Compare Classic Patagonia Treks by Exodus Travels vs 17 Day Chile, Argentina & Brazil with Patagonia's Glaciers by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Classic Patagonia Treks by Exodus Travels 5 \| Excellent 16709 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	17 Day Chile, Argentina & Brazil with Patagonia's Glaciers by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	11 days	17 days
Price From	$ 7,500	$ 7,699
Price Per Day	$ 682	$ 453
Highlights	Trek among the stunning granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif Spend four nights inside Torres Del Paine National Park to do the W Trek Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and watch huge icebergs calve from the glacier into Lake Argentino Experience funky El Chalten, the trekking and climbing capital of Argentina	Take a city tour of Santiago, the energetic capital of Chile View the astonishing Balmaceda Glacier, habitat of cormorants and sea lions Visit Torres del Paine, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the sophisticated “Paris of South America” Learn to Tango in Buenos Aires with professional Argentine dancers Stand in awe at majestic Iguassu Falls one of nature's most impressive achievements At the summit of Rio's Corcovado Mountain stand before the statue of Christ the Redeemer †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	3- Moderate	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural Nature & Wildlife Hiking & Walking National Parks	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Argentina Chile Patagonia	Argentina Chile Patagonia
Cities and Attractions	Buenos Aires El Calafate Patagonia	Buenos Aires El Calafate Los Glaciares National Park Patagonia Rio de Janeiro Santiago
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Hiking Nature Trekking	N/A
Meals Included	Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets and are included. The accommodation in Torres del Paine arranges packed lunches for our trekking days. There is a variety of good quality food in local restaurants and cafes that can cater to a variety of restricted diets (although the refugios we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception, as facilities and food options here are limited due to remote access). Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians can be accommodated throughout the trip, but gluten-free diets or other restricted diets can be hard to cater for in this part of the world – you may wish to bring supplementary, pre-packaged food items (energy bars, etc..).	N/A
Description	Experience the breath-taking landscapes of two classic Patagonian trekking regions on both sides of the Chile-Argentina border. Challenging walks are rewarded with majestic views of lagoons, mountains and glaciers. See guanacos grazing and Andean condors soaring overhead, visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, and find sheer tranquility in the beautiful wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park. This is an essential trip for trekking enthusiasts that reveals the stunning glory of nature’s southern American wonderland. Looking to travel in 2025? Please see our revised 2025 itinerary, which includes two nights in Buenos Aires for ALL guests: Classic Patagonia Treks (2025) Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador: “There’s no better way to experience Torres del Paine National Park than trekking through it. It’s not uncommon to spot Andean condors circling overhead and guanacos grazing by your trailside en route. Making your way up to the viewpoint overlooking the Fitzroy Massif in Los Glaciares National Park is epic. And the spectacle of watching the Perito Moreno ice arch crash into the waters is something you’ll never forget.”Enjoy unforgettable treks in Torres del Paine and the Fitzroy Massif	2 Santiago, 1 Puerto Natales, 2 Torres del Paine, 3 El Calafate, 3 Buenos Aires, 2 Iguazu, 2 Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary: Classic Patagonia Treks

Day 1 Start El Calafate; visit Perito Moreno Glacier

The adventure begins in El Calafate. Today we drive the short distance to visit Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only a few glaciers that grows and shrinks with seasonal fluctuations. It calves into Lake Argentino and sometimes part of the lake becomes landlocked depending upon the position of the ice. Every so often, it is possible to see (and hear) huge lumps of ice break off and tumble into the lake before floating away as icebergs. As there is an early morning start tomorrow, we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. We have an agreement with the hotel in El Calafate that means excess luggage can be left securely until your return – the tour leader provides further details and assistance. You need to carry everything you bring with you to Chile on the treks . Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

Day 2 Travel to Torres del Paine National Park; transfer to first refugio

We start early with a long but scenic journey, crossing the Andean border that starts out on the Argentine plateau and emerges in the stunning Chilean landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Once we arrive at the Lago Amarga entrance to the park, we meet our local guide who joins us for the next four days to provide expert guidance and insight. From here, we are transferred to our first refugio. This afternoon, we can enjoy short treks around the area. Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

Day 3 First day of W Trek; hike to the Base of the Towers viewpoint

Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, that sit on the far side of our glacial lake viewpoint, where we can look upon Torre Sur (9,350ft/2,850m), Torre Central (9,185ft/2,800m), Torre Norte (8,530ft/2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We descend back down the valley and return to our previous nights refuge to enjoy a hot meal and well-earned drink. Please note: Non essential trek items can be stored in refugio lockers. Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

