Explore the very best highlights and majesty of Patagonia as you trek, ride, and paddle through Glaciares National Park, the Fitz Roy Mountains, the Cerro Torre, and – the pièce de résistance – Torres del Paine National Park. You will witness real gauchos at work, sample traditional grilled delicacies, immerse yourself in Chilean and Argentinian cultures (and wines), take in amazing views of glaciers while on foot and from the deck of a ship, and, after active and engaging days, sleep in luxurious comfort.
Prepare to be awestruck as you trek, ride, and paddle through the mountains, glaciers, and lakes of Glaciares National Park, the Fitz Roy Mountains, the Cerro Torre, and even Torres del Paine National Park itself. On this exclusive, ten-day journey to South America’s iconic region, you’ll enjoy cozy accommodations and fuel up on sumptuous meals before embarking on your choice of outdoor adventures that immerse you within the local cultures, historical sites, tall tales and myths, indigenous plants, and amazing wildlife. You will hike, ride horseback, and boat through this Patagonian adventure that is the epitome of the word ‘adventure’.
Enjoy a Patagonian sunset – hopefully with a delicious, local pisco sour in hand
Learn about glacier growth, retreat, and calving
See real gauchos in action
Trek into some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet – including a UNESCO World Heritage site
Delve into the world of regional Chilean and Argentinian wines
Learn about how European immigrants came to start a new life in this rich and vibrant land, and how new generations have turned their hardworking farms into luxurious hotels
Taste succulent ‘crucified’ lamb grilled over a fire on traditional cross stakes
Kayak, paddle board, or fish in pristine lakes and lagoons.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
See the southernmost hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
02
Enjoy a small-town brew pub, or the town’s chocolateria – or, ideally, both!
Pick-up in El Calafate, Argentina – gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken by private transportation to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore the town. Explore the modern interpretive center called the Glaciarium, which serves as a primer on the region’s numerous glaciers, or make the 1km hike out to Laguna Nimez for a beautiful Patagonian sunset.
About Kau Yatun Country Hotel
A beautiful country lodge with an almost Germanic flair, the Hotel Kau Yatun is perched just on the end of town. There is a buffet breakfast, room service, a bar, and a restaurant with gaucho-style shows. There is laundry, Wi-Fi, mountain bikes on-site, self-guided trails, and farm animals. The rooms are spartan and prim but very clean and comfortable and have complimentary coffee and tea in each room.
Enjoy breakfast before viewing the desert of southern Patagonia over a three-hour drive on famous Route 40. Pass over La Leona River, connecting Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, and watch out for La Leona Road House, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hit out for almost a month after a bank robbery. Arrive at the charming village of El Chalten, Argentina’s capital for trekking, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers, and the Fitz Roy Mountains. In the afternoon, you’ll start a half-day, guided trek to the base of Mount Torre. This classic trek takes you up into the Adela range and the incredible Cerro Torre. After your descent, we recommend relaxing in the local brewery or the guide can arrange to visit her friend’s chocolateria.
About Hosteria Senderos
Just on the edge of El Chaltén, within Los Glaciares National Park and at the foot of Fitz Roy, Senderos Hostería is a charming lodge built in deference to local farmhouses from the 1920’s, but with modern charms and conveniences. Nestled near the Rio Fitz Roy and Rio De las Vueltas, the hotel offers buffet ‘American breakfast’, a wine bar, cozy log fireplace, room service and boxed lunches, and laundry services.
Transfer from El Chalten to El Pilar to begin your hike. After a two-hour trek, enjoy an outstanding view of the Fitz-Roy mountain range. Reach Poincenot Camp and continue walking to Laguna Capri, where you will stop for a much-earned boxed lunch! Walk the descent into town, arriving in the afternoon, and check into the luxurious Hosteria Helsingfors lodge. That night, your local guide will review the activities for the next days, including trekking and horseback riding.
After fueling up on a hearty breakfast, transfer to Nibepo Aike Estancia farmstead, located inside of Los Glaciares National Park. This unique property’s capacity is just 22 persons and horseback riding and hiking are the principal activities for you – or just spend time on your own, relaxing. Enjoy the homemade cuisine, including vegetables from their own garden and the famous ‘crucified’ lamb stretched across a traditional Patagonian cross stake and grilled directly over the flames.
