Torres del Paine, El Chaltén & Beyond

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Patagonia but don’t want to choose just one country, this trip is for you. Over 9 days and 8 nights, we’ll explore the very best of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, combining iconic hikes, remote landscapes, and unforgettable cultural experiences into one seamless adventure. Throughout the trip, we’ll stay mostly in comfortable lodges and hotels, with just enough adventure mixed in to make it unforgettable.

We begin in Puerto Natales before heading by boat across a fjord to a remote Patagonian estancia, where you’ll experience life on a traditional ranch. Explore the landscape on horseback or on foot, take in wide open views, and spend the night in a cozy glamping dome surrounded by pure wilderness.

Next, we enter the famous Torres del Paine National Park, where we’ll spend the night camping in pre set tents, fully immersed in the magic of the park. We’ll wake early for a sunrise hike to the iconic Towers, one of the most rewarding experiences in Patagonia.

After the sunrise hike, we’ll settle into a comfortable lodge for the next few nights, where we can recharge and explore this stunning region on a series of incredible day hikes. From turquoise lakes to dramatic mountain views, each day brings a new landscape that somehow feels even more impressive than the last.

From there, we head into El Chaltén, the trekking capital of Argentina, where you’ll hike to Laguna de los Tres with jaw dropping views of Mount Fitz Roy and explore the stunning Cerro Torre region. The journey concludes in El Calafate, where we’ll share one final evening together celebrating everything we’ve experienced, leaving you stronger, inspired, and completely in awe of Patagonia.

This itinerary is designed to give you the full Patagonia experience.

Trip Leader: Melanie

Activity level: Moderate to high. There are multiple big hiking days (~12 miles) on rocky terrain while carrying a day pack.
Age Requirement: Must be 21+
Who is this trip for?

• Nature lovers who want to fully immerse themselves in a wild, remote landscape

• Hikers comfortable with 10+ mile days on rocky, uneven terrain, with steady ups and downs

• People willing to train ahead of time to prepare their bodies for the challenge

• Adventurers who value community and want to share a meaningful experience with a fun, supportive group of like-minded people

Airports & Arrival: Our trip begins in Puerto Natales, Chile and ends in El Calafate, Argentina. The closest airport is Puerto Natales Airport (PNT), which has limited flight availability. Many travelers choose to fly into Punta Arenas (PUQ), which offers more frequent and often more affordable flights. From Punta Arenas, it’s an easy ~3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, with multiple departures available daily. The departure airport is El Calafate (FTE) which will likely connect in Buenos Aires on your way home. Melanie will happily help you with travel logistics.

Payment: A $1,200 deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is split into four payments. Custom payment plans are available upon request. There are no fees when paying via bank transfer. *Credit card payments will incur a processing fee.

• Watching the sunrise light up the Towers in Torres del Paine
• Experiencing life on a remote Patagonian ranch, accessible only by boat
• Standing face to face with Mount Fitz Roy at Laguna de los Tres
• Crossing from Chile into Argentina through some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth
• A thoughtfully designed blend of adventure, comfort, and connection

Welcome to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia! Nestled on the Ultima Esperanza Sound, this charming town invites you to explore breathtaking landscapes. With a blend of Patagonian hospitality and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Puerto Natales offers cozy cafes, boutique shops, and artisan markets.

As the main gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, the town provides essential services for seamless exploration. Discover cultural richness at the Municipal Historical Museum, indulge in local gastronomy, and witness stunning sunsets over the fjords.

Check into our hotel and rest up. Enjoy getting to know the group during our welcome dinner.

Meals provided: D

Accommodation: Hotel Altiplanico Sur or similar

Today we’ll depart Puerto Natales by boat, navigating the majestic Última Esperanza Fjord as glaciers, mountains, and untouched coastline unfold around us.

Upon arrival at Estancia La Península, a vast and remote private reserve accessible only by water, we’ll explore the landscape on horseback or on foot (your choice), riding/hiking to some of the ranch’s most spectacular viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll take in sweeping panoramic views while learning about the region’s landscapes, wildlife, and history.

