AdventureBest seller

Patagonia Glacier Trek

Torres del Paine, Chile & Los Glaciares, Argentina 4.9 (214 reviews)

Glacial lake and mountains
Glacier lake
Snowy peaks above forest
River through the mountains
Forest lake below the peaks +24 photos
  • Duration12 days
  • GroupMax 12
  • LevelChallenging
  • SeasonNov – Mar
  • GuideEnglish, Spanish
  • Start / endPunta Arenas / El Calafate

Overview

Twelve days, two countries and the finest walking in South America. We hike the full W circuit in Torres del Paine, sail to the face of Grey Glacier, cross into Argentina for the Fitz Roy massif and finish on the walkways of Perito Moreno.

Nights are split between cosy lodges and well-run mountain refugios. Porters carry the heavy bags on the W, so you walk with a day pack. Expect big weather, bigger views and very good empanadas.

Day-by-day itinerary

12 days · 5 nights in refugios · 2 border crossings

  1. Meet your guide and group at the harbour hotel, then walk the waterfront before a welcome dinner of king crab and Chilean reds.

    • Harbour hotel
    • Welcome dinner

  2. A scenic drive north across the steppe, with guanacos and rheas along the way. Afternoon kit check and briefing for the trek.

    • 4 h drive
    • Lodge

  3. The classic climb through the Ascencio valley to the granite towers, glowing pink if the morning is kind to us.

    • 19 km
    • +900 m
    • Refugio

  4. Hanging glaciers crack and roar above the valley as we walk to the Británico viewpoint, surrounded by an amphitheatre of peaks.

    • 22 km
    • +750 m
    • Refugio

  5. A calmer day: walk the lakeshore, then take a boat right up to the three-kilometre ice face of Grey Glacier.

    • Boat trip
    • 11 km
    • Lodge

  6. Cross into Argentina and arrive in El Chaltén, the self-proclaimed trekking capital, in time for empanadas and a sunset beer.

    • 6 h drive
    • Guesthouse

  7. The big one: a long, steep day to the glacial lagoon beneath Monte Fitz Roy. Worth every single step.

    • 24 km
    • +1,100 m
    • Guesthouse

  8. Stand on the walkways as blocks of ice the size of buildings calve into the lake. Farewell asado at a sheep estancia.

    • Glacier walkways
    • Farewell asado

What’s included

Included

  • Certified bilingual mountain guide
  • 11 nights: lodges, refugios & guesthouses
  • All breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Park fees and Grey Glacier boat
  • All ground transport & border crossing
  • Porters for main luggage on the W trek

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Sleeping bag hire ($45)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Traveller reviews

Amara Lindqvist
★★★★★
“Our guide knew every glacier by name and every cook in every refugio. Twelve days felt like a month of living, in the best way.”
Amara Lindqvist Patagonia Glacier Trek
Elena Varga
★★★★★
“Everything from visas to transfers just worked. When a storm closed the pass, the backup route was already booked.”
Elena Varga Dolomites Hut-to-Hut
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