Trip Ref #9884
DURATION
12 nights
LOCATION
Argentina
ANNUAL LEAVE
12 days off work
SEASON
Nov-Apr
GROUP SIZE
Up to 8 people
MEETING POINT
El Calafate Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Guesthouse · Campsite · Hotel
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
You'll be out in the wild for 12 days, so good physical condition and previous hiking experience would be an advantage.
Camp at the base of Mount Fitz Roy and visit the amazing Perito Moreno glacier
Tick off the must-do 'W' trek and jump in a boat to get up close to Glacier Grey
Explore Torres Del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks, including areas few other trekkers will ever see
Day 1
El Chaltén
From the town of El Calafate on the edge of the Patagonian ice field, jump on the bus and drive to El Chaltén and get your first glimpse of the Fitz Roy massif as you cross the legendary altiplano. Check into your hotel, meet your guide and fellow hikers and relax over a hot meal in one of the town’s cosy restaurants.
Day 2
Ascend Cerro Madsen
Hiking
12hrs · 24km · 1200m up
From the trailhead at El Pilar, set off on foot through the forest to the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint. After a break to recharge and take in the view, tackle the most challenging section of today’s trek as you climb through a landscape of snow-capped mountains. Catch your breath alongside panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy, before crossing the glacial moraine to begin your ascent of Cerro Madsen. Hike and scramble across rocky outcrops to the summit and look down upon Laguna de Los Tres and the distant altiplano. Once you’ve had your fill, descend to Capri Lagoon and see Mount Fitz Roy reflected in the still, clear waters, before continuing to Poincenot campground, your home for the night. Please note, depending on the weather, the guide may decide to switch the ascent of Cerro Madsen to day 3.
Day 3
Laguna Torre
Hiking
7-8hrs · 20km · 250m up
Rise with the sun to watch the morning rays turn the rocky slopes of Fitz Roy into dozens of shades of orange and red. After breakfast, hike past the Madre and Hija lagoons and drop down into Torre valley, carved by the glaciers that scoured the landscape thousands of years ago. Follow the valley to the glacial lake of Laguna Torre, keeping an eye out for small icebergs floating across the surface and enjoy the views of Mount Torre – one of the most difficult climbing mountains in the world. Take lunch beside the lagoon and visit D’Agostini camp where some of the world’s most famous climbers have spent a night or two, before following the Fitz Roy river back to El Chaltén.
Day 4
Perito Moreno glacier
Jump in a comfortable public bus for the ride back to El Calafate and then take a private mini-van to explore the Perito Moreno glacier - the beautiful 80km drive along the shores of Lago Argentino is worth a photo stop or two. Get up close to the glacier and possibly even see a spectacular ice fall or two and then return to your hotel in El Calafate and explore the town at your own pace.
Day 5
Puerto Natales
Jump on to the bus to Puerto Natales, where you'll be met by your hosts. Settle into your accommodation and after a briefing, head out for dinner and then get a good nights sleep ready for the next part of your adventure - Torres del Paine.
Day 6
Torres del Paine Massif
Hiking
4-5hrs
Set off into one of the world's most spectacular National Park. Hike up to the Mirador Ferrier and get a bird's eye view over the Torres del Paine massif and then hike to Pingo Camp and the entrance to the Pingo Valley – your home for the night.
Day 7
Antarctic Ice fields
Hiking
8-9hrs · 21km
After a campfire breakfast, hike through the remote Pingo Valley and enjoy the spectacular views of the Torres del Paine massif. If you are lucky you might even see one of the rare and endangered South Andean deer known as a Huemul, or the mysterious feral cows known as Baguales! Climb up to a rarely visited viewpoint, stare out over the vast expanse of the Antarctic icefields and then return to camp for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Day 8
Cruise to Glacier Grey
Hiking
4hrs
Jump on the boat and sail up Lago Grey, passing enormous blue icebergs along the way. Marvel at the spectacular Glacier Grey before jumping off at Refugio & Camping Grey, where you'll spend the night. There will be an optional walk through the forest and across multiple suspension bridges to look out over the glacier - a truly humbling experience.
