MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1376623
Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking
This is our most comprehensive hiking itinerary in Patagonia, combining 40 miles on the W route in Chile's Torres del Paine with the remote reaches of Argentina's Los Glaciares, all in the company of our expert Patagonia team. Get up close to the iconic jagged peaks, majestic glaciers, and pristine lakes of these two breathtakingly scenic national parks. Stay at comfortable centrally located hotels in the towns of Puerto Natales, El Calafate, and El Chalten as well as highly-sought-after small wilderness lodgings that allow spectacular hiking opportunities that others aren't able to reach without the need to camp. This much-loved trip of a lifetime is the ultimate way to explore Patagonia!
13 nights from $8,795 per person
Exclusive Amenity: $50 Donation Per Booking Will Be Made on Behalf of Your Clients to One of MT Sobek’s Partnered Foundations
Valid on new bookings deposited now – December 31, 2025 for travel anytime.
Other restrictions may apply. Contact your travel advisor about this Signature Exclusive Amenity.
MT Sobek: Chile & Argentina Ultimate Patagonia Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Punta Arenas
Arrive at the airport in Punta Arenas, Chile and transfer to the hotel. In the early evening, gather with the group for a briefing on the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabo de Hornos
(D)
Day 2 Scenic Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
6-hour private van transfer
After breakfast, travel across the Patagonian plains to the quiet fishing town of Puerto Natales on the shores of Seno Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope Sound). Stretch your legs a bit and have lunch before continuing on to Torres del Paine National Park and taking in your first spectacular views of the Paine Massif (weather permitting). There is also a very good chance of seeing guanacos — small cousins to the camel and llama — on the way to the park.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Explore Majestic Torres del Paine
9 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,400' elevation gain
Get an early start for an all-day hike to the base of the Torres del Paine. Follow the Asencio River over a low pass into the Ascencio Valley, passing through beautiful beech forests and talus-covered slopes. After a final steep climb up a boulder field, arrive at a spectacular viewpoint that is one of the most scenic spots in the world, where the towers rise majestically before you and a glacial lake is visible below. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike below Cuernos del Paine
5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,400' elevation gain
Begin your trek deep into the park, hiking at a relaxed pace along the north shore of Lago Nordenskjold to Los Cuernos, following the Paso Los Cuernos trail beneath the jagged Cuernos ("horns") del Paine. The views are magnificent, including your first sighting of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Stay in cozy cabins right next to a waterfall on the most isolated spot of our journey — an excellent staging area for tomorrow's hike to the French Valley. The cabins also afford a prime position to view sunset hitting the horns, and the dark night sky is filled with stars.
Accommodation: Cabañas de los Cuernos
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike through French Valley
8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,350' elevation gain or up to 10-12 hours/15 miles with 3,200' elevation gain
From our cabins below the Cuernos, hike gently rolling terrain along Lake Nordenskjold to the entrance of the French Valley, one of the most spectacular cirques in the Paine Range and the middle leg of the classic "W" route. We'll gain elevation as we hike into the valley, walking below the glaciers that descend from the massif's highest summit and marveling at the gray granite peaks of the Cuernos del Paine, topped with fantastical black slate "horns." After reaching the French Valley lookout with its awe-inspiring views, either turn back and head straight to our next accommodations at Refugio Paine Grande, or, weather and time permitting, continue further up the French Valley for additional views before making our way back down the valley and then onwards to the Refugio.
Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Take a Boat to Grey Glacier
45-minute catamaran cruise
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1200' elevation gain
Arise early and hike along the Paine Grande Mountain towards the face of stunning Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before boarding a catamaran that takes us close to the front of the glacier and then down to the southern shore of the Lago Grey (Grey Lake), where our hotel for the night is located.
Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Travel to Argentina & Explore El Calafate
7-hour private van transfer
Depart Chile's Torres del Paine National Park and drive across the border into Argentina. (Please be prepared for delays of up to a few hours while crossing the border). Proceed over the flat grassland steppes to the town of El Calafate, located on the southern shore of an enormous glacial lake called Lago Argentino. El Calafate is the gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier and is a great town to explore. Your trip leader will recommend restaurants for dinner on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos
(B, L)
Day 8 Marvel at the Perito Moreno Glacier
4-hour private van transfer
2 hours/2 miles walking with 350' elevation gain
Enjoy a day trip to Los Glaciares National Park to see the renowned Perito Moreno glacier. At this very active glacier, a 200-foot-high headwall continually calves massive blocks of ice into the lake with a thunderous roar - an awesome spectacle of nature's power at work. Admire the amazing glacier from different viewpoints on a 2-mile guided footbridge walk. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the glacier before returning to El Calafate for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Posada Los Alamos
(B, L)
Day 9 Drive to Los Glaciares National Park & El Chaltén
3-hour private van transfer
1 hour/2 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain
We continue our drive across the steppes and along the northern end of Lago Viedma, with the views getting better and better as we approach the mountains and glaciers of the Fitzroy and Cerro Torre ranges. Arrive at El Chaltén for lunch. Weather permitting, take a short hike to a scenic lookout, before continuing another half an hour to Laguna Condor.
