Fitzroy & Torres del Paine
10 days Trekking in Patagonia's most exciting mountains

Trekking in the two most revered mountain areas in the far south of South America. This trekking itinerary is a combination of two hiking trips and is available in a variety of formats and can be linked with other hiking trips to suit your schedule. 

Fitzroy, Argentina

Whilst you hike you are treated to breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests and the abundant wildlife provides constantly changing scenarios and experiences. The hiking trails around the Torres del Paine are classics - add to that the spectacular trekking beneath Fitzroy and you have a very memorable experience. During summer (Dec-Mar) there are 18 hours of daylight, which gives plenty of time to enjoy the trek.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Punta Arenas - Torres del Paine  Arrive around 12:00 -13:00 hrs. in Punta Arenas with the earliest morning flight from Santiago. You are met at the airport and transferred to Camp Las Torres (345 km/ 216miles - 5hrs) inside the famous Torres del Paine National Park. This time of year the sun sets around 11pm giving us plenty of light to admire the landscape en route and the craggy mountains while entering the park. We will make short stops in the township of Puerto Natales, to take a look at the town and enjoy lunch, and in the enormous Cueva del Milodon, a giant geological wander that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth. Overnight at Ecocamp Las Torres. L, D.

The Ecocamp dome tent.

Day 2 Valle Ascencio  We trek to the foot of the impressive granite massif of El Paine (10 km, 8 hrs round-trip). From here we can admire the most photographed view of the Paine Towers (weather permitting) rising above a green lagoon. The famous Torres del Paine (2.900m/9.400ft) consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, which are the remains of a great cirque that has been sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. Overnight at Ecocamp Las Torres. B, L-, D.

Day 3 Paine Grande and Grey Glacier  Drive the scenic dirt road, spotting frequent guanaco herds, to Lake Pehoé with views to the impressive Paine Grande and Los Cuernos. Board the catamaran across the turquoise lake to our camp in Pehoé (30mins). After lunch, trek to Mirador Grey (3hrs round trip) for an impressive sight of the giant icebergs drifting across the water. Overnight at Ecocamp Pehoé. B, L-, D.

Day 4 Glacier Frances  Trek through light forest and undulating grassland to Campamento Italiano (8 km/ 5miles - 2-3,5hrs). From here we follow River Frances upstream until we reach El Mirador (lookout Point) (3km/ 2miles -1,5-2,5hrs). Here we have a magnificent broad view of the lakes below and towards Glacier Frances. We take the last catamaran and drive to Ecocamp Torres. Overnight at Ecocamp Las Torres. B, L-, D.

Day 5  El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier  Sail to Pudeto and drive to Cerro Castillo and wait for the domestic bus that will take us across the border to Argentina. Board the regular bus to El Calafate (287km/ 180mi). In the afternoon take a guided tour (160km/100mi round trip) around the enormous Perito Moreno glacier. Return to El Calafate and stay at the Hostal del Glacier or similar. B.

Day 6 Los Glacier NP and Mount Fitzroy  Scenic drive (220km/138miles) with the regular bus along isolated dirt roads to the small village of El Chalten nestled at the foot of the impressive Mount Fitzroy in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. We take an evening walk by river Electrico through the most beautiful forest to reach Piedra del Fraile and return to Fitzroy Camp. (18km/ 11miles). B, L-, D.

Day 7  Mount Fitzroy  From El Chalten we start trekking onwards Camp Poincenot (9km/ 6mi) from where we hike the strenuous trail that leads to Cerro Fitzroy look out point, at laguna de Los Tres. From here we descend a beautifully forested trail(7km/ 4,4mi) until reaching El Chalten or El Pilar to camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 8 Fitzroy Valley  Today is a long 23km/14mi trek that will cross Los Glaciares NP from south to north. Early morning drive to the Park´s south gate and then we start trekking along the Fitzroy Valley towards Laguna Torre. There is a great view of the rock needle Cerro Torre (weather permitting). We descend via Madre & Hija lagoons and Camp Poincenot with views to Mount Fitzroy. From here we either return by the western or eastern side of river Blanco. Overnight Hostería at El Chaltén. B, L, D.

Day 9  Take the regular morning bus back to El Calafate. Evening free in El Calafate with the option of enjoying typical "Parrillada" (Argentinean barbecue). Overnight in El Calafate at the Hostal del Glacier or similar. B, L-.

Day 10  Board the regular bus to Puerto Natales (350km/218mi) and connect with the afternoon regular bus to Punta Arenas. Overnight in Punta Arenas.

Day 11 Free time to catch the evening flight (approx. 18:30hrs) back to Santiago. (B)

Grade: Hard (Easy, Moderate, Hard, Very Hard, Extreme)

what some of our previous guests thought about it all

Dates: Various during November through March.

Price Indication per person to mid December 2008:

GBP1000 / USD1900        Email for current price

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trip to proceed at these prices.  The maximum number in the group is 12, but typically we have a group size of about 6-8.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.