Name: Classic Patagonia Treks
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (19 reviews)

Classic Patagonia Treks Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Argentina, Chile
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
15 Days: Flight Inclusive
11 Days: Land Only
Ages: 18+
Trip Code: TAF
Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Enjoy unforgettable treks in Torres del Paine and the Fitzroy Massif

Experience the breath-taking landscapes of two classic Patagonian trekking regions on both sides of the Chile-Argentina border. Challenging walks are rewarded with majestic views of lagoons, mountains and glaciers. See guanacos grazing and Andean condors soaring overhead, visit the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, and find sheer tranquility in the beautiful wilderness of Torres del Paine National Park. This is an essential trip for trekking enthusiasts that reveals the stunning glory of nature’s southern American wonderland.

Looking to travel in 2025? Please see our revised 2025 itinerary, which includes two nights in Buenos Aires for ALL guests: Classic Patagonia Treks (2025)

Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:
“There’s no better way to experience Torres del Paine National Park than trekking through it. It’s not uncommon to spot Andean condors circling overhead and guanacos grazing by your trailside en route. Making your way up to the viewpoint overlooking the Fitzroy Massif in Los Glaciares National Park is epic. And the spectacle of watching the Perito Moreno ice arch crash into the waters is something you’ll never forget.”

At a Glance

Six days of walking
Light backpacking necessary
Good fitness required
Altitude maximum: 2,950ft (900m); average: 655ft (200m)
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
Part of the Aldo Kane Collection

Highlights

Trek among the stunning granite peaks of Torres del Paine National Park and the Fitzroy Massif
Spend four nights inside Torres Del Paine National Park to do the W Trek
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and watch huge icebergs calve from the glacier into Lake Argentino
Experience funky El Chalten, the trekking and climbing capital of Argentina

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It is preferable to have experience of long walks in varied and irregular terrain. The walking is not dangerous or technically difficult, but you must be a confident walker with good fitness levels to manage the sections of ascent and long duration of the treks. There are four days where you have to carry all your belongings with you on the W trek (see What to Take section in the Trip Notes and the daily itinerary for details) so it is recommended you pack lightly and are happy walking with a backpack.

Due to the unpredictability of the climate in southern Patagonia, you need to be prepared for walking in all conditions. The weather can change extremely rapidly, making clothing and footwear choices important. There is a rest day scheduled in the itinerary for the day in El Calafate.

The regions we visit on the trip are very remote so prepare to spend time in areas where facilities and services are limited. Roads are mostly unpaved and although well-maintained they can be bumpy and dusty.

Internal flights are included, normally with Aerolineas Argentinas. The flight times can be erratic and there can be last-minute schedule changes. Depending on flight availability, there may be a supplement to pay.

Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 18

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: El Calafate
End City: El Calafate

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

The adventure begins in El Calafate. Today we drive the short distance to visit Perito Moreno Glacier. One of the most famous geological sights in the world, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only a few glaciers that grows and shrinks with seasonal fluctuations. It calves into Lake Argentino and sometimes part of the lake becomes landlocked depending upon the position of the ice. Every so often, it is possible to see (and hear) huge lumps of ice break off and tumble into the lake before floating away as icebergs.

As there is an early morning start tomorrow, we suggest sorting your luggage tonight and preparing a smaller bag you will carry throughout the next four days of trekking in Chile. We have an agreement with the hotel in El Calafate that means excess luggage can be left securely until your return – the tour leader provides further details and assistance. You need to carry everything you bring with you to Chile on the treks .

Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

We start early with a long but scenic journey, crossing the Andean border that starts out on the Argentine plateau and emerges in the stunning Chilean landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Once we arrive at the Lago Amarga entrance to the park, we meet our local guide who joins us for the next four days to provide expert guidance and insight. From here, we are transferred to our first refugio. This afternoon, we can enjoy short treks around the area.

Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we embark on the iconic trek to the Base of the Towers of Paine, that sit on the far side of our glacial lake viewpoint, where we can look upon Torre Sur (9,350ft/2,850m), Torre Central (9,185ft/2,800m), Torre Norte (8,530ft/2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. We descend back down the valley and return to our previous nights refuge to enjoy a hot meal and well-earned drink.

Please note: Non essential trek items can be stored in refugio lockers.

