Which G Adventures Patagonia Tour is Right for You?

Looking to book a G Adventures Patagonia tour and you’re not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

So you’re planning a trip to Patagonia, you know you want to join a group excursion, and now you’re trying to decide which G Adventures Patagonia tour is right for you.

G Adventures offers numerous trips across Patagonia, some of which strictly focus on travel in Argentine Patagonia and others that also include Chilean Patagonia.

Today, we’re going to be comparing 3 different G Adventures tours to Patagonia that vary in length, destinations covered, and level of difficulty.

What do I know about Patagonia? Well, I’ve travelled extensively across both Argentine Patagonia and Chilean Patagonia, and I have visited all of the destinations covered in these G Adventures Patagonia tours. I know these destinations very well, how much time you need in each place, and what activities and attractions you shouldn’t miss in each spot.

I would go as far as saying I’m a bit travel-obsessed with Patagonia. I got hooked on my first visit back in 2019 and I’ve been going back every chance I get. Basically, whenever I’m in Argentina (which is often!), I always make sure to plan a trip back to Patagonia!

But enough about me, because this article is about helping you figure out your trip to Patagonia.

So with all of this in mind, we’re going to do a deep dive into 3 different Patagonia tours offered by G Adventures, so hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll know which one is right for you!

• End of the Earth – Argentina & Chile
• Hike Patagonia in Depth – Argentina & Chile
• Patagonia Hiking – Argentina

TOUR 1

End of the Earth

14 Days

✅ Argentine and Chilean Patagonia.

📍 Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine and Ushuaia.

Book on G Adventures

TOUR 2

Hike Patagonia in Depth

14 Days

✅ Argentine and Chilean Patagonia

📍 Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.

Book on G Adventures

TOUR 3

Patagonia Hiking

9 Days

✅ Argentine Patagonia

📍 Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate and El Chaltén

Book on G Adventures

Choosing a G Adventures Patagonia Tour

1. End of the Earth Tour – Argentina and Chile

This G Adventures Patagonia tour has a little bit of everything so it’s likely to appeal to a wide audience. Out of all the tours we’re looking at today, this one covers the most destinations across both Argentina and Chile, hitting up some of the most loved destinations in Patagonia.

On the Argentine side, you get to visit Los Glaciares National Park which you access from two different points: El Calafate to see glaciers and El Chaltén to experience the trekking capital of South America.

Then, on the Chilean side, you visit Torres del Paine National Park which brings more breathtaking mountainous landscapes.

The nice thing about this tour is that it includes some hiking (including a couple of longer full-day hikes), however, you’re not hiking every single day of your trip. There is a bit of downtime to explore the towns or just let your legs recover.

This is also the only one of the 3 G Adventures Patagonia tours that makes it all the way down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world! If that’s a destination you’ve been dreaming of visiting your whole life, then this Patagonia tour might be the right one for you.

QUICK FACTS:

• Duration: 14 days
• Start/Finish City: Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
• Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine and Ushuaia.
• Service Level: Standard. Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
• Physical Grading: 4 – Demanding. Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
• Trip Type: Small Group with a maximum of 16 travellers

PROS:

✅ This tour covers the top destinations in Patagonia across Argentina and Chile

✅ You make it as far south as Ushuaia, the city at the End of the World!

✅ It includes some hikes as well as less active days

CONS:

❌ 14 days might be too long for travellers short on vacation time

❌ Fast pace with 1 or 2 nights per destination

❌ Includes 2 nights of camping which may not appeal to everyone

End of the Earth Itinerary (14 Days)

Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, so you can check into the hotel and enjoy the city. With any extra time, you can visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, San Telmo or catch a tango show.

Optional activities:

• Teatro Colón Tour
• La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
• Buenos Aires Bike Tour
• Buenos Aires Guided City Tour

Day 2 – Buenos Aires to El Chaltén, Argentina

Early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private transportation to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. En route, marvel at the towering Andes Mountains. You can Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on some short hikes.

Day 3 – El Chaltén, Argentina

Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres in Los Glaciares National Park, and if the weather cooperates, you’ll get a clear view of Mount Fitz Roy! During this hike, the terrain will change gradually from tree-covered trails to exposed alpine landscapes.

Laguna de los Tres is one of the most epic viewpoints in the park. It’s a 24-kilometre or 15-mile hike that takes about 10 hours to complete and has an elevation gain of 1040 metres.

The most challenging part of the hike is the last kilometres before reaching the lagoon as it’s a steep ascent through loose rocks and boulders, but the view at the end is worth it!

Day 4 – El Chaltén to El Calafate, Argentina

Free morning where you can opt to wake up early and conquer another hike before heading to El Calafate.

Day 5 – El Calafate, Argentina

Visit Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the world’s few advancing glaciers, where you’ll have a guided tour. Opt to take a boat ride on the lake to see it from a different vantage point.

You’ll see Perito Moreno’s 60-metre or 197-foot wall of ice that sporadically chokes off the narrow “Canal de los Tempanos” (Iceberg Channel) creating a natural ice dam.

Optional activities:

• Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour

Day 6 – El Calafate, Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile

Travel by bus to Puerto Natales to prepare for the upcoming days of hiking in Patagonia.

Spend a relaxing evening in the town of Puerto Natales before heading into Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 7 – Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine, Chile

Hop on a private transfer and enjoy the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. Stop at the Welcome Center and get ready to begin the hike. You’ll trek to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

A local guide will lead the way during the hike and the CEO will act as sweep, keeping everyone together.

The hike is about 4 hours in and 4 hours back. It’s 22 kilometres or 14 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 750 metres but oh-so-worth-it!

Day 8 – Torres del Paine, Chile

Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag, and jump in the van to Lake Pehoe. Cross the lake by boat and trek to the French Valley.

Enjoy another full day of spectacular scenery and physical exertion. Return to Paine Grande Camp at the end of the day.

The hike from Paine Grande Camp through the French Valley and back to Paine Grande Camp is 20 kilometres or 13 miles and takes 8-10 hours with an elevation gain of 550 metres or 1,800 feet.

Day 9 – Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales, Chile

Enjoy the last day in Torres del Paine National Park on a fast-paced hike to Grey Lake and the first lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. In the afternoon return to Puerto Natales.

The hike from Paine Grande Camp to Grey Lookout is 11 kilometres or 7 miles and takes 4 hours with an elevation gain of 400 metres or 1315 feet.

Day 10 – Puerto Natales, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina

Get your snacks ready and take a bus south to Ushuaia at the End of the Earth. During the journey, you’ll hop on a ferry to cross the Magellan Strait and then continue by bus to Ushuaia.

Day 11 – Ushuaia, Argentina

Enjoy a free day to explore Ushuaia. Opt to hike to Laguna Esmeralda, or rest your legs and visit some museums such as the Prison at the End of the World Museum, or do some horseback riding. You can also chill and enjoy the spa or the heated swimming pool at the hotel.

Optional activities:

• Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo
• The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum
• Horseback Riding in Ushuaia

Day 12 – Ushuaia, Argentina

Enjoy another free day to explore the area. Opt to take a boat cruise on the Beagle Channel to see penguins on Isla Martillo or enjoy a hike in Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Optional activities:

• Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit
• Beagle Channel Cruise to Isla Martillo
• Horseback Riding Ushuaia
• The Maritime Museum and Prison at the End of the World Museum

Day 13 – Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 14 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart at any time.

2. Hike Patagonia in Depth Tour – Argentina and Chile

This is considered one of the best Patagonia hiking tours out there. You are basically hiking every single day of the trip! And you are hiking in some of the most iconic locations in both Argentina and Chile.

This G Adventures Patagonia tour includes a mix of light hikes to warm up and ease into the destination as well as more challenging full-day hikes that offer big rewards. Namely, the most epic mountains and alpine lagoons you’ve ever seen!

You also get to hike the famous W Trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine. Hiking this loop means staying at campsites along the way, so the tour is geared towards active and outdoorsy travellers who don’t mind swapping a bit of comfort for epic views!

If you dream of hiking Patagonia this tour might be the right one for you.

QUICK FACTS:

• Duration: 14 days
• Start/Finish City: Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
• Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.
• Travel Style: Active with trekking, biking and kayaking.
• Service Level: Standard. Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
• Physical Rating: 4 – Demanding. Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
• Trip Type: Small group with a maximum of 16 travellers

PROS:

✅ Strong focus on hiking with daily hikes in Patagonia’s most beautiful parks

✅ This trip goes in-depth and focuses on the most iconic destinations

✅ You are not switching hotels every night (except for the camping loop)

CONS:

❌ Includes 4 nights camping in national parks which may not appeal to everyone

❌ Daily hikes might be too much for certain travellers

❌ Because this trip goes in-depth, you visit fewer destinations

Hike Patagonia in Depth Itinerary (14 Days)

Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 – Buenos Aires to El Chaltén, Argentina

Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private transportation to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike.

Day 3 – El Chaltén, Argentina

Climb into a double kayak for a gentle paddle along the Río de las Vueltas, inside Los Glaciares National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Fitz Roy if the skies are clear.

