The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at EcoCamp Patagonia's Standard Domes, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.
Day 2: Trek Towers Base (sample activity)
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We walk from Ecocamp towards Hostería Las Torres and join the uphill path to Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Dry mountain spots, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Towers. The famous Torres del Paine (2,900 m/ 9,400 ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.
Day 3: Western Lakes and Grey Glacier* (sample activity)
Torres del Paine NP, Chile
We drive across the Park, admiring the view of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, and Los Cuernos with their black, granite horn-like spires. Walking along the shores of the stunning Lake Pehoe, we see the furious Salto Grande waterfalls where the water from Lake Nordenskjold cascades down into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until we reach its spectacular lookout point. Later, back at Lake Pehoe, we are driven south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey. Here we enjoy a tasty box-lunch by the lake before embarking on a boat ride across the icy waters to the towering blue walls of Glacier Grey. After this incredible sight of the glacier up close, we drive back to EcoCamp.
*During Shoulder Season (October and April) the boat trip to Glacier Grey may be cancelled as the boat requires a minimum of 8 passengers to sail, which might not be reached in some cases. If this is the case we will plan an alternative excursion in the Park.
Day 4: Entering Argentinean Patagonia
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
After enjoying a delicious breakfast we head to Argentina on a regular bus, doing the international border crossing at Cerro Castillo. Once we complete the immigration process we enter Argentina and continue to Calafate, a small town set on the edge of Los Glaciares NP amid dramatic scenery and natural beauty. At the bus terminal we are met by a representative and taken to a local restaurant where we have lunch and then enjoy free time in the city before boarding a regular bus in the late afternoon which will take us on the 3 hour journey to El Chalten. The drive is on isolated roads across the pampas and along the northern end of Lago Viedma. Chalten is a tiny outpost beside the Glacier National Park at the foot of impressive Mount Fitz Roy. We arrive at our hotel in time to get some well-deserved rest.
- Overnight Hotel Los Senderos or similar 3*, El Chalten.
Day 5: Mount Fitz Roy
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today’s hike is along Rio Blanco. We drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and follow the Rio Blanco Trail to Piedras Blances Glacier, a hanging glacier descending from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. We picnic here, marveling at the glacier, and then continue up Rio Blanco Trail until reaching one of the best views of Mont Fitz Roy - the landmark in Los Glaciares NP. We descend via another path heading past Laguna Capri, ending back in El Chalten.
- Overnight Hotel Los Senderos or similar 3*, El Chalten.
Day 6: Hike to Laguna Torre
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
Today we’ll do a full day hike along the Cerro Torre Trail to Laguna Torre, a stunning mountain lake with majestic Mount Torre in the background. After breakfast we walk eastwards, following the trail through beech forests until we reach Fitz Roy River. We continue and reach Camp Base de Agostini from where we do a short hike to Laguna Torre, with Cerro Torre and the Adela range on our West. Icebergs can be seen peacefully floating on Laguna Torre as the wind pushes them to the coast and we stop at different points to take in the magnificent view and enjoy a picnic. Back at the hotel we gather our luggage and begin the drive back to Calafate by a regular bus, following the same road filled with Argentinean pampas that welcomed us. We’ll arrive in Calafate after an approximate 3 hour drive and are driven to our hotel to check in.
- Overnight Hosteria los Hielos or similar, El Calafate.
Day 7: Glacier Perito Moreno
Los Glaciares NP, Argentina
After breakfast we head off on our final excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia.
Unlike typical tours which go straight to the regular panoramic views, we go first to the glacier’s less-frequented north face to marvel at its splendor. We’ll observe, and hear, giant chunks of ice plummet into the waters of Lake Argentino. Our guide will answer questions about the glacier and the park. We’ll then continue to the footbridges and take a break, enjoying the surroundings at our own leisure. We’ll also have the opportunity to do a short nautical safari to observe this magnificent glacier from up close.
After the thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we drive back to Calafate for our final night.
- Overnight Hosteria los Hielos or similar, El Calafate.
Day 8: Adios Argentina!
Calafate, Argentina
Today we finish this memorable trip, Adios Patagonia! After having breakfast, a transfer will take us to the airport and we’re free to continue traveling on our own or to take another extension with Cascada.
Optional: If you are taking the extension to finish in Punta Arenas
(Optional) Day 8, Heading to Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas, Chile
Once we’re ready, an early transfer will take us to the Calafate bus terminal. There we board the public bus going to Puerto Natales, arriving around midday. A Cascada representative will be waiting to take us to the office. When we're ready we board the next public bus going to Punta Arenas city, where another Cascada representative will be waiting to arrange the transfer to the hotel.
Once we’re ready with breakfirst, an early transfer will take us to the airport in Punta Arenas.
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