Accommodation: Refugio Torre Central or Torre Norte

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Activity hours: 8-9

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We walk down the valley towards the shore of Nordenskjöld Lake and then follow the edge of the lake on a much flatter and easier terrain to reach Los Cuernos. This is considered by many to be one of the most charming sites in the whole park, a perfect spot to rest in our refuge for the night.

Accommodation: Los Cuernos Refuge or Frances Domes Refuge

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 4-5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another long day of trekking lies ahead as we venture into the Valle Frances. The first two hours involve some ascents and descents with views of Nordenskjöld Lake accompanying us until we reach Campamento Italiano. Leave your backpack (unattended) at the campsite if you wish, enabling you to walk the next part of the trek empty handed (keep valuables with you). The slight ascent lasts for about 1hr 30min until French Glacier lookout, where we can observe an impressive hanging glacier and listen for the rumbling of small avalanches as great chunks of ice and snow fall off. The trail continues until Campamento Británico and onto another lookout point, Mirador Británico, but note that how far the group walks up into the valley is dependent upon weather conditions, timings, and the condition of the group – the decision is taken by the local guide who walks with us in the national park.

We return back down along the valley to Campamento Italiano and continue our walk onwards past the shore of the smaller Lake Skottsberg and into the Pehoé sector of the park. We arrive in the late afternoon to the inviting and idyllic site of Paine Grande refugio and can spend the evening gazing upon the clear night skies or relaxing in the on-site bar.

Occasionally, some groups may have full-service camping tonight instead of staying in the refugio dormitories – see accommodation section.

Please note: The full trek distance of 15mi (24km) is only if we reach the very end of Valle Frances; often, we only go as far as one particular viewpoint due to the weather and/or group condition. The total walking distance for today therefore becomes 11mi (17km).

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande or full-service camping

Distance covered: 15mi (24km)

Activity hours: 10-11

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start early to see the final day of the W Trek highlights: the Grey Glacier. This is a round trip to a lookout over Lake Grey that ends back at Refugio Paine Grande, so we can leave our bags and just carry essentials with us. The trail goes along the western side of the Paine Massif with views to Lake Grey and various mountains. After about 1hr 30min, we reach the lookout point and enjoy views of the Grey Glacier in the distance. We return by the same route back to Pehoé Lake from where we take a catamaran across the lake to the Pudeto sector. A bus takes us from here on the short drive to the park entry point at Laguna Amarga. Here we board our transfer vehicle to Calafate (approximately five/six hours). After driving through beautiful scenery on our way out of the park (keep an eye out of the window for pumas!), we cross the border into Argentina and arrive late evening into El Calafate.

Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 4-5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a free day to either rest or book optional tours in Calafate. We recommend the Perito Moreno Ice Trek or the half-day tour to Estancia Nibepo Aike, where you can enjoy a typical Patagonian barbecue and see how a typical Patagonian estancia works. Please ask your tour leader and they will help to arrange it.

Accommodation: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we transfer approximately three hours to the small mountain town of El Chaltén, our base for walking in the Fitzroy region. After arriving, the rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively, for those who wish, there are many short treks around town, which your tour leader can help to arrange. We spend the night in El Chaltén at a simple and friendly hosteria.

Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we start with a 30-minute bus journey on the edge of Los Glaciares National Park to our start point at El Pilar, from where we commence our trekking in the stunning Fitzroy region. We follow the trail leading to Poincenot Camp, along the way enjoying views of Piedras Blancas Glacier and Fitzroy if the weather conditions are clear. From Poincenot, we then continue to reach Laguna de los Tres, involving a steep ascent to reach a wonderfully scenic spot from which to relax and take photos of the Fitzroy Massif. We descend from the viewpoint and walk back down from the mountains to eventually reach the town of El Chaltén on foot.

Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Distance covered: 13mi (21km)

Activity hours: 9-10

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we trek into a beautiful valley and head toward the stunning Torres Glacier viewpoint. If time permits, we might be able to continue to the Maestri Lookout at Laguna Torre (this 2.5mi/4km section can get very windy) before walking back to El Chaltén.

Accommodation: Hosteria Don Atilio (or similar)

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Activity hours: 7-8

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we transfer by road back to El Calafate airport, where the trip ends. Alternatively, if you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about seeing two natural wonders: the magnificent curtain of cascades that is Iguazu Falls or the otherworldly landscapes in the northwest of Argentina on our Salta extension.

