In Patagonia

Patagonia’s epic landscapes—the granite-and-glacier realms of Paine and Fitzroy and remote Tierra del Fuego, the archipelago at the “uttermost ends of the earth”—are phenomenal, like no other in the world. On this wonderful lodge-based adventure, exhilarating day hikes grant us spectacular panoramas of the great shark fin of Fitzroy and the needle-like spire of Cerro Torre, the crown jewels of Argentina’s Glacier National Park, and the soaring rock towers of Chile’s Paine Towers, while explorations in 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 along the secluded bays and islands of 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 Chaltén 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 century-old 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 the shores of turquoise Lago Argentino, where we view the massive Perito Moreno Glacier, a 20-mile-long river of ice with a 200-foot-high icewall fed by the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Days 11-14
Paine National Park, Chile

Crossing into Chile, we discover Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a stupendous landscape of granite towers, azure lakes, and massive glaciers. One of our hikes brings us to incredible viewpoints of the massive Grey Glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, which calves blue-white icebergs into beautiful Lago Grey. From the Hosteria Las Torres, in the heart of Paine National Park, we hike 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