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Patagonia Hiking Panorama, an action-packed Patagonia hiking tour
Panoramic views all around on this Patagonia Hiking tour
Duration: 14 days
4+ Travelers: $4,025 per person
3 Travelers: $4,310 per person
2 Travelers: $4,520 per person
Travel to the ends of the earth has always ignited the human imagination. So it's no surprise that Patagonia tours, encompassing the southern tip of South America shared by Chile and Argentina, has tantalized many. Patagonia is where Darwin formed part of his "survival of the fittest" theory; it's the region that British writer / explorer Bruce Chatwin sought to capture in his classic, In Patagonia; and, it's here that outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid took a sabbatical from their life of crime to try their hand at cattle ranching. Experiencing the grandeur of its spires, glaciers, ancient forests and lakes on this action-packed Patagonia hiking and kayaking adventure, you will understand the mesmerizing attraction of the region. By trekking Patagonia, you'll come away rejuvenated, with a heightened respect for nature and the strong-willed people who make this land of extremes their home.
This hiking Patagonia tour can also be arranged on a private departure basis. Please contact us so we may explain details and costs.
Patagonia Hiking Panorama Tour Itinerary
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Day 1 (Sat): ARRIVE PUNTA ARENAS (Via Santiago, Chile)
View Punta Arenas accommodations picture gallery
Your Patagonia tour adventure kicks off with arrival at Punta Arenas airport where you will transfer on your own to your hotel.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sun): PUNTA ARENAS - PUERTO NATALES
View Puerto Natales accommodations picture gallery
Morning pick up at your hotel in Punta Arenas and transfer to Otway Sound, a highlight of all Patagonia tours. Here one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins returns each year to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. Later, you'll cross the Patagonian steppe to the charming port of Puerto Natales along beautiful Last Hope Sound. Spend the long evening of daylight exploring the waterfront and enjoy dinner at one of the fine restaurants in town on the first evening of your tour of Patagonia. Stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B)
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Day 3 (Mon): LAGUNA VERDE HIKE - SERRANO RIVER
Patagonia Hiking Panorama picture gallery
After a delicious breakfast, your travel in Patagonia continues by private van towards the famed peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The route travels around Lake Sarmiento with the towering Paine Horns in view. Today's Patagonia tours begin with a trek along the shores of Laguna Verde through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. After a few hours of classic Patagonia hiking, you ascend to the viewpoint of Mirador del Toro. Here your view takes in the magnificent Torres del Paine peaks and the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After stopping to take some photographs, you'll start the steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. You'll enjoy lunch in the valley before visiting the park headquarters and visitor's center where your guide will explain more of the park's history and show you maps of your upcoming Patagonia hiking. You'll then travel the short distance to tonight's campsite on the peaceful Serrano River. The beautiful setting provides a full view of the entire Paine massif across the pampas. While guests are awaiting dinner, there will be opportunities for fishing and/or walks. For early risers, this is the place to see some of the most spectacular sunrises in Patagonia. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 (Tue): GREY GLACIER - PEHOE LAKE - FRENCH VALLEY - CAMP ITALIANO
Patagonia Hiking Panorama picture gallery
Today we will pack our lunches and transfer to Lago Grey where we will walk along the shores of these grey waters and admire the miracles of nature as turquoise icebergs are seen floating in the lake. The huge mass of white behind the icebergs is Grey Glacier, the largest in Torres del Paine. After our walk we will board the new Grey II launch and set off into the iceberg choked lake towards the walls of this spectacular Glacier. The short boat trip will give us up close and personal views of this spectacle as well as stunning views of Paine Grande and surrounding mountains. The boat will get us fairly close to the glacier where we will disembark and continue up along the shores of Grey Lake to the Mirador on foot. One of the classic Torres del Paine hikes, this climb up and out of the valley enjoys views of Grey glacier, the Patagonian icecap and innumerable mountains. We continue along the stunning blue water of Lago Pehoe to our destination and camp for the night in the beautiful French Valley at Camp Italiano. Rustic camp facilities with only pit toilettes. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
6.1 mi; 500 ft elevation gain.
