Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 02:04
Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 02:04
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Sprawling over the southern tips of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is an icon of adventure travel, a vast playground for hikers and nature lovers to experience the wild world on a grand scale. On this classic trip, we explore its most beautiful landscapes, from the majestic Torres del Paine National Park to the granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Leading the way is an expert tour leader, who knows the routes inside-out and takes care of all the planning – allowing you to concentrate on the trails and fully enjoy the company of your new-found friends and awe-inspiring views.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Itinerary: We feature two classic Patagonia treks, one in Los Glaciares National Park (Day 3) and one in Torres del Paine National Park (Day 8). Both are full-day treks that have a section of steep and rocky terrain, which makes both treks graded as Challenging. We recommend you have reasonably good fitness levels to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. On each of those days, we also offer a shorter trek option that takes in each park’s scenic beauty but at a more moderate pace. The highest point comes on the hike to the Torres del Paine, at the lookout point at 2,907ft (886m) above sea level. All hikes are non-compulsory.
Internal flights: There are two internal flights included, normally with Aerolineas Argentinas. Flight times can be erratic and there can be last-minute schedule changes. Depending on flight availability, there may be a supplement to pay.
Drives: In addition to the two included flights, we have some long drives to enjoy the sweeping views of Patagonia. The longest drives are when we cross the border from El Calafate to Torres del Paine and when travelling south from Cerro Sombrero to Ushuaia.
November-December 2025 departures: Trips running in these months have an amended Day 7 as we stay in a different hotel to our standard accommodation.
There is a local tour leader, drivers and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Say hola to Buenos Aires, where our adventure kicks off.
The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little, discuss important information about the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception.
After, we join the tour leader for an introductory walking tour of the city. The evening is free for you to visit one of the many excellent restaurants in the capital.
Want more time to explore? Extend your adventure in Buenos Aires by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Argenta Tower (or similar)
Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate this morning and transfer (approximately three to four hours) to the small mountain town of El Chaltén. The town has a beautiful location in Los Glaciares National Park with breath-taking views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)
Set off for a day of trekking amid the incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park. We start with a hike to Mount Fitz Roy Base Camp with views of the massif ahead.
In the afternoon, we come out of the forest to trek up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. This is a challenging full-day trek over fairly rough terrain with impressive, rugged scenery along the way.
Please note: We also offer a moderate trek option, which takes in the scenic beauty of the park at a more leisurely pace.
Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)
Today has been left free for you to enjoy an additional trek or an optional excursion in the area. In the late afternoon, we transfer (approximately three to four hours) back to El Calafate.
Trekking option: 9mi (14km), six hours
Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier today, a jagged ice sheet that stretches more than 3mi (5km) across Lago Argentino and rises 200ft (61m) out of the cold waters. It is the fastest-moving glacier on the planet and the eerie creaks and thunderous groans add an atmosphere of anticipation.
Every so often, an office block-sized chunk of ice calves from its face into the water below before slowly floating down the lake as an iceberg. An optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder.
Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)
We spend a second day here to explore. Take a gentle walk along Lago Argentina to see birdlife (including flamingos), or a slightly more demanding hike for fantastic views over the Patagonian Steppe and towards the mountainous border with Chile.
Alternatively, join an optional excursion to a local estancia (ranch) or to Todo Glaciares – this navigation includes Upsala Glacier, Bahia Onelli (where glacier pieces float in the water) and the Spegazzinni Glacier. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.
Accommodation: Hosteria Puerto San Julian (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive (approximately eight to nine hours) across the border into Chile before arriving at Torres del Paine, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Please note, due to local regulations we must change buses at the border.
We may have time after check-in for a short walk next to Laguna Amarga or Laguna Azul, which offer great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.
Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe (or similar)
For departures taking place in November and December 2025, we drive (approximately five hours) across the border into Chile; from there, it is a short drive to our accommodation in Cerro Castillo town, near Torres del Paine National Park (due to local regulations we must change buses at the border).
This afternoon, we drive (approximately 50 minutes) to Laguna Azul and the Cascada Paine, near the park entrance, to enjoy panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation in Cerro Castillo.
