area—ask your guide about the cave paintings found a way up the mountain.

Its surrounding granite mountains are also a popular destination for rock-climbing enthusiasts, which is what you'll be doing today. Once at the lake, you'll hike about half an hour to the climbing routes, gear up, and receive instructions from your expert guide. Then, let the rock-climbing fun begin! No need to worry about experience, as the routes here are designed for climbers of all abilities. No prior experience is necessary. At the end of the day, you'll return to Puerto Natales.

Day 8: Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina), Optional Activities

After breakfast, you'll transfer back to Puerto Natales and board a bus for the five-hour drive north into Argentina and El Calafate. Sitting on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, this town is the gateway to the massive Southern Patagonian Ice Field, home to Los Glaciares National Park. Within this protected area is the region's star, Perito Moreno, a 96-square-mile (250 sq km) ice formation that is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel.

You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing or take a stroll around town and visit its charming cafés and boutiques. There's also the nearby Glaciarium, a multimedia center that has an ice museum, various interactive displays, and educational information regarding glaciers. Here, you can don a coat, boots, and gloves to enjoy a drink at the museum's Glacio Bar, Argentina's first bar made totally of ice.

Day 9: Day Trip to Perito Moreno

Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. In the morning, transfer to the port, where you'll board a boat and sail along the Témpano Canal. The journey takes you along incredible landscapes of glaciers and mountains, and you'll disembark for short hikes. During these excursions, you'll trek through ancient forests and alongside pristine waterfalls as you enjoy panoramic views.

As you enter the park by boat, you'll catch your first glimpse of Perito Moreno. This expansive ice mass flows down from the Andes out over the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, ending abruptly in a great wall that curves around the lake. Witness "calving," the awe-inspiring sight of ice breaking off the facade and crashing into the tranquil waters below. The boat will drop you near the visitor's center, where you can spend an hour exploring boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to El Calafate.

Day 10: Transfer to El Chaltén, Optional Activities

In the morning, hop in a shared transfer for the three-hour ride north to El Chaltén. This town lies above Lago Viedma and is a hub for mountain hikes (it's actually known as the "trekking capital of Argentina"). If the skies are clear on the drive in, you'll have incredible views of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy. Once in town, your driver will drop you off at your hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day free. You can embark on a short hike or spend time at one of El Chaltén's many cafés and craft beer bars. 

Day 11: Hike to Laguna de los Tres

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll meet your guide and head out on one of the most famous day hikes in El Chaltén: the trail up to Laguna de los Tres. Starting in town, the route covers 12.4 miles (20 km) and takes 8-9 hours to complete. During the trek, you'll pass through native lenga forests and stop at incredible viewpoints looking out to the Fitz Roy Valley and Piedras Blancas Glacier. 

Then, cross a suspension bridge to reach Río Blanco Basecamp, a major hub for rock climbers. From there, it's a final push to Mirador Laguna de los Tres, which looks out to the gorgeous lagoon and affords panoramic views of three surrounding peaks: Fitz Roy, Poincenot, and Torre. After a break for lunch, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy the scenery before descending back to El Chaltén.

Day 12: Ice Trekking at Cagliero Glacier

Get ready for another epic ice hike! This morning, you and your group will head just outside El Chaltén to the Los Huemules Reserve. There, you'll set off from a trailhead through a dense lenga forest on a well-maintained trail until you reach the Laguna Diablo. Continue on a path that skirts the northern margin of the lake until you reach the via ferrata. This gentle rock climbing route has been prepared with steel wires and artificial steps so you can move easily with specially designed harness belts.

Upon completing the first portion of the harnessed course, you'll be rewarded with prime close-up views of the Cagliero Glacier. From here, strap on crampons then spend the next hour or two exploring the glacier on foot. After this unrivaled experience, return the same way you came, then transfer back to El Chaltén.

Day 13: Self-Guided Mountain Biking at Lago del Desierto

Explore Patagonia on two wheels today as you leave your hotel in El Chaltén and head out on an unpaved road to Lago del Desierto (about a 90-minute drive). There, you'll hop on a mountain bike and will have the option of cycling back to El Chaltén right away or taking some time to enjoy Lago del Desierto first. You could also walk up to the Huemul Glacier and/or take a boat ride across the lake.

Once you're ready to cycle, begin the 23-mile (37 km) ride back to El Chaltén. The mostly flat road is located in the valley basin of the Río de las Vueltas, and in several spots, the road runs alongside the river. You'll pedal past scenic waterfalls, which are good spots to take a break and enjoy a refreshment. After a few hours of riding, you'll arrive back in El Chaltén and will have the evening free.

Day 14: Self-Guided Hikes in El Chaltén

Spend your penultimate day in Patagonia enjoying a self-guided hike or two. The area surrounding El Chaltén offers a wide range of hiking paths with varying levels of difficulty, all of which are maintained and well-marked. One easy option from town includes a 1.9-mile (3 km) walk to Cerro Torre viewpoint, where you can enjoy views of the Río Las Vueltas, lenga beech forests, and plentiful birdlife, including woodpeckers. You can also extend the hike from Cerro to other impressive viewpoints around Mount Fitz Roy and the emerald waters of Laguna de los Tres.

Beginners can try an easy, 2-3 mile (3-5 km) round-trip trek to Mirador de los Cóndores or a one-hour hike to the Chorrillo del Salto waterfall. A more challenging option is trekking up to the Huemul Glacier, located about an hour outside El Chaltén and named after the elusive south Andean deer. This moderately strenuous journey will take you through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the area, including rivers, streams, and pristine forests. A nice reward is the view of Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy from the top.

Day 15: Transfer to El Calafate, Depart

If you like, rise early for one last brisk hike in El Chaltén. Afterward, meet your driver for the ride back to El Calafate and the airport. There, you'll board your flight home. Safe travels!

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