Meals included: Breakfast

Extend Your Trip

Iguazu Falls Extension

To the far northeast of Argentina, boarding Brazil, lies the magnificent Iguazu Falls (or Iguassu). Add four days to your trip to experience this awe-inspiring sight. Staying on the Argentinian side, you can wander around this Unesco World Heritage national park packed with flora and fauna. In the heart of the park, you will find the not-to-be-missed cascading waters. You can also get up close to the falls by taking a boat trip as an optional extra. The detailed itinerary is here.

Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.

Price per person

£ 600

Salta Extension

Travel to the northwest Argentinean provinces of Salta and Jujuy and encounter a Dali-esque land where nature bends the rules in breath-taking fashion. This extension is the perfect way to end your trip to Argentina, exploring a profoundly different destination. We drive along picturesque roads, through salt flats and colourful rock gorges. Salta is known as the most beautiful city in Argentina. You will not be disappointed. The detailed itinerary is here.

Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.

Price per person

£ 1,799

Mandatory Single Supplement

£ 420

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels and refugios

In Patagonia, we spend six nights in welcoming hosterias (small hotels) that are full of local charm. Crossing over to Chile, in Torres del Paine National Park, we spend four nights in park-managed refugios. Additionally, those who bought their flights through us will have two nights at a modern hotel with a rooftop pool in Buenos Aires. Below are some of the hotels we typically use:

Buenos Aires: Argenta Tower

Classic Patagonia Treks

In the Retiro neighbourhood, Argenta Tower has spacious, comfortable rooms, plus a restaurant and cafe serving an array of international flavours and quick bites. Guests particularly enjoy the rooftop pool area, where they can enjoy city views with a glass of Argentinian red or white wine.

El Calafate: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche

Classic Patagonia Treks

Enjoy the rustic charm of Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche, where inviting rooms blend seamlessly with the natural Patagonian surroundings for an authentic experience. It’s a short walk from the main street of El Calafate, which is full of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Torres del Paine: Refugios

Refugios are the gathering place for trekkers on the W Circuit to eat, drink and sleep. They include accommodation in shared, dormitories (6-8 person bunks with bedding), communal dining areas serving local and international standards, hot showers and bathroom facilities. They also have common areas where you can socialize, relax and enjoy views of the stunning Patagonian landscapes. Note – Dormitories can be single or mixed sexes.

Hosteria Don Atilio

Classic Patagonia Treks

Locally owned and operated, Hosteria Don Atilio has an inviting ambiance and offers a comfortable, convenient stay while exploring the natural wonders of the region. Ideal for trekkers, the hosteria is within walking distance of the trailheads to the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre mountains.

Worth knowing

Torres del Paine: it is not uncommon for refugios to overbook dorm accommodations and inform us at late notice that our groups (or part of our group), will be accommodated in shared tents, as opposed to the shared dormitories, at equal value. In these instances, refugios each have adjoining campsites and tents are pre-erected for us, with all equipment included (2-person tent plus bedding). Meals and access to refugios amenities are all still included, and sleeping under the stars certainly has its perks in this part of the world. We may not necessarily be able to tell you in advance of travel whether or not your group will be camping. If you have any concerns about this then do get in touch with us.
Single accommodation can be booked for the hotel nights but do not apply to the four nights in refugios or tents (as all accommodation is shared).

Single supplement from £ 520

Food & Drink

Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets and are included. The accommodation in Torres del Paine arranges packed lunches for our trekking days. There is a variety of good quality food in local restaurants and cafes that can cater to a variety of restricted diets (although the refugios we stay in for the standard itinerary in Torres del Paine is the exception, as facilities and food options here are limited due to remote access).

Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians can be accommodated throughout the trip, but gluten-free diets or other restricted diets can be hard to cater for in this part of the world – you may wish to bring supplementary, pre-packaged food items (energy bars, etc..).

Transport

We use comfortable minibuses with excellent visibility, and sometimes larger tourist coaches. We also use internal flights between Buenos Aires and El Calafate that are generally on comfortable medium-sized commercial jets.

