Patagonia is the ultimate playground for intrepid adventurers. Its endless pampas, snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes provide a spectacular backdrop for our 10-day Discovery Trek, where you will explore the region in small groups, led by our expert naturalist and expedition guide. During the day, we explore by foot the world-renowned national parks in both Argentina and Chile, before returning each night to delicious meals and comfortable lodgings in colorful local towns. Get up close with calving glaciers, grazing guanacos and soaring condors when you join us for the adventure of a lifetime in Patagonia!
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : El Calafate Day 2 : El Chalten & Los Glaciares National Park Days 3-4 : Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Day 5 : Puerto Natales Day 6 : Serrano River & Balcameda Glacier Days 7-8 : Torres del Paine National Park Days 9-10 : El Calafate
Highlights
Trek to Cerro Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre base camps in Los Glaciares National Park
Cruise to Balmaceda Glacier for spectacular views
Sunrise walk to the base of the three Torres del Paine
Sample Patagonian cuisine in local villages and towns along the way
Arrive in El Calafate and make your way to the group hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the town or walk down to Lake Argentino to watch the waterbirds. There will also be an evening briefing, to meet your trek guide and learn about your upcoming adventure.
An early departure takes you to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can witness the thunderous crash of frequent ice calving. Afterward, drive across the Patagonian steppes to the village of El Chaltén, which will serve as your home base in Los Glaciares National Park.
Over the next two days enjoy daily walks to the base camps of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. These picturesque walks will take you along dramatic rock spires, pristine valleys and shimmering lakes & glaciers sitting in the foothills of jagged peaks. Return to your accommodation each night with time to sample the local cuisine and village atmosphere.
Leave El Chaltén this morning and cross the border into Chile, driving across pampas towards Puerto Natales. Set on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza, this city is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The afternoon is yours to explore this delightful town, and in the evening you may like to sample to the local specialty of King Crab in one of the seafood restaurants.
Day 6 Serrano River & Balcameda Glacier
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning leave Puerto Natales and journey further into Torres del Paine National Park. Along the way, board a boat and travel down a fjord, stopping at the Balmaceda Glacier en-route. Then change to Zodiacs and continue along the Serrano River before you arrive in the heart of Torres del Paine.
Day 7-8 Torres del Paine National Park
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
Over the next two days take in some of the highlights of the National Park, such as Salto Grande Falls, Mirador Cuernos Lookout, Nordenskjöld Lake, Armaga Lagoon, Pehoe Lake and Condor Viewpoint. There will also be plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching, possibly spotting herds of guancos, foxes, condors, falcons and maybe even the elusive Patagonian puma. On the first day, travel by bus to move from one trail to another in order to maximize your time. Tackle the longer and more challenging Ascencio Valley trail on the second day, which takes you to the base of the famous Torres del Paine peaks.
Day 9-10 El Calafate
2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Depart Torres del Paine today and cross the border back to Argentina towards El Calafate. The drive will take you through some spectacular Patagonian scenery, where rolling hills are dotted with stunted beech trees. Plan to arrive in El Calafate in the afternoon where the rest of the day is yours for some last-minute shopping or to indulge in some “dulce de leche” dessert! Your trek ends the next day after breakfast, where you will continue on with your own arrangements.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,980
Notes
Select a Date
Included
9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
9 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Park Entrance Fee - All guide fees and National Park entrance
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Professional, bilingual guide service as listed
Excursions and activities as listed
Complimentary Parka
Rubber boots will be provided for you for the duration of your cruise. It is recommended, however, that you bring your own if you require a special size.
Excluded
Arrival Transfer
Departure Transfer
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
International Flights - International or domestic flights to or within South America, unless specified
Optional Excursions - Optional excursions not included in the itinerary. Optional activity surcharges.
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
This is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give the Russian crew is totally at your discretion. A single contribution can be made at the end of the voyage to be distributed evenly amongst all of the crew. As a guideline, the ship suggests US$7 per traveler per day. Additional information will be given on board.
Initial deposit is $2,700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit cards accepted. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and a maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.