Torres del Paine NP – W Trek + Los Glaciares NP + Fitz Roy - 11 days – Chile & Argentina

Experience the best of Patagonia on this 11-day adventure, trekking through two of the most iconic national parks in Chile and Argentina: Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares. This journey offers breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and unforgettable landscapes. Start with the W Trek in Torres del Paine, where you’ll explore the stunning Base of the Towers, Frances Valley, and Grey Glacier. Then, continue your journey to Los Glaciares National Park, home to Fitz Roy, where you’ll trek to Laguna de los Tres, Lago Torre, and experience the world-renowned Perito Moreno Glacier.

Trip Highlights:

Torres del Paine W Trek: Trek through some of Patagonia's most dramatic landscapes, including the Base of the Towers, Frances Valley, and Grey Glacier.
Los Glaciares National Park: Explore the majestic Fitz Roy, hike to Laguna de los Tres, and trek to Lago Torre.
Perito Moreno Glacier: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most active glaciers.
Unforgettable Patagonian Views: Hike past turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers.
Expert Guided Tours: Bilingual guides (English/Spanish) and all transfers and meals included for a seamless adventure.

*Program can be arranged as guided or self guided, or partial guided.

Duration: 11 Days | Chile & Argentina

Departures: On Demand

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine NP

Public transportation from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (Laguna Amarga Main Entrance), the trip is about two and a half hours (112 Km), with a short stop at Cerro Castillo Village.

At the moment you arrive to Laguna Amarga entrance you will have to acquire your entrance ticket, and take the shuttles that will be waiting for you to take you to Las Torres sector (Estancia sector) where our Refugio is located.

Presentation time at the Bus Station: 2:15 PM
Departure: 2:30 PM / Arrival to Laguna Amarga: 4:30 PM
Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central

Day 2: Trekking to “BASE TORRES”

Distance: 13 km / 8 mi

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Difficulty level: Difficult

The first hour and a half walking is steep with fantastic views of lake Nordenskjöld and Almirante Nieto Mtn, with its hanging glaciers until you reach Refugio El Chileno to rest and leave your luggage. Then, carrying just a small back pack, you will continue the trail through a millenary Lenga forest (1 hour) until the base of “the moraine.” This challenging ascent of about 45 min, will take you to one of the most impressive lookouts in the park; “Base of Torres del Paine” where you will have the view of Torre Sur, Torre Central, Torre Norte and Cerro Nido de Cóndor.

Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Refugio El Chileno

Day 3: El Chileno to Los Cuernos Refugio

Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours

Difficulty: Low

About 30 minutes after leaving Refugio El Chileno you will notice the sign to take the “shortcut” that leads to Refugio Los Cuernos. The trail goes through the Base of Almirante Nieto Mn. – part of the Paine Massif-, with great views to Nordenskjöld lake; from December the flora presents different colours specially the “Ciruelillo or Fire Bush” which take its name from the red colour of its flowers. After about 4 – 5 hours you will get to the Base of Los Cuernos where our Refugio is located, considered by many, one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest and recover energies for the next day challenging trek: “The French Valley”.

Accommodation: Refugio Los Cuernos (ask about the private cabana upgrade option!)

Day 4: French Valley

Distance: 25 km / 15.5 mi

Hiking Time: 10-12 hours

Difficulty: Difficult

The first 2 hours are with some ascents, descents and views to Nordenskjöld Lake until “Campamento Italiano”, at this point we recommend you to contact CONAF staff so you can leave your Big Backpack with them and start the next part of the trek with a small day backpack. The ascent goes for about 1 hour and a half until French Glacier lookout, where you’ll be able to observe its hanging glacier and opportunities to observe small avalanches. After that the trail continues until “Británico area” and after about 20 minutes you will reach the lookout point considered by many as one of the most overwhelming spots in the Circuit: “Mirador Británico”, where you will admire: “Paine Grande”, “Cerro Hoja”, “Cerro Máscara”, “Cerro Catedral”, “Cerro Aleta de Tiburón”, “Cuerno Norte”, etc. The return is the same way back to “Campamento Italiano”, and then to Pehoé sector.

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande

Day 5: Grey Glacier

Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi

Hiking Time: 8 - 9 hours

Difficulty level: Moderate

Trek to Grey Glacier lookout (round-trip). The trail goes through the western side of the Paine Massif with views to Grey Lake and Mountains. After 1 hour and a half you will reach the first lookout point, where you may observe Grey Glacier in the distance, then and after 1 and a half / two hours you will get to the Main lookout, in front of the glacier. The return is the same way back until Pehoé Lake to take the Catamaran that crosses Pehoe Lake to Pudeto sector, where your bus will be waiting for you to take you back to Puerto Natales. Arriving around 10 or 11pm.

