Patagonia Hiking
Among Glaciers & Mountain Peaks
Escape the familiar and join Backroads in one of the most spellbinding places on Earth. Patagonia - a land brimming with natural wonders almost too magnificent to believe - has held fascination for explorers and adventurers throughout the centuries. Join us and you'll be rendered speechless by the sight of the jagged granite spires of the Torres del Paine and awed by ice slabs calving off the enormous Perito Moreno Glacier. Complementing this natural extravaganza are the comforts of our inns, including the incomparable luxuries of the stylish Explora resort, "one of South America's best hotels," according to Travel+Leisure.
Trip Planning Links
- Hike in the shadow of the Torres del Paine's jagged granite spires
- Unforgettable boat rides among icebergs and fjords
- Sip mate, the local beverage, with the Patagonian cowboys
- Four nights at the world-renowned Explora hotel
- Ice-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 El Calafate
Take a scenic glacier boat journey through a maze of fjords and icebergs to the face of the famous Upsala Glacier 
Hike the challenging Mirador del Cerro Carnero and look out over the Glacier Experience authentic gaucho life and take an optional guided horseback ride through the pampas.
Days 3-4 Los Glaciares National Park
Climb through ancient forests and take in spectacular vistas of our otherworldly surroundings Strap on crampons and follow expert mountaineering guides across the frozen landscape of crevasses and ice formations of the most incredible blue From the "balconies," admire the astonishing Perito Moreno Glacier, over three miles wide and 200 feet above lake level.
Days 5-9 Torres del Paine National Park
Arrive in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park From our luxurious resort, hiking options with expert naturalists abound Trek to the base of the towers of Torres del Paine, hiking through lenga forests and along a glacial river Or, go horseback riding in the pampas with views of Macizo Paine Grande Take a private boat across Lago Grey, hike beside icebergs and enjoy a picnic accompanied by magnificent views of the Grey Glacier.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The walk on the Petrino Moreno Glacier was one of the best experiences of any we've had. We were able to climb up and down over peaks and valleys, jumping across crevasses and spending 3 hours of unadulterated excitement and personal satisfaction on the glacier instead of a briefer and less exciting/challenging experience. The sequencing and varied experience---plus the unexcelled scenery---was superb. We count this as the best vacation we've ever had--particularly of the ten walking tours we've taken with several firms.- Thousand Oaks, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Chile & Argentina tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Latin America, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Latin America walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America multisport tours click here.
Patagonia Hiking
LANDMARK LODGES: Premiere Inns
Estancia Cristina
El Calafate, Argentina (2 nights) Embraced by forests, lakes and mountains, this historic ranch and mountaineers refuge boasts true Patagonian hospitality, fresh local cuisine and the perfect launching point for hikes into the Patagonian wilderness.
Hosteria los Notros
Los Glaciares National Park (2 nights) Every room in this remote country lodge on Lago Argentino has an incomparable vista of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Explora Salto Chica
Torres del Paine National Park (4 nights) Called "one of South America's best hotels," by Travel+Leisure, this lakeside resort blends "stylish sensibility with respect for the land." Treat yourself to a massage, a swim or soak in the outdoor hot tub.
Patagonia Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 4.3, 6.2 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 11.2, 15.5 miles
- 1000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Horseback Riding 2 hours
Day 3
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5.6 miles
- 1700 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 1, 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.5 miles
- 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 4 to 5
2 Route Options Available
- 10.8, 12 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 4 3+ Route Options Available
- 5, 7.5, 10.6 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Horseback Riding 4 hours
Day 8
- Levels 2 to 4 3+ Route Options Available
- Hiking 5, 7.5, 10.6 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Horseback Riding 4 hours
Day 9
- Conclusion of Trip