Cuernos del Paine, Paine National Park, Patagonia

The twisted granite peaks and spires of the Paine Massif are one of the most famous landmarks of Patagonia. We explore both the Chilean and Argentine sides of Patagonia as we set out on the best hikes in Paine National Park and Glacier National Park.

Photo by Gerard Coles

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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $6595   see pricing
Length: 16 days
Arrive: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart: Punta Arenas, Chile
Lodging: 15 nights in hotels and lodges describe
Meals: All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Wildlife & Natural History
Trip Level: 10 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-7 hours a day, altitudes below 5,000 feet
4 explain

Highlights

  • Explore the best of Patagonia in Argentina, Chile, and Tierra del Fuego
  • Enjoy spectacular hikes with amazing up-close views of Fitzroy and the Paine Towers
  • Overnights in comfortable hotels and inns, including Estancia Helsingfors, a landmark Patagonian estate


Wilderness Travel is always a class act, which is why this is our 3rd WT trip.Sue M.—San Carlos, CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

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

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

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

 

Departures & Leaders

Feb 10-25, 2012  Rob Noonan
Mar 9-24, 2012  Mary Jo Figuerero
Nov 16-Dec 1, 2012
Dec 20, 2012-Jan 4, 2013
Jan 6-21, 2013
Jan 15-30, 2013
Feb 8-23, 2013
Mar 8-23, 2013

*Book early to get the most attractive air fares, especially for the holiday departures!

Tour Costs

Prices valid through Spring 2012
$6595 (12-15 members)
$6995 (8-11 members)
Single supplement: $1395
Forced single supplement: $1395
Internal airfare: $545 (subject to change)
(November only $795)
Chilean Reciprocity Fee (pay in Chile): $140
Argentine Reciprocity Fee (pay in BA): $140

more on pricing

Extension Costs
Iguazu Falls Extension
   from: $845

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • Accommodations in comfortable lodges, inns, and hotels
  • All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Land and boat transportation, airport transfers, and baggage handling as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, internal flights, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, travel insurance, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, cost of medical immunizations (if any), U.S. citizen “reciprocity” visitor fees (currently $131 each for Chile and Argentina—collected upon entering Chile and Buenos Aires), and expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20%
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior: 25% of land cost
45 days or less: 100% of land cost

Melia Buenos Aires

Melia Buenos Aires

Day 1 (1 night), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Located in the heart of Buenos Aires on a pedestrian-only street, this hotel allows for fun, safe, and easy access to some of the best areas of ...
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Hotel Tolkeyen

Hotel Tolkeyen

Days 2 to 3 (2 nights), Ushuaia, Argentina

Right on the shores of the Beagle Channel outside Ushuaia town, this lodge built of local wood and stone offers a serene setting and good views of ...
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Estancia El Pilar

Estancia El Pilar

Days 4 to 7 (4 nights), El Chalten, Argentina

A charming 10-room country inn surrounded by native lenga forests on the edge of Glacier National Park, this is the best place to stay in the ...
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Estancia Helsingfors

Estancia Helsingfors

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Lago Viedma, Argentina

This century-old estancia has a magnificent setting on Lago Viedma surrounded by world-class Patagonian scenery. There’s nothing else like it ...
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Hotel Kau Yatun

Hotel Kau Yatun

Day 10 (1 night), El Calafate, Argentina

Located on the outskirts of El Calafate town, the hotel has attractive grounds and gardens, two restaurants, and a wood-paneled bar. The rooms are ...
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Estancia Lazo

Estancia Lazo

Day 11 (1 night), Paine National Park, Chile

A converted estancia on the banks of the Lago Verde, this place offers one of the very best panoramas of the Paine Massif. There’s also ...
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Hosteria Lago Grey

Hosteria Lago Grey

Day 12 (1 night), Paine National Park, Chile

This hotel has a magnificent setting along iceberg-dotted Lago Grey in Paine National Park. The rooms don’t have views, but from the dining ...
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Hosteria Las Torres

Hosteria Las Torres

Days 13 to 14 (2 nights), Paine National Park, Chile

Las Torres has an ideal location in Paine National Park and direct trail access to the Paine Towers. While over the years the hotel has grown to be ...
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Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Hotel Cabo de Hornos

