DAY 1

You are met at the airport before an approximate five-hour transfer brings you to the incomparable Patagonia Camp—South America’s first luxury camp, located on the shores of Lake Toro and facing the dramatic peaks of the Paine Massif of Torres del Paine. This unique property offers deluxe yurts, each complete with en suite bathrooms and private decks, interconnected to each other and the main building by a series of wooden walkways.

You arrive for a late welcome dinner served in the comfortable dining room where floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer unobstructed views of the park’s dramatic peaks.
Patagonia Camp, Lake Toro

DAY 2

Today is dedicated to exploring Torres del Paine National Park, the striking mountainous and glacial region that was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1978. One of South America’s most spectacular parks is home to unique fauna such as guanaco, choique (similar to an emu), huemul (wild deer), zorro (grey fox), piche (armadillo), condors, eagles, and the elusive puma. After a breakfast buffet of fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, locally cured meats, and cheeses, you drive about an hour to the western section of the park to embark on a beautiful walk to an overlook of Grey Glacier. The trail first crosses the rushing Pingo River, thick with glacial sediment, before winding through an ancient forest of lenga trees (deciduous trees native to the southern Andes). Emerging on a rocky beach, the trail follows a narrow spit of land crossing Grey Lake and culminating on the tip of a peninsula offering panoramic views of the lake, icebergs, and the lake’s source, Grey Glacier.

You return along the same trail to a light picnic lunch served in the shade of the lenga trees. After lunch, you move on to the Salto Grande Waterfall, with a few stops en route to enjoy various views of the park. The afternoon walk departs from the waterfall and skirts massive Lake Nordenskjöld, deep blue-green in color from the glacial sediment, to a privileged viewpoint of Los Cuernos (the horns), the magnificent mountains aptly named for their shape—seemingly sculpted by the wind into curved peaks, the highest of which is roughly 8,500 feet. These jagged granite peaks surge into the sky out of the plains of Lake Peso. Late in the afternoon, you arrive back at Patagonia Camp, with time to rest in your cozy yurt before another delicious dinner in the lodge’s dining room, of perhaps Southern hake or grilled salmon accompanied by locally grown produce.
Patagonia Camp, Lake Toro

DAY 3

This morning, you drive to the more remote northern section of Torres del Paine. Your walk begins with a gradual ascent of approximately 300 feet before leveling out along a fairly flat, one-way trail through grasslands and steppe, home to the guanaco and chique. Because of an abundance of game, this Estancia Puerto Consuelo area is also favored by the puma. Along the way you enjoy broad views of the park’s most famous peaks, as well as your first glimpse of the soaring Torres (towers) for which the park is named—the Torre Monzino at 8,500 feet, Torre Agostini at 9,300 feet, and Torre Central at 9,000 feet.

After a picnic lunch, you may choose to return to the camp in time for afternoon tea or join an optional walk. One of these walk options may include climbing to the top of Condor’s Lookout where, if you are lucky, condors can be spotted soaring above. The cliffs are a favorite nesting site for these native birds, many with a wing span of 9 feet. Back at the camp you may wish to try your hand at fishing (the lodge supplies fishing equipment for guest use), explore the quiet trails along the lake, or relax in the main lodge.

A final scrumptious dinner at the lodge is delightfully finished with a light dessert of flan or ice cream, perhaps made with the local Calafate berry. According to tradition, whoever tastes the Calafate berry will certainly return for more!
Patagonia Camp, Lake Toro

DAY 4

Early risers may wish to join the guides on a walk along a quiet dirt track hugging the lake to a grassy knoll with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains; all the more stunning at sunrise. You return to camp for breakfast before the long transfer (approximately 4.5 hours) to the El Calafate region of Argentina.

In the heart of Patagonia, the region is best known for its glaciers along the edge of the steppe—the impressive Upsala, Spegazzini, and Perito Moreno glaciers within the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Created in 1937 and declared part of the World’s Natural Heritage by UNESCO, the park comprises an area of almost 1,800,000 acres of mountainous landscape, lakes, and glaciers. Its unrivaled views and terrain are a mecca for walkers and mountaineers worldwide. Your home for the next three nights is the beautiful 5-star Relais & Châteaux Eolo Lodge located in a stunning locale on 7,500 pristine acres bordering Frías Hill. Recently built, and designed to evoke the nostalgia of the estancias built by the first settlers in the early 1900s, this elegant lodge is spacious and has all the comforts and conveniences you would expect, with exquisite views of Lake Argentino and Torres Del Paine.

This afternoon you may choose to take a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool, sink into a leather couch in one of the elegant lounges with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, or join your guides on a walk from the lodge to a nearby lagoon—home to flocks of bright pink flamingos—an astounding contrast to the steppe around you. Dinner this evening is served in the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
Eolo Lodge, El Calafate

DAY 5

This morning an early drive takes you to Puerto Bandera to board the boat to Estancia Cristina. The boat navigates the blue glacial waters of Lago Argentino, passing massive icebergs and offering striking views of the western front of Upsala Glacier ahead of us. One of the largest glaciers in South America, Upsala Glacier measures a stunning 6.2 miles wide and over 31 miles long! You continue on Cristina Channel for an afternoon at Estancia Cristina, in one of the most fascinating and remote Patagonian Valleys.

