Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine, two of the world's best national parks, await you! Join us for eight days of spectacular hikes, sublime views, and unique fauna encounters during this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Chile and Argentina.
Our trip begins with a morning pick-up from the airport or your hotel in Punta Arenas before we venture off to EcoCamp Patagonia, the world's first geodesic dome hotel located in Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, you can also start your trip in Calafate. On the way to EcoCamp, we’ll make a stop in Puerto Natales, a small town on the shores of Last Hope Sound (Ultima Esperanza) where we will enjoy a hearty lunch. Afterwards we will continue our journey into heart of the National Park, where will we enjoy epic views of the Paine Towers and look out for unique native fauna. After arriving, you can settle into your cozy Standard Dome and enjoy the company of your travel companions.
Overnight at Ecocamp Patagonia, Standard Dome.
Meals: Lunch/Box Lunch, Dinner.
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Today, we will adventure on a trek to the Paine Towers' base, a park highlight. Starting at EcoCamp, we head to Hostería Las Torres, then up Ascencio Valley. Our route crosses dry mountains, beech forests, and rivers, leading to a challenging climb up a boulder-strewn moraine to base camp. Here, the 2,900m Torres del Paine granite monoliths loom over a glacial lake - an unbeatable lunch spot. We'll return through Ascencio Valley, ready for a restful night back at our dome.
Overnight Ecocamp Patagonia Standard Dome.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
Today, we'll explore the park, starting with a scenic drive to view Paine Grande and Los Cuernos' granite spires. Our journey continues on foot along Lake Pehoe and the Salto Grande Waterfalls, leading to a lookout on the Nordenskjold trail. After, we head to Lake Grey's glacier-lined shores for a picnic and a boat ride to Glacier Grey. Should the boat trip be unavailable during Shoulder Season due to insufficient passengers, an alternative park excursion will be arranged.
Overnight Ecocamp Patagonia Standard Dome.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it’s time to board the bus to Argentina and pass through the international border crossing at Cerro Castillo. After clearing immigration, we'll head to El Calafate by the edge of Los Glaciares National Park. A local representative will meet us for lunch and free time before we venture to El Chalten, a 3-hour drive past Viedma Lake's northern pampas. Nestled at Mount Fitz Roy's base, this tiny outpost offers a cozy hotel for a warm meal and restful night.
Overnight Hotel Los Senderos or similar 3 star hotel, El Chalten.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Today’s hike is along the Rio Blanco (White River). First we'll drive to El Pilar, 11 miles north of El Chalten, and then follow the trail to the Piedras Blancas Glacier, a hanging glacier that descends from the base of Mount Fitz Roy. We’ll enjoy a tasty picnic here before continuing along the Rio Blanco Trail, which will eventually bring us to one of the best views of Mount Fitz Roy, Los Glaciares’s most iconic landmark. After enjoy the incredible views, we'll descend back on another path and head past Laguna Capri before returning to El Chalten.
Overnight Hotel Los Senderos or similar 3 star hotel, El Chalten.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Set off on an unforgettable journey today, traversing the Cerro Torre Trail for a day-long adventure that culminates at the stunning Laguna Torre, nestled before Mount Torre. Post-breakfast, our eastward journey begins through lush beech forests to the Fitz Roy River, leading to Base de Agostini Camp. A short trek from there takes us to Laguna Torre, where icebergs drift serenely. Enjoy scenic stops for a picnic. Returning to the hotel, we'll collect our luggage and head to El Calafate, arriving after a 3-hour drive.
Overnight Hosteria Los Hielos or similar, El Calafate.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Now it's time for our final excursion to the beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the most famous landmarks in Patagonia. We’ll go first to the glacier’s less-frequented northern face where we’ll observe (and hear!) giant chunks of ice plummet straight down into the waters of Lake Argentino. 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 a thrilling encounter with the Perito Moreno, we'll drive back to El Calafate for our final night.
Overnight Hosteria Los Hielos (or similar), El Calafate.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
Today we'll finish up this memorable trip - adiós 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.
Meals: Breakfast.
Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.
EcoCamp Standard Domes are the world's first geodesic dome hotel room. They are resistant to the strongest Patagonian winds, rains, and snow and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), very cozy fleece blankets, feather quilts and organic elements for decoration. There are round windows in the ceiling to look up at the stars. Standard Domes have shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.
Inside Los Glaciares National Park, at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy, this classic Patagonian inn offers warm, professional service.
Featuring views of Argentinian Lake, Hosteria Los Hielos offers accommodations in El Calafate. The common living room offers views of the Patagonian landscape and guests can enjoy a sauna room. All rooms in Hoteria Los Hielos feature a private bathroom, a seating area, a cable TV and views of the lake. Guests are offered a daily breakfast with sweets and homemade pastries made with regional fruits.
Regular Departures are available every day from October to April. Subject to availability.
The trip starts during the morning in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales and finishes at Calafate Airport at noon or later depending on the group flight schedule. For domestic flights, you should be at the airport at least an hour before the flight leaves.
If you want to book a private transfer service in either Chile or Argentina please let us know.
This trip requires a moderate level of physical activity. We can make as many stops as is necessary depending on the rhythm of the group. Travelers doing active excursions will find them sufficiently energetic. To enjoy these options, it is essential to be in shape before arriving. All trails visited in the programs are under 1,000 m / 3,000 ft high so passengers need not worry about altitude.
Minimum age to participate in program is 6 years old:
In Torres del Paine and throughout Patagonia, transportation is in minivans that normally seat between 8 to 14 people. Pick-up/drop-off times as shown in the Weekly Transfer Board are approximate and will be confirmed by our local operations team.
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. This means that fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr), rainfall, and more. Summer’s average temperature is 11ºC (52ºF), ranging between 2 to 24ºC (35 to 75ºF).
Passengers need to be prepared for summer and winter all at once. We recommend the following:
The weather in Patagonia can be difficult to plan around at times. We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide based upon operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate any part of the itinerary based on these considerations.
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Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
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