Trek Only Peaks of Patagonia

Degree of Difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult adventure, participants should be in good physical health, with experience of walking in mountainous environments for multiple consecutive days. 
• Hiking days will cover up to 25K, with up to 1100m vertical ascent in a day. 
• Terrain can be rocky and uneven, with steep climbs. Previous experience of hiking in this terrain is advantageous.

Eating and drinking

• This adventure is presented on a full board basis.
• Whilst camping in the Fitz Roy region, meals will be prepared at the campsites using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• In Torres del Paine, breakfasts and dinners will be taken at mountain refuges, with packed lunches taken during hikes. 
• Whilst staying in larger towns, meals can be taken at the hotel, or at a local restaurant.
• Whilst trekking, boiled, filtered water is available each morning to fill bottles or bladders. It's recommended to bring a personal purification system, in order to treat water from streams or springs en route each day. 

Argentinian accommodation

• Comfortable 3* hotels are used in El Chalten, El Calafate and Puerto Natales. Double or twin rooms with en suite facilities are offered.
• In Los Glaciares National Park, camping will form the accommodation, with spacious 3-man tents offered to be shared by two participants. A mattress and sleeping bag are provided per person. A large dining tent is provided for taking meals and for communal use. 
• Long drop-style toilets are available at the campsites, but no showers, so packing wet wipes is recommended.
• The final night in the Fitz Roy region will be spent at Laguna Condor Refuge, offering comfortable chalet-style accommodation in twin or double en suite rooms. 
• Mountain refuges are used in Torres del Paine National Park. Dorm-style accommodation is offered with shared bathroom facilities and hot showers. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bags. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

El Calafate
El Calafate
Argentina

Getting to El Calafate

• Fly to El Calafate Airport (FTE) for day 1 of the itinerary. To reach El Calafate will normally require connecting through Buenos Aires. 
• Direct flights to Buenos Aires with British Airways depart from Heathrow. Lufthansa and KLM offer flights from Manchester and Edinburgh respectively which connect through Europe. 
• Upon arrival, a representative will meet you, to organise the transfer to the hotel.

Trek the Peaks of Patagonia Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in El Calafate

  Fly to El Calafate, to meet with guide and the group. Take lunch in El Calafate before taking a bus transfer to El Chalten and the hotel.

• Day 2 | El Chalten to Thorwood Camp

  Hike along forest trails, following a route which steadily climbs to Laguna Torre to find incredible views of Cerro Torre peak. Weather permitting, it is possible to continue to the Maestri viewpoint for supreme views of the Grande Glacier. Return to Thorwood Campsite to overnight.

• Day 3 | Thorwood Camp to Poincenot Camp

  After breakfast, embark on foot to the peak of Loma de las Pizarras, a superb viewpoint to bask in views of Mount Fitzroy. The route back passes the Madre and Hija lagoons before arriving at Poincenot Camp.

• Day 4 | Poincenot Camp to Laguna Condor

  A steep climb to Lagunas de los Tres, before following the trail to Laguna Sucia. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers before continuing to Laguna Piedras Blancas. Conclude the day at Laguna Condor Mountain Refuge.

• Day 5 | Laguna Condor to El Chalten

  Leaving the refuge, climb to the summit of Loma del Diablo at 1450m. Enjoy views of the northern side of Fitz Roy, the last trekking expedition in Los Glaciares National Park, before making the descent to take a transfer to El Chalten.

• Day 6 | El Chalten to El Calafate

  Take a bus transfer, passing Lago Viedma and Lago Argentina back to El Calafate. Afternoon free to explore the town of El Calafate, with potential to enjoy the trail to Laguna Nimez, a superb birdwatching location. 

• Day 7 | Perito Moreno Glacier

  Take a private tour of the Perito Moreno Glacier, with an opportunity to take a boat tour on the lake offering an incredible perspective on the vast river of ice. 

• Day 8 | El Calafate to Puerto Natales

  Start the journey toward in the direction of Torres del Paine National Park, crossing the border into Chile. Continue the bus journey to Puerto Natales and the hotel to overnight. 

• Day 9 | Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine

  Take a private transfer to Torres del Paine. En route, stop to climb the peak of Cerro Dorotea, a short hike to access fantastic views of the Seño Ultima Esperanza. Continue the drive to the accommodation on the border of the National Park.

• Day 10 | Las Torres

  Starting the famous W Trek, the first objective is Rifugio Chileno. climbing into the Ascencio valley. Passing the refuge, continue along the route, tackling a challenging climb to Mirador las Torres, a superb viewpoint exemplifying the drama of Torres del Paine. After a while to absorb the landscapes, return to the refuge for the night. 

• Day 11 | Cuernos Sector

  A more relaxed day following gentle trails along the edge of Lake Nordenskjold to the Cuernos Refuge. 

• Day 12 | French Valley

  A huge day, covering 25K on foot. Initially heading to the Italian Camp to ease the legs into the day of hiking. From here the trail climbs more steeply, in the shadow of Paine Grande. Stop at the Mirador del Frances to enjoy the views, before tackling a challenging ascent to Mirador Britanico at the head of the valley. Retrace the route as far as the Italian Camp before following an easy trail to reach Paine Grande Refuge.

• Day 13 | Lago Grey

  Final day on the W Trek follows the banks of Lago Grey, an incredible lake with huge icebergs floating on the surface. Arrive at Refuge Grey, before taking a boat trip to experience the icebergs at close quarters. Private transfer late in the day to Puerto Natales. 

• Day 14 | Puerto Natales to El Calafate

  Transfer to El Calafate, returning to Argentina. Free time in the afternoon to explore the town.

• Day 15 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to begin the journey home.

Included

• Expert guide
• All accommodation
• All transportation
• Full board while trekking
• Lago Grey boat tour
• Camping Equipment (excluding sleeping bag)

Equipment provided

• 3 man tent per 2 people
• Sleeping mattress per person
• Communal dining tent for meals
• Cutlery, crockery, tables and chairs

Not Included

• Flights - international
• Flights - domestic
• Visa
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Personal trekking equipment

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs