Patagonia Highlights (9 Days) *From 832 USD*

El Chalten Hiking Trails

This are are six outstanding El Chaltén hiking routes to choose from:

1. LOS CÓNDORES AND LAS ÁGUILAS VIEWPOINTS: Distance: 6km (3.5miles)/ Duration: 1.5-2 hours. This is the shortest El Chaltén hiking trail with the most easily accessible miradors (viewpoints). The hike provides an excellent 360° view of the Adela, Torre and Fitz Roy massifs along with the greater Río de las Vueltas valley. It’s not the most dramatic as you won’t get particularly close to any of the landmarks but if you’re short on time and want to see as much as possible then it’s ideal. The well-signed route begins at the visitors centre.

2. LAGUNA CAPRI: Distance: 12km (7.5miles)/ Duration: 3-4 hours. This is an excellent, often over-looked El Chaltén hiking trail providing broad views of Laguna Capri, a glistening blue water lagoon, and its lakeside forest. You can also enjoy great views of 3,405m (11,200ft) Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks. The trail starts at the northern end of town and soon arrives at a viewpoint facing north along the scenic Río de las Vueltas. The trail then turns westerly where you’ll find an excellent mirador facing the Fitz Roy massif.

3. LAGUNA TORRE: Distance: 24km (15miles)/ Duration: 6-7 hours. This is the classic El Chaltén hiking trail and also the most popular. If you can only do one hike here, do this one. There are two trailheads at El Chaltén, both of which begin with an hour’s steep climb before reaching Mirador Torre and the first vista west towards the icy spire of Cerro Torre at 3,128m (10,262ft). The trail continues along the Río Fitz Roy to the glacial lake of Laguna Torre. If it’s not too windy you can continue along the lake’s northern shore to reach Mirador Maestri with unrivalled views of the tower.

4. LAGUNA DE LOS TRES: Distance: 26km (16miles)/ Duration: 8-10 hours. This El Chaltén hiking trail offers the best views of Fitz Roy and the surrounding glaciers, but it’s also the hardest and longest of the day-hikes. Many choose to camp overnight at one of two campsites (Poincenot and Río Blanco) along the way but it can be done in a day. If doing so, rise early and get a head start. The trailhead starts with a steep climb from the end of Avenida San Martín and ends with the closest view of Fitz Roy’s granite wall and surrounding peaks.

5. LAGUNA DE LOS TRES AND PIEDRA DEL FRAILE: Distance: 58km (36miles)/ Duration: 3-5 days. This is an excellent trekking option for the more adventurous hiker, combining several sections of the various trails surrounding El Chaltén. Follow the route towards Laguna De los Tres as described above, either stopping overnight at Campground Poincenot and rising early for stunning views of Fitz Roy, or continuing to the campsite and refuge of Piedra del Fraile. Either way, the next day is a challenging one up to the climbers’ camp of Piedra Negra.

6. PASO DEL VIENTOS / HUEMUL CIRCUIT: Distance: 65km (40miles)/ Duration: 4-5 days. This is the hardest of the El Chaltén hiking trails and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. Although only a few kilometres longer than the Piedra Del Fraile route, the terrain is far more challenging and the risk of getting lost much higher. Many trekkers choose to join an organised trekking tour, which includes an optional walk out onto the Hielos Sur icecap. The trail begins at the visitor centre heading towards Rio Túnel. You can spend the night at the Laguna Toro campsite. Day 2 is spent steadily ascending to the white expanse of Hielos Sur where there is sheltered camping available beside Laguna Ferrari. Day 3 contains moderate walking following cairns roughly north-west across the moraine before retracing your steps back to Laguna Ferrari. Day 4 is a cairned route heading south close to the Chile border before arriving at a basic campsite and refuge. The final day is a blister-inducing 25km slog back to El Chaltén.

Perito Moreno Glacier Day Tour - El Calafate

❄️ Perito Moreno Glacier: The Majestic Ice Wall (Full Day)

Witness the thunderous beauty of Patagonia’s most famous natural wonder. Journey into the heart of Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. This full-day excursion is the classic and most essential way to appreciate the sheer magnitude of this advancing ice giant, offering panoramic perspectives that define the Patagonian experience.

✨ Tour Highlights

• The Panoramic Boardwalks (Pasarelas): Explore over 3 kilometers of secure, multi-level wooden walkways. These circuits are strategically designed to offer views of the glacier from different heights and angles, allowing you to see its vastness from above and its power from the front.

• The 60-Meter Ice Wall: Stand in awe before the massive blue-ice wall that towers 60 meters (nearly 200 feet) above the turquoise waters of Lake Argentino.