Day 9
Lake Pehoe
Hiking
4hrs · 11km
Hike towards Paine Grande and set up camp on the shore of Lake Pehoe. There is another optional walk this afternoon around the lakeside to look back at the spectacular massif, or, if you'd rather rest up, you can just relax at the famous bar and sample some delicious Chilean wine.
Day 10
Bader Valley
Hiking
7.5 · 18km
Head towards the Bader Valley, located between Almirante Nieto and the monstrous peaks of the Cuernos, passing Lake Nordenskjold along the way. There will be a few rivers that you'll need to hop over rocks to cross, as well as glimpses of glaciers and mountaintops before you finally reach your campsite in this remote and beautiful place.
Day 11
Lago Nordenskjold
Hiking
5.5hrs · 11km
Explore some more of the remote Bader Valley. When you're ready, descend along the trail and follow it beside the shore of Lago Nordenskjold to Camping Central, where you'll spend the night.
Day 12
The Towers
Hiking
8hrs · 18km
Climb Almirante Nieto for some incredible views over Lake Nordenskjold and the Asencio Valley. Hike to Refugio & Camping Chileno and enjoy a good lunch before continuing through the dense Lenga forest and over glacial moraine to see the iconic towers of the park – Las Torres - imposing granite peaks that rise 9,000 feet into the air. Take photos and breathe it all in, before hiking down the Asencio Valley to Camping Torre Central from where you'll be driven back to Puerto Natales.
Day 13
Say goodbye
Enjoy a last Chilean breakfast and head back to the airport, or off on your next adventure! Your local host can help with onward travel if needed.
Included
Guides
Expert, English speaking guides
Accommodation
1 night camping in Los Glaciares National Park, 5 nights in B&B's and 6 nights camping in Torres Del Paine
Meals
All meals whilst hiking
Transfers
Travel between El Calafate and El Chalten and El Calafate and Puerto Natales
Porterage
Local porters to support the trek
Equipment
All your camping equipment
Permits
Entrance fees to both National Parks
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Some meals as described
Tips for your guides
Some equipment
Day 1
Guesthouse · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Guesthouse · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9 – Day 11
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 13
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
El Chalten, El Calafate and Puerto Natales each have several local restaurants and bars that serve hearty Argentinean, Chilean and international food. While out camping your hosts will serve up surprisingly lavish meals. As a rough idea, for breakfast you can expect corn tortilla, granola, tea, coffee, chocolate milk, bacon, eggs, yoghurt and bread. A packed lunch will be provided each day containing some combination of chocolate, dried fruit and nuts, a cereal bar, fruit and a sandwich. For dinner expect a combination of soup, beef chop suey, smoked meat (or a vegetarian alternative), brownie with chocolate sauce and fruit with cream. All dietary requirements can be catered for - just make this known when booking.
What is the accommodation like?
El Calafate and El Chalten
You'll stay in welcoming local guesthouses in a clean and comfortable room with en-suite bathroom.
Upgrades
Prices are based on sharing a twin room with someone of the same sex (or a double if you're travelling as a couple). Private, sole occupancy rooms and hotel upgrades are available as an extra - enquire when booking.
Fitz Roy
You’ll spend one night at the Poincenot campground on the wooded edge of the valley with epic views of the Fitz Roy Massif. The campsite is basic, with no shower facilities or electricity. All camping and cooking equipment will be provided.
Puerto Natales
You'll stay in a comfortable B&B or boutique hostel such as Amerindia, Treehouse Patagonia or Aquaterra lodge.
