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Patagonia Hiking Tour in El Chalten

Patagonia Hiking Tour in El Chalten
Patagonia Hiking Tour
Patagonia Glaciers
Patagonia Tour
Patagonia Tour

Traverse the awe-inspiring vistas of Patagonia with the help of expert, certified guides. This iconic wilderness boasts some of the world's most stunning scenery, from the majestic Andes peaks to the expansive glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Every hiker's dream awaits in this remarkable region.

Group

Andes

16 Days

Mar

Intermediate

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Explore Patagonia's unique landscapes
  • Hike in the shadows of legendary peaks like Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the Paine Towers.
  • Enjoy low-elevation hiking with no altitude worries.

Description

Calling all adventure seekers! Experience the world's most stunning scenery in Patagonia by hiking with us on this ultimate adventure!

Imagine yourself hiking through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, one of the most iconic wilderness regions on Earth. From the towering peaks of the Andes to the vast glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, Patagonia has something to offer every hiker:

Explore Los Glaciares National Park and marvel at the colossal Perito Moreno glacier, a colossal ice giant located in Lago Argentino. Walk along the many footbridges set up to offer you multiple points of view on this jewel and its magnificent landscapes.

Embark on a challenging hike to the Laguna Torre viewpoint, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Adela peaks, as well as the ice floes that have calved off the Torre glacier.

Journey through the charming fishing village of Puerto Natales, located on the shores of the Última Esperanza fjord and surrounded by the Señoret Canal. From here, you will approach the main entrance of the Torres del Paine National Park, Laguna Amarga.

Hike to the world-famous Base Torres viewpoint, and bask in the breathtaking views of the three Torres del Paine peaks and the surrounding landscape.

Traverse a narrow, winding valley to the Los Patos lagoon, where you will glimpse the vast southern ice fields and the ice floes of Lake Grey. Continue on, passing the sometimes windy lookout, and descend through mountainous forest to Gray Hut. From there, a short 10-minute walk will lead you to the Grey Glacier viewpoint, where you will come face to face with one of the arms of Campos de Hielo Sur, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Journey into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park along the blue waters of Lake Skottsberg, passing by the Italian Camp. Climb some large boulders and continue through the forest to the Mirador Francés (French Lookout). At the French Lookout, be rewarded with incredible views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and incredible hanging glaciers tumbling down the east face of Paine Grande mountain.

This ultimate Patagonia hiking trip is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and stunning scenery. Contact me today, and start planning your dream Patagonia hiking trip!

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Transport during the trip
  • Transportation start and back
  • Permit and entrance fees
  • Mountain guide expenses
  • Luggage transfer
  • Flight to the start
  • Local flights

Price details

  • Most meals are included in Torres del Paine Hike. In El Chalten diner is not included. Drinks are not included both destinations.

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Buenos Aires

Flight to Buenos Aires. On your arrival, meet with your English-speaking host hotel and transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation. Discussion time with your guide and end of the day free.

Day 2: Buenos Aires - El Calafate

Transfer to Buenos Aires airport and flight to El Calafate. Upon arrival, transfer by private vehicle to your accommodation. Informative meeting with your host (French-speaking according to availability) and end of the day free to discover this city on the shores of Lake Argentino.

Day 3: El Calafate - Perito Moreno - El Chalten

This morning, you are going on an excursion to Los Glaciares National Park to admire one of Patagonia's must-sees: the Perito Moreno glacier. The ice giant is located in Lago Argentino. You walk along the many trails set up on footbridges that offer multiple points of view on this jewel and its magnificent landscapes.

Then, at the end of the day, take a regular bus from El Calafate bus station to El Chalten, a small town at the foot of the two giants Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.

Walking hours: between 5h and 6h
Accommodation: in a hotel
Leader : English-speaking guide
Board type: Breakfast

Transfer: Regular Bus, between 3h and 3h30, 210 km

Day 4: El Chalten – Laguna la los Tres.

A 20 kilometer route that requires about 9/10 hours of walking, with 1,200 meters of cumulative elevation gain. The first 4 kilometers will be for warming up, with incredible views of the Río de las Vueltas valley, crossing forests and streams, until you meet Laguna Capri.

Then they will continue on the same path until km 8, where they will find the Poincenot campsite and the Rio Blanco. The most difficult kilometers start at Camping Poincenot. From the lagoon of Los Tres, the most beautiful view of the Fitz Roy, the Poincenot and Guillaumet needles.

