Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
Classic Hikes of Patagonia
15 Days
From AUD $9495
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(19 reviews)

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking trip.

Highlights

  • Witness Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier and listen to the symphony of thundering ice cracking along the 30 km-long expanse of electric blue. This is one of the few glaciers left that isn’t shrinking!
  • Spend three days camped among the peaks of Chilean Patagonia – a great opportunity for a true digital detox. Sleep under an untouched sky and witness vast, ever-changing landscapes by day.
  • Trek past the most beautiful waterfalls and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park and spot wildlife like guanacos, flamingos, foxes and rhea birds along the way.
  • Explore Laguna Esmeralda – arguably the best hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Near Ushuaia (The End of the World), this is the nation’s only park with an ocean coastline.
  • Begin and end your trip with time in bustling Buenos Aires – the perfect place to reconnect with the urban world after a remote adventure in the wild. Try local Argentinian food, dance the tango and hit the nightlife!

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Plane, local bus, private vehicle, boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Finishes

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Buenos Aires
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.

Included Activities:

  • Buenos Aires - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Teatro Colon (14 USD)
  • Buenos - Aires - Gran Cafe Tortoni Show (20000 ARS)
  • Buenos Aires - Tango show including tango class & dinner (120 USD)
  • Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) (422 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: El Calafate to El Chalten
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: El Chalten
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.

Included Activities:

  • El Chalten - Laguna de los Tres guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: El Chalten
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!

Included Activities:

  • El Chalten - Laguna Torre guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: El Chalten to El Calafate
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: El Calafate
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.

Included Activities:

  • El Calafate - Perito Moreno Glacier day trip
  • El Calafate - Los Glaciares National Park

Optional Activities:

  • Perito Moreno - Guided trek (65 yrs old is the maximum age permitted) From Price (569 USD)
  • El Calafate - Lago Argentino boat trip (80 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Torres del Paine National Park
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.

Included Activities:

  • Torres del Paine - 3 nights fully supported camping experience

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Torres del Paine National Park
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. You’ll cross a rickety-looking swing bridge, which looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie, and then 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.

Included Activities:

  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park
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.

Included Activities:

  • Torres del Paine - French Valley guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Punta Arenas
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Ushuaia
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Ushuaia
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.

Included Activities:

  • Ushuaia - Laguna Esmerelda guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Ushuaia
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Martial Glacier hike - approx USD 15 (payable in ARS, taxi to the start of the trail) (500 ARS)
  • Penguin tour (285 USD)
  • Ushuaia - Beagle Channel cruise (40 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Buenos Aires
After breakfast, you’ll return to Buenos Aires by plane. Arrive back in Argentina’s capital in the early hours of the afternoon. 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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Buenos Aires
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Buenos Aires - Tigre day trip (prices from) (95 USD)
  • Buenos Aires - Polo day (185 USD)
  • Buenos Aires - Football game (subject to availability) from (120 USD)
  • Buenos Aires Short Break Adventure (GGAA) (422 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $9,495
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Travel from the heaving streets of Buenos Aires to the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on this 15-day trekking trip.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Feb 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Mirjam
Traveled, March 2024

04/09/2024

I had an incredibly great time in Patagonia. Discovering the landscape in Patagonia on various hikes was great. Our guide Augustin knows so much about Patagonia and you can tell that he takes great joy in his work. Traveling Patagonia with him and our group made this experience even more unforgettable.

5.0
Yulia
Traveled, March 2024

04/07/2024

Well-organized trip through amazing Patagonian scenery! The hikes provided great highlights of the landscape and views. Our journey was made special by incredibly knowledgeable and caring tour leader Agustin Galetto who shared so many interesting facts, his enthusiasm for the region was inspring! We felt support of Augustin at each step and he accomodated various requests of the group so that our journey was very smooth and enjoyable.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989