This Patagonia Adventure tour explores the highlights of the remote and beautiful mountain area of Southern Patagonia. Moderate treks will take you close to the stunning features of the Torres de Paine and the Fitzroy group, parts of a convoluted Argentine – Chilean border line that was surprisingly, mapped out and decided in Victorian drawing rooms. It is a fantastic area of great natural beauty, which reveals itself to you on the treks and the long drives between the national parks.

After a day in Buenos Aires you fly down to Ushuaia – the End of The Earth, warming up with a boat trip into The Beagle Channel, through which Darwin's ship passed to avoid the ravages of Cape Horn. There is often quite a bit of wildlife around, especially of the avian variety. Then it's on into Chile and to the famed Paine National Park and its mountain and ice gems. The 'Torres' represent some of the most intriguing mountain landscapes in the World: Bare cylinders of igneous rock piercing the sky, capped by a topping of softer strata. You undertake the classic walk up under the towers and in the French Valley. You will see more wildlife in this park than else where on the tour, if you look for it: Rheas, Llamas, condors, Peregrine Falcons, Austrel Pygmy Owls, you might even see the pugmarks of a Puma, although you would need to have the luck of a treasure hunter to see one! 

Next you move out of the beauty of Paine through the desolate Patagonian scrublands, only highlighted by the course of a rare river, to El Chalten and the Los Glaciares National Park. Here you are rewarded, for your hiking efforts, weather permitting, with superb views of the peaks of Fitzroy, Cerro Torre and the Torre Glacier. There is also an entire day dedicated to seeing the enormous Perito Moreno glacier, as it carves great blocks of ice into its bay.

Grade

We have given the trekking on this tour a "moderate-challenging" grading. To get the most out of this tour you should be in good physical condition; we recommend you prepare for the tour with regular, appropriate exercise. Bear in mind that we often walk 5 or 6 hours per day, and that the trek involves several long, steep ascents and descents. Experience of hill walking in remote places would be beneficial. On both treks we stay at hotels, hostals and mountain refuges. For the mountain refuges you will need to carry a medium size backpack with a change of clothes, washing gear etc.

Climate

This itinerary takes place within southern Patagonia. During summer Buenos Aires is hot and humid, with a temperature average 23ºC/73,4ºF. Regarding Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves these lands very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Ice field influence, make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to march) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer's average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min). Temperatures can drop sharply with altitude gain and with strong westerly winds, which are a typical feature of the spring/summer climate here. Weather changeable and localised. In general, the further west, the wetter, and the further east, the drier. Rarely snow lying below 800 metres. Long days. 

Altitude

This should pose no problem on this tour, the highest point of the route being around 1600 m.

Flights

The brochure price is based on a land only package, however we can arrange return international and internal flights, the price of which will vary depending on the operator and the season involved. It is likely to be around £900. Please contact a member of staff who will offer any assistance and advise them what you require. 

We use scheduled flights, usually with our preferred operators Aerolineas Argentinas or Iberia, via Buenos Aires. This may necessitate an extra night in Buenos Aires to connect with the correct connecting flight. 

Start and Finishing Points

Meet the Buenos Aires rep on day 2 at 14.00 at the hotel's lobby, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The trip finishes on day 15 at 9:00 am at Calafate Airport, Argentina.. 

Included

- Bilingual English-Spanish local representative on day 2.
- Bilingual English-Spanish tour leader from day 3 to day 14.
- Bilingual English-Spanish trekking guides for both Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares NPs.
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary, including all regular bus tickets.- Boat rides on the Beagle Channel and Lake Pehoe 
- Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares NPs entrance tickets. 

Not Included

Not included 
- Flight tickets unless requested. 
- Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this kind of trip).
-Port tax at Ushuaia.+ Airport taxes
Optional excursions:
- Circular walk on Glacier Grey, Torres del Paine NP: 56 Euros p.p. (day 8)
- Trekking on Glacier Torre, Los Glaciares NP: 56 Euros p.p. (day 11).
If you intend to do these excursions, your boots should be capable of fitting an articulated crampon which is provided for the walk, but we cannot guarantee that they will fit all boots. 
- Some meals
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff. 
- Items of personal nature including drinks. 

Accommodation

Buenos Aires: 1 night, tourist class hotel, double room with private bathroom.
Ushuaia: 2 nights, tourist class hotel, double room with private bathroom.
Punta Arenas: 1 night hostel, double room with private bathroom.
Torres del Paine: 5 nights at mountain refugios. 
Chalten: 3 nights hostel, double room with private bathroom.
Calafate: 1 night, tourist class hotel, double room with private bathroom.

