Patagonia Wilderness

Patagonia Wilderness

Witness Argentina's Perito Moreno Glacier, Trek the Patagonian wilderness through Argentina and Chile, Camp among the peaks of Chilean Patagonia, Explore the lakes and waterfalls of Torres del Paine National Park, Spot wildlife playing in the Beagle Channel, Visit the world's southernmost city Ushuaia, Wander the elegant streets of Buenos Aires

Become an adventurer in the Patagonia Wilderness - one of the most remote and beautiful environments in the world. Visit the best of nature's attractions in Argentina before heading to Chile to marvel at the Patagonian wilderness. From the tango bars and heaving streets of Buenos Aires, head to the striking mountain scenery, vast open plains, dramatic ice fields and advancing glaciers of Patagonia. Trek to the spectacular Laguna Torre and the iconic Torres del Paine, hike glaciers and visit the quirky towns at the end of the world. Experience a South American adventure through this spectacular region of Argentina and Chile.

 

Please arrive make sure you arrive on day 1 by 3.00pm, in time for the first group meeting. Please have lunch prior to the meeting as we'll head out on our first activity straight afterwards. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. If you are intending to hire a sleeping bag for our nights in the Torres del Paine National Park please let your leader know at this meeting.

In the afternoon your tour leader will take you for an approximately 2 hour orientation walk around some of Buenos Aires' main attractions. In the evening you have the option of going out for a group dinner.

As we leave Buenos Aires early on day 2, please try to exchange USD 150 to Argentinian an pesos and USD 150 to Chilean pesos before day 1 of the trip (Sunday). This should be enough to cover your personal expenses for the following 5 days in Argentina and 3 days in Chile.

Included Activities

Buenos Aires - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities

City bike tour, Buenos Aires - ARS90.00

Football game, Buenos Aires - ARS500.00

Gran Cafe Tortoni Show, Buenos Aires - ARS15.00

Tango show, Buenos Aires - ARS540.00

Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires - USD5.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

It is a 3 hr flight south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. The rest of the day is free.On day 3 we visit Perito Moreno Glaciar. At 3km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long it is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below.We return to El Calafate for the night.Please be aware that there are no ATM's available in Perito Moreno Glaciar and El Chalten, Your group leader will give you an indication of the amount needed in each destination.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

It is a 3 hr flight south from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. The rest of the day is free.On day 3 we visit Perito Moreno Glaciar. At 3km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long it is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below.We return to El Calafate for the night.Please be aware that there are no ATM's available in Perito Moreno Glaciar and El Chalten, Your group leader will give you an indication of the amount needed in each destination.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

It is 220 km (approx 3.5 hours) to El Chalten.

The next two days we'll take on at least two of the most popular day treks in the area: Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Las Torres. Hikes are moderate to difficult. You can expect to walk from six to nine hours on clearly marked and well maintained paths. The terrain itself is not difficult. Wind and rain may be the main challenges you face on these walks.

The hikes we trek and the order in which we trek them may change depending on weather conditions.

Day 6 is a long day as we travel back to El Calafate at the end of a hiking day.

Included Activities

Day hikes

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

It is 220 km (approx 3.5 hours) to El Chalten.

The next two days we'll take on at least two of the most popular day treks in the area: Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Las Torres. Hikes are moderate to difficult. You can expect to walk from six to nine hours on clearly marked and well maintained paths. The terrain itself is not difficult. Wind and rain may be the main challenges you face on these walks.

The hikes we trek and the order in which we trek them may change depending on weather conditions.

Day 6 is a long day as we travel back to El Calafate at the end of a hiking day.

Included Activities

Day hikes

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

It is 220 km (approx 3.5 hours) to El Chalten.

The next two days we'll take on at least two of the most popular day treks in the area: Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Las Torres. Hikes are moderate to difficult. You can expect to walk from six to nine hours on clearly marked and well maintained paths. The terrain itself is not difficult. Wind and rain may be the main challenges you face on these walks.

The hikes we trek and the order in which we trek them may change depending on weather conditions.

Day 6 is a long day as we travel back to El Calafate at the end of a hiking day.

