Finland, Lapland, Saariselkä
3 Nights /4 days
Family Experience of 4
Explore the spectacular mountain areas of Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine. Trek through the heart of Los Glaciares National Park to the magnificent Fitz Roy Massif, and hike the ‘W Trek’ from Lago Grey to the iconic Paine Towers.
Your adventure commences in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s captivating capital, where the bustling streets are infused with the rhythms of tango. But we’re not here to linger in the city; instead, we are on a quest to discover the awe-inspiring Patagonia. Leaving the cosmopolitan charm of Buenos Aires behind, we take flight and head southward, where a world of wonders awaits in the town of El Calafate, our gateway to the natural wonder that is Los Glaciares National Park.
Accommodations, though not luxurious in the traditional sense, provide an essential part of your Patagonian adventure—insight into the warmth of the local hospitality and the chance to connect with fellow travelers. You’ll find that the simplicity of the experience enhances your connection with the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Fitz Roy, Andes Range
Argentina
Argentina, a vast and diverse South American nation, is home to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring regions, Patagonia.
Nestled in the southern reaches of Argentina, Patagonia is a natural wonderland characterized by its dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and colossal glaciers create a tapestry of breathtaking beauty.
This enchanting location offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, inviting travelers to explore its untamed wilderness, witness the splendor of towering peaks, and marvel at the sheer magnificence of Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Buenos Aires
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, located on the southern shores of the Rio de la Plata. Since its founding by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536 the city has thrived on trade and its vibrant streets are filled with an eclectic mix of European architectural styles, with Spanish, French and Italian classicism rubbing shoulders with remnants of Victorian grandeur.
DAY 2: Fly to El Calafate. Drive to El Chalten
Leave the city far behind as we fly south to Patagonia and the town of El Calafate, the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. From here we travel approximately three hours to El Chalten, the charming village close to Fitzroy and Torre Massif. Please note, If the group is six people or less the bus journey to El Chalten will be by public bus.
DAY 3: Trek to Laguna de los Tres. Overnight at Poincenot Camp
Drive to El Pilar, the starting point for the classic trek to Laguna de los Tres. Taking just what we need overnight we ascend for two hours up a gentle slope with fantastic views over the Fitzroy Massif and Piedras Blancas glacier. On reaching the Poincenot area we stop briefly at our campsite (750m) before continuing to Rio Blanco Base Camp. An hour of steep ascent takes us to De Los Tres Lagoon (1180m), the emerald small lagoon at the foot of Mount Fitzroy.
DAY 4: Hike to Torre Lagoon and on to El Chalten
Set out for another days hiking through the unique landscape of Los Glaciares National Park – taking the Madre e Hija Trail which links the Fitzroy and Torre Valleys. We walk passed two clear lagoons and through ‘Lenga’ forest on our way to Torre Lagoon. It’s a moderate 19 kilometre trek which is expected to take around 7 hours with 300 metres of ascent and descent.
DAY 5: Drive to El Calafate
Enjoy a morning rafting on the Rio de Las Vueltas or take an optional excursion to Lago Del Desierto, where you will enjoy a scenic drive to the lake, followed by a short sail across the lake and a hike up to the Vespignani Glacier lookout. In the afternoon we travel back to El Calafate, where we spend the night.
DAY 6: Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
Make an excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier – an ice river towering an average of 60 metres above the surface of the lake water, a truly impressive sight. Fed by the vast expanse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the glacier covers some 250 sq km and stretches over 30km being over 700 metres thick at its deepest point.
there will be the chance to either trek on the ice (an age limit of 65 years applies due to National Park regulations) or take a boat or kayak trip to get closer to the glacier face.
DAY 7: Bus into Chile and onto Puerto Natales
travel for approximately six hours by public bus south to Puerto Natales, the gateway to the Torres del Paine national park, crossing the border into Chile en route. From the edge of the town there are striking views out to the fjords and the mountains. Take the rest of the day to prepare for the trek and explore the town.
DAY 8: Bus and ferry to the start of the Torres del Paine ‘W’ Trek
Drive from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (approximately an hour and a half). We continue along the winding roads of the park to the Grey Lake area, with great views to ‘Cuernos del Paine’ en route. Later take the ferry across Grey Lake to Grey refuge campsite (approximately one hour) for a short hike (two kilometres) to the glacier viewpoint.
At the refuges. there will be shared bathroom facilities with hot water showers and use of the communal dining room.
DAY 9: Hike to Frances Domes
Start our trek along the first leg of the ‘W’ circuit, walking by Grey Lake and crossing the beginning of French Valley, where we will spend the night. The trekking is fairly relaxed, passing through striking mountain and lake scenery to the Frances Domes refuge campsite. This is a challenging 22 kilometre trek is expected to take around eight hours with 300 metres of ascent and descent.
