Overview
Wilderness Travel has been exploring Patagonia for 40 years, and we know this magical realm at the “uttermost ends of the earth” like no other company! Our signature journey to both the Argentine and Chilean sides of Patagonia explores the secluded bays of Tierra del Fuego along the Beagle Channel, and the stupendous granite-and-glacier realms of Paine and Fitzroy, two of the mountain masterpieces of the world. In Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, we’ll hike spectacular trails below the spires of the Fitzroy Massif, and we cross into Chile’s phenomenal Paine National Park, with its azure lakes and unique wildlife, for hikes below the soaring granite monoliths of Torres del Paine. Historic estancias and lodges, many of which are exclusive to our groups, welcome us along the way.
This was a trip of a lifetime. I loved, loved, loved the hiking, the views, the corners turned to find a spectacular glacial lake, towering rocks, a glacier swooping down, a waterfall. What more could a person want??
— Lee W., Riverside, RI
Days 1-3
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego
After exploring Buenos Aires, we fly to Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel, where our explorations include a Zodiac ride, coastal hikes, and a visit to a Magellanic penguin colony.
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego - Days 1-3
Melia Buenos Aires
Day 1 (1 night), Buenos Aires, ArgentinaLocated 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 the city. Right out the front door there are many bars and cafes for unwinding after a day of exploring the city. A short walk brings you to the Puerto Madero, Florida, and Llave pedestrian streets as well as Plaza San Martin and many other urban classics. The hotel itself is solidly comfortable with large, modern rooms.
Hotel Los Yamanas
Days 2 to 3 (2 nights), Ushuaia, ArgentinaThis hotel has an impeccable location just outside of Ushuaia and set right on the shores of the Beagle Channel. There are 41 guestrooms that are simple yet pleasant, and the dining room offers fantastic views overlooking the bay. Be sure to relax in their lounge, enjoying glorious panoramas of the water flanked by rugged mountains.
Days 4-7
Los Glaciares National Park
Up-close perspectives of Fitzroy (11,703') and the slender granite pinnacle of Cerro Torre (10,280') are the thrill of our hikes in this famed park. We hike to deep blue Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre soaring directly above it, and through forest and steppe environments on the Pliegue Tumbado trail for a spectacular and unconventional 360-degree view of the Cerro Torre and Fitzroy massifs.
Los Glaciares National Park - Days 4-7
Estancia El Pilar
Days 4 to 7 (4 nights), El Chalten, ArgentinaA 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 Chalten region. Its location ten miles from town makes it a peaceful place to relax after a hiking day, and there’s great star-gazing at night. The rooms differ a bit from one another, but they’re all comfortable. There’s a sitting area with a fireplace, great for reading or enjoying a cup of tea or an evening cocktail. Note: Internet access is not available here.
Days 8-9
Estancia Helsingfors / Los Glaciares National Park
From our historic lodge, Estancia Helsingfors, we hike through beech forests to stunning Lago Azul for magnificent Fitzroy views, with possible sightings of native Patagonian wildlife, from guanacos to rheas.
Estancia Helsingfors / Los Glaciares National Park - Days 8-9
Estancia Helsingfors
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Lago Viedma, ArgentinaThis century-old estancia has a magnificent setting on Lago Viedma surrounded by world-class Patagonian scenery. There’s nothing else like it for a unique taste of Patagonian hospitality. Its off-the-beaten-path location is one of its many charms, and the dining room serves excellent meals (the Patagonian lamb prepared outside over a fire is heavenly), often with ingredients fresh from the estancia’s garden. The nine guest rooms are small but cozy.
Day 10
Moreno Glacier / Lago Argentino / Calafate
Crossing rolling Patagonian pampas to turquoise Lago Argentino, we follow a boardwalk trail near the 20-story-high ice wall of the Moreno Glacier, with its icebergs calving right into the lake—the sounds are as amazing as the views.
Moreno Glacier / Lago Argentino / Calafate - Day 10
Kosten Aike
Day 10 (1 night), El Calafate, ArgentinaEvery hotel has a story to tell—that’s one of the reasons we love Hotel Kosten Aike and the history it reflects of the place and its people. Meaning “Wind Place,” Kosten Aike is located in the center of El Calafate and their spacious guestrooms have interiors that were specially created by Argentine artists to highlight ancient Tehuelches geometric designs, creating a warm and authentic stay despite its cold-weather name. Be sure to unwind at the hotel’s gym and spa, with an A-frame ceiling, lovely skylights, and views of Lago Argentino.
Days 11-16
Paine National Park, Chile
Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is one of the scenic wonders of the planet. Our lodges give us great access, with several hikes starting right outside our front door, including a classic hike through the Ascencio Valley to the base of the three giant monoliths of the Paine Towers. Depart on Day 16 from Punta Arenas.
Paine National Park, Chile - Days 11-16
Estancia Lazo
Day 11 (1 night), Paine National Park, ChileA converted estancia on the banks of Lago Verde, this place offers one of the very best panoramas of the Paine Massif and trail access into Paine National Park right from the lodge. The rooms are basic but comfortable and the meals simple but good. We hike right from the front door of this estancia en route to our next hotel, with spectacular Paine views all the way! Being just south of the Paine Massif, both sunrise and sunsets here can be spectacular.
Hosteria Lago Grey
Day 12 (1 night), Paine National Park, ChileThis hotel has a magnificent setting along iceberg-dotted Lago Grey in Paine National Park. From the dining room there is an absolutely stunning view of the lake and the calving ice of the Grey Glacier. There are great places on the grounds of the hotel to relax and watch the sunset and sunrise, and the views of Paine Grande and the cuernos provide a visual feast.
Hosteria Las Torres
Days 13 to 14 (2 nights), Paine National Park, ChileLas 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 a rather large complex, it can still only be reached at the end of a 30-minute ride on a dirt road and offers the perfect location for beginning the classic hike to the Towers. The restaurant has good food and there are spa services on site.
Hotel Cabo de Hornos
Day 15 (1 night), Punta Arenas, ChileLocated 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 and stone and a cozy bar. Rooms are very comfortable, and many have views over the harbor and the Strait of Magellan or the lovely town square and church.
In Patagonia