Included Activities

Day hikes

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

Today is another long travel day. Early in the morning we jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile (approx. 5 hours). Here we stop for lunch (not included) while we wait for the connecting bus to Torres del Paine (approx. 1.5 hours).

Please make sure you have water, snacks and warm clothing available for today bus journeys.

Sitting at the end of the earth is the awe inspiring Chilean Patagonia. Few people have the opportunity to see this area and those who do find it difficult to forget. Once a sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959. This is magnificent trekking country where nandues, condors and pink flamingos abound. Upon arriving in the park you will most likely be greeted by a herd of guanacos, relatives of alpacas. These strange animals provide great photo opportunities but don't get too close; they're likely to spit at you. There's also some of the world's best trout and salmon fishing.

The real star of the show, however, is the magnificent landscape. With sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, glaciers and striking mountains, much of our time trekking is spent slack-jawed in awe of our surrounds.

The campsite will be our home for the next three nights and the base from where we'll take on our day hikes.

The most popular trek in this area is locally known as "Base Las Torres" (The Tower's base), your leader will recommend when to take this hike, depending on weather conditions.

Another available hike is towards "Refugio Los Cuernos" (The Horns' Lodge). This trek is long, but it has excellent views of this particular section of the park also known as "Los Cuernos del Paine" (The Horns)

Alternatively, you can opt for an optional vehicle based tour of the park. This activity gives you a wider understanding of the park and its three main areas: Glaciar Grey, Los Cuernos del Paine and Torres del Paine (Grey Glaciar, The Horns and The Towers). The price listed under Optional Activities is the total cost of it. The per person price will be reduced depending on how many travellers wish to take this option.

The treks are moderate to difficult along clearly marked trails and we will usually hike between 5-8 hours per day. Weather in Patagonia is an important factor to consider - be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather.

You and a fellow traveller will share a tent for the next three nights. Sleeping bags are not provided on this trip so please bring your own. Alternatively you can hire it locally for approximately US$30 for the 3 nights. Make sure you inform your leader on day 1 of the trip if you intend to hire it locally for him/her to make the necessary arrangements. A thermarest/inflatable camping mattress is provided on this trip.

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners will be provided while camping. Dinners are simple (pastas, rice, chicken) and are served in a common dinning area. Lunches consist of sandwiches, fruit and sometimes a chocolate bar. Soft and alcoholic drinks are not provided and there is limited selection for you to buy from at the Camping's general store. If you particularly like certain snacks (almonds, nuts, raisins) or a drink (a bottle of wine, spirit) please make sure you bring it from Buenos Aires or Calafate.

Bathroom facilities are available in the campsite with communal showers and bathroom separated by sex.

While we hike, all your belongings will be left at the campsite, inside your tent. We can not be made responsible for anything that may go missing from your tent, however the campsite dedicates one person to look after the site and our belongings and we have not had anything missing from our tents so far.

Included Activities

3 nights camping/2 days hiking excursion

Optional Activities

Vehicle base tour of Torres del Paine National Park, Torres del Paine National Park - CLP80000.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts)

Today is another long travel day. Early in the morning we jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile (approx. 5 hours). Here we stop for lunch (not included) while we wait for the connecting bus to Torres del Paine (approx. 1.5 hours).

Please make sure you have water, snacks and warm clothing available for today bus journeys.

Sitting at the end of the earth is the awe inspiring Chilean Patagonia. Few people have the opportunity to see this area and those who do find it difficult to forget. Once a sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959. This is magnificent trekking country where nandues, condors and pink flamingos abound. Upon arriving in the park you will most likely be greeted by a herd of guanacos, relatives of alpacas. These strange animals provide great photo opportunities but don't get too close; they're likely to spit at you. There's also some of the world's best trout and salmon fishing.

The real star of the show, however, is the magnificent landscape. With sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, glaciers and striking mountains, much of our time trekking is spent slack-jawed in awe of our surrounds.

The campsite will be our home for the next three nights and the base from where we'll take on our day hikes.

The most popular trek in this area is locally known as "Base Las Torres" (The Tower's base), your leader will recommend when to take this hike, depending on weather conditions.

