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Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour

This small group trekking tour combines the best hikes in Patagonia: Torres del Paine W Trek, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Discover Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park by boat expedition. Our tour leader and expert guides ensure the seamless running of your trip from start to finish, as you spend your nights glamping, in hotels and at famous Paine refugios.

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Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour

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Trip type

Group Tour

Trip length

12 Days

From

$5,495

Location

Multi-location

Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour - 12 Days - $5,495

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate, transfer to El Chaltén and meet your guide

Day 2: Group Trek to Laguna Torre; Mt Cerro Torre

Day 3: Group Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Mt Fitz Roy

Day 4: Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado; afternoon transfer to El Calafate

Day 5: Mayo Spirit Boat & Hike to Perito Moreno Glacier

Day 6: Bus Transfer to Puerto Natales, Chile; afternoon at leisure

Day 7: Enter Torres del Paine; Half-day Lazo-Weber hike; Glamping at Serrano Camp 

Day 8: Begin W Trek with boat and trek to Glacier Grey; Refugio Paine Grande

Day 9: Trek the French Valley; Refugio Los Cuernos

Day 10: Trek along Lake Nordenskjöld; Camping Chileno

Day 11: Finish W Trek to the base of the Towers; Transfer to Puerto Natales

Day 12: End of tour with a transfer to Puerto Natales Airport

Start from El Calafate and end at Puerto Natales

Landmarks visited on Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in El Calafate, transfer to El Chaltén and meet your guide

Arrive in El Chaltén and meet your Tour Leader who will give you an introductory briefing to the fantastic trip that lies ahead. If arriving in El Calafate, we include transport to El Chaltén, during which you’ll enjoy some of the amazing Patagonian scenery. Let the excitement build as your fellow travelling companions arrive from all corners of the globe.  

Argentina’s trekking capital, El Chaltén, sits at the base of Mount Fitz Roy and attracts hikers and climbers from all over the world to explore the adjacent wilderness of forests, glaciers, and of course, its world-famous mountains!

Given that some guests arrive late this day, your group's welcome dinner will be taken on day two.

Transfer duration: 3hrs

Accommodation: Cumbres Nevadas or Lunajuim Hotel, El Chaltén


Day 2: Group Trek to Laguna Torre; Mt Cerro Torre

The trek to Laguna Torre is one of the most spectacular walks of El Chaltén, with impressive views of the Torre massif and other peaks in the region. It is a relatively gentle trail, so it's a great hike to ease you in on your first day which leads you to one of El Chalten’s iconic photographic viewpoints: Laguna Torre and Cerro Torre! After a rest and lunch, you will return along the same trail.

This evening you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and fellow travelling companions at Madsen House Museum, the first house built in El Chaltén in 1905 by the Danish pioneer, Andreas Madsen. Take a journey through time during this unique dining experience.

Length of hike: 7-8hrs, 18km/11.2 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Cumbres Nevadas or Lunajuim Hotel, El Chaltén


Day 3: Group Trek to Laguna de Los Tres; Mt Fitz Roy

This is your chance to get up close to the iconic and imposing Mount Fitz Roy and trek one of the most iconic day hikes in the world. While this trek is steep in places, the spectacular views once you reach the top make it totally worth it. Unlike other outfitters, we transfer you to the trailhead, around half an hour's drive from El Chaltén, meaning you do not back-track on the same trail.

You will probably take lunch at Laguna de Los Tres, whilst witnessing one of the most impactful sights in Patagonia: Mount Fitz Roy. The trek continues through a variety of different landscapes of forests, crystal clear streams and lagoons, ending up once more in El Chaltén in the early evening.

Transfer duration: 30mins

Length of hike: 8-9hrs, 20km/12.4 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Cumbres Nevadas or Lunajuim Hotel, El Chaltén


Day 4: Trek to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado; afternoon transfer to El Calafate

This lesser-visited trail provides fantastic, elevated vistas overlooking the National Park with a panorama of peaks, and is the best place to see both Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. This full-day hike is moderately testing, as it constantly gains in height to reach the viewpoint on Loma del Pliegue Tumbado. The goal of today will be to gain a wonderful perspective of where you have hiked over the last few days. After lunch, you return back along the same path to El Chaltén.

