Experience the magnificent granite and ice of southern Patagonia! This itinerary focus on the three iconic national parks that continue to inspire explorers, adventurers and visitors alike – the Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares National Park & Mount Fitzroy. Hike the extraordinary trails, marvel at the unique wildlife, cruise past towering glaciers and visit lonely estancias on the edge of the Great Southern Icefield.
Itinerary Highlights
What’s included
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or subtract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
10
Nights
Price Guide
From $3950 per person
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
SANTIAGO
wELCOME TO THE tORRES DEL pAINE!
On arrival into Puerto Natales, head into the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park, a crown of jagged granite peaks that rise up from the desolate Patagonian steppe and holds back the advances of the Patagonian Ice Cap. Travel in by road and you can visit the Cueva de Milodon, a huge cavern the holds the mummified remains of a giant ice-age sloth. Or, for something more adventurous, why not head into the Torres del Paine via the frozen channels of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, a journey that gives you a first glimpse of the soaring massif from a zodiac inflatable as you cruise up the Serrano River. Whether you opt for a fully-inclusive hotel stay or a hiking trip or even a self-drive adventure, the Torres del Paine is the face of Patagonia and South America’s most impressive national park!
eXPLORE pATAGONIA’S ICONIC NATIONAL PARK
Based at a mountain lodge or unique tented camp, your days are spent exploring the national park and immersing yourself in the dazzling landscapes. For adventure enthusiasts, why not hike the French Valley or Towers Viewpoint or take on a mini version of the iconic W Trek? Or enjoy shorter walks amidst herds of guanacos to breathtaking viewpoints – the Torres del Paine is criss-crossed with wonderful trails. Alternatively, join a cruise to Glacier Grey navigating past multi-hued icebergs or a enjoy a scenic jeep safari to the booming Salto Grande waterfall or picturesque Laguna Azul. For nature lovers, there is every chance of spotting flamingos, Rhea (South American Ostrich), Patagonian foxes and condor. In search of South America’s apex predators, you can even join dedicated puma-watching programs which has your scouring the national landscape for this wonderful creature.
cALAFATE & THE pERITO mORENO gLACIER
Head back across the border to the bustling town of Calafate overlooking Lake Argentino. Calafate sits at the heart of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, home to the awesome Perito Moreno Glacier, the world’s largest (and only advancing glacier) outside of the poles. Visit the glacier, take a boat-trip up to the face of the ice combined perhaps with lunch at a traditional estancia or even an ice-hiking experience – an incredible way to round off your stay.
mOUNT fITZROY – aRGENTINA’S TREKKING CAPITAL
Continue around the lake to the iconic peaks of Mount Fitzroy and the bustling frontier town of El Chalten perched at the foot of the towering massif. Mount Fitzroy is the trekking capital of Argentina and home to some of Patagonia’s (if not South America’s ) finest day walks. Hike the “Laguna de Los Tres” and “Cerro Torre” trails, both breathtaking glacial lakes framed against soaring granite towers or venture onto the Great Southern Icefield itself. Trekking aside, there are scenic drives (and boat-trips) at Lago del Desierto, historic estancias and wonderful wildlife, all dotted throughout with incredible viewpoints. For the ultimate Patagonian escape, head out to the remote Aguas Arriba Lodge or the sumptuous Explora Chalten.
Depart PATAGONIA
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide From $3950 pp
When to travel
Argentina’s weather is as diverse as the country’s landscapes. In the far south, temperatures reach the high teens during the spring and summer months of November to March (best time to visit) though can drop close to zero at night. Due to its latitude, days are long – 16 hours of light in December which contrasts with around 8 hours in mid-winter when temperatures run close to zero during the day and sub-zero at night. Heading north, the Lake District follows a similar pattern though is warmer over 20° in the summer and wettest in March/April though with beautiful autumnal colours. Buenos Aires and central Argentina enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with annual highs of 30° while the subtropical north is very hot and sticky with tempestuous downpours during the summer months – Iguazu Falls are particularly impressive in January in February though often the sheer volume of water and surrounding mist shroud the view.
Add on’s
For the ultimate experience, why not add on a spectacular Patagonian cruise? Options include the Skorpios III which explores the ice-choked channels of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park or the Ventus- or Stella Australis which voyage through the lush fjords, glaciers and mountains of the Darwin Range. Weather-allowing, you may even disembark at Cape Horn!
Futher north, the forests, volcanoes and raging rivers of Bariloche and Puerto Varas compliment the frozen south beautifully or you may prefer to head into the desolate Patagonian steppe to experience the wildlife extravaganza of the Valdes Peninsula and “Blue Patagonia”.
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