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Day 5 (Wed): VALLE FRANCES - FRENCH GLACIER
Patagonia Hiking Panorama picture gallery
Today we have all day to explore the remote French Valley up to the high country and the fantastic granite walls that enclose the valley. From these walls hangs the impressive French Glacier. Cascading avalanches of snow and ice is often seen and heard as we hike up the opposite side of the valley. On our full day of hiking we will enjoy fantastic views of the amphitheatre of granite peaks as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro, and Nordenskjold. We return to Camp Italiano for the evening. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
13.2 mi/ 9.3 mi without reaching Britannica; 1,700 ft elevation gain reaching Camp Britannica /600 ft elevation gain without reaching Camp Britannica.
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Day 6 (Thu): LOS TORRES CAMP
Patagonia Hiking Panorama picture gallery
On this morning of trekking Patagonia, you'll hike the rolling foothills of the Horns of Paine beside the shores of Lake Nordenskjold. Then trek towards Patagonia's Torres del Paine, the three granite spires that give this park its name. You'll spend the night at Las Torres at a campsite with full facilities. (B, L, D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
7.8 mi; 200 ft elevation gain.
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Day 7 (Fri): ASCENCIO VALLEY - TOWERS OF PAINE
Patagonia Hiking Panorama picture gallery
Today's destination on your Patagonia tour is the Torres del Paine, the most difficult of the treks but well worth it. You'll hike into the Ascending valley through beautiful old growth beech forests, over a rock moraine just under the towers to one of the most magnificent views in the park. Weather permitting, youll enjoy the kind of picturesque picnics Patagonia tours are known for, as the lowlands stretch out below. Return to camp for the last night, where a hearty dinner awaits. (B, L, D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
10.8 mi; 2,680 ft elevation gain.
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Day 8 (Sat): TORRES DEL PAINE - EL CALAFATE
View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery
Today, cross the Chilean border by bus and continue the drive into El Calafate and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town on your own. (B)
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Day 9 (Sun): EL CALAFATE - HIKE ON PERITO MORENO GLACIER
View El Calafate accommodations picture gallery
In the morning, transfer to Los Glaciares National Park, which contains the 23,000 square mile sub-Antarctic Continental Icecap known as the "Third Pole," birthplace of several major glaciers along the Patagonian Andes. You'll travel by boat across Lake Argentino to the terminus of the Perito Moreno glacier where skyscraper-size chunks of ice regularly thunder into the lake from the 150-foot wall, a highlight of all Patagonia tours. You'll go ashore at an uninhabited beach to hike on the mammoth turquoise glacier and observe the area's many bird species including the Andean condor. (You'll need no additional equipment or previous experience). Return in the late afternoon to El Calafate to enjoy a free evening. Overnight at your hotel. (B, L)
BLUE ICE UPGRADE - $100 Per Person
For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of the Perito Moreno glacier, we offer an extension to traditional Patagonia tours, a full-day guided adventure hiking deep into the glacier. You'll first practice safety techniques with crampon gear and then spend the rest of the day with a local guide exploring the glacier and its ice caves, with plenty of time to stop for photos.
(Since this ice hike is very demanding, it is only appropriate for participants between eighteen and forty-five years old who are in good physical condition. The hike is around seven hours on uneven terrain that includes ice and loose pebbles.)
