8-Nights Argentina & Chile Patagonia Luxury Hiking — CALL
MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1533225
On this express Patagonia hiking adventure featuring premier lodging, enjoy perfectly paced day hikes through picture-postcard backdrops including the legendary Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the vast Patagonian steppe, and the sky-piercing horns of Torres del Paine, all in just 9 days! Begin with a stay at a superbly situated comfortable hotel, and cap it off with stays at two luxury lodges. A must-do for the hiking enthusiast who's looking for indulgent comfort and cuisine at the end of each day!
Highlights:
- Follow carefully chosen trails while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Cerro Torre, the Fitz Roy massif, and Torres del Paine
- Go horseback riding gaucho-style in the vast Patagonian steppe and witness blocks of ice calving from Perito Moreno Glacier
- Relax in comfort and warm hospitality each evening at a perfectly situated hotel in Chalten and at top luxury lodges in the Patagonian steppe and Torres del Paine
Important Trip Details:
You should be able to walk 6-11 miles on mountain terrain, with up to 1500' of elevation gain per day. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is highly recommended. A horseback riding experience is also offered as an alternative to one of the shorter hikes: no previous experience needed.
Minimum Age: 14
8 nights | Call for pricing
Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Argentina & Chile Patagonia Hiking with Premier Lodging
Day 1 Arrive in El Calafate & Journey to El Chalten
2.5-3-hour private van transfer
Arrive in El Calafate. Meet your MT Sobek guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel in El Chalten. The scenic drive takes you through the Patagonian steppe and follows the shores of Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma. Stop en route for a coffee break at a well-known crossroads from the time wool caravans went across Patagonia. Take in views of the mythical Fitz Roy Massif and Cerro Torre as you arrive in the village of El Chalten, your home for the next three nights and base for some of the most fabulous hiking trails in Patagonia. After an orientation, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Los Cerros Boutique Hotel
(D)
Day 2 Trek Glacial Valleys to Cerro Torre
2-3 hours/4 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss OR 7 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain & loss
Trek through native forests and along a glacial valley to Cerro Torre Base Camp and revel in one of the most stunning views in Patagonia: the south face of Cerro Torre, with its iconic pointy spires and hanging glaciers (weather permitting). There will be the option to continue beyond the Cerro Torre lookout point, following the valley to the shore of Laguna Torre, a beautiful glacial lake set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre and the Torre Glacier. In the afternoon, return to El Chalten and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the local brewery, and leisure time before dinner.
Accommodation: Los Cerros Boutique Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Marvel at Mountain Peaks: Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery & Poincenot
30-minute private van transfer
4 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain & loss OR 6 hours/12 miles hiking with 1,250' elevation gain & 1,500' elevation loss
After a scenic morning drive to the trail head at Rio Electrico Bridge, hike west into the valley of Rio Electrico and then head south below the east face of Mount Fitz Roy. Enjoy beautiful forests interspersed with incredible views of Marconi Pass and Piedras Blancas Glacier, as well as Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery, and Poincenot Peaks (weather permitting). Enjoy a picnic lunch at Poincenot Camp before continuing on to the secluded and scenic Laguna Capri, and then back to El Chalten. Those who prefer a shorter hike today are welcome to turn back at the Piedras Blancas lookout, and one of our guides will accompany you to meet the van back at the Rio Electrico Bridge for the transfer back to the hotel.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Journey to EOLO Lodge in the Patagonian Steppe
3.5-hour private van transfer
2 hours horseback riding on gentle slopes
Depart from Chalten this morning and return to the steppes for your last glimpse of the jagged peaks of Fitz Roy mountain range. This drive is a great opportunity to spot diverse fauna species, guanacos (South American camelids), foxes, armadillos, and varied birds including choikes (South American ostrich), eagles and condors. Thirty minutes beyond the town of Calafate, arrive at EOLO Lodge, an exclusive Relais & Chateau property located on a 10,000-acre ranch at the foothills of Cerro Frías, overlooking the vast steppe and the Andes (on clear days, even the Paine massif can be spotted in the distance!). Relax over lunch at the lodge, then set out on a horseback ride into the valley to the nearby Flamingoes Lagoon, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species. Look out for local fauna including guanacos and condors, and enjoy open views of Anita's Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Alternately, if you prefer, our guide team can show you the trailhead for an independent hike up the slopes of Cerro Frías, reaching a forest of distinctive native trees including Ñires, Lengas and Cohihues. This evening, contemplate the endless horizon of the Patagonian plains and be sure to take in the incredible sunset.
