Patagonian Trekking Circuit: El Chaltén, El Calafate and Torres del Paine

Patagonia is a place that needs no introduction. Just mentioning the name conjures up the images captured by thousands of adventurers over the last century, vividly bringing those beautiful vistas to mind. However, Patagonia is larger than you can ever imagine; it is a whole circuit of landmarks that are much more than the Torres del Paine National Park. 

This region of South America unfolds before your feet, offering an invitation to explore its stunning landscapes, marvel at its towering mountains that define the horizon, its millennia-old glaciers and a network of trails that spread across one of the wildest environments in the world. 

Trekking the Patagonian circuit is an experience that will provide stories to last a lifetime. With continuous transfers between locations, enhancing your connections and ease of exploring the region, the experience becomes one that you can’t miss. 

In the following blog, we tell you everything you need to know to trek El Chaltén and Torres del Paine, passing through El Calafate, on a tour that includes the best of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, offering the adventure you’ve been searching for. 

El Chaltén: Argentina's Most Famous Trekking Trails

Let’s start with the first destination: El Chaltén. This small town in Argentine Patagonia, two and a half hours by car from El Calafate, is located in the northern part of the Los Glaciares National Park, and is recognized as Argentina’s trekking capital. 

But let’s take it step by step and begin with the town itself. A pleasant stroll offers a good opportunity to get to know the traditional streets of this Argentine town. True to the spirit of the region, and with few crowds, it makes for a peaceful walk before starting your Patagonian adventure. 

The Los Glaciares National Park is home to some of Argentina’s most famous treks. If we were to list the must-do trails in the park, we would definitely begin with the Laguna de los Tres Trail. This excursion offers one of the most spectacular views of the imposing Mount Fitz Roy. We would also include the Laguna Capri Trail, an excellent option for those who want to camp and enjoy the colors of the sunrise. The Poincenot Camping is also a great choice for those looking to get closer to the starting point of the Laguna de los Tres Trail. 

For those unfamiliar with the area, it is important to know that El Chaltén has a well-marked network of trails, allowing visitors to freely explore its circuits without fear of getting lost. Hikers can choose routes according to the time they wish to spend in the park, and also select those that suit their physical condition. 

If you are a more experienced hiker, you may opt for the Cerro Torre Trail, a route that is more long than difficult, with accessible sections for those in good physical condition. But as on any adventure, the best viewpoints are only found at the endpoints of the treks. 

El Calafate and its Millennial Ice

El Calafate, a city named after one of Patagonia’s most famous shrubs, is the gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, home to one of the natural wonders that absolutely must be on your list of things to see in your lifetime: the Perito Moreno Glacier. 

The park offers ice excursions that you will definitely want to try. This activity is done using special crampons whose sharp points allow you to walk on the glacier’s icy surface, giving you a unique experience in Patagonia. 

The tour is complemented with trails that allow you to admire this frozen colossus up close. So, even if glacier walking is not for you, you can still experience the immensity of the ice and hear its roar as it breaks away. 

El Calafate is also a strategic point to rest, resupply and connect with other routes. Las Torres Patagonia offers transfers that start in this beautiful town, and guests on the all-inclusive program can begin their journey here. Therefore, if you wish to continue exploring Chilean Patagonia, let us take over so that you can continue to enjoy the region through the impressive experiences we have to offer. 

Torres del Paine: The Quintessential Trekking Experience in Chile

On crossing the border into Chile, we find the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the world’s most sought-after experiences for hiking enthusiasts. 

The park offers a number of things to enjoy, so you can discover its secrets and marvel at the endless viewpoints found throughout its vast expanse. The most well-known routes are the W Circuit and the O Circuit, which take you through the park’s most emblematic landscapes: the Las Torres Mountains, Francés Valley and Grey Glacier. 

Las Torres Patagonia has well-equipped mountain stays and campsites, where you can spend your nights in the national park at your leisure. Whether you like to carry your own equipment or prefer to travel light to arrive at your next accommodation spot, we have all the options you need. 

The Torres del Paine National Park is not just a natural paradise that invites you to disconnect from the noise of the city, it is also a place where conservation is deeply valued. While walking the park’s trails, you could be meters away from incredible animals such as guanacos, foxes and condors, as well as unique flora that will enchant you with its colors, forms and aromas. 

The Torres del Paine National Park is undoubtedly the perfect closing chapter for your Patagonian adventure. 

Transfers from El Calafate to Torres del Paine

For those who start their adventure in Argentine Patagonia, we offer transfers connecting you directly with the Torres del Paine National Park. 

• After departing at 7am, our first stop will be the town of Esperanza. Here, you can stretch your legs and take photos of the surrounding landscape. 
• The second stop will be Cerro Castillo at around 11am. This is an excellent place for a short walk to enjoy the views. We stop here for approximately 15 minutes. 

Please remember that you will cross two borders when traveling between countries: the Argentine border at Cancha Carrera and the Chilean border at Cerro Castillo. It is therefore important to have your documentation up to date. 

• Finally, we will arrive at the hotel at 1pm, ready for you to continue your adventure in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Upon arrival at Hotel Las Torres, you will have time to leave your bags in your room, have lunch at the hotel and, if you wish, coordinate a half-day excursion, which is included in the rate. 
  
  (An additional cost applies to transfers from hotels outside of El Calafate). 

A Circuit That Connects Cultures, Landscapes and Challenges

If you decide to grab your hiking poles, lace up your boots and undertake the trekking circuit that embraces El Chaltén, El Calafate and Torres del Paine, you will not only be traversing miles of natural space. You will also be connecting with three of Patagonia’s most unique territories, imperishable lands that harbor legends, into which men and women have long determined to venture. 

Each of the places mentioned offers its own geography, culture and rhythm. By combining them into a single circuit, they come together to form a symphony of adventure and a blank canvas for you to write your own story. 

If you are ready to embark on this adventure, you can start by booking with Las Torres Patagonia and prepare to write your first chapter exploring the Patagonian trekking circuit. 

What are you waiting for to start your epic adventure? Patagonia is calling you!