Accommodation Details

Tourist class hotels
These hotels have an average of 2 stars having rooms with private bathrooms; plain and simple accommodations.
Hostels
Their services are similar to the tourist class hotel but the buildings are normally smaller and construction material lighter. The rooms also come with private bathrooms.
Refugios 
These are typical mountain huts, open to the public that visits Torres del Paine. It has rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single, bunk type. The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area. Note that while staying in the refugios in Paine, you will have 2 nights / three days on trek without access to your main luggage, so you will need to have overnight gear, change of clothing, footwear etc. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag, but you should bring a sheet sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner. 

Group Size & Guiding Staff

8 is the most typical group size plus guides. Maximum is 12 clients. 

Visas

A visa is not currently required by British citizens visiting Chile or Argentina. However your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of travel. Non -British passport holders should check their visa requirements with their local Chilean and Argentinean Embassies. Requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Vaccinations

In Argentina and Chile there are currently no vaccination requirements for international travellers. In Argentina, Yellow fever may occur in epidemics in forested areas in the subtropical northeast (Misiones etc), but is very rare. Anti-malarial protection (chloroquine) is recommended only in risk areas. Malaria risk in Chile is nil and in Argentina is low, and confined to northern rural areas along the borders with Bolivia (lowlands of Jujuy and Salta provinces) and Paraguay (lowlands of Corrientes and Misiones provinces). It is exclusively in the benign vivax form, and no risk exists in Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Courses or boosters for Hepatitis A are usually advised for Argentina. The course of two 'Havrix' injections protects you for ten years. Gamma globulin is cheaper but less effective. Typhoid fever is not common in Chile or Argentina, but some doctors recommend a typhoid vaccine. Also diptheria, polio and tetanus or tetanus booster, as well as hepatitis B and tuberculosis are recommended. A pre-exposure rabies vaccination is worth considering if you are going to be in contact with animals or more than 24 hours away from a reliable source of vaccine. Hikers are at some risk from rural dogs, certain of which carry rabies.

Personal Expenses

For both Argentina and Chile you are advised to take funds in US dollars to change into local currencies; Argentine and Chilean pesos. Take mostly cash dollars, in medium to high denomination bank notes (dollar bills have to be unmarked and undamaged, otherwise they may well not be accepted). US dollar travellers' cheques are less useful. They can be changed in most large towns, but typically incur a 2-5% commission. Travellers are strongly advised to carry an ATM cash card to make cash withdrawals from ATM machines. (Until the Argentine banking system has fully stabilised following the Jan 2002 financial crisis, using ATMs in Argentina is better than over-the-counter bank transactions). Also take a credit card: Major credit cards are often accepted in large towns, but there's often a high surcharge on transactions. You will need money to cover: meals not included, snacks and drinks (approximately the same price as Europe), handicrafts, airport taxes (approx $31 international, $7 national flight), optional excursions, entrance fees, tips, laundry etc.

Insurance

You must have insurance to cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. Please ensure that it covers all the activities you will be participating in, including trekking. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible if you are not taking our insurance.

Luggage

Bring a main piece of lockable luggage, to be left for storage in the hotel while trekking. On trek you will need a daypack (minimum 30/45 litres) to carry the personal items you may need during the day. Remember that on 2 nights 3 days you will need to carry your personal overnight kit, so make sure that you can fit all that kit into the pack that you will be using before you go.

Books

Of the many guidebooks available, the Footprint Argentina Handbook and Chile Handbook are among the best all-round guides. Trekking in the Patagonian Andes (Lonely Planet) is a good trekking guide, with good background info and maps, while the Insight Guide: Argentina and Insight Guide: Chile provide excellent insight into both countries, with well-researched features on cultural, political, social issues etc. 

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin is a classic of travel literature. This, his first book, is about wandering and exile. As he travels, he describes encounters with Patagonians, and in so doing, tells the fascinating human history of the region's settlement. Uttermost Part of the Earth by E Lucas Bridges is about the early colonization of Tierra del Fuego, by the first European colonist. Travels in a Thin Country by Sara Wheeler recounts a Chilean journey, from Arica to Tierra del Fuego. Fiction: Martin Fierro by Jose Hernandez is an epic poem about the destruction of communities by progress. The Gaucho Martin Fierro became the symbol of Argentine nationhood. Ficciones (Fictions) and El Aleph by the avant-garde Jorge Luis Borges, Argentina's most famous 20th Century writer, are both collections of short stories. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende is the best-known novel by the magical realist Chilean writer. Antonio Skármeta is another celebrated 20th Century Chilean novelist, but Chile's most celebrated writers, both poets, are Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral. Both were Nobel Laureates.