Accommodation: Hotel Estancia El Ovejero (or similar)
Without a doubt, one of the park highlights is the hike up to the base of the Torres del Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, trekking primarily through forests along the Ascencio River valley. This is a challenging full-day trek and the last section is steep with rocky terrain, so you need a reasonably good level of fitness and confidence. Adverse weather conditions can make this walk much harder; however, your tour leader will give a trek briefing and answer any questions you may have.
Please note: We also offer a moderate trek option to take in the majesty of Torres del Paine National Park at a more leisurely pace.
Once we finish the trek, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Puerto Natales.
Accommodation: Hotel Lady Florence Dixie/Hotel Baquedano (or similar)
Enjoy free time this morning before we transfer to the small town of Cerro Sombrero, in the northern reaches of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
The journey (seven to eight hours) takes us through dramatic scenery and includes a short ferry crossing over the Strait of Magellan – take plenty of snacks and drinks.
In the evening, enjoy dinner together at the hotel and relax before we visit the end of the world tomorrow!
Accommodation: Hosteria Tunkelen (or similar)
Hop into our private bus for the journey (approximately seven to eight hours) to Ushuaia, which (as the southernmost city on the planet) is often called ‘the end of the world’!
Heading south, we see the most southerly part of the Andes before catching our first glimpses of Ushuaia. We should arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon, depending on weather conditions and traffic.
Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)
Spend this morning in the stark wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking among varied terrain, flora and fauna. In the afternoon, there is an optional boat ride along the Beagle Channel to see marine wildlife including penguins, sea lions and many species of water bird. We also enjoy fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks as we head out on the boat. Please ask your tour leader and they will help you to arrange it.
If you want more adventure, or prefer not to trek, you can join an optional half-day 4X4 excursion, which takes you deep into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego, where conventional transport would fail to reach, including the remote lakes of Fagnano and Escondido (please note, it is not possible to see penguins on this tour).
Accommodation: Hotel Ushuaia (or similar)
Depending upon the flight schedule, we may have free time this morning in Ushuaia. There are magnificent views from the hills leading up to the Martial Glacier and some small shops to pick up souvenirs. Ushuaia has just one museum, housed in the former prison, which is worth a visit. We fly back to Buenos Aires and usually arrive in time to visit one of the excellent tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional) or enjoy a last group meal together.
Accommodation: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel (or similar)
The main adventure comes to an end today. Bid chau to each other and begin your return journey home. Alternatively, extend your exploration by joining our extension to the majestic Iguazu Falls or otherworldly landscapes of Salta. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Depending on the time of your flight home you may have another chance to see more of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After last night’s tango show we might be tempted to learn a few steps, or watch it in the streets and plazas – particularly in the old quarter of San Telmo. A visit to the grave of Evita in the remarkable Recoleta Cemetery, said to be the most expensive real estate in the world, is also possible. Those on group flights will leave today for the flight back to London.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Travel to the northwest Argentinean provinces of Salta and Jujuy and encounter a Dali-esque land where nature bends the rules in breath-taking fashion. This extension is the perfect way to end your trip to Argentina, exploring a profoundly different destination. We drive along picturesque roads, through salt flats and colourful rock gorges. Salta is known as the most beautiful city in Argentina. You will not be disappointed. The detailed itinerary is here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Named accommodation: The itinerary indicates the typical accommodation used on each day; however, these may need to be changed for alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we pair solo passengers together in a room. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Single supplement from CAD 2042
All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners are included.
Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style and are included. The accommodation arranges packed lunches for trekking days. There is a variety of good-quality food in local restaurants and cafes, usually for relatively low prices (although the refuge we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception as facilities here are limited). Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please advise us before you travel so we can make arrangements on your behalf.
We use a combination of internal flights and private coaches.
The timings of the internal flights can be quite erratic and there can often be last-minute schedule changes. Depending on the availability of these flights, there may be a supplement to pay.
We schedule our Patagonia trips between October and April to take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures. During these months, the temperatures in Buenos Aires reach a maximum of 30C (86F); in El Calafate/Torres del Paine/Punta Arenas around 15C (59F); and in the extreme south, Tierra del Fuego, 14C (57F). These are the daytime maximums, and the average temperatures are likely to be a little lower than this.
In Patagonia, the nights can drop to freezing point, but often remain just above. Patagonian summers tend to be dry although rain cannot be ruled out, particularly in the mountainous regions along the Chile-Argentina border where you might experience all four seasons in one day! Patagonia is renowned for being windy… and sometimes very windy (dress accordingly and watch your step).
