Current as of: April 15, 2025 - 10:47
Discover Patagonia Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Argentina, Chile
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: AAH
Trip Overview
Discover the spectacular wilderness of southern Chile and Argentina
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. 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.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 13 Classic nights
- Travel by private minibus and three internal flights
- Four day hikes of up to ten hours’ duration
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
Highlights
- Experience the most beautiful landscapes in Patagonia, visiting Argentina and Chile
- Hike to the base of the Torres del Paine amid majestic scenery
- See amazing glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park
- Marvel at the stunning granite peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre
- Discover mountain-backed Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world
- Explore Buenos Aires, the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of Argentina
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). 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 four classic Patagonia treks, one in Los Glaciares National Park (Day 3), one in Los Huemules Natural Reserve (Day 4) and two in Torres del Paine National Park (Day 8 and 9). These are full-day treks with sections of steep and rocky terrain, which have been graded as Challenging. We recommend you have reasonably good fitness levels to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. There is a moderate option available to shorten the hiking in Los Glaciares National Park (day 3) and Torres del Paine (Day 8).
Internal flights: There are three 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 three included flights, we have some distance to cover by vehicle where you can take in the sweeping views of Patagonia. The longest drive is the border crossing between El Calafate and Torres del Paine.
Group
There is a local tour leader, drivers and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Buenos Aires
- End City: Buenos Aires
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure Starts in Buenos Aires
Begin your adventure in Buenos Aires, a city that moves to the rhythms of tango.
Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Latin welcome by arranging dinner at a great local restaurant.
Want to explore Buenos Aires further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Huinid Obilisco (or similar)
Discover the highlights of Buenos Aires on a city tour
Today’s half-day city tour will showcase the many faces of Buenos Aires. Discover key plaza’s, monuments and barrios, such as colourful La Boca, fashionable Palermo and historic San Telmo – the birthplace of tango.
This evening we recommend joining a dinner and tango show in the old quarter of San Telmo (optional).
Accommodation: Huinid Obilisco (or similar)
Fly to El Calafate • Drive to the mountain town of El Chaltén
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 breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Accommodation: Poincenot or Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Discover Los Glaciares National Park • Hike to Laguna de los Tres and Mount Fitz Roy Basecamp
Set off for a day of trekking amid the incredible mountains and valleys of Los Glaciares National Park.
Our hike begins alongside Rio Blanco (the white river), taking us through a forest of lenga and ñire trees. Once out of the forest we get our first view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier. From basecamp, our trek continues up to Laguna de los Tres, a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the Mount Fitz Roy massif. We return to El Chalten via the Laguna Capri lookout point trail, for serene views of Fitz Roy.
This is a challenging full-day trek over fairly rough terrain which is widely regarded as one of the best and most iconic hikes in South America. It’s possible to do a shorter, moderate version of today’s hike which doesn’t involve going all the way to Laguna de los Tres.
Accommodation: Poincenot or Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Trek to the Cagliero Glacier
A drive of around 40 minutes will bring us to Los Huemules Natural Reserve, a private estancia located in the shadows of Mount Fitz Roy.
Today’s hiking trail follows the Diablo River Valley (Devil River Valley), through native forest, past the Diablo Lagoon and across hanging bridges before emerging at the Cagliero Glacier. A cosy refuge is located in front of the glacier. This will be a welcome lunch stop before our trail continues past the Blue and Green Lagoons. Look out for sightings of the torrents duck, magellanic woodpecker and condor in this pristine environment.
Accommodation: Poincenot or Fitz Roy Inn (or similar)
Optional hike to Cerro Torre Viewpoint • Drive to El Calafate
For those who want to keep their legs moving, it’s possible to do a three-hour hike to the Cerro Torre viewpoint this morning. The trail hugs the Fitz Roy River to reach a viewpoint of the canyon, the margarita waterfall and eventually the granite needles of Mont Torre.
Afterwards, we leave El Chaltén behind and return to El Calafate, a drive of around three to four hours.
Accommodation: Los Hielos (or similar)
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier • Optional boat trip to see the glacier up close
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. A series of walkways offers different vantage points of the glacier, and an optional boat trip gives an even greater appreciation of the immense scale of this wonder.
Accommodation: Los Hielos (or similar)
To Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
After breakfast, we drive (approximately five hours) across the border into Chile before arriving at Torres del Paine, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. 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, which offers great panoramic views of the Paine Massif and the striking granite Horns of Paine.
Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe or Lago del Toro (or similar)
Day hike to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine
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 with incredible views. 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; your tour leader will give a trek briefing and be on hand throughout. It’s possible to do a shorter, moderate version of today’s hike which doesn’t involve going all the way to base of the towers.
Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe or Lago del Toro (or similar)
Hiking within the French Valley in Torres del Paine
Another great day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the French Valley. A 30-minute boat trip along Lake Pehoé takes us to Paine Grande, where our trail starts with views of the azure water of Lake Skottsberg, before reaching Campamento Italiano where we begin our ascent. We hike for around 1hr 30min until the French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off.
The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico. The full trek distance of 12.5mi (20km) applies if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. We return back along the French valley to Campamento Italiano, catching sight of Nordenskjöld Lake and re-tracing our steps to the boat back across Lake Pehoé.
Accommodation: Hosteria Pehoe or Lago del Toro (or similar)
To Tierra del Fuego, the end of the world!
We transfer around six hours to El Calafate before flying to Ushuaia, which (as the southernmost city on the planet) is often called ‘the end of the world’!
Accommodation: Altos Ushuaia (or similar)
Walk in Tierra del Fuego National Park • Optional visit to a penguin colony
Spend this morning in the secluded wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park, walking among varied terrain, flora and fauna. A short circular trail takes us along the beach and through the forest, affording views of the Chilean coast across the other side of the Beagle Channel. We also visit Lapataia Bay, the end of all roads in the Americas!
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. Enjoy fantastic views of Ushuaia and its backdrop of often snow-capped peaks from the water.
Accommodation: Altos Ushuaia (or similar)
Fly to Buenos Aires
Depending upon the flight schedule, we may have some 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. Fly back to Buenos Aires this afternoon, there will be a farewell dinner organised at a local restaurant for our last meal together.
Accommodation: Huinid Obelisco (or similar)
Adventure Ends in Buenos Aires
The main adventure comes to an end today. Bid chau to each other and begin your return journey home.
Want to explore Buenos Aires further? Additional post-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.
Accommodation
Hotels and hosterias
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.
Food & Drink
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. Supplies or choice may be limited when in very remote areas. Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please advise us before you travel so we can make arrangements on your behalf.
Transport
We use a combination of internal flights and private minibuses.
The timings of the internal flights can change and there can often be last-minute schedule changes.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Huinid Obelisco, Sarmiento 1431, C1042 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 6088-0869
Recommended arrival time: Our welcome briefing is planned for 6pm on Day 1.
Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots
- Warm clothes including windbreaker, jacket and waterproofs
- Layers to deal with changing temperatures
- Sun hat with brim and a warm hat
- Sunscreen
- Gloves (waterproof or water resistant)
- Strong UV-protection sunglasses
- Backpack for walks and sightseeing (minimum 20 litres)
- Hand sanitiser
- Walking poles (highly recommended if you generally use them and find them supportive)
- Reusable water bottle/water bladder
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. Unfortunately this cannot be organised prior to check-in.
Optional Equipment
In addition to packing as lightly and sensibly as possible, for Patagonia treks we also recommend:
- Thermal underwear/base layer (long-sleeve tops and full-length bottoms)
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- Travel or inflatable neck pillow/books etc for the long drives
- Small sewing kit with safety pins
- Cold-water detergent or laundry soap (biodegradable), for items on the go
- Torch (flashlight) or headtorch (head lamp)
Practical Information
Passport
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.
Visa
Argentina
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.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/argentina
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html
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.
Chile
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.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/chile
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html
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.
Vaccinations and Health
Argentina
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.
Chile
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.
Local Time
Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)
Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)
Electricity
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
Money
Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
ATM Availability
ATMs supporting major cards are widely available, although they may not always work in smaller towns or remote destinations, so we recommend having some cash as a back up. 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 card overseas, you should always inform your bank in advance to prevent problems with withdrawals.
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.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
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.
- In Chile, using credit cards will get you the official bank exchange rate.
- In Argentina, using credit cards will get you the special Tourist exchange rate, which is higher than the official bank exchange rate, and slightly less than the non-official Blue exchange rate used for US dollars.
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: Optional excursions are subject to availability and will usually be paid for in cash. Prices vary due to Argentine currency fluctuation and group sizes. Your guide will communicate the most up to date prices, check availability and co-ordinate the booking of optional activities.
Tipping
Shortly after arrival, the tour leader will suggest to the group they contribute approximately US$50-US$70 each towards a kitty. This money is used to tip local guides, hotel porters and other staff 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.
Sustainability and Impact
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.
Important Information
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.
Important Information
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.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
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.