Patagonia, Ushuaia and Easter Island
In summary
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Sports
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Duration19 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAmerica / Argentina
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions6700.2 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The highlights
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Sailing on the Beagle Channel and hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park
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Viewing the Perito Moreno Glacier from the walkways and by boat
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Exploring Easter Island: Rano Raraku quarry and Anakena beach
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trek, from Tierra del Fuego to the far reaches of Patagonia and Easter Island, is for hikers in good physical condition. Hiking is at the heart of our adventure. While some stages are more contemplative walks, the legendary days at the foot of Fitz Roy or Torres del Paine demand a significant effort.
The benchmarks of our physical commitment:
- Walking time: Our hiking days generally range from 4 to 8 hours of actual walking.
- Elevation gain: The ascent of the final moraines (towards Laguna de los Tres and Base Torres) involves 800 to 900 meters of positive elevation gain.
- Nature of the terrain: We are moving along mountain paths, forest tracks and rocky or unstable passages on moraine.
- Carrying: We walk light, with only our daypack (water bottle, picnic, warm and protective clothing).
Regular participation in sports and experience hiking in varied terrain allow us to fully and serenely enjoy this trip to the ends of the earth.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 182 m
- Average daily descent: 164 m
Management
We benefit from professional, French-speaking local support throughout our journey:
- In Buenos Aires: A local French-speaking guide welcomes us and shows us the highlights of the Argentine capital.
- From Ushuaia to El Calafate: A French-speaking guide accompanies us throughout this great Patagonian crossing. He ensures the smooth running of our trip, shares his knowledge of the terrain, and manages the daily logistics.
- For the Base Torres trek: In order to guarantee the safety and pace of our group during this demanding hike, a local assistant guide joins our team from 7 participants.
- At Easter Island (IPC): Our discoveries and activities are conducted under the guidance of a French-speaking guide on a shared service basis.
Program
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Paris - Buenos Aires
- Transportation Plane - 19h - 11000km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Our adventure begins with our flight to Buenos Aires. Depending on flight schedules, we arrive either late in the day or early the next morning. Upon arrival, a transfer takes us to our hotel. We enjoy the rest of the day free to rest after our journey or explore the capital at our own pace.Day 1 -
Visit to Buenos Aires
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For early arrivals, a transfer takes us to the hotel to drop off our luggage and meet the rest of the group. Our guide then leads us to explore the capital's key neighborhoods. Our route takes us from the colorful facades of Caminito in La Boca to the historic atmosphere of San Telmo. In the iconic Plaza de Mayo, we discover the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo, and the cathedral, before crossing through the modern district of Puerto Madero. The afternoon is free for us to wander at our own pace.Day 2 -
Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - Beagle Channel Navigation
- Transportation Plane - 03h30 - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
At the first light of dawn, we headed to the airport for our flight to the ends of the earth. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, our French-speaking guide greeted us. Depending on the schedule, we had some free time to stroll around town. We then embarked on the legendary Beagle Channel, offering stunning views of Mount Olivia and Mount Cinco Hermanos. We set course for Los Lobos Island to observe the sea lions from the boat. Further on, Bird Island revealed its cormorants. Our journey finally reached the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse before a return trip dominated by the Martial Glacier.Day 3 -
Tierra del Fuego National Park
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we set off for the iconic Tierra del Fuego National Park. From Ensenada Bay, a beautiful hike awaits us along the legendary Beagle Channel. Our steps lead us through a Fuegian forest dotted with lenga and ñire trees, a true haven for birds and red foxes. The trail then takes us to Lake Roca for a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature. Exploration continues near an impressive beaver dam. Our journey concludes in Lapataia Bay, marking the end of the Pan-American Highway, before we return to Ushuaia.Day 4 -