Weather & Seasonality

We schedule our Patagonia trips between October and April to take advantage of the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. During these months, daytime temperatures in Buenos Aires reach a maximum of 30C (86F); in El Calafate and Torres del Paine around 15C (59F). The nights in Patagonia can drop to freezing point, but often remain just above. Patagonian summers tend to be dry although rain cannot be ruled out, particularly in the mountainous regions along the Chile-Argentina border, you might experience all four seasons in one day! Patagonia is renowned for being windy…and sometimes very windy (dress accordingly and watch your step). In Patagonia the changing weather is part of the adventure, however in extreme wind/weather conditions our Tour Leader may modify the days itinerary in favor of passengers safety.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hosteria Tierra Tehuelche, Los Antiguos 135, Z9405 El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Phone: +54 2902 49-2232
Recommended arrival time: Midday at the hotel to catch the welcome briefing and walking tour
Airport: El Calafate Airport (FTE)

Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of our chosen flight from Buenos Aires. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer time or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way
We recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a taxi from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately US$30. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to El Calafate airport to catch the Exodus chosen return flight to Buenos Aires. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: El Calafate
Location end: El Calafate

What To Take

Essential Equipment

1 large piece of luggage for all your trip gear (hard sided, soft sided, wheeled, etc..your choice)
1 backpack (35-40L) for the 4 days trekking the W circuit & El Chalten day hikes
Lock to leave valuables in available lockers at W trek refugios
Warm jacket
Good waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
Good walking boots with ankle support
Gloves (waterproof or water resistant)
Sun hat with brim and a warm hat
Strong UV-protection sunglasses
Head Lamp (Headtorch)
Hand sanitiser
Walking poles (highly recommended if you generally use them and find them supportive)

We understand that guests differ with preferred method of bringing gear on a trip. However, most people opt to split their luggage in El Calafate leaving their larger, main piece of luggage in El Calafate (kept safe and secure at the hotel we are returning to after the W trek), while bringing their smaller, lighter backpack with them for items needed on the Chile W trek. Your tour leader will give further details and assistance on this.

Chile – Torres del Paine W Trek
Guest will need to carry all the items they need to cover the 4 days point-to-point trekking in Torres del Paine (clothing, toiletries, provided box lunch, etc…). Please note: Lockers are available at the refugios, but please bring your own lock.

Argentina – El Chalten Treks
We are based in a hosteria in El Chalten for the trekking in Fitzroy, so we will only need daily items for the treks in Argentina. These walks are all round-trips with the same start and end points.

Anyone booking Flight Inclusive can also leave items/clothes at the hotel in Buenos Aires and collect them at the end of the trip when we return.

Luggage Weight Limit – Internal flights in Argentina are subject to a weight limit of 33lb (15kg). Please visit the Aerolíneas Argentinas website for information on the cost of additional baggage.

Please note this cannot be organised prior to check-in.

Optional Equipment

In addition to packing as lightly and sensibly as possible, we highly recommend you bring a supply of plastic bags to keep your clothes and belongings dry and clean.

We also recommend:

Thermal underwear / base layer (long sleeve tops & full-length bottoms)
Moisture wicking T-shirt
Travel or inflatable neck pillow / personal music player / books etc for the long drives
Ear plugs
Slip on-sandals (for use at refugios shared bathroom/shower)

Maps

Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (Automapa): A good map of the whole Patagonian region of Chile and Argentina, including separate national park maps
Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Coast to Coast (Zagier & Urruty): Lots of relief detail, with glaciers, forest and mountains shown very clearly
Good maps are also found in Patagonia, your tour leader will be happy to suggest local shops where maps are sold.

Forbidden items to import through Chilean customs:

In Chile, the import of crop and animal products is strictly regulated to avoid vermin, plagues, and the diffusion of non-native plants and animals. Fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be imported. If you happen to be carrying such products they must be thrown away before getting to customs or declared and then handed over to be destroyed. You are required to complete a declaration on arrival into Chile and luggage will be checked. Failure to comply with this legislation will result in large fines and time-consuming difficulties with the border authorities. Please ensure you are not carrying these goods on arrival to avoid this problem.

Practical Information

Visa

Argentina

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/argentina
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/argentina
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Argentina.html

Please note, if you are crossing the border into Argentina from Chile on your trip, we will need to know your profession to provide when entering Argentina.

Chile

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.

If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.

Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.

If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.