Another available hike is towards "Refugio Los Cuernos" (The Horns' Lodge). This trek is long, but it has excellent views of this particular section of the park also known as "Los Cuernos del Paine" (The Horns)

Alternatively, you can opt for an optional vehicle based tour of the park. This activity gives you a wider understanding of the park and its three main areas: Glaciar Grey, Los Cuernos del Paine and Torres del Paine (Grey Glaciar, The Horns and The Towers). The price listed under Optional Activities is the total cost of it. The per person price will be reduced depending on how many travellers wish to take this option.

The treks are moderate to difficult along clearly marked trails and we will usually hike between 5-8 hours per day. Weather in Patagonia is an important factor to consider - be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather.

You and a fellow traveller will share a tent for the next three nights. Sleeping bags are not provided on this trip so please bring your own. Alternatively you can hire it locally for approximately US$30 for the 3 nights. Make sure you inform your leader on day 1 of the trip if you intend to hire it locally for him/her to make the necessary arrangements. A thermarest/inflatable camping mattress is provided on this trip.

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners will be provided while camping. Dinners are simple (pastas, rice, chicken) and are served in a common dinning area. Lunches consist of sandwiches, fruit and sometimes a chocolate bar. Soft and alcoholic drinks are not provided and there is limited selection for you to buy from at the Camping's general store. If you particularly like certain snacks (almonds, nuts, raisins) or a drink (a bottle of wine, spirit) please make sure you bring it from Buenos Aires or Calafate.

Bathroom facilities are available in the campsite with communal showers and bathroom separated by sex.

While we hike, all your belongings will be left at the campsite, inside your tent. We can not be made responsible for anything that may go missing from your tent, however the campsite dedicates one person to look after the site and our belongings and we have not had anything missing from our tents so far.

Included Activities

3 nights camping/2 days hiking excursion

Optional Activities

Vehicle base tour of Torres del Paine National Park, Torres del Paine National Park - CLP80000.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts)

Today is another long travel day. Early in the morning we jump on a local bus to Cerro Castillo in Chile (approx. 5 hours). Here we stop for lunch (not included) while we wait for the connecting bus to Torres del Paine (approx. 1.5 hours).

Please make sure you have water, snacks and warm clothing available for today bus journeys.

Sitting at the end of the earth is the awe inspiring Chilean Patagonia. Few people have the opportunity to see this area and those who do find it difficult to forget. Once a sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959. This is magnificent trekking country where nandues, condors and pink flamingos abound. Upon arriving in the park you will most likely be greeted by a herd of guanacos, relatives of alpacas. These strange animals provide great photo opportunities but don't get too close; they're likely to spit at you. There's also some of the world's best trout and salmon fishing.

The real star of the show, however, is the magnificent landscape. With sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, glaciers and striking mountains, much of our time trekking is spent slack-jawed in awe of our surrounds.

The campsite will be our home for the next three nights and the base from where we'll take on our day hikes.

The most popular trek in this area is locally known as "Base Las Torres" (The Tower's base), your leader will recommend when to take this hike, depending on weather conditions.

Another available hike is towards "Refugio Los Cuernos" (The Horns' Lodge). This trek is long, but it has excellent views of this particular section of the park also known as "Los Cuernos del Paine" (The Horns)

Alternatively, you can opt for an optional vehicle based tour of the park. This activity gives you a wider understanding of the park and its three main areas: Glaciar Grey, Los Cuernos del Paine and Torres del Paine (Grey Glaciar, The Horns and The Towers). The price listed under Optional Activities is the total cost of it. The per person price will be reduced depending on how many travellers wish to take this option.

The treks are moderate to difficult along clearly marked trails and we will usually hike between 5-8 hours per day. Weather in Patagonia is an important factor to consider - be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather.

You and a fellow traveller will share a tent for the next three nights. Sleeping bags are not provided on this trip so please bring your own. Alternatively you can hire it locally for approximately US$30 for the 3 nights. Make sure you inform your leader on day 1 of the trip if you intend to hire it locally for him/her to make the necessary arrangements. A thermarest/inflatable camping mattress is provided on this trip.

