The Land of Fire

Degree of difficulty

• Considered an easy challenge in terms of difficulty, this adventure is achievable by anyone with a reasonably good level of fitness. 
• Hikes are relatively short, and do not offer significant elevation gain, however rocky paths and uneven footing can add a degree of difficulty.
• The exception to the above is the hike to Mirador las Torres, which has an elevation gain of 1200m and incorporates very steep and rocky terrain. This hike is optional, and an easier alternative hike along the shores of Lake Saramiento is offered.

A steak lovers paradise

• Argentinian cuisine is renowned for incredible steak, the opportunity to sample this will be available on the adventure. 
• Expect a mix of Spanish, Latin American and Italian influence to the food.
• Boiled and filtered water is available to refill bottles each morning. A water filter or purification system is recommended to be brought on the trip to allow refills at mountain streams or springs. 

Patagonian Accommodation

• Comfortable 3* hotels constitute the majority of accommodation during the adventure, with double or twin rooms offered with en suite facilities. 
• One night is spent in a mountain refuge in Torres del Paine. Accommodation will be of a dorm style, with 4 to 8 beds per room, and shared bathroom facilities. 
• One night is spent at Estancia Galpon del Glaciar. Double or twin rooms with en suite, complimentary toiletries, private seating areas and incredible views. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Ezeiza International Airport
Ezeiza
Buenos Aires
B1802
Argentina

Getting to Argentina

• Fly to Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport. Direct flights with British Airways depart from Heathrow. Lufthansa and KLM offer flights from Manchester and Edinburgh respectively which connect through Europe. 
• Upon arrival, a representative will meet you, to organise the transfer to the hotel.

The Land of Fire Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Argentina

  Fly to Buenos Aires. Take a transfer to the hotel. City tour in the afternoon with a guide. Chance to sample the local cuisine. 

• Day 2 | Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel

  Morning transfer to take a flight to Ushuaia. Meet guide at the airport before taking a transfer to the hotel. Three hour boat tour in the afternoon, visiting Beagle Channel, the island of Los Lobos and Bird Island. 

• Day 3 | Tierra del Fuego National Park

  A full day exploring the Tierra del Fuego National Park, a 68,909 hectare reserve of marine, forest and mountain environments. Initially hiking to Bahia Endenada, passing through forests of Lengas, Guindos and Nires trees. Take a transfer in the afternoon Lago Roca to take a short hike around the lake before making a trip to beaver dam and Lapataia Bay.

• Day 4 | To El Calafate

  Take a transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate. Chance to explore the town, shop for souvenirs or take a walk around the Nimez Lagoon. 

• Day 5 | Over the border to Chile

  Take a local bus, travelling through the Argentinian pampas to the border with Chile. Once the border formalities are complete, change vehicles before continuing to the town of Puerto Natales. An afternoon hike to the small peak of Cerro Dorotea, offering sublime views of Seño Ultima Esperanza, the fjord of the last hope. Overnight in a hotel in Puerto Natales.

• Day 6 | Torres del Paine National Park

  The UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere reserve of Torres del Paine is one of the highlights of South America. Take a leisurely drive through this impressive region, visiting Lago Sarniento, Laguna Amarga, Salto Grando, Nordenskjold and Grey Beach. Overnight in a refuge. 

• Day 7 | The Torres

  A full day of hiking in the Torres del Paine region. Firstly travelling to Refugio Chileno, before climbing up the Ascencio valley. After a few hours on this trail, the route descends into the forests below, finding a refuge and campground on the banks of the river. Beyond the refuge, follow an easy track along the river before a demanding ascent leading to the incredible Mirador las Torres. Bask in incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Later in the afternoon, take a private transfer to arrive close to the Argentine border. 

• Day 8 | To El Chalten

  Cross the border into Argentina, reaching El Calafate for lunch, before taking a further transfer to El Chalten. Free time in the afternoon to explore the town. 

• Day 9 | Laguna de los Tres

  Hike to Laguna de los Tres to discover spellbinding views of Mount Fitz Roy, a superb day of hiking through forests and over mountain passes by the picturesque Laguna Capri. Plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, before returning to El Chalten.

• Day 10 | Laguna Torre

  Another incredible day of hiking, following trails to Laguna Torre, for sensational vistas in the realm of Cerro Torre. Dependent upon weather conditions, it may be possible to extend the trek along the Fitz Roy river to the Maestri viewpoint for more world class views of the peaks. 

• Day 11 | Escancia Patagonia

  Take a morning transfer by bus to El Calafate for lunch. After lunch, take a private transfer to the Galpon del Glaciar, a traditional Patagonian sheep ranch, which will be the accommodation for the night. Take a tour of the Estancia in the afternoon. 

• Day 12 | Perito Moreno Glacier

  Choose from a birdwatching tour or a horseback adventure in the morning, before departing for the Perito Moreno Glacier in the afternoon. Optional boat tour to offer incredible views of the calving glacier, before returning to the hotel in El Calafate in the late afternoon. 

• Day 13 | Return to Buenos Aires

  Airport transfer to take a flight back to Buenos Aires from El Calafate, with time to explore the city in the afternoon. 

• Day 14 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

Included

• Airport transfers
• Domestic flights - please see itinerary
• All ground transportation
• All accommodation
• 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 3 dinners
• Guided tour of Buenos Aires
• All national park entrance fees
• Tierra del Fuego boat tour
• Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour
• A professional guide

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Meals or accommodation not listed in the itinerary

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs