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Patagonia Hiking

Patagonia Hiking

Escape from 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 be believed—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 be 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 Explora resort, which has “artfully merged the marvels of the otherworldly surroundings with the pleasures of a civilized hotel experience,” according to the Hideaway Report.

Day 1 El Calafate

Meet in El Calafate   Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner of delicious Argentine specialties.

Days 2-3 Lago Viedma

Arrive in Los Glaciares National Park, a World Heritage site Enjoy an asado lunch, the traditional Argentinean barbecue Walk through tranquil foothills to a working sheep estancia (ranch), viewing waterfowl and wildflowers along the way An optional guided horseback ride through the pampas offers an authentic gaucho experience, with sweeping views of the Fitzroy massif Hike to Laguna Azul, surrounded by dramatic mountains and fed by a stunning hanging glacier.

Days 4-5 Los Glaciares National Park

Stop in El Calafate to shop and sample the local cuisine From the  “balconies,” get your first glimpse of Perito Moreno Glacier, over three miles wide and 200 feet above lake level  Strap on crampons and follow expert mountaineering guides across the frozen landscape of crevasses and ice formations of the most incredible blue.

Days 6-10 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.

big map Patagonia Hiking

LANDMARK LODGES : Premiere Inns

Posada Los Alamos (1 night): Located near the center of town, this hotel presents classic english décor and individually decorated rooms. the onsite restaurant, La Posta, is a must.

Hosteria Helsingfors (2 nights): On the shore of Lago Viedma, this estancia gives you a taste of the pampas and traditional life in Patagonia in a tranquil setting.

Hosteria los Notros (2 nights): Every room in this remote country lodge on Lago Argentino has an incomparable vista of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Explora (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.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

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Patagonia Hiking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

Chile's natural beauty left a lasting impression with its rugged landscape…Exploring Argentina is like getting a new present every day…Surprises are beyond every bend in the trail, and beauty and charm beyond anyone's imagination lies in the quiet villages and the natural terrain.
Jack McLeavy with Elise Lipoff - Tallahasee Magazine
Our overall experience was amazing! We learned so much about the area, the people, and the history. It was an excellent adventure and we didn't have to worry about a thing.
Ali Wong - Berkeley, CA
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.
Janet Liberman - Thousand Oaks, CA
This was my first group travel experience, having always traveled independently in the past. I didn't quite know what to expect and whether I would like it or not...I loved every minute!! From our Backroads Trip Leaders to the local guides, I felt like I was in excellent hands doing incredible things in spectacular natural surroundings. I particularly liked traveling with my fellow Backroads travelers and getting to know them. Without exception, they were an interesting and extremely well-traveled group, and I loved our interaction. And I hope to see some of them again sometime, either on another Backroads trip or just a local visit. This Patagonian trip was a wonderful experience for me and thanks to you, Backroads, for making it so.
Richard Tigner - Atlanta GA