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Hiking in Patagonia - Glaciers & Torres del Paine

Argentina, Chile - Trip code WP
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805Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover one of the world's most iconic hiking destinations, taking on must-do treks as well as endless empty trails in off-the-beaten-track gems. Travel a route lined with glaciers, witness the majestic Perito Moreno up close and take a special ice hike on the Creston Glacier. The challenging ascents of the Fitz Roy Massif to Laguna de los Tres, and to the base of the towers in Torres del Paine National Park, introduce keen hikers to the majesty of this mountain landscape.

Why we love this trip
  • Mount Fitz Roy - View the Fitz Roy skyline from Laguna de los Tres
  • Glacier Route - Hike to Creston and Huemul Glaciers and see Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • Torres del Paine - Take on a selection of walks in this iconic hiking paradise
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 11

    Lunch: 6

    Dinner: 5

  • Trip staff

    None

  • Transport

    None

  • i

    Accommodation

    1 nights simple camping

    7 nights comfortable hotel

    3 nights simple rifugio

  • i

    Trip pace:

    No pace rating

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 12

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Buenos Aires

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Fly to Calafate; short walk to Chorrillo del Salto waterfall

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Rifugio

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Hike on the ice of the Creston Glacier; drive to the remote Lago del Desierto

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Rifugio

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Hike through native forest to the Huemul and Cagliero Glaciers

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Rifugio

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Walk on private mountain trails at the quiet Huemul Natural Reserve

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Trek to Laguna de los Tres in the Fitz Roy Massif

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 - Drive to Calafate; visit Perito Moreno Glacier

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Drive to Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Hike to Lake Grey

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Trek to the iconic spires of Base Torres

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 - Drive to Calafate Airport (Argentina) and fly back to Buenos Aires

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Trip ends in Buenos Aires

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Argentina

Climate

Argentina has a climate that ranges from subtropical in the north to cold in the temperate south. The Andes has erratic rainfall and flash floods from December to May. From June to September spring like sunny days temper the cold nights.

Time difference to GMT

-3

Plugs

Two types are used in Argentina: 3 Pin Flat or 2 Pin Round (Types C and I)

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Language

Spanish is the main language throughout this region, along with a number of indigenous dialects, of

Chile

Climate

The best time to visit is spring (Sept-Nov) and autumn (March- April). Between June and September the heat in the northern part of the country is less intense. Remember rain can fall at any time of the year and the weather is changeable in the mountains. Easter Island has a tropical climate so is likely to be quite hot and humid. It can also rain there in the evenings and become chilly.

Time difference to GMT

-4

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Language

Spanish, Aymara, Rapanui.

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cold, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
- Thick sweater/fleece jacket: A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be cold. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece
-Insulated jacket
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
- Thermal underwear: Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
- Gaiters: especially in November and December but due to unpredictability of weather any time of year could be necessary
-Swimwear and towel
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
- Gloves, scarf & hat: Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening. Worth bringing two pairs - one fleecey for warmth and one pair that is waterproof and windproof

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20Kg

Equipment

- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- High factor sun cream: Patagonia is very near the ozone layer hole. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
- Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb). Often a head torch is the most practical option as it allows you to have both hands free
- Camera
- You may wish to consider bringing a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth while camping
- Walking poles (recommended)
- Personal toiletries: Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biological soap and a small towel. Hand sanitiser gel are recommended
- Personal first aid kit
- On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
- Insect repellent
- Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
- Dry bags: Useful for separating things out in your kitbag and keeping things dry in both your kitbag and day sack
- Waterproof cover for rucksacks: Can be useful to offer extra protection for your bags against rain.
- Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle. Water in Patagonia is plentiful and fresh, and with a Water to Go Bottle you'll be able to safely refill from streams. www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
- You may wish to bring a portable power pack or a solar charged device for the night spent camping

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 60, approx. 2'650 Argentine Pesos for group tipping

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Argentina

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£11
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£3-4
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Argentina's economy is in a messy state at the moment. Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted, the 'official' exchange rate will be used, which is highly volatile but often extremely unfavourable. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card. We strongly recommend taking a minimum of US$ 400-500 of your total spending money in cash, mostly in $50 or $100 dollar bills. Smaller bills are not always widely accepted, even by exchange bureaus. Better exchange rates are given by taking USD cash, which your Tour Leader will assist you to exchange. Otherwise, ATMs are found both at the airport and in the cities, if you would prefer to withdraw local currency at a higher exchange rate on your card.
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
Available in Buenos Aires and in the cities, but the official exchange rate to withdraw from an ATM may be higher than when exchanging cash. If travelling to Patagonia, the ATM machines are not always reliable with chip and pin cards, and we recommend carrying back up cash.
Credit Card Acceptance
Payment on credit or debit cards is not always accepted in shops and restaurants. Where it is accepted, the 'official' exchange rate will be used, which is highly volatile but often extremely unfavourable. Shops may even charge a higher amount for payment on a card.

Chile

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£13
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00
Water price
£2
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Chilean Peso (CLP)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the CLP is approximately CLP 880 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Tour Leader will advise on arrival
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in CLP. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Accommodation notes

During our tour of Patagonia, we'll stay in a selection of comfortable hotels, simple refuges, and one campsite. Each accommodation has been chosen for location, comfort, and authenticity.

On day five, we'll stay at Poincenet Camp. Shared two-man tents are provided, along with sleeping bags and mats. The camp has a kitchen and dining tent and a latrine but there is no running water or washing facilities - water will be provided from a large jerry can. It's worth noting that it can get very cold at night, so warm clothing is a must.

On days two to four, we stay at two simple refuges - the Hosteria Punta Sur, and the Refugio Cagliero. Both refuges have en suite bathrooms, hot water and showers, and electricity points. In many ways they are very comfortable, but we grade them as simple due to their basic amenities. Due to their small sizes and number of rooms, no single supplements are possible here. In addition, it is possible (depending on the final group size) that we may room three customers of the same sex together in triple rooms. With smaller groups, we will use twin rooms as normal.

The Cagliero Refuge in particular will no doubt be one of the highlights of your stay. With astounding views and a private location right in front of the Cagliero Glacier, it offers a memorable stay.

In Torres del Paine, we tend to use the Cabanas del Paine. Surrounded by mountains, it's an atmospheric stay. Dinners are included here and are made using local produce from the surrounding farmlands.

Argentina

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The  water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Chile

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Please note we require a photocopy of your passport 3 month pre departure.
It is essential that you provide Explore with a photo copy 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.

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 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.

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


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

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. 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. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of 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. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

1200

Argentina

Vaccinations

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. Please 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. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Chile

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue Fever 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. Please 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. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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