Patagonia

Patagonia occupies the southernmost reaches of South America - a vast and untamed frontier spanning Chile and Argentina that has long inspired walkers, wilderness lovers and modern-day explorers. Defined by wind, silence and space, it’s a place where the trail matters more than the destination - and where nature still calls the shots.

This is a region carved by glaciers and ruled by weather. Towering peaks like Fitz Roy (3,405m / 11,171ft) and Cerro Torre (3,128m / 10,262ft) pierce the sky above the Southern Patagonian Icefield, while the iconic spires of Torres del Paine (2,850m / 9,350ft) rise from turquoise lakes in what many consider the world’s most magnificent national park. Trekking here is not just an activity - it’s the only way to truly understand the scale and soul of the land.

From the legendary ‘W’ trek and the wilderness routes of Los Glaciares National Park, to lesser-travelled circuits on Navarino Island and across Lago O’Higgins, our Patagonia adventures redefine what it means to walk in nature. Along the way, expect raw scenery, genuine challenge, and a deep connection to one of the planet’s last great frontiers. Whether you're hiking into glacial valleys, sailing remote fjords, or crossing one of the world’s most remote border passes - Patagonia rewards the curious and the committed.

Trekking through the striking landscapes of Patagonia.  | Richard I'Anson

Find your Patagonia adventure

Patagonia highlights

 

Why travel with us

Redefining Patagonia

We go beyond the expected to offer treks that reconnect you with nature – from iconic routes to remote trails few others walk. Discover the Patagonia that lies off the map.

All-inclusive value

Our Patagonia adventures are designed for quality and simplicity – most meals, park permits, experienced local guides, well-located accommodation and private transfers are all included to give you exceptional value without hidden costs.

Pioneers in the region

We proudly created the first Great Patagonia Traverse in 2012 and have continued to lead the way in remote-area trekking ever since – our deep regional knowledge means better planning, safer travel and a richer experience.

Responsible travel leaders

Every trip supports our long-term commitment to sustainability – we minimise impact, partner with local communities, and help protect the landscapes, wildlife and cultures that make Patagonia so unique.

Responsible travel

 

Leave No Trace

We operate our itineraries following the principles of Leave No Trace, ensuring that we take out all waste that we bring in and more where possible.

Child safe tourism

Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our Child Protection Code of Conduct.

Animal welfare focus

We advocate for cruelty free animal encounters, encouraging travellers to follow the guidelines in our comprehensive Animal Welfare Code of Conduct as we seek to inform stakeholders about animal welfare matters.

Accommodation

Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Lodges

Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.

Camping

Enjoy camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness.

Eco camps

Wake up in the middle of the Patagonian wilderness in a cosy geodesic dome, featuring organic elements, wooden floors and ceiling windows that provide a panoramic view of the majestic Torres del Paine.

Leaders in the field

Herve Valluy

French by birth, Spanish speaking Herve has been leading trips in Patagonia for over 10 years and specialises in the Paine Circuit. His passion for trekking in remote regions is infectious, as our groups on the circuit will agree.

Simon Yates

Simon has been at the very forefront of mountaineering for almost two decades with first ascents in the Andes, Himalaya and Karakoram. Best known as the climbing partner to Joe Simpson in Touching the Void, Simon has developed a strong reputation as an engaging expedition leader.

Andreas Holland

Andreas has always made our South America programs special. He has lived in South America for over 30 years, much of this time in Peru. His special knowledge of the mountains and passion for supporting local communities is evident in our program in Peru and Bolivia. Each year Andreas travels to different parts of the world to impart his vast knowledge, so stay tuned, he may be in your city soon!

Sarah Higgins

Sarah joined World Expeditions in 2006 and became operations manager in 2010. South America is her second home and she has enjoyed many adventures in its beautiful landscapes. Her travels include 'across the circle' into Antarctica, among many others. When Sarah is not planning itineraries you'll find her out on the 'rock' and in the Australian bush with her avid interest in rock climbing and bushwalking.

Dr Ross Anderson

Dr Anderson lives with his wife in a small town near the Lakes District in the north of England. He is a family doctor and spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. He has more than 10 years of altitude and travel medicine experience. Previous treks and expeditions have focused on the Himalayas, with others in the Scandinavian Arctic and mountainous areas of Africa. He also enjoys trail running, cycling and open-water swimming.

Custom made itineraries

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

Trip reviews

Videos

What the southernmost trek in the world looks like | Patagonia's Dientes Circuit

Country information

Currency

Argentinian Peso

US dollars are easily changed.

Credit card facilities and ATM’s are available in most major cities, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

International Dialing Code

+54

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Argentina is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin types used are C and I.

Visas

A visa is exempt for passport holders from the following countries visiting Argentina for short term tourism purposes:

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

United States

United Kingdom

For all other nationalities and longer stays please contact the relevant embassy.

ARGENTINA RECIPROCITY FEE:

Canadian passport holders (only) are required to prepay a “reciprocity fee” prior to entering Argentina by any means (land, sea or air).

The fees at the time of writing are as follows (note these are subject to change).

Canada: US$78

The reciprocity fee must be prepaid online using the steps below:

1) Enter the web site http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/vsrvbapro.php and ‘sign up’ to start the process.

2) Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information.

3) Print the payment receipt.

4) On arrival in Argentina, this printed receipt must be presented at Immigration Control. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and the traveller’s entry to the country registered.

Please note you will be unable to enter the country unless this process is completed prior to your arrival.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.