Torres Del Paine National Park
You'll camp in stunning locations across the National Park. Tents and sleeping mats are provided and your porters will pitch camp ready for your arrival each day. Facilities depend on the section of the park, with the Pingo/Zapata side and Bader Valley true wilderness experiences. All sites on the 'W' stretch have toilets and showers. Sleeping arrangements will be decided during the pre-trip meeting and you can decide who you want to share with or, if you prefer your own tent, that's fine as well.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
El Chalten
19.00
Ends
Your accommodation in Puerto Natales
Flexible
Transfers
Make your way to your accommodation and meet the rest of your group at the host’s office in central El Chaltén for a pre-trip briefing. At the end you'll be dropped off at your accommodation in Puerto Natales. Breakfast is included, so check-out whenever you like the following morning and then head home or continue your adventure!
Travel options
A bus from El Calafate (airport or town centre) to El Chalten takes 3 hours and is included in the trip price and will be pre-booked according to your travel timings. Your host will confirm all the details with you after booking. The best way to get back from Puerto Natales is either by flight to Santiago from Punta Arenas (there are regular buses to Punta Arenas airport that take 3hrs) or to Buenos Aires from El Calafate (there are two buses a day from Puerto Natales that take 5-6hrs with border crossing). Your host can arrange transport as an optional extra, please enquire when booking.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tents, sleeping mats and cooking equipment
What's available to hire?
- Sleeping bag
What do I need to bring?
- Windproof and waterproof jacket - Gore Tex or similar
- Fleece or pile coat
- Quick-dry long sleeve t-shirt
- Quick-dry short sleeve t-shirt
- Winter hat
- Light gloves
- Quick-dry hiking socks
- Quick-dry, light weight long underwear bottoms
- Quick-dry/breathable windproof pants
- Waterproof rain pants
- Quick-dry/breathable shorts
- Light trekking boots (broken in)
- Pyjamas or something to sleep in
- Sleeping bag (-5°C for November – March trips; -15°C for April – October trips)
- Toiletries
- Water bottle (1.000cc)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and chapstick w/ sunscreen
- Sports watch
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Backpack (big enough for all your personal things but remember you will be carrying it)
- Shower shoes/flip flops
- Earplugs
- Head lamp/flashlight
- Camera
- Dry bags or heavy-duty bin liners to keep all kit dry inside your bag
Ice hike on Glacier Grey
Payable Before Departure
Ice hike on Glacier Grey
… Per Person
Kayak trip on Lago Grey
Payable Before Departure
Kayak trip on Lago Grey
… Per Person
This is an incredible trip, the scenery is unbelievable and I saw some of the best sunrises and sunsets I’ve ever seen. The summit of mt Madsen in el Chelten was not to be underestimated, but the view from the top was amazing. I enjoyed the days camping in the wilderness, but found the camps on the W trek too commercial for my liking, but this is probably the only thing that I could criticise, so don’t let this put you off. The porters and guides were such fun and made the trip even better. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough if you enjoy a reasonably challenging hike and spectacular scenery.
Our guide, Juan, was amazing. He was so thoughtful and performed above and beyond to make sure we had the best and safest experience possible. We had some extreme weather and conditions, but I had full trust in Juan to see us through safely.
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 315kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
While the trekking is not technically difficult, you'll be hiking for 9 days in total, covering a good distance each day with some steep sections, making this trip perfect for hikers and trekkers in good condition with some previous experience. You'll also be carrying your own sleeping bag and clothing, so you should feel comfortable carrying approx 7-9kg over uneven terrain.
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we'd suggest that each person on the tour leaves 5 to 10 USD per day per staff member (porter or guide). Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Absolutely, most of the accommodation offers storage services but, if not, your hosts are more than happy to store things for you in their local office.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Chile, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
In Fitz Roy, the highest point is the ascent of Cerro Madsen at 1806m above sea level. In Torres Del Paine the highest ascent is the trek to the famous Towers, starting at 100m and reaching 900m above sea level over the course of 4 hours.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.
Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
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