Hike Patagonia In Depth: Self-Launched

Fly into Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) and make your way into the city. Take the Tienda León bus directly to the city centre for around £6, or a shared Uber/taxi for ~£15. Check into a hostel in Palermo or San Telmo — Buenos Aires has a fantastic hostel scene. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. In the evening, head to a local parrilla for your first Argentine steak.

🚌Tienda León airport bus to city centre (~£6) or Uber (~£15)

🛏Hostel in Palermo or San Telmo — e.g. Milhouse Hostel or America del Sur (~£14-18/night dorm)

• →Self-guided walk around San Telmo and Plaza de Mayo
• →Visit La Boca neighbourhood and El Caminito street
• →Book a Buenos Aires bike tour via GetYourGuide (~£18) for the morning if arriving early

Take an early morning Aerolíneas Argentinas or LADE flight from Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) to El Calafate (~£70-120 booked in advance). On arrival, take a shared shuttle or local bus from El Calafate to El Chaltén (~3 hours, ~£10-15 via Chaltén Travel or Caltur). El Chaltén is a tiny trekking village and the 'Trekking Capital of Argentina' — trails start right from town with no entry fees. Settle in, visit the National Park ranger station for free maps and trail advice, and enjoy some free time in the village.

🚌Domestic flight Buenos Aires to El Calafate (~£80-120), then shared bus/shuttle to El Chaltén (~£12)

🛏Hostel in El Chaltén — e.g. Rancho Grande Hostel or Condor de los Andes (~£15-20/night dorm)

• →Visit the National Park visitor centre for free trail maps and safety briefings
• →Short evening stroll to Chorillo del Salto waterfall (30 min from town, free)
• →Gear up and buy supplies at local shops for upcoming hikes

Set out early for the Loma del Pliegue Tumbado trail — one of El Chaltén's most rewarding and less-crowded hikes. The trail climbs steadily for ~9km to a 360° panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire El Chaltén region, Viedma Lake, and the iconic Fitz Roy massif. Trailhead is walkable from town. The hike takes approximately 6-7 hours return. Entry to Los Glaciares National Park (Argentine side) is free for international visitors at the El Chaltén sector. Pack a lunch from town.

🚌Walk from hostel to trailhead (free)

🛏Hostel in El Chaltén (~£15-20/night dorm)

• →Hike Loma del Pliegue Tumbado (~18km return, 6-7 hours, free)
• →360° views over Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and Lago Viedma
• →Sunset views of the Fitz Roy range from town

Today join a self-booked guided hike in Los Glaciares National Park. Book a local guide through operators like Fitz Roy Expediciones or via GetYourGuide for a half or full-day guided trek — options include Laguna de los Tres (the best view of Fitz Roy up close, ~20km return) or Laguna Torre. Alternatively, tackle Laguna de los Tres independently — it's clearly marked and one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. Pack your own lunch and start early to beat crowds.

🚌Walk from hostel to trailhead (free)

🛏Hostel in El Chaltén (~£15-20/night dorm)

• →Guided or self-launched hike to Laguna de los Tres (~20km return, 8-9 hrs, ~£35-50 with guide or free solo)
• →Laguna Torre trail as an alternative (~18km return, free)
• →Evening: dinner at La Cervecería local brewery in El Chaltén

Take the morning bus back from El Chaltén to El Calafate (~3 hours, ~£10-15 via Chaltén Travel). Check into a hostel in El Calafate. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and Lago Argentino waterfront. El Calafate is a pleasant tourist town with good restaurants and a lively backpacker scene. Stock up on supplies and rest your legs ahead of the Perito Moreno day tomorrow.

