Highlights
Traverse Patagonia from the remote north to the south, covering ground most Patagonia trips never reach
Cross from Chile into Argentina on foot via a little known border route
Trek the spectacular W-Trek in Torres del Paine and ascend to the base of the towers at sunrise, ahead of the crowds
Travel by jet boat up the Leones River to reach the remote Leones Glacier, one of the unexpected highlights of the route
Marvel at the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing
Itinerary
Patagonia’s raw beauty is yours to explore on the Great Patagonian Traverse, a challenging 15-day trekking journey from Balmaceda to Punta Arenas. Tailor-made for experienced hikers, this trip crosses pristine national parks in both Chile and Argentina, traversing the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, Los Glaciares National Park, and Torres del Paine. Highlights include remote hikes near Lago General Carrera, a rare border crossing at Laguna del Desierto, and classic treks beneath Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy. The adventure culminates with the legendary ‘W’ trek in Torres del Paine, including hikes into the Grey, French, and Ascensio Valleys. The hallmark of this tour is its ambitious, off-the-beaten-path itinerary, offering unparalleled access to Patagonia’s wildest frontiers for seasoned trekkers who crave a mix of iconic sights and seldom-trodden routes.
day 1Join Balmaceda (before 12
On arrival at the Balmaceda airport, you will be met by your World Expeditions leader. We have a long drive ahead of us, down the Austral road to Puerto Guadal, so it is important you arrive no later than 12:00*. If you arrive the day before the start of the trip and you overnight in Coyhaique, you will be picked up at your hotel in the morning of day 1 of the trip. The drive will take us from Coyhaique, the capital of the Aysen region to Balmaceda airport and then further south along the Carretera Austral. The landscape slowly changes as we drive. If time allows, we will make a stop at the La Capilla de Marmol (the marble chapel) which is a magnificent marble cave, sculpted over eons by wind and water, set on the emerald green to turquoise blue waters of the General Carrera Lake. The lake is shared by Argentina and Chile, the fourth largest and largest in each respectively. We will spend the night at a charming lodge, which has a spectacular view of the lake and partake of our first Patagonian dinner together as a group.
Overnight: Terra Luna Lodge or similar
*Note: Due to flight schedules it may be necessary for an additional night pre tour in Coyhaique and we can help you book these additional arrangements.
day 2Full day trekking in the Veranada area
day 3Trek to Lake Leones to view the Leones Glacier
day 4Transfer to Villa O'Higgins
day 5Embark at Bahamondez port, cross Lago O'Higgins by boat
day 6Cross into Argentina via Laguna Redonda and Laguna del Desierto
day 7-8In El Chalten, Los Glaciares National Park
day 9Drive to El Calafate and visit Perito Moreno Glacier
day 10Drive to Torres del Paine National Park
day 11Trek to the Grey Glacier mirador
day 12Hike to Refugio Los Cuernos & The French Valley
day 13Trek to Las Torres
day 14Trek up the Ascensio Valley to the base of Torres del Paine and return to Las Torres
day 15Drive to Punta Arenas airport where trip concludes
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