The Big Ice Adventure is an exhilarating guided excursion that takes you on an unforgettable journey across the vast, awe-inspiring expanse of the Perito Moreno Glacier. This thrilling adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the glacier's otherworldly landscape of deep crevasses, towering ice formations, and stunning blue-hued caverns.

The Big Ice Adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Argentino to the edge of the glacier. Equipped with crampons and accompanied by skilled guides, you will embark on an approximately 3-4 hour trek across the ice, traversing the glacier's rugged terrain and learning about its unique geology and formation.

Embarking on the Big Ice Adventure is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to intimately connect with the powerful, ever-changing landscape of the Perito Moreno Glacier, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

TIP: The tour usually includes a transfer from El Calafate and a visit to the main viewing platform, but we recommend driving and exploring the park on your own, and only joining the tour on the boat to the glacier. This way you can get the best of both worlds – catch a scenic boat ride with the glacier hike, but still explore the glacier independently and avoid 4 long hours on a tour bus. It can be easily arranged with the only operator (check the links section for their official website).

Official website

Big Ice Adventure

El Calafate was a tiny town not that long ago, but being a gateway to an increasingly popular Perito Moreno Glacier transformed it into a fun town with lots of things to do.

El Calafate does have a charming downtown with nice shopping and restaurants. More than enough to chill after the day on the road. Just stroll along the main street and stop wherever you feel like.

But if you look for more to explore, there is Glaciarium – a modern glacier interpretation center, built to entertain and educate about ice, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

El Calafate

Glaciarium is a modern glacier interpretation center, built to entertain and educate about ice, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

Glaciarium Museum

Minitrekking is an exciting guided excursion that takes you on a shorter, more accessible ice trekking experience on the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is a great (and much more affordable) alternative to Big Ice Adventure, ideal for those who want to explore the glacier's enchanting icy landscape without committing to a full-day adventure.

The entire experience with bus transfers from El Calafate takes 9-10 hours, but similar to Big Ice Adventure, we strongly recommend driving to the park in your vehicle and explore the area independently, only joining your group when embarking on the boat to start the hike. The ice trekking itself takes only about an hour, so the boat with hike and ice trekking takes up to 4 hours, and you have the rest of the day to yourself to explore the glacier from various viewpoints.

Minitrekking offers a unique and manageable experience for those wishing to explore the fascinating ice world of the Perito Moreno Glacier, creating lasting memories amidst the breathtaking landscape of Argentine Patagonia.

Minitrekking

Mirador Canal de los Témpanos is a less-crowded scenic viewpoint with Perito Moreno views, located just a short drive from the main Perito Moreno observation deck.

We recommend a quick stop here to get a unique perspective from lake water level.

TIP: If you have extra time and feel adventurous – hop into a kayak and paddle towards the glacier, a truly unique experience. Check our local guided kayak recommendation in the links section.

Local Kayak Tour

Mirador Canal de los Témpanos

Mirador De Los Suspiros

Perito Moreno is an iconic glacier offering an unforgettable glacial experience. It is one of the world's few advancing glaciers with a unique setup for all kinds of activities, making it our personal favorite in the world.

The main observation deck is the best place to admire the sheer size of the glacier, with quite frequent opportunities to spot massive 200-feet-high ice walls cracking and dropping into the lake.

TIP: Even if you book the incredible Big Ice Adventure or some other tour that includes a transfer from El Calafate, we recommend driving to the park on your own early in the morning and spending crowd-free time at the main observation deck. It is a totally different, intimate experience.

TIP: When the time comes, you can join your group at the ferry station which is just 10 minutes drive from the observation deck. This flexibility makes it possible to visit the observation deck after the tour one more time and spend as much time as you want taking in incredible scale of this natural wonder.

Guided Tours

Perito Moreno Glacier

The Huemul Circuit is an exhilarating four-day trek in the Los Glaciares National Park, renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, towering mountains, and turquoise lakes. This remote and less-traveled hike is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, amidst the raw beauty of Patagonia's unspoiled wilderness.

Covering approximately 40 miles, the Huemul Circuit requires to carry all necessary camping gear and provisions, as there are no facilities along the route. The trail is demanding, featuring river crossings, steep ascents, and challenging sections that may require the use of ropes and harnesses. The hike's highlight is the phenomenal panoramic view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field from Paso del Viento and Paso Huemul.

To start the Huemul Circuit, register at the park ranger station in El Chaltén, where you'll receive a map, briefing, and mandatory permit. The best time to hike the circuit is during the austral summer months of November to April, when the weather is relatively stable. Ensure you have appropriate hiking gear, including waterproof clothing, a sturdy tent, and river-crossing equipment, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

TIP: We strongly recommend reading all details for this epic hike and throroughly prepare far in advance. We did our research, but still ended up in pretty dire situation twice during our four days. Once on a zip-line river crossing which is pretty physically demanding, and second time almost blown away with our tent on Lake Viedma.