After the ride, we’ll sit down to a traditional Patagonian lamb barbecue, with a vegetarian option available. The experience continues with a demonstration of the ranch’s herding dogs in action, followed by a sheep shearing, all accompanied by insight into the history and daily life of a Patagonian rancher.

We’ll end the day with a group dinner on the estancia before settling in for the night in your cozy glamping dome.

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Accommodation: Glamping dome on the estancia

After saying goodbye to our ranch paradise, we’ll make our way to Torres del Paine National Park with a scenic two hour transfer.

Torres del Paine is one of the most spectacular protected areas in South America, known for its dramatic landscapes of snow capped mountains, cascading rivers, glaciers, and mirror like lakes. Spanning over 2,200 square kilometers, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is part of one of the largest conservation areas in the world and truly lives up to its reputation.

Once inside the park, we’ll arrive at our centrally located campsite, surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This will be our home for the night, offering a front row seat to Patagonia’s raw and powerful beauty.

We’ll enjoy a packed lunch and have dinner at the refugio in the evening. Tonight is all about resting and settling in, because tomorrow we wake up early for one of the most iconic experiences in Patagonia… a sunrise hike to the famous Towers.

Meals Included: B, PL (packed lunch), D

Accommodation: Pre set tent in the national park. Includes thick foam mat, sleeping bag and pillow.

Today is one of the most iconic days of the trip. We’ll depart around 1:00 AM, hiking by headlamp under the stars as we make our way toward the Base of the Towers. The trail is challenging, with steady elevation gain and rocky terrain, but every step builds toward something truly special.

Reaching the towers at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. As the first light hits the granite peaks, they glow in a way that feels almost unreal. Even better, we’ll experience this moment with far fewer people than the busy midday crowds, making it feel quiet, intimate, and incredibly rewarding.

After taking it all in at the top, we’ll begin our descent, where the landscape reveals itself in a completely different way. We’ll pass through forests, cross the Ascencio River, and take in sweeping views of the Ascencio Valley. You’ll also pass Refugio Chileno, a small mountain hut along the route, and viewpoints that open up to the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Patagonian weather can be unpredictable, with the potential for wind, rain, or even snow, so being prepared for changing conditions is key. But with the right mindset and gear, this day often becomes a highlight of the entire trip. It’s a big day, but one you’ll never forget.

After the hike, we’ll take a scenic 90 minute transfer to Refugio Pampa Lodge, where we can settle into a bit of well earned comfort. The lodge was thoughtfully designed to blend into its surroundings without interfering with nature, featuring a minimalist and rustic style that feels calm, simple, and deeply connected to the landscape.

We’ll come together for a group dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening before heading to bed early after a big and unforgettable day.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

12 miles (20 kilometers) round trip

Gain: 3,368 ft. (1027 m)

7 to 9 hours hiking

The trail is considered challenging due to steep ascents, uneven terrain, and rocky sections.

Meals Included: B, L, D

Accommodation: Refugio Pampa Lodge or similar

Today is all about exploring some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Torres del Paine, with a mix of short hikes and incredible scenery.

We’ll start with a hike up to Condor Lookout, a short but steep trail that rewards us with sweeping panoramic views over Pehoé and Nordenskjöld Lakes, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Keep your eyes on the sky, this is one of the best places in the park to spot condors soaring overhead. It’s a relatively quick hike, about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, but the climb is steep and the wind at the top can be strong, so we’ll take our time and enjoy the views.

After a well deserved lunch, we’ll continue exploring the park, making our way along the shores of Pehoé Lake toward Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall fed by Lake Nordenskjöld. The walk here is easy, but the landscape is dramatic, with rushing water, wide open views, and a glimpse into the park’s natural history.

