Patagonia Trekking

Today is a travel day as we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas (3 to 5 hours approx. depending on flight connections available) before travelling by local bus to Puerto Natales (approx. 3 hrs). Seated on the shores of a beautiful lake, Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park and a great place to catch up with fellow hikers for a pre or post trek meal in one of the many quaint local restaurants.

On day 3 we travel by local bus and catamaran to reach our first campsite of the trek at the Torres del Paine National Park. After lunch and setting up camp, we trek to the first look out point of Grey Glacier. Sitting at the end of the earth is the awe inspiring Chilean Patagonia. Once a sheep estancia, the park was established in 1959. This is magnificent trekking country inhabited by nandues, condors, pink flamingos and guanacos, relatives of alpacas. Take in sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, glaciers and striking mountains. On day 4 we trek to the French Valley. On day 5 we cross Peohe Lake by catamaran and travel by local bus to Laguna Amarga, the starting point of today's hike. Day 6 is another long trekking day to one of the most spectacular look out points - Mirador de las Torres.

Day 7 is a travel day as we make our way to El Calafate - Argentina. On day 8 we travel by minivan and, after a spectacular drive, you have free time to enjoy the amazing scenery at Perito Moreno Glacier. This is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world and at 3km (1.8 miles) wide and 35km (21 miles) long is a spectacular sight. Watch and listen to the crack of the ice as it plunges into the waters below. We spend both nights at a simple hotel in Calafate.