Escorted  Departures 2008 - 2009

Feb 16^th  2008
Mar 15^th 2008
Nov 15^th 2008
Dec 13^th 2008
Jan 17^th 2009
Feb 14^th 2009
Mar 14^th 2009

Outline Itinerary

The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and is subject to variation as a result of local conditions, weather and government restrictions.

We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) the trek at any time if necessary.

1000m = 3281ft. 1km = 0.62 miles

Day 1:  Depart London. International flights are available on Aerolinas Argentinas and their code share operators via Madrid. Timings vary. On some you will arrive around midnight in Buenos Airies and will  mean that you need to book an extra night in  a hotel. Others have a longer wait in Madrid on the way out, but arrive in Buenos Aires in the early morning, so you do not require another night.

Day 2:  Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina. Located along the shores of Rio de la Plata, the Argentinean capital, and 9th most populated city in the world, is one of South America’s cultural engines.  It is a lively city where people are proud and talkative; where tango dancers perform on cobble stoned streets; where quality restaurants, coffee shops, theatres, galleries and book stores abound; and where cultural heroes such as Evita Perón, Jorge Luis Borges, Diego Maradona, and rocker Luca Prodan occupy honored seats in popular memory.

Our local representative will meet with you at the hotel to offer some introductory words and spark you up for a three-hour walking tour around the hub of this great metropolis.  In the evening, you will have the option of moving around on your own and tasting some of the local delights in neighborhoods such as prestigious Recoleta with its glamorous streets, cafés, galleries, old European architecture and famous cemetery; or the old and scenic San Telmo where wealthy families set themselves up in the late 1800’s; or La Boca with its colourful buildings, paintings, handicrafts and captivating tango dancers.  After dinner, feel free to take an outstanding tango lesson in one of the many tango bars around the city! (no meals included)

Day 3:  To the End of the World! 

Flight to Ushuaia*, Argentina

After a light hotel breakfast, we hit the airport and fly to the end of the world – Ushuaia!  Flight time Buenos Aires – Ushuaia: 3:40 hrs. The world’s southernmost city is located on the border of the Beagle Channel, with the snow-peaked Martial Mountains embracing the town.  The port-city of Ushuaia was a prison colony until the mid 20th century, but is today the capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s island province.  It is a small city with a variety of outdoor activities in memorable surroundings.  Our friendly tour leader, who will accompany us for the next 12 days, will welcome us at the airport.  Then after checking in at the hostel, we will absorb the local scene through a short downtown walking tour. The evening is left open for individual exploration and hopefully a bit of interaction with the locals who often have good stories to tell!  (Breakfast Only)

Day 4:  In Ushuaia

Following breakfast, we go to Ushuaia’s dock and embark on a morning navigation of the world famous Beagle Channel which is fed by the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  En route to Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, a splendid view of the city emerges after just a few minutes of navigation.  The lighthouse itself is similar to the one on nearby Isla de los Estados which inspired Jules Verne’s novel “The Lighthouse at the End of the World.”  From this point, the boat trip continues to Isla de Lobos and Isla de Pájaros where marine wolves and penguin-like cormorants congregate on jutting rocks.  It is a fascinating sight which can not help but remind some of National Geographic specials seen on television.  Finally, we return to Ushuaia.  The rest of the day is left open for you to visit the town surroundings or take optional excursions on your own.  For dinner, you may want to sample local delights such as king crab and roasted Patagonian lamb. (Breakfast Only)

Navigation on Beagle Channel: 09:30 to 12:00 hrs 

Day 5:  A Long Ride in Tierra del Fuego

Punta Arenas, Chile

Our next destination is the city of Punta Arenas, located in the last continental part of Chile.  After breakfast, there is a full day bus ride through the immense plains of Tierra del Fuego.  There are programmed stops along the way to stretch and move around, as well as to board a ferry that crosses the Strait of Magellan!  Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to navigate this strait in 1520 and it is known as the most important natural passage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans!  Further ahead, we cross the border into Chile and finally arrive to Punta Arenas in the evening - though still in day light!  In the summer there are 18 hours of sun light at this latitude!  Punta Arenas is a small traditional city founded in 1848 and located where the Andes chain begins.  The locals tend to be somewhat quiet, though warm and hospitable nevertheless.  After checking in at the hostel, you’re free to have dinner wherever you like before resting for the following day.  Warning: be careful when walking around the central plaza in Punta Arenas.  “Levitation experiences” are not unusual!  The strong winds can sometimes lift people right off the ground!  Tightly fastened cables have been set up in the plaza for people to hold on to.
Bus ride Ushuaia – Punta Arenas: 07:30 to 19:00 hrs. Ferry on the Magellan Strait: 20 min

