Argentina | Patagonia Hiking Adventure | Condor

Welcome to Chilean Patagonia! The windswept plains of this southern region stretch on for miles, joining Chile’s rugged coastline and majestic mountain peaks into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain environments, perched on the edges of the icy isthmus and fiords of the southern Pacific Ocean. If you plan on arriving early today, chat to us about for suggestions for your first day in Patagonia! This evening you’ll meet your trip leader and head out to a local restaurant for your first taste of Patagonian cuisine.

About Hotel Rey Don Felipe

Hotel Rey Don Felipe, is located just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas of the city of Punta Arenas, close to banking services, post office, pharmacies and historical palaces, museums, port and other sites of tourist interest. This hotel with four star service, is a modern building with an architectural design inspired by the traditions and history of the Province of Magallanes, with cozy and comfortable interior spaces, where you’ll find  charm, varied services, technology and small details that makes it an ideal hotel for executives and families who visit the city for adventure.

This morning we’ll take a cruise, weather permitting, across the Magellan Strait to Magdalena Island. The Island is protected, and uninhabited by humans, and is home to the largest penguin colony in Southern Chile, with around 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Alternatively, if the Magellan Strait, which is subject to high swells, is uncrossable, we’ll head instead to Cueva del Milodón (Cave of the Mylodon). In this case, after breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through the fertile Patagonian lowlands to Puerto Natales, and on to the cave system. Alongside a local guide, we’ll explore all three caves, spread across an area of a few square kilometers, culminating in the lair of the mystical mylodon – a gigantic, and now extinct member of the sloth family, which survived in the region up until around 5,000 years ago. You’ll want to get your photo taken next to the life-size replica of this ancient beast at the cave entrance! Afterwards we’ll explore the nearby interpretation center, then head back to Puerto Natales for dinner together.

About Hotel Natalino

Hotel Natalino Patagonia offers an architectural aura that evokes the abundant nature and the beautiful landscapes of the Patagonian environment. The services delivered to our passengers have one of the highest hotel standards in the area.

Option A: W-Trek Hiking

Day 3: Option A – Start ‘W’ hike, Torres del Paine National Park

Today we’ll begin the legendary four-day ‘W’ hike, an amazing trek among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. We’ll follow the Rio Ascensio Valley as it winds its way up to the park’s namesake. As we reach the top of the boulder field near the end of our hike, we’ll come face to face with one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world – above you, three mammoth granite peaks rise like tombstones from the rugged hills and snow-coated mountains of Patagonia to pierce the sky – Torres del Paine (‘Towers of Blue’). At a height of about 900 metres (3000 feet), they are believed to be the highest natural cliff faces in the world. Tonight you’ll sleep well at a cosy refugio (mountain lodge), a welcome sight after a full day’s hike. Only a light day pack is required as it’s a return hike. There are shorter options available.

Option B: W-Trek Experience (US$499)

Day 3: Option B – Explore Azul Lagoon

Today we’ll begin the four-day exploration of Torres Del Paine, with amazing day treks among sheer granite peaks, snow-clad mountains, glacial lakes and the thick Magellanic forest. Our first hike will take us to Azul Lagoon, where we’ll circumnavigate the lagoon with views of the Torres del Paine towers just south of us. After lunch we’ll head back south and journey further into the park, stopping off along the way for views of Lake Nordenskjold and Lake Pehoe before arriving at Kau Rio Serrano Refugio, our accommodation for the next 4 nights.

About Refugio, Torres del Paine and Kau Rio Serrano

Stay in provided shelters while on the trail in Torres del Paine. Bunkbeds, showers, and a food service are available.

This mountain lodge located in the Rio Serrano “Pueblito” with the most exclusive and innovative installations provides a private view of the Serrano river with the back of the Cuernos del Paine. At Kau Lodge Serrano installations, the comfortability of guest is vital, and you’ll be welcomed with a cozy environment and several sophisticated, authentic meals available.

Option A: W-Trek Hiking

Day 4: Option A – Hike to Los Cuernos, Torres del Paine National Park
It’s an easier hike today, as we contour around the northern shore of Lake Nordenskjold, a glacial lake in the heart of the national park. As we head around the lake, we’ll start to see glimpses of Los Cuernos – Spanish for ‘The Horns’ – three fantastically sculpted grey and white sedimentary and granite peaks rising 244 meters (800 feet). The intense turquoise hue of the lake and starkness of the mountains make for spectacular photo opportunities. This evening, we’ll stay in the shadow of the mountains at Refugio Los Cuernos.

Option B: W-Trek Experience (US$499)

Day 4: Option B – Hike French Valley

After a scrumptious breakfast, we’ll head back to Lake Pehoe where we’ll hop on a catamaran across to Refugio Paine Grande. Our hike today takes us toward the French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos, and at the base of the French Valley, we’ll have incredible views of ravines. It is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. We may catch a glimpse of the impressive French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers in the background. We’ll enjoy lunch along the way before hiking back down on the same trail, making our way back to the refugio and onward on the catamaran to the refugio with time to relax before dinner.

