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About the Patagonian Odyssey
At a glance...
Country: Chile
Duration: 13 days/ 12 nights
Activity: Trekking and sightseeing
Minimum group size: 4 (trek can proceed with fewer for an additional fee)
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate to strenuous
Comfort: 3*-4* hotels, refugios, 1-2 nights tent camping possible
Price: Based on double occupancy. See booking page for single supplement upgrade.
Located at the southern tip of South America and shared by Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is one of the most remote and visually stunning regions on Earth — a vast, untamed wilderness where glaciers carve their way through granite peaks and wind-scoured plains stretch toward the ends of the earth. Our 13-day Patagonian Odyssey is designed to bring you the best of this incredible region.
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour — it’s an experience that will change the way you think about adventure. You’ll hike to the foot of the iconic “Towers” of Torres del Paine, navigate glacial valleys to witness the massive Grey Glacier, and marvel at the surreal rock formations of the French Valley. Along the way, you’ll cross turquoise lakes by catamaran, explore the vibrant city of Punta Arenas, and stroll alongside 120,000 Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island.
But the Patagonian Odyssey is about more than scenery. It’s about immersion — in culture, in history, and in the spirit of discovery. You’ll sip Chilean wine at a family-run Maipo Valley vineyard, explore the windblown streets of Puerto Natales, and spend a day with gauchos on a working Patagonian ranch, riding horseback through the highlands and sharing a traditional barbecue lunch around the fire.
Our seasoned local guides handle every detail so you can focus on the experience. From the moment you arrive in Santiago to the final farewell in Patagonia, Hobnail ensures your journey is safe, seamless, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list dream or simply ready to feel small in the best way possible, the Patagonian Odyssey is your invitation to unplug, lace up your boots, and witness one of Earth’s last great frontiers.
Ready for a real adventure? Scroll down and see what awaits.
PATAGONIAN ODYSSEY
13 days/12 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
November 23 – December 5, 2025 (register by Sept. 14)
February 15 – 27, 2026 (register by Dec. 7)
FAQs
What is Patagonia, anyway? A region?
Exactly. Patagonia is a vast geographic region shared by Chile and Argentina, located at the southern tip of South America. It’s not a country or a province, but rather a rugged, sparsely populated area known for its towering peaks, massive glaciers, wild weather, and jaw-dropping landscapes. The Chilean side includes famous sites like Torres del Paine National Park, while the Argentine side features places like El Chaltén and the Perito Moreno Glacier. Our itineraries take place exclusively in Chile.
What is the difficulty level of the Patagonian Odyssey trek?
This trek is rated moderate to strenuous and is designed for travelers in fairly good physical condition. Daily hikes range from 3–9 miles with varying elevation gains. No technical climbing is involved, and we move at a comfortable group pace with ample breaks.
What type of accommodations are included?
You’ll stay in a mix of cozy 3- to 4-star hotels, mountain “refugios” (rustic but comfortable trekking lodges), and possibly 1-2 nights in a refugio tent, a large, permanent canvas tent situated on an elevated wooden platform. All lodging is clean, well-managed, and hand-picked for charm, comfort, and proximity to nature.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Not necessarily. If you’re active, enjoy day hikes, and are comfortable walking 6–10 miles a day, you’re good to go. We recommend plenty of training hikes and workouts beforehand to build stamina.
What's the best time of year to go?
The season is pretty broad, but we recommend mid-November through around the first of March. Remember, this is the Southern Hemisphere, so our winter is their summer. Our departures in November and February are ideal — offering fewer crowds, better weather, and incredible wildlife activity.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Patagonia?
Yes, for the most part. In the cities, the water is generally considered to be fine, although slightly chlorinated in some cases, so you may prefer filtered/bottled water. In Torres del Paine National Park, the water is pristine glacial water and is perfectly safe and tasty.
Will I easily be able to communicate with Hobnail between booking and departure?
