Classic Patagonia Treks

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Day 2

Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our
hotel in Buenos Aires. Our local leader will meet us today for a briefing and
take us on a short walking tour of the city, discovering its wealth of
history and culture. The evening is free for you to choose one of the many
excellent restaurants, most serving the legendary Argentine steaks!

*Accommodation: Deco Recoleta Hotel (or similar)*

Day 3

Flight inclusive bookings will have arrived into Buenos Aires on the previous
day and been taken to the centrally located hotel by the tour leader before
having a short city tour and opportunity for an evening out exploring the
city. Flight inclusive bookings include internal flights from Buenos Aires
down to El Calafate today.

Today we'll drive the short distance out of El Calafate to visit the
breath-taking Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights
in the world, the Perito Moreno glacier is one of only a few glaciers that
grows and shrinks with seasonal fluctuations. It calves into Lake Argentino
and sometimes part of the lake becomes land-locked depending upon the
position of the ice. Every so often it is possible to see (and hear) huge
lumps of ice break off and fall into the lake and then float away as
icebergs.

As there is an early morning start tomorrow we suggest sorting your luggage
tonight and preparing a smaller bag that you will carry throughout the next 4
days of trekking in Chile. We have an agreement with the hotel in El Calafate
that means excess luggage can be left securely until your return - the tour
leader will give further details and assistance. Everything that you bring
with you to Chile you will need to carry yourself on the treks.

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Koi Aiken (or similar)*

Day 4

This morning we start early with a long but scenic journey crossing the
Andean border that starts out on the Argentine plateau and emerges in the
stunning Chilean landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park.  Once we
arrive at the Lago Amarga entrance to the park, we will meet our local guide
who will join us for the next 4 days to provide expert guidance and insight.
From here we will be transferred to our first refugio. This afternoon we
will have the opportunity to enjoy some short treks around the area.

*Accommodation: Refugio* *Torre Central or Torre Norte*

Day 5

Onwards and upwards we trek to one of the most impressive highlights of the
park - the 'base of the towers'. A lakeside viewpoint from where you will
look upon Torre Sur (2,850m), Torre Central (2,800m), Torre Norte (2,600m)
and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We descend back down the valley and return to
our refuge to enjoy a hot meal and a well-earned drink.

Trekking time: Approximately 9 hours.

Note: To and from the refugio to the base of the towers is an 18 km
round-trip (8/9 hours) and you can leave your bag at the refugio for this
walk. There will be lockers available to leave your things, but please make
sure to bring your own lock as these are not provided.

*Accommodation: Refugio* *Torre Central or Torre Norte*

Day 6

We will walk down the valley towards the shore of Lake Nordenskjold and then
follow the edge of the lake on a much flatter and easier terrain to reach Los
Cuernos. This is considered by many to be one of the most charming sites in
the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night.  

Trekking time: Approximately 4/5 hours. 

*Accommodation: **Los Cuernos Refuge or Frances Domes Refuge*

Day 7

Another long day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the French Valley.
The first 2 hours involve some ascents and descents with views of
Nordenskjold Lake accompanying us until reaching 'Campamento Italiano'. Here
you can leave your backpack (unattended) at the campsite if you wish,
enabling you to walk the next part of the trek empty handed (keep valuables
with you). The slight ascent lasts for about 1 and a half hours until French
Glacier lookout, where we’ll be able to observe an impressive hanging
glacier and listen out for the rumbling noises of small avalanches as great
chunks of ice and snow fall off. The trail does continue until 'Campamento
Británico' and on to another lookout point 'Mirador Britanico', but note
that how far the group will walk up into the valley is dependent upon weather
conditions, timings, and the condition of the group - the decision will be
taken by the local guide who will walk with us whilst in the National Park. 