Option A: W-Trek Hiking

Day 5: Option A – Hike French Valley, Torres del Paine National Park

We’ll rise with the sun this morning to begin our hike up French Valley for a closer look at Los Cuernos. This ravine is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see, with multiple glaciers cascading down its steep sides, creating a patchwork of ice and rock. The track steepens as we ascend a ridge line to the upper French Valley past waterfalls and mountain tarns. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of a massive natural amphitheatre, filled with the awesome French Glacier, the Paine Massif and Cuernos granite towers. This afternoon, we’ll hike to Refugio Paine Grande.

Day 5: Option B – Hike near Grey & Tyndall Glaciers

You’re in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, so take your time today and take it all in – enjoying breakfast at your leisure. There’s an opportunity to go for a hike this morning or you can simply relax at the refugio and enjoy the views from the river’s edge. Lunch will be at Kau Rio Serrano Refugio before the afternoon’s activity.

Optional: Kayak Lake Grey (extra fee applies)
We’ll meet our specialist kayak guides at the inlet of Serrano River, and they’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey. We’ll enjoy the magic of paddling around the icebergs that have broken away from the glacier and you’ll be in awe of the unique views of the Paine mountains and their impressive granite walls. After we return to shore, we’ll head back to the refugio for lunch before our afternoon hike.

After we regroup, we’ll walk from our refugio down to the Serrano River’s edge where we’ll hike east along the winding riverside. The trail will take us to a lookout point where we’ll have views of the Grey and Tyndall glaciers. Tyndall Glacier, also known as Geike Glacier, is one of the largest in southern Patagonia, named after the Irish glaciologist John Tyndall. The hike will take most of the afternoon, then we’ll return by vehicle to the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 6: Option A – Hike to Refugio Grey, kayak Lake Grey

Grey Glacier is a 200 metre (650 feet) high wall of ice that marks the northern end of Lake Grey. This is one of the largest calving glaciers in the world, with giant ice cliffs that plummet into the depths of the lake. Our hike finishes at the lake, where we’ll meet our specialist kayak guides. They’ll match you with a kayak and provide all the necessary equipment for a unique way to explore Lake Grey and enjoy amazing views of the glacier and icebergs. When we return to shore, we’ll head to Refugio Grey, where we spend our last night in Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 6: Option B – Hike Los Condores & Los Cuernos

After breakfast we’ll make our way to Weber Bridge, which crosses the confluence of Lake Pehoe and Lake Del Toro, where we’ll start our hike up to Mirador Condor. We’ll hike through a small valley on the Lazo-Weber trail, crossing an ancient Lenga Forest on our way up to a lookout point. The Lenga tree, nothofagus pumilio, is a member of the beech family and has staked amidst fierce winds and a tough climate. Along the exposed subalpine slopes that mark the upper reaches of its habitable range, the Lenga tree sometimes grows into wild, twisted, wind-blown shapes. At the top, we’ll have incredible views of the entire Torres del Paine mountain range as well as Lakes Honda, Sarmiento & Verde. We’ll head back down, enjoying lunch along the way and once we reach the end of the trail, we’ll travel north toward Lake Nordenskjold. Our afternoon hike will take us to Mirador Cuernos, lying in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, which is the best spot to view Los Cuernos, ‘The Horns’. We’ll stop off at Salto Grande along the way, a very picturesque waterfall that flows out from Lake Icefield, it is part of the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water and forms a natural dam connecting Lakes Nordenskjold and Pahoe through the Paine river. The water level on the southern side of the lake can rise up to 30 metres (90 feet) above the level of the main lake. We’ll make our way back down the trail and on to Nash Refugio for our last night’s dinner on the W trek.

Day 7: Option A – Hike to Grey Glacier, scenic cruise across Lake Grey

This morning we’ll hike a bit further up the valley to a magnificent lookout over the Grey Glacier.

Optional ‘Touching the Ice’ Hike (extra fee applies)
A glacier hiking option you can opt for the morning is the ‘Touching the ice’ trip. On this activity, you’ll take a 15-minute boat trip across the glacier’s terminal lake, to a point at which we can access incredible close-up views of the glacier. Then it’s a guided hike to areas where the glacier’s retreat is strikingly clear, and up to the glacier’s edge. Afterwards, we’ll head back to our ‘Zodiac’ boat and return to the shore. This is a shorter, less strenuous option that still allows you a unique view and access to the glacier.

This option is extremely popular, so we offer advance reservations with the guiding company. At the time of booking, or up until one month before your trip, we can reserve a space for you, or you can leave your decision until the start of your trip and your guides will get you a spot if it’s available.

After we’ve finished our morning’s activities catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains. When we complete our boat trip, we’ll head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our hike four days ago, to re-group with the W Trek day hikers, and enjoy a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.

Day 7: Option B – Hike to Ferrier, scenic cruise across Lake Grey

We’ll depart Nash Refugio for the last time this morning, making our way north toward Lake Grey. We’ll stop off at Rio Pingo where we’ll begin our morning hike, Mirador Ferriera! The hike is challenging with a short, steep climb up though you’ll be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Grey glacier and the small icebergs you may have paddled amongst a few days prior. After we’re back down from the hike, we’ll catch the boat across Lake Grey, taking in views of the surrounding mountains before docking at Grey Hotel to pick-up the W-trek hikers! Once we’ve re-grouped, we’ll return across the lake and head back to Puerto Natales, where we started our journey four days ago, for a well-earned rest and another tasty meal together.