About Nibepo Aike Estancia
This estancia was originally the home of Croatian immigrant Santiago Peso, who arrived in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. Four generations later, his family still runs the ranch, raising cattle (and still some sheep) on some 12,000 hectares. Visitors can participate in this authentic rural life with work in the corrals (cattle branding, dressage, milking), cattle herding and sheep shearing. There is a playroom and reading room, as well as a small store.
Today we really take advantage of the estancia’s adventures. Watch a demonstration of sheep shearing and herding or one of typical riding skills on criollo horses. Hike the banks of the Argentino Lake. Or take a horse of your own for a gaucho-style experience to explore the hidden corners of the Los Glaciares National Park.
Nibepo Aike Estancia / Perito Moreno Glacier / El Calafate
Say ‘adios’ to the lovely Nibepo Aike Estancia and check out for a full-day excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciers National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, it is one of the most awesome landscapes in South America. A bilingual guide will answer all your questions and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning glacier views from the walking trail and viewing platforms. Then enjoy the glacier boat cruise that will get you up close enough to really appreciate the 80M-high ice walls!
About Kau Yatun Country Hotel
A beautiful country lodge with an almost Germanic flair, the Hotel Kau Yatun is perched just on the end of town. There is a buffet breakfast, room service, a bar, and a restaurant with gaucho-style shows. There is laundry, Wi-Fi, mountain bikes on-site, self-guided trails, and farm animals. The rooms are spartan and prim but very clean and comfortable and have complimentary coffee and tea in each room.
Transfer to Torres del Paine, one of the world’s most beautiful national parks. Torres del Paine is tucked away at the southern end of South America. It’s a natural paradise full of lakes and lagoons with clear waters, turquoise rivers, ancient forests and giant glaciers. Hotel Las Torres is located in the heart of the park in an exceptional location, where you will base for the next three nights.
About Hotel Las Torres
Tucked at the bottom of Ascencio Valley and the famous Paine Massif, Hotel Las Torres Patagonia is ideally situated for discovering the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park. Hotel Las Torres is located on the Estancia Cerro Paine, the only working ranch still located inside the national park. With a strategic position astride both the “W” and “O” trails, no other hotel provides better access to the park’s world-famous trekking routes.
A few days in paradise! Over the next several days, choose between half day or full day excursions to see the expanse of Torres del Paine National Park. Whether by foot, horse or vehicle, Las Torres’ excursions are packed with adventure and will get you acquainted with the park’s flora, fauna, geology and human history under the care of experienced and knowledgeable guides.
Another day in paradise starts after a hardy breakfast. Once again today, you can choose between half day or full day excursions to see the expanse of Torres del Paine National Park. Whether by foot, horse or vehicle, Las Torres’ excursions are packed with adventure and will get you acquainted with the park’s flora, fauna, geology and human history under the care of experienced and knowledgeable guides. Tonight we feast together for our final farewell dinner.
Please plan on arriving in El Calafate, Argentina early on Day One of your itinerary. Your trip ends with a drop-off in either El Calafate, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile at the airport or your post-trip hotel.
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 6-mile hikes, moderate to challenging terrain at altitude with options for more (or less) difficult hikes in Torres del Paine
Horseback riding: A variety of short- and medium-length rides. No experience necessary
Scenic & short hikes, full day treks, horseback riding, zodiac tours
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Enjoy a Patagonian sunset – hopefully with a delicious, local pisco sour in hand. Learn about glacier growth, retreat, and calving. See real gauchos in action. Trek into some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet – including a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the world of regional Chilean and Argentinian wines. See the southernmost hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Enjoy a small-town brew pub, or the town’s chocolateria – or, ideally, both! Ride a criollo horse the way gauchos do. Witness local sheep herding and sheering. Learn about how European immigrants came to start a new life in this rich and vibrant land, and how new generations have turned their hardworking farms into luxurious hotels. Taste succulent ‘crucified’ lamb grilled over a fire on traditional cross stakes. Come explore Chile and Argentina with the experts in adventure travel!
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
Meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt & luggage tags.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Carol Austin
South America Expert
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