Ushuaia - El Calafate - El Chaltén
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
It's time to leave Tierra del Fuego and head to Ushuaia airport. A flight takes us to El Calafate, the famous gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon landing, we drive towards El Chaltén. As we approach this mountain village, the spectacular landscapes of the Fitz Roy massif and Cerro Torre gradually unfold before us. After settling into our hotel, the rest of the day is free for us to relax or explore the surrounding area.Day 5 -
Laguna de Los Tres (Mount Fitz Roy)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A beautiful and long hike awaits us in the morning, winding through wild forests and clearings. As we walk, stunning promontories gradually reveal the majestic backdrop of Fitz Roy. The final, more challenging ascent of the moraine offers an unforgettable reward: two emerald lagoons overlooked by hanging glaciers, whose every creak we eagerly anticipate. The route also takes us along the tranquil shores of Laguna Capri. Back in El Chaltén at the end of the day, dinner is at your leisure.Day 6 -
Laguna Torre (Los Glaciares National Park)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A visit to the park museum is the perfect introduction to our hike towards Laguna Torre. The trail meanders pleasantly through forests and offers sweeping views. We eventually reach the shores of the lagoon, dominated by the towering peak of Cerro Torre. If the weather is good, a pleasant extra hike takes us to the Maestri viewpoint. Following the Fitz Roy River, the route allows us to get up close to the majestic Grande Glacier. Our exploration concludes with a return to El Chaltén at the end of the day.Day 7 -
El Chaltén - El Calafate - Tarde de Campo
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for El Calafate. The afternoon is entirely dedicated to immersing ourselves in Patagonian rural life at the Galpón del Glaciar ranch. Nestled on the shores of Lago Argentino, this estancia reveals the traditions of cattle ranching and the authentic daily life of the gauchos. There, we explore the grounds and witness a traditional sheep-shearing demonstration. This rustic experience concludes with a convivial dinner on-site before returning to our accommodation in El Calafate.Day 8 -
Perito Moreno Glacier
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today we're off to admire the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Its gigantic blocks of ice regularly calve off with a roar and crash into the waters of Lake Argentino. We'll first contemplate this breathtaking spectacle from the walkways. Then, we'll embark on a boat trip that will allow us to get as close as possible to this centuries-old ice. At the end of the day, we'll return to El Calafate.Day 9 -
El Calafate - Puerto Natales - Cerro Dorotea
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 280km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We'll head towards Puerto Natales, a small Chilean town located on the shores of the Última Esperanza Fjord. Upon arrival, we'll follow the trail that leads up to the Cerro Dorotea viewpoint. From this summit, we'll enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the Última Esperanza Fjord. If the sky is clear, we might even be able to see the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in the distance. Note: The Cerro Dorotea hike begins immediately upon our arrival in Puerto Natales. We'll return to our hotel after the hike.Day 10 -
Torres del Paine National Park
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day of exploration by vehicle reveals the iconic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Our route is punctuated by several unmissable panoramic stops. The waters of Lago Sarmiento and Laguna Amarga are revealed in turn. The Nordenskjöld viewpoint and the Salto Grande waterfall then offer spectacular views. After the Weber Bridge, we admire Grey Lake and its imposing glacier. At the end of the day, we return to our accommodation in Cerro Castillo.Day 11 -
Cerro Castillo - Trek Base Torres
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we head to the central sector of the park for an unmissable Patagonian hike. The trail first guides us through the stunning Ascencio Valley. Following the rushing waters of the river, our walk leads us into a beautiful lenga forest. Then comes the demanding final climb through the moraine. At the summit, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the glacial lake and the three majestic granite towers. At the end of the day, we return to Cerro Castillo.Day 12 -
Cerro Castillo - Puerto Natales - Santiago
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We leave Cerro Castillo for Puerto Natales Airport. We fly to Santiago, leaving the vast wilderness behind. Upon arrival in the Chilean capital, we are transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city. Note: The flight to Santiago may depart from Punta Arenas depending on availability and flight schedule. This change will add approximately 3 hours to your transfer.Day 13 -
Santiago - Easter Island
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We head to Santiago airport for our flight to the legendary Easter Island. Upon arrival at Mataveri airport, we are transferred to our hotel. We have the rest of the day free to explore at our own pace, discovering Hanga Roa, the island's only village, and soaking up its peaceful atmosphere.Day 14 -
Easter Island - Anakena
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we head east to discover the major sites of the Rapa Nui culture. On the slopes of the Rano Raraku volcano, we explore the fascinating quarry where most of the famous moai were carved. The mysterious site of Ahu Te Pito Kura then marks our route. To end the day in style, we head to the white sands of Anakena. Under the palm trees, we enjoy the beach while admiring the imposing ahu Nau Nau and Ature Huki standing proudly facing the ocean.Day 15 -
Easter Island - Orongo and Ahu Akivi
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We set off to explore the Ahu Vinapu site, then the now-inactive Rano Kau volcano, from which we enjoy magnificent views of its crater and the island. We continue to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial site linked to the Birdman cult. In the afternoon, we discover Tahai, then Ahu Akivi and its seven Moai. We conclude our visit at the Puna Pau quarry, where the pukao (stone heads) of the Moai were carved.Day 16 -
Easter Island - Santiago
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on our flight schedule, we'll head to Mataveri Airport to say goodbye to Rapa Nui. The flight over the Pacific Ocean will take us back to the mainland and the Chilean capital. Upon arrival in Santiago, a vehicle will pick us up and take us to our hotel.Day 17 -
Santiago - Free day - Return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on our flight schedule, this last day leaves us with some free time to enjoy Santiago a little longer. When the time comes, we'll head to the airport to board our international flight.Day 18 -
Arrival in France
- Transportation Plane - 19h - 11000km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
And so ends our adventure!Day 19
Note
Accommodation
Access
- Private transport: We use private vehicles for our airport/hotel transfers and to reach certain starting points for our hikes or excursions.
- Comfortable public buses: For crossings, we use regular local public buses.
- Maritime transport: Two combined services: on the legendary Beagle Channel and as close as possible to the walls of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Go to the starting point
Patagonia, Chile, and Easter Island represent a vast territory. To cover these distances and complete this great crossing, we combine several modes of transport:
- Domestic flights: Domestic flights to Ushuaïa, El Calafate, Puerto Natales/Santiago, as well as the connection to Easter Island return.
Price details
The price includes
- Flights: our international return flights and all domestic flights in the program.
- The support team: our local guides and our French-speaking tour leader (with an assistant guide for 7 or more participants at Base Torres and a shared service guide at Rapa Nui).
- Transportation: all our ground transfers are by private vehicle, public bus or shared service with Spanish-speaking drivers.
- Accommodation and meals: all our nights with breakfast included. Full board except for meals listed as "free" in the program.
- Activities and entrances: navigations (Day 3 and Day 9), the Tarde de Campo activity (Day 8) and access to all national parks.
The price does not include
- Any cancellation, assistance or multi-risk insurance policies.
- Transfer fees if our flight plan differs from that of the group.
- Meals mentioned as "free" in the program, as well as all our drinks.
- Personal expenses and tips for local teams.
- The "Visit Buenos Aires" tax (between 1 and 1.50 USD per night per person)
- Drinks and mineral water during your stay, including during meals
- The "Visit Buenos Aires" tax (between 1 and 1.50 USD per night per person)
- Meals listed as "free"
- Tips for the local teams.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletries (wipes to replace water). Whenever possible, choose biodegradable products (Marseille soap and shampoo).
- Swimsuit
- Quick-drying towel
- Change of clothes for the evening
- 1 1.5 litre water bottle or 2 equivalent (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- A pair of sunglasses with a high protection rating
- Headlamp, spare batteries
- A Swiss Army knife or equivalent (in checked baggage!!)
- A pair of telescopic hiking poles (recommended)
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
- Woolen hat and gloves
- Hat, cap or scarf
- High protection sunglasses
- Technical underwear and breathable t-shirts
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Rain cape (Optional)
- Down jacket (Optional)
- Durable hiking pants and shorts
- Hiking shoes with non-slip soles
- Walking socks
- Sneakers for the city and evenings out