Welcome to Argentina! Today we’ll cross the border to the home of Tango, Evita Peron and Diego Maradona. We’ll journey north to El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, one of the greatest wilderness areas in South America. It’s also one of the most diverse – in addition to the vast mountain ranges and glaciers, it’s home to forests of guindo, lenga (a type of beech tree) and ñirre scrub, as well as a multitude of lakes and rivers. We’ll arrive in El Calafate in the afternoon, so you’ll have the rest of the day to chill out on the shores of Lago Argentino, South America’s third largest lake, with a surface area of over 1,600 square kilometers (617 square miles). You can relax and enjoy your surroundings, or you can head off on one of the many hikes in the area. A particular favorite of ours is the short walk to Laguna Nimes, a renowned bird sanctuary where geese, ducks and flamingos make their home. For dinner tonight we find that most people want to explore their options or have an early dinner, though of course you’re welcome to join your guide for dinner too!

NOTE: The 8-day trip option ends today in Punta Arenas. We will arrange your transport from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas.

About Patagonia Queen Hotel

This hotel is found just a few meters from the main hub, amphitheater, and business center. With 20 rooms, modern facilities, and elegant wood and Patagonian porphyry stone finishing, you’ll feel warm and rejuvenated within its walls. Each room is equipped with a TV, minibar, and bathroom with personal jacuzzi.

If you thought the glaciers in Chile were amazing, today will take your breath away. We’ll get right up close to the base of Perito Moreno Glacier with a local specialist guide to watch blocks of ice crack off the glacier’s imposing terminal face and fall into the pastel-blue waters of Lago Argentino. This icefield is part of the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water and forms a natural dam to the opposite shore that separates the two halves of Lago Argentino. With no escape route, the water level on the southern side of the lake can rise up to 30 metres (90 feet) above the level of the main lake.

This morning we’ll travel to El Chalten, a charming and remote mountain village, known for its amazing hiking and mountaineering opportunities that quite literally begin on your doorstep. From the heart of this rapidly-growing outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, you can see the tips of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks, as well as the lovely Rio de las Vueltas winding its way past town. We’ll hike through Patagonian dry lands and dramatic boulder fields to Mirador Laguna Torre (Spanish for ‘Tower Lagoon Lookout’) for heart-stopping views up the Fitz Roy valley to Cerro Torre, a spectacular granite spire looming over a sprawling mass of ice. Today is a relatively relaxing day, in preparation for tomorrow’s big hike into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park!

About Posada El Barranco

This posada offers the perfect place to enjoy this unique landscape, with the atmosphere of a Patagonian ‘Bed and Breakfast’ and the amenities of a hotel, to make your time in El Chalten unforgettable. It is located in the heart of El Chalten, only meters away from the start of the traditional trails.

Today we’ll journey a short way to the start of an incredibly scenic hike to Campamento Poincenot. From here we can look directly up to the towering Monte Fitz Roy. You’ll find it hard to imagine that the views of the brooding Fitz Roy massif could get any better, and you can choose to stay here and take in the views or make the steep climb up to Laguna de Los Tres, at the foot of the glacier. All of a sudden, if you’ve chosen to go on ahead, you’ll reach the crest and be greeted by stunning close-up views of Monte Fitz Roy looming above a glacial lake. Today is a real highlight and the views are amazing, no matter how far you get!

Today we’ll journey north from El Chalten to Laguna del Desierto. We’ll take a great walk to a lookout beside the Lagoon to warm up the legs, and maybe get another view of Fitz Roy, before saddling up for an awesome bike ride that descends gently back toward El Chatlen along an unpaved road. We’ll be riding in the valley basin of the River de las Vueltas and in several spots the road runs alongside the river and past spectacular waterfalls. After regrouping for lunch at Los Huemules Reserve, we’ll switch back into our hiking boots for this afternoon and hike to the Blue & Green Lagoons.

Today’s hike will give you a new appreciation for the incredibly huge and beautiful steep peaks of Southern Patagonia. We’ll begin our hike on the Loma del Pliegue trail bright and early, embarking on a 3000 feet hike to the top of the rounded lomo (hill). First we’ll pass through the Patagonian beech forest then ascend onto the wide plateau, where the views start getting seriously beautiful. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be greeted by one of the most incredible sights you’re ever likely to see – the towering peak of Monte Fitz Roy rising high above the Torre Glacier and Laguna Torre. Just make sure you’ve packed your wide-angle lens to take in all of this view! Later, we’ll descend the trail back down to El Chalten and head onwards to El Calafate, where over dinner we’ll celebrate one of the best hikes anywhere in the world.

This is the end of your ‘Condor’ trip and you’ll go home knowing you’ve kayaked, biked and hiked your way around one of the most spectacular alpine regions on Earth. Your trip leader will arrange transport to the El Calafate airport for you, if you’re flying out today, and if you’re staying on, we can help you arrange extra hotel accommodation.