We’ll finish the day with a scenic hike to the Cuernos Viewpoint, a gentle and accessible trail that offers stunning views of the Cuernos del Paine, the French Valley, and the surrounding lakes. This section is more relaxed, giving us time to take it all in and soak up the beauty of Patagonia without rushing.

This day is the perfect balance after yesterday’s big hike. Still active, but with shorter distances, incredible viewpoints, and plenty of time to enjoy the landscape.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

~6 miles (10 kilometers)

~5 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, L, D

Accommodation: Refugio Pampa Lodge or similar

Today is a travel day, but in Patagonia, even the drive is part of the experience.

We’ll set off on a scenic 7.5 hour journey into Argentina, making our way toward El Chaltén. Along the way, the landscapes shift from rolling plains to dramatic mountain ranges, with endless views that make you want to keep your camera out. We’ll cross the border, watch the scenery change, and slowly see the jagged peaks of the Southern Andes come into view. And trust me… the first glimpse of Fitz Roy hits.

El Chaltén is known as the trekking capital of Argentina, a small mountain town tucked beneath the iconic peak of Mount Fitz Roy, surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and some of the most beautiful hiking terrain in the world. It feels remote, wild, and completely different from anywhere we’ve been so far on the trip.

We’ll settle into Pudu Lodge, a cozy, welcoming stay created by mountaineers who have spent years exploring and living in this region. It’s the kind of place that feels simple, warm, and perfectly in tune with the landscape around it.

Tonight is all about relaxing after the journey, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and getting excited for what’s ahead, because the next couple of days bring some of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia.

Dinner is at your leisure with plenty of great options in town.

Meals Included: B, PL

Accommodation: Pudu Lodge or Similar (El Chalten)

Today is one of the most iconic hikes of the entire trip.

After a short 35 minute transfer to Río Eléctrico, we’ll begin our guided hike to Laguna de los Tres, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of Patagonia.

The trail takes us through a variety of landscapes, from forested paths to open valleys and alpine terrain, with Mount Fitz Roy slowly revealing itself as we get closer. It’s the kind of hike where the views keep getting better the higher you go.

The final stretch is the most challenging, a steep climb that gets your heart pumping, but it’s absolutely worth it. At the top, you’re rewarded with a jaw dropping view of Fitz Roy rising above the turquoise waters of Laguna de los Tres. It’s one of those places that feels almost unreal.

We’ll take our time at the top to soak it all in, enjoy a packed lunch, and just sit with the view for a while.

On the way back down, you’ll see the landscape from a completely different perspective, making the return just as beautiful as the climb up.

It’s a big day, but one that will easily become a highlight of the entire trip.

Dinner is at your leisure with plenty of great options in town.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

13 miles (21 kilometers)

Gain: 2,000 ft.

8-10 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL

Accommodation: Pudu Lodge or similar (El Chalten)

Today we head out on a beautiful hike toward Cerro Torre, one of Patagonia’s most striking and dramatic peaks.

Starting right from El Chaltén, the trail winds through forests, along streams, and across rocky terrain, with views opening up more and more as we go. It’s a relatively easy and enjoyable hike to the main lookout, making it a great day to move your body while still soaking in the scenery.

As we get closer, Cerro Torre slowly reveals itself, rising sharply above the landscape. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints like Mirador Maestri, where you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

At the Torre lookout, we’ll take a well deserved break to relax, take photos, and just enjoy being in this wild and beautiful place.

From here, you’ll have options depending on how you’re feeling. You can continue further toward the base of Cerro Torre for a longer (8 hours round trip) and more challenging hike, or head back into town to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in El Chaltén.

It’s a flexible day, giving you the chance to choose your own adventure while still experiencing one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes.

We’ll end the day with a scenic 3 hour transfer to El Calafate, coming together for a special farewell dinner with the people who made this trip unforgettable.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

3-8 miles (5-13 kilometers)

4-8 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL
Accommodation: Hotel Sent or similar (El Calafate)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a prviate transfer to the airport in El Calafate. See you on the next one!

Meals Included: B