The Best of Patagonia Self-Guided

Today you will arrive at the El Calafate bus station, where you can choose from several available schedules to take the public bus to El Chaltén, a charming village located at the foot of the majestic Cerro Fitz Roy and surrounded by the stunning Los Glaciares National Park.

Along the way, you’ll pass isolated roads, open pampas, and the northern shore of Lake Viedma, enjoying unique landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the picturesque village on foot as you make your way to your hotel, where you can check in and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the days to come.

After a night in El Chaltén, you’ll begin the hike with a short transfer to El Pilar, located 17 km from town. From there, the trail leads you through spectacular landscapes, with views of the imposing Mount Fitz Roy and glaciers such as Marconi and Eléctrico. The route continues through lenga forests and natural viewpoints overlooking the Cordón de Los Cóndores.

The trail is mostly flat and of moderate difficulty, with some gentle ascents. You’ll first reach a viewpoint with vistas of iconic peaks such as Saint Exupéry and Poincenot, before continuing on to Poincenot Camp and Río Blanco Camp. From there, you’ll undertake the final ascent to Laguna de los Tres, where one of the most iconic panoramas of Mount Fitz Roy awaits, before returning to El Chaltén.

From the hotel, you’ll set out on the trail to Laguna Torre. After a gentle ascent, you’ll enter a lenga forest before gradually gaining elevation along the Fitz Roy River. The path leads to a viewpoint over the river canyon and Margarita waterfall, with spectacular views of Mount Solo, the Adela range, and the imposing Cerro Torre. After about an hour of hiking, you’ll reach the Cerro Torre viewpoint, a perfect spot to rest and take in the scenery.

The trek then continues for about two more hours through lenga forests and ancient glacial moraines until you arrive at Laguna Torre, where massive icebergs float, calved from the Torre Glacier. This area is also excellent for birdwatching, including sightings of the Magellanic woodpecker. Here you’ll have the chance to visit the historic Agostini campsite, once a base camp for climbers, and even cross the Fitz Roy River by zipline. After a well-deserved break and lunch, you’ll hike back to El Chaltén, where your shared transfer will pick you up to take you to El Calafate.

In the morning, your transfer will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier, located on the southern arm of Lake Argentino. The excursion begins at Puerto Bajo las Sombras, where you’ll embark on a 20-minute boat ride through Brazo Rico, enjoying spectacular views of the glacier and its icebergs.

After disembarking, you’ll walk about 30 minutes through the forest to a refuge, where specialized guides will provide a safety briefing before beginning the ice trekking. Wearing crampons, you’ll hike for approximately 2 hours on the glacier, exploring its streams, lagoons, and ice formations, while learning about the local flora, fauna, and the fascinating phenomenon of glacier calving. After lunch, you’ll return by boat and enjoy the panoramic viewpoints once more, before heading back to El Calafate for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, a private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the El Calafate bus station, where we’ll say goodbye to this first stage of the journey.

You’ll then take the bus to Puerto Natales, where a private transfer will take you from the terminal to your hotel. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner and attend a briefing to prepare you for the next stage of this adventure.

At 6:45 AM, you must be at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal to board the 7:00 AM public bus that will take you directly to Torres del Paine National Park.

You’ll cross through estancias and Patagonian plains, enjoying the region’s most iconic landscapes, flora, and fauna. Be sure to have your camera ready! Upon arriving at Laguna Amarga, the main entrance to the park, you will present your park entry QR code, which is included in your program. Then, you will board a shuttle heading to the Welcome Center.

From there, you’ll walk to Refugio Central, where you can leave your luggage before beginning the hike to the Base of the Towers.

You’ll start the hike by entering the Ascencio Valley, gradually ascending until reaching the Windy Pass. This section is as stunning as it is exposed, often with strong gusts of wind, so it’s essential to follow the instructions on your navigation app to cross safely.

A few meters further ahead, you’ll reach Refugio Chileno, the last stop on the trail with bathrooms, food for sale, and internet access. Remember to bring cash if you plan to purchase anything.

From there, you’ll continue into a lenga forest, crossing small streams until you reach a scenic lookout that reveals the most demanding section of the day. The trail then climbs steeply up a massive terminal moraine, where you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the iconic Towers.

Depending on the weather, you’ll start your day under the orange and pink hues of a Patagonian sunrise. You’ll hike toward the base of the Cuernos del Paine, where massive twin peaks of black granite rise dramatically into the sky, shaped like horns.

Along the way, you’ll pass Laguna Inge, and if you’re lucky, you might spot condors and other birds of prey circling overhead as you walk along the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld.

The well-marked trail climbs about 200 meters from the base of Cerro Almirante Nieto and crosses the Bader River, leading you to your accommodation at Refugio Los Cuernos, or Refugio Francés if you’re traveling in April or October. The entire route will be available in your offline navigation app, so you can feel supported and safe every step of the way.

You’ll start the morning by hiking up a winding trail that leads to Laguna de los Patos, where you’ll enjoy views of sections of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological wonder that still hides unexplored peaks.

From there, you’ll continue toward the Grey Glacier viewpoint, crossing forests and rivers, with the chance to spot steamer ducks along the way. You’ll have lunch with the impressive Grey Glacier at your feet, and if you’re lucky, you might witness chunks of ice calving from its towering walls.

For those seeking an extra adventure, today you have the option to add a half-day kayaking excursion, paddling among floating icebergs that have broken off from the glacier. Be sure to book this activity in advance.

This morning is entirely yours to enjoy as you wish. You can choose to go ice hiking on the Grey Glacier, take a kayaking excursion among the floating icebergs on Lake Grey, or hike to the hanging bridges for a unique aerial view of the glacier. If you choose the latter, please note that unguided hikers are only allowed to reach the second hanging bridge.

Whatever you decide, make sure to coordinate your timing with the staff at the mountain lodge to ensure you return to Paine Grande in time to catch the last catamaran across Lake Pehoé.

On the way back, take in the wide-open views of Paine Grande and the dramatic granite walls of the Olguín Range. Once across the lake, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Natales, where we’ll conclude our journey.