But as always – it was still well worth it! Check the links section for detailed guides that we followed to embark on this incredible adventure. The Huemul Circuit will always have a special (scary) place in our hearts.

Trail details on AllTrails

Comprehensive Guide

Guide by BeMyTravelMuse

Guided Trekking Tour from El Calafate

Guided Tour

Huemul Circuit

Laguna Torre is the second most popular hike in the area, but still an overall must-do. It is 11-mile long out and back trail from El Chalten, but not physically demanding with just 500 ft of elevation gain.

Some parts of the trail are windy or slippery, so be ready with appropriate gear. Check the the links section for more details on AllTrails.

Laguna Torre Hike

This full-day out-and-back trail is the easy part of the famous multi-day Huemul Circuit, offering stunning views of the colorful valley, glacial river, and surrounding mountains.

The entire trail is 20-mile long and takes almost 10 hours, but we recommend hiking to the valley, getting yourself a nice view while descending to the river, have a pick-nick with the views for an hour or so, and start heading back to town. You should reach the valley with stunning views in just about 2-3 hours from the start.

If you are in great shape and eager for challenge – hike all the way down to the lake, it is well worth it. You can also spend a night in the campsite near the lake and head back the next day.

While this hike is not that popular among day hikes from El Chalten, we love it because it's way less crowded and provides a unique view of Glaciares National Park.

Laguna Tunel o Toro Hike

Laguna de Los Tres, also known as Cerro Fitz Roy, is one of the most iconic hikes in Patagonia. The scenery on this full-day hike is absolutely stunning with turquoise lakes, hanging glaciers, and the magnificent granite spires of the Patagonian Andes.

TIP: Instead of a regular out-and-back hike from El Chalten, we recommend taking a taxi to Hosteria El Pilar (just ask at your hotel front desk) and starting the trek via Piedras Blancas to Mount Fitz Roy and then hike back down to El Chalten. This way you’ll explore more and avoid crowds for a good part of your day.

TIP: Don’t forget to pack a lunch box. Partly because there’s no food on this trail, but more importantly – you'll have a chance to enjoy your meal with the stunning view of the Laguna de Los Tres lake and massive Mount Fitz Roy as its backdrop.

The trail is perfectly marked so there’s pretty no chance to get lost. But if you want to be sure at each step of your hike, we recommend installing the AllTrails app and pre-downloading the trails ahead of your hike.

Mount Fitz Roy Hike

The boat trip to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers offers an unforgettable journey through the pristine fjords of Chilean Patagonia. This full-day excursion provides a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the region's glaciers, soaring mountains, and diverse wildlife, all while cruising through the tranquil waters of the Last Hope Sound.

The journey begins with a scenic cruise through the fjord, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and an opportunity to spot native wildlife, such as sea lions, cormorants, and condors. As you approach the Balmaceda Glacier, marvel at its towering ice wall and vibrant blue hues. From there, the boat continues to the Serrano Glacier, where you can disembark for a short hike to a viewpoint that offers an up-close encounter with the glacier's immense beauty.

After the hike, you will make a stop at Estancia Perales fo an authentic Patagonian lunch with some free time before boarding the boat again. After lunch, you can enjoy a glass of whiskey with millenary ice from the glaciers on the boat back to Puerto Natales.

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour

Mylodon Cave, is a fascinating natural and historical site located just outside of Torres del Paine National Park. This massive cave is known for its remarkable geological formations and the discovery of well-preserved remains of prehistoric animals, including the Mylodon, a giant ground sloth that lived in the area more than 10,000 years ago. 

The main cave, approximately 656 feet deep and 98 feet high, is accessible via a short trail, taking you through the semi-arid Patagonian steppe. As you wander through the cave, you'll find informative displays about the region's natural history and the Mylodon's habitat. The site also features several smaller caves and a replica of the Mylodon, providing a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past.

Mylodon Caves

Isla Magdalena

Tierra Del Fuego

Whale & Penguin Watching

Hiking up to the base of the Towers is the most iconic part of the W-trek with the most iconic view in Torres del Paine.

If you are doing it on your last day of W-trek (as we strongly recommend), you will start at Refugio Chileno and make your way up to the base (2-2.5h), and then all the way back down to Hotel Las Torres (another 4-5h) to the end of your epic W-trek adventure.

The alternative way of doing it (and quite popular if you don't want to stay overnight) is an out-and-back hike from Hotel Las Torres. It is a much more strenuous hike with 3,418 ft of elevation gain, but still doable in about 7 hours. But we don't recommend this option for the reasons laid out below.