DAY 10: Trekking in French Valley
Early start for your trek along French Valley, passing streams and the main river. From Paine Grande there are some short steep climbs as we arrive to the main lookout point at Britanicos camp. Return back down the central part of the ‘W’ to Frances Domes for a second night. It is a challenging 17 kilometre trek is expected to take around seven hours with 550 metres of ascent and descent.
DAY 11: Hike to Refuge Chileno
Walk through the trail is known as Sendero Paso Los Cuernos and alongside the shores of the beautiful Nordenskjöld lake, crossing small rivers and wide grasslands along the way. It is a challenging 16 kilometre trek which is expected to take around 7 hours with 500 metres of ascent and descent.
DAY 12: Trek to the Base of Los Torres. Return to Puerto Natales
The trek takes us to the foot of the impressive granite towers of Torres del Paine. Climbing steeply, hike along the Asencio river, and up towards the Torres. Reach a panoramic point from where we admire the Paine Towers, three gigantic granite monoliths rising very close, above a green lagoon. Another challenging 16 kilometre trek which is expected to take around 7 hours with 600 metres of ascent and 800 metres of descent.
DAY 13: Fly to Santiago de Chile
Leave the wilds of Patagonia behind taking a flight to Santiago. Reach your hotel late afternoon and have the rest of the evening to enjoy the city, however flight schedules can change. Santiago is a bustling metropolis, take some time to walk through the city’s historic heart, strolling along the charming streets of the Lastarria neighborhood. If time permits, head to Cerro San Cristóbal for a scenic cable car ride to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the city.
DAY 14: Optional walking tour of Santiago, transfer to Santiago International Airport
Today, there is the option of taking a walking tour of the city. Santiago’s historic colonial centre and acres of green space contrast sharply with its modern business district and quickly-growing urban scene. There will be a transfer by bus to Santiago Iternational Airport (SCL) to arrive at about 1.30pm. If you wish to spend the morning in Santiago the earliest your flight can depart is 4.30pm.
- Breakfast: 13 / Lunch: 6 / Dinner: 5
- Tour Leader / Camp Crew / Driver(s) / Local Guide(s)
- Bus / Ferry / Flight / Public Bus
- 5 nights simple camping
- 2 nights comfortable guesthouse
- 6 nights comfortable hotel
A photocopy of your passport 3 month pre departure. It is essential that you provide a photocopy of your passport at the time of booking, as this will be required in order to confirm accommodation.
Argentina
Visas are not required for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens. Note that Australian passport holders will need make a payment called the ‘reciprocity fee’ in advance of travel to enter Argentina. This currently costs US$ 100. This payment needs to be made online at http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/templates/reciprocidad/reciprocidad.htm
The receipt generated at the time of online payment must be printed and given to local immigration authorities together with your passport.
Chile
Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Australians are now required to have a visa to enter Chile. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
USA
If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.
Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries
You can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.
You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.
Important Information
If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.
Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you’re only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you’re visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications – http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html
Canada
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites – these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary.
Note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website – http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever is only recommended for those travelling to Iguazu falls. Check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
- Insurance
- Visa
- Personal gear
- Water filtration
- Flights
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.
The region is extremely remote, therefore your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip.
Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy.
- Walking grade
- Moderate and Challenging
- Trek on 9 days for between 2 and 8 hours.
- Maximum altitude of 1,200m
Gear List For Your Trip
FAQ
What level of physical fitness is required for the trip?
This tour involves moderate to strenuous activities, including trekking and hiking. While you don’t need to be an expert, it’s important to have a reasonable level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience. Some treks can be challenging, so it’s recommended to prepare by engaging in regular physical and cardiovascular activity before your trip.
What kind of accommodation can I expect in Patagonia?
In Patagonia, you’ll stay in a mix of small, family-run hotels, guesthouses, and comfortable campsites. While these accommodations may not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, they provide a cozy and authentic experience. In the refuges along the W-Trek, shared two-man tents are provided with sleeping bags and mats, offering a comfortable and communal atmosphere.
What should I pack for a trip to remote Patagonia?
Pack clothing suitable for variable weather conditions, including warm layers and waterproof gear. Sturdy hiking boots, a good daypack, and essential items like sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a power bank for charging devices are recommended. Don’t forget a sense of adventure and an open mind for a unique travel experience. Check our gear list for more details.
What about safety and the language barriers?
You’ll be guided by experienced tour operators who prioritize your safety. As for language, Spanish is the main language throughout this region and English is not widely spoken, but guides and locals have some English language skills. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.