Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Highlights

• Torres del Paine National Park: Follow the famous W Trek to Las Torres and the hanging glaciers of the French Valley. Stay on the shores of Lago Grey and cruise to Grey Glacier.

• Los Glaciares National Park: Encounter the extraordinary Perito Moreno Glacier and hike to turquoise lakes beneath the pinnacles of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

• Maipo Valley: Pedal among the vineyards of the “Bordeaux of South America,” stopping for a winery tour, tastings, and a traditional Chilean lunch.

• El Calafate: Tour the Glaciarium museum with an ice expert. Experience Patagonia’s cowboy culture with a visit to an estancia, or ranch, and a traditional barbecue.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Santiago, Chile Fly overnight to Santiago and transfer to your hotel. Gather for an orientation and a welcome dinner. (D) MercureSantiagoCentro

Day 3: Santiago and Maipo Valley

Spend today in Maipo Valley wine country. Visit an art gallery, then head out on a bike tour. Pedal to wineries for tastings and stop at a farm for a typical Chilean lunch. After a final winery tour and tasting, return to Santiago for a free evening. (B,L) MercureSantiagoCentro

Day 4: Puerto Natales

Catch a morning flight to Puerto Natales. After an orientation walk, discover this quaint port town on your own. Meet your mountain guide for an evening hiking briefing. (B) Hotel Costaustralis

Day 5: Torres del Paine National Park

Journey to Torres del Paine National Park, where you will hike portions of the famous W Trek. Set off with mountain guides on the first leg of the trek, hiking to the base of the vertical rock towers known as Las Torres. Later, check in to your hotel on the shores of Lago Grey. (B,L,D) HotelLagoGrey

Day 6: Torres del Paine National Park

Ride a catamaran to the trailhead of the second portion of the W Trek. Then hike deep into the French Valley, home to hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of jagged peaks. (B,L,D) HotelLagoGrey

Day 7: Torres del Paine National Park

Complete the last leg of the W circuit by boat during a three-hour cruise on Lago Grey. Get up close to the 100-foot face of Grey Glacier, the largest ice cap in the park. After lunch at the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore nearby trails. (B,L,D) HotelLagoGrey

Day 8: El Calafate, Argentina

Travel into Argentina to El Calafate and check in to your hotel. After time to discover this lakeside town, meet an ice expert for a guided visit to the Glaciarium museum. (B,L) HotelMiradordelLago

Day 9: Los Glaciares National Park

Visit an estancia, or ranch, to learn about Patagonia’s gaucho culture. Watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and sit down to a traditional barbecue lunch. Later, enter the World Heritage site of Los Glaciares National Park to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier from different viewpoints. You may opt for a cruise to the foot of the glacier (at additional cost). (B,L) HotelMiradordelLago

Day 10: El Chaltén

Journey to El Chaltén, stopping at a historic ranch on the way. Enjoy a free afternoon or join your trip leader for a hike to a lookout with beautiful views of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks when skies are clear. (B) DestinoSurHoteldeMontaña&Spa

Day 11: Los Glaciares National Park Leave the hotel on foot for an exhilarating trek to Laguna de los Tres. After a vigorous final climb, arrive at the aquamarine lagoon, encircled by rugged peaks including Mount Fitz Roy. Celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner at a restaurant in town. (B,L,D) DestinoSurHoteldeMontaña&Spa

Days 12–13: El Calafate/Return home

Transfer to the airport in El Calafate for outbound flights and arrive home the next day. (B)

Activity Level: Energetic

This journey includes hiking options from 3–8 miles per day, as well as the option to join three full-day hikes of 12–14 miles over steep and uneven terrain with significant ascents and descents. There is also a biking excursion of up to 10 miles.