DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Transfer to Torres del Paine. Acclimatize, gear check, team briefing over a shared asado.
W Trek Begin — Lago Grey
First full day hiking toward Glacier Grey. Blue ice calving into the lake, wind from the Southern Ice Field.
Paso John Gardner
The high pass connecting the W Trek to the O Circuit. Full view of the ice field on clear days.
Remote Campsite — Río de los Perros
Isolated valley. No other trekkers. Wild camping by a glacial river with guanacos on the opposite bank.
Seron & Dickson
Long valley traverse. Rheas and flamingos in the lowland wetlands. Estancia Dickson for resupply.
Los Cuernos
The horns of Torres del Paine at sunset — iron-stained igneous peaks catching last light in rust and gold.
Mirador Las Torres
4am alpine start. The granite towers at sunrise. Silence except for wind and distant rock fall.
Rest Day — Puerto Natales
Gear dry-out. Debrief. Optional kayak in the fjord.
Transfer to El Calafate
Border crossing into Argentina. Patagonian steppe. Condors overhead.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Stand on the glacier. Hear it move. Ice trekking with crampons through a blue-white labyrinth.
Los Glaciares Sector Sur
Remote southern section of the national park. No crowds. Camping below Cerro Torre.
Fitz Roy Massif
Classic approach to Laguna de los Tres. Fitz Roy at close range — arguably the most beautiful mountain on earth.
El Chaltén Village
Argentina's trekking capital. Microbreweries, wood-fired kitchens, climbers studying route topos.
Carretera Austral North
Drive north into Chile's scenic highway. Hanging glaciers drip into roadside rivers.
Cochrane & Baker River
Wild swimming in the turquoise Baker — the Patagonian river no one talks about.
Corcovado Wilderness
Rarely visited rainforest. Inland navigation by zodiac. Volcanic activity visible from camp.
Final Camp
Last night in the field. Stars from horizon to horizon. No light pollution in any direction.
Return to Puerto Montt
Journey ends. Optional Santiago connection.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Experienced OVERLAND lead guide + local specialist
All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 18 breakfast
Group camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, cooking gear)
All park entrance fees (Torres del Paine, Los Glaciares)
Internal transfers and border crossing logistics
Emergency satellite communication device
Daily briefings and printed route notes
RECOMMENDED GEAR
3-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
Trekking poles
Hardshell jacket + trousers (Patagonia wind is serious)
Merino base layers (2 sets minimum)
Gaiters
Sunscreen + lip balm SPF 50+
Personal first aid kit
Headlamp + spare batteries
Camera (the light here earns it)
EXPEDITION SUMMARY
Duration
18 days
From
$4,800 per person
Difficulty
challenging
Destination
Patagonia