TIP: One of the highlights of your entire trip to Patagonia is catching the sunrise touchinging the peaks of the towers — an absolutely magical moment. While we are usually on a comfy side of adventures, we made an exception by waking up in the middle of the night to start our hike. Even though it was rough at times (hiking in complete darkness without flashlight, knowing that pumas are wondering around), we never regretted our decision — sunrise over the Torres Del Paine instantly erased everything that led to that moment.

Base of the Towers Hike

Catamaran ride on Pehoe Lake is not just a way to get to the start of the W-trek, it's also a fantastic way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. The catamaran offers a unique perspective on the park's stunning landscapes, including the iconic Cuernos del Paine and the Paine Massif.

The Pehoe Lake catamaran operates between Pudeto and Refugio Paine Grande, providing a convenient and scenic means of transportation for hikers embarking on the W-Trek or other trails in the area. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes each way, allowing ample time to soak in the stunning vistas and capture some stunning shots on your camera.

Check the catamaran's schedule and availability in advance (check the links section), as it may be subject to changes depending on weather conditions and demand.

A catamaran ride on Pehoe Lake offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to marvel at the majestic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park while gliding through the serene waters of one of its most iconic lakes.

Catamaran Schedule and Details

Catamaran to Paine Grande

The hike from Francés to Chileno area is a beautiful section of the W-Trek. It takes you from the depths of the French Valley to the base of the iconic Paine Massif, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the park, including turquoise lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests.

The trail approximately covers 11.2 miles and takes about 7 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the scenery. The hike follows the shores of Lake Nordenskjöld before ascending through the Ascencio Valley to Campamento Chileno, which serves as a base for the final ascent to the famous Base de las Torres viewpoint.

Francés to Chileno Trail

The hike from Grey Glacier to Campamento Italiano or Campamento Francés is another scenic section of the W-Trek. This stretch of the trek showcases diverse landscapes, including the shimmering lakes and verdant forests. The trail also passes through the heart of the park, offering impressive views of the Paine Massif and the Cuernos del Paine.

The trail covers a distance of approximately 11.5 miles and takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the scenery. The hike starts by retracing your steps from Grey back towards Paine Grande, then continuing along the shores of Lake Skottsberg and Lake Pehoé, before reaching Campamento Italiano, the starting point for the ascent into the French Valley. Campamento Francés is a short distance further, nestled within the French Valley itself.

Grey to Francés Trail

The hike from Grey Glacier to Gardner Bridge is a lesser-known but incredibly scenic trail that offers striking views of the Grey Glacier, the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and the surrounding landscapes. It also features two beautiful suspension bridges along the way.

TIP: We recommend doing this trail either at the end of your first day in W-trek, or the following morning. You also don't have to go all the way up if you don't feel like it and turn around even after the first bridge.

Grey to Gardner Bridge Trail

Kayaking next to a glacier is as cool as it sounds — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience of floating next to enourmous glacial icebergs. You don’t need previous experience or extra physical training even though it will make it more comfortable.

TIP: There is only one kayak operator in the Grey Glacier area — Big Foot Patagonia. It happens to be our team's favorite in entire Patagonia, so you'll be in very experienced hands throughout your adventure.

TIP: If you are not doing the W-Trek, you can still embark on this advanture by getting a ferry from Lago Grey Hotel to Refugio Grey which is an experience in itself. Check their schedule and booking options in the links section.

Big Foot Kayaking Grey

Lago Grey Navigation

Kayak Glacier Grey

Kayaking the Rio Serrano is a thrilling adventure in the heart of Chilean Patagonia, offering an unforgettable journey through the pristine wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park.

This unique experience allows outdoor enthusiasts and water sports lovers to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the region while navigating its stunning waterways, surrounded by towering mountains, massive glaciers, and vibrant flora and fauna.

TIP: We recommend a half-day kayaking experience with Big Foot Patagonia, our favorite local operator for kayaking and ice hiking in Torres del Paine.

Big Foot Kayak Serrano

Kayak Rio Serrano

Mirador Británico is a stunning viewpoint located in the heart of the French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park. This vantage point offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding granite peaks, glaciers, and verdant forests, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the park.

The hike to Mirador Británico typically begins at Campamento Italiano and is approximately 8 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 2,568 ft. The hike takes roughly 2 to 3 hours each way, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the views.

TIP: If you're in a good physical shape, you can squeeze this hike into either the afternoon of your Grey → Francés day, or the morning of your Francés → Chileno day. We are in average shape and still managed to do it the same day we hiked from Grey and cut our entire trip by one day.

TIP: Another important tip that makes it possible to do this hike the same day you leave Grey — is that you can drop your bags at Campamento Italiano and do this entire hike much easier, faster, and comfortable.

