In Patagonia

The epic landscapes of Patagonia—the granite-and-glacier worlds of Paine and Fitzroy and the remote islands of Tierra del Fuego, the archipelago at the “uttermost ends of the earth”—are simply phenomenal, and among the scenic masterpieces of the planet. On this magnificent lodge-based adventure, spectacular day hikes grant us fantastic panoramas of the great shark fin of Mt. Fitzroy and the needle-like spear of Cerro Torre, the crown jewels of Argentina’s Glacier National Park, and bring us to the foot of the soaring rock towers of Chile’s Paine Towers—two dazzling mountain massifs that must be seen to be believed. Additional hikes along the secluded bays and islands of Tierra del Fuego reveal an abundance of birdlife and sweeping views of the Beagle Channel. Throughout our journey, we enjoy the comforts of fine hotels and inns, including historic Estancia Helsingfors, a former sheep ranch on the shores of Lago Viedma with superb views of the Viedma Glacier.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego

After an overnight in Buenos Aires, we fly to Ushuaia for hikes in Tierra del Fuego National Park and along the shores of the Beagle Channel. We also explore by Zodiac.

Days 4-7
Glacier National Park

The Fitzroy Massif and its surrounding peaks rise at dramatic and seemingly impossible angles, sculpted into fantastic spires by the tremendous force of glaciers. From our comfortable lodge at El Chalten in Glacier National Park, we hike each day to stunning perspectives of Fitzroy (11,703') and the slender granite pinnacle of Cerro Torre (10,280'), one of the world’s fabled wall climbs.

Days 8-9
Estancia Helsingfors

From Estancia Helsingfors, a magnificently located turn-of-the-century ranch on Lago Viedma, we enjoy views of the beautiful Viedma Glacier and the Fitzroy Massif and hike to remote Lago Azul. The wildlife is abundant around this historic ranch and we keep an eye out for Patagonia’s exotic creatures, including guanacos and rheas.

Day 10
Perito Moreno Glacier / Lago Argentino / Calafate

A beautiful drive across the steppes brings us to Calafate and on to the shores of turquoise Lago Argentino. After admiring the massive Perito Moreno Glacier, a 20-mile-long river of ice with a 200-foot-high icewall, we return to Calafate for overnight.

Days 11-12
Paine National Park, Chile / Grey Glacier

Crossing into Chile, we discover Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a stupendous landscape of granite towers, azure lakes, and massive glaciers. We hike to incredible viewpoints of the massive Grey Glacier in the Southern Patagonian Icefield. The glacier calves blue-white icebergs into beautiful Lago Grey.

Days 13-14
Paine National Park / Las Torres

From the charming Hosteria Las Torres, set on a 4,000-acre private ranch in the heart of Paine National Park, our hikes bring us right up to the glacial lake at the base of the monumental Paine Towers, and up to high lookouts in the stunning Ascencio Valley.

Days 15-16
Punta Arenas

A scenic drive brings us to Punta Arenas, set on the legendary Strait of Magellan. Depart on Day 16.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous. The hiking will be physically demanding at times (but we do offer shorter hiking options on the two longest hiking days). Most of the hiking takes place below altitudes of 4,000 feet. For the most part, the trails are not overly rugged or difficult, but the approaches and descents can be steep, and the trail conditions rocky or muddy. There are also some long driving days across the steppes, and everyone should be prepared for bumpy, dusty road conditions. Please note that your leader may make adjustments to the itinerary and hiking routes, depending on local weather and trail conditions.

We recommend you make a special effort to get in good physical condition for this trip. The better condition you are in, the more you will enjoy your experience. We suggest you begin training several months before departure. Start gradually by doing hikes, running, using a Stairmaster, or riding bikes. The object is to improve your overall aerobic capacity and get your hiking muscles limbered up. Even a brisk 30-45 minute walk every other day over moderately steep terrain can do wonders for your conditioning.

Explanation of Trip Levels