🚌Chaltén Travel or Caltur bus El Chaltén to El Calafate (~£12, 3 hrs)

🛏Hostel in El Calafate — e.g. I Keu Ken Hostel or América del Sur (~£14-18/night dorm)

• →Scenic bus journey back to El Calafate along RN40 corridor
• →Walk along Lago Argentino waterfront (free)
• →Browse local artisan markets and try local lamb (cordero) at a restaurant

Today is a highlight of the entire trip — a visit to the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier. Book a day tour from El Calafate (~£20-25 return transport + ~£15 park entry) or arrange a shared minibus transfer independently. The glacier is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and the viewing walkways let you get incredibly close to the 60-metre-high ice wall. Watch and listen for dramatic calving events. Optionally add a glacier trekking experience (mini-trekking on the ice, ~£55-65 bookable locally or via GetYourGuide).

🚌Shared minibus from El Calafate to Perito Moreno (~£20 return, organised by hostel or local agency)

🛏Hostel in El Calafate (~£14-18/night dorm)

• →Perito Moreno Glacier viewing walkways (park entry ~£15, transport ~£20)
• →Optional: Mini-trekking on the glacier with crampons (~£55-65, book via GetYourGuide or locally)
• →Optional: Nautical safari boat tour around the glacier face (~£20)

Take the direct bus from El Calafate to Puerto Natales, Chile (~5 hours, ~£20-25, operated by Turbus or Bus Sur). This is a classic overland crossing and the gateway route to Torres del Paine. Cross the border at Cerro Castillo — ensure your passport is stamped correctly and declare any food items. Puerto Natales is the base town for Torres del Paine and has a brilliant selection of hostels, gear rental shops, and trekking stores. Pick up Chilean Pesos and finalise your W Trek plan. Book CONAF campsites/refugios in advance if not already done — they sell out months ahead.

🚌Bus El Calafate to Puerto Natales (~£22, 5 hrs via Turbus or Bus Sur)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Natales — e.g. Erratic Rock Hostel or The Singing Lamb (~£14-20/night dorm)

• →Border crossing experience at Cerro Castillo (free)
• →Arrive in Puerto Natales and orientate around town
• →Visit trekking gear rental shops (poles, gaiters, sleeping bags available for rent ~£5-10/day)
• →Pre-book Torres del Paine CONAF park entry (~£30) and campsites/refugios if not already done

Take the morning catamaran or bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park (~2.5-3 hrs, ~£15-25). Most W Trek hikers start from the eastern end (Las Torres) and hike westward. Pay your CONAF park entry fee (~£30 if not pre-paid) and begin your first W Trek leg: the iconic hike to the Mirador Las Torres viewpoint (~18km return, 8-9 hrs from the hotel base, or camp at Refugio Las Torres). This is one of the most photographed viewpoints on Earth — three granite towers reflected in a glacial lake. Book refugio accommodation well in advance via the CONAF or Vertice/Las Torres website.

🚌Bus or catamaran from Puerto Natales to park entrance (~£20)

🛏Camping at Torres del Paine (Refugio Las Torres / Chileno campsite, ~£15-25/night)

• →Catamaran or bus transfer from Puerto Natales to park entrance (~£20)
• →Hike to Mirador Las Torres (18km return, 8-9 hrs, park entry ~£30)
• →Camp at or near Refugio Las Torres (~£15-25 camping, or refugio bed ~£40-60)

Today tackle the Valle del Francés — widely considered the most spectacular section of the W Trek. Hike from Refugio Los Cuernos through the valley flanked by hanging glaciers, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls, ascending to the Mirador Británico viewpoint for jaw-dropping 360° views. The round trip is approximately 22-25km depending on route. Camp at Camping Italiano or Los Cuernos overnight. The hanging glacier of the Francés valley and the looming Cuernos del Paine peaks make this an unforgettable day.