Day 4 – El Chaltén, Argentina

Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres for a view of Mount Fitz Roy.

Day 5 – El Chaltén to El Calafate, Argentina

Explore El Chaltén’s many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Laguna Capri or head up to the Mirador de Los Condores to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, travel to the town of El Calafate and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.

Day 6 – El Calafate, Argentina

Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. Explore the different walkways that will bring you face-to-face with the glacier. Opt to take a boat ride on the lake to get a different view of the stunning landscapes and marvel at how large the glacier is up close.

Day 7 – El Calafate, Argentina

Enjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience an estancia for the day, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian steppe.

Day 8 – El Calafate, Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile

Continue on to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Explore the town, eat a hearty meal, and rest well for the 4-day hike ahead.

Day 9 – Puerto Natales to Laguna Azul Camp, Chile

Embark on a 4-day excursion in Torres del Paine National Park, hiking the famous W Trek. Start the 62km (38.5 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

Day 10 – Laguna Azul Camp to Cuernos Camp, Chile

Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy breakfast with a view, pack your bag and jump in the van. Once at the welcome centre, meet the porters and continue hiking along the W route towards Cuernos Campsite. Stop at Nordenskjöld Lake and enjoy the view before reaching Cuernos Camp.

Day 11 – Cuernos Camp to Paine Grande Camp, Chile

Today hike to the French Valley lookout to see the imposing French glacier hanging over Paine Grande mountain. Take in the dramatic, contrasting greens and greys on the landscape and enjoy a 360 view from above. Head to Paine Grande Campsite after crossing an eerie and beautiful forest of dead trees.

Day 12 – Paine Grande Camp to Puerto Natales, Chile

The final day of the W Trek leads to Grey Lake and the lookout point for Grey Glacier. Gaze off into the distance admiring the scale of this immense glacier. Hike back to Lake Pehoé and finish by taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake enjoying the sense of accomplishment before returning to Puerto Natales for the night.

Day 13 – Puerto Natales, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Travel back into Argentina to El Calafate and catch an evening flight from Patagonia to Buenos Aires.

Day 14 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart at any time.

3. Patagonia Hiking Tour – Argentina

This is the shortest G Adventures Patagonia tour that we’re looking at, but it’s packed with so much good stuff!

This Patagonia hiking tour only covers Argentina, but one of the nice things is that it goes in depth in the two destinations it visits: El Calafate and El Chaltén. This means you’re not changing hotels every few nights, and you really get to explore both towns, visit the glaciers, and tackle multiple hikes ranging in length and level of difficulty.

It also means that when you arrive back home, you won’t feel like you’ve been run to the ground.

Basically, it’s an ideal tour for travellers who are short on time, but want to experience some Patagonian highlights at a nice pace.

QUICK FACTS:

• Duration: 9 days
• Start/Finish City: Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires
• Destinations: Buenos Aires, El Calafate and El Chaltén
• Travel Style: Active with trekking, biking and kayaking adventures made for outdoor types.
• Service Level: Standard. Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; a mix of public and private transport.
• Physical Rating: 4 – Demanding. Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
• Trip Type: Small group with a maximum of 16 travellers.

PROS:

✅ Shorter tour ideal for travellers with less vacation time

✅ Visit the two most iconic destinations in Argentine Patagonia

✅ Explore El Chaltén and El Calafate in depth

CONS:

❌ This tour might feel too short once you get to Patagonia

❌ Doesn’t visit Chilean Patagonia

❌ Doesn’t go to Ushuaia, the city at the End of the World

Patagonia Hiking Itinerary (9 days)

Day 1 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Arrive at any time. As there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting, you can check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Opt to visit the districts of La Boca, Recoleta, San Telmo or catch a tango show.

Optional activities:

• Teatro Colón Tour
• La Boca Neighbourhood Visit
• Buenos Aires Bike Tour
• Buenos Aires Guided City Tour

Day 2 – Buenos Aires to El Chaltén, Argentina

Enjoy an early transfer to the airport to fly to El Calafate and continue by private transportation to El Chaltén and Los Glaciares National Park. Enjoy some free time in the town or head out on a short hike.

Fly south to the province of Santa Cruz and the town of El Calafate before transferring overland to El Chaltén. Often referred to as the trekking capital of Argentina, El Chaltén is the gateway to Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, two of the most beautiful peaks in Patagonia.

Enjoy free time to warm up for the upcoming trek, opt to take a short hike to a nearby lookout or explore around town.

Day 3 – El Chaltén, Argentina

Climb into a double kayak for a gentle paddle along the Río de las Vueltas in Los Glaciares National Park. Get ready for breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy if the skies are clear.