• Nature’s Thunder: As one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, the Perito Moreno is constantly moving. If you are lucky, you will witness "calvings"—massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the lake with a sound like thunder.

• Scenic Journey: Enjoy the 80km drive from El Calafate, watching the landscape transform from the golden Patagonian steppe to the lush Andean forest as you enter the National Park.

⏱️ Logistics & Schedule

• Duration: Full Day (Approximately 6 to 7 hours).

• Pick-up: Direct pick-up from central El Calafate hotels starting around 07:30 AM (To be reconfirmed locally).

• Time at the Glacier: You will have approximately 3 hours to explore the boardwalk circuits at your own pace, providing plenty of time for photography and contemplation.

• Transportation: Comfortable, modern air-conditioned vehicle.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• Activity Level: Easy to Moderate. While the walkways are secure, the circuits involve several stairs and constant walking.

• Included: Professional bilingual guide and round-trip transportation.

• Not Included: National Park entrance fees (must be paid at the park entrance) and lunch.

• Food: There is a snack bar/restaurant located at the glacier site, or you are welcome to bring a lunch box from El Calafate to enjoy at the viewpoints.

✅ Hi Travel Get Ready Checklist

• [ ] Dress in Layers: Patagonian weather changes in minutes. We recommend a base layer, a warm fleece, and a waterproof/windbreaker outer shell.

• [ ] Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are essential for the boardwalks.

• [ ] Sunglasses & Sunscreen: The sun’s reflection on the white ice is extremely intense, even on cloudy days.

• [ ] National Park Fee: Ensure you have local currency (ARS) or a credit card ready to pay the entrance fee at the National Park gate.

• [ ] Patience for Pick-up: Group coordination may involve a 15-minute tolerance window—keep your camera ready as the scenery starts early!

Supplier : Chalten Travel - Phone: +54 9 11 5496 8082

Torres del Paine Full Day Tour from Puerto Natales

🏔️ Torres del Paine & Milodón Cave: The Ultimate Full-Day Expedition

Explore the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia. Starting from Puerto Natales, this full-day journey takes you through the heart of the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. From ancient paleontological caves to turquoise lakes and towering granite spires, this tour is designed to showcase the absolute best of the Magallanes region in a single, unforgettable day.

✨ Tour Highlights

• The "First View" at Lake Sarmiento: Begin your adventure with a panoramic stop at Lake Sarmiento, where (on clear days) the entire Paine Mountain Range reveals itself for the first time.

• Laguna Amarga & Flamingos: Visit the park’s most iconic viewpoint to see the granite "Towers" reflected in the water. This area is a frequent feeding ground for elegant Chilean flamingos.

• The Circuit of Viewpoints: Navigate through the park’s most spectacular spots, including Lake Nordenskjöld, the thunderous Salto Grande waterfall, and the deep blue waters of Lake Pehoé.

• Grey Lake & Glacier: Reach the shores of Lake Grey for a lunch break. If weather permits, you can enjoy a short walk to see floating icebergs and distant views of the Grey Glacier.

• Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument: Step back in time at this massive archaeological site. Learn about the prehistoric "Milodón" (giant sloth) and the early human history that makes this cave a site of global scientific importance.

⏱️ Logistics & Schedule

• Departure: Pick-up from your accommodation in Puerto Natales.

• Duration: Full Day (Approx. 10–12 hours).

• Included Snacks: Stay energized with a complimentary onboard snack (Water and nuts).

• Return: You will return to Puerto Natales in the evening, having circled the entire western part of the province.

ℹ️ Practical Information

• Activity Level: Easy to Moderate. Includes several photo stops and light walking on well-maintained paths.

• Included: Shared transportation, onboard snack, professional bilingual guide, and insurance.

• Not Included: Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park, entrance to Cueva del Milodón, and lunch (we recommend bringing a box lunch or purchasing one locally).

✅ Hi Travel Get Ready Checklist

• [ ] Park Tickets: Ensure you have purchased your National Park and Milodón Cave tickets online in advance, as they are not sold on-site.

• [ ] The "Patagonian Layers": Prepare for the famous wind! Bring a waterproof/windbreaker jacket, a warm hat, and gloves.

• [ ] Lunch Box: We highly recommend bringing your own lunch to maximize your time at the viewpoints.

• [ ] Camera & Binoculars: Keep an eye out for Andean Condors nesting along the cliffs and rheas (guanacos) roaming the valleys.

• [ ] Patience for Pick-up: Allow a 15-minute tolerance for the morning pick-up as we coordinate with other travelers.

Supplier : Patagonia Planet - Phone: +56 61 2415118