Home > Expeditions > Patagonia Discovery Trek (Chile to Argentina)
Summary
Embark on our Patagonia Discovery Trek, a journey through the captivating wilderness of Chile and Argentina. Discover renowned national parks, pale blue glacial lakes, captivating wildlife, and enchanting glaciers. In intimate small groups, guided by our naturalist expert, immerse yourself in the best of Patagonia: witness eagles and condors gracefully gliding above majestic ice-capped peaks, stroll through pristine beech forests surrounded by native orchids and songbirds, encounter iceberg-calving glaciers up close, and be welcomed by peaceful grazing guanacos as you traverse the pampas. Welcome to the wonders of Patagonia!
Our Patagonia Discovery Trek will take you to the wilderness of Chile and Argentina, home to world-famous national parks, pale blue glacial lakes, curious wildlife and mesmerising glaciers. In small groups of 4 to 14 travellers, and accompanied by our naturalist and expert guide, you will experience the best of Patagonia: eagles and condors will put on a show gliding above soaring ice-tipped peaks, native orchids and songbirds will complement your walks through pristine beech forests, you will get up-close with iceberg-calving glaciers and peaceful grazing guanacos will welcome you as you walk through the pampas. Welcome to Patagonia!
LEVEL 2 – Moderate Hiking Style
Some difficult terrain. Multiple consecutive +5 hour hiking days. May be impacted by high altitude. Good fitness, health and hiking experience necessary.
Highlights
- Get up-close with famous Perito Moreno Glacier
- Sample King Crab in Puerto Natales
- Trek through spectacular Torres del Paine National Park
- Native orchids and amazing bird watching
- Climb up to Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre base camp
- Travel through pampas dotted with guanacos
The following Patagonia Discovery Trek itineraries have Guaranteed Departures:
PTG67 Argentina Return, departing 18 Nov 23
PTG68 Chile to Argentina, departing 24 Nov 23
PTG79 Chile to Argentina, departing 4 Mar 24
PTG83 Argentina Return, departing 14 Nov 24
PTG87 Argentina to Chile, departing 18 Jan 25
Gallery
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Punta Arenas
On arrival into Punta Arenas, please make your own way to the group hotel (details will be provided in your final documents). This township, founded in 1500’s is the gateway to the Straits of Magellan, was originally established as a prison colony and later the biggest commercial and supplying center of all vessels travelling between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the town. You will have a briefing in the afternoon to meet your guide and learn about your upcoming adventure, before having the first dinner with your group.
Overnight Punta Arenas
Day 2 Drive to Puerto Natales
This morning after breakfast, we drive across the pampas to Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Última Esperanza, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is at leisure and this evening you may like to sample King Crab in one of the seafood restaurants.
Overnight Puerto Natales
Day 3 To Torres Del Paine By Boat On Serrano River, Via Balmaceda Glacier
This morning we leave Puerto Natales and journey towards Torres del Paine National Park and its fabulous scenery. We board a boat and travel down the fjord, pausing at the Balmaceda Glacier enroute. We then change onto Zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before reaching Torres del Paine.
Overnight in Villa Serrano
Days 4-5 Day walks in Torres del Paine National Park
Over the next two days we plan to spend time trekking multiple trails to view some of the highlights of Torres del Paine National Park. Our small bus will transfer us between trails, and we'll keep an eye out for herds of guanacos, foxes, condors, falcons, and more along the way. Walking trails may include the Salto Grande Falls, Mirador Cuernos Lookout, Nordenskjöld Lake, Amarga
Lagoon, Pehoé Lake or Cóndor Viewpoint. We also plan to trek into the Ascencio Valley through a long and steep trail that will takes us to the base of the famous 'Towers of Paine'.
The next two nights are spent in Torres del Paine National Park
NOTE: The trekking level will depend on the group’s level of fitness, bearing in mind that many of the highlights of these parks require a 7-8 hour walk (round trip). There are other walks we can choose which are easier and provide excellent views of the parks, however as with any trek, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the day. The whole experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you!