Absolutely! Hobnail provides exceptional pre-departure support to ensure you feel fully prepared for your trek. You’ll receive:
✔️ A comprehensive gear list to help you pack
✔️ A custom mobile app with itinerary details, packing tips, and FAQs
✔️ A welcome box with Hobnail-branded apparel
✔️ Access to video chats with your guide to discuss any concerns
✔️ Direct access to Hobnail owners Mark and Holly Johnson, who are always happy to answer questions
What should I pack for this trek?
We provide a complete gear list upon registration, but the essentials include layered clothing, a good pair of broken-in hiking boots, a daypack, rain gear, and a warm jacket — Patagonia’s weather can shift quickly!
Are meals included?
Yes. All breakfasts, nearly all lunches, and most dinners are included in the trip price. You’ll enjoy everything from trail lunches and BBQs to Chilean wine tastings and hearty meals at refugios.
How do we get to Patagonia?
You’ll fly into Santiago, Chile, where a Hobnail staff member will greet you. From there, we handle all internal transportation, including flights to Punta Arenas and transfers to Torres del Paine.
What type of currency does Chilean Patagonia use?
Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). Most places in Patagonia accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some local cash for small shops or rural areas. ATMs are available in cities like Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales.
Is altitude an issue on this trip?
Nope! The highest elevation you’ll reach is just under 3,000 feet. Unlike treks in the Andes or Himalayas, the Patagonian Odyssey stays comfortably low in elevation, so altitude sickness is not a concern.
I’ve heard Patagonia is super windy. Is this true?
Yes — Patagonia is famously windy, especially in their summer months. Expect impressive gusts, especially during hikes in Torres del Paine. It’s all part of the adventure! Bring a windproof jacket and hold onto your hat!
PATAGONIAN Odyssey Details
Please read all of these carefully!
“The Towers” of Patagonia
You’ve seen these in hundreds of photos, but there’s nothing like seeing them in person. Be sure to snap a photo by the lake with the towers in the background!
Los Cuernos
The “horns” of Torres del Paine are a very close second to the towers in their picture-perfect majesty. See these from an incredible viewpoint after hiking past the beautiful Salta Grande waterfall.
Penguins!
Not many people can say they’ve spent time hanging out on an island inhabited by a few Park Rangers and over 120,000 penguins! Spend an hour in the natural habitat of the Magellanic penguins, enjoying the presence of these beautiful (and monogamous!) creatures.
Grey Glacier
Witness the massive grey glacier and the beauty of Pehoé Lake. This glacier is 98 feet tall and 3.75 miles wide – an enormous chunk (pun intended) of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Patagonian Estancia
Experience a day in the life of a Chilean gaucho when visiting a working estancia. Ride horseback through the Patagonian scenery, learn about sheep and other animal herding, and enjoy an authentic BBQ lunch with the family.
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private WhatsApp group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- Airport transfers
- Round-trip domestic flight between Santiago and Patagonia
- All private and public ground transportation in Chile
- Public ferry transport
- 12 nights’ accommodation in refugios and 3* and 4* hotels
- All meals on the trek as reflected in the itinerary
- All national park fees, entrance fees, taxes, and permits
- Local, English-speaking leader and guide(s)
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Beverages outside of designated meals
- Snacks during trek
- Tips for drivers, guides (s), etc.
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure or transportation
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure. (Read more in the “Training” tab.)
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
A few days after registering for a trek, we will give you a call (if you’re available) to say hello and answer any initial questions you may have. If you use WhatsApp, we will also invite you to join a private group page just for your trek. This is a great way to interact with your fellow trekkers – and possibly your guide – before departure. You can post questions in the group anytime you’d like, talk about the cool gear you’re planning to take with you, organize group hikes if you live near each other, and generally just get to know those who will be sharing this incredible experience with you.