Click here to see the Blue Ice Glacier Hike picture gallery
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Day 10 (Mon): EL CALAFATE - EL CHALTEN
View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery
Transfer by private car for the drive to the windswept village of El Chalten, 149 miles north of El Calafate, at the foot of the imposing Mt. Fitz Roy (11,170 ft) and Cerro Torre, a dream destination for trekking Patagonia. On the drive to your hotel, you'll have dramatic views of the mammoth granite walls of Mt. Fitz Roy and other important peaks. After getting settled, enjoy an hour's hike to Piedras Blancas glacier on your own, an ideal warm-up for the Patagonia trekking that follows. You'll travel through a beech forest where you may see or hear the amazing Magellanic woodpecker and view the Marconi glacier, the gateway to the Continental Icecap. Or, you may choose to hike Cerro Polo (five hours) on your own instead, which offers a panoramic mountain view of the
Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Continental Icecap. Overnight at your comfortable hotel. (B,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Piedras Blancas (optional) - 2.5 miles, Altitude gain: 550 ft
Cerro Polo (optional) - 3.1 miles, Altitude gain: 2,200 ft
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Day 11 (Tue): FULL DAY HIKING FITZ ROY
View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery
Today you'll take a challenging full-day hike to the Mt. Fitz Roy base camp and
Laguna de los Tres. The mist-enshrouded mountain was named after Robert Fitzroy, the captain of Darwin's ship, the Beagle. After breakfast you'll hike north seeing Mt. Fitz Roy ahead as you continue to the base of the towering mountain where three glaciers drain into Laguna de los Tres. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Viedma and the vast Patagonian steppe, returning in the late afternoon. Another restful night at your hotel (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Start to Laguna Capri - 2.6 Miles, Altitude gain: 1200 ft
Laguna Capri to Laguna de los Tres - 2.7 miles, Altitude gain: 1800 ft
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Day 12 (Wed): CERRO TORRE HIKE
View El Chalten accommodations picture gallery
The last full-day hike is another Patagonian classic, the 10,259-ft Mt. Torre, famous for its beauty and also its elusive summit that many Patagonia tours attempt to reach each year, but only a few succeed. The trail enters a forest with a slight descent leading to a lookout facing the Cerro Torre range and the Adelas range. The trail ends along the shore of Laguna Torre offering beautiful views of Mt. Torre and the Torre glacier surrounded by the Egger and Standhard spires and the Adelas range. Hike back to El Chalten where a van will be waiting to return you to the hosteria. Another peaceful Patagonian night at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Patagonia Hiking Details:
Cerro Torre - 11 miles round trip, Altitude gain: 1,000 ft
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Day 13 (Thu): EL CHALTEN-EL CALAFATE - BUENOS AIRES
View Buenos Aires accommodations picture gallery
Transfer to the El Calafate airport for the flight to Buenos Aires, where we'll transfer you to your hotel for one last evening in the exciting capital city. (B)
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Day 14 (Fri): BUENOS AIRES - HOME
Transfer to the international airport for your return flight home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services and your tour of Patagonia. Trip extensions as well as extra nights in Buenos Aires can also be arranged. (B)
View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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More information about Traveling in Patagonia
Itinerary Map
CHILE EXTENSIONS
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT ARGENTINA
TOURS AND TRAVEL
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
Feb
13-26 6 spaces left
Mar
06-19 6 spaces left
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, English-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis including continental breakfast)
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- Meals as indicated. Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All transfers in private van
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks, archaeological sites and boats
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- Eureka tents - three person / for 2 people max
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round-trip airfare USA / Santiago / Buenos Aires / USA
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- $360 Airfare (Santiago - Punta Arenas), subject to change
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- $200 Airfare (El Calafate - Buenos Aires), subject to change
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- Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
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- Sleeping bag, hiking boots and other personal gear
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- Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
PHYSICAL RATING
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Moderate - Difficult
PATAGONIA ACCOMMODATION
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Patagonia Hiking Panorama :
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8 nights hotel
5 nights camping
(Eureka 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $995
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
After a delicious breakfast, your travel in Patagonia continues by private van towards the famed peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The route travels around Lake Sarmiento with the towering Paine Horns in view. Today's Patagonia tours begin with a trek along the shores of Laguna Verde through ancient southern beech forests towards the Sierra del Toro. After a few hours of classic Patagonia hiking, you ascend to the viewpoint of Mirador del Toro. Here your view takes in the magnificent Torres del Paine peaks and the lakes and waterways that flow through the pampas below. After stopping to take some photographs, you'll start the steep descent of the Sierra del Toro. You'll enjoy lunch in the valley before visiting the park headquarters and visitor's center where your guide will explain more of the park's history and show you maps of your upcoming Patagonia hiking. You'll then travel the short distance to tonight's campsite on the peaceful Serrano River. The beautiful setting provides a full view of the entire Paine massif across the pampas. While guests are awaiting dinner, there will be opportunities for fishing and/or walks. For early risers, this is the place to see some of the most spectacular sunrises in Patagonia. (B,L,D)
Today we have all day to explore the remote French Valley up to the high country and the fantastic granite walls that enclose the valley. From these walls hangs the impressive French Glacier. Cascading avalanches of snow and ice is often seen and heard as we hike up the opposite side of the valley. On our full day of hiking we will enjoy fantastic views of the amphitheatre of granite peaks as well as the waterscapes below including lakes Pehoe, Scottsburg, Toro, and Nordenskjold. We return to Camp Italiano for the evening. (B,L,D)
Today, cross the Chilean border by bus and continue the drive into El Calafate and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town on your own. (B)