Accommodation: Eolo Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier & Experience EOLO
3-hour private van transfer
2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain at Perito Moreno
Start today with a scenic drive into the Southern part of Los Glaciares National Park, arriving at the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the largest in Argentina and known for the massive breaking of its 180-foot front wall. Begin on an easy interpretative trail through the native forest that gently leads to the lake shore. Then a short transfer will take you to the entrance of the extensive walkways that gradually approach the glacier. Return to EOLO for an afternoon at leisure, with time to enjoy a massage treatment or relaxation in the spa, or walk through EOLO's fantastic landscapes. Gather back in time for a pre-dinner tasting of selected Argentine wines and an overview of Argentina's wine production regions.
Accommodation: Eolo Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Travel to Torres del Paine, Chile
5-6-hour private van transfer
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking with 750' elevation gain & loss
Wake for an early start to reach customs by midmorning hours, in order to anticipate crowds. Leave customs behind to find yourself immersed in the surreal landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Check in at your home for three nights, Tierra Patagonia. After lunch, transfer to the nearby area of Laguna Azul on the east side of the park. The lake is named for its incredible deep blue color, and a short hike here includes the best lookout points for views of the Torres (Towers) as well as a small wetland with a great variety of birds. Then, after a short drive, hike into Cañadon Macho, crossing green pastures and gently ascending to a high pass with great views of the Paine Massif and Cerro Almirante Nieto. Descend to the valley where the private minibus awaits, and stop for photos of the Paine Waterfall, with its rushing glacial waters, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike the Hunter's and Origines Trails for Views of Torres del Paine
2-hour private van transfer
6-7 hours/9 miles hiking total, with 900' elevation gain & loss on each of two segments
Set out on a scenic drive into Torres del Paine National Park, stopping at various viewpoints, including the beautiful, green Laguna Amarga, full of sedimentary formations known as stromatolites, as well as views out over Lake Nordenskjold and Los Cisnes Lagoon. From above Lake Sarmiento, hike the "Hunter's Trail" past the Goic Lagoon and towards Laguna Amarga and the Paine River, passing through an area of Patagonian plains with views of the Paine Massif and excellent chances of spotting Patagonian fauna such as guanacos and ostrich-like nandus - and possibly even some puma tracks! After a picnic lunch, meet your private van at the Laguna Amarga ranger station and drive a short distance to the shores of Lake Sarmiento for a hike on the Origenes Trail. The first section is mostly flat, before descending a steeper section to the shores of Lake Sarmiento to observe the lake's incredible geological features, formed long ago by thrombolytes. Continue along the shores of small lagoons in the glacial moraine, gaining different perspectives of the Paine Massif and spotting wildlife on the way. Before dinner, gather for a casual tasting of Chilean wines, and a brief overview of Chile's current wine production.
Accommodation: Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Discover the Hidden Paso de Agostini Trail & Hike to the Salto Grande Waterfall
2-hour private van transfer
6-7 hours/10.5 miles hiking with 950' elevation gain & loss
Cap off your last day in Torres del Paine with a full-day hike along the Paso de Agostini, a little known trail away from the crowds, passing through grasslands with colorful lakes and the iconic Paine Massif as backdrops, and chances to spot local wildlife including guanacos, foxes, and condors. Setting off from Estancia Lazo, admire views across the open green waters of Laguna Verde then meander through lenga forest to reach a series of lookout points, with panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way in a tranquil, natural setting, then make a short climb to a viewpoint over Lago del Toro, the winding Paine River, and imposing mountains across the horizon. The hike ends with a fairly steep descent to Weber Bridge, where the van is waiting to take you along the shore of Lake Pehoe to the peninsula overlooking Lake Nordenskjold. Hike a short distance to the lookout over Salto Grande, the largest waterfall in the park, with beautiful turquoise waters. Also enjoy outstanding views across Lake Nordenskjold to the Horns of Paine, rising up above the French Valley. Return by private van to the lodge and enjoy some well-earned pampering in the indoor heated pool, sauna, or Jacuzzi before celebrating your journey with a farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas & Depart
1.5-hour private van transfer to Puerto Natales (or 4-5 hour private van transfer to Punta Aren
Take an early morning scenic drive from the lodge to Puerto Natales, a small but lively town on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza ("Last Hope Sound"). Check in at the Puerto Natales airport to board connecting flights back home. Alternately, if you prefer to depart from Punta Arenas, arrangements can be made for a separate transfer at additional cost.
(B)
Excursions
Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- A visit to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum.
- Cocktail and canapés at the De La Cruz hill
- The municipal cemetery and the tomb dedicated to the Ona Indians.
DESCRIPTION
This city tour begins with a visit to the southern sector of Punta Arenas where we’ll visit the eerie wreckage of the Lord Longsdale ship and the local market.
Afterwards we’ll head back to Old Town Punta Arenas. Here its European architecture, public buildings, main square and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas was one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
The visit will continue to the Braun-Menendez Regional Museum, the former residence of Maurice Braun and Josefina Menendez, a marriage that united the two largest fortunes in the region of Magallanes. With the falling price of wool and the nationalization of the farms during the 1970's, the family lost most of their wealth and their descendants have since moved from Patagonia to the rest of world.
Moving from downtown towards the North, we’ll arrive at the Mount La Cruz panoramic point. It offers a beautiful view of the city, with its colorful roofs spreading up to the strait and showing the landscape of Tierra del Fuego, Mount Sarmiento and the southern area of the Brunswick Peninsula. Before continuing will take a few minutes to make a toast enjoying this unique view and brilliant photo stop.
To end this excursion we’ll take you to the beautifully landscaped Municipal Cemetery. Here, one can admire the splendid mausoleums of pioneer families as well as a tomb dedicated to the Unknown Ona, the now extinct Fireland Indians. They say you can't really understand a culture until you see where they bury their dead, and in the case of the cemetery of Punta Arenas, this edict certainly rings true. The Municipal Cemetery was opened by the Governor Señoret in 1894 and features a giant stone portico donated by Sara Braun in 1919. Inside this necropolis lies a veritable miniature city, with avenues that connect the magnificent tombs of the region's founding families, settlers, and civic workers and a rather solemn tomb where lie the remains of the last Selk'nam Indians of Tierra del Fuego.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 3.5 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Snacks and refreshments at Mount La Cruz
Travellers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- An orientation tour of Punta Arenas
- A private culinary experience with a renowned local chef
DESCRIPTION
The Walking City Tour begins at Main Square Plaza Muñoz Gamero and Old Town with its European arquitecture, public buildings and gardens with their varied styles denote wealth and luxury that existed in the city during the "golden era" between 1880 and 1914, when Punta Arenas became one of the most active ports of the Southern Cone.
To continue towards the area near the port and regional market where will meet up with Luis Gonzalez, Chef and owner of the unique Remezon Restaurant which offers wild flavours that come from this part of the world. Thus his proposal has been awarded and praised by many visitors.
Luis Gonzalez enjoys sharing his Patagonian recipes and culinary secrets with those who come to the Remezon. Today we’ll be doing some grocery shopping together at the market and his favourite spots and afterwards enter his kitchen where cooking is not only fun but we’ll also learn more about Punta Arenas culture, its people and way of living at the ends of the world.
After participating in preparing some delicious dishes it will be time to sit back and enjoy lunch.
Before leaving Luis will surprise you with a very special memento of this Patagonian culinary experience.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Operational notes :
Duration : 4 hours
Level of activity : Easy.
Meal plan : Lunch with wine at the Remezón restaurant
Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
- The local fauna
- Typical Patagonian lunch
This journey begins as we take off from the city towards the north. Once leaving Punta Arenas enjoy the scenery of the pampas and Patagonian steppe; rheas may be seen alongside hundreds of sheep.
In 1852 Bernard E. Philippi brought some sheep from Chiloé (island across Puerto Montt) and in 1877 the governor Double Diego Almeyda traveled to the Falkland Islands and brought 300 sheep that were sold in Punta Arenas. The following year other traders brought more sheep, and thus began the business of farming and today represent one of the main economic activities in the region. The principal landowners were English and Scots, who knew the handling of sheep and the necessary infrastructure.
Rio Penitente farm was founded by Alexander Morrison, a Scottish pioneer in 1891. Today his descendants are in charge, and will be here to welcome visitors to their charming ranch to explore their facilities, discover the traditional work around the farm, and watch the sheep working dogs and a sheep shearing exhibition.
The comfortable old-world setting provides sharp contrast with the raw beauty of the beech forest and open pampas of the surrounding Patagonian Landscapes. The clear water of Rio Penitente, flowing through the farm, offers excellent trout fishing.
For lunch an exquisite Patagonian barbecue will be served at the main dinning room.
*Travelers will be transferred from the pier to the excursion sites by car
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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