Overview
The granite-and-glacier realms of Paine and Fitzroy and remote Tierra del Fuego are like no other in the world. These unspoiled landscapes that shelter marvelous wildlife stretch to the ends of the continent. On our insider’s journey, explorations in Tierra del Fuego reveal penguin colonies, secluded islands, and sweeping views of the Beagle Channel, while in Patagonia, inspiring day hikes—many starting right from our lodges—grant spectacular panoramas of the great shark fin of Fitzroy and the needle-like spire of Cerro Torre, the crown jewels of Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, and the soaring rock towers of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. This is the ultimate hiking adventure to the “uttermost ends of the earth.”
You could not have designed a better itinerary. Every day, every lodge, every meal, every experience was (unbelievably) better than the day before. Thank you for making this a phenomenal travel experience that I'll remember for a lifetime.
— Kathie D., Belle Isle, FL
Days 1-3
Buenos Aires / Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego
After exploring Buenos Aires, we head to Ushuaia for hikes along the secluded bays of Tierra del Fuego, keeping an eye out for the abundant birdlife including the Magellanic woodpecker and the regal Andean condor. On the Beagle Channel, a Zodiac ride brings us to a remote island for a hike and lunch at a shepherd’s hut (complete with a locally produced red wine!) and a visit to a Magellanic and Adélie 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 adventures in this famed park. One hike brings us through a valley of native lenga trees to Laguna Torre, a serene glacial lake with the spire of Cerro Torre soaring directly above it. We also journey across deep Lago Viedma by boat, navigating amid floating icebergs, then head out on foot right on the vast Viedma Glacier for a chance to peer into its fantastic ice caverns.
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 seven 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.
Days 8-9
Estancia Helsingfors
From renowned Estancia Helsingfors, a former sheep ranch set on the shores of glacier-fed Lago Viedma, our trails bring us through beech forests to stunning Lago Azul, a pristine lake with magnificent Fitzroy views, and possible sightings of Patagonia’s exotic creatures, including guanacos and rheas.
Estancia Helsingfors - 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. The 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 eight guest rooms are small but cozy.
Day 10
Moreno Glacier / Lago Argentino / Calafate
Crossing rolling Patagonian steppes to turquoise Lago Argentino, we follow a boardwalk with phenomenal views of the spectacular 20-story-high icewall 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
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
With its granite spires, azure lakes, and massive glaciers, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is one of the natural masterpieces of the planet. Our lodges give us great access to the best areas of the park, with hikes starting right outside our front door, including the trail through the Ascencio Valley to the base of the three giant monoliths of the Paine Towers, a landmark of the park. Depart on Day 16 via Punta Arenas.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile - Days 11-16
Estancia Lazo
Day 11 (1 night), Paine National Park, ChileA 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 private 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!
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.
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.
In Patagonia