Accommodation in Puerto Natales not included

Day 6: The Argentina Adventure Starts

Today get prepared to take your bus to El Calafate (shared service). To get to the bus station a taxi will cost you 6/8 dollars, roughly. We highly recommend being ready half hour before the departure time at the bus terminal.

Once you arrive to the bus station at El Calafate you will be taken in private service to El Chalten (no guide).

Duration: 5 hours (Puerto Natales - El Calafate) + 3 hours (El Calafate - El Chalten)
Included: Bus ticket Puerto Natales-El Calafate
Not included: transportation to the bus station in Puerto Natales.

You will be taken from El Calafate to El Chalten in private service, where for during about 3 hours you will be able to enjoy the desert of Southern Patagonia on the famous Route 40.

You will pass through La Leona River, that connects Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. By the river you will see La Leona Road House where once Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid after robbing a bank where hidden for almost a month.

El Chalten is the top rated trekking destination, the Argentinean capital of trekking. Located at the foot of the Fitz Roy Mountain, surrounded by glaciers, lakes, rivers and forest, it is still a hidden gem of our south. The charming little village, that is also the start point for most paths, is a paradise for walkers and trekkers alike.

Arrival in El Chalten in the afternoon, you will the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the areas around the town. You can explore the surroundings, have a stroll around a little waterfall, or just relax in the local brewery.

Day 7: Laguna de los Tres Hike

Distance: 23 km / 14.3 mi

Hiking Time: 10 hours

Difficulty level: Moderate

This natural viewpoint is the closest site to the imposing walls of the Fitz Roy and its peripheral granitic needles and without any doubt the most famous of all the walks.

Duration: 5 hours (one way). Difficulty: medium / difficult.
Slope: El Chaltén. Accessible: normally from October to May.
Shared service with English speaking guide.

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During the first hour of hiking, the slope is a bit steep, until entering the valley of the Del Salto stream towards Mount Fitz Roy. The ñires begin to be more and more numerous around the footpath and approximately an hour and a half of the journey you get to a well-signposted natural rocky viewpoint, with a sign that allows you to interpret the mountainous and glacier landscape that is presented in front of the traveler. The path continues always up the Del Salto stream to the drainage area of the Madre y Hija lagoons.

About 4 hours after leaving from El Chaltén, you will arrive first at Poincenot Base Camp (one of the busiest National Park camping sites) and after crossing the Blanco River, to the Río Blanco base camp (only for climbers). From here the path continues with a steep slope of approximately 400 meters of height to the Tres lagoon, which will require more than an hour of effort.

This is the closest view of the granitic wall of Mount Fitz Roy and its peripheral needles. Going down, you can continue along a path that goes around the lagoon to its mouth, and at the end of the trail you can see the desolate Sucia lagoon and its hanging glaciers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Box

Day 8: Loma del Pliegue Tumbado Hike

Distance: 17.7 km / 11 miles

Hiking Time: 7 - 8 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Hiking time: 7/8 hours
Grade of difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Shared service with English speaking guide.
No trekking experience required.

Another fantastic trek is to access a 360° viewpoint via a less used trail in the national park. From here we can appreciate the valleys of Fitz Roy, Torre and Toro, the Patagonian steppe and the vast Lake Viedma. In the last stretch of the trail we will be walking in a completely different mountain terrain; where we can spot its typcial alpine flora, and if we can also search for marine fossils. We leave El Chaltén on the footpath that heads towards Laguna Toro. Having walked for about an hour in ascent and crossed over small streams and through some ñires and lengas woods, we arrive at an exposed area with a picture postcard view of Mount Fitz Roy, Torre and Huemul. We continue the hike across the Pampas, locally called “Pampa de las Carretas”. Then, we pass through various parts of the woods in which we will be able to hear a variety of birds, inviting us to discover and identify various species of birds that live here. On leaving the forest (about 1000masl) we start to walk across an alpine terrain, where delicate flowers growing in such an arid area won’t fail to surprise us. It can snow up here, even in the summer! In this section it is quite possible to find the remains of marine fossils such as ammonites and belemnites which are about 100 million years old. In this last section we can also experience the Patagonian wind, which is just as much part of the trek!. We finally arrive at the viewpoint - nearly at 1500 masl. This spot offers an unconventional and unique view of the Torre and Fitz Roy massifs. Return to El Chaltén.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Box

Day 9: Laguna Torre Hike

Distance: 18 km / 11.2 mi

Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Length: 6/7 hours
Grade of difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Shared service with English speaking guide.
No trekking experience required.

One of the classic and can’t be missed walks of El Chaltén, to Laguna Torre where we find an impressive view of the Torre massif, the Adela range, Mount Solo and their respective glaciers. The footpath will take us through a wide range of landscapes, ranging from wide glacially formed valleys to dense forests. We stop at great panoramic spots and visit famous base camps that are used by famous climbers.

