Patagonia Hiking Adventure

Arrive in Chile’s Punta Arenas, situated near the tip of Chile's southernmost Patagonia region and transfer to your hotel in the quaint town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. meet with your trip leader and fellow guests before enjoying a welcome reception and dinner in the evening (D)

Accommodation: Hotel Costaustralis

Set off north by car into Torres del Paine National Park, where we’ll enjoy a short walk to across the valley. Explore Milodón Cave, where scientists have found evidence of the extinct Mylodon—an animal described as a giant ground sloth.

Later, travel to Grey Lake for some lunch and settle into our lakeside hotel, which is situated within the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel Lago Grey

Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park set off to find Grey Glacier, one of the most magnificent glaciers. To get there we will cross Grey Lake by boat to the foot of Grey Glacier where we will trek along the lakeshore and take in spectacular views of the unique ice formations, flanked by the dramatic Paine massif. Settle into our lodge overlooking Lake Pehoé. (7–8 miles hiking, 4 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande

Today, hike across the magnificent French Valley, a natural basin overshadowed by the black slate “horns” of the Cuernos del Paine and a highlight of the famed W circuit. Journey below the ice-covered slopes of Cerro Paine Grande, the highest summit in the range, and take in panoramic vistas of this extraordinary sweep of mountains. Stay in cabins tucked in beside a waterfall this evening. (14 miles hiking, 10 hours, or 7 miles hiking, 6 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Cabañas Los Cuernos

Continue your journey and follow the Paso Los Cuernos trail along the north shore of Nordenskjöld Lake, hiking at a relaxed pace between the soaring Cuernos del Paine massif and the lake’s sapphire waters. Continue until you reach the base of the mountain where our hotel for the night is located. (7 miles hiking, 4–5 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

An early start today as we set off for an all-day hike to the base of Las Torres, where sheer walls of massive granite soar towards the sky. Along the way pass through beech forests and up the barren slopes below the towers, arriving at one of the most magnificent viewpoints in the world. Here, the towers rise majestically, and far below, the glacial lake shines a brilliant shade of blue. (11 miles hiking, 8–10 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

Cross the Argentinian border and stop for lunch at a local estancia, or ranch. Arrive at El Chaltén, our base camp for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and a designed UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the third largest ice cap in the world.

The following day, walk through the Diablo River valley, where you may be lucky enough to spot torrent ducks, pumas, and deer. As lunchtime approaches, stop at a mountain hut that sits at the foot of the Cagliero Glacier and enjoy a cup of hot soups with magnificent views. After lunch, return along a different trail that passes the stunning Blue and Green Lagoons. (Day 7: 7 hours driving; Day 8: 10 miles hiking, 7–8 hours) (B/L/D daily)

Accommodation: Hotel Destino Sur

On day 9 of your expedition, explore the fabled Mount Fitz Roy (11,073') from a variety of angles. During a drive to the trailhead, stop at a scenic overlook and catch your first glimpse of this breath-taking mountain and continue the hike through a beech forest along the Blanco River.
Stop to enjoy a magnificent view of the Piedras Blancas Glacier and continue to a climbing base camp where a stunning vista of the massif and its lagoon and glaciers awaits. Take your return route past the sparkling Capri Lagoon. (14 miles hiking, 8-9 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel Destino Sur

Spend the day hiking the mighty Cerro Torre. As you make your way along the Fitz Roy River canyon and enjoying the spectacular waterfalls along the way. As you reach the mountains base camp, meet with fellow climbers before continuing the journey to Torre Lagoon. Enjoy the serene yet unusual landscapes of Torre Lagoon, as it is flanked by needle-like granite peaks.
After returning from the hike, head out on an afternoon excursion on foot to the Madsen House Museum—the restored historic home of the region’s Danish pioneer. (11 miles hiking, 6–7 hours) (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel Destino Sur

Travel south across the steppe on our way to El Calafate, a small town dominated by dramatic glaciers. Learn more about the Southern Patagonian Ice Field during a visit to the Glaciarium interpretive centre. In the evening, enjoy a private dining experience at Estancia Bon Accord, a traditional ranch, complete with regional specialities and a behind-the-scenes tour led by the owner. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

As your expedition comes to an end, embark on an unforgettable full-day cruise aboard the María Turquesa to discover the majesty of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field from the water. Enjoy a land visit where you will take a walk with a naturalist to learn about local flora and fauna that thrives in the region. Back onboard, continue on through the Upsala Canal and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the towering Spegazzini Glacier. Take in the scenery from the ship’s upper deck as it navigates to the famed Perito Moreno Glacier, an active glacier on the southern arm of Lake Argentino. Watch the glacier calve great chunks of ice into the lake.
This evening return to the hotel for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

On your final day of the expedition, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)