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Patagonia - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
Patagonia  | Lachlan Gardiner
Spectacular views at Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, Patagonia - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
Spectacular views at Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, Patagonia  | Cherilia Poluan
Trekking in the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
Trekking in the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park  | David Taylor
The magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
The magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier  | Cherilia Poluan
Cuernos del Paine at sunrise, Patagonia - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
Cuernos del Paine at sunrise, Patagonia  | Carole Solomons
Crossing rugged terrain in Fitz Roy National Park - Paine & Fitz Roy Trek, Chile
Crossing rugged terrain in Fitz Roy National Park  | Maude Gamache-Bashille

Paine & Fitz Roy Trek

Combine two classic walks in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park and Chile's Torres del Paine

Chile, Argentina

12 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: PFT1
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 12 Days
Activities
  • 4 day trek
  • 3 day walks
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel/lodge
  • 5 nights camping/refugio
Meals

Valued at USD$725

  • 6 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Trip highlights

  • Trek the 'W' Trek in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park
  • Marvel at Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world's only advancing glaciers, with optional ice trekking or scenic boat ride
  • Hike beneath the Fitz Roy Massif and summit trails to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park
  • Hike on Grey Glacier, exploring crevasses, blue tunnels, and glacial formations
  • Stand across from the granite towers at the Base of the Torres - the finale to your W-Trek

Overview

In the far south of the Andes, Patagonia unfolds where granite spires pierce the sky, glaciers tumble into turquoise lakes, and condors soar above windswept grasslands. This trek combines two of the region's greatest trails: Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park and the classic 'W' trek in Chile's Torres del Paine.

Blending wilderness with comfort and ease, this journey captures the essence of Patagonia without the burden of carrying a heavy pack. Hike beneath the towering peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, then cross into Chile for an ice hike on the Grey Glacier. From there, continue deeper into the heart of Torres del Paine, where you'll follow the 'W' route past alpine lakes, through the French Valley, and up to the base of the Torres.

With decades of experience in the region and seamlessly managed logistics, we make it possible to explore Patagonia's most legendary trails in comfort. Accommodation in Torres del Paine is limited and demand is high during the short trekking season (November to March), so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Itinerary

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Please make your own way to the group hotel in Calafate. A pre-trip briefing will be given around 6pm in your hotel, please ensure you are in the hotel lobby at this time. Overnight: Hotel Quijote or similar.

Meals: Nil

Today we travel to one of Patagonia's landmarks, the Perito Moreno Glacier. This icefield advances across the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino and offers an introduction to Argentina's glacial landscapes. Travel is by shared service with other visitors. Upon arrival, you may choose to explore the glacier via two optional experiences (advance booking required): the Mini-Trekking on Ice, where you don crampons and walk across the crevassed surface with expert guides, or a boat excursion that sails close to the towering south face of the glacier, offering views of potential calving ice. For those joining the Mini-Trekking, the adventure begins with a short boat ride across the lake, followed by a guided forest walk. After instruction, you'll spend 1–3 hours navigating the ice, discovering blue crevasses, frozen ridges, and meltwater channels underfoot. This option is available only to travellers aged 10–65 with no pre-existing medical conditions, in accordance with local operator insurance policies. If you prefer to skip the ice walk, you may instead enjoy a scenic boat cruise in the Bajo de las Sombras Bay, approaching within 300 metres / 984ft of the glacier wall - a position to witness ice calving into the lake. Additional walking trails and boardwalks provide elevated viewpoints of this shifting natural feature. In the late afternoon, regroup and travel by private vehicle to El Chaltén, Patagonia's trekking capital nestled at the foot of the Fitz Roy range. We arrive in the evening, ready to begin our hiking adventures tomorrow. Overnight: Poincenot Hotel or similar. Please Note: Our team in Argentina has the right to exclude you from the ice trekking if not all necessary criteria for participation are met.

Meals: B,L

After breakfast, we transfer by private vehicle to Hosteria El Pilar, where our hike begins. We follow a scenic trail through a forest of lenga trees, characteristic of the Patagonian landscape - alongside the Blanco River. Along the way, we pause to learn about the region's unique flora and fauna. After about an hour, we reach the Piedras Blancas viewpoint for sweeping views of the glacier and the marks left by its gradual retreat. As we continue toward Poincenot Camp, the imposing Fitz Roy massif draws ever closer. Crossing a small bridge over the Blanco River, we begin the final ascent to Laguna de los Tres. This glacial lake, set beneath towering granite spires, is the perfect spot for a well-earned break, photos, and lunch on the shoreline. After soaking in the views, we descend to Poincenot Camp, where snacks await and a hearty dome-cooked dinner is served including drinks and dessert. Overnight: Poincenot Camp or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today's route leads us through the serene Valley of the Lakes, passing Laguna Madre and Laguna Hija, known as the "Mother and Daughter" lakes, with Fitz Roy's towering peaks receding behind us. We'll pause to take in the scenic views and, with luck, spot Patagonian geese along the way. The trail continues into the Cerro Torre valley, winding through native lenga and ñire forests until we cross an ancient glacial moraine. This brings us to the shores of Laguna Torre, a lake often filled with floating icebergs, with the impressive Grande Glacier as its backdrop. Weather permitting, we may continue a little further to the Maestri Viewpoint, named after the Italian climber Cesare Maestri, for a closer look at the glacier. Our return journey takes us back through the Cerro Torre valley, following the Fitz Roy River past a classic viewpoint and finishing at the Margarita Waterfall before arriving back in El Chaltén. Overnight: Poincenot Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Today we enjoy a final day exploring Los Glaciares National Park, with the option of a rewarding full-day hike to the viewpoint of Pliegue Tumbado (1,500m / 4,921ft), conditions permitting. This scenic trail offers expansive views over the Río Túnel Valley, framed by snow-covered peaks and verdant slopes. From the top, we can see across to Mount Huemul, the shimmering waters of Lago Toro, and the dramatic tongue of the Tunnel Glacier. After descending and returning to El Chaltén, we meet our private transfer for the drive back to El Calafate, arriving in the evening around 8:00pm. Overnight: Hotel Lar Aike or similar.

Meals: B,L

This morning we depart El Calafate and journey across the expansive Argentine steppe toward Chilean Patagonia. Travelling by comfortable public bus, we cross the border and continue to the charming port town of Puerto Natales, located on the shores of the scenic Última Esperanza Fjord. On arrival, we check into our hotel and prepare for the W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing and assist with repacking for the days ahead. Overnight Hotel Vendaval or similar.

Meals: B

We begin the day with a hotel pick-up in Puerto Natales and transfer by vehicle through Torres del Paine National Park to Lake Grey, approximately a two-hour scenic drive. Upon arrival, we board the Grey III catamaran for a one-hour journey across the lake to the Bigfoot Patagonia basecamp. At the base, our expert glacier guides will deliver a detailed briefing for the ice hike covering the route, safety considerations, and proper use of equipment. After fitting and adjusting the gear, we take a 15-minute Zodiac ride across to the western edge of the Grey Glacier. Disembarking on a rocky island known as a nunatak, we hike for about an hour across this terrain until we reach the glacier. Before stepping onto the ice, your guide will lead a safety session covering walking techniques and equipment use. The glacier hike itself lasts around three hours, during which we explore crevasses, ice tunnels, meltwater rivers, and bright blue lagoons in a frozen world. After completing our exploration, we return to the base camp via Zodiac and then transfer back to our accommodation. Overnight: Refugio Grey or camping

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we continue our W-Trek, hiking from Grey Glacier to Paine Grande. The trail gently undulates along the eastern shoreline of Lake Grey, offering views of icebergs adrift in its striking turquoise waters. Along the way, the silhouette of Paine Grande towers above, and if the skies are clear, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of Torres del Paine. After approximately 3–4 hours of scenic walking (11 km / 6.8 mi), we arrive at Paine Grande, our base for the night. Nestled on the shores of Lake Pehoé, this is one of the picturesque locations in the park. Overnight: Camping or refugio.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we head into the heart of Torres del Paine with a trek into the French Valley, one of the park's dramatic and beautiful landscapes. Towering granite spires surround this natural amphitheatre, while hanging glaciers regularly calve ice with a thunderous crack, echoing across the valley. There are two hiking options today, depending on fitness level, weather, and group preferences: Option A takes us all the way to British Camp at the far end of the valley, completing a round trip of 24 km (15 mi) in around 7–8 hours. Option B is a shorter trek to the French Valley Main Lookout, a viewpoint offering panoramas of the cirque of peaks and glaciers. This hike covers 16 km (10 mi) over 5–6 hours. Both options provide views and a sense of the scale of Patagonia. Overnight: Camping or Refugio