A private transfer will take you to El Calafate later in the afternoon, where you'll check in and enjoy a home-cooked meal for dinner at the hotel. Prepare yourself for tomorrow's exciting experience!

Transfer duration: 3hrs

Length of hike: 8-9hrs, 20km/12.4 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Los Canelos or similar, El Calafate


Day 5: Mayo Spirit Boat & Hike to Perito Moreno Glacier

You can't visit this part of the world without visiting the captivating Perito Moreno Glacier, and we will take you there on an unforgettable, unique day trip. Driving west out of town, you will then board a comfortable expedition boat which will take you into the different branches of the immense Argentino Lake, arriving in the afternoon at the north face of the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.

You will spend some time watching its spectacular display of calving ice and the formation of deep blue icebergs from the water and afterwards explore the walkways and viewpoints from land, right in front of both faces of the glacier.

Alternatively, you may wish to take the full-day ice hike on the glacier, at an extra cost. Please enquire with Swoop's Customer Experience team at the time of reserving your trip.

This afternoon is for you to enjoy at your own pace; you may wish to check out one of the world's few glacier museums or have time at your leisure in El Calafate town.

Transfer duration: 1hr to the pier plus 1.5hrs back to El Calafate

Length of excursion: 9hrs

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Los Canelos or similar, El Calafate


Day 6: Bus Transfer to Puerto Natales, Chile; afternoon at leisure

Your tour leader will accompany you on the morning bus crossing the border from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, in Chile. The landscapes witnessed are the same as those which inspired Charles Darwin on his voyage to Patagonia almost 200 years ago. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will enjoy some free time to stretch your legs and explore this picturesque little town.

This afternoon you'll meet your Torres del Paine Mountain guide at a trek briefing for you to get prepared for hiking the famous W Trek. Afterwards, you'll be accompanied by both your Argentine tour leader and your TdP leader and guide to a local restaurant for your first dinner together on Chilean territory!

Transfer duration: 5-7hrs (depending on border crossing)

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Big Sur or similar, Puerto Natales


Day 7: Enter Torres del Paine; Half-day Lazo-Weber hike; Glamping at Serrano Camp 

The day begins in Puerto Natales from where we transfer 2hrs to Estancia Lazo. This working 13,000-hectare cattle ranch on the shore of Laguna Verde is over one hundred years old. We'll start the trek here and enter Torres del Paine National Park along a fairly flat trail through beech and coihue forests.

There will be plenty of wildlife to watch out for – condors in the sky, guanacos on the hillsides and woodpeckers and owls in the trees. We'll reach Honda Lagoon before continuing to Lake Toro lookout where we'll have fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes and glaciers. From here we'll be able to spot the Grey, Paine and Serrano rivers and most of the Torres Del Paine massif.

It's a short descent from here to Weber Bridge where our private transfer will take us to our deluxe camp on the bank of the Serrano River. Here we'll enjoy a welcome dinner with views of the Paine Massif and spend the night in deluxe tents.

Transfer duration: 2hrs

Length of hike: 5hrs, 13.5km/8.4 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Bell-tent glamping at Serrano Camp


Day 8: Begin W Trek with boat and trek to Glacier Grey; Refugio Paine Grande

Today you will be transferred into the national park and enjoy a short boat ride across the beautiful Lago Pehoé to reach our first Refugio, Paine Grande. Leaving your heavier items here, you will spend the rest of the day hiking with just your day-pack, as you begin the famous W Trek of Torres del Paine.

The trail will take you closer and closer to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the vast Glacier Grey. You’ll stop at viewpoints, taking lunch along the way, as your guide explains the magnificent landscapes that you are hiking through. This afternoon, when your guide determines (depending on the speed of the group and the weather conditions), you’ll return to the Refugio along the same trail, where you can rest up before dinner. Therefore the distance of today's hike is variable.

Refugio meals are usually lively events where all nationalities of hikers gather, exchange travel experiences, and reflect on trekking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Transfer duration: 30mins

Length of hike: 8hrs, 15-22km/9.3-13.7 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Refugio (or camp) Paine Grande 


Day 9: Trek the French Valley; Refugio Los Cuernos

Today you’ll follow the edge of Cerro Paine Grande through the middle section of the W Trek. Along this trail, the Cuernos or 'horns' will be your guide as you edge closer and closer to them - a truly stunning sight!

