Patagonia: Hike Patagonia In Depth With the W Trek

As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, check into the hotel and enjoy the city.

Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private transportation to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route marvel at the towering Andean mountains. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike. Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torres, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia.

Climb into a double kayak for a gentle paddle along the Río de las Vueltas, inside Los Glaciares National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Fitz Roy mountain if the skies are clear. Hop on a bus to Condor Lagoon area, about 40 min away, and get ready for the adventure. Guides will provide all the necessary equipment for the kayak and once everyone is ready, they will do a safety talk. First the group will practice the movements in Condor Lagoon and then continue to Río de las Vueltas for about 6 km. During the journey, passengers will have the opportunity to see Fitz Roy mountain peaks from the river and amazing views of the National Park if the weather allows it. Head back to Chaltén by bus for a free afternoon.

Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres and if the weather cooperates, a clear view of the Fitz Roy peaks. En route, take in the gradual changes in terrain from tree covered trails to exposed alpine landscapes. Laguna de los Tres is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular. The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trekking ahead. Although the 400m (1,312 ft) incline to reach the lake is taxing, the reward is well worth the effort.

Explore one of El Chaltén's many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Laguna Capri or head up to the Condor Mirador to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to the quaint little town of El Calafate, and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.

Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. Explore the different metallic walkways that will bring you directly to a spectacular view over the glacier and be amazed by every angle. Then, opt to take a boat ride on the lake to get a different view of the stunning landscape and marvel at how large the glacier is up close. Argentino Lake, discovered in 1873, is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. With its fjords and fingers it covers 1,505km² (935 mi²), and is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7km (1.7 mi) wide by 55m (180 ft) high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.

Enjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience a full-day ranch experience, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian landscape. Home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier, the gaucho inspired cozy town of El Calafate is the perfect base for exploring the nearby glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park, the most renowned in Argentina, was created in 1973 to preserve this vast glacial area encompassing the Upsala Glacier and the incredible Onelli Bay. Opt to take navigation to see other glaciers in the region or go horseback riding in the Patagonian steppe. The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs, chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a rest.

Continue on to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the town, eat a hearty meal, and rest well for the 4-day hike ahead. Once a small fishing village, Puerto Natales is now a hub of adventure enthusiasts itching to explore unforgettable Torres del Paine NP. Get any last-minute shopping done and rent all equipment needed for the hike. Extra gear not needed for the Paine hike can be stored at the hotel. Then, get ready for a detailed briefing with your CEO and local mountain guides about everything you need to know about this trek.

Embark on a 4-day excursion within Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below. Hop on a private transfer and enjoy the two and a half hour drive to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at the Welcome Center and get ready to start the trek. Hike through dense forest and mountain paths before making the ascent to the base of Las Torres. Hike about 4 hrs in and 4 hrs back. Then, transfer to the campsite at the end of the day for some spectacular food and time to reflect on the first leg of the journey.

Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag and jump in the van. Our drive today goes along the Paine river until we reach the Welcome Center in Torres del Paine NP. Be on the lookout to spot some wildlife! Once at the welcome center, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld lake and enjoy the view before reaching Cuernos Camp.

Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the imposing French glacier hanging over Paine Grande mountain. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape and enjoy a 360 view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.

The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Hike back to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment before returning to Puerto Natales for the night.

Travel back into Argentina to El Calafate and catch an evening flight from Patagonia to Buenos Aires.

Depart at any time.