In Patagonia: Peninsula Valdes Departure

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, while special excursions on the Península Valdés—timed specially for the season—offer extraordinary sightings of Magellanic penguins, southern elephant seals, and migrating southern right whales, one of the world’s rarest whales.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Buenos Aires / Peninsula Valdés / Whale Watching

After an overnight in Buenos Aires, we fly to Trelew and continue to Peninsula Valdés on the Atlantic Coast. Here we explore a penguin rookery with some 200,000 Magellanic penguins, and we watch as they court mates, build nests, lay eggs, and tend their young. The next day we hike to a nearby beach to see a colony of southern elephant seals, then board a boat for a special whale watching excursion that allows us to observe the southern right whales who come to the shallow waters of Peninsula Valdés to breed and bear their young.

Days 4-5
Ushuaia / Tierra del Fuego

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 6-9
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 views of Fitzroy (11,703') and the slender granite pinnacle of Cerro Torre (10,280'), one of the world’s fabled wall climbs.

Day 10
Perito Moreno Glacier / Lago Argentino / Calafate

A 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 stay in a variety of well-located hotels and lodges.

Explanation of Trip Levels