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Southern Patagonia

Argentina & Chile

14 Days

From USD 4957

Overview

Enjoy the main trekking trails in El Chaltén, surrounded by Mount Fitz Roy and immersed in a landscape of forests, rivers, streams, lakes, and hanging glaciers. Be amazed by the stunning glaciers of El Calafate and experience rural life while staying at a typical Patagonian estancia. Explore one of the world’s best trekking destinations and admire the spectacular peaks of the Paine Massif in Torres del Paine. Finally, enjoy the rich wildlife while navigating the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia. Dare to discover this itinerary and explore the best of Southern Patagonia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Trip Hightlights

  • Hike around the stunning El Chalten

  • Visit the stunning glaciers of El Calafate

  • Discover the spectacular Paine Massif and its trekking trails in Torres del Paine Natinal Park.

  • Navigate the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving to El Chalten

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This magical mountain town lies in Southern Patagonia, within Los Glaciares National Park (Santa Cruz Province), surrounded by rivers and mountains where the De las Vueltas and Fitz Roy rivers meet. El Chaltén is home to the iconic Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, a paradise for trekkers and climbers worldwide. Explore its trails through lengas and ñires forests, crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and hanging glaciers alongside your local guide.

Fly to El Calafate Airport, where your driver will take you to El Chalten across the Patagonian steppe, passing turquoise lakes and rivers. As you approach, the majestic peaks reveal this charming mountain village. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day strolling through this enchanting Patagonian town.

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Begin your adventure at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, hiking through lengas and ñires forests, crossing streams, and admiring hanging glaciers in breathtaking surroundings. Your driver will take you to the Rio Electrico, the strat point of this 8-hour trek. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier, encounter Patagonian flora and fauna, and watch Fitz Roy’s majestic peak grow closer until reaching its base at Laguna de los Tres.

The final hour is steep and demanding, but your guide will help choose the best route. After taking in the unforgettable views, descend via the Laguna Capri Trail, returning on foot to El Chaltén after a full day immersed in Patagonia’s stunning landscapes.

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On your second day, hike the Cerro Torre trail through beech forests, bogs, and shrubland leading to Laguna Torre, surrounded by moraines and the impressive Glacier Grande. The hike begins in the village with a local guide from Los Glaciares National Park. It’s a peaceful 9-hour round-trip walk, following the Fitz Roy River with gentle slopes at the start. Along the way, admire waterfalls, the Fitz Roy River Canyon, and increasingly spectacular views of Mount Torre. Throughout the trek, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of this pristine Patagonian landscape. Stops will be made along the route based on weather conditions and your preferences, making it an unforgettable hiking experience in Southern Patagonia.

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Today you’ll explore one of Southern Patagonia’s most spectacular yet lesser-known hikes: the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado trail. This full-day trek begins in El Chaltén and ascends to a 360° viewpoint overlooking the Fitz Roy, Torre, and Toro valleys, the Patagonian steppe, and Lake Viedma. The trail climbs through steppe and forests of ñires and lengas before reaching the tree line. After about an hour, enjoy your first panoramic view of the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre massifs. Continuing upward, you’ll cross scree slopes and feel the Patagonian wind until reaching the summit, with breathtaking views of Paso del Viento and the Mariano Moreno range. Return to El Chaltén in the afternoon and travel back to El Calafate.

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Walk across the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s natural wonders, flowing from the Southern Patagonian Icefield, the planet’s third-largest ice mass. The adventure begins at Bajo de las Sombras port, about 6 km from the viewing balconies. After a 20-minute boat ride across the Rico Arm of Lake Argentino, you’ll disembark and walk along the lakeshore to the glacier. Your guides will fit crampons and explain how to walk safely on the ice. The 1.5-hour glacier trek reveals crevasses, seracs, and small blue lagoons. Though moderate, the terrain is uneven but secure. After the hike, return by boat and visit the glacier balconies before heading back to El Calafate.

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Estancia Nibepo Aike, one of the region’s first ranches, lies at the end of Route 15 on the shores of Lake Roca, within Los Glaciares National Park. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, it offers an authentic Patagonian experience in a stunning natural setting. Step back in time as you witness traditional rural activities still practiced today, such as sheep herding with dogs, horse riding, and shearing demonstrations. Spend the night at the ranch, hike with your local guide, and savor a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue. This program perfectly combines rural life with the majestic landscapes of Southern Patagonia, offering an unforgettable complement to your glacier adventures.

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Just a few kilometers from Puerto Natales in southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is one of the world’s most stunning natural areas and a top trekking destination. Its dramatic Paine Massif peaks, diverse terrain, and unique flora and fauna make it a must-see in Southern Patagonia. Travel from El Calafate across the Patagonian steppe to Chile through the Cerro Castillo border. Along the way, admire your first views of the Paine Massif and herds of wild guanacos. Upon entering the park, begin your first hike from Sarmiento Station to Laguna Amarga, taking in breathtaking landscapes before continuing to the campsite at the base of the iconic Paine Towers—one of Patagonia’s most unforgettable

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Enjoy a full-day guided trek to the base of the iconic Paine Towers, one of Patagonia’s most impressive landmarks. The trail begins by crossing the Asencio River and follows its right bank, leading you through beech forests, rocky moraines, and hanging glaciers. Along the way, admire turquoise rivers, crystal-clear streams, and breathtaking views of the Paine Massif’s jagged peaks. The final ascent is steep but rewarding, bringing you to the spectacular viewpoint at the foot of the towers, where three granite spires rise dramatically above a turquoise glacial lagoon. Take time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and capture unforgettable photos before descending the same trail back to your lodge. A truly remarkable day in Torres del Paine National Park.