Accommodation: Laguna Condor Cabanas
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Hike along the Rio Electrico to Piedra del Fraile and Lago Electrico
6-7 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain
From the trailhead at Rio Electrico Bridge, hike along the Rio Electrico Valley, which progresses gently uphill from west to east, and pass through a beautiful lenga forest to reach Piedra del Fraile, one of the first refuges in the area, protected from the winds and offering comfort to the world's most experienced climbers and mountaineers, as well as to trekkers arriving in the area for the first time. This less travelled path boasts impressive views of the north face of Fitz Roy and solitude, and the lenga forest is alive with the sounds of native birds. Wind conditions permitting, emerge back into open terrain and cross the boulder field of a glacial valley to reach the shores of Lago Electrico, fed by the Marconi Glacier. NOTE: some groups will transfer to Destino Sur in El Chalten this evening, spending one night at Laguna Condor and three nights at Destino Sur.
Accommodation: Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Trek to Laguna de Los Tres
8-9 hours/13.5 miles hiking with 3,150' elevation gain
Another day, another inspiring day hike into Los Glaciares. A short transfer brings us back to the trail head at Rio Electrico Bridge, before setting out on an easy walk through a beautiful forest with impressive views of Piedras Blancas Glacier as well as the Fitz Roy, Saint Exupery and Poincenot Peaks. After passing Poincenot Camp, begin a steep climb up to Laguna de los Tres — a challenging effort, but worthwhile for its superb views of Fitz Roy and its hanging glaciers. At the top take in the beautiful surroundings before hiking back to El Chalten via the secluded and very scenic Laguna Capri.
Accommodation: Destino Sur Hotel de Montana & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Follow Trails to Laguna Torre
7-8 hours/11 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain
Embark on a long day hike into the park's interior. We walk through a varied landscape formed by glaciers and stop for commanding views of the south face of Cerro Torre — sought after by photographers and climbers the world over. Reach the pinnacle of our trek at Laguna Torre, a beautiful glacial lake set against the backdrop of Cerro Torre, with its iconic pointy spires and hanging glaciers.
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Transfer to El Calafate and Depart
3-hour private van transfer
Transfer back to El Calafate this morning, arriving in time for early afternoon flight departures to extend your adventure on your own or with one of our extensions in Argentina, or to begin your journey home.
(B)
Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
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
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
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
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site 1,300 mi/2,080 km southwest of Buenos Aires, has some of the most spectacular sights in Argentina. One of the planet's few advancing glaciers, Perito Moreno Glacier periodically dams the Brazo Rico of Lago Argentino, causing the water to rise. Eventually the melting ice below can no longer support the weight of the water behind it, and the dam collapses in an explosion of ice and water.
This spectacular event had been occurring, on average, every four years until a 16-year lull struck in the 1980s and '90s. In March 2004, a dramatic collapse took place, much to the delight of visitors lucky enough to be there. It subsequently ruptured again in 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2016.
The 22-mi-/35-km-long glacier is spectacular, and from a series of catwalks and vantage points on the Peninsula Magallanes you can watch and listen as tremendous chunks of ice crash into the Canal de los Tempanos. Visitors in good physical condition can hike on the iceberg itself. Buses run from Calafate to Moreno during tourist season (November-February). You can take a one-hour boat ride to get near the glacier's walls.
In the far north of the park are Mount Fitzroy and Cerro Torre, popular with climbers and hikers. Chalten, the village closest to the mountains, can be reached by bus from El Calafate, which is the best base for visitors to the area. El Calafate is also a good jumping-off point for tours to the Torres del Paine National Park, across the border in Chile.
Buenos Aires - Full Day Sightseeing Tour - 7 hours
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore some of the most recognizable landmarks in Buenos Aires. Find out about the history and culture of this city, as you take in some of the most significant spots. Start at the most important square in the country: Plaza de Mayo. The country was founded here in 1580, and today the most important governmental buildings are located here including Casa Rosada (Government House), Cabildo (City Hall) and Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Continue through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo neighbourhood, where the original porteños (Buenos Aires residents) settled in the early days. The next stop is picturesque La Boca, home to Caminito, perhaps the city's most photographed street thanks to its corrugated iron and brightly coloured houses. This block houses one of the few outdoor museums in the world, where artists exhibit work, related to the influence of mainly Italian immigrants who arrived at this port at the end of the 19th century. La Boca is home to the legendary football (soccer giants) Boca Juniors, whose colours of blue and yellow adorn most of the houses and stores in this neighbourhood. Drive towards Palermo, passing through Puerto Madero, a regenerated area where redbrick warehouses have been transformed into trendy restaurants and bars.