But if you don't feel like hiking 10 hours in one day, just make the hike to Mirador Británico as a whole day experience by spending extra night in the area. Italiano or Francés areas are both great, but not Cuernos since you'll have to hike back and forth for a few extra hours.

Mirador Británico Trail

The hike from Paine Grande to Grey Glacier is a popular section of the famous W-Trek. This leg of the trek showcases the park's diverse landscapes, including lush forests, turquoise lakes, and dramatic mountain backdrops, culminating in the impressive Grey Glacier, which forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

The trail from Paine Grande to Grey covers a distance of approximately 7 miles one way and takes roughly 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the scenery. As you hike along the shores of Lake Grey, you'll be treated to stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. The trail ends at the Refugio Grey or the Mirador Grey, where you can marvel at the glacier's immense scale and its characteristic blue ice formations, with massive icebergs floating in the lake.

TIP: We recommend this hike as the first day of your W-trek, starting with the scenic catamaran ride through lake Pehoe that gets you to Paine Grande, and checking in to Refugio Grey after the hike. And then finishing your day with a spectacular kayaking trip among Grey Glacier's icebergs — another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Paine Grande to Grey Trail

A scenic drive through Torres del Paine National Park offers an incredible way to experience the park's out-of-this-world landscapes. The park's diverse terrain includes towering granite peaks, expansive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vibrant forests and steppes teeming with wildlife.

Scenic views start almost immediately after crossing the Chilean border, and continue througout the park. The park offers a well-maintained network of roads that provide access to many of its most famous viewpoints and attractions. Don't forget to stop at the ranger station at the park entrance to get a permit if you haven't done that online.

Key stops on a scenic drive through Torres del Paine include Laguna Amarga, which boasts stunning views of the Paine Massif; Salto Grande, a powerful waterfall that connects Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé; and the picturesque Lake Pehoé itself, surrounded by mountains and offering an iconic view of the Cuernos del Paine.

Scenic Drive in The Park

The W-Trek is a world-famous multi-day hiking trail in Torres del Paine National Park. Named for its distinctive "W" shape, this trek offers a stunning journey through diverse landscapes, including striking granite peaks, massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and verdant forests. It is an ideal adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of Patagonia.

This ~45 miles track is typically completed in 4 to 5 days and can be tackled from either east to west or west to east, with well-marked trails and designated campsites or refugios along the way. The trek's highlights include the base of the iconic Torres del Paine granite towers, the French Valley's awe-inspiring panoramic views, and the colossal Grey Glacier.

If you embark on this mutli-day hike, you must be well-prepared with appropriate gear, warm and waterproof clothing, and camping equipment if not staying in refugios. It is crucial to book campsites or refugios far in advance, as the trail's popularity often leads to limited availability during the high season.

TIP: For a stress-free planning experience, we recommend booking all your refugios or campsites before the season starts in November. But if you are planning your epic adventure just a couple of months in advance (as we usually do) – you might still be okay. We planned our trip in January with the start in late February and where just fine.

TIP: We organized all stay options in the park under our hand-picked stays section, so you can easily navigate this non-trivial planning task.

The W-Trek provides an unforgettable experience, showcasing the diverse and breathtaking beauty of the Chilean Patagonia. Conquering this challenging yet rewarding trail leaves a lasting impression and a deep appreciation for the majesty of nature.

LonelyPlanet Guide

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Patagonia’s remoteness might make you hesitate, but for those who crave hiking and breathtaking scenery, it offers an adventure like no other. Its otherworldly landscapes and unforgettable experiences will leave you in awe, making every mile of the journey worthwhile. Yes, the flight may be long, but what awaits you is nothing short of extraordinary — a trip that will stay with you forever.

Estancia La Estela is a picturesque ranch located in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Nestled amidst vast open fields and surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, it offers a unique and tranquil retreat for travelers seeking an authentic countryside experience.

The estancia is a working ranch that provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional rural lifestyle of Patagonia. It offers comfortable and rustic accommodations in charming rooms or cozy cabins, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay. The rooms are tastefully decorated with warm and inviting furnishings, reflecting the rustic charm of the surrounding environment.

You can partake in a range of activities that showcase the natural beauty of the region — go horseback riding through the expansive fields, explore the nearby trails on foot or by bike, or simply relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of the countryside. The estancia also offers guided tours that allow you to learn about the rich history and culture of the area.

One of the highlights of staying at Estancia La Estela is the opportunity to savor traditional Argentine cuisine. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, including succulent Patagonian lamb and other regional specialties. You can indulge in hearty meals while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

The friendly and attentive staff at Estancia La Estela ensures that guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay. They are always available to assist with any needs or inquiries, providing a personalized and warm hospitality that adds to the overall experience.