Classic Hikes of Patagonia

This is a hiking trip, you should come prepared as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable all the hikes will be.

Please read the packing list carefully and bring all essential items with you. Your suitability to the weather in Patagonia is an important factor to consider before you travel. Be prepared for all elements – rain, wind and extreme cold.

The three-day camping adventure in Torres del Paine National Park is one of our favourite parts of this trip but remember facilities will be more basic on this part of the tour than others. We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Argentina and Chile may differ from standards at home.

In order to make the most of our time in Patagonia, this trip includes two particularly long travel days (Days 7 and 11). Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. The reward for your patience comes in the form of jaw-dropping glacial scenery.

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain National Parks as well as flights and overland transfers.
2. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 3 pm on Day 1.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 7, 8 and 9 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. We highly recommend you take US Dollars with you to Argentina and change it locally. While ATMs are widely available in the cities, they are limited in the countryside or certain regions such Patagonia. There is also a daily limit for withdraws of around USD80. The exchange rate does fluctuant.
5. This trip includes domestic flights. Argentina is particularly strict on excess baggage and usually enforces a maximum allowance of 15 kilograms for checked luggage.

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in any public transport we use on this tour. However, on our Patagonia trips it is best to take a backpack rather than a standard suitcase.

Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. In terms of weight, Aerolineas Argentinas (domestic airline in Argentina) allows a maximum of 15kg for check in luggage.

You'll also need a backpack for day activities and included hikes. We recommend a 20 to 35 litres backpack with supportive hip belt.

Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip:

ESSENTIALS
- Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities
- Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.
- Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day
- Walking Poles for support on steep uphill sections and longer descents
- Comfortable shoes for shorter walks or evenings spend around accommodation
- Sport sandals
- Light jacket, fleece and base layers
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts
- Long hiking pants or zip-offs
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana
- Torch/flashlight/headtorch
- Toiletries
- Towel (or travel towel)

RECOMMENDED
- Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need
- Ear plugs & eye mask
- Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily
- Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer

OPTIONAL
- Swimwear
- A good book, a journal and music player

VALUABLES
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.

WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

LAUNDRY
Laundry tends to be more expensive than other parts of South America in this part of the world. It's best to wait for a two-night stop in order to make sure you get it back in time. Please expect to pay anywhere from ARS1500 to ARS3500 (USD10 - USD25) for a 2kg bag., SLEEPING BAGS:
Sleeping bags are not provided on this trip so please bring your own. Alternatively you can hire it locally for approximately $5 USD per person, per day. A good quality foam camping mattress is provided on this trip but feel free to bring along your own if you prefer to increase your comfort. Camping pillows are not provided.

We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long staircases with a pack is good preparation. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trekking to its fullest.

The walking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain and distances covered can vary from 5 to 20 km (please check day descriptions for details). Some of the walks are circular but some can be out-and-back walks. Be prepared for daily ascents and descents, sometimes with short, steep sections. Terrain can be rocky with loose gravel, or with roots, which may become slippery when wet. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and the leaders set an even pace, providing time to take photos and to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Cyan Recoleta Hotel, Junín 1743, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA, Phone: +54 1152369095

Alternate Joining Point

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.

Two international airports service Buenos Aires: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP).

Arriving at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE)
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside the airport by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Our drivers are under the McDonald’s sign.

Arriving at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP)
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met after exiting the baggage claim area by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign who will know your name.

Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative.

In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please call the number listed in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Free wifi is available at both airports.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. We recommend arranging one with the taxi services with desks located inside the airport.

Cyan Recoleta Hotel, Junín 1743, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA, Phone: +54 1152369095

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
15 Oct 2025 (GPXU251015)
22 Oct 2025 (GPXU251022)
29 Oct 2025 (GPXU251029)
05 Nov 2025 (GPXU251105)
08 Nov 2025 (GPXU251108)
12 Nov 2025 (GPXU251112)
19 Nov 2025 (GPXU251119)
22 Nov 2025 (GPXU251122)
26 Nov 2025 (GPXU251126)
03 Dec 2025 (GPXU251203)
10 Dec 2025 (GPXU251210)
17 Dec 2025 (GPXU251217)
20 Dec 2025 (GPXU251220)
24 Dec 2025 (GPXU251224)
27 Dec 2025 (GPXU251227)
03 Jan 2026 (GPXU260103)
14 Jan 2026 (GPXU260114)
21 Jan 2026 (GPXU260121)
04 Feb 2026 (GPXU260204)
11 Feb 2026 (GPXU260211)
18 Feb 2026 (GPXU260218)
25 Feb 2026 (GPXU260225)
04 Mar 2026 (GPXU260304)
11 Mar 2026 (GPXU260311)
18 Mar 2026 (GPXU260318)
14 Oct 2026 (GPXU261014)
21 Oct 2026 (GPXU261021)
28 Oct 2026 (GPXU261028)
04 Nov 2026 (GPXU261104)
07 Nov 2026 (GPXU261107)
11 Nov 2026 (GPXU261111)
18 Nov 2026 (GPXU261118)
21 Nov 2026 (GPXU261121)
25 Nov 2026 (GPXU261125)
09 Dec 2026 (GPXU261209)
16 Dec 2026 (GPXU261216)
19 Dec 2026 (GPXU261219)
23 Dec 2026 (GPXU261223)
26 Dec 2026 (GPXU261226)
Cyan Recoleta Hotel
Junín 1743
Recoleta
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
Phone: +54 1152369095

Breakfasts included: 14

Lunches included: 3

Dinners included: 3

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts.
Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc.

More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you.

For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets, we understand your dietary requirements are important, however, sometimes due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are almost unheard of in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork and shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may need to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals for the included meals in your itinerary. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel to see if you are able to buy snacks once there, otherwise consider bringing some from home. 

In Torres del Paine National Park all meals will be included. Meals will be prepared on the spot; hearty breakfast before you head out for a hike, packed lunch and hot dinner. Please advise your leader of any allergies and food intolerances.

The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable. While this trip only runs during the warmer months of the year, temperatures can fluctuate between 0 and 30 degrees celcius (32 to 86 fahrenheit) within a tour or even over the course of a day! Please make sure you have packed appropriate clothing that can be layered up to accommodate these temperatures and that your sleeping bag is an all seasons bag that will keep you warm in freezing night time temperatures.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

On this trip we will camp for 3 nights in Torres del Paine National Park. We will provide two-man tents and sleeping mats, but you must bring a sleeping bag (or hire one locally) and camping pillow if you need one. Facilities at the campsite are basic and shared with bathrooms and shower blocks separated by sex. Spectacular views of the mountains and lakes surrounding our campsite make the park famous.