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)
