Patagonia: Torres del Paine and the End of the World

South America — Chile & Argentina, 10–12 days

Patagonia is the rare destination that photographs exactly as dramatically as it looks in person — the granite towers of Torres del Paine, glaciers calving directly into turquoise lakes, and winds strong enough that trekking poles are a genuine necessity, not an affectation.

A proper circuit splits time between Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park (the W Trek is the classic 4–5 day route, refugios booked well in advance) and Argentina’s El Calafate, home base for the Perito Moreno Glacier — one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing rather than retreating, and walkable via boardwalk without a guide.

November through March is the austral summer and the only realistic trekking window — the region essentially shuts down for independent travel outside those months.

Typical range: $150–$400 per night for refugios and lodges, considerably less for camping the W Trek independently.

Sephari’s Outdoor & Adventure Gear collection carries the wind-resistant shells this trek’s famous gusts make non-negotiable.