Patagonia - Wild & Scenic
Trek through Glacier National Park, hiking Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy, discover Torres del Paine National park (Chile)
Day 1: Arrival day
Meeting at Buenos Aires airport and transfer to town, briefing and welcome dinner.
If there is time in the afternoon, we'll organize a guided visit of Buenos Aires for those who are interested.
Day 2: National flight to El Calafate
We will meet our local guides at the airport of El Calafate. They will bring us to our hotel .
The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Our briefing early evening is followed by our welcome dinner.
Day 3: Bus to El ChaltEn - HOTEL
After breakfast we take our bus for the 220 km long drive to El Chaltén, a small and picturesque village at the foot of Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre massif. We make a stop half way to enjoy local pastries and hot coffee. After leaving our luggage at the hotel we hike up a gentle slope called Pliegue Tumbado to have a full view of both ranges, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy
Day 4: Cerro Fitz Roy, Laguna de los Tres
- HOTEL
After breakfast, carrying only a day-pack, we hike along the Fitz Roy trail up to Rio Blanco, the climbers' base camp to the east side of the mountain. From here a steep 1h trail leads us to one of the most spectaculars viewpoints of the National Park: Laguna de los Tres, offering close up views of Fitz Roy Massif spires and glaciers. About 5-6 hours
Day 5: Cerro Torre
BASE CAMP - HOTEL
Our day-hike takes us around Laguna Capri to get to the Madre Lagoon and Hija Valley and down to Fitz Roy river valley, where we meet the Cerro Torre trail, which we follow to Cerro Torre Base Camp.
About 6-8 hours.
Day 6: EL CHALTEN - EL CALAFATE - PERITO MORENO GLACIER
After a bus drive back to El Calafate we visit one of the World's Natural Wonders: the Moreno glacier. This ice field flows down from the Patagonian ice field. At 22,000 square kilometers it is the third largest glacier area in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland. Different view points will allow us to see the glacier in action, when huge blocks of ice crush into the lagoon.
Day 7: El Calafate - PUERTO NATALES, CHILE
Today we cross the border to Chile to reach the sea-side town of Puerto Natales, built along the Pacific Ocean.
Splurge on local sea food, enjoy a really good Pisco Sour, and a comfortable bed.
Day 8: PUERTO NATALES - TORRES DEL PAINE - LAKE PEHOE CROSSING
The bus drive is one of the most stunning of the trip as an abundance of wildlife and towering peaks will make this an incredible experience. Stopping several times along the way for short hikes will allow us to get closer to the wildlife and also to stretch our legs.We then continue our journey on board the catamaran which crosses Pehoe Lake twice per day.
We will carry only the necessary items for two days and one night away from our camp. Once across the lake, we can begin our walk towards Glacier Grey to a magnificent view point of the front of the Glacier and Lake.
5 hour return journey. Camp
Day 9: Torres del Paine National Park
Today we walk along the French Valley Trail, which skirts Paine Grande on its southern slopes.
Reaching the high point on the trail will mean a hike of roughly 8-9 hours before returning to our Base Camp.
Day 10: CAMP LAKE AZUL
Today we take the catamaran back, and after about an 1.5 hours-drive, we reach our luxurious campsite with hot showers, electricity, and a delicious meal prepared by our staff! Lake Azul has one of the most spectacular views of the Paine Towers. A short walk will take as around the lake.
Day 11: Lake AZUL
After a short bus drive we to get to the start of our 8-hour hike, which will take us deep inside the Paine Massif.
A rather rugged hikeawaits us as we make our way to the three magnificent Towers of Paine.
Stunning views all around will be our reward for such a hard day'swork. Back to our camp for the night. Lake Azul
Day 12: Lake AZUL - EL CALAFATE
Today we cross the border back into Argentina.
Last chance to purchase souvenirs such as leather goods and woollen products made in Patagonia.
Day 13: EL CALAFATE- BUENOS AIRES
Our last morning together before taking the flight back to Buenos Aires.
Tango Show and farewell dinner in Buenos Aires.
Day 14: Buenos Aires - Departure day
Transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport, departure.