Day 15 (1 night), Punta Arenas, Chile

Located on the Punta Arenas town square, a beehive of activity, this European-style hotel is the best in Punta Arenas, with a stylish lobby of glass ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

Mary Jo Figuerero

Departure Dates: March 9-24, 2012

Mary Jo Figuerero, a professional archaeologist who has studied at the Smithsonian, has led numerous journeys for us throughout Patagonia. She was born in New York of an American mother and Argentine father and lives in Buenos Aires with her Argentine husband and daughter. Her fieldwork led her to ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Rob Noonan

Departure Dates: February 10-25, 2012

Rob Noonan, one of our most popular Trip Leaders, came by his love of nature and the mountains early, adventuring throughout most of the Americas from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego and later earning a degree in Environmental Studies from Prescott College in Arizona. He has guided our Patagonia hiking ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

Argentina

Iguazu Falls Extension

One of the World’s Spectacular Natural Wonders

Wildlife & Natural History
3 days  -  Level 1

Client Comments

Wilderness Travel is always a class act, which is why this is our 3rd WT trip. Sue M., San Carlos, CA This was a a trip of a lifetime. Every time we thought 'nothing could surpass this,' we were surprised by more stunning scenery and experiences. Susan L., Cleveland, OH This was one of our best trips ever due to the Trip Leader, the accommodations, and the group. They all blended to make it a fun, scenic, athletic, and cultural adventure. I give Wilderness Travel high marks! Carole L., Walnut Creek, CA This was an amazing experience. The group size was perfect, the itinerary well paced, the Trip Leaders outstanding. Christine S., Redwood City, CA I had the best possible experience in Patagonia with this trip—the right combination of great hiking, beautiful scenery, traveling with friends, and having great leaders. Yvette P., Carbondale, CO Our first with WT! We loved it. You have a first-class operation. Richard and Margaret T., Napa, CA Fabulous scenery, and the food and lodging exceeded expectations. The trip’s great pacing allowed flexibility for photography. Bruce R., El Dorado Hills, CA The trip exceeded my expectations. Each day was a new adventure, and each hike always ended with something new and beautiful to look at. Terrell N., Los Angeles, CA A fabulous itinerary, with spectacular scenery and hiking opportunities, wildlife, lodge comfort, quality dining, and no altitude—wow! Karen G., New York, NY We loved the trip. The scenery is fantastic, and the extension to Iguazu Falls was a highlight. Nancy L., La Jolla, CA One of the best trips we’ve been on! Maureen and Frank B., Millerton, NY Fantastic trip. I will recommend it to everyone. Our Trip Leader was a true gem, the kind that makes WT trips special. William E., Syracuse, NY
A 5-star experience—unforgettable, well organized, planned, paced. Daisy R., New York, NY Really a fantastic trip. One of the best we have ever taken. Steven A., New York, NY A lifetime dream and it met my expectations! Eugene J., Salt Lake City, UT The trip was seamless and smoothly run under all conditions and weather. The itinerary was appealing and comprehensive. All our friends are jealous and we’ll be dining out on this trip for a long time. Ed and Lois B., Washington, DC Great scenery, great itinerary, great hikes. Bill and Kathleen H., Lafayette, CA We loved the all-day hikes and also appreciated having options on some hikes. Nancy and Tom F., Sarasota, FL A first-rate trip organized in the most professional and efficient manner. The Trip Leader was the best we’ve had in over a half-dozen trips worldwide. Larry K., Glenview, IL Magnificent scenery, fantastic Trip Leader, excellent local guides, great food, and a fun group of participants made for a wonderful trip! Charlaine D., Philadelphia PA The trip design was brilliant. Each day we thought we had captured “the prize” but the next day was even better. How did you do this? Peter G., Washington, D.C. No adjectives could do justice to this trip. Every bend, every crest on the trail unveiled a new and indescribably beautiful scene—the scale and power of Fitzroy or the Paine Towers looming above, lakes and glaciers in every imaginable shade of blue, a sky full of stars at Chalten. Each day’s hike left us in awe of the majesty of nature. Niles B., Madison, WI