Bear in mind that in the afternoon you will board your bus back to El Calafate (shared service). It will pass by your hotel to pick you up, so you need to be back in time.The 3 hour-long driving back will be a good opportunity to rest or just relax enjoying the the passing landscape at your window.

Once you arrive at El Calafate, the bus will leave you at your hotel. You can take a brief walk to see downtown and enjoy a typical Patagonian appetizer in one of the local bars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Box

Day 10: Full Day Minitrekking: Hiking on the Perito Moreno Glacier

Difficulty level: Low

A breathtaking adventure in the ice world of Patagonia; experience the iconic glacier up-close by walking on the surface of the ice itself! The adventure begins by navigating along the towering facade, followed by disembarkation on the opposite shore. Walk along the lateral side until ascending onto the ice in a two hours moderate circuit that introduces you to the fascinating glacial landscape with its streams, small lagoons, crevasses and sculptural ice formations of the most incredible shades of blue. Truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Duration: Full Day
Shared service with English speaking guide.
What to bring: Sunglasses / sunblock / gloves / hat / raincoat / hiking boots / small backpack.
Note: excursion allowed only for passengers from 10 years old to 65 years old. No exceptions. Not allowed for pregnant women, overweight people or any type of disability.

National Park Los Glaciares entrance included.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch Box

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Due to operational insurance issues, the age limit for doing the ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier is 65 years old. If a passenger exceeds this age then an alternative excursion to the Glacier will be arranged.

Optional - Big Ice Trek (+ $100usd per person)

This unforgettable experience begins very early in the morning, at “Bajo de las Sombras” Port, after visiting the Glacier’s catwalks. Once on-board, participants cross the Rico Branch, and after 10 minutes they disembark on the west coast. From this point, the mountain guides lead the group even closer to the glacier to take the crampons and start the approximation crossing.

The path runs along the southern moraine of Perito Moreno glacier, and after an hour participants find a spectacular viewpoint, from where they will have access to the ice.

Once over the glacier and with the crampons already put on, the world takes a new perspective: blue lagoons, deep crevasses, huge sinks, magical caves and the unique feeling of being in the centre of the glacier. Participants will always be accompanied by expert trained guides. During three hours and a half every corner of the most special glacier of the world is explored, while the guides invite to learn more about the ice and its environment.

Over a selected spot of this immense white blanket , a place of unparalleled beauty, participants will have 30 minutes for lunch (picnic is NOT INCLUDED).

Once back on the moraine, and after another hour of walking, the boat back to “civilization” is taken, after having enjoyed one of the most spectacular ice trekking in the world.

Day 11: El Calafate

Today we’ll take you to the airport to take your flight (shared service). Your Patagonian trip is about to end…or maybe not? If you want you can extend your trip to keep on exploring Patagonia, we’ll be glad to help you design your next adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Accomodation

Our Selected Hotel Accommodation (6D Los Glaciers portion):

El Chalten: ~ Posada El Barranco, El Paraiso, Vertical Lodge (or similar)

El Calafate: ~ Patagonia Rebelde, Cauquenes De Nimez Hotel, Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

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Additional Trip Info

5D W trek (Self Guided)

Transportation: Regular bus transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park and back

Accommodation:

2 nights at Torre Central Sector
1 night at Frances Sector
1 night at Paine Grande Sector
Fully made beds at mountain refuges (except at Frances Mountain Refuge, where a sleeping bag is required)
Campsite includes tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and liner

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch (box lunch), and dinner included
Box lunch on return day to Puerto Natales
Pehoé Lake Catamaran ride
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees
What to Upgrade? Check out our EcoDome accommodation

6 Day Los Glaciares Portion:

2 nights in El Calafate and 3 nights in El Chalten

Transfers & meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Tours described in the itinerary

Bilingual guides (English/Spanish) when mentioned in the itinerary

W Trek Portion‍

Guide on W Trek (available at additional cost - on request)
1 night overnight in Puerto Natales between W trek and Los Glaciares tour
International or Domestic Flights.‍
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue‍
Items of personal nature

6D Los Glaciares Portion

Optional Finish in Punta Arenas
Park Fees
Optional "Big Ice" glacier hike on Glacier Perito Moreno
Tipping is not compulsory but it is greatly appreciated throughout South America, especially in the service industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided by your Destination Host, tour guides and drivers, then we recommend rewarding their hard work by tipping. In general, we suggest a tip of around US$20 - 25 a day for guides and US$ 5 -10 for drivers.
Gratuity
International or Domestic Flights.‍
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue

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Chile & Argentina

Torres del Paine NP – W Trek + Los Glaciares NP + Fitz Roy - 11 days

The Best of Argentina and Chile - Hiking Tour