Patagonia Gay Adventure Tour - Argentina & Chile Patagonia Gay Hiking - Adonis Gay Holiday

Argentina & Chile
Patagonia Gay Hiking Adventure Tour

El Calafate, El Chalten, Torres Del Paine, and more!

10 Days from El Calafate, Argentina to Torres del Paine, Chile

October 24 – November 2, 2023

Gay Patagonia adventure Traverse some of Patagonia’s most famous trails with a group of like-minded gay hikers. On this all-gay hiking expedition we’ll tackle one of the world’s most famously rugged destinations, Patagonia. So famously rugged, the world’s largest outdoor clothing company is named after it. Our adventure begins on the Argentinian half of Patagonia in both El Calafate and El Chalten. It’s here we’ll discover the local wilderness by foot, witness the region’s most imposing glaciers, and of course mix and mingle with other flannel-wearing, axe-totting outdoorsmen with their thick beards and brawny bod’s and musky sce… *trails off incoherently*. Sorry, where were we? Ah yes! We’ll then transfer over the Chilean border into Torres del Paine National Park to discover Patagonia as it once was. We’ll bid adieu to our luggage and begin hiking from campsite to campsite along the same trails used by guanacos and prowling pumas. The challenging journey concludes on the shores of Grey Lake where you can either fly home or further explore the country on our Chile: Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining gay tour.

It’s worth mentioning, this tour can also be easily paired with our relaxed Argentina: Buenos Aires to Mendoza gay tour which wraps just before this tour begins.

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Chile Patagonia gay adventure tour

• Trek one of the world’s most rugged landscapes alongside a group of ambitious gay hikers

• Photograph Perito Moreno Glacier, one of only three Argentinian glaciers that isn’t shrinking

• Snoop around El Chalten and El Calafate, two South American towns famous among outdoor enthusiasts

• Visit Torres Del Paine National Park and hike to its namesake “towers”

• Spot local wildlife like soaring condors and grazing guanacos. Although unlikely to spot, pumas call this area home as well

• Safely challenge yourself on more industrious trails such as the French Valley trail

Perito Moreno Patagonia gay tour

Day 1 - Arrive El Calafate, Argentina
Hola! Welcome to El Calafate, a small town on the southern shore of Lago Argentino in Patagonia.

Our Patagonia gay hiking adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm followed by our official Welcome Dinner at a special local restaurant.

Hotel: Kosten Aike Hotel, El Calafate, Argentina

Perito Moreno gay adventure tour

Day 2 - El Calafate / El Chalten
Rise and shine, Gentlemen. In order to beat the crowds to Perito Moreno Glacier, we’ll need to grab an early breakfast and checkout of our hotel by 7am.

Perito Moreno Glacier is a major highlight of southern Argentina and is one of only three glaciers in the country that is not receding. Make sure you have your camera handy, as the surrounding mountainscape is also pretty special.

After ample photo opps along the visitor boardwalks, we’ll enjoy a short boat ride to get an even closer look at the 60m/200ft tall and 5km/3.1mi wide sheet of ice.

Around 1:30pm we’ll board a private transfer towards the frontier town of El Chalten, enjoying a light boxed lunch en route.

El Chalten is a laid-back town famous among hikers, climbers and the general outdoorsy type. It will be our base for the next few days so you’re welcome to unpack.

Tonight you’re free to explore on your own or join the group for an optional dinner.

Hotel: Destino Sur Hotel, El Chalten, Argentina

El Chalten gay hiking tour

Day 3 - El Chalten - Laguna de Los Tres circuit
Be sure to properly fuel up during breakfast as today marks our first big hike: the Laguna de Los Tres circuit.

This 24km/15mi round-trip will guide us to a crystal clear lagoon at the foot of Mount Chalten. We’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and striking granite peaks seemingly ripped from the pages of National Geographic.

The trail has some steep sections but the terrain itself is fairly easy. Wind and rain may be the main challenges we face today.

Back in El Chalten an optional group meal is available but feel free to explore the many local pubs and restaurants on your own.

Ascent: 700m/2,296ft
Descent: 700m/2,296ft
Distance: 24km/15mi
Approximate hiking time: 8–9 hours

Hotel: Destino Sur Hotel, El Chalten, Argentina

Patagonia gay hiking tour

Day 4 - El Chalten - The Condor and Eagle viewpoints
Today we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before tackling two lighter treks: The Condor and Eagle viewpoints respectively.

The trail up to the Condor viewpoint is short and steep but the sweeping views over El Chalten and surrounding mountains will be well worth the sweat. If the weather is favourable, we may even see the top of mount Fitz Roy.

Back on our private transfer we’ll head to the Eagle viewpoint trail. This short trail will only take approximately half an hour with little altitude gain. At the viewpoint you’ll have a similar view of the mountains and the Viedna Lake, but this time without El Chalten in the foreground. Don’t forget to look skyward in search of flying condor.

Once back in the town, we’ll tuck into a traditional Argentine lunch before a free afternoon.

Ascent: minimal
Descent: minimal
Distance: 6km/3.7miles
Approximate hiking time: 2–3 hours

Hotel: Destino Sur Hotel, El Chalten, Argentina

Gay Patagonia tour

Day 5 - El Chalten / El Calafate
Bid adieu to beautiful El Chalten as we transfer back to El Calafate this morning.

En route we’ll have a few photo stops and the chance to appreciate Patagonia’s rugged beauty.

Then free time awaits us back in town before a very special, included dinner.

IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE: Tomorrow we’ll begin the camping portion of our tour. You must prepare a smaller pack with enough clothing and layers for 3 full days of hiking along with any daily essentials and personal items you require. You will be required to carry this pack from campsite to campsite—there are no porters on this tour. The rest of our luggage will be transferred to Hotel Lago Grey and will not be accessible until Day 8.

Hotel: Kosten Aike Hotel, El Calafate, Argentina

Torres Del Paine gay tour

Day 6 - Torres Del Paine National Park
Another early day awaits us as we snake our way towards Torres del Paine, crossing the Chilean border.

Arm yourself with a good book or podcast because today’s journey will take approximately 4.5 hours, not including time spent at the border to fill out paperwork.

Upon arrival at our well-situated campsite, we’ll have just enough time to drop our bags before we stretch out our cramped legs on the beautiful hike towards the park’s namesake granite “towers”.

When we arrive at the towers we’ll have some time to soak up the view and the turquoise lagoon before heading to camp for dinner.

Ascent: 740m/2427ft
Descent: 380m/1245ft
Distance: 15.5km/9.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 6.5 hours

Accommodation: El Chileno Refugio & Camping, Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine gay tour

Day 7 - Torres Del Paine National Park
This morning we’ll rise early to get the most out of our day. We’ll begin with a quick transfer to Pudeto Lake and take a catamaran across to the start of the French Valley trail.

This scenic hike is well known for its sweeping views of snow- and glacier-capped mountains. The trek itself will be challenging and long with quite an impressive incline.

Once we descend from the hike we’ll arrive at our basic but cozy accommodation, Refugio Paine Grande. At this lodge we’ll be staying in bunk beds with 4 to a room and shared facilities. Unfortunately, there are no single supplements available this evening.

Ascent: 516m/1692ft
Descent: 875m/2874ft
Distance: 22.3km/14mi
Approximate hiking time: 9 hours

Accommodation: Refugio Vértice Paine Grande Lodge, Torres Del Paine

Glacier Grey gay hiking

Day 8 - Torres Del Paine National Park
Good news, Gentlemen: after yesterday’s tenacious trek, today will feel like a breeze by comparison.

In total we’ll be hiking for only 4-ish hours with very little incline/decline. We’ll begin with a proper breakfast before setting off towards Glacier Grey. At 30m/100ft high and 6km/3.7mi wide it is one of the most spectacular glaciers in South America’s Wild West.

Our hike concludes on the shores of Grey Lake where we’ll ferry to our final accommodation, Hotel Lago Grey.

We’ll have some time to rest our weary feet, shower and unpack/repack before a rewarding Chilean dinner.

Ascent: 204m/672ft
Descent: 185m/607ft
Distance: 11km/6.8mi
Approximate hiking time: 4 hours

Hotel: Lago Grey Hotel, Torres Del Paine

Torres Del Paine gay adventure tour

Day 9 - Torres Del Paine National Park
A much deserved rest has been built in today. Feel free to take breakfast and lunch at your leisure.

Optional activities include simply lounging around the hotel, multiple nearby self-guided hikes, and, if the temperamental weather permits, a scenic kayak across the lake or on the nearby river.

Tonight we’ll reminisce over our big Patagonia Gay Hiking adventure during our official Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Lago Grey Hotel, Torres Del Paine

Patagonia gay travel

Day 10 - Torres Del Paine Departure
Today is the final day of the tour.

Upon request we can arrange a transfer out of the park to our designated post-tour hotel in Punta Arenas or the Punta Arenas airport.

Thank you for joining our industrious Patagonia gay tour!

Interested in further exploring the thinnest country in the world? Our Chile: Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining gay tour kicks off just as this tour concludes.

• Group Leaders and gay Out Adventures host from beginning to end of tour

• Arrival transfer to the Joining Point Hotel

• Private transportation

• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 box lunches, 6 dinners

• Gratuities for drivers, day/city guides and all included activities

• All land transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles with bottled water available on bus

• All included activities and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

• Tents, sleeping bag and mat while camping.

Patagonia gay tour

• International airfare

• Domestic airfare if you are pairing this tour with our Argentina: Buenos Aires to Mendoza or Chile: Hiking, Biking, Wining & Dining tours (details will be provided when the official Trip Guarantee is sent to group)

• Departure transfer from the Finishing Point Hotel

• Entry visa costs

• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.

• Gratuities for Group Leader ($40 – $50 USD)

• Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary

• Sleeping bag liner

• All optional activities mentioned/suggested

• Alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner, unless otherwise indicated

Visa
Canadians, Americans, and most Europeans don’t need a visa to enter either Argentina or Chile. Australians require an evisa to enter. For all visitors, a 90-day Tourist Card will be issued. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.

Culture Shock
Both Argentina and Chile are among South America’s most highly developed nations, with thriving GDP. Unfortunately, both countries tend to struggle with large chasms between the rich and poor. Economics aside, travellers may notice some unexpected trail and road construction that can impact our itinerary. Most rural locals only speak Spanish and communication could be an issue outside tourist-friendly spaces. Finally, the weather throughout Patagonia is famously flippant—it’s best to prepare for all seasons every day.

Local LGBT Scene
Argentina leads Latin America’s march for gay rights. In 2010 they became the first in the region to legalize gay marriage, and are global leaders in transgender rights (you can change your identity without hormone therapy, surgery, or psychiatric diagnosis). Same-sex couples can adopt, and gay people can serve in the military. Best of all, there’s massive acceptance of homosexuality, with almost ¾ of society affirming it’s okay to be gay.
In Chile, Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015, but still cannot marry. They can also apply to adopt, but only one partner becomes a legal parent. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name.

Weather
November through February is summer in Patagonia, making it the ideal time to visit the region. But even though its summer, the weather can feel cool, especially at night. Also, as previously noted, weather patterns throughout Patagonia can be very temperamental and heavy rain and wind are quite common. Prepare appropriately.

Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry to either Argentina or Chile. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Electricity
Argentina uses types C- and I-sockets while Chile uses C- and L-type sockets. Both have standard voltages of 220V and frequencies of 50Hz.

Connectivity
While all of our hotels should have Wi-Fi access, our campsites will not. Perhaps think of this as an opportunity to disconnect?

Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Gay Patagonia adventure tour

Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Money
The local currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso (ARS) and in Chile it is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Use local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

Gay Patagonia travel

Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $40-50 USD.

What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Gay Patagonia adventure trip

How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $40-50 per person… they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Starting Point Hotel
Kosten Aike Hotel, El Calafate, Argentina
Set in an impressive Alpine-style building featuring a spa and a fitness centre, Hotel Kosten Aike offers rooms with free WiFi in Calafate. Guests can enjoy a fragrant garden and a daily buffet breakfast. The city centre is 200 m away.

Spa facilities include a hot tub, a sauna, a Scottish Shower and a massage room. Guests can make use of a games room featuring a billiards, table tennis and a lounge for events. Business centre facilities, including computers are also available.

Kosten Aike Hotel room

Each room at Kosten Aike is bright and spacious. All of them feature stylish decor, a cable TV, minibar, safe and heating. They also include a work desk, a telephone and private bathroom facilities including free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Hotel Kosten Aike is 8 km from the Ice Museum. Armando Tola Airport is 20 km away. Free on site parking is provided.

Finishing Point Hotel
Lago Grey Hotel, Torres Del Paine, Chile
Located on Grey Lake, surrounded by a crystalline glacier, granite mountains peaks, forests, and rivers, this hotel is the ideal location for a Torres del Paine National Park getaway.

Hotel Lago Grey offers free WiFi access. Rooms here are all fitted with heating, private en suite bathroom and satellite television.

Lago Grey Hotel room

At Hotel Lago Grey guests will find an ample complimentary buffet breakfast. There is an on-site restaurant and a bar.

Different activities can be enjoyed, including navigation to the Grey Glacier for a fee. The hotel is located a 5-hour drive from Punta Arenas. Free public parking is available onsite.

Patagonia gay hiking trip