KEY TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS
LAS TORRES BASE (Torres del Paine National Park)
Difficulty: Medium/High
Description: You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful Lenga forest and getting up close to the astounding Torres del Paine viewpoint. Throughout the trek you will walk through bushes, streams and glacier moraines.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance to cover: Approx 20 km (12.5 miles)
Elevation gain: Approx 900 metres (2,953 feet)
Day 6 Drive to El Chaltén
Your legs can have a well-deserved rest today as we leave Torres del Paine and Chile, travelling south and then across the border into Argentina. Our final destination for today is the village of El Chaltén, in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park. It is from here that we make our day trips throughout the park.
Overnight El Chaltén
Days 7-8 Day walks in Los Glaciares National Park
Over the next two days we enjoy day walks to the base camp of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Mount Fitz Roy is found at the northern end of the park and is part of a range of bizarre peaks including the needle like rock pinnacle of Cerro Torre. For a climber it looks to be one of the most unclimbed peaks in the world – in fact it was only scaled for the first time in 1974. To the south runs a great chain of massive glaciers that basically follows the line of the Chile/Argentina border. The dramatic rock spires beckon and our days here will be a highlight of the trip. The beautiful valleys hold crystal clear streams and are home to a multitude of bird life. During the short summer the beech trees and the flowers bloom profusely and we are here at the best time to enjoy it.
Overnight El Chaltén – Hosteria El Puma or similar (B,L,D)
KEY TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS
FITZ ROY BASE CAMP / LAGUNA DE LOS TRES (Los Glaciares National Park)
Difficulty: Medium/High
Duration: 8 hours
Distance to cover: Approx 20 km (12.5 miles)
Elevation gain: Approx 700 metres (2,297 feet)
Description: Short drive to Hostería El Pilar next to Río Blanco 18 kilometres (11 miles) north of El Chaltén. The trail follows Río Blanco, pass Piedras Blancas glacier and up to Río Blanco base camp. Piedras Blancas glacier is a hanging glacier that descends from the base of Fitz Roy. Lunch stop will be in the vicinity of Río Blanco or Poicenot base camp. To return to town the group will follow the trail and pass Laguna Capri to enjoy even more views of Mount Fitz Roy.
CERRO TORRE LAGUN & GLACIER (Los Glaciares National Park)
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 7 hours
Distance to cover: Approx 22 km (13.7 miles)
Elevation gain: Approx 250 metres (820 feet)
Description: Hike along the Río Fitz Roy valley to reach the Laguna Torre at the end of the valley. Get as close as non-climbers can get to the mystical Cerro Torre. You will also visit the base camp where climbers wait for the good weather to attempt the climb.
Day 9 Drive to El Calafate
This morning we depart El Chaltén for the drive across the Patagonia and the arid Argentine pampas to El Calafate, (approx 4 hours). The township, was founded in 1927, is best known as the ‘national capital of the glaciers’ and is the gateway to the Patagonia Los Glaciares National Park including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. After a short stop in El Calafate, we will continue our journey entering the southern area of the National Park to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Back in El Calafate we will enjoy a farewell dinner!
Overnight El Calafate
Day 10 El Calafate
Today your trek will end in El Calafate, where you can continue your adventure at your own arrangement. (B)
Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 8 dinners
- Standard to Superior hotel and lodge accommodation throughout
- Private ground transport
- All guide fees and National Park entrance costs
- English-speaking local guides
- Trip accompanied by Vantage Explorations trek leader
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights, unless specified
- Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity fees and vaccination charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
- Optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
Cabins & Prices
Before You Go
Pre-Departure Guide: Scotland & Ireland
Extension Tours
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*Terms & Conditions apply. Additional 5% discount valid on both voyages but two voyages must connect back to back in terms of dates to be eligible. Offer is valid on new bookings only aboard the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle. Promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with early bird voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The offer can be withdrawn at any time and are not redeemable for cash. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. Please see full terms and conditions.