Discover Patagonia
From CAD $9,940
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
Experience Overview
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.
Profile
— 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
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
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 9 and 10). 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 9).
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 Description
There is a local tour leader, drivers and local guides where needed.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
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.
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.
Weather Information
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.
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.
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
Trip Details
Product Code: 35455
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: changes.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AAH
Starts: Buenos Aires, Andes
Finishes: Buenos Aires, Andes
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, four lunches, five dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Hotels and hosteriasWe 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,940 ($710 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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