Once in the northern area of the city, drive past Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, combines the flavour of an old, working-class neighbourhood with some contemporary details, including ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. The bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors, and restaurants cater to all palates. Continue to Recoleta, one of the most elegant and sophisticated districts, visit Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church and Recoleta Cemetery, known for its rich architecture and famous personalities whose mortal remains it treasures.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
Inclusions
Buenos Aires sightseeing tour with shared visit to Colon Theatre - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks, as well as history and culture in the Paris of the South, on this half-day private guided city tour. Kick off at Plaza de Mayo square, the heart of the city both from a historical and political point of view, and site of its foundation in 1580 by Don Juan de Garay. The next stop is San Telmo with its cobbled stone streets and colonial buildings. Also visit La Boca neighbourhood, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area. Before returning to the hotel, visit Colon Theatre, one of the world's greatest opera houses, with its sublime interior, every piece of marble, furniture and crystal, imported from Europe. The theatre took 80 years to be completed and finally opened in 1908. It combines many European architectural styles and influences, including Greek columns, French stained glass and Italian marble. The house seats up to 2,500 people and the Colón has hosted opera celebrities such as Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas and Placido Domingo. Shared guided tour to Colon Theatre.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Old quarters at San Telmo neighborhood
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Colon Theatre (shared visit)
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour North - half day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Familiarize yourself with some of the most recognizable landmarks in the northern area of Buenos Aires. Drive through Palermo, a district with several different areas such as classic Palermo Chico and contemporary Palermo Hollywood. Start in Palermo Chico with its impressive townhouses, tree-lined boulevards, and parks, then continue to Bosques de Palermo parks; past the Japanese and Rose Gardens with their lakes and sculptures, which can be visited independently. From here continue past the Palermo racetrack and polo grounds where the famous Argentine Polo Open is played every December. Palermo Soho, on the other hand, fuses the flavour of a working-class neighbourhood with contemporary twists such as ethnic restaurants, design stores and bars. Its bohemian atmosphere makes it popular with Argentines as well as foreign visitors. Gastronomy options appeal to all palates. Finally, visit Recoleta neighbourhood, home to many a mansion, which takes one back to Argentina's glorious days. The tour ends at the Recoleta Cemetery, renowned for its rich architecture and sculptures that makes it more of an open-air museum than a final resting place.
After tour you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Palermo trendy area
- Japanese and Rose garden in Palermo
- Recoleta cemetery
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour & Evita Museum - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Explore the highlights of the 'Paris of South America' in a four-hour tour accompanied by one of our experienced representatives who will introduce you to the history and culture of this magnificent city. Beginning with the historical areas of Buenos Aires: Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political heart of the city, laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of Buenos Aires. Continue to La Boca, the tough port barrio and colourful working-class area of Buenos Aires, Palermo with its gardens and mansions; and finally, Recoleta, where you will visit its world famous cemetery and see the tombs and mausoleums of the most important personalities of Argentine history. Finally, visit the Evita Museum, a living museum where people can learn, understand and appreciate the life of one of the most important women in Argentine history.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- May square
- Caminito street at La Boca
- Palermo neighborhood and parks
- Recoleta Cemetery
- Evita´s museum
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Tigre Getaway - Half Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Escape the hustle and bustle of central Buenos Aires on this relaxing half-day getaway, featuring fashionable riverside suburbs and a cruise along sheltered waterways. Drive to Tigre passing through neighbourhoods such as Vicente López, Olivos, and San Isidro, and past elegant homes of these residential suburbs, including the Presidential Residence in Olivos, official home to Argentina's president. On arrival at the Paraná River, board a private river boat and head out along the Delta's waterways. An array of colourful sights awaits as the boat cruises past islands, turn-of-the-century homes, yacht clubs and a fleet of watercrafts, including canoes and sailboats. A soft drink and snack are served while you enjoy the scenery. Re-join your vehicle when the river cruise ends and transfers you back to the hotel.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Parana river
- Sail in the Delta
Inclusions
Buenos Aires Tango Show & Dinner at Rojo Tango
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
At Rojo Tango, a unique venue designed by Philippe Starck located within the Faena Hotel, enjoy an evening of “Porteño” (residents of Buenos Aires) music and dance. After a three-course dinner with wine and without moving from your seat, the band will strike up and the dancers will appear on scene, to recreate nostalgic times when Tango was danced in the streets of Buenos Aires. A majestic performance full of fantasy and sensuality and incredible skill.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
- Tango show at Rojo tango
- First class venue
Inclusions
Buenos Aires: Gaucho celebration - Full Day
Meet your local guide at local pier and start with your visit.
Join a Gaucho celebration at Estancia Santa Susana, a typical ranch only 80 km from Buenos Aires. The estancia has 1,200 hectares (2965 acres) dedicated to agricultural activities and has been a popular tourist destination near Buenos Aires for the last 30 years. Experience the genuine Gaucho lifestyle with various activities, such as a delicious typical Argentine barbecue with drinks, horsemanship show, a visit to the main house, the colonial museum, and the chapel. A short horse-back or carriage ride is also available before lunch. This tour provides an insight to the most fascinating traditions of Argentina.
After the sightseeing you will be transferred back to the pier.
Tour highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
TravelDesign International
3838 Camino del Rio N.
Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 589-6700 Local
(619) 280-3186 FAX
(800) 586-6700 Toll Free
9:30 - 5:30 Monday - Friday (PST)
Closed Saturdays & Sundays
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved. TravelDesign International.
CST: 2010364-50, 2005620-10