Classic Patagonia Treks (2025)

13 Days
From CAD 11210
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating

Experience Overview

Experience the breath-taking landscapes of two classic trekking regions in Patagonia on both sides of the Chile-Argentina border. Challenging walks are rewarded with majestic views of lagoons, mountains and glaciers. See guanacos grazing and Andean condors soaring overhead, visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, and find sheer tranquility in the beautiful wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park. This is an essential trip for trekking enthusiasts that reveals the stunning glory of nature’s southern American wonderland. For 2025 and beyond,  our "Classic Patagonia Treks" itinerary will start and end in the culinary and architectural capital of Buenos Aires. 
Profile
— Six days of walking — Light backpacking necessary — Good fitness required — Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m); average: 655ft (200m) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
At a Glance
— Six days of walking — Light backpacking necessary — Good fitness required — Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m); average: 655ft (200m) — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. It is preferable to have experience of long walks in varied and irregular terrain. The walking is not dangerous or technically difficult, but you must be a confident walker with good fitness levels to manage the sections of ascent and long duration of the treks.  There are four days where you have to carry all your belongings with you on the W trek (see What to Take section in the Trip Notes and the daily itinerary for details) so it is recommended you pack lightly and are happy walking with a backpack. Due to the unpredictability of the climate in southern Patagonia, you need to be prepared for walking in all conditions. The weather can change extremely rapidly, making clothing and footwear choices important. There is a rest day scheduled in the itinerary for the day in El Calafate. The regions we visit on the trip are very remote so prepare to spend time in areas where facilities and services are limited. Roads are mostly unpaved and although well-maintained they can be bumpy and dusty. Internal flights are included, normally with Aerolineas Argentinas. The flight times can be erratic and there can be last-minute schedule changes. Depending on flight availability, there may be a supplement to pay. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace. You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
Eating Drinking
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets and are included. The accommodation in Torres del Paine arranges packed lunches for our trekking days. There is a variety of good quality food in local restaurants and cafes that can cater to a variety of restricted diets (although the refugios we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception, as facilities and food options here are limited due to remote access). Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians can be accommodated throughout the trip, but gluten-free diets or other restricted diets can be hard to cater for in this part of the world – you may wish to bring supplementary, pre-packaged food items (energy bars, etc..).
Transportation
We use comfortable minibuses with excellent visibility, and sometimes larger tourist coaches. We also use internal flights between Buenos Aires and El Calafate that are generally on comfortable medium-sized commercial jets.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel, Juncal, 868, Retiro, C1062ABF, Buenos Aires Phone: +54 11 4325-4100 Recommended arrival time: Midday at the hotel to catch the welcome briefing and walking tour Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of our chosen flight from London. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer time or to arrange a private transfer. Make your own way We recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a taxi from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately US$53. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport to catch the Exodus chosen return flight to London. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
We schedule our Patagonia trips between October and April to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. During these months, daytime temperatures in Buenos Aires reach a maximum of 30C (86F); in El Calafate and Torres del Paine around 15C (59F).  The nights in Patagonia  can drop to freezing point, but often remain just above. Patagonian summers tend to be dry although rain cannot be ruled out, particularly in the mountainous regions along the Chile-Argentina border, you might experience all four seasons in one day!  Patagonia is renowned for being windy...and sometimes very windy (dress accordingly and watch your step).  In Patagonia the changing weather is part of the adventure, however in extreme wind/weather conditions our Tour Leader may modify the days itinerary in favor of passengers safety.
Spending Money
Credit cards We recommend using credit cards for most trip purchases (restaurants, tourist shops, etc...).  Visa/Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards and most convenient option to use along the entire trip. In Chile, using credit cards will get you the official bank rate of exchange. In Argentina, using credit cards will currently get you the special Tourist exchange rate, which is higher than the official bank rate of exchange, and slightly less than the non-official Blue exchange rate used for US dollars.  Note - this special Tourist credit card rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit card companies. Cash It is always good to have some local currency for buying drinks, snacks, incidentals at smaller shops and markets.  We recommend you bring most of your spending money to exchange in US dollars cash since other currencies, including British pounds and euros, are more difficult to exchange and the rates are not as good. Larger notes of US$50 and US$100 are more widely accepted than smaller denominations.  Your tour leader will provide more information on exchanging currency as you go along but do note that exchange facilities/hours can be limited, particularly at the times you arrive or depart. Please ensure you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes to exchange, as these are often not accepted. In Argentina, large denomination US dollars can be exchanged at the Blue rate, which is considerably higher than the official bank rate of exchange – new, clean US$100 notes are preferred.  The "Blue"rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Argentine government.  Your tour leader provides recommendations and assists group members in getting the best exchange rate in a safe way. Average meal prices in Argentina equate to about US$15-25 and in Chile slightly more in general US$25-35. The price of a beer in both countries is approx. US$3-4. Optional excursions (approximate costs as prices vary due to Argentine currency fluctuation and group sizes) — Full-day Estancia Cristina Discovery: US$156 (does not include lunch and entrance fees to national park). Entrance fees: US$35 per person — Full-day glacier cruise (Upsala/Onelli bay/Spegazzini): US$181 (does not include lunch and entrance fees to national park). Entrance fees: US$35 per person — Half-day Cerro Frias with lunch/dinner: US$113 (departs daily at 9.30am or 5pm (approximately five hours) — Half-day Estancia Nibepo Aike with lunch or dinner: US$95, departs daily at 8.30am or 4.30pm (approximately six hours) plus horse ride of US$30 extra — Mini ice trekking in Perito Moreno Glacier: US$182 up to 65 years’ old — Big ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier: US$290 up to 50 years’ old
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, we recommend tipping the tour leader at the end of the trip if you have been happy with their service. Gratuities are not something we can include in the tour cost and are totally at your discretion. We recommend approximately US$50 per person to tip your tour leader. There are also local guides on the trekking days so you should budget US$3-US$5 per day for their tips too. Tour leaders often collect an optional kitty at the start of the tour to cover tips for the local guides plus hotel and restaurant staff etc.