You will explore the French Valley, considered by many to be the most spectacular region of the whole park, as you leave your heavier packs at the start of the valley. After reaching the French valley viewpoint you will be surrounded by the wildly beautiful, rugged mountains!

Follow the same path back down, pick up your backpack and continue to Refugio Los Cuernos.

Length of hike: 8hrs, 23km/14.3 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Refugio (or camp) Los Cuernos


Day 10: Trek along Lake Nordenskjöld; Camping Chileno

Today's hiking is a little gentler than yesterday’s as you follow the base of the Almirante Nieto Mountain, with the imposing Cuernos (the horns) of Paine to one side, and the beautiful Lake Nordenskjöld to the other. This section of the ‘W Trek’ has great panoramic views and is an exciting place to try to spot the elusive Andean condor!

This afternoon you’ll arrive at Refugio Las Torres to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s final trek to the base of the towers.

Length of hike: 5hrs, 13km/8 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camping Chileno or Refugio Torre Central


Day 11: Finish W Trek to the base of the Towers; Transfer to Puerto Natales

This truly iconic day hike is a wonderful way to end our experience hiking the ‘W Trek’ in Torres del Paine. This testing, yet fascinating trek follows the Ascencio River, undulating through forests and rising high into the valley to the base of the colossal towers.

You will have lunch at this incredible spot, admiring the view of the towers, before returning down the same trail.

This afternoon you will be transferred to Puerto Natales and in the evening the farewell dinner will prove a fitting end to a wonderful group adventure!

Transfer duration: 1hr

Length of hike: 7hrs, 14km/8.7 miles

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Big Sur or similar, Puerto Natales


Day 12: End of tour with a transfer to Puerto Natales Airport

Say goodbye to your guide and fellow group members.

A group transfer will be provided this morning to Puerto Natales Airport. We can help you with your onward travel plans to Punta Arenas of El Calafate if you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

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What our customers think of Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour

Fitz Roy and Paine Hiking Tour trips scored 4.3/5 from 28 reviews

Sunrise at the towers in Torres del Paine.

Travelled: March 2024

Brian -

Seeing glazers, experiencing THE WINDS, breathing the freshest air still remaining on this planet.

Travelled: February 2024

Susanna -

Seeing the glaciers in Parque de los Glaciares, sharing a dorm with the group in Torres del Paine, admiring the colours of every single lagoon and lake, beeing surrounded by mountains and glaciers in the French Valley.

Travelled: February 2024

Sarah -

Probably reaching the top of the trail at the base of Torres del Paine. But maybe reaching the top of the trail at El Chalten.

Travelled: February 2024

Chris -

Difficult to say!

Travelled: February 2024

Penelope -

Torres del Paine

Travelled: January 2024

Nikesh -

Walking from Cuernos to Chilean

Travelled: January 2024

Jo Anne -

Watching my dad do the hike to Torres del Paine and getting to the top together.

Travelled: January 2024

Esha -

The W trek scenery from Paine Grande to Cuernos.

Travelled: January 2024

Don -

Torres del Paine Perito Merino glacier

Travelled: January 2024

Elizabeth -

Hiking to the base of the towers!

Travelled: January 2024

Kim -

Hard to pick just one. But I guess the view of the 3 towers at the base of the towers hike.

Travelled: December 2023

Susan -

We loved the entire adventure, but hiking on the last day to the Torres del Paine viewpoint brought tears of joy to my eyes. The 10 days of hiking was tough but totally worth it. Our group of 13 travelers from all over the world (9 from N. America, 2 from the UK, 2 from Holland) were tons of fun and we all got along well. Several of us hope to travel to one another's homes!

Travelled: December 2023

Cathy -

My most memorable moment was reaching the final destination of Mount Fitz Roy and then hiking a little more and seeing the most blue lagoon I have ever seen with the background of the mountains and Fitz Roy. In addition to this I really enjoyed the dinner at Andreas Madsen's farm. It seemed like the history was breathing through the walls.