Day 6:  The Patagonia Adventure Starts

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

After recovering all our strength and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will take the bus towards Torres del Paine National Park.  This park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and is one of the most outstanding natural places on Earth!  Following the three-hour scenic ride from Punta Arenas, we reach Puerto Natales - a picturesque town located in the shores of Last Hope Fjord.  In Natales, we meet up with our trekking guide who introduces us to the zone and checks if all our gear is complete before continuing on our journey.  There is free time as well to have lunch or shop for small souvenirs.  Later in the afternoon, we get back on a bus and advance through the plains of Patagonia.  Views of the east side of the magnificent Paine Massif appear after a couple of hours!  We are also met by guanacos, ñandues, caranchos and other wild fauna that live in the park’s surroundings.  Upon reaching Refugio las Torres we organize our luggage, and relax for the rest of the day. 
Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: 254 km / 158 miles / 3 hrs driving. From Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine: 147 km / 91 miles / 2.5 hrs driving.

Day 7:  Warming up in Los Cuernos

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

We start our adventure in the park with a pleasant walk through the curly Cuernos trail located beside beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. During this ‘appetizer walk’ we take in the park’s charming flora and fauna, its strong wind and the curious 4-seasons weather that will accompany us for the next days. As we advance through the trail we enjoy magnificent views of the park’s central lakes and the Paine’s Horns which are majestic black horn-like peaks of slate atop gray granite which crown the center of the Massif. We will of course stop to get some great first shots of the park and also enjoy a delicious box lunch to energize us for the rest of the walk. The trek ends at Refugio Los Cuernos, a small and cozy mountain refuge located by the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. The evening is left free to enjoy dinner and share experiences.

Los Cuernos Trail: Approximate walking time: 6 to 7 hrs.

Day 8:  The First Challenge: Valle Frances

Torres del Paine, Chile

After breakfast, we begin a challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif.  How deep we go depends on our groups’ pace.  An active walk leads us to the suspension bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south east face of the Massif.  From this point, we can enjoy our first truly wonderful view and then continue up the trail until reaching the upper prospects of the valley.  The entire group of geological formations of the high valley can be admired here:  Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza! (Fortress).  It is time to have a picnic and recover from the walk.   Next, we descend to Refugio Paine Grande, located in the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe.  Finally, upon reaching the “Refugio”, the luggage is organized and there is time to talk about the day while enjoying a replenishing dinner. 

French Valley Trail: Approximate walking time: 8 hrs

Day 9:  An easy Day on the Park’s Lakes

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

Upon packing and having breakfast, we walk to the shores of quiet Lake Pehoe and take a catamaran towards Pudeto harbor.  After this short navigation, we drive around the park’s lakes and make some stops to visit the furious Salto Grande and Salto Chico waterfalls.  We also go to the south border of Lake Grey and admire the glacial lake with its stunning multi-toned blue icebergs floating around.   This is a place where nature rules!  Challenging winds can stop us randomly as we walk on the beach.  Woodpeckers and other striking birds can sometimes be seen in the surrounding area.  Those who want to take the optional boat ride  to Glacier Gray (not included in tour price) stay on the beach while the rest go back, heading southwest to reach the gentle Pingo trail.  About 3 hours later, we return to Grey and reunite with the others coming back from their excursion, then drive back to Refugio Las Torres.  A tasty dinner awaits us, and there is time to laze around after the long day.

Optional boat ride to Glacier Grey: 2 hours approx. round trip. Pingo Trail:  Approximate walking time: 3 to 4 hrs round trip.

Day 10:  The Second Challenge: The Mighty Torres del Paine – almost!

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

Time for a great breakfast and lots of enthusiasm!  Our goal is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine NP.  We walk from the camp site towards Hostería Las Torres and connect with the winding uphill path to Ascencio Valley – the valley which supports the eastern face of the Towers’ base.  Beech forests and small rivers are passed along the scenic walk into the valley.  It’s not a difficult walk, but energy should nevertheless be saved for the final challenge: the moraine.  This mass of boulders is the last guardian before our face to face meeting with the uplifting Torres del Paine.  The moraine is sufficiently steep to consider doing it slowly and with an adequate amount of precaution.  After a considerable effort, the Towers come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below.  This is one of the most breathtaking sights of the world!  The famous Torres del Paine (2, 900 m/ 9, 400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Once everyone is ready, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley, and return to the refugio.  This is sadly our last night in Torres del Paine NP … but there’s more to come! 