Day 4 Second day of W Trek; hike to Los Cuernos

We walk down the valley towards the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake and then follow the edge of the lake on a much flatter and easier terrain to reach Los Cuernos. This is considered by many to be one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night. Accommodation: Los Cuernos Refuge or Frances Domes Refuge

Day 5 Third day of W Trek; hike to Valle Frances and onto Paine Grande

Another long day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the Valle Frances. The first two hours involve some ascents and descents with views of Nordenskjöld Lake accompanying us until we reach Campamento Italiano. Leave your backpack (unattended) at the campsite if you wish, enabling you to walk the next part of the trek empty handed (keep valuables with you). The slight ascent lasts for about 1hr 30min until French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off. The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico, but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park. We return back down along the valley to Campamento Italiano and continue our walk onwards past the shore of the smaller Lake Skottsberg and into the Pehoé sector of the park. We arrive in the late afternoon to the inviting and idyllic site of Paine Grande refugio and can spend the evening gazing upon the clear night skies or relaxing in the on-site bar. Occasionally, some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of staying in the refugio dormitories – see accommodation section. Please note: The full trek distance of 15mi (24km) is only if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. The total walking distance for today therefore becomes 11mi (17km). Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or full-service camping

Day 6 Final day of W Trek; hike to Glacier Grey viewpoint; catamaran and bus transfer to El Calafate

We start early to see the final day of the W Trek highlights: the Grey Glacier. This is a round trip to a lookout over Lake Grey that ends back at Refugio Paine Grande, so we can leave our bags and just carry essentials with us. The trail goes along the western side of the Paine Massif with views to Lake Grey and various mountains. After about 1hr 30min, we reach the lookout point and enjoy views of the Grey Glacier in the distance. We return by the same route back to Pehoé Lake from where we take a catamaran across the lake to the Pudeto sector. A bus takes us from here on the short drive to the park entry point at Laguna Amarga. Here we board our transfer vehicle to Calafate (approximately five/six hours). After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park (keep an eye out of the window for pumas!), we cross the border into Argentina and arrive late evening into El Calafate. Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

Day 7 Free day to take part in optional excursions in and around El Calafate

This is a free day to either rest or book optional tours in Calafate. We recommend the Perito Moreno Ice Trek or the half-day tour to Estancia Nibepo Aike, where you can enjoy a typical Patagonian barbecue and see how a typical Patagonian estancia works. Please ask your tour leader and they will help to arrange it. Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to El Chaltén; free afternoon

In the morning, we transfer approximately three hours to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, our base for walking in the Fitzroy region. After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively, for those who wish, there are many short treks around town, which your tour leader can help to arrange. We spend the night in El Chaltén at a simple and friendly hosteria. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 9 To Los Glaciares National Park; trek in Fitzroy Massif up to Laguna de Los Tres

This morning, we start with a 30-minute bus journey on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park to our start point at El Pilar, from where we commence our trekking in the stunning Fitzroy region. We follow the trail leading to Poincenot Camp, along the way enjoying views of Piedras Blancas Glacier and Fitzroy if the weather conditions are clear. From Poincenot, we then continue to reach Laguna de los Tres, involving a steep ascent to reach a wonderfully scenic spot from which to relax and take photos of the Fitzroy Massif. We descend from the viewpoint and walk back down from the mountains to eventually reach the town of El Chaltén on foot. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 10 Trek to Torres Glacier and Cerro Torre viewpoint; return on foot to El Chaltén

Today we trek into a beautiful valley and head toward the stunning Torres Glacier viewpoint. If time permits, we might be able to continue to the Maestri Lookout at Laguna Torre (this 2.5mi/4km section can get very windy) before walking back to El Chaltén. Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Day 11 Transfer to El Calafate; fly back home

After breakfast, we transfer by road back to El Calafate airport, where the trip ends. Alternatively, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about seeing two natural wonders: the magnificent curtain of cascades that is Iguazu Falls or the otherworldly landscapes in the northwest of Argentina on our Salta extension.