In this case, we recommend that you pay attention to the timetables, since it will take about 4 hours to descend to the city from Laguna de los Tres. The return path is the same as the exit path.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 24km
Duration 8 – 10 hours
Difficulty level Very demanding –
Hotel accommodation
Lunch and Free dinner

Day 5: Arrive to El Chalten

Rest day to walk independently in El Chalten. Optional excursion in the surroundings, Loma del Pliegue Tumbado - Chorillo del Salto.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation
Free lunch and dinner

Day 6: El Chalten – Laguna Torre.

From El Chaltén we'll take the Laguna Torre trail and after a small slope we enter a small forest of ñires. From here, the trail begins to gain height aligning with the course of the Fitz Roy River.
After the first hour of walking, we arrive at the viewpoint of Cerro Torre. Here, we take the opportunity to take a short break while enjoying the magnificent panoramic view of the granite massif of Torre and its glaciers.
In Laguna Torre, you can usually see amazing ice floes resulting from landslides on the front of the Torre glacier.
We also know Camp De Agostini, used as a base camp by climbers from all over the world. After a break for lunch, you return to El Chaltén in the afternoon.
**
Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 22km
Duration 8 – 10 hours
Challenging difficulty level
Hotel accommodation
Free lunch and dinner**

Day 7: El Chalten - El Calafate

Another day of walking in El Chaltén, at the end of the afternoon go to the bus station of El Chaltén to take a bus line and go to El Calafate.

**
Hotel accommodation
Leader : English-speaking guide
Meals breakfast and lunch, free dinner**

Day 8: El Calafate-Puerto Natales

Meet at the bus station. Departure by bus for Puerto Natales, a charming fishing village bordered by the Señoret Canal and located on the shores of the Última Esperanza fjord. On your arrival, transfer by your own means to your accommodation and briefing with your host (English speaking).

Note: Travel time depends on customs procedures at the border.

Hotel accommodation

Leader : English-speaking guide

Day 9: Hike to Base Torres Viewpoint

After breakfast at the hotel, you must request your packed lunch and go to the bus station to catch the 7:00 a.m. bus (we advise you to be there at least 10 minutes before departure) to go towards of the Torres del Paine National Park.

You will pass through beautiful landscapes to the main entrance, Laguna Amarga, where it is necessary to register with CONAF (park rangers). Here a transfer is made with "Transporte Las Torres", which will take you to the reception center.

You'll check in at the Cerro Paine Reserve and after about a 5-minute walk you will arrive at Torre Central where you will need to check in, either at a refuge or at a campsite, before starting your trek.

Distance 10km - Leader : English-speaking guide
Duration 4 hours
Difficulty level Easy
Accommodation Refuge (single bed) or Central camping
Meals breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Hike to Base Torres Viewpoint

Today's walk begins through the Ascencio Valley, enjoying vast forests. On the final ascent, you cross a huge field of giant boulders, until you reach one of the most iconic viewpoints in the world, the famous Base Torres viewpoint.

At 900 meters above sea level, marvel at the 3 towers (north, central and south) of granite and the sparkling turquoise glacial lake at its feet. Take some great photos and enjoy your box lunch before heading back the same way to the Torre Central refuge. After a long day spent enjoying the Tours, have dinner at the refuge or at the campsite.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 22km –
Duration 8 – 10 hours
Difficulty level Very demanding
Accommodation Refuge (single bed) or Central camping
Meals breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: Catamaran - Hike to Grey

After having breakfast at the Torre Central refuge and ordering your packed lunch, you must take the Las Torres transfer at 8:30 am which will leave you again at Laguna Amarga, where you must board the Bus Sur bus which comes from Puerto Natales will pick you up and drive you to Pudeto.

At 10:30 a.m. you must board the Hielos Patagónicos catamaran, which will sail for about 35 minutes through Lake Pehoé, arriving directly at the Paine Grande refuge. From there begins the walk to Grey.

The journey begins with a narrow, winding valley that leads to the Los Patos lagoon. As you continue, you will begin to see parts of the vast southern ice fields, as well as the ice floes of Lake Grey. After passing the sometimes very windy lookout, the trail descends through mountainous forest to Gray Hut.

