Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Buenos Aires

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   Bienvenidos! Welcome to Buenos Aires, Argentina. With Latin passion and European style, Buenos Aires is the ultimate cosmopolitan city. It’s recommended you arrive a day or two early to experience the capital in all its glory. If you do, you can visit San Telmo for its weekend antique markets and artist displays, walk the streets of La Boca and explore Recoleta – the perfect place to browse museums and learn about the city’s history. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm this afternoon. You’ll then head out with your leader for an orientation walk around some of the main attractions. Tonight, maybe go out for a group dinner and taste some famed Argentinian flavours.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you’re arriving a few days early to explore, check out our Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) for a 3-day in-depth city exploration. As there is limited access to ATMs in some parts of Patagonia and you’ll leave Buenos Aires early on Day 2, we recommend you bring USD cash to Argentina and exchange it locally to cover the cost of meals and other expenses beforehand.
2. Tag 2

   El Calafate to El Chalten

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   This morning, fly south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate, then travel by private transfer to the frontier town of El Chalten – north of Glacier National Park. Hikers and climbers from all around the world congregate here as a central location to access the parks. The atmosphere is laid back and orientated towards outdoorsy types. Your day is free to explore the town and prepare yourself for the next few days of hiking and trekking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Accommodation in El Chaltén is at a small Inn, reflecting the uniqueness and remote location of the town. While the Inn is simple, you will have everything you need to rest, recharge and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
3. Tag 3

   El Chalten

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   Today, you’ll take on one of the most popular treks in the area – the round-trip to Laguna de Los Tres, the turquoise lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and striking granite peaks, this hike has some short steep sections, but as one of the most frequented hikes, the terrain itself is not hugely difficult. You can expect to walk on clearly marked and well-maintained paths. Wind and rain may be the main challenge. When you arrive at your location, the scenery will all be worth it! In the evening, relax in your hotel or head for dinner with your fellow trekkers.
   Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 to 9 hours or 22 km, with an elevation gain of 854 m and decent of 901 m. Please note that the hikes you’ll trek and the order in which they happen in this trip’s itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and other factors.
4. Tag 4

   El Chalten

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   Fuel up on breakfast at your hotel and get ready for another active day of exploration. Today, you’ll take a moderate hike to Laguna Torre – another of the most popular treks in the area. This valley trek will take you past scenic viewpoints with panoramas of Cerro Solo, Cerro Torre and Mount Fitz Roy. You’ll see floating icebergs broken off the front face of the spectacular Grande glacier, and when you arrive at Laguna Torre, you’ll witness the steep valleys that frame Cerro Torre. Cerro Torre is the tallest peak of this mountain range and as such, some daredevils even choose to scale the face of it!
   Your trekking time today will be approximately 7-8 hours or 20 km, with an elevation gain of 356 m and a descent of 356 m.
5. Tag 5

   El Chalten to El Calafate

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   Take a well-deserved moment to relax this morning before transferring to El Calafate. This city is on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the province of Santa Cruz. It is known as the gateway to the Glacier National Park, which is home to the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. When you arrive, check into your hotel and maybe stake out some local Argentinian food at one of the city’s many restaurants. If you’re a history buff, head to the Patagonian Ice Museum, which features educational exhibits and more information about the glacier – plus, it has a cocktail bar made from ice! Today is yours to explore.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
6. Tag 6

   El Calafate

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   Today, drive to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few balanced glaciers in the world and at 5 km wide and 30 km long, it’s a spectacular sight. There are multiple viewing platforms overlooking Lake Argentino and they provide an ideal vantage point to watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. This glacier is in constant flux, so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll witness the natural symphony of its thunderous cracking and reforming if you’re patient. There is also the option to hit the water and embark on a glacier cruise, to see this electric-blue cliff face from a different perspective. Alternatively, you can choose to pre-book a full-day mini trek (see special information, below) that will have you walking on top of part of the glacier. Once finished soaking up the wonder of this natural formation, return to El Calafate for the night.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. We recommend booking the Perito Moreno Mini Trek before leaving home, as it will likely be booked out if you wait until you are in Argentina. You can book this directly with Hielo & Aventura and you must add their optional transfer when booking: https://www.hieloyaventura.com/en/excursiones/minitrekking This is a full-day activity, with pick up and drop off from El Calafate. You will be separated from your leader and group for the day. The maximum age limit for this activity is 65. There are no exceptions, even with a doctor’s certificate. If you don’t do the mini trek, you will walk along the platforms and balconies surrounding the glacier with your leader and have the option to book the glacier cruise. Depending on the weather, your leader may also be able to organise some free time at the north face beach (viewpoint).
7. Tag 7

