Travel to Argentina, Chile, Patagonia: Hikers Patagonia

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Hikers Patagonia

			DAYS: 13 GRADE: II-III define PRICE: From $4250 per person * Internal airfare $520 additional * HIGHLIGHTS: Torres del Paine Los Glaciares National Park Perito Moreno Glacier El-Chalten-Fitzroy Viedma Glacier ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Deluxe Camp MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Our most active hiking tour of Patagonia ventures into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, then crosses into Argentina's Glacier National Park and the peaks of Fitzroy-Chalten. Designed as an active Patagonia vacation we are strategically based in comfortable Suite Dome Tents at Las Torres EcoCamp under the towering rock spires of Torres del Paine, and at boutique mountain lodges in Calafate and Chalten. In one of the most spectacular hiking areas in the world we amble among the mountain peaks mostly under 3,500' elevation on easy undulating trails that contour past turquoise lakes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and alpine meadows where guanaco roam and condors soar. Optional challenging hikes to high base camps and lookouts up to 9,000' elevation afford spectacular views of sheer rock walls and glaciers. Accompanied by professional Patagonia guides, each day of this Patagonia adventure tour in Chile and Argentina presents different hiking options, including two non-technical mini-treks on Perito Moreno and Viedma Glaciers, with lots of wildlife and photographic opportunties.

DAY 1 :  SANTIAGO
Morning airport reception and transfer to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco.  In the afternoon take a historic tour of Santiago including the Presidential Palace once the National Mint and thus called "La Moneda", the historic main square or "Plaza de Armas", the Cathedral, the National History Museum, and "Casa Colorado" the historic residence of the Governor. Continue on to Santa Lucia the hill upon which the Spanish founded Santiago in 1541. Overnight at the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. 

DAY 2 :  PUNTA ARENAS TO LAS TORRES ECOCAMP
Transfer out for morning flight to Punta Arenas and then drive north through the vast Patagonian pampa to Puerto Natales, following the coastal route along the Straits of Magellan in Tierra del Fuego (256km/160 miles/3 hrs). After lunch in Puerto Natales, continue into Torres del Paine National Park (246 km/153 miles/ 2 hrs) stopping at the Milodon Cave where the remains of a giant prehistoric sloth were discovered. Arrive for dinner and overnight under the southern constellations at Las Torres Ecocamp in Torres del Paine Natioanal Park. [BLD]

DAYS 3-5 :  TORRES DEL PAINE AT LAS TORRES ECOCAMP
Explorations in and around the park vary according to the day of the week and interests and abilities of our travelers in collaboration with guides. Each day there is an easy excursion by car with walking and light hiking, and a second option that is designed for more active hikers. Most excursions are full day although some are half-day allowing for exploration and relaxed time in the vicinity of the camp. Easy outings include a drive to Laguna Azul Lake with a warmer microclimate and walk among ancient beech forests with opportunities for spotting diverse bird life, particularly the Magellanic Woodpecker. Another walk over flat terrain across the "Ruta de la Fauna" at Lake Sarmiento affords easy observation of guanacos and the panoramic views of the Paine massif especially the Cuernos, or Horns of Paine. More challenging all day hikes include an ascent to the base of the Torres del Paine massif, and another is crossing Lake Pehoe by boat and hiking the French Valley into the heart of the Park. Return each day for dinner and overnight at Las Torres Eco Camp. [BLD]

click on chart for larger view

DAY 6 :  EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA
Drive 3-4 hours
Transfer via Puerto Natales across to pampas and the border of Argentina to El Calafate. This mountain town is the base for Argentina adventure tours of the Patagonian Continental Ice Cap and Los Glaciares National Park. The ice field runs 560 miles from north to south and is the origin of 47 major glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Overnight at Hotel de Campo Kau Yatun a charming mountain lodge once part of the Estancia 25 de Mayo.  [B]

The Perito Moreno Glacier trek in Los Glaciares National Park is an unforgettable excursion on collumns of solid ice.

DAY 7 :  PERITO MORENO GLACIER MINI-TREK
Drive to a spectacular lookout of Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Permanently advancing along its 3-mile-front, columns of ice over 20 stories high peel off the face and crash into Lago Argentino creating massive icebergs. We cross Lago Argentino by catamaran along the front wall of the glacier to the edge of the Patagonian Ice Cap.  Watch and listen as the glacier calves enormous shards of ice into the lake. We disembark, walk through the beech forest for a safety briefing before strapping on crampons and hiking up onto the ice pack! Watch for Andean condor and Buff-necked Ibis. This is an easy, non-technical walk on the glacier. Overnight at the Hotel de Campo Kau Yatun. [BL]

Note: Note: The Moreno glacier walk is a local group excursion of up to 20 persons operated by a local park concession. Ask about our Big Ice Exploration, an alternative, longer, 3-hour hike with a smaller group that ventures deeper into the depths of the glacier!

DAY 8 :  EL CHALTEN-FITZROY
Drive 4 hours
Journey across the steppe to El Chalten, an outpost in the far reaches of Los Galciares National Park. The frontier town is surrounded by some of the most imposing peaks in the Patagonian Andes, Cerro Fitzroy and Cerro Torre. Overnight at Hostera el Pilar. [BL]

DAYS 9-10 :  EL CHALTEN-FITZROY HIKING
Our guide will meet you at the hostera each morning to plan the days activities adapted to your interests and abilities. A popular trail takes you to Laguna Torre, continuing to the base camp for climbers of Cerro Torre.  A fairly easy and level walk takes you through beautiful beech forests along Rio Fitzroy until a final push up steep glacial moraine reaches the lake.  Whichever Fitzroy hike you take, enjoy breathtaking views of the principal peaks of the Fitzroy Range.  Overnight at Hostera el Pilar. [BLD]

DAY 11 :  VIEDMA GLACIER MINI-TREK
Transfer to the shores of Lago Viedma where we board a Zodiac to cross the lake to the base of the Viedma Glacier.  Though Viedmas lakeside face is small, its Argentinas largest glacier. After disembarking, hike to an overlook of the glacier and Cerro Huemul peak at 8,000 ft.  Opt to strap on crampons and trek within the walls of the glacier through ice caves.  Overnight at Hostera el Pilar.  [BLD]

DAY 12 :  EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES
Drive 4 hours
Transfer to Calafate for afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Transfer in to overnight at Moreno Suites. [B]

	Explore the La Boca neighborhood where tango was born on the Four Balconies Tour of Buenos Aires.

DAY 13 :  BUENOS AIRES CITY TOUR- DEPART
Enjoy the day exploring Buenos Aires on our Four Balconies of Buenos Aires half-day city tour. A university scholar uses four parks and plazas to introduce you to the city, its history, its style, and the peculiar psychology of Porteo residents. You visit historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Your hotel room is available until check out this morning, after which you can store your luggage at the hotel (or request a day room at extra cost) until your transfer to the international airport in time for your evening departure. [B]

Note: Note: Consider adding a trip extension to Iguazu Falls, Mendoza wine country, or an extra day in Buenos Aires to enjoy the beautiful city with free time for walking and shopping or a variety of other half day tours exploring by bike or kayak, take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums.

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Gregg Burke 1(800)345-4453