Vaccinations and Health

Argentina

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever (strongly recommended if you intend to visit the Iguazu Falls due to a recent outbreak in the Misiones province). Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Bilharzia is known to occur in some lakes or rivers in Argentina; follow advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.

Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are known risks in Argentina. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Chile

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.

Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)

Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)

Electricity

In Argentina and Chile, electricity is 220V and it is easy to buy an adaptor at the airport or in Buenos Aires if needed. Batteries can be recharged in the hotels, and some plug sockets are available within the Torres del Paine refugios.

Money

Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)

Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)

ATM Availability

ATMs supporting major credit cards are available in Buenos Aires and El Calafate. They may not be available in smaller towns or remote destinations. Please note, in addition to withdrawal fees, some banks may only let you withdraw small amounts per day, depending on the bank. If planning to use your bank card overseas, always inform your bank in advance to prevent problems with withdrawals.

Please note, while in Argentina, we recommend exchanging US dollars or using your credit card to get a better than official rate of exchange as noted in the Extras Expenses & Spending Money section below.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Credit cards
We recommend using credit cards for most trip purchases (restaurants, tourist shops, etc…). Visa/Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards and most convenient option to use along the entire trip.

In Chile, using credit cards will get you the official bank rate of exchange.

In Argentina, using credit cards will currently get you the special Tourist exchange rate, which is higher than the official bank rate of exchange, and slightly less than the non-official Blue exchange rate used for US dollars. Note – this special Tourist credit card rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit card companies.

Cash
It is always good to have some local currency for buying drinks, snacks, incidentals at smaller shops and markets. We recommend you bring most of your spending money to exchange in US dollars cash since other currencies, including British pounds and euros, are more difficult to exchange and the rates are not as good. Larger notes of US$50 and US$100 are more widely accepted than smaller denominations. Your tour leader will provide more information on exchanging currency as you go along but do note that exchange facilities/hours can be limited, particularly at the times you arrive or depart. Please ensure you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes to exchange, as these are often not accepted.

In Argentina, large denomination US dollars can be exchanged at the Blue rate, which is considerably higher than the official bank rate of exchange – new, clean US$100 notes are preferred. The “Blue”rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Argentine government. Your tour leader provides recommendations and assists group members in getting the best exchange rate in a safe way.

Average meal prices in Argentina equate to about US$15-25 and in Chile slightly more in general US$25-35. The price of a beer in both countries is approx. US$3-4.

Optional excursions (approximate costs as prices vary due to Argentine currency fluctuation and group sizes)

Full-day Estancia Cristina Discovery: US$156 (does not include lunch and entrance fees to national park). Entrance fees: US$35 per person
Full-day glacier cruise (Upsala/Onelli bay/Spegazzini): US$181 (does not include lunch and entrance fees to national park). Entrance fees: US$35 per person
Half-day Cerro Frias with lunch/dinner: US$113 (departs daily at 9.30am or 5pm (approximately five hours)
Half-day Estancia Nibepo Aike with lunch or dinner: US$95, departs daily at 8.30am or 4.30pm (approximately six hours) plus horse ride of US$30 extra
Mini ice trekking in Perito Moreno Glacier: US$182 up to 65 years’ old
Big ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier: US$290 up to 50 years’ old

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work; however, we recommend tipping the tour leader at the end of the trip if you have been happy with their service. Gratuities are not something we can include in the tour cost and are totally at your discretion. We recommend approximately US$50 per person to tip your tour leader. There are also local guides on the trekking days so you should budget US$3-US$5 per day for their tips too. Tour leaders often collect an optional kitty at the start of the tour to cover tips for the local guides plus hotel and restaurant staff etc.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. We stay at a family-owned hosteria in Chalten, Hosteria Don Atilio. Our hosts are happy to share their culture.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites.
We visit national parks on this trip: Los Glaciares in Calafate and Park Torres del Paine in Chile. Fees collected fund conservation initiatives.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

In line with our ‘book and travel with confidence’ promise which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 42 days prior to departure, or transfer to another trip free of charge up to 21 days prior to your trip starting in country, please be aware that this excludes ‘irrecoverable costs’. Details can be found here: https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

For this trip the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.

Accommodation – £648 / US$800 / AU$1120 / €696

Costs are accurate at time of writing in September 2021

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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