The Towers Trail: Approximate walking time: 9 to 10 hrs round trip. Distance: 21 km /13 miles round trip

Day 11:  A long ride to Torres del Paine’s Twin: Los Glaciares NP

Los Glaciares NP, Argentina

We wake up early, have breakfast, pack up, and we’re off!  We drive to Cerro Castillo international border crossing and re-enter Argentina.  In Castillo we board a regular bus to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amidst dramatic scenery and natural beauty.  After some hours on the bus, we arrive at Calafate with time to have lunch and explore the shop-filled main street of its down town.  From the bus terminal we embark on about a 4 hour regular bus ride to Chalten, The drive is on isolated dirt roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma.  Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitzroy.  Once we’ve checked in at the hostel, its time to get a well-deserved rest, which will be needed for the next couple of days!

Torres del Paine Camping Torres to Cerro Castillo (borderline): 63 km / 39 miles / 1.5 hrs driving.

Cerro Castillo (borderline) to Calafate: 287 km / 180 miles / 3 hrs driving.

Calafate to Chalten: 220 km / 138 miles / 4 hrs driving (Breakfast only)

Day 12:  A  hike to Laguna Torre

Los Glaciares NP, Argentina

We do a full day hike along Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, an extremely pretty mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background.  After breakfast, we walk eastward, following the trail through beech forests and bogs to meet the Fitroy River.  We continue advancing and reach Camp Base de Agostini and then do a short hike to Laguna Torre, which  is under Cerro Torre and the Adela range.  Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them.  We stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Later, we return to Chalten following the same trail.  There is an optional day trip for those wanting to trek on Torre Glacier (not included in the tour price).  Those taking this exciting option get up earlier and do it apart from the main group.  Upon returning from the trek, the evening is free for you to enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Chalten’s cozy restaurants.

Laguna Torre Trail: Approximate walking time: 7 hrs

Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles round trip

Altitude: low altitude trails, no need to worry.

Optional Glacier Torre Trekking: Approximate walking time: 9 hrs (2 hours on the glacier) Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles round trip.

Day 13:  The Third and Final Challenge: Monte Fitzroy, Mountain of Mountains

Los Glaciares NP, Argentina

Today’s trek is to Laguna Los Tres with the best available view of Monte Fitzroy - THE landmark in Los Glaciares NP!  Once again, a big breakfast and lots of enthusiasm is required.  We begin our hike by heading towards silent Laguna Capri, passing just beside its northern corner.  Then we follow the Fitzroy Trail up to Rio Blanco, passing Poicenot, the mountaineering camp.  Finally, a short but steep trail will take us to Laguna de Los Tres to take in one of the park’s most marvellous natural scenes!  The turquoise-blue of the Lagoon is a stunning sight and this is, of course is magnified by the accompanying view of Fitz Roy’s spires and glaciers. You will probably experience a Torres del Paine flashback.  If Torres del Paine is the king of the mountains of Patagonia, Fitz Roy is surely the beautiful queen!  Time for a picnic.  In such a memorable place the food can not help but taste better than ever!  When everyone is ready, we will hike back to Laguna Capri and continue along the trail back to tiny Chalten.  We return with time to recover and enjoy our last night in this beautiful park.

Ftiz Roy Trail: Approximate walking time: 7 hrs.

Distance: 9 km / 6 miles round trip.

Day 14:  Visit Glacier Perito Moreno!

El Calafate, Argentina

We wake up extra early to take the regular bus back to El Calafate.  En route, we prepare for the enormous 60m-high Perito Morento Glacier!  We reach Calafate about midday with time to rest and enjoy a local lunch. Then we board the van that takes us to the glacier. Unlike the regular tours, upon arriving to the sight, we will not go straight to the usual panoramic views.  Instead we’ll first marvel at the splendor of the glacier’s less frequented north face.  Normally you will be able to hear and see giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino, esoecuially if it is a hot day.  As we face Moreno Glacier amidst a nature walk, our guide will answer any questions about the area.  We will then continue on to the footbridges and take a break so that you can enjoy the surroundings at your own leisure. We drive back to Calafate.  This is our final night together and the tour leader will ask us for feedback on the trip.  After celebrating our last night we return to the hotel.

PM Perito Moreno tour: 5 hrs approx.

Day 15:  Adios!

Day 16: Arrive London

Download Dossier   Dossier by Email