Itinerary: 17 Day Chile, Argentina & Brazil with Patagonia's Glaciers

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Chile
Depart for Chile

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Santiago
Welcome to Chile! Morning arrival in the energetic capital city of Santiago; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Friday - Santiago City Tour
This morning's city tour takes you through the colonial neighborhoods of the city that contrast with the modern financial center, known as Sanhattan. Pass by beautiful residences that are part of the Barrio Universitario (University Area). In the historical center visit the lively Plaza de Armas, with its fountains, sculpture and intriguing people-watching opportunities. The tour continues with a drive along the green Parque Forestal with its stunning Fine Arts museum. Continue crossing the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and climb up San Cristóbal Hill* to a viewpoint, for a magnificent panoramic view of the city with its backdrop of the towering Andes Mountains. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to the Undurraga Winery in the Maipo Valley, one of Chile's most important wine producing areas. Taste some of Chile's world-famous wines during the tour before returning to Santiago
* San Cristóbal Hill is currently not accessible
Optional: Half Day Undurraga Winery Tour & Tasting (PM)
Overnight: Santiago
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Saturday - Fly to Punta Arenas, Cerro Negro Ranch, Travel to Puerto Natales
Today, transfer to the airport early in the morning for your flight to Punta Arenas, the Southernmost tip of Chile, jumping-off point to the rugged landscape of Patagonia. Upon arrival, drive to Puerto Natales. Along the way, stop at Cerro Negro Ranch, to savor a traditional lamb barbecue lunch and experience the lifestyle of an authentic Patagonian ranch. Afterward, watch a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstration, before continuing to your hotel in Puerto Natales for overnight
Overnight: Puerto Natales
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Sunday - Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Get ready for an extraordinary day! Begin in the port of Puerto Natales, where you board a boat and sail through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The flora is dominated by different species of beech trees, Calafate, Chilco and Canelo among others. Along the way, view cormorants, sea lions and the building that belonged to "Frigorifico Bories", one of the largest meat packing plants in Patagonia. Catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring thousand-year-old Balmaceda Glacier. In Puerto Toro, disembark and walk through a native forest towards Serrano Glacier. Following your hike, have lunch before departing on a scenic drive to your hotel in Torres del Paine. Arrive and check into your room with time to relax before dinner tonight
Overnight: Torres del Paine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday - Full Day Expedition to Torres del Paine*
Spend the day in Torres del Paine National Park declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. With its soaring granite pillars dominating the landscape, it is surely one of the most unspoiled and impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere. Stand in awe at the Nordenskjold viewpoint with its jagged peaks, azure lakes, and emerald forests. Then, drive to Salto Grande and after a short hike, admire views of Lake Nordenskjol plummeting into the famous Salto Grande waterfall. You will also encounter the famous Paine Horn, Los Cuernos, an outcropping of granite peaks which is part of the Paine Massif. Afterward, continue to Quincho Rogel for lunch. In the afternoon, drive by Paine River and Lake Pehoé with its vibrant turquoise color to Cascada Paine, where you make a brief stop. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and spend time at leisure before dinner tonight
Overnight: Torres del Paine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday - Explore Torres del Paine, Travel to El Calafate*
Depart this morning for Torres del Paine to further explore this breathtaking national park that is surrounded by imposing snow-capped mountain peaks. Guanacos, a type of llama, can be seen wandering around on the Patagonian plains, as well as rheas, sheep, foxes, eagles, condors and other wildlife. View Lake Sarmiento the largest lake in the park and also the only lake that is not glacier fed. Continue towards the northeast area of the park and admire Amarga Lagoon located just outside the park. The water of the lake is a lush green color and contains algae and plankton. Spot large flocks of flamingos that gather here in search of food throughout the Patagonian summer. Afterward, head to El Calafate, a small city named for the berry that, once eaten, guarantees that you'll return one day to Patagonia. Get acquainted with the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park and the great Perito Moreno Glacier
Overnight: El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Wednesday - Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park*
A day you have been waiting for! Journey to the unforgettable Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This park, created in 1937, is the largest ice cap outside of Antarctica and Greenland with an ice field that controls the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. Observe the glacier's massive ice wall, almost three miles wide and over 240 feet high above the lake's surface, from a cliffside promenade that overlooks the constantly shifting ice. Perito Moreno is legendary for its dynamic changes, which produces a cyclic phenomenon of movement forward and backward, along with spectacular ice falls from its front walls. The easy access to this site has crowned Perito Moreno as one of the most visited glaciers in the entire world. Tonight is at leisure in El Calafate
Overnight: El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Full Day Boat Excursion to Glaciers National Park*
At the pier, board a boat that will take you on an extraordinary excursion to view some of the world's most spectacular glaciers. Sail across the North Arm of Lago Argentino to reach the Upsala Channel, with sightings of the huge Barrier Iceberg and Upsala Glacier, South America's longest glacier. The voyage continues in-between spectacular icebergs of immense sizes and varied formations. After a box lunch on board, the boat reaches the icy monument of the Spegazzini Glacier, highest among all of the glaciers in the national park. You'll be dazzled by blue ice floes that drift in the freezing waters to create astonishing images with changing hues. This afternoon return to the port of Punta Bandera and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in El Calafate
Overnight: El Calafate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Friday - Fly to Buenos Aires
Travel today on a flight to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Its beauty is apparent as you arrive in this 19th century "Paris of South America" with its elegant architecture, wide tree-shaded boulevards, striking monuments and sprawling parks. The rest of the day is yours to get acquainted with this city that has a very distinct European flavor. Tonight, be sure to treat yourself to a fabulous Argentine beef dinner at one of the city's many superb steak restaurants
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Saturday - Buenos Aires City Tour
Discover the city's highlights this morning on a tour that includes the Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace); see the balcony where Eva and Juan Peron made their speeches. Then, to the colorful La Boca neighborhood, a working class barrio, and the old quarters of San Telmo and Caminito, a mix of colonial style homes, narrow lanes, artists' lofts and very trendy cafes. Drive to the Recoleta Cemetery, final resting place of many of the wealthiest and most important Argentine historical figures. The grounds here cover more than four city blocks, filled with tombs adorned by works of local and international sculptors, and more than 6,400 mausoleums including the tomb of Eva "Evita" Peron, always heaped with flowers and letters from adoring fans. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some of Buenos Aires neighborhoods and fabulous collection of shops before this evening's tango lesson with professional Argentine Tango dancers. Tonight is at leisure, or, participate in the optional Argentine Dinner and Tango Show
Optional: Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show (PM)
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Sunday - Full Day in Buenos Aires
Revisit some of your favorite places in the city today, shop for leatherwear and designer clothes, or, join the optional fun-filled Gaucho Party at the Santa Susana Ranch. Get ready for a rustic experience at a typical Argentine ranch (estancia), dedicated to agriculture and the breeding of cattle and horses. After a tour of the grounds, enjoy a typical barbecue lunch, followed by a folklore show with live music and dancing. Return to the hotel with time to prepare for this evening's "Farewell to Argentina" dinner with your group at a delightful restaurant
Optional: Full Day Gaucho Party
Overnight: Buenos Aires
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Monday - Fly to Iguazu Falls
Depart Buenos Aires by flight to Iguazu on the Argentine side of the Falls. Time to settle in at the hotel before tonight's dinner
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - The Argentinian Falls, Upper and Lower Circuit, Devil's Throat
A railway car transports you to the Upper Circuit of the Falls.* As you walk to the Lower Circuit, the enormous power of nature surrounds you. Continue along the catwalks to Devil's Gorge - stand in awe as you gaze at spectacular "Devil's Throat" the most magnificent of all of the cataracts. View, photograph and feel the spray of the thundering waters, one of nature's most impressive achievements, a unique experience for your senses. The rest of the day is devoted to exploring the treasures of Iguazu National Park, designated a World Heritage Site for its rare and endangered flora and fauna
*In order to access the falls, you are required to walk over uneven surfaces, narrow boardwalk, and paths that feature many sets of stairs that may be slippery due to the mist
Overnight: Iguazu
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Wednesday - Iguassu, The Brazilian Falls, Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Today visit the Brazilian side of the majestic Falls*, walking along the winding pathways of one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Iguassu consists of over 275 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls and more dramatic than both. The unforgettable panoramic views will be a memory that lasts forever. Later, depart Iguassu on a flight to Rio, the vivacious "sun and fun" capital of South America
*In order to access the falls, you are required to walk over uneven surfaces, narrow boardwalk, and paths that feature many sets of stairs that may be slippery due to the mist
Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16, Thursday - Rio de Janeiro and Tour of Corcovado Mountain
Awake this morning in remarkable Rio de Janeiro. Start the day with an ascent by a cog railway to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands the astonishing 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer. The Christ statue that embraces the entire city is designated as one of the seven "New Wonders of the World". At the peak, see wondrous sweeping views of the city and beaches; you'll understand why Rio is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In the afternoon, join the optional not-to-be-missed glass cable car ride that takes you to the top of iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, where you'll see the stunning panorama of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay
Optional: Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain (PM)
Overnight: Rio De Janiero
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17, Friday - Depart Brazil
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

*The Day 5 through Day 9 itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, safety, and the decision of the local guides/captain of the boat.

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