Upon arrival at the estancia, you will enjoy a historical walk highlighting its impressive history and explaining the sheep and wool tradition at Estancia Cristina and Patagonia, followed by a traditional Patagonian lamb BBQ at the antique sheep-sheering house. (Sheep are no longer permitted inside the National Park. The walk is very interesting and the small museum holds all of the original pieces related to estancia life and work.) After lunch, you set off for a moderate 2½-hour hike to Cerro Carnero, affording panoramic views of Upsala Glacier all along the route. A once-in-a-lifetime experience—exploring the valley in the way gauchos and pioneers did. Upon returning to the Estancia Cristina main house, you depart by boat back to the mainland. This evening you enjoy another wonderful meal at the lodge.
Eolo Lodge, El Calafate

DAY 6

Today you will enjoy a full-day glacial excursion! The day begins with a 1-hour drive to the boardwalks of Perito Moreno Glacier. The meandering boardwalks lead you to different balconies for striking up close views of the glacier. You will have the opportunity to hear the cracking sounds of Perito Moreno Glacier, extremely active as it moves, and, if you are lucky, you will see massive pieces of ice breaking off the glacier and plunging into the blue-grey glacial waters of Lago Argentino. A dramatic sight to see and hear!

Following your exploration of the boardwalks and an introduction to the uniqueness of this glacial wonder—you embark on a short boat ride across the “Brazo Rico” (the “rich” branch of Lago Argentino) to disembark on the opposite side.

Following an orientation, a short walk through thick birch forests along the lakeshore leads you to the glacier. Here, professional guides place crampons on your feet and give an informative talk on glaciology before you begin an unforgettable walk on the glacier itself. (Please Note: It is imperative that you are properly outfitted with hiking boots and cold-weather clothing.) If this is your first time walking on a glacier, we assure you it is an unforgettable experience on seemingly endless ice, viewing crevices, underground rivers, waterfalls within the glacier, and ice caves of iridescent and electric blue hues. Once off the ice, you trek back to a small mountain hut to warm up with hot drinks before returning by boat, navigating very close to the southern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier for incredible photo opportunities.
Eolo Lodge, El Calafate

DAY 7

This morning you bid farewell to the Eolo staff and start the day with a private guided visit to the Glaciarium. This newly constructed museum offers multi-media exhibits on the southern ice field, including a 3-D movie of the region’s highlights—a fitting end to our glacier adventure. After, you choose between an easy walk around the Nimmez Lagoon, home to abundant waterfowl, including black-necked swans, ibis, and flamingoes, or free time to explore the vibrant town of El Calafate. Mid-morning you set off on the approximate three-hour drive to El Chalten, a village located inside the northern, more remote section of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. Upon arrival you enjoy a light lunch before the afternoon’s walk. Leaving the restaurant on foot, you walk through the village before ascending 400 feet on a well-maintained trail to two advantageous viewpoints. The first lookout, Condor Viewpoint, offers a wonderful perspective on El Chalten and the famous Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy peaks. Another 30 minutes brings you to the Eagle Viewpoint, with its sweeping views of the Viedma Lake and the Patagonian steppe; to return you descend the same trail and meander back through town. You arrive on foot to your final home, Los Cerros. Perched on a bluff overlooking the town and surrounding mountains, the hotel offers both deluxe accommodations and immediate access to the trails. This evening you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Los Cerros, El Chalten

DAY 8

Your final walk in Patagonia is perhaps the most spectacular, culminating at the base of the Needles of Fitz Roy with its magnificent silhouette. A 15-minute shuttle north of the hotel along the Rio Blanco allows access to a high mountain trail and the base of the park’s most impressive mountain without engaging in strenuous hiking. The trail follows a meandering valley through a forest of lenga, offering glimpses of the valley below, two glaciers, and snowcapped peaks. After approximately 2½ hours, you reach the stunning viewpoint of Fitz Roy towering above the valley floor. This panoramic spot is a perfect place for a picnic lunch, and to soak in the views. An additional challenging one-hour option climbs through a glacial moraine for an even closer perspective. A gradual descent of approximately three hours, (1,200-ft elevation loss), through a succession of forest and grassy knolls, returns you to the town of El Chalten, where you make your way back to the hotel, perhaps stopping at one of the bars en route for a celebratory drink.

Tonight, you toast your grand tour of Patagonia at a lively farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant.
Los Cerros, El Chalten

DAY 9

This morning you transfer to El Calafate and the airport, where you say farewell to Patagonia and your newfound friends before flights to Buenos Aires or onward travels.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Patagonia Camp
Lake Toro, Chile

South America’s first luxury camp features individual deluxe yurts with private decks, in an exclusive location on the shores of Lake Toro adjacent to Torres del Paine National Park; wooden walkways lead to the main dining and bar area.

Nights 4, 5 & 6

Eolo Lodge
El Calafate, Argentina

A 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge newly constructed to evoke the grand ranches of the Patagonian steppe with stunning views in all directions; comfortable and spacious, with all amenities and an indoor pool and sauna.

Nights 7 & 8

Los Cerros
El Chalten, Argentina

A classic mountain hotel in the heart of Los Glaciares National Park offers incomparable mountain views, comfortable sitting and guest rooms, fine dining, and a small spa room with sauna and Jacuzzi.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Daniel Catania

Born in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, Daniel earned his guide certification through the Mountain Guides Argentine Association. He now makes his home in the Argentinian province of Tierra del Fuego, where he pursues his love of mountaineering, skiing, and photography.  As a director and instructor for the Andean Club Ushuaia, Daniel is able to share his love of the Argentine landscape. He brings this knowledge of and passion for his country to our Argentina tour!