Travelled: December 2023

Kate -

I honestly enjoyed the interactions with the guides and the other team members that I met during the trip. There was no one moment for this, it was throughout the trip. Each location had its own experience to make it unique but the memories from the friendships made will be most memorable.

Travelled: November 2023

Bill -

Great adventure and experience. My fav part was site of FItz Roy after a hiking Laguna de los Tres.

Travelled: March 2023

Rina -

Base of las torres

Travelled: March 2023

Elle -

Hiking in beautiful places with friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Travelled: March 2023

David -

The initial impression of getting off the plane in El Calafate and the drive into El Chalten looking at Fitz Roy.

Travelled: March 2023

Richard -

Our guides on both sides: When our guide Max showed us how to properly drink mate; when Lucille encouraged Judith to walk arm & arm during 50 mile an hour gusts and when Tomas walked patiently with us on the last few hours of the hike and last, Julian working to help the fast and slower group stay happy.

Travelled: February 2023

Judith -

Review:

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices for the 2024/25 season are from USD $5,495 per person.

Departures are confirmed with a minimum of 4 guests signed-up. 

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If your desired date isn't listed, please get in touch and we'll quote a private departure for you.

2024

2025

Start date Price (pp)
November 2024
3-Nov-2024 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
10-Nov-2024 $5,495 Provisional Date Enquire
17-Nov-2024 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
24-Nov-2024 $5,495 Provisional Date Enquire
December 2024
1-Dec-2024 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
17-Dec-2024 $5,550 Provisional Date Enquire
22-Dec-2024 $5,550 Provisional Date Enquire
29-Dec-2024 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
January 2025
12-Jan-2025 $5,495 Provisional Date Enquire
26-Jan-2025 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
February 2025
9-Feb-2025 $5,495 Provisional Date Enquire
23-Feb-2025 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire
March 2025
9-Mar-2025 $5,495 Provisional Date Enquire
23-Mar-2025 $5,495* Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $5,495

Additional Notes

Group size – 14 maximum, four minimum. We will guarantee your departure with four travellers signed up. If travelling solo, please ask us about our provisional dates. We may have other solo travellers who can join the tour.

Optional excursions Optional excursion on day five at Perito Moreno Glacier: Mini Ice Hike: Price TBC; Full day, 1.5hrs hiking on the glacier; also includes walkways and boat trip to the face of the glacier; group size 20; age limit under 65 years.

Accommodation – Whilst we have requested refugio shared dormitory rooms for days eight and nine, the local operators of each refugio reserve the right to offer supported camping in place of this. If this is the case, we will inform you ahead of your trip. You will be provided with a pre-pitched tent, roll mat and sleeping bag at each night stop in this instance.

Single supplement – USD $850 per person for a single room in El Chaltén, El Calafate, Puerto Natales (seven nights in total).

Solo travellers  If you are willing to share with another solo traveller then you will not be charged the single supplement and we will match you with someone of the same gender. If there is no other same-gender solo traveller in the group, you will be granted a single room for the hotel nights, at no extra cost.

Joining & departure instructions – It is recommended to spend a night in Buenos Aires, or El Calafate, before the tour and a night in Santiago after the tour; if you would like help booking your pre/post tour arrangements, please just let us know.

Peak season departures - For the departures of 17th and 22nd of December 2024, a supplement of USD $55 per person is charged by the refugios for Christmas or New Year.

Includes

  • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 boxed lunches, 8 dinners
  • Accommodation: Seven nights in hotels; two nights in refugios or shared (double) tents; one night camping in shared double tents; one night camping in shared (double) bell tents
  • Three hikes in the Los Glaciares National Park with a local mountaineering guide (English-speaking)
  • 4-day W Trek with local mountaineering guide/group leader (English speaking)
  • Perito Moreno Glacier excursion including boat trip to face of glacier
  • All national park entrance fees
  • All ground transportation in either private transfer, public bus or by boat
  • Airport pick up and drop off (El Calafate/Puerto Natales)
  • Tour leader in Los Glaciares National Park (English speaking), days 1-6
  • All bedding for your nights in the shared tents and glamping

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinks during lunch or dinner
  • Ice hiking at Perito Moreno Glacier (can be added optionally)
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Personal porters
  • Gratuities/Tips
  • International and domestic/in country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

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