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Begin with a 30-minute catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé to start your trek into the stunning French Valley. The trail crosses the French River and follows the base of Paine Grande, leading through lenga forests and small creeks. As you gain altitude, you’ll traverse rocky moraines and reach a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the surrounding granite peaks and hanging glaciers. On clear days, the views of this dramatic landscape are truly unforgettable. After enjoying the scenery and taking in the peaceful atmosphere, descend along the same path to Lake Pehoé and board the catamaran for your return journey to the lodge. This is one of Torres del Paine’s most iconic and rewarding hikes.

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Today you will visit one of the most stunning viewpoints of Grey Glacier and explore the beautiful Grey Valley, which stretches for about 60 km from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The impressive Grey Glacier descends into the lake, creating a breathtaking landscape of floating icebergs and deep blue tones. The hike will follow the shores of Grey Lake, passing along a pristine beach surrounded by the towering peaks of the Paine Massif. It’s an unforgettable experience where you’ll feel immersed in the heart of Patagonia’s wilderness. After the hike, you will return to El Calafate and take your flight to Ushuaia, continuing your adventure to the southernmost city in the world.

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Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, lies on the shores of the Beagle Channel, over a stunning bay that forms the closest deep-water port to Antarctica, earning it the title Gateway to the Ice Continent. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, forests, and sea, it offers one of Argentina’s most spectacular landscapes. In winter, visitors enjoy skiing and snow activities, while summer brings opportunities for trekking, sailing, and exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival at Ushuaia Airport, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, giving you a brief tour of the city along the way. The rest of the day is free to explore downtown or relax at your hotel.

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Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park in a unique way by combining trekking and canoeing in a breathtaking natural setting. Begin with a hike along the coastal trail, perfect for observing wildlife and exploring archaeological sites, including ancient shell mounds left by the Yámana people—sea nomads who once inhabited the region. During the 3–4 hour trek, enjoy stunning views of forests, mountains, and the Beagle Channel. Upon reaching Lake Roca, take a break for a delicious country-style lunch before starting the canoeing adventure down the Lapataia River. As you paddle toward Lapataia Bay—the end of National Route Nº3—you may spot aquatic birds and, with some luck, sea mammals, making this an unforgettable Patagonian experience.

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Enjoy a peaceful trek to the stunning Esmeralda Lagoon, with the chance to observe beavers in their natural habitat. Leaving the Beagle Channel behind, you’ll explore one of the island’s most beautiful valleys, walking across peat fields and through lenga forests. The trail passes by beaver dams and follows a gentle stream leading to the turquoise waters of Esmeralda Lagoon, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Here, you’ll relax and enjoy a snack while admiring the breathtaking scenery. On the return, take advantage of the long summer daylight to fully connect with the landscape as you quietly wait to see the beavers emerge for their evening activities, a truly magical moment.

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Say goodbye to the wonderful Patagonia. Your local driver will take you to the Ushuaia airport to catch your flight to the next destination.

  • Transportation throughout the trip

  • Accommodation

  • Expert local guides

  • Full support from your Travel Agent before, during, and after the trip

  • International or domestic flights

  • National Park Tickets

  • Personal expenses and optional activities

To start this journey, travelers will need to fly into El Calafate Airport Aeropuerto Internacional Comandante Tola (FTE), located just outside El Calafate City. This airport receives domestic flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – AEP) and international connections via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).

  • Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to El Calafate Airport (FTE).

  • Intermediate Flight: Traveler flies from El Calafate (FTE) to Ushuaia Airport Aeropuerto Internacional Malvinas Argentinas (USH).

  • Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Ushuaia Airport (USH) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.

Talk with a local travel specialist

Plan your perfect Argentina adventure with personalized guidance

(+54)-9-2966218693

or fill out our quick form below

Contact a destination specialist, who will take the time to fully understand your preferences and ideas and turn them into the perfect itinerary for you according to your budget. The itinerary can be modified as many times as you want until you are completely happy with the result.

Plan Your Trip

Where to stay

Eco Domes Patagonia El Chalten

Hosteria El Pilar El Chalten

Xelena Hotel El Calafate

Tierra Tehuelche El Calafate

Eco Camp Torres del Paine

Awasi Patagonia Torres del Paine

Albatros Hotel Ushuaia

Arakur Hotel Ushuaia

How to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add extra nights in El Chalten and visit the Viedma Glacier

  • Include additional days in Ushuaia and trek the Vinciguerra trail or enjoy a helicopter flight over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel

  • Extend the trip adding some days to visit the Lake District (Bariloche) for more mountain and lake adventures

  • Add some days in Buenos Aires to enjoy the vibrant Argentine Capital and the Tango cultue

  • All activities, accommodations, and transfers can be tailored to traveler preferences

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