Within the first weeks after your trek is confirmed, you will receive a Welcome Box from us. It contains stuff that you can use during training as well as on the trek itself, and some other fun things to get you (even more) excited about your trip.
You’ll also receive a link to your Hobnail app, which is full of great information, including a day-by-day schedule, gear list, beautiful photography, and a bunch of interesting and important information. It will also provide you with yet another way to contact us – through its messaging service. As your trip gets closer, we will load your flights and accommodation information into the app so you’ll feel even more secure in knowing where you’ll be staying. You’re in good hands.
The closer you get to your trek, the more you’ll hear from us — but of course, you can reach out any time you have a question.
Like all of our adventures, you need to have achieved a good level of fitness prior to departure for this trek. Remember, these are not simply vacations that incorporate a little bit of walking. On the contrary, these are active adventures! In most cases, you will be on your feet for several hours each day, and in some cases, hiking along rough trails and possibly, steep inclines. It is your responsibility to train, practice, and have yourself in the best condition possible by the time you depart.
So, if you are expecting a 10-mile day of hiking on your trip, emulate that hike at home — repeatedly. If you expect consecutive days of hiking on your trip, complete consecutive days of hiking at home. Same with biking. Do more and more of this as your departure approaches so that when you’re actually there, your muscle memory will kick in. Train hard at home so that things will be easy during the actual trip.
Trust us — your adventure will be infinitely more fun if you are physically prepared for it. If you need help or suggestions with training, feel free to call or email us!
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, and travel insurance docs, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff.
TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Santiago, Chile
A Hobnail staff member will pick you up at Santiago’s International Airport and arrange your transfer to your hotel in the Providencia district just south of Santiago Metropolitan Park. The Park has several trails, a Japanese garden, and the National Zoo.
Max altitude: 1,870 ft
Lodging: Hotel in Santiago
Day 2: Maipo Valley Winery Tour
Spend a day in the famous Maipo Valley in a family-owned vineyard between the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Coast. The Chocalan Winery encompasses 840 acres of countryside with a unique and ideal microclimate for producing high-quality wines. The sea breeze creates a temperature contrast between day and night, allowing a slow ripening of the grapes. The incredible wine, food, and beautiful countryside make for the perfect day trip outside of Santiago.
In the morning, you’ll take private transportation from your hotel to the Chocalan Winery in the Maipo Valley southwest of Santiago. The 1.5-hour drive will take you from the city into the rolling hills of the Chilean countryside. After your arrival, you will be greeted by the winery staff and will begin your private tour.
The staff will teach you about the region, the winery, and the wines produced there. Taste your first wine while sitting in the shade, enjoying the beautiful views of the valley below.
Next, you’ll stroll through the countryside and the winery’s gardens before arriving at the cellars. You’ll visit the vat room where the wine is stored in large barrels, the laboratory, and the bottle labeling area, and ultimately find yourself on the vintage patio.
Throughout the visit, you will meet the winery workers and have the opportunity to ask questions and talk with them about the winery and its operations. The tour will end with tasting four exquisite high-quality wines and local cheeses. Following the tour, continue your afternoon with a bottle of wine and a private picnic outside with beautiful views of the vineyard.
After lunch, you’ll return to your hotel in Santiago by private transportation. The evening is free for you to explore.
Max altitude: 1,870 ft
Lodging: Hotel in Santiago
Included meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Day 3: City Tour of Punta Arenas, Patagonia
This morning, you’ll be up early for your flight to Chilean Patagonia.
After a 3.5-hour flight, you’ll meet your local trekking guide in Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. Check in (if your room is ready), then head out to explore the city with your guide.
First, you’ll make your way to Cerro de la Cruz, where you will have a panoramic view of Punta Arenas’ colorful roofs, the Strait of Magellan, and Tierra del Fuego island. Continue through the streets of the city to the Plaza de Armas, the main square of the city, with its monument to Ferdinand Magellan as the centerpiece, surrounded by colonial buildings and local handicraft shops. Next, you’ll visit the Nao Victoria Museum, which has replicas of the boats occupied by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan and Irish-born Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. Finally, your guide will take you to the northern sector of the city, where you will visit the monument to the Ovejero (sheepdog), Croatia Square, Antoine de Saint Exupery Square, and walk through several of the different neighborhoods of Punta Arenas.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Punta Arenas on your own.
Lodging: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Max altitude: 1,870 ft
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Penguin Tour/Humedal Tres Puentes Wetlands
This morning, you’ll head to the pier in Punta Arenas to begin your penguin tour! You’ll sail through the Strait of Magellan to Magdalena and Marta Islands. Magdalena Island receives more than 120,000 penguins each year, and Isla Marta is home to more than 1,500 sea lions.
You’ll start with a 45-minute speedboat ride to Magdalena Island, where you will spend an hour exploring the natural habitat of one of the largest colonies of Magellanic Penguins in South America.
Continue to Marta Island (if the weather conditions permit) to see sea lions, imperial cormorants, Antarctic terns, and hundreds of dolphin gulls. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Southern dolphin, a piebald dolphin, or even some sei whales.
You’ll arrive back at the pier in Punta Arenas at around midday. After enjoying lunch with your guide, you’ll head to the Humedal Tres Puentes wetlands, home to a large diversity of bird life. It’s estimated that around 60 different species of birds call this area home.
From the wetlands, you will head to Reserva Nacional Magallanes for a hike through the amazing landscape that surrounds the Punta Arenas area before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Lodging: Hotel in Punta Arenas
Activity time: 2-3 hours hiking (3 miles)
Max altitude: 112 ft
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Travel to Torres del Paine National Park
This morning, your guide will meet you to begin your journey to Torres del Paine National Park.
You’ll take a public bus for approximately 3 hours to the town of Puerto Natales. From there, you will have another 2 hours via private vehicle to Las Torres, located on the eastern side of the National Park. On the way, soak up the beautiful views of the ocean surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
It’s the first of MANY views on this trip that’ll take your breath away.
Lodging: Refugio
Max altitude: 443 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: "The Towers"
Today, you’ll hike to the base of “The Towers.”
Carrying only your daypack, you’ll ascend first through a rocky terrain cut by pristine glacial rivers. You will gain two thousand feet in elevation as you climb through a beautiful lenga forest before reaching the base of the towers.
Another shorter climb will put you meters from the towers and the emerald lake that sits at their base.
After taking in almost more beauty than you can absorb in one day, you’ll return to camp for the evening.
Lodging: Refugio
Activity time: 8 hours hiking (12 miles)
Max altitude: 2,870 ft
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Salto Grande Waterfall and Mirador Cuernos
This morning, you’ll begin your journey to Paine Grande.
Along the way, you’ll stop for a short hike to the beautiful Salto Grande waterfall. Then you’ll continue to Mirador Cuernos, where you will have spectacular views of Los Cuernos and Torres del Paine National Park.
After the hike, you’ll board a catamaran and cross Lake Pehoe to Refugio Paine Grande.
Lodging: Refugio
Activity time: 3 hours hiking (5 miles)
Max altitude: 361 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Hike the French Valley
This morning, you’ll depart Paine Grande for a stunning day hike to the French Valley.
After a steady climb, you’ll end up at an impressive viewpoint of the French Valley, as well as Cerro Hoja and Cerro Máscara, two of the famous horned peaks. Keep an eye out for condors, foxes, and eagles.
You’ll make your way back to Paine Grande at the end of the day for a well-deserved restful night’s sleep.
Lodging: Refugio
Activity time: 9 hours hiking (9 miles)
Max altitude: 2,495 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9: Hike to the Grey Glacier Viewpoint
Today you’ll take a day hike to the Grey Glacier viewpoint, an impressive ice field that covers the west end of the park. Enjoy the beauty of Pehoé Lake and Grey Lake as you approach the glacier.
