Patagonia: the edge of the world

On this journey, you will have the opportunity to discover some of Patagonia’s most breathtaking highlights. We will go trekking along the iconic routes of Chile and Argentina and see Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine, Ushuaia, and the Perito Moreno Glacier—the most spectacular places in South America! During the trip, we will stay in comfortable hotels in cities and well-equipped campgrounds with showers and toilets.

Please note that the W Trek is part of the O Circuit. We will visit absolutely all viewpoints and walk every kilometer of both legendary routes, truly closing all Patagonia “gestalts” and experiencing the region to the fullest.

Day 1. Arrival in Puerto Natales. This small town in southern Chile is an ideal starting point for trekking adventures. Its location close to the famous Torres del Paine National Park offers access to mountain landscapes of exceptional beauty, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and wildlife. Dinner and briefing. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine National Park – Serón Camp.

12 km of trekking with a total ascent of 260 meters. On this day we will visit the Las Torres towers. These iconic granite spires gave the park its name (which translates as “Blue Towers”) and have long been considered its main symbol. Three needle-shaped granite towers, rising to 2,600–2,850 meters, are located in the northeastern part of the Paine massif and are accessible via a hiking trail. Trekking poles are required, as the final section to the viewpoint involves crossing a field of large loose rocks. Overnight in tents.

Day 3. Serón Camp – Dickson Camp.

16 km of trekking with a total ascent of 180 meters. The morning begins with traversing the slopes of Cerro Paine—a challenging section due to strong winds and constant ups and downs. We then reach Lake Paine, where we can rest and enjoy the scenery. Overnight in tents or cabins at Dickson Camp, offering one of the most beautiful views in Patagonia.

Day 4. Dickson Camp – Los Perros Camp.

12 km of trekking with a total ascent of 380 meters. We move into the most remote part of the national park: first along Lake Dickson, where chunks of ice can be seen breaking off the glacier and falling into the water, then through ancient lenga forests—home to Magellanic woodpeckers. Overnight in tents at Los Perros Camp.

Day 5. Los Perros Camp – Gardner Pass – Grey Camp.

20 km of trekking with a total ascent of 1,200 meters. The most demanding day of the route, rewarded with spectacular views from Gardner Pass. After the pass, a long descent over rocky terrain leads to the El Paso area. Near the end of the day we cross a couple of suspension bridges before dinner and rest at Grey Camp. Overnight in tents or cabins.

Day 6. Grey Camp – Paine Grande Camp.

11 km of trekking with a total ascent of 800 meters. A relaxed hike along Lake Grey and the Paine Grande massif. If the weather allows, we may kayak on the lake along the glacier. Then we continue toward Lake Pehoé. Overnight in tents or cabins.

Day 7. Paine Grande Camp – Francés Camp.

In the morning we hike about 9 km without elevation gain to Italian Camp, where we leave our backpacks and continue light for about 7 km to two viewpoints offering postcard-perfect views of the jagged peaks of Cerro Aleta de Tiburón(shark-fin-shaped), The White Throne, and others. Afterward, we return for our packs and walk the remaining couple of kilometers to Francés Camp. Overnight in tents or cabins.

Day 8. Morning hike of about 16 km to Chileno Camp to shorten the early ascent the next day. The trail passes along scenic lakes, but we must keep a steady pace to arrive early—tomorrow we need to reach the Torres viewpoint before sunrise. Overnight in tents.

Day 9. Trek to the Torres del Paine viewpoint to meet the sunrise.

A short hike (about 1–1.5 hours) to the viewpoint. Let’s hope the weather cooperates! Be prepared to wait about an hour for sunrise colors, so bring warm clothing. Strong winds are common here—often the strongest you may ever experience—so extra caution is required. Exit the park and transfer to Puerto Natales. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10. Puerto Natales – El Chaltén.

Transfer to Argentina to the small mountain village of El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park, near the bases of Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy. Often called the trekking capital of Argentina. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11. El Chaltén – Laguna Torre – El Chaltén.

18 km of trekking with a total ascent of 800 meters. We hike to one of the most scenic places in Argentina—a glacier-framed lake with views of the spires of Cerro Torre. Return to El Chaltén in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12. El Chaltén – Laguna de los Tres – El Chaltén.

One of the most iconic treks in Argentina. The lagoon’s name translates as “Lake of the Three,” referring to the three peaks rising above it—Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Mount Poincenot. Return to El Chaltén in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13. El Chaltén – El Calafate – Perito Moreno Glacier – El Calafate – Ushuaia.

Morning transfer to El Calafate, a resort town in southern Patagonia, famous for the immense Perito Moreno Glacier—one of the region’s most visited natural wonders. It holds the third-largest reserve of fresh water on Earth. The glacier’s tongue is about 5 km wide, covers 250 km², and rises up to 60 meters above the lake surface. Its striking blue and turquoise ice formations make it truly unique.

Flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet, located on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Once home to the Yamana people, later explored by Charles Darwin, and once a place of exile for Argentina’s most dangerous criminals, Ushuaia is now a magnet for travelers seeking the “End of the World”—beyond lies only Antarctica. Locals even list their birthplace as “End of the World.” Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14. Boat trip through the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island to experience pure childlike joy walking among penguins and observing them up close. On the return, we visit the Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s history. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner featuring local gaucho cuisine—asado (meat roasted on a spit). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15. Transfer to Ushuaia Airport. Departure home.

• International flights
• Medical insurance
• Visa (Russian citizens do not require a visa for Chile and Argentina)
• Tent rental in Torres del Paine National Park (cost for the entire trek, including tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad: USD 381 per person for the whole trek. Tents and sleeping bags are already set up in the camps; you only need to bring a lightweight sleeping bag liner, approx. 100 g)
• Accommodation in cabins in Torres del Paine National Park instead of personal tents (USD 561 per person)
• Meals in Torres del Paine National Park. All camps are equipped with cooking areas; however, you must bring your own stove and gas. A full-board meal package (breakfast, lunch box, dinner) for all trekking days costs USD 620
• Kayaking on Grey Lake (USD 142)
• Lunches and dinners in cities
• Single accommodation
• Personal equipment
• Tips for the team
• Any deviations from the program

Documents:

• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Medical insurance (there are no helicopters in Patagonia, so helicopter evacuation coverage is not required)

Personal equipment:

• Backpack 30–50 liters
• Sleeping bag with comfort rating −10°C, or a sleeping bag liner if you are renting a sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Trekking poles обязательно with baskets
• Tent (in Torres del Paine National Park no more than two people are allowed per tent)

Clothing and footwear:

• Trekking boots, WELL waterproofed in advance with a special treatment
• Sneakers (for cities)
• Waterproof membrane layer – jacket + pants
• Fleece suit
• Thermal underwear (top + bottom)
• Lightweight down jacket with hood (in November and March a mid-weight one is also suitable)
• Warm gloves
• Light gloves
• Bandana or buff (in addition to sun protection in the valleys, can be used to keep your neck or face warm in cold weather)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks

Miscellaneous:

• Headlamp with battery life of at least 12 hours
• Power bank (not really necessary if you have booked accommodation in cabins)
• Sunglasses
• Rain poncho
• Rain cover for backpack
• Water bottle (highly recommended for hot water) – 1 liter
• Gaiters
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm SPF 10–15
• Personal first-aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or supportive brace
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, flip-flops
• Towel
• Toilet paper