In Patagonia, the changing weather is part of the adventure; however, in extreme wind/weather conditions our tour leader may modify the itinerary for safety reasons.
Key information
Start hotel: Argenta Tower Retiro Hotel, Juncal, 868, Retiro, C1062ABF, Buenos Aires
Phone: +54 11 4325-4100
Recommended arrival time: Midday at the hotel to catch the welcome briefing and walking tour
Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide a group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Buenos Aires
Location end: Buenos Aires
In Chile, the import of crop and animal products is strictly regulated to avoid vermin, plagues, and the diffusion of non-native plants and animals. Fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be imported. If you happen to be carrying such products, you must throw them away before getting to customs or declare them and hand them over to be destroyed. You must complete a declaration on arrival into Chile and luggage will be checked. Failure to comply with this legislation will result in large fines and time-consuming difficulties with the border authorities. Please ensure you are not carrying these goods on arrival to avoid this problem.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 33lb (15kg). Please visit the Aerolíneas Argentinas website for information on the cost of additional baggage.
Please note, this cannot be organised prior to check-in.
In addition to packing as lightly and sensibly as possible, for Patagonia treks we also recommend:
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, if you are crossing the border into Argentina from Chile on your trip, we will need to know your profession to provide when entering Argentina.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online.
Please note: not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the Visa Waiver Program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever (strongly recommended if you intend to visit the Iguazu Falls due to a recent outbreak in the Misiones province). Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some lakes or rivers in Argentina; follow advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are known risks in Argentina. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)
Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -03:00)
Argentina's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and I (three flat pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz
Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
ATMs supporting major credit cards are available in Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Puerto Natales and Ushuaia. They may not be available in smaller towns or remote destinations. Please note, in addition to withdrawal fees, some banks may only let you withdraw small amounts per day, depending on the bank. If planning to use your bank card overseas, you should always inform your bank in advance to prevent problems with withdrawals.
Please note: While in Argentina, we recommend exchanging US dollars or using your credit card to get a better than official exchange rate, as noted in the Extras Expenses & Spending Money section below.
Credit cards: We recommend using credit cards for most trip purchases. Visa/Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards and most convenient option to use along the entire trip.
Cash: It is always good to have some local currency for buying drinks, snacks, and incidentals at smaller shops and markets. We recommend you bring most of your spending money to exchange in US dollars cash since other currencies, including British pounds and euros, are more difficult to exchange and the rates are not as good. Larger notes of US$50 and US$100 are more widely accepted than smaller denominations. Your tour leader will provide more information on exchanging currency as you go along but do note that exchange facilities/hours can be limited, particularly at the times you arrive or depart. Please ensure you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes to exchange, as these are often not accepted.
In Argentina, large denomination US dollars can be exchanged at the Blue rate, which is considerably higher than the official bank exchange rate – new, clean US$100 notes are preferred. The Blue rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Argentine government. Your tour leader provides recommendations and assists group members in getting the best exchange rate in a safe way.
Average meal prices in Argentina are about US$15-US$25 and in Chile are US$25-US$35. The price of a beer in both countries is approximately US$3-US$4.
Optional excursions (approximate costs as prices vary due to Argentine currency fluctuation and group sizes)
You need to pay for most of these excursions in cash; prices are correct at the time of writing but are only approximate. Optional excursions are also subject to availability. Please speak to your tour leader at the welcome briefing to check on availability and help you book activities.
Buenos Aires
El Calafate
Tierra del Fuego
Shortly after arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group they donate approximately US$50-US$70 each towards a kitty. This money is used to tip local guides, hotel porters etc and will be distributed by the tour leader. The amount will vary depending on the group size, but the tour leader will keep a receipt with details about where the kitty has been spent.
To show your appreciation for local staff that accompany the trip, you may want to tip when good service has been delivered. Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but it has become customary in this part of the world. We suggest around US$5 per day for the tour leader and US$3-US$4 per day for the driver.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
In line with our ‘book and travel with confidence’ promise which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 42 days prior to departure, or transfer to another trip free of charge up to 21 days prior to your trip starting in country, please be aware that this excludes ‘irrecoverable costs’. Details can be found here: https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions
For this trip the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.
Accommodation – £162 / US$200 / AU$280 / €174
Costs are accurate at time of writing in September 2021
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.