🚌Hiking (no transport needed)

🛏Camping at Torres del Paine (Camping Italiano or Los Cuernos, ~£15-25/night)

• →Hike Valle del Francés to Mirador Británico (~22-25km, 8-10 hrs)
• →Views of Glaciar del Francés and hanging glaciers
• →Camp at Camping Italiano or Refugio Los Cuernos (~£15-25)

The final major W Trek leg — hike from Refugio Paine Grande westward along Lago Grey to the stunning Grey Glacier viewpoint. The trail runs along the lakeshore with incredible views of floating icebergs and the glacier face. The hike to the viewpoint and back is approximately 22km. Optionally add a kayaking or glacier trekking experience on Glaciar Grey (bookable via Big Foot Patagonia, ~£80-100). Camp or stay at Refugio Grey or Paine Grande.

🚌Hiking; optional catamaran on Lago Pehoé (~£20)

🛏Camping at Refugio Grey or Paine Grande (~£15-25/night)

• →Hike to Grey Glacier viewpoint (~22km return, 6-8 hrs)
• →Iceberg spotting on Lago Grey (free from trail)
• →Optional: Kayaking on Lago Grey (~£80-100 via Big Foot Patagonia)
• →Take the catamaran from Paine Grande back across Lago Pehoé if desired (~£20)

Complete the W Trek and take the catamaran or bus back from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales (~£20-25). You've earned a hot shower and a proper meal! Return gear rentals and celebrate your achievement. Puerto Natales has excellent restaurants — try the lamb stew (cazuela de cordero) or fresh king crab (centolla). Rest up for the journey ahead.

🚌Bus or catamaran from Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales (~£22)

🛏Hostel in Puerto Natales (~£14-20/night dorm)

• →Final W Trek section or rest morning
• →Catamaran or bus return to Puerto Natales (~£20-25)
• →Return rental gear and celebrate completion
• →Dinner at a local restaurant in Puerto Natales (~£12-18)

Take the bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (~3 hours, ~£10-15 via Turbus or Bus Sur). Punta Arenas is a windswept city at the southern tip of South America with fascinating history as a former wool and shipping hub. Visit the impressive Plaza Muñoz Gamero, the Braun-Menéndez Museum, and the famous Cemetery of Punta Arenas — one of the most beautiful in South America. Rest your legs and enjoy a slower-paced day after the W Trek.

🚌Bus Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (~£12, 3 hrs via Turbus)

🛏Hostel in Punta Arenas — e.g. Hostal Independencia or Keoken Hostel (~£14-18/night dorm)

• →Bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas (~£12, 3 hrs)
• →Visit Plaza Muñoz Gamero and the Municipal Cemetery (free)
• →Braun-Menéndez Palace Museum (~£5)
• →Seafood lunch at Mercado Municipal (~£8-12)

Fly from Punta Arenas (PUQ) back to Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE) — flights operated by LATAM or Aerolíneas Argentinas (~£80-130 booked in advance). Arrive back in Buenos Aires and check into your hostel. Spend the evening celebrating your Patagonia adventure — head to Palermo Soho or San Telmo for dinner, drinks, and live tango music. You've earned it.

🚌Flight Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires (~£100 average)

🛏Hostel in Buenos Aires — Palermo or San Telmo (~£14-18/night dorm)

• →Morning flight Punta Arenas to Buenos Aires (~£80-130)
• →Afternoon free to explore Buenos Aires neighbourhoods
• →Evening tango show or milonga experience in San Telmo (~£15-25 via GetYourGuide)
• →Dinner in Palermo Soho (~£12-18)

Your final day in Buenos Aires. Depending on your flight time, explore any remaining neighbourhoods — Recoleta (visit Eva Perón's tomb at the famous cemetery), the MALBA art museum, or the Puerto Madero waterfront. Grab a final medialunas and café con leche breakfast before heading to the airport. The Tienda León bus runs directly to both EZE and AEP airports from the city centre.

🚌Tienda León bus to airport (~£6)

🛏Check out — departure day

• →Visit Recoleta Cemetery and Eva Perón's tomb (free)
• →MALBA Museum of Latin American Art (~£8)
• →Final Argentine breakfast — medialunas and café con leche
• →Transfer to airport via Tienda León bus (~£6)