Highlights

  • — Enjoy two nights in beautiful Buenos Aires — Trek among the stunning granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif — Spend four nights inside Torres Del Paine National Park to do the W Trek — Experience funky El Chalten, Argentina's Trekking & Climbing mecca — Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and watch huge icebergs calve from the glacier into Lake Argentino

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4036

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: ial jets.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: TAFX3

StartStarts: Buenos Aires, Andes

FinishFinishes: Buenos Aires, Andes

DurationDuration: 13 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Demanding

Includes

  • — All breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout

Accommodation

Hotels and refugios
In Patagonia, we spend six nights in welcoming hosterias (small hotels) that are full of local charm. Crossing over to Chile, in Torres del Paine National Park, we spend four nights in park-managed refugios. Additionally, those who bought their flights through us will have two nights at a modern hotel with a rooftop pool in Buenos Aires. Below are some of the hotels we typically use: Buenos Aires: Argenta Tower In the Retiro neighbourhood, Argenta Tower has spacious, comfortable rooms, plus a restaurant and cafe serving an array of international flavours and quick bites. Guests particularly enjoy the rooftop pool area, where they can enjoy city views with a glass of Argentinian red or white wine. El Calafate: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche Enjoy the rustic charm of Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche, where inviting rooms blend seamlessly with the natural Patagonian surroundings for an authentic experience. It's a short walk from the main street of El Calafate, which is full of shops, restaurants and cafes. Torres del Paine: Refugios Refugios are the gathering place for trekkers on the W Circuit to eat, drink and sleep. They include accommodation in shared, dormitories (six to eight-person bunks with bedding), communal dining areas serving local and international standards, hot showers and bathroom facilities. They also have common areas where you can socialize, relax and enjoy views of the stunning Patagonian landscapes.  Note - dormitories can be single or mixed sexes. Hosteria Don Atilio Locally owned and operated, Hosteria Don Atilio has an inviting ambiance and offers a comfortable, convenient stay while exploring the natural wonders of the region. Ideal for trekkers, the hosteria is within walking distance of the trailheads to the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains. Worth knowing  Torres del Paine: it is not uncommon for refugios to overbook dorm accommodations and inform us at late notice that our groups (or part of our group) will be accommodated in shared tents, as opposed to the shared dormitories. In these instances, refugios each have adjoining campsites and tents are put up for us, with all equipment included (two-person tent plus bedding).  Meals and access to refugios amenities are all still included, and sleeping under the stars certainly has its perks in this part of the world. We may not necessarily be able to tell you in advance of travel whether or not your group will be camping. If you have any concerns about this then do get in touch with us.Single accommodation can be booked for the hotel nights but do not apply to the four nights in refugios or tents (as all accommodation is shared).

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 11210 (CAD 862 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrive Buenos Aires; walking city tour

Our local leader will meet us today for a welcome briefing and take us on a walking tour of the city, discovering its wealth of history and culture (three to four hours). The evening is free for you to choose one of the many excellent restaurants, many serving the legendary Argentine steaks! Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

2
Day 2: Fly to El Calafate; visit Perito Moreno Glacier

This morning we fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (approximately three to four hrs).  From El Calafate we'll drive (90 minuites) to visit the breath-taking Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno glacier is one of only a few glaciers that grows and shrinks with seasonal fluctuations. It calves into Lake Argentino and sometimes part of the lake becomes land-locked depending upon the position of the ice. Every so often it is possible to see (and hear) huge chunks of ice break off and fall into the lake and then float away as icebergs. As there is an early morning start tomorrow we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag that you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. We have an agreement with the hotel in El Calafate that means excess luggage can be left securely until your return - the tour leader will give further details and assistance. Everything that you bring with you to Chile you will need to carry yourself on the treks. Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehulche (or similar)

3
Day 3: Travel to Torres del Paine National Park; transfer to first refugio

We start early with a long but scenic journey, crossing the Andean border that starts out on the Argentine plateau and emerges in the stunning Chilean landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.  Once we arrive at the Lago Amarga entrance to the park, we meet our local guide who joins us for the next four days to provide expert guidance and insight. From here, we are transferred to our first refugio. This afternoon, we can enjoy short treks around the area. Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

4
Day 4: First day of W Trek; hike to the Base of the Towers viewpoint

Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, that sit on the far side of our glacial lake viewpoint, where we can look upon Torre Sur (9,350ft/2,850m), Torre Central (9,185ft/2,800m), Torre Norte (8,530ft/2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We descend back down the valley and return to our previous nights refuge to enjoy a hot meal and well-earned drink. Please note:  Non essential trek items can be stored in refugio lockers. Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

5
Day 5: Second day of W Trek; hike to Los Cuernos

We walk down the valley towards the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake and then follow the edge of the lake on a much flatter and easier terrain to reach Los Cuernos. This is considered by many to be one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night. Accommodation: Los Cuernos Refuge or Frances Domes Refuge

6
Day 6: Third day of W Trek; hike to Valle Frances and onto Paine Grande

Another long day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the Valle Frances. The first two hours involve some ascents and descents with views of Nordenskjöld Lake accompanying us until we reach Campamento Italiano. Leave your backpack (unattended) at the campsite if you wish, enabling you to walk the next part of the trek empty handed (keep valuables with you). The slight ascent lasts for about 1hr 30min until French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off. The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico, but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park. We return back down along the valley to Campamento Italiano and continue our walk onwards past the shore of the smaller Lake Skottsberg and into the Pehoé sector of the park. We arrive in the late afternoon to the inviting and idyllic site of Paine Grande refugio and can spend the evening gazing upon the clear night skies or relaxing in the on-site bar. Occasionally, some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of staying in the refugio dormitories – see accommodation section. Please note: The full trek distance of 15mi (24km) is only if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. The total walking distance for today therefore becomes 11mi (17km). Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or full-service camping

7
Day 7: Final day of W Trek; hike to Glacier Grey viewpoint; catamaran and bus transfer to El Calafate

We start early to see the final day of the W Trek highlights: the Grey Glacier. This is a round trip to a lookout over Lake Grey that ends back at Refugio Paine Grande, so we can leave our bags and just carry essentials with us. The trail goes along the western side of the Paine Massif with views to Lake Grey and various mountains. After about 1hr 30min, we reach the lookout point and enjoy views of the Grey Glacier in the distance. We return by the same route back to Pehoé Lake from where we take a catamaran across the lake to the Pudeto sector. A bus takes us from here on the short drive to the park entry point at Laguna Amarga. Here we board our transfer vehicle to Calafate (approximately five/six hours). After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park (keep an eye out of the window for pumas!), we cross the border into Argentina and arrive late evening into El Calafate. Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

8
Day 8: Free day to take part in optional excursions in and around El Calafate

This is a free day to either rest or book optional tours in Calafate. We recommend the Perito Moreno Ice Trek or the half-day tour to Estancia Nibepo Aike, where you can enjoy a typical Patagonian barbecue and see how a typical Patagonian estancia works. Please ask your tour leader and they will help to arrange it. Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

9
Day 9: Transfer to El Chaltén; free afternoon

In the morning, we transfer approximately three hours to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, our base for walking in the Fitzroy region. After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively, for those who wish, there are many short treks around town, which your tour leader can help to arrange. We spend the night in El Chaltén at a simple and friendly hosteria. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

10
Day 10: To Los Glaciares National Park; trek in Fitzroy Massif up to Laguna de Los Tres

This morning, we start with a 30-minute bus journey on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park to our start point at El Pilar, from where we commence our trekking in the stunning Fitzroy region. We follow the trail leading to Poincenot Camp, along the way enjoying views of Piedras Blancas Glacier and Fitzroy if the weather conditions are clear. From Poincenot, we then continue to reach Laguna de los Tres, involving a steep ascent to reach a wonderfully scenic spot from which to relax and take photos of the Fitzroy Massif. We descend from the viewpoint and walk back down from the mountains to eventually reach the town of El Chaltén on foot. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

11
Day 11: Trek to Torres Glacier and Cerro Torre viewpoint; return on foot to El Chaltén

Today we trek into a beautiful valley and head toward the stunning Torres Glacier viewpoint. If time permits, we might be able to continue to the Maestri Lookout at Laguna Torre (this 2.5mi/4km section can get very windy) before walking back to El Chaltén. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

12
Day 12: Transfer to El Calafate; fly to Buenos Aires

After breakfast, we transfer back to El Calafate airport (approximately three to four hours) to arrive on time for our  midday or afternoon group flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to our city center hotel.  The evening is free to reflect upon our wonderful trip and enjoy one last meal together on our final night in Argentina. Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)

13
Day 13: End Buenos Aires

Depending on the time of your flight home, you may have another chance to see more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires or visit the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

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