Tonight you’ll spend your last night at Refugio Paine Grande.
Lodging: Refugio
Activity time: 9 hours hiking (7 miles)
Max altitude: 820 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10: Hike to Ferrier Viewpoint
This morning, you’ll board the catamaran and cross back over Lake Pehoé.
Before returning to Puerto Natales, you’ll explore the western side of Torres del Paine National Park. Hike to the Ferrier lookout, where you will enjoy the incredible views of Torres del Paine National Park, Lago Grey, and the Pingo River. Following the hike, you’ll return to Puerto Natales.
In the evening, join your guide for a farewell dinner in town.
Lodging: Hotel in Puerto Natales
Activity time: 3-4 hours hiking (3.5 miles)
Max altitude: 2,185 ft
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 11: Horseback or Hiking at a Patagonia Estancia
In the morning, you’ll travel approximately 45 minutes to a local ranch, known in Patagonia as an “estancia”. Here you will learn about life on a Patagonian estancia and explore it on horseback.
Your 3-hour horseback ride through the beautiful landscape is on the same trails used by Chilean gauchos (cowboys). Explore the peatlands while learning about the indigenous people, forests, and birds along the way. Ride up to beautiful waterfalls and take in panoramic views of the fjords. (If you don’t want to ride on horseback, you can join your guide on foot for a hike through the estancia.)
Following the horseback riding experience, you’ll enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch prepared over an open fire.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel in Puerto Natales to clean up and rest before enjoying your last evening in this important Patagonian city.
Sweet dreams of life on an estancia.
Lodging: Hotel in Puerto Natales
Max altitude: 10 feet
Included meals: Breakfast and BBQ lunch
Day 12: Travel Back to Santiago
This morning, you’ll fly back to Santiago for a final evening in the city. Don’t forget those last-minute souvenirs and gifts for family and friends at home!
Lodging: Hotel in Santiago
Max altitude: 1,870 ft
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Departure from Santiago
Today, you’ll bid farewell to Chile. You’ll have your memories (and photos!) to remind you of your time here.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Santiago airport in plenty of time to begin your journey home.
Max altitude: 1,870 ft
Included meals: Breakfast
GENERAL INFORMATION
How Magellan named Patagonia
Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan — for whom the Strait of Magellan is named — was the first European to set foot in Patagonia, arriving in 1520. There, he encountered the indigenous Tehuelche people and famously described them as giants, claiming “the tallest of us only came up to their waists.” He referred to them as Patagones, or “big feet,” which is believed to be the origin of the name Patagonia. While the Tehuelche were likely taller than Europeans of the time, they weren’t actual giants. Archaeological evidence shows they were skilled, nomadic hunter-gatherers who thrived in Patagonia’s harsh landscape. And though the people may not have been giants, the land itself holds a legendary connection — the fossilized remains of the largest dinosaur ever discovered were found in Patagonia, making it, in a way, a true land of giants.
Patagonia's wild horses
The Darwin Mountains near Cape Horn are home to one of the world’s last and largest herds of truly wild horses. Descended from animals brought by European settlers, these horses have lived without human contact for over a century. With an estimated population of around 5,000, they once faced legal hunting (yikes), but a nonprofit formed in 2014 now works to protect them. These remarkable horses have fascinated scientists for their resilience, thriving in Patagonia’s extreme weather and rugged terrain.
Patagonia isn't exactly crowded
One of the most interesting facts about Patagonia is that it covers an enormous area of 402,704-sq. miles, and occupies almost half of both Chile and Argentina, but it’s only inhabited by two million people. (For context, there are more than eight million people in New York City!) In fact, there is almost as many penguins — 1.7 million — as people in Patagonia.
Patagonian ODYSSEY
13 days/12 nightsClick on the preferred date to register:
- (registration deadline: Sept. 14)
- (registration deadline: Dec. 7)