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners will be provided while camping. Dinners are simple (pastas, rice, chicken) and are served in a common dinning area. Lunches consist of sandwiches, fruit and sometimes a chocolate bar. Soft and alcoholic drinks are not provided and there is limited selection for you to buy from at the Camping's general store. If you particularly like certain snacks (almonds, nuts, raisins) or a drink (a bottle of wine, spirit) please make sure you bring it from Buenos Aires or Calafate.

Bathroom facilities are available in the campsite with communal showers and bathroom separated by sex.

While we hike, all your belongings will be left at the campsite, inside your tent. We can not be made responsible for anything that may go missing from your tent, however the campsite dedicates one person to look after the site and our belongings and we have not had anything missing from our tents so far.

Included Activities

3 nights camping/2 days hiking excursion

Optional Activities

Vehicle base tour of Torres del Paine National Park, Torres del Paine National Park - CLP80000.00

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts)

We travel by local bus bus to Puerto Varas, before continuing to Punta Arenas.

 

Set among windswept plains and looking across the Straits of Magellan to Porvenir and Tierra del Fuego, Punta Arenas feels close to the end of the world. In reality it's not that far away. This is Chile's southernmost city and it has plenty of interesting history. Over the years it has attracted explorers, ranchers and even fortune-seekers, as it was was once an important stop along the Californian gold rush route. In recent years it has become a base for the Chilean Navy and with oil and gas discovered offshore and the growth in adventure tourism, the city is going from strength to strength. Tonight don't miss the chance to sample seafood, some of the finest in the country.

Accommodation

Did we mention we have some long travel days on this trip? On day 11 we hit the road for one last time - a whopping 12-hour bus ride takes us back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Needless to say you will need to arm yourself with your favourite book, your music player, drinks and snacks.

In Ushuaia you will stay in B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast). This kind of accommodation offers a unique local charm and interaction that are difficult to experience in a regular hotel. However, due to their limited capacity, your group may be split into 2 or more different properties.

Included Activities

Beagle Channel cruise

Optional Activities

Martial Glacier hike, Ushuaia - ARS65.00

Penguin tour, Ushuaia - ARS510.00

Accommodation

Bed and breakfast (3 nts)

Did we mention we have some long travel days on this trip? On day 11 we hit the road for one last time - a whopping 12-hour bus ride takes us back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Needless to say you will need to arm yourself with your favourite book, your music player, drinks and snacks.

In Ushuaia you will stay in B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast). This kind of accommodation offers a unique local charm and interaction that are difficult to experience in a regular hotel. However, due to their limited capacity, your group may be split into 2 or more different properties.

Included Activities

Beagle Channel cruise

Optional Activities

Martial Glacier hike, Ushuaia - ARS65.00

Penguin tour, Ushuaia - ARS510.00

Accommodation

Bed and breakfast (3 nts)

Did we mention we have some long travel days on this trip? On day 11 we hit the road for one last time - a whopping 12-hour bus ride takes us back to Argentina and to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Needless to say you will need to arm yourself with your favourite book, your music player, drinks and snacks.

In Ushuaia you will stay in B&Bs (Bed and Breakfast). This kind of accommodation offers a unique local charm and interaction that are difficult to experience in a regular hotel. However, due to their limited capacity, your group may be split into 2 or more different properties.

Included Activities

Beagle Channel cruise

Optional Activities

Martial Glacier hike, Ushuaia - ARS65.00

Penguin tour, Ushuaia - ARS510.00

Accommodation

Bed and breakfast (3 nts)

On day 14 you return to Buenos Aires for a final night out. Please note that while we intend to return to Buenos Aires in the early hours of the afternoon, airline schedules in Argentina are known for changing without much notice, meaning that we can potentially arrive in Buenos Aires as late as 11pm on day 14. We return to our centrally located hotel in Buenos Aires for our final night. As there are no activities planned, you are free to depart at any time on day 15.

Accommodation

On day 14 you return to Buenos Aires for a final night out. Please note that while we intend to return to Buenos Aires in the early hours of the afternoon, airline schedules in Argentina are known for changing without much notice, meaning that we can potentially arrive in Buenos Aires as late as 11pm on day 14. We return to our centrally located hotel in Buenos Aires for our final night. As there are no activities planned, you are free to depart at any time on day 15.

Accommodation

@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner