We are a group of 4 to 6 people planning for a Patagonia tour in the 2nd week of April 2025. We are planning to spend 6-7 days on the Argentinian side of Patagonia for landscape photography (autumn colors) and 3-4 days on the Chilean side of Torres del paine for puma tracking. This we are planning to do it on our own to avoid the extra cost for tour operator as not all in the group can afford a very expensive tour.
Kindly help me to plan few things,
# Is it safe/feasible to drive on our own between Torres del Paine and El chalten(Argentina)?
#Can we drive the rental car across the 2 countries?
#Can someone suggest some of the important hikes in El chalten to see the fall colors? Please name the trails and if possible give me some information on how/when/where to start the hike
#usually what time we start hiking and are the trails really uphill or moderate?
# what kind of dress we have to pack? Is it really cold during second week of April?
#Can the hikes doable without a guide?
#Do we have to go for the hikes with packed lunch or we can have food on the way to the hikes or we can come back to the hotel for food?
#Some of the good places to stay on El chalten
#Some of the good places to stay on Torres del Paine
# I checked some of the puma tours and they are very expensive, is there any cheaper option available or is it possible to explore on our own?
I have been to Patagonia on two occasions and both times stayed at the Explora Lodge in Torres de Paine. The last trip we did an excursion to El Chalten which was also under the direction and guidance by Explora. The Explora Lodge in Torres de Paine is in a stunningly scenic location.
I have traveled to Patagonia, Easter Island, Atacama, and Bolivia with Explora and they are a great company from the perspective of the lodging, meals, guiding services, and amenities, all included in the fee.
I would encourage that you examine their website where you can obtain a wealth of information that will fully explain all they have to offer and their pricing. They will assure that you experience the best that Patagonia has to offer. In addition, their daily hikes and journeys are offered in multiple options to suit everyone’s interest and capabilities.
You will not be disappointed in Explora.
Best wishes on your travels. You have chosen a great destination.
I went to the Argentine side of Patagonia in February for hiking and managed to do some landscape photography, mostly from a remote lodge called Aguas Arriba Lodge, where I stayed for a couple of nights. The sunrises and sunsets were epic, especially from the lodge's deck. I initially wanted to go in the second week of April, but I changed my plans due to friends and because the remote lodge we stayed at closes on March 31st. I plan to go back next year in mid-April to El Chalten for a couple of days to enjoy photography, and then drive down to Torres del Paine for landscape photography. I also hope to try photographing pumas.
bonnyrcl wrote:
# Is it safe/feasible to drive on our own between Torres del Paine and El chalten(Argentina)?
From what I've read and heard from friends who took a trip several years ago, it's very safe to drive between Torres del Paine and El Calafate. There was hardly any traffic between El Calafate airport and El Chalten when we went and the scenery is mind-blowing.
#Can we drive the rental car across the 2 countries?
Just make sure that when you rent a car, you inform the rental company that you'll be driving into Chile, as they need to provide you with the necessary paperwork for that.
#Can someone suggest some of the important hikes in El chalten to see the fall colors? Please name the trails and if possible give me some information on how/when/where to start the hike
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/argentina/santa-cruz/laguna-de-los-tres-via-sendero-al-fitz-roy
Above hike is long but for landscape photography point of view you don't need to do full hike. After you cross Laguna Capri, it is all like meadows for couple of miles and you have constant view of Fitz Roy. There is a waterfall called "Secret Waterfalls" which is marked on all trails map as "Cascada Escondida" if you zoom in near the Laguna Capri area.
#usually what time we start hiking and are the trails really uphill or moderate?
The initial part of the first trail is quite steep, but after that, it's mostly flat to reach all the epic photo locations. If you're considering going all the way to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy, be prepared for a long day of hiking. It's absolutely worth it, but in mid-April, there will be less daylight, and weather conditions could become challenging at the top. Therefore, I recommend sticking to the first 4-5 kilometers of the trail and turning back after enjoying sunrise pictures. Based on your hiking experience, it should take you a maximum of a couple of hours to reach the secret waterfalls location.
# what kind of dress we have to pack? Is it really cold during second week of April?
I visited in February, which is summer, and experienced freezing temperatures early in the day, at the summit, and after sunset. Therefore, dress in layers and ensure you have a high-quality rain/wind jacket. Even in April, you might encounter snow, but it will complement the beautiful blood-red fall colors.
#Can the hikes doable without a guide?
You will see hundreds of people on the trail and on campgrounds. No need for guides. Total waste of money.
#Do we have to go for the hikes with packed lunch or we can have food on the way to the hikes or we can come back to the hotel for food?
Since you want to be there for sunrise you want to take snacks for sure. Lunch is up to you. I say take packed lunch offered at many hotels. I bet you will want to enjoy taking pictures forever there as the weather constantly changes and gets moody and you will probably will stay longer than you plan to be.
#Some of the good places to stay on El chalten
While in El Chalten we stayed at Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel and it is probably the best hotel in El Chalten. The food to service and the views are all amazing. They drop prices for dates after April 1st. Make sure you book refundable fare as I noticed the cost of the hotel kept changing up and down often and we were able to get very good deal even during peak Summer time there. But noticed there are several other hotels which are all very good. El Chalten vibe is amazing and you will love anywhere you stay.
#Some of the good places to stay on Torres del Paine
Hosteria Pehoe - Worth staying at least for 1-night as you will be right at the most epic location in the park. Easy to get your sunrise pictures.
río serrano hotel + spa - Outside the park but looks like a place to stay for entire time there and just get up early and leave for sunrise photography
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia - Reasonably priced and good hotel inside park.
# I checked some of the puma tours and they are very expensive, is there any cheaper option available or is it possible to explore on our own?
I think with limited time the best way is to go on tour with professional. I think some of the hotels offer as part of their experiences. Check out:
Hotel Estancia Cerro Guido - https://estanciacerroguido.com/en/excursions/
EcoCamp Patagonia
Thank you for your reply aryaah. I have checked the Explore packages. They are very good but very expensive too I believe. We are looking for a medium budget options..anyways thank you for your time..
I really appreciate your time and effort to write such a detailed response to each and every question. To be frank, Even I may not spend so much time to respond to someone as I am very lazy to writing I have only one question, the place you suggest for puma tracking (Estancia Cerro ) , is it a private conservancy or did you see puma's when you went with them? What is the possibility of seeing pumas if we go with Estancia Cerro? Somewhere I read about a private conservancy where the chances of seeing a puma is very high..
Thanks,
John
kits_VA wrote:
I went to the Argentine side of Patagonia in February for hiking and managed to do some landscape photography, mostly from a remote lodge called Aguas Arriba Lodge, where I stayed for a couple of nights. The sunrises and sunsets were epic, especially from the lodge's deck. I initially wanted to go in the second week of April, but I changed my plans due to friends and because the remote lodge we stayed at closes on March 31st. I plan to go back next year in mid-April to El Chalten for a couple of days to enjoy photography, and then drive down to Torres del Paine for landscape photography. I also hope to try photographing pumas.
From what I've read and heard from friends who took a trip several years ago, it's very safe to drive between Torres del Paine and El Calafate. There was hardly any traffic between El Calafate airport and El Chalten when we went and the scenery is mind-blowing.
Just make sure that when you rent a car, you inform the rental company that you'll be driving into Chile, as they need to provide you with the necessary paperwork for that.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/argentina/santa-cruz/laguna-de-los-tres-via-sendero-al-fitz-roy
Above hike is long but for landscape photography point of view you don't need to do full hike. After you cross Laguna Capri, it is all like meadows for couple of miles and you have constant view of Fitz Roy. There is a waterfall called "Secret Waterfalls" which is marked on all trails map as "Cascada Escondida" if you zoom in near the Laguna Capri area.
The initial part of the first trail is quite steep, but after that, it's mostly flat to reach all the epic photo locations. If you're considering going all the way to the base of Mt. Fitz Roy, be prepared for a long day of hiking. It's absolutely worth it, but in mid-April, there will be less daylight, and weather conditions could become challenging at the top. Therefore, I recommend sticking to the first 4-5 kilometers of the trail and turning back after enjoying sunrise pictures. Based on your hiking experience, it should take you a maximum of a couple of hours to reach the secret waterfalls location.
I visited in February, which is summer, and experienced freezing temperatures early in the day, at the summit, and after sunset. Therefore, dress in layers and ensure you have a high-quality rain/wind jacket. Even in April, you might encounter snow, but it will complement the beautiful blood-red fall colors.
You will see hundreds of people on the trail and on campgrounds. No need for guides. Total waste of money.
Since you want to be there for sunrise you want to take snacks for sure. Lunch is up to you. I say take packed lunch offered at many hotels. I bet you will want to enjoy taking pictures forever there as the weather constantly changes and gets moody and you will probably will stay longer than you plan to be.
While in El Chalten we stayed at Los Cerros del Chalten Boutique Hotel and it is probably the best hotel in El Chalten. The food to service and the views are all amazing. They drop prices for dates after April 1st. Make sure you book refundable fare as I noticed the cost of the hotel kept changing up and down often and we were able to get very good deal even during peak Summer time there. But noticed there are several other hotels which are all very good. El Chalten vibe is amazing and you will love anywhere you stay.
Hosteria Pehoe - Worth staying at least for 1-night as you will be right at the most epic location in the park. Easy to get your sunrise pictures.
río serrano hotel + spa - Outside the park but looks like a place to stay for entire time there and just get up early and leave for sunrise photography
Hotel Las Torres Patagonia - Reasonably priced and good hotel inside park.
I think with limited time the best way is to go on tour with professional. I think some of the hotels offer as part of their experiences. Check out:
Hotel Estancia Cerro Guido - https://estanciacerroguido.com/en/excursions/
EcoCamp Patagonia
voltaire wrote:
GreggB who is an FM member is hosting a photo trip to Patagonia during your timeframe. It is something you might want to check out.
Thank you Voltaire. Yes, indeed I will run my Patagonia Fall colors workshop next year in April. I only have one spot open.
All the info is on my website lucidshot.com (Workshop manu).
Or, you can contact me here via the PM.
You don't really need a guide in Tores del Pine and Mt Fitz Roy. Trails are well marked and not that difficult. Fitz Roy hike is streniuous due to the length and some of the uphill terrain. However, there is a camp site just before the trail goes uphill, I would advise to camp there to make it much more manageable. Then you can hike to Cerro Torro and back to El Chalten, making a loop. You can drive from Argentina to Chile only agreeing it with rental company first. The other option is to take a bus between the borders and do two rentals one in Argentina and the other in Chile. There are no gas stations in Tores del Pine, so be ready to drive to Puerto Natales to fill up a tank. Also I would advise to buy Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes, will be very useful for your trip. Hiking in Tores del Pine is not difficult, but be prepared to deal with high wind. My main goal was lendscape photography, so can not comment on the best place to see puma.
I haven't been to Estancia Cerro Guido or even TdP yet. I am planning to be there for a week in April 2025. I just noticed Estancia and their activities and pointed you in case you are interested. All those places are too expensive for me as I prefer to explore myself with my wife and a couple of friends who are all not into photography.
I decided I would look into Puma spotting tours once I got there. I see several tours that start from Puerto Natales. I will already be at TdP for about a week. So, I will check if the place I stay offers. Also, I am thinking if I drive around North of TdP where Tierra and Estancia Cerro Guido are located I might see Puma's if I am lucky. I am sure there will be a lot of vehicles with Puma spotters we can stalk :-). I thought of staying inside the park for a couple of days but now I decided against it as they are too expensive (because of all-inclusive I don't care about) and save me only an hour or so drive to most photography locations.
D_Sh wrote:
You don't really need a guide in Tores del Pine and Mt Fitz Roy. Trails are well marked and not that difficult. Fitz Roy hike is streniuous due to the length and some of the uphill terrain. However, there is a camp site just before the trail goes uphill, I would advise to camp there to make it much more manageable. Then you can hike to Cerro Torro and back to El Chalten, making a loop. You can drive from Argentina to Chile only agreeing it with rental company first. The other option is to take a bus between the borders and do two rentals one in Argentina and the other in Chile. There are no gas stations in Tores del Pine, so be ready to drive to Puerto Natales to fill up a tank. Also I would advise to buy Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes, will be very useful for your trip. Hiking in Tores del Pine is not difficult, but be prepared to deal with high wind. My main goal was lendscape photography, so can not comment on the best place to see puma....Show more →
I am sorry for the delay in acknowledging your post as I was out of the country for 3 weeks, just got back. Thank you so much for the valuable inputs..
I haven't been to Estancia Cerro Guido or even TdP yet. I am planning to be there for a week in April 2025. I just noticed Estancia and their activities and pointed you in case you are interested. All those places are too expensive for me as I prefer to explore myself with my wife and a couple of friends who are all not into photography.
I decided I would look into Puma spotting tours once I got there. I see several tours that start from Puerto Natales. I will already be at TdP for about a week. So, I will check if the place I stay offers. Also, I am thinking if I drive around North of TdP where Tierra and Estancia Cerro Guido are located I might see Puma's if I am lucky. I am sure there will be a lot of vehicles with Puma spotters we can stalk :-). I thought of staying inside the park for a couple of days but now I decided against it as they are too expensive (because of all-inclusive I don't care about) and save me only an hour or so drive to most photography locations.
I am sorry for the delay in acknowledging and responding to your post as I was out of the country for a 3 weeks African safari, just got back a week before. Thank you so much for all your inputs. Please let me know if in case you find a cheaper tour operator/ or a cheaper way to find pumas.
Gregg B. wrote:
Thank you Voltaire. Yes, indeed I will run my Patagonia Fall colors workshop next year in April. I only have one spot open.
All the info is on my website lucidshot.com (Workshop manu).
Or, you can contact me here via the PM.
D_Sh wrote:
You don't really need a guide in Tores del Pine and Mt Fitz Roy. Trails are well marked and not that difficult. Fitz Roy hike is streniuous due to the length and some of the uphill terrain. However, there is a camp site just before the trail goes uphill, I would advise to camp there to make it much more manageable. Then you can hike to Cerro Torro and back to El Chalten, making a loop. You can drive from Argentina to Chile only agreeing it with rental company first. The other option is to take a bus between the borders and do two rentals one in Argentina and the other in Chile. There are no gas stations in Tores del Pine, so be ready to drive to Puerto Natales to fill up a tank. Also I would advise to buy Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes, will be very useful for your trip. Hiking in Tores del Pine is not difficult, but be prepared to deal with high wind. My main goal was lendscape photography, so can not comment on the best place to see puma....Show more →
On the face of it this statement is correct. But if you are paying for a tour just to be taken places then you are vastly overpaying. A good tour operator will help you see, learn how to scout, what to look for, how to read the weather, etc, etc.
To quote Ansel Adams: “A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”. The difference between a great and a mediocre landscape photo is sometimes measured in inches difference in camera placement and seconds difference in timing.
With that said, the great tour leaders are few and far between. Choose wisely.
