Hidden Patagonia:
The El Chaltén Experience
Autumn Photography Expedition with Ty Lekki — March & April 2027
This expedition is designed for photographers who want to photograph El Chaltén’s autumn colors during the peak weeks of the season. After eight seasons shooting fall in Patagonia, late March through early April is consistently the best window for color. By mid-April, the leaves are often gone.
The trip involves hiking, backcountry camping, and early morning shoots. You should be comfortable on your feet for several hours a day. If you have questions about whether this trip is the right fit physically, reach out before booking.
Hidden Patagonia:
The El Chaltén Experience
PEAK AUTUM COLOR. PRIVATE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPS. EIGHT NIGHTS IN THE MOUNTAINS.
El Chaltén in late March and early April is unlike anywhere else on earth. The lenga and ñire forests turn deep red and gold, the crowds thin out, and the light in the early morning and late evening is extraordinary. After eight autumn seasons photographing this range, these are the weeks I come back for every year.
Over nine days, we photograph from private backcountry camps with a chef preparing hot meals, access locations most visitors never reach, cross a zipline to a secret river spot below Cerro Torre, and fly drones freely from outside the park boundary. The itinerary covers the full range of El Chaltén — from the iconic to the completely unknown.
Groups are kept to a maximum of six photographers. That size gives us the flexibility to move when the light moves and camp where the conditions are best. You will not be 1 of 10.
Duration
9 Days/ 8 Nights
group size
Max 6
Activity
Moderate
Price
$5,000 USD
Season
Late March - April
Tour 1 — March 26 to April 3, 2027
Price: $5,000 USD per person
Status: Spots available
Deposit to reserve: $1,500 USD*
Tour 2 — April 3 to April 11, 2027
Price: $5,000 USD per person
Status: Spots available
Deposit to reserve: $1,500 USD*
A camping experience unlike any other tour
Most tours that go into the backcountry rely on standard campgrounds with pre-packaged food and shared facilities. Ours doesn’t.
At both Poincenot and Laguna Torre, we stay in private camps away from other hikers. Each camp includes a spacious dome shelter where the group gathers for meals — warm, dry, and out of the wind. Our camp chef prepares hot, freshly cooked food every day: a full hot breakfast before you head out, a proper lunch, and a warm dinner in the evening. Hot coffee and tea are always available, along with snacks throughout the day.
Private tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are all provided and set up for you in advance by our porter team. You arrive at camp and everything is ready. Enjoy the hikes with only your camera on your back and personal items.
This setup is uncommon on Patagonian photo tours. It means you spend your energy photographing, not managing logistics — and you eat and sleep well every night, even deep in the wilderness.
At each private camp you get:
- A private individual tent with sleeping bag and sleeping pad provided
- A spacious dome shelter for group meals, warmth, and weather refuge
- Hot meals cooked fresh by a camp chef — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Hot coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout the day
- Privacy from other hikers and tour groups
Day 1 — Arrival in El Chaltén
Accommodation: Los Cerros Hotel
Hike: None
We meet at Los Cerros Hotel in El Chaltén at 2:00 PM. There is no group pickup from El Calafate, but we help you arrange your bus transfer in advance. Buses run every morning starting at 8:00 AM from El Calafate and arrive in El Chaltén in around two and a half hours. Get in touch before the trip and we’ll help you book the right departure based on your flights.
After check-in, we take a short walk above the village for our first sunset shoot — an easy warm-up to get familiar with the terrain and the light. Dinner and briefing at the hotel.
Day 2 — Into the Mountains: Poincenot Camp
Hike: ~7 km
Elevation: ~400 m
Time: ~2.5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Sunrise shoot near town before breakfast. After eating, we pack our camera gear and personal items — everything else is handled by the porter team. The hike to Poincenot takes around two and a half hours through lenga beech forest that in late March glows in vivid reds, oranges, and golds.There will be plenty to photograph along the way.
We arrive at our private camp around midday. The afternoon is for exploring the area around camp, finding compositions for the evening light, and getting settled. Dinner in the dome. If the sky clears, we stay up for the Milky Way.
Day 3 — Laguna de los Tres Sunrise & Camp Exploration
Hike: ~2 km round trip to sunrise position (optional)
Elevation: ~400 m
Time: ~2 hours each way
Accommodation: Poincenot Private Camp
Three hours before dawn we begin the two hours hike to our sunrise position above Laguna de los Tres, with Fitz Roy rising directly above the glacial lake. This hike is optional — for those who prefer a slower morning, we have a second shooting option closer to camp that is equally strong.
Back for a hot breakfast, then time to rest and explore the camp area. The river here is beautiful, the autumn trees are extraordinary, and the afternoon light on the peaks comes in at a perfect angle. Dinner in the dome. Optional Milky Way session if the sky is clear.
Day 4 — Madre Hija Trail to Laguna Torre Camp
Hike: ~10.5 km
Elevation: ~150 m
Time: ~3.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: De Agostini Private Camp, Laguna Torre
An early sunrise shoot at a location off the main circuit before breakfast. After eating and packing up, we begin the Madre Hija trail toward Laguna Torre. The ten-kilometre walk passes Laguna Madre and Laguna Hija through open terrain, with Cerro Torre growing in front of us with every step.
We arrive at our private camp near De Agostini by early afternoon with Cerro Torre directly in view. Same setup as Poincenot — private dome, chef, tents all waiting. Afternoon and sunset shoot around the lake.
Day 5 — Cerro Torre Sunrise & the Zipline
Hike: Easy walks from camp
Accommodation: De Agostini Private Camp, Laguna Torre
Pre-dawn sunrise at Laguna Torre. When the light hits the needle of Cerro Torre in the first minutes of morning, the color is unlike anything else on the tour.
Later in the day we cross the zipline to a location along the Río Fitz Roy that almost nobody visits. The river bends through a wide glacial valley with clear sightlines back toward the massif — a completely different perspective. Our mountain guide Virginia will handle all gear and permits for the crossing.
A second full day at camp to explore, rest, and shoot the evening light. Optional night photography if conditions allow.
Day 6 — Final Laguna Torre Sunrise & Return to Town
Hike: ~9 km
Elevation: Minimal
Time: ~3 hrs
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Los Cerros Hotel
One last sunrise at Laguna Torre before we pack up and walk back to El Chaltén. Nine kilometres of easy, mostly flat trail. Back in town by early afternoon — hot showers, rest, and a proper restaurant meal. In the evening we drive out of town for a sunset shoot in the open steppe, where you can see the full massif and the river valley laid out below.
Day 7 — Bonanza Camp & Asado Dinner
Hike: Short walk to camp
Accommodation: Bonanza Private Camp (tents provided)
We drive to Bonanza Camp, a private location outside the national park boundary with open views across the Río de las Vueltas valley and a clear sightline to the full Fitz Roy massif. This is our drone day. Outside the park we have complete freedom to fly, and the aerial perspectives from this ridge — the river winding below, the towers rising behind — are hard to get anywhere else on the tour. Drones are highly recommended for this expedition.
In the evening our chef prepares a traditional Argentine asado — open fire, grilled meats, wine, and the last of the light fading behind the peaks. One of the best nights of the trip. I have been eating asides for years now in Patagonia and no one does it like Bonanza.
Day 8 — Sunrise Above the River, Return to Los Cerros
Accommodation: Los Cerros Hotel
A sunrise hike to a viewpoint above the Río de las Vueltas with Fitz Roy directly ahead. One more drone session before we pack and drive back to town. Final night at Los Cerros Hotel. Dinner together. If the sky is right, one last sunset shoot from town.
Day 9 — Departure
Accommodation: Los Cerros Hotel
Breakfast at the hotel. We help you arrange your bus back to El Calafate. If the mountains are visible and the light is good we do one more sunrise outside of town before departure.
What’s included
- Ty Lekki as your photography guide for the full duration of the tour
- Virginia Ortega as your certified National Park guide throughout
- Pre-tour online meeting via Zoom to discuss your goals, camera setup, and what to expect
- Field instruction covering composition, light, camera settings, and creative decisions
- Post-processing session on any down days in town — full Lightroom workflow demonstration
- All National Park entry fees and special access permits (approx. $300 value)
- Zipline crossing and river access permit at Laguna Torre
- Three nights at Premium Lodging Los Cerros Hotel in El Chaltén (Day 1,5 and final night), shared rooms — private upgrade available
- Secure luggage storage at Los Cerros Hotel during backcountry sections
- Private backcountry camps at Poincenot and Laguna Torre, including spacious dome shelter at each camp
- Private individual tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads — provided and set up in advance
- Camp chef providing hot meals at all backcountry camps: full hot breakfast, warm lunch, cooked dinner. Dietary requirements accommodated — advise in advance
- Hot coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout each camp day
- The team setting up all group camping gear — you carry only your camera and personal items
- Traditional Argentine Asado dinner at Bonanza Camp
- Assistance arranging bus transfers between El Calafate and El Chaltén. Multiple buses per day
Not included
- Flights to and from El Calafate
- Bus transfers between El Calafate and El Chaltén (we help arrange — approx. $40/person each way)
- Meals in town (3 meals roughly)
- Travel insurance — mandatory; must cover emergency medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and AD&D to 900m altitude
- Personal porter service for camera or clothing bags (optional, additional cost)
- Private hotel room supplement (available on request)
- Visa fees if applicable
- Alcohol and personal beverages beyond what is provided at camp
- Tips for guides.
- Anything not listed under Included
Fitness Level: Moderate
Daily hikes range from 2 to 12 kilometres with up to 400 metres of elevation gain. Most walking days take between three and five hours at a relaxed pace on well-marked trails. No technical climbing or scrambling.
Some shoots — including the pre-dawn hike to Laguna de los Tres — are optional. If you prefer a less strenuous alternative on any given morning, there is always a second option nearby. Patagonia is close to sea level, so there is no altitude sickness risk. The terrain is mountain trail and open ground.
Hiring a porter for camera gear is also an option for 200$ per day. With this option it makes this tour for anyone.
What to pack
- Camera body
- Wide-angle lens for landscapes and night photography
- Telephoto or tele-zoom for compressed mountain scenes or Potential Wildlife
- Sturdy tripod — essential throughout
- Extra batteries (4-5) — There is no charging at the camps
- Plenty of memory cards
- ND filter (6-stop) for long exposures of the waterfall
- Drone — highly recommended; we have a dedicated session outside the national park
April temperatures in El Chaltén: roughly 10°C to -5°C (50°F to 23°F). Mornings are cold. Wind is constant. Bring layers.
- Warm base and mid layers (merino wool or synthetic)
- Quality down or synthetic insulated jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket and waterproof pants
- Hiking boots, broken in before the trip. Something with ankle support.
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Gloves, warm hat
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, multiple pairs
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Hiking backpack
- Small daypack for camera gear for sunrises from town
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads at all camps.
If you prefer to bring your own sleeping bag or mat, let us know in advance so we can adjust logistics but clean sleeping bag liners are provided at all the camps.
What you’ll learn
In the field
- Shooting confidently in manual mode in changing conditions
- Composition for mountain and forest landscapes
- Reading light — sunrise, sunset, blue hour, overcast, storm
- Long exposure techniques using ND filters
- Night photography and Milky Way basics when conditions allow
- Drone photography — positioning, timing, settings
- Working efficiently while hiking with camera gear
Advanced techniques
- Focus stacking and exposure bracketing for landscapes
- Focal length blending for panoramas
- Shooting in difficult weather and unpredictable light
- Building a consistent shooting workflow in the field
Post-processing
- Full Lightroom workflow from import to export
- Exposure, color, and contrast editing
- Local adjustments — selective editing, dodge and burn
- Noise reduction and sharpening
- Panorama stitching
- Preparing images for print and online use
*Your pre-tour Zoom call is a chance to share your goals and current level so we can focus the instruction on what matters most to you.
Booking, payment and logistics
Learn how to book and secure your spot, as well as more information on logistics and how to get there.
How to book
Send an inquiry using the contact form on this page or email directly. Your spot is confirmed once the deposit is received.
Payment
PayPal: tylerlekki@gmail.com
Zelle: +1 716 471 9200
Deposit and final balance
**Deposit: $1,500 USD — due at time of booking**
**Final balance: $3,500 USD — due 60 days before the tour start date**
Cancellation and refunds
Deposits are non-refundable but fully transferable to another available tour date.
For cancellations of the full payment after it has been made:
- More than 60 days before the start date: 70% refund
- 45 days before the start date: 35% refund
- 30 days before the start date: 15% refund
- Less than 30 days before the start date: no refund
We strongly encourage all participants to purchase third-party trip insurance to protect against unforeseen cancellation, injury, or work-related changes.
Travel insurance
Mandatory for all participants. Your policy must cover emergency medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and AD&D with coverage applicable to 900 metres altitude. Proof of insurance required before the trip begins.
Flying to El Calafate
Book a flight to El Calafate International Airport (FTE). Most international travelers connect through Buenos Aires. Spending a night or two in Buenos Aires is recommend. Stay in Palermo if you can.
Buenos Aires has two airports: Ezeiza (EZE) for international arrivals and Aeroparque (AEP) for most domestic flights. Where possible, book a connection that departs directly from EZE to El Calafate to avoid an airport transfer in the city.
Approximate round-trip flight costs: $1,000–$1,400 from the US, $1,100–$1,300 from Europe. Prices vary.
If you want to arrive a day or two early, El Calafate is worth the time — the Perito Moreno Glacier is nearby and one of the most accessible in the world.
El Calafate to El Chaltén
Buses run every morning at approximately 8:00 AM and take around two and a half hours. The cost is roughly $40 per person. We will help you book the right departure based on your flights. Get in touch before the trip and we will sort the details together. The buses leave every 2 to 3 hours so it makes it quite easy. The buses are equipped with wifi and are very spacious and nice.
Money & Currency
Argentina’s currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are accepted at all hotels and restaurants in El Chaltén, but it is worth having some cash for smaller purchases and tips. It is accustomed to tip your mountain guide and our chef at the private camps. Bringing some small bill dollars would be smart. I would say not to even bother exchanging money to pesos. Your credit card will work everywhere accept for the tips and those can be done in dollars.
Hotel in Town
Los Cerros Hotel, El Chaltén. A comfortable, well-located property with views of the massif. This is where we begin and end the trip, and where we store your extra luggage during the backcountry sections. Easily the nicest hotel in El Chalten.
Meet your instructors
Ty Lekki
Ty has called El Chaltén home for many years and knows these mountains intimately. Over eight seasons, he's perfected the art of capturing Patagonia's peak autumn colors during the exact weeks when they're at their best. His work has been featured in National Geographic, and he's collaborated with Sender Films on a documentary releasing later this year. He's also been featured in Summit Journal and the American Alpine Journal and is an ambassador for Peak Design.
More importantly, Ty is invested in your growth as a photographer. He'll be with you every step of the way — scouting locations before dawn, offering real-time feedback on your compositions, and helping you see Patagonia through a photographer's eye.
Virginia Ortega
Virginia is a pediatric doctor, certified trekking guide, and avid climber based in El Chaltén. She's a graduate of the AAGM mountain guide academy in Bariloche and holds a Diploma in high mountain medicine — expertise that's invaluable in the remote Patagonian wilderness.
She's climbed throughout El Chaltén, and brings deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and safety protocols. Throughout the tour, Virginia will be with us, providing both mountain expertise and medical knowledge, ensuring you're safe and comfortable in this dramatic landscape.
This tour is a good fit if you:
- Want to photograph autumn foliage in one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes
- Are comfortable hiking 3-5 miles per day on mountain terrain
- Are open to camping in the backcountry for several nights
- Shoot at any skill level — beginner to advanced
This tour may not be right if you:
- Require hotel-only accommodation throughout
- Have physical limitations that prevent moderate hiking
- Prefer a fixed, predictable daily schedule
Testimonials
I joined Tyler's photography tour in Patagonia and it was nothing short of spectacular. The towering mountains, glacial lakes, and sprawling valleys gave us endless opportunities for stunning shots. Tyler is not only an expert photographer but deeply knowledgeable about the region's natural history and wildlife, taking us to hidden viewpoints I never would have found on my own — including unique perspectives on Fitz Roy and Torres del Paine. Each day was meticulously planned, balancing photography with remarkable hikes, and he always had us in the right place for the golden hour light Patagonia is famous for. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the tour caters to all skill levels, with Tyler guiding while encouraging your own creativity. I came away with stunning photographs, unforgettable memories, and new friendships — if you're a photography enthusiast looking for your next adventure, this one's an absolute must.
Phong Nguyen
USA
Testimonials
The autumn colors in Patagonia completely exceeded my expectations. From sunrise hikes to quiet evenings in camp, every day was unforgettable.
Calvin Nguyen
San Fransico, USA
Testimonials
“We were excited to explore Patagonia but didn’t know where to begin. As photographers, capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife was our top priority, and we knew that typical tours—with their rigid schedules—often don’t account for the ever-changing light throughout the day.
Working with Ty made all the difference. He designed a flexible itinerary that gave us the freedom to hike, camp, and, most importantly, get the shot. Both Ty and his guides were not only professional and attentive, but also genuinely enjoyable to spend time with during our days on the trail and at camp.
I’d absolutely recommend a tour with Ty. He brings a great attitude and infectious enthusiasm—especially when the cameras come out!”
Joe C
Colorado , USA
Testimonials
Hands down the best backpacking photo trip I’ve ever been on. Tyler is an incredible photographer and he knows Patagonia inside and out, gets you to the right spots at the right light, and is genuinely invested in helping you come home with images you’re proud of. Whether you’re newer to landscape photography or already deep into it, you’ll learn a ton.
Beyond the shooting, the trip had so much heart. We got to meet some of Tyler’s friends in El Chaltén and ended up doing an Argentine BBQ together, easily one of the highlights of the whole trip. That kind of local connection is something you just don’t get on a typical workshop.
If you’re at all interested in landscape photography, do yourself a favor and book this. I recommend it to anyone who asks.
Shryia P
USA
Frequently asked
questions
What fitness level is required?
Moderate. Daily hikes range from 2 to 12 kilometres with up to 400 metres of elevation gain, taking three to five hours at a comfortable pace. We move slowly and stop often. Some shoots are optional if you prefer a lighter morning. If you have concerns, reach out before booking.
Are any of the shoots optional?
Yes. The pre-dawn hike to Laguna de los Tres is the most demanding and is entirely optional. We always have a second shooting location available for those who prefer a shorter or later start.
Why late March and early April specifically?
After eight autumn seasons here, late March and the first week of April are consistently the best window for peak color. By mid-April the leaves are often gone. Both our tour dates — March 26 and April 3 — are timed for the peak of the season.
What makes the camps different from other tours?
Most tours use standard campgrounds with basic food. Our camps are private — away from other groups — with a spacious dome shelter where everyone eats together, hot meals cooked fresh by a chef, hot coffee and tea throughout the day, and tents set up for you in advance. You carry only your camera.
Do I need a drone?
Not required, but highly recommended. Day 7 at Bonanza Camp is outside the national park boundary, giving full freedom to fly. The perspectives from that ridge are hard to replicate on foot. Inside the park, drones are not permitted.
What are the autumn colors like and when do they peak?
The lenga and ñire forests turn deep red, orange, and gold. Peak color in El Chaltén typically falls in the last week of March through the first week of April. It varies slightly year to year, but this window is the most reliable based on eight seasons of experience. Booking a tour after April 12 is Risky for the colors.
What will the weather be like?
Unpredictable by nature. Wind, rain, sun, and cloud can all happen in the same day. That’s part of what makes Patagonia so photogenic — dramatic shifts create extraordinary light. We plan around the forecast, have backup options for every day, and make the most of whatever conditions arrive.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely. Guanacos are common throughout the area. Condors are frequently seen above the ridgelines — El Chaltén has one of the most reliable condor populations in Patagonia. Huemul deer are possible in quieter backcountry areas. Pumas exist in the region but are extremely rare to see.
What lenses should I bring?
At minimum, a wide-angle lens for landscapes and night photography, and a telephoto or tele-zoom for compressed mountain scenes. During multi-day hikes we recommend carrying all of your lenses since you are not carrying any camping equipment.. A tripod is essential throughout.
Where do we leave luggage during the camping sections?
Extra luggage — laptops, spare clothing, anything you don’t need in the backcountry — stays securely at Los Cerros Hotel in El Chaltén while we are at camp. You take only what you need.
Can I bring my own sleeping gear?
Yes, all camping equipment is provided, but if you prefer your own sleeping bag or mat please let us know in advance so we can adjust packing.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, mandatory. Your policy must cover emergency medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and AD&D to 900 metres altitude. Please provide proof before the trip begins.
What photography experience do I need?
None in particular. We have participants at all levels on every trip. Instruction is adapted to your skill level and goals. During the pre-tour Zoom call we’ll discuss what you want to work on.
Can a non-photographer companion join?
Yes. Non-photographers are welcome and have joined past trips. The itinerary is built around photography — early mornings, flexible schedules, and time spent waiting for light — so your companion should be comfortable with that pace.
How do I get from Buenos Aires to El Calafate?
Direct daily flights from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (FTE). Buenos Aires has two airports — Ezeiza (EZE) for international, Aeroparque (AEP) for domestic. Where possible, look for a connection departing directly from EZE to El Calafate to avoid an airport transfer or if you are staying some nights in Buenos Aires you can be flexible with the airport.
Get in touch
Have questions about the expedition? We'd love to hear from you and help you decide if this adventure is the right fit.