Highlights
- Enjoy epic hikes in Torres del Paine National Park
- Go ice trekking on the surface of two different glaciers
- Kayak on a glacial lake and a pristine river
- Cycle from Lago del Desierto to El Chaltén
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Puerto Natales (Chile) | Puerto Natales |
| Day 2 | Trek to Las Torres Lookout Point | Puerto Natales |
| Day 3 | Hike to the French Valley | Torres del Paine |
| Day 4 | Admire Glacier Grey, Trek to Refugio Grey | Torres del Paine |
| Day 5 | Ice Hike on Glacier Grey & Boat Tour | Torres del Paine |
| Day 6 | Kayak Lago & Río Grey, Return to Puerto Natales | Puerto Natales |
| Day 7 | Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium | El Calafate |
| Day 8 | Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier | El Calafate |
| Day 9 | Bus to El Chaltén, Explore | El Chaltén |
| Day 10 | Hike to Laguna de los Tres | El Chaltén |
| Day 11 | Ice Trek at Cagliero Glacier | El Chaltén |
| Day 12 | Self-Guided Mountain Biking at Lago del Desierto | El Chaltén |
| Day 13 | Depart El Chaltén |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales (Chile)
Welcome to Patagonia! Today you'll arrive in the small port city of Puerto Natales, Chile, formerly a fishing port and now the main base for excursions into Torres del Paine National Park. The town is set on the Seno Última Esperanza (Last Hope Sound), offering scenic views across the water to the mountains beyond. Facing north from here, you'll see the peaks of Cerro Benitez and Cerro Toro, and the sight is especially phenomenal at sunset.
Depending on your arrival time, you might take a stroll around town and stop for a drink at one of the town's many bars and cafés. Try a traditional seafood stew in a family-run restaurant before you get some rest at your hotel. More adventures in Patagonia's landscapes await tomorrow!
Day 2: Trek to Las Torres Lookout Point
Today you'll enter the national park (the drive takes about two hours) and hike up Mount Almirante Nieto to enjoy views of the Asencio Valley and Lago Nordenskjöld. The round-trip hike is about 11 miles (18 km) in total. You'll begin by walking through ancient forests, taking breaks along the way as needed. The next part is a challenging steep ascent for 45 minutes until you reach the top, known as Mirador Base Torres.
This section of the mountain, with the Torres del Paine (torre is "tower" in Spanish), looming over a green lagoon, offers one of the best views in the park! You can also marvel at the towering peaks of nearby Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte, Condor's Nest, and Glacier Torre, all set amid the sweeping backdrop of the Patagonian highlands. Break for a picnic lunch before you start making your way back down the mountain. You'll return to Puerto Natales to spend the night.
Day 3: Hike to the French Valley
Early today, head back into the national park, transferring to the Pehoé sector. From there, you'll take a boat to Refugio Paine Grande, the starting point for today's day hike. Hit the trail toward Campamento Italiano, a camp about 2.5 hours away. You'll walk across a windy beach and into the valley, where the wind is slightly calmer. Once you arrive at Campamento Italiano, leave your large pack and continue into the French Valley with a small daypack.
You'll hike across a moraine and through a forest until you come to a clearing, where you'll be blown away by both the wind and the spectacular views of three lakes: Nordenskjöld, Skottsberg, and Pehoé. You'll see the hanging French Glacier just ahead of you, plus several other peaks. After leaving the lookout, return to gather your larger backpack and continue another 2.5 hours to Refugio Paine Grande on the shore of the beautiful Lake Pehoé. The total hiking time for today is about seven hours.
Day 4: Admire Glacier Grey, Trek to Refugio Grey
![Admire Glacier Grey, Refugio Paine Grande to Refugio Grey [W Trek Day 4]](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/trip_plan/days/photos/980d00c50e796f6780e899349c43a028c0b17316/big-ee4d92f90a771e01e91840ce8fba9b1f.jpg)
After a restful night and an energizing breakfast, begin a four-hour hike through a small forest along Lago Grey. Most days, this section of the park is very windy due to the open landscapes around the lake, Glacier Grey, and the Southern Ice Field. After two hours of hiking, you'll get your first glimpse of Glacier Grey. You'll continue hiking for two more hours until you arrive at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. If you like, you can continue past the Refugio for a spectacular view of the glacier and a chance to cross one of the park's famous suspension bridges.
Day 5: Ice Hike on Glacier Grey & Boat Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Make your way to the Bigfoot Basecamp this morning to begin an ice hiking excursion. First, take a boat to the island of Islatak, where you'll start a one-hour hike up the glacial moraine. After an hour of hiking, arrive at the ice to gear up and learn about the basics of ice hiking. Prepared with an ice ax, crampons, helmet, and harness, you'll start your ice hiking adventure, walking for around 2.5 hours onto the Grey Glacier as you traverse cracks, rivers, lagoons, and tunnels.
Return to camp for lunch. In the afternoon, board a catamaran to see Glacier Grey from another perspective. The boat will cruise across the lake and stop close to the glacier, allowing passengers to snap photos of its massive ice walls.
Day 6: Kayak Lago & Río Grey, Return to Puerto Natales
After breakfast, you'll be picked up by your kayaking guide and transferred to the shores of Lago Grey. Paddle toward a magnificent iceberg graveyard where chunks of glacial ice gather before melting. From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Paine massif, its western mountain range, and the famous Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine).
Departing the lake, begin your descent onto Río Grey. You'll start to face more technical turns and a challenging stretch through the river's rapids and canyons. Upon reaching the Grey Bridge, stop to replenish your energy and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. Then continue paddling toward the confluence of the Río Serrano. You'll be driven back to Puerto Natales for the evening.
Day 7: Transfer to El Calafate (Argentina), Visit the Glaciarium
In the morning, you'll transfer roughly 3.5 hours north to El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Welcome to Argentina! El Calafate is also known for its location on Lago Argentino, Argentina's largest freshwater lake. After checking in at your hotel and getting settled, you'll have the afternoon and evening free to stroll around town and do some sightseeing.
Get ready for tomorrow's visit to the nearby glaciers by visiting the Glaciarium. This interactive museum offers hands-on displays and an ice bar where you can take a break for drinks. If you'd rather explore the outdoors, check out the birds at the Laguna Nimez Nature Preserve just outside of town. Stop in the quaint cafés and shops around El Calafate, then have dinner in a local parrilla (steakhouse) before getting some rest at your hotel.
Day 8: Experience the Perito Moreno Glacier
![Admire the Famous Perito Moreno Glacier [Mayo Trek - Alternative Excursion]](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/25b32d23de36140514ac91658c3b2fac7dde1900/original-678fdeb7b2a851d05fca6922429a2922.jpg)
Today's adventure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Transfer from your hotel to the port, where you'll board a boat and start your day sailing along the Témpano Canal. The journey takes you past stunning landscapes, glaciers, and mountains, and you'll disembark several times for short hikes. Walk through some of the oldest forests in the area, admire pristine waterfalls, and take in impressive panoramic views.
As you enter the park by boat, you'll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Perito Moreno. This extensive ice mass flows down from the Andes out over 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'll have time to explore the boardwalks and viewing platforms offering sweeping views of the glacier. Head back to El Calafate for the evening.
Day 9: Bus to El Chaltén, Explore
Today you'll board a bus for the incredibly scenic three-hour ride to El Chaltén. This small Patagonian village, nicknamed "the trekking capital of Argentina," sits on the shores of Lago Argentino. Like El Calafate, it's a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with towering peaks rising 10,000 feet (3,048 m) above the windswept landscape. As you drive into El Chaltén, enjoy incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy.
Check in to your hotel, then take the rest of the day to acclimate to the area. Well-marked trails lead away from town if you're up for a short outdoor adventure. Or walk around the village and have a relaxing evening in one of El Chaltén's many restaurants and craft beer bars. Sample local dishes like roast Patagonian lamb, rib-eye steak, and empanadas for dinner. Then get some rest before tomorrow's early start.
Day 10: Hike to Laguna de Los Tres
Day 11: Ice Trek at Cagliero Glacier
Today takes you to the Los Huemules Reserve just outside of El Chaltén. Start by hiking through a dense lenga forest on a well-maintained trail until you reach the Laguna Diablo. Gear up for the next part of the trip, a hike that skirts the northern margin of the lake on very irregular terrain until you reach the via ferrata. This gentle rock climbing route has been prepared with steel wires and artificial steps so passengers can move autonomously with specially designed harness belts.
Upon completing the first portion of the harnessed course, you'll be rewarded with stunning up-close views of the Cagliero Glacier. From here, your guide will set up each participant with crampons and offer a brief lesson on ice hiking. For the next hour or two, you'll explore the glacier on foot, depending on the group's physical level and climatic conditions. After this unrivaled outdoor experience, return the same way you came, then transfer back to El Chaltén.
Day 12: Self-Guided Mountain Biking at Lago del Desierto
Explore Patagonia on two wheels today as you leave your accommodation in El Chaltén and head out on an unpaved road to Lago del Desierto, about a 90-minute drive. You'll have the option of starting the 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 or enjoy a boat ride across the lake.
Once you're ready to cycle, begin the bike 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—good places to take a break! After a few hours of riding, arrive back in El Chaltén. Enjoy one last evening in the town before the trip finishes tomorrow.
Day 13: Depart El Chaltén
The adventure has come to an end. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Patagonia Itineraries
Map