Day 4 – El Chaltén, Argentina

Enjoy a full-day guided hike to Laguna de los Tres. This is the most popular trek in El Chaltén and for good reason. On a clear day, the view of Cerro Fitz Roy and the sparking teal lake below are spectacular.

The gradual start to the trek provides time to appreciate the stunning landscape and ease into the challenging trek ahead. Although the 400 metres or 1,312 feet incline to reach the lake is taxing, it’s well worth the effort for the views!

Day 5 – El Chaltén to El Calafate, Argentina

Explore one of El Chaltén’s many trekking routes. Opt to explore the Laguna Torre trail to spot the dramatic Cerro Torre, hike to Laguna Capri or head up to the Mirador de Los Condores to enjoy great views of the town. Afterwards, head to El Calafate and opt for a hearty dinner to refuel.

Optional activities:

• Cerro Torre Hike
• Chorrillo del Salto Hike
• Condor and Eagle Lookout

Day 6 – El Calafate, Argentina

Travel to Perito Moreno Glacier for an included guided tour. You can then opt to take a boat ride on the lake for a different view of the stunning landscape.

Argentino Lake is the southernmost of the four water sheets produced by the Pleistocene Glaciation. Its fjords cover 1,505km² or 935 mi² and it is considered one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing river of ice, 2.7 kilometres or 1.7 miles wide by 55 metres or 180 feet high, which descends from the continental ice field to the Canal de los Tempanos.

Optional activities:

• Perito Moreno Glacier Boat

Day 7 – El Calafate

Enjoy free time, take a leisurely hike to Laguna Nimez, explore the souvenir shops and restaurants in town, choose to experience a full-day at an estancia, or opt to go on an adventure activity in the Patagonian landscape.

The main strip of this tiny town is lined with small wooden shops, browse for souvenirs and chocolates, or stop in one of the restaurants for a bite.

Optional activities:

• Laguna Nimez

Day 8 – El Calafate to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fly back to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Enjoy a drink in one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants, or pre-book an evening Tango experience.

Get together for one last meal and a final bottle of wine. This will be your last chance to try Argentina’s succulent parrilladas so dig in and enjoy!

Optional activities:

• Tango Dinner Show

Day 9 – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Depart at any time.

Which G Adventures Patagonia tour is right for YOU?

Now that we’ve looked at all of these G Adventures Patagonia tours, it’s time to figure out which one is right for you, so let’s quickly review each one:

The End of the Earth Tour is the classic Patagonia trip that hits all the highlights. It does move at a quicker pace averaging 1-2 nights per destination, but you cover a lot of ground and even make it to Ushuaia. You get to enjoy multiple hikes (even some challenging ones!), but you’re not hiking every single day of the trip. You also get 2 nights of camping in a national park. If you’re an active traveller who wants to cover a lot of ground fast, this might be the tour for you!

The Hike Patagonia in Depth Tour is all about hiking. You spend lots of time in Los Glaciares National Park and Torres del Paine National Park and you get to hike every single day! You even get to camp for 4 nights while hiking the famous W Trek. This is probably the most physically demanding tour, but you are going to spend every single day in the mountains amazed at the views. If you’re an avid hiker who enjoys fitness, this could be your tour!

The Patagonia Hiking Tour is short but sweet. You only visit Argentina but you get ample time in El Calafate and El Chaltén. You’re not switching hotels every night of the trip, which means you get to explore each town in depth at a more relaxed pace. If you’re short on time but want to see the best of Argentine Patagonia, this is the tour for you!

Hopefully, after an in-depth look at each of these 3 G Adventures Patagonia tours, you’ve been able to narrow it down.

There’s nothing left to do now but pack your bags and head on down to Patagonia. Wishing you a great trip and happy trails!

What is G Adventures all about?

G Adventures is a global adventure travel company renowned for its commitment to providing authentic and sustainable travel experiences.

It was founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, and since then the company has grown from a one-man operation to a leading innovator in the adventure travel industry.

G Adventures offers a wide range of travel styles, from active adventures to cultural explorations, catering to various interests and fitness levels.

Their tours, which span the globe, emphasize small-group experiences, typically with a maximum of 16 travellers, allowing for more intimate and immersive experiences.

A standout feature of G Adventures is the focus on responsible tourism. They are dedicated to ensuring that their tours positively impact both the environment and the local communities visited. This approach includes partnering with local guides and businesses, promoting sustainable travel practices, and supporting social enterprise projects worldwide.

For travellers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, G Adventures offers a wide array of options including the G Adventures Patagonia tours we’ve highlighted above.