From there, if you continue walking for about 10 minutes, you will come to the Gray Glacier viewpoint, where you will come face to face with one of the arms of Campos de Hielo Sur. Dinner will be served at the refuge between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 11km
Duration 4 – 4.5 hours
Medium difficulty level
Accommodation Refuge (armed bed) or camping Gray
Meals Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

OPTIONAL
For an unforgettable view of Gray Glacier, book an additional 3-4 hours (round trip) past the hut en route to the famous Hanging Bridges. This is by far the best view of the glacier. In addition to contemplating the impressive ice, you can see the depths of the ravines formed by the rivers and the waterfalls coming from the Olguín range. If you're lucky, you might see the ice calving from the glacier into the cold waters of Lake Grey.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 4km
Duration 3 to 4 hours (round trip)
Medium difficulty level

Day 12: Hike from Gray to Paine Grande

Take your breakfast in the dining room of the Gray refuge, and don't forget to order your packed lunch. In case you didn't manage to visit the suspension bridges the previous afternoon, you can take the morning to explore the spectacular panoramic views of Gray Glacier. Today you will take the same route back to Paine Grande. Rest and dine in the refuge's dining room.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Distance 11km
Duration 4 – 4.5 hours
Medium difficulty level
Accommodation Refuge (armed bed) or Paine Grande campsite
Meals Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 13: Hiking in Valle del Francés - Catamaran - Return to Puerto Natales

Today's walk will be an out and back, starting and ending in Paine Grande. Journey into the heart of the park along the blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After about 2.5 hours of walking, you will arrive at the Italian camp (park wardens), where you will begin your journey to the French valley.

Climb some large boulders then continue through the forest to the French lookout. Here you will be rewarded with incredible views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons and incredible hanging glaciers tumbling down the east face of Paine Grande mountain (3,050m above sea level).

If you are lucky you can hear the loud noise of the glacier and the falling water, as well as it is very common to witness an avalanche. Enjoy your box lunch and some well-deserved rest.

Descend by the same path to the Italiano camp then to the Paine Grande refuge.
At 5:30 p.m., take the catamaran back to Pudeto, where you should board the regular bus at 6:00 p.m. for Puerto Natales. The approximate time of arrival in Natales is 9:15 p.m.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Accommodation Hotel
Distance 19km
Time 7 – 8 hours
Difficulty level Demanding
Meals Breakfast and packed lunch

Day 14: Puerto Natales - El Calafate

Make your own way to Puerto Natales bus station and take the regular bus to El Calafate.
Leader : English-speaking guide
Accommodation at the hotel and last night in El Calafate.
Meals breakfast and lunch, free dinner

Day 15: El Calafate- Buenos Aires

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to El Calafate airport, flight to Buenos Aires. Installation at the hotel.

Leader : English-speaking guide
Hotel accommodation

Day 16: Return flight Buenos Aires – France

Morning half day tour of Buenos Aires. Transfer to Buenos Aires airport and return flight in the evening. Night on board.

Day 17: Arrival at destination

 

Equipment you will need to bring

Equipment rent on site

Be sure to bring with you the following gear: * Sunglasses * Poles * Backpack * Water bottle * Hiking gear


About the guide

Guide profile image

Quique

5.0

(6)

Mountain Guide

IFMGA/UIAGM - AGMP Mountain Guide from Perú.

I began my mountain work when I was 18 years old as cook and carrier (porter) and I am now a Mountain Guide UIAGM – AGMP.

1998: I studied French at the Alliance Française in Cusco.
2000: I was accepted at the Don Bosco School for Guides of the Andes through the intermediary of the Italian volunteers of the Operazione Matto Grosso, technical support of the Association of the Mountain Guides of Peru.
2005: I passed my diploma as Mountain Guide UIAGM-AGMP. Climbing in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
2008-2011: Extra training as a Guide in Italy.
Since 2011, I have been Secretary of the of Peruvian Mountain Guides Association.
2013: Guiding in Ecuador, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Illinizas.
2014: Climbing to Utah, Usa.
2015: Exploring trip in Cordillera Central, close to Lima, Perú.

I speak French, Italian and English fluently. For more than 12 years I have been organizing and managing trekking, mountaineering in Peru and expeditions to the Aconcagua since 2007.

Contact me if you are interested in doing a mountain trip to Peru!

Languages

Italian | French | English

Certificates

AGMP | IFMGA

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What people are saying about Quique

Marie-Laure

The alpine huayhuash trek was an amazing experience. Intense and Out of the beaten path with incredible landscapes. Quique is a very knowledgeable guide who will take you to the most unique places. I felt very safe the whole time. The logistics was on point, the team (cook and mule guy) very friendly and the food very good. One of my best treks so far and I will highly recommend going with Quique however be sure to be physically fit !

I was with Quique and Blass on his initial climb of Sullcon and Paca. It was spectacular, we climbed a new route on a rarely climbed mountain.

Very fun trek with Quique. The food was great. The climb of Artesonraju was amazing and made safe with Quique's skill. Want to do it again!

We trekked / climbed the Alpine version around the Huayhuash and walked with the Condors! We camped at the touching the void expedition's base camp. Beautiful.

Sandra

Had a great time, felt safe with certified guide.


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