The Andes – Patagonia – Fitz Roy – Cerre Torre – Torres del Paine – glaciers and penguins and the ends of the Earth at Tierra del Fuego. What do these names conjure up in anyone’s mind? If there is ever a ‘must visit’ part of the world, this is it! We have developed this ‘active’ itinerary for the Best of Patagonia Trek to enable you to appreciate this region in all its glory and to see as much of it as possible in a two week trip. There is no extended trekking, but instead a series of day walks for you to get out and enjoy being close to the massive glaciers, wildlife, granite mountains, turquoise-blue lakes and forests that make Patagonia a special place.

The Best of Patagonia Trek takes you right on down to ‘The Land of Fires’, Tierra del Fuego, where you will be able to appreciate the stark serene beauty of this wilderness, finishing your journey with a boat trip on the Beagle Channel. Travel on this trip is via the busy capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Why not extend your trip with a visit to Iguassu Falls from Buenos Aires? Please contact our Office for more details.

This trip will operate with just 1 person. You will be joining clients from other countries in Argentina and led by a local Argentinian guide.
Maximum group size is 16.

THIS TRIP CAN ALSO BE OPERATED AS A PRIVATE DEPARTURE ON ANY DATES DURING THE SEASON FOR 2 OR MORE PEOPLE BOOKING TOGETHER FOR A SMALL SUPPLEMENT. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A QUOTATION.

Prices are inclusive of domestic flights from and back to Buenos Aires in Argentina. However please be aware that supplements may apply as prices for these flights are subject to change.

International flight prices are based on non-direct services. A supplement will be required if you wish to use the direct service between London to Buenos Aires with British Airways.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 Depart UK, and arrive to Buenos Aires the following day. You will be met and transferred to a central located hotel. Meet your Tour Leader. In the afternoon sightseeing tour visiting all main highlights: Pink House, Parliament, La Boca, San Telmo and the exclusive Recoleta area.

Day 3 Transfer to the airport for flight to El Calafate. You will be met at the airport and driven for 2 to 3 hours across the Patagonian steepe to El Chalten, a mountain village near the Fitz Roy Massif. 

Day 4 Today we do our first walk in the area to the base-camp of the Fitz Roy. The full walk makes for a long day but it can be shortened by turning back early. A short drive takes us to the beginning of the trail in Rio Electrico. A gentle walk takes us along the river with fantastic views of the Piedras Blancas glacier until we arrive at the Rio Blanco where most expeditions place their base-camp. From here there is an option to ascend 400m to one of the highlights in Patagonia, the Laguna de los Tres, an isolated lagoon surrounded by Glaciers. In the afternoon we walk down to Capri Lagoon with stunning views of Fitz Roy (3405m) and then continue to our Hosteria in Chalten. 7- 9 hours walking. 

Day 5 This morning we start our trek to Cerro Torre base-camp. We start by hiking back to Capri Lagoon, then down past Madre and Hija Lagoons through a dense forest following the Fitz Roy River. We reach the Mount Torre Valley and the Laguna Torre glacier. From here we get superb views of the impressive massif of Mount Torre needles. We then walk back to Chalten where the bus will be waiting to take us to El Calafate. 5 hours walking.

Day 6 Full day excursion to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's few remaining advancing glaciers. Huge icebergs from the glacier can be seen collapsing into the lake. The roar of the gigantic 'seracs' falling and crashing into the waters of the channel is a unique experience. There are a variety of walks available to view the Glacier from different viewpoints. We return to our Hotel in El Calafate.

Day 7 We depart early morning from El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, through a spectacular landscape of the Patagonia steppe where plenty of wildlife can be seen. We cross the border at Cancha Carrera and continue to north surrounded by magnificent scenery all the way. We visit several panoramic viewpoints of the Nordenskjöld Lake and the Paine Horns, before finally arriving to our Hosteria in the National Park.

Day 8 Drive to Laguna Amarga. Cross a suspension bridge and up the slopes of the Almirante Nieto Mount, following the Ascencio River. Reach Chileno Refuge and from there the trail leads us through the forest, taking in unforgettable landscapes, to Las Torres base camp. We trek to reach Las Torres Viewpoint, an amazing natural amphitheatre surrounded by the most wonderful needles and walls of the massif, the vertical granite towers reaching 2800m. We return to our Hosteria. 6 to 8 hours walking.

Day 9 Day at leisure for optional treks and excursions: Grey Lake & Glacier, Trek to Frances Valley, or simply relax.

Day 10 Depart in the morning heading South to the fishing town of Puerto Natales. Enjoy this picturesque village and continue to Punta Arenas arriving around midday. Time to explore this city and its museums.

Day 11 In the morning we take the bus and ferry across the Magellan Strait to the island of Tierra del Fuego. As we continue further south we leave the Patagonian steppe behind and drive through 'the woods at the end of the world', until we reach the southernmost town of Ushuaia.

Day 12 We drive to Tierra del Fuego National Park, close to the border with Chile with spectacular Andean scenery. Walk among the woods of the National Park and enjoy a canoe ride to explore this isolated place, home to numerous species of birds.

Day 13 Morning boat trip on Beagle Channel. In the afternoon we transfer to Ushuaia airport for flight to Buenos Aires. Arrive Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel.

Days 14/15 Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Photos

Insurance

Reviews

Leave a Review

Please login to leave a review for this trip.