Patagonia with William Dissen

¡Bienvenidos a la Argentina!

Our Patagonia adventure begins in El Calafate, a small gateway town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino. You’ll be greeted with wine and fresh empanadas at the hotel, where we’ll convene and talk of the journey ahead.

All that talk about food will surely lead us to our first dinner together—a welcome feast replete with classic Patagonian flavors and local wine pairings. Tomorrow, we’ll set off for El Chaltén where our outdoor adventures begin.

This morning we’ll load up and head out on iconic Ruta 40, Argentina’s longest road, passing through the majestic Southern Patagonian Desert as we make our way to El Chaltén with a planned stop at Parador La Leona, once the sanctuary for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Lunch today will be a delightful to-go affair, savored at the most opportune moment as our day unfolds.

Upon arrival in El Chaltén, we begin our first hike at Los Huemules Nature Reserve. A paradise for nature enthusiasts awaits, promising a day brimming with breathtaking landscapes and just a few hours of trekking. This afternoon, we return to El Chaltén with ample time to check in, unpack, and refresh ourselves after an enriching first full day in Patagonia. Tonight, dinner awaits at the hotel, a fitting end to a day of exploring El Chaltén’s stunning vistas and enchanting treks.

Day 2 Hiking
3.5 hours, 3 miles (ca. 5 km), 410ft (ca. 125m)

Today, select your route for the trek: the longer path to Laguna de los Tres or the shorter option to the base of Cerro Fitz Roy. Our journey starts with a gentle slope along the Río de las Vueltas valley, winding through the picturesque Patagonian forest with Lengas and Ñires trees.

After an hour or so, we pause at the Piedras Blancas Glacier viewpoint before reaching the Poincenot area, the base of Cerro Fitz Roy, where we enjoy lunch. For those up to the challenge, a final 90-minute ascent leads to the Laguna de los Tres, offering a breathtaking view of Cerro Fitz Roy’s central wall. After descending through various viewpoints, including a stop at Laguna Capri, we return to El Chaltén by late afternoon.

Tonight’s dinner promises to be an intimate affair featuring homemade, local dishes, allowing us to savor the flavors of Patagonia in a cozy setting.

Day 3 Hiking: Three hiking distance options
6–9 hours, 5 miles (ca. 8 km), 9.5 miles (ca. 15 km) or 12.5 miles (ca. 20 km) | 2723ft (ca. 830 m) total elevation gain/loss

This morning, we’ll take it slow. There will be a local mountain guide available for an optional morning hike or you can choose to spend the morning discovering on your own.

Around midday, we’ll transfer to El Chaltén, a vibrant hub nestled amidst Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. Our first stop will be the local brewery, where we’ll delve into the art of beer-making and savor a variety of brews paired with a homemade lunch. Afterwards, immerse yourself in leisurely exploration, discovering local crafts and indulging in alfajores, a delightful sweet treat. As dusk falls, we’ll continue our adventure to Estancia Bonanza for an authentic dinner experience set against breathtaking views of the Patagonian wilderness.

After breakfast, we return to El Calafate to embark on a culinary adventure in search of fresh, organic produce for our lunch. Our destination is Chacra Las Moras, a 1.3-hectare farm nestled near the majestic Argentino Lake.

Here, amidst the breathtaking scenery, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more flourish. Explore the farm, gaining insights into the challenges of cultivating in Patagonia. We’ll spend the morning with our sleeves rolled up experiencing  Patagonian farm life firsthand—from foraging and harvesting to planting and clearing—and pause for a delicious and earned homemade lunch made from the freshest ingredients.

Tonight, dinner is a closed door banquet as local institution, serving up Argentinian classics.

This morning, we set sail on a private adventure to explore Perito Moreno glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. This glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 19 miles long and covers a staggering 158 square miles. It’s an important part of the South Patagonian Ice Field, which spans both Argentina and Chile, and serves as the third-largest freshwater reserve in the world.

With experts as guides, we’ll hop into kayaks to immerse ourselves into this ethereal and inspiring glacial field. Hear that sound? That’s not thunder—it’s the cracking of those impossibly blue glaciers as they calve into the milky waters of the vast Lake Argentino. We’ll sit in awe before paddling back to land and enjoying a toast to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dinner tonight is back at the hotel.

This morning marks our departure from El Calafate as we journey onward to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. It’s a long, gorgeous day on the road, replete with a boxed lunch along the way.

Upon reaching Cerro Castillo, Chile’s border crossing, we’ll switch vehicles and continue our exploration of the park. Guided hikes to breathtaking viewpoints await, offering glimpses of local wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, condors, and if we’re fortunate, even a Puma!

After a few short jaunts, we’ll arrive at  Patagonia Camp, South America’s premier luxury camp nestled amidst a native forest on Lake Toro’s shores in the Torres del Paine district. Our yurts, inspired by Mongolia’s nomadic tradition, provide all the comforts of a hotel while fostering a deeper connection to nature. Tonight, savor a delightful dinner overlooking Lake Toro’s serene waters.

Today is nothing short of epic. Our trek is a challenging endeavor to the renowned Torres del Paine, a 13.5-mile (22 km) journey lasting nine to ten hours. The route crosses the Ascensio River and ascends to Paso del Viento, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As you ascend, vegetation transitions from pre-Andean scrubland to ancient lenga tree forests. The final leg involves a 45-minute uphill push to the Base of the Towers viewpoint, where the majestic granite towers await. After a rewarding day, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Patagonia Camp, accompanied by an open bar and local wines.

For those seeking less intense hiking options, Patagonia Camp will offer other excursions as part of their daily program.

Day 8 Hiking
9–10 hrs, 13.5 miles (ca. 22 km) | 2525ft (ca. 770 m) total elevation gain/loss (trail allows return to camp at any time)

Today, you’ll witness two iconic landmarks of the Paine Cordillera. First, trek through an area known for its strong winds to reach the renowned Salto Grande Waterfall, marveling at its powerful cascade connecting turquoise lakes. Then, traverse burnt tree trunks to observe the mythical Paine Horns up close.

After a brief ride down the road, we’ll embark on an easy hike to a rock peak where condors nest, offering stunning views of Lake Pehoe and Sierra Baguales.

Dinner tonight will be at Patagonia Camp, giving you the freedom to dine at your leisure.

Day 9 Hiking
6 hrs, 3.8 miles (ca. 6 km) | 710ft (ca. 215 m) total elevation gain/loss

This morning, we bid farewell to the serene landscapes of Patagonia Camp and transfer to Puerto Natales.

Upon arrival, we delve into a walking tour, meandering through the charming streets before bellying up for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we check into the magnificent Singular Patagonia, where you’ll have time to unwind and soak in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Tonight, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, where the culinary team at Singular treats us to a delectable spread of Patagonian dishes, marking the culmination of our extraordinary journey through this region.

It’s time to say adios to Patagonia, to William Dissen and our fellow travelers. After breakfast, we’ll head to Punta Arenas for our connecting flights, our minds, and hearts full of glaciers, pumas, gauchos, and the very special fairy tale magic of this place.