We return back down along the valley to Campamento Italiano and continue our
walk onwards past the shore of the smaller Lake Skottsberg and into the
Pehoé sector of the park. We arrive in the late afternoon to the inviting
and idyllic site of 'Paine Grande' refugio and can spend the evening gazing
upon the clear night skies or relaxing in the on-site bar.

Occasionally some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of
staying in the refugio dormitories - see accommodation section.

Trekking time: Approximately 10 hours. 

Note: This is the trek distance if reaching the very end of Valle Frances,
often we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or
group condition. The total walking distance for today therefore becomes 17
km.

*Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or Full-service Camping*

Day 8

Today we will start early in order to see the third and final of the 'W-Trek'
highlights - the Grey Glacier. This is a round trip to a lookout over Lake
Grey that will end back at Refugio Paine Grande, so we can leave our bags and
just carry any essentials with us. The trail goes along the western side of
the Paine Massif with views to Lake Grey and various mountains. After about
one and a half hours we will reach the lookout point and enjoy views of the
Grey Glacier in the distance. We return by the same route back to Pehoé Lake
from where we will take the Catamaran across the Lake to Pudeto sector. A bus
will take us from here on the short drive to the park entry point at Laguna
Amarga, and here we will board our transfer vehicle to Calafate (approx. 5/6
hours). After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park
(keep an eye out of the window for pumas!) we cross the border once more into
Argentina and arrive late evening into the town of Calafate.

Trekking time: Approximately 4 hours. 

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Koi Aiken (or similar)*

Day 9

This is a free day to either have a rest or you can also book optional tours
in Calafate. We recommend the Perito Moreno Ice Trek or the half day tour to
Estancia Nibepo Aike where you will have the chance to enjoy a typical
Patagonian barbecue and see how a typical estancia works in Patagonia. Please
ask your tour leader, and they will help you to arrange it.

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Koi Aiken (or similar)*

Day 10

In the morning we will transfer approximately 3 hours to the small mountain
town of El Chalten that will be our base for walking in the Fitzroy region.
After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively, for
those who wish, there are many short treks around town, which your tour
leader will help you to arrange. We spend the night in El Chalten at a simple
and friendly hosteria.

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Los Ñires or Don Atilio (or similar)*

Day 11

This morning we start with a short 30 minute bus journey on the edge of Los
Glaciares National Park to our start point at El Pilar from where we will
commence our trekking in the stunning Fitz Roy region. We follow the trail
leading to Poincenot Camp, along the way enjoying views of Piedras Blancas
Glacier and Fitz Roy if the weather conditions are clear. From Poincenot we
then continue onwards to reach 'Laguna de los Tres', involving a steep ascent
to reach a wonderfully scenic spot from which to relax and take photos of the
Fitzroy Massif. We descend back down from the viewpoint and walk back down
from the mountains to eventually reach the town of El Chalten on foot.

Trekking Time: Approximately 8/9 hours. 

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Los Ñires or Don Atilio (or similar)*

Day 12

Today we will trek into a beautiful valley and make our way toward the
stunning Torre glacier viewpoint. If time permits, we might be able to
continue on to the Maestri Lookout at Laguna Torre (this 4km section of the
walk can get very windy) before walking back to El Chalten.

Trekking time: Approximately 7/8 hours. 

*Accommodation: **Hosteria Los Ñires or Don Atilio (or similar)*

Day 13

After breakfast we will transfer by road down to El Calafate airport. This is
quite a long journey and we allow approx. 3/4 hours in order to arrive on
time for a midday or afternoon flight to Buenos Aires.

For Land Only bookings – the trip ends at El Calafate airport and the
internal flights are not included in the price of the trip.

For Flight Inclusive bookings – we fly up to Buenos Aires and transfer to
the same hotel in the centre of the city. The evening is free to reflect upon
a wonderful trip and enjoy one more night in Argentina. Tomorrow after
breakfast there is a group transfer to the international airport.

*Accommodation: Deco Recoleta Hotel (or similar)*

Day 14

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Day 15

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