   Torres del Paine National Park

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   Be ready for another long travel day today. Early this morning, jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile. Here, stop and get yourself some lunch while waiting for the connecting transfer to Torres del Paine National Park – sitting at the end of the earth in Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep estancia (a type of ranch), the park was established in 1959. This trekking country is where nandus, condors and pink flamingos abound. When you arrive, you may be greeted by a herd of guanacos (the local relatives of alpacas). These strange animals provide great photo opportunities, but don't get too close, they're likely to spit! The real star of the show is the surrounding landscape. With sparkling lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains, much of the time trekking is spent in awe of your surroundings. After arriving at the campsite that will be your home for the next three nights, tonight is yours to relax.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours. Bathroom facilities are available in the campsite with communal showers. You will share a tent for the next three nights. A camping mattress is provided for you, however sleeping bags are not, so please bring your own. Alternatively, you can hire them locally for approximately USD 23. Make sure you inform your leader on Day 1 of the trip if you intend to hire so they can make necessary arrangements. The treks are classed as moderate to difficult and venture along clearly marked trails. While you hike, all your belongings will be left at the campsite inside the tent. Intrepid is not responsible for anything that may go missing from your tent, however, the campsite dedicates one person to look after the site and all belongings, and as such, there has never been an issue.
8. Tag 8

   Torres del Paine National Park

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   The most popular trek in this area (sure to be a highlight of this trip) is Base las Torres (The Tower's Base) – this full-day hike is a well-marked route through rocky valleys, grasslands and small running streams. Ascend to the Windy Pass, the cold wind might just be a welcome relief after a bit of a climb, and when you turn the bend, you’ll be met with a stunning view looking down onto a green valley backdropped by snowy mountains. Once you reach Chileno Refugio (the backcountry huts and lodges throughout the park), you’ll have the chance to rest, recharge and refill your water bottle before heading to the jewel of the hike. Traverse through forests and creeks until you reach the milky-green lagoon that bases the view of the three towers of Torres del Paine. You’ll have time to take in the views and get a few prized photos, before making your way back to the campsite.
   Your trekking time today will be approximately 9 to 10 hours or 20 km, with an elevation gain of 758 m and a descent of 1000 m.
9. Tag 9

   Torres del Paine National Park

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   Today, you’ll tackle the full-day French Valley hike. One of the paths along the famed W Trek, the French Valley hike is a scenic route, full of classic Patagonian scenery. You’ll spot glacier-fed lakes in shades of blues and greens and the distinctive Los Cuernos peaks towering over the horizon. Along the way, see the highest summit of the Cordillera Paine Mountain Range – Cerro Paine Grande. Take in the fantastic scenery, which look like a Bob Ross painting come to life, especially when you ascend to a panoramic view of the turquoise Lake Pehoe. As you continue through rolling grasslands, you’ll see red notro flower bushes along the shores of Lake Skottsberg. Stop at nearby refugios to fuel up on water, then be met by the French Glacier – the pinnacle of this trek.
   Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 to 9 hours or 18.5 km, with an elevation gain of 470 m and a descent of 700 m.
10. Tag 10

    Punta Arenas

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    Today is your last day in Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, you’ll be taken on a guided tour around another part of the park, including a visit to Grey Lake. If time permits, take the short Los Cuernos hike for a view of Salto Grande waterfall – the park’s largest and most impressive waterfall. This easy hike is a great way to cap off your experience in Torres del Paine National Park, as it’s less busy than other treks and full of incredible scenery. This afternoon, take a private transfer to Puerto Natales and then a public bus to Punta Arenas, where you’ll spend the night.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your trekking time will be approximately 2 hours or 6 km.
11. Tag 11

    Ushuaia

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    Today, hit the road again for a scenic bus journey back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world – Ushuaia. Needless to say, you should arm yourself with your favourite book, music player and some drinks and snacks for the journey.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
12. Tag 12

    Ushuaia

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    Ushuaia is nicknamed ‘The End of the World’ and is the access point to the Tierra del Fuego National Park (the nation’s only park with an ocean shoreline). This windswept town is backdropped by snowy mountains and sits next to the Beagle Channel – the gateway to Antarctica. This morning after breakfast, embark on the Emerald Lake hike (also known as Laguna Esmerelda). This route is considered moderately challenging and is quite a popular trek in the area due to the beautiful landscape. You’ll witness classic Patagonian forests, rich with vegetation on the way to the the lagoon, surrounded by the Andean Mountain Range. Tonight, you’re free to explore more of the park or to rest and recharge.
    Your trekking time today will be approximately 3.5 hours or 9 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m and a descent of 220 m. This trail can be quite muddy, so ensure you’re wearing appropriate footwear.
13. Tag 13

    Ushuaia

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    Today, enjoy breakfast with your group and a leisurely morning. You have a free day to explore southern Ushuaia and its surroundings. You could head on a penguin tour and see the several local different species, most of which inhabit Martillo Island. Or you could take a hike at Martial Glacier, close to a mountain range of the same name and offering panoramic views of the Beagle Channel.
    We recommend booking the Penguin tour before leaving home, as it will likely be booked out if you wait until you are in Argentina. You can book this directly with the operator Piratour https://piratour.net/producto/caminata-en-pinguinera-invierno/
14. Tag 14

    Buenos Aires

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    Today, you’ll return to Buenos Aires by plane. Arrive back in Argentina’s capital, as you’re back in the big city, you might want to kick back, relax and feast in one of the many popular restaurants in the area. Maybe hit the town tonight and experience Buenos Aires’ vibrant nightlife with your fellow travellers.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. Airline schedules in Argentina are known for changing without much notice, meaning that you could potentially arrive in Buenos Aires as late as 11 pm.
15. Tag 15

    Buenos Aires

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    As there are no activities planned for your last day, you’re free to depart at any time. If you didn’t have the opportunity to see Buenos Aires before your trip, consider staying an extra few days. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.