Meals: B,L,D

Today's trek follows the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld, offering sweeping views of emerald glacial lakes and the backdrop of the Torres del Paine Massif. As we walk through gently undulating terrain, we are treated to some of the scenery in the park - shimmering waters, rugged peaks, and expansive valleys. We end the day at the Torres sector, readying ourselves for tomorrow's highlight: the hike to the base of the granite towers. Overnight: Camping or refugio

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the finale of the "W" Trek. Begin the day with a steady two-hour ascent into the Ascencio Valley, stopping at Refugio Chileno to rest and refuel. The trail continues for about an hour through native lenga (beech) forest before reaching the glacial moraine. From here, a final steep push takes us to the Torres del Paine viewpoint, where the three granite towers rise above a turquoise glacial lake. The "Three Towers" (Torres del Paine) are the granite peaks Torre d'Agostini, Torre Central, and Torre Monzino, and represent one of Patagonia's most distinctive views. After taking in the view, we begin our descent, which takes approximately four hours. Back at the trailhead, we reunite with our transport and drive to Puerto Natales to celebrate our trek with a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Vendaval or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you'll be transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to the bus station in Puerto Natales. From here, board a regular public bus for the scenic journey across the Chile-Argentina border to El Calafate. The drive will take around 5 hours and we should arrive in El Calafate by approximately 2:00pm (bus station), depending on border crossing wait times. Please do not plan to depart El Calafate before 5:30pm (or later). If you require a transfer to the airport or a private transfer to your hotel in El Calafate, please let us know and we can organise this (additional cost).

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 14 Jan 2027 and 11 Mar 2027.

  • Departs 14 Jan 2027 – ends 25 Jan 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 11 Feb 2027 – ends 22 Feb 2027 (12 days)
  • Departs 11 Mar 2027 – ends 22 Mar 2027 (12 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Good quality 3 star hotels in the towns on bed and breakfast basis
  • Camping or refugios in Torres Del Paine
  • Camping gear if required (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat)
  • All internal ground transport by private bus for groups of 11 or more people
  • Bilingual local guides. One leader throughout for groups of 11 or more people
  • All national park and site entry fees
  • Transportation of personal gear of max 7kg per person on the W-Trek
  • Boat trip from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine
  • Group medical kit

Not included

  • Internal flights within Argentina
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottle water, aerated and alcoholic beverages
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Powerpoints for charging electrical devices are available in the common areas of the refugios in Patagonia (not in the rooms). Please note that due to the number of guests they are at a premium. We strongly suggest taking a portable charging device and extra batteries as a back up plan.

Breakfast is served buffet-style and includes yogurt, oatmeal or cereal, toast with butter and jam, sliced cheese and cold cuts, scrambled eggs, coffee or tea, milk. Lunch is a packed “box lunch” including sandwich or wrap + fruit + snack bar + water/juice. Dinner is also served buffet style with several hot dishes (meat or vegetarian), side dishes, salads, and desserts.

Our Argentinian representative will assist you to board the modern public bus and once in Puerto Natales our Chilean representative will meet you at the bus terminal holding a World Expeditions sign board. The bus journey last 4-5 hours with one stop at Esperanza for a short break where food can be obtained.

  • Sustainability matters, we work with local partners who respect the land, wildlife and communities
  • Expertly crafted itinerary combining Argentina’s Los Glaciares and Chile’s Torres del Paine with all logistics handled from cross-border transfers and national park entries to glacier excursions and guided hikes
  • Savour delicious